When you first build or move into a new house, you’re probably not thinking about pests. However, 84% of Americans dealt with some form of them in the past year, so knowing how to get rid of pests is essential. Regardless of what type of pest you’re dealing with, knowledge will be your best weapon. When you understand what you’re up against, you’ll know how to get rid of them from good.
To help you out, we’ve compiled this list of some of the most common pests that homeowners run into. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know exactly how to get rid of them.
Read on to learn about some of the different types of pests you might see in your home.
1. Mice
Humans have been dealing with mice since the dawn of time. While they may look cute, they can carry diseases and other vermin, like fleas and ticks. They can also chew wires, which can be a fire hazard.
Mice are adaptable and constantly looking for shelter and food. That means that they can find their way into even the newest and most secure homes. To keep them from getting in, ensure that there aren’t any holes in your roof, foundation, or pipes.
If you suspect that you have some mice in a new home, your best bet is to contact a pest control expert, like A Pest Control.
2. Rats
Unlike mice, most people don’t consider rats to look cute and cuddly. Like their rodent cousins, rats are also notorious for carrying diseases, chewing on insulation and wires, and even burrowing under foundations, weakening their integrity.
As is the case with mice, you know you have a rat problem when you start finding droppings. You may also hear scratching noises, especially at night, and find marks where they rub against walls and baseboards.
It’s hard to take care of rats on your own, and most people don’t want to deal with setting up traps. Call a pest control company to help you get the situation under control.
3. Cockroaches
There’s nothing redeemable about a cockroach. They’re large, fast, resilient, and can cause you to experience everything from dysentery to food poisoning if you come into contact with them. The easiest way to know you have a cockroach problem is by seeing one. They’re nocturnal, so you’ll often see them scurrying away when you turn on a light. Once you see one, you can bet that you have many more.
Cockroaches are good at hiding which makes them difficult to kill. You can try setting up traps and repelling them out of your home, but it might be easier to call an exterminator.
4. Bed Bugs
Our beds should be safe spaces, so the fact that there can be creatures in them that suck our blood as we sleep is horrifying. But that’s exactly what bed bugs do. You’ll have a hard time spotting bed bugs because after they feed, they tend to hide. The easiest way to find them is by checking your body in the morning – they’ll bite you all over, leaving behind distinctive marks.
Bed bugs can be one of the most traumatizing types of pests, so don’t mess around with them. Hire a bed bug control expert to come and get rid of them quickly and safely.
5. Ants
Hundreds of types of ants live in the United States. Most of the time when they enter your house, they’re looking for food. As is the case with other pests, seeing one ant often means that many more are nearby. The best way to deter ants from entering your home is by cleaning up any spilled foods or liquids. These sorts of things attract them. You’ll also want to ensure that your storage areas are clean.
If you start to suspect that you have an infestation, you can turn to ant poison. You can also call a pest control company with ant control — they’ll know exactly how to get rid of the ants as fast as possible.
6. Termites
Unlike some of the other pests on this list, termites aren’t just frustrating to see and deal with. They cause actual damage to your property, which makes getting rid of them as soon as possible a necessity. Termites feed on untreated wood, so if you have any of that in your home, be careful. Once a termite gets in, they’ll breed, and the infection will worsen.
These pests can be difficult to deal with. We recommend not trying to DIY. Instead, work with an exterminator or pest expert that can make short work of them.
7. Mosquitoes
Most people have dealt with a mosquito or two, but in some regions of the United States, they can be a real problem. Aside from being annoying, these pests also carry and transmit diseases, like malaria.
Mosquitoes breed and lay their eggs in still water. Covering or getting rid of any sources of still water can help cut down on their ability to reproduce. To get rid of mosquitoes, try using natural scents and other natural methods. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and thyme oil are some of the many scents that mosquitoes detest.
Understand Each and Every Type of Pest
Pests are something that nobody wants to see in their home. Unfortunately, they’re good at finding their way in.
Use this guide to help you understand each and every type of pest that you might run into. Remember, if you see any of them, call a pest control company as soon as possible. Are you looking for more pest control tips? If you are, make sure to check out the rest of our site for more helpful guides and tips.
Also read: 10 Benefits of Hiring Professional Pest Control Services That may Change Your Perspective
