Pests is a word that sends a shiver down the spine of many people. It is a word that can stir up a lot of emotion, particularly when it comes to vermin, insects, and parasites that may invade our homes. How do you go about protecting your home from these unwanted creatures? Before we answer this, we need to define what we mean by pests.
When we talk about pests, we are referring to a harmful insect or rodent, first described in relation to those that spread the plague. The pests that enter our homes are not usually the cause of deadly infectious disease anymore but are often harmful to the building’s structure and its inhabitants. They can cause illness and irritation if they are not controlled promptly.
The category of domestic pests contains both animals and insects. Below is a list of common domestic pests. The list is not exhaustive, as some species are not usually associated as being a threat, perhaps under some circumstances. For example, birds or squirrels living in roof spaces
- Moths
- Spiders
- Bedbugs
- Fleas
- Rats
- Mice
- Wasps
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Woodworm
Infestation with any of the above, in the home, can prove problematic to get rid of. It is typically cheaper and easier to implement pest control than to kill pests when they have launched a full-scale invasion. Many pests are more prevalent at certain times of the year, so preventive measures put in place beforehand will be more effective.
Keep your kitchen clean
Cockroaches, slugs, rats, and rodents are drawn to your home by food litter, so eliminating any potential food sources is a must for a pest-free home. Wipe down the kitchen surfaces, clean the spilled food and throw away the uneaten pet food to prevent unwanted guests.
Eliminate the damp
Bugs such as cockroaches migrate inside to find hot, moist places to hang out in the winter. Regularly opening windows keep bathrooms and kitchens ventilated, reduce the risk of turning your home into a bug breeding ground. If you see a cigar-shaped, brown, wingless bug crawling around you, you may have a more severe damp problem. Silverfish are innocuous, but they are signs of dampness in the house.
Block up crevices and holes
Slugs and cockroaches are going to hide in dim, damp holes during the day and come into your home at night. Stop their nighttime adventures by sealing up the gaps around door frames, windows and where pipes enter your home.
Keep an eye on your pets
Cat fleas are the most common household fleas, but these irritating bugs are also picked up by dogs and birds. Flea bites on humans are terribly itchy and can lead to allergies, so make sure you treat your pet regularly with a vet flea treatment. Shake and wash your pet bed once a fortnight, and vacuum areas used by pets with a good suction vacuum cleaner.
Call the experts
One or two bugs in your home are harmless, but if you are concerned that you have a problem, it is a good idea to call an expert to help you out.
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