Cockroaches
Cockroaches are icky critters that you want to avoid. They nest in your home and grow in numbers over time. They then get into your food, hide in your clothing, and spread bacteria all over your home. They are also unsightly and are a source of embarrassment for those with a cockroach infestation.
In order to avoid a cockroach infestation, consider the tips below:
- Clean and vacuum your home often.
- Place weather-stripping around your doors and windows.
- Check your packages before bringing them indoors.
- Check the exterior of your house for cockroaches.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes bite, suck your blood and leave itchy spots behind. They also buzz around, being a general nuisance. They are really annoying. On top of being pesky, they are also dangerous. Mosquitoes are known all over the world to be spreaders of viruses and diseases. While completely avoiding mosquitoes is impossible, you can limit your exposure to them.
Below are some tips for avoiding a mosquito infestation:
- Turn containers and buckets in your yard upside down.
- Fill holes in your yard.
- Remove standing water from around your home.
- Keep your grass short.
- Remove overgrown vegetation, stumps, and debris from your property.
Ants
If you see a couple of ants scurry across your counter with some crumbs, you may ignore them. You probably shouldn’t, though. Because ants live in colonies, a few ants may be a sign of a colony of ants forming in your house. These colonies can quickly grow to the point where you end up with hundreds of ants throughout your house. Some of these ants are more benign but still problematic. Others, like fire ants, have nasty bites that are very painful.
In order to stop ants from building a colony in your home, consider these tips:
- Rinse out cans and containers before tossing them out.
- Close off openings to the exterior of your home.
- Use weather-stripping for your windows and doors.
- Remove branches, debris, and overgrown vegetation from your property.
spiders
Some spiders spin webs throughout your home that you end up walking through—which is annoying. Other spiders have dangerous bites that can land you in the hospital. Either way, you’ll want to avoid a spider infestation in your home. While they can be useful outside for getting rid of bugs, they cause a lot of issues once they make their way indoors.
If you would like to avoid a spider infestation, consider the tips below:
- Keep your windows and doors closed when not using them.
- Replace or repair torn window and door screens.
- Close off gaps that lead to the outside of your home.
- Remove branches, rock piles, debris, and other areas where spiders can hide from your yard.
- Get rid of spiderwebs when you see them.
Bed Bugs
“Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” is actually really good advice. Bed bugs are extremely annoying, and they cause itching and discomfort. These bugs feed on human blood, and they can be tricky to get rid of. They also can spread around your house over time—leading to a bigger infestation.
If you want to avoid bugs in your bed, consider these tips:
- Wash your sheets and clothing regularly.
- Wash any clothing you bring home from the store.
- Avoid purchasing a used bed, frame and furniture.
- Keep your home clean and vacuumed.
Rodents
Rodents come in different forms. Sometimes they are little mice, other times they are large rats. Whatever form of rodent, they can all cause problems. Rodents are well-known for their ability to spread diseases and illnesses. On top of this, they can do a lot of damage to your home. They can eat your food, chew through your wires, damage your walls, and more.
To avoid a rodent infestation in your home, consider the following:
- Close your windows and doors when not using them.
- Vacuum and clean regularly.
- Take out your trash often.
- Don’t leave food out and don’t leave containers open.
Wasps/Hornets
Wasps and hornets are extremely mean and aggressive. They are known for their painful stings. Some people are allergic to wasps and hornets, so a sting can also land them in the hospital. As they are dangerous, you’ll want to limit your exposure to them. If you find a nest on your property, contact a pest control company. Nationwide Pest Control can send out a specialist that will safely and expertly remove any nests on your property.
Ticks
Ticks are bloodsucking insects that can cause quite a bit of trouble. Not only can they feed off of your dog or cat, but they can also bite you as well. Having a tick or ticks attached to you is gross, but it can also be dangerous. Ticks carry disease and can make you very ill. You’ll want to get rid of these parasites as soon as you see them.
Here are some tips for avoiding ticks:
- Check your pets when they spend time outdoors.
- Cut your grass and other vegetation in your yard.
- Vacuum and clean your home regularly.
- Use tick control programs for your pets.
Termites and carpenter ants
Carpenter ants and termites can spread quickly and do severe damage to your property. They are also particularly difficult to get rid of. If you end up with a termite or carpenter ant infestation, contact a professional pest control company to find these pests and remove them. Don’t try and do it on your own. If you don’t get rid of them all, they will grow in numbers and spread again in no time.
