As a homeowner, you want to protect your home and property from anything that can cause it damage. One aspect of home protection that shouldn’t be overlooked is pests control efforts.
If you don’t prevent the infestation of pests, you are opening your home and family to many problems, as pests can cause a lot of damage..
Termites
These pests cause structural damage by feeding on wood, which can lead to financial strain relating to repairs and replacements. They are often found in warm and humid areas.
Solutions:
For mild infestations, spray the affected areas of your home with soapy water. You can also use diluted vinegar to kill the termites directly.
Cockroaches
If left unchecked, cockroaches can contaminate food and spread diseases, they also can significantly damage paper and fabric. They tend to thrive in warm and humid environments.
Solution
Natural repellents like bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemons can repel them due to their strong odor.
Carpet Beetles
These critters cause damage to carpets, upholstery, and fabrics as they feed on natural fibres. They are found all over the US, but are common in places where animal-based materials are present.
Solution
Vacuuming regularly cleans your carpets and upholstery of larvae and eggs.
Bed Bugs
These pests are a nuisance that causes a lot of discomfort and can disrupt daily life. They are prevalent all over the country, but more often in urban areas that are densely populated.
Solution
Using professional heat treatments can kill bed bugs. However, to prevent infestations, cover your mattresses with encasements.
Carpenter Ants
They hollow out wooden structures to create nests, which weakens the integrity of the home. They are often found in forested areas where there is a lot of moisture-damaged wood.
Solution
Diatomaceous earth can be used to combat these infestations.
Honeybees
They tend to nest in homes and cause structural issues, they can also attract other pests to your home. They are found all across the states, but colonies are often found in warmer areas
Solution
Mixing and spraying equal parts of water and vinegar can deter bees. Plant mint, eucalyptus, or citronella to prevent nests.
Clothes Moths
The larvae feed on wool, fur, and feathers, which often leads to damaged clothes and upholstery. They are often found in densely populated areas that are warm and humid.
Solution
Sealing clothes in containers and using cedar wood or essential oils can repel these moths.
Spiders
Spiders can create webs that cause blockages in air vents, drainage systems, and ductwork, which can lead to costly repairs if not attended to early. These insects are found throughout the US, with the types varying based on climate and habitat.
Solution
To effectively reduce spiders, inspect, clean, and seal off points where they can create webs. For a more permanent solution, you can look into professional services that are well-versed in eradicating spiders.
Rodents
These pests chew through wires, insulation, and wood. They also cause structural damage and health risks. Rodents tend to seek shelter indoors during the colder months.
Solution
Seal the entry points to your home or set up humane traps, to help get rid of rodents.
Wood-boring Beetles
They can infest wood for years and cause hidden damage that appears when they emerge.
Frequently found in spaces where imported wooden materials are common.
Solution
To prevent infestations, you want to consider reducing wood moisture to below 20%, if there is already an infestation, you can consider fumigation
Squirrels
They tend to chew on electrical wires, PVC, and insulation, which causes significant damage. These critters are found all over the country but oftentimes in spaces where there are forests nearby.
Solution
To prevent nesting, you want to seal off areas in the home where they can creep into.
Silverfish
They tend to damage paper, glue, and other materials by feeding on their starches and cellulose. They like dark and damp spaces like basements and attics, and they are commonly found in warm and humid regions of the US.
Solution
Using diatomaceous earth can effectively kill silverfish.
Conclusion
Protecting your home from pest infestations can lead to a happier and healthier life for you and your family. There are several pests that can cause significant damage to your home, which can result in costly repairs and professional intervention to get rid of them. By taking preventative action, you can have a safer, pest-free home.
Author Bio: Alex Carter is a knowledgeable and trusted Residential Pest Control Specialist committed to helping homeowners maintain protected and controlled environments. With extensive experience in the industry, Alex provides detailed insights on targeted pest solutions, responsible product applications, and best practices for minimizing pest activity.
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