Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 04:57 am
If you have ever dealt with household pests, then you know how frustrating and difficult they can be to get rid of. These pesky creatures can range from small insects to large rodents, and they can quickly infest your home if you’re not careful. Not only are household pests a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases and contaminate food, making them a serious health hazard for families.
So, what are the most common household pests? And how can you get rid of them once they’ve infested your home? Keep reading to find out.
What are the Most Common Pests?
Some of the most common household pests include cockroaches, ants, spiders, rats, and mice. Along with carrying disease, they’re also capable of causing extensive damage to your home. Some pests may require pest control services similar to JB’s Pest Control if full eradication is needed, but you may be able to control some pests with natural methods. Here are the most common pests:
- Cockroaches get everywhere. They are attracted to moisture and often enter homes through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls. Cockroaches can reproduce quickly and can carry disease, whilst they’re also able to eat through a whole kitchen of food if left to their own devices. You will likely need pest control services to eradicate them.
- Ants are another common type of household pest. They can’t resist sugar and often enter homes in search of something to eat. Whilst disease isn’t so much of an issue, it can undermine your foundations and can leave a nasty bite. Nests are hard to get rid of, but boiling water can sometimes do the trick.
- Spiders are probably the most hated household pest due to their scary appearance. They are attracted to flying insects and they’ve evolved to live indoors. Spiders can be beneficial in keeping insect numbers down, but cobwebs can look unsightly, so it’s best to keep them under control. Simply hoovering the webs up should encourage the spider to move on.
- Rats and mice are less common but just as invasive. They are attracted to food and rubbish, making them common around bins. Rats and mice can reproduce very quickly, meaning you could have a whole colony in your home after just a few months. Serious cases will require pest control services, but a few mice can be controlled with a cat or dog.
How to Prevent Pests
Pest prevention is relatively simple if you know what you’re doing. Pests are attracted to two things – food and shelter. So, to prevent pests from invading your home, you need to make it impossible for them to get what they want. Maintain a high level of hygiene to remove any sources of food that pests may be able to smell.
This means wiping down surfaces, brushing and mopping floors, keeping your outdoor bin area clear, and keeping food stored securely in sealed bags or containers.
Additionally, keep an eye on the structure of your house. If there are holes in the roof or gaps in the windows, pests will be able to feel the warmth and will find a way in. Seal up these holes and gaps and you should find fewer pests inside your home.
How to Get Rid of Pests
There are a number of ways to get rid of household pests. Some people prefer to use natural methods that are safe for children, pets and the environment, whilst others may choose to hire a professional pest control company to come in and eliminate the pests from their home. No matter what method you choose, it is important to be patient and persistent when trying to get rid of them.
Pest Control Methods
If your home is overrun with pests, you may need to hire a professional pest control company. Pest control companies use a variety of methods to eliminate pests from homes, including baiting, trapping, and using chemicals.
They also have access to more powerful pesticides that are not available to the general public. Whilst hiring a professional pest control company can be more expensive than doing it yourself, it is often worth the investment to get rid of pests quickly and effectively.
Natural Methods
If your pest problem isn’t so serious, natural methods should work for you. One option is to set up traps, whilst you could also try using diatomaceous earth, which is a type of powder made from fossilized algae.
It works by absorbing the oils and waxes that pests use to protect their bodies, causing them to dehydrate and die. Salt can also work if you have a slug problem, whilst a mousing cat or dog can catch rodents for you.
As you can see, there are many options available if you’re currently experiencing a pest problem. The most important thing to do is to act fast – the sooner you act, the less serious the issue will be. Hopefully, the tips above will help if you’re stuck on what to do!
Final Thought
In conclusion, there are a few pests that are more common in households. While they can be frustrating, there are ways to get rid of them. By using some of the methods mentioned earlier, you can take care of the pests and have a clean home once again.
