Pests are a common problem for many property owners and can cause great havoc when not detected early. They include a wide variety of insects and rodents like mice and can enter your home anywhere there are gaps, including windows, doors, chimneys, roofs, foundations and wall crevices. Sometimes they are brought into the house through potted plants or firewood.
Signs of Pests in the Home
Detecting pests and accurate identification is the first step to control them effectively. Pests are perfect at hiding and will only come out when they feel safe. This makes it difficult to detect them early. However, here are a few pointers to pest infestation in the home:
- Fecal Droppings-Rodents and larger insects are commonly detected through droppings.
- Damage to Fabrics-Holes in fabrics is a sure sign of infestation.
- Gnaw Marks-Gnaw marks on items like carpets indicate the presence of rodents.
- Damaged Plants-Some pests feed on plants, leaving damage in the process.
- Foul Smells-If you catch an off whiff in your home, chances are you have an infestation.
- Nesting Materials-Clusters of material closely lumped up in hidden spots indicates pest nesting.
- Dead Bugs-Presence of dead bugs within the home could mean the existence of more bugs.
- Tell-tale Sounds-Scratching sounds and floor tapping indicate rodents or large insects.
- Holes in Wood-Boring insects and termites will leave holes in wooden material.
Common Pests and Their Impact
Pests multiply rapidly when they find an ideal environment and are a deadly force in large populations. Some common pests found in homes include:
- Ants-Ants and termites eat at, weaken and eventually destroy wooden fittings.
- Spiders-These critters are creepy and fill your home with unsightly webs.
- Scorpions– Scorpions in the house pose a sting hazard with resulting pain for up to 24 hours and can cause adverse reactions in children and the elderly.
- Rodents-Rats and mice damage fabrics and paper and can cause deadly diseases like Plague.
- Cockroaches-These nasty bugs introduce dirt to food, exposing home occupants to diseases.
- Bed bugs-Bed Bugs invade bed frames and beddings, causing night-time discomfort with their painful bites.
- Meal Moths-Meal moths damage stored food and cereals, leading to undesirable losses.
Methods of Eliminating Pests
While it is difficult to lock pests out of your home completely, a few measures can be applied to ensure that the existing populations are eliminated and prevented from multiplying further.
Decluttering
Keep your home and compound free from clutter, which is the perfect habitat and breeding ground for pests.
Proper Food Storage
Store your food in properly sealed containers and bags to prevent attracting hungry critters indoors.
Sealing Crevices and Holes
Blocking gaps in your house structure that create entry points for pests will stop them from finding their way into your home.
Seal Water Leaking Pipes
Excess moisture attracts thirsty bags into your homes. All pipes, surfaces and surroundings should be kept dry as a preventive measure.
Store Firewood Outside the Home
Some insects hide inside wood and keeping them indoors provides a chance for them to crawl out of the wood into your home.
Use Pesticides
There is a wide range of pesticides to deal with pest colonies. Ensure you purchase the right pesticide and follow the application instructions. Alternatively, you can hire pest control experts, who frequently handle pests in their daily roles.
