Everyone knows a home tends to be the most significant investment any family makes. The last thing you want to discover is silent intruders damaging the structure of your house, preventing you from enjoying your outdoors, introducing dangerous diseases to your family, affecting your pets, and more. We have seen the effects of pest and termite-induced damage not just on houses, but on the families, too. In this guide, we will help inform you on how to spot trouble, prevention strategies you can use, protecting new builds and older homes, and how to know when it is time to bring in a Pest Control Expertbefore it’s too late.
Why Controlling Pests is a Must for Every Homeowner
Your home is your and your family’s safe space. Pests and termites are capable of quickly turning that asset into your biggest liability and headache overnight. The EPA states that termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage every year across the United States. Furthermore, warmer states with higher humidity levels create perfect breeding grounds for a variety of pests, heightening the risks of infestation.
Apart from financial risks, pests also pose serious health risks. For example, cockroaches can spread salmonella, triggering allergies and asthma. Rodents can carry diseases like hantavirus, a severe respiratory disease. Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting dangerous viruses like the West Nile virus. And don’t forget about your pets! Fleas and ticks can quickly affect their health and quality of life. Effectively controlling pests is more than just comfort; it’s about protecting the well-being of your family while also maintaining and preserving the integrity of your home.
When it comes to home improvement, addressing proper pest control early on can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Whether you are simply updating the kitchen in your home or adding a patio outside, ignoring pests can lead to costly damage.
What Are Some Common Household Pests? Know Your Enemy
When it comes to fighting pests, knowing and understanding them is the first step. Here are some of the most common pests found in residential properties:
Ants: From small sugar ants to the aggressive carpenter ant, these ants like to target primary food sources found in kitchens and pantries. Carpenter ants tend to tunnel through wood, weakening the structure on the way.
Cockroaches: Cockroaches are among the most resilient pests. They thrive in humid areas like sinks, dishwashers, and bathrooms. To make matters worse, they multiply very quickly and can trigger respiratory issues.
Termites: Subterranean and Formosan termites pose some of the highest structural risks. The subterranean termite, known for its aggressiveness, builds mud tubes from the soil into your home. Formosan termites, known for being the most destructive, are attracted to moisture and can make their nests below or above ground.
Rodents: Rats and mice like to sneak into houses through small openings, where they will then chew through circuits, wires, drywall, insulation, and more.
Spiders: While many spider species are harmless, certain types like the brown recluse and black widow found in residential properties can cause serious health issues. Black widow bites can cause neurological conditions such as latrodectism, while brown recluses can cause life-threatening reactions known as loxoscelism.
Mosquitoes: This flying pest breeds in standing water, quickly making your outdoor area unenjoyable. Furthermore, their bites can trigger allergic reactions and, in rare cases, life threatening viral infections like West Nile virus.
Spotting Signs of Pests Living in Your Home
Learning how to spot signs of pests in your house can help give you peace of mind, save you thousands of dollars in pest-induced damage, and keep your family protected. Begin routinely checking your home for the following infestation tell-tale signs:
Mud Tubes or Droppings: Termites leave mud tubes the size of a pencil-width along the foundation of your house. They also leave droppings that look like sawdust, making it clear they are present.
Discarded Wings: After termite swarming, which is their method of reproduction, they shed wings near entrances like doors and windows. This is an indication of a colony nearby, which must be investigated.
Hollow Wood: Termite tunneling can leave hollow areas behind, which can be challenging to identify. However, by tapping on floors or beams, you can listen for hollow areas to identify potential signs of termite activity.
Trails and Nests: Check near major food sources, like your pantry, for cockroach egg casings in corners and ant trails. Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines can also be major nesting areas, especially if they have not been used in a long time.
Chewed Wires and Droppings: Rodents are known for chewing through electrical wires, circuits, drywall, insulation, etc. Regularly check these areas for signs of gnawing or chewing. If rodents are present, you will also likely find droppings, which look like small, dark pellets.
Unusual Odor and or Noises: Pests like cockroaches create unpleasant odors, while sounds of scratching in the wall or ceiling can indicate rodent activity.
Pest Prevention Tips: Keep Pests Out for Good
Preventing pests is always more cost-effective than treating live infestations. Here are some ways you can help reduce the risk of these unwanted guests ending up in your home:
Existing and Older Homes
– Seal Entry Points: Look for cracks near windows, doors, and pipes and repair or patch them as soon as possible. Simple DIY methods like this can make a big difference in the long run.
– Maintain a Clean and Sanitized Area: Regularly wipe down countertops, use sealed food containers, avoid leaving dirty dishes in the dishwasher, and vacuum for crumbs regularly.
– Yard Care: Trim bushes close to the house, rake leaves, and remove standing water to prevent mosquitoes.
– Declutter High Traffic Areas: Pests are always on the search for their next hiding spot. Regularly organize bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms to prevent them from creating a nesting area.
For New Construction
– Choose Resistant Materials: Resist termites by opting for treated wood or concrete foundations.
– Chemical Soil Treatment: Have a professional properly treat the soil during the pre construction phase, utilizing a high-quality termiticide.
– Clearing Construction Area: Before starting construction, make sure the site is properly cleared from roots, logs, stumps, and any other wood structures.
– Moisture Control: Ensure proper drainage system installation, and ensure crawl spaces have sufficient ventilation to prevent moisture from building up.
When to Call a Pest Control Specialist
DIY methods are capable of handling small problems. However, if at-home prevention methods are insufficient and you are still seeing recurring pests, widespread damage, or even health concerns, it is time to call a professional. Many pests reproduce at an alarming rate, making it critical to take action if problems worsen. Your local expert has the right tools, experience, and knowledge of the pests in your area to quickly and effectively exterminate them.
A Pest-Free Home is a Happy Home
Pest control is a critical part of any home protection plan, construction, or improvement project, as it will protect your structure, health, and peace of mind. By becoming well informed, inspecting your home on a routine basis, applying pest prevention measures, and contacting a professional exterminator when necessary, you can fully enjoy your pest free home. Always remember, a little effort now always saves big headaches later down the road!
