Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Umer Malik
What are Pests?
The insects and creatures that cause destruction to your house and surroundings. They can spread diseases and infectious bacteria. Also, they don’t just cause bodily harm by biting, contaminating your food, and destroying the house itself.
What are the Common Pests at Home?
1. Mice and Rats
Mice are small creatures from the rodent family that have medium to large rounded ears, pointed noses, and long tails. Most popularly known as the house mouse. On the other hand, Rats are bigger than mice and come from the same family. They have shorter tails and smaller ears. Their sizes differ from the kind of species.
Mice and rats have different sizes but they still have the same characteristic, destroy your homes
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches have been plaguing humanity for millions of years and have been known for their high survivability and adaptability. They have been studied to survive nuclear and atomic bombs. Cockroach control is better than totally eliminating them. No wonder they might still be around after human extinction.
3. Fleas, Ticks, and Lice
Living among your pets, these insects cause irritating bites and itchy swelling.
4. Ants
Ants have become pests when they start to forage on your leftover food and unsecured containers.
5. Termites
If your house is made of wood, better cure and apply good chemicals to it. These insects would inch by inch eat away at your foundations without even you noticing it until it is too late.
6. Flies
You can see flies everywhere, especially when there is garbage, rotting debris, and worst of all — feces. You can just imagine them landing on your food and where they come from.
7. Mosquitos
These are one of the most deadly disease spreaders in the insect family. Known to spread diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and a lot more.
8. Differs from country to country
Animals that you consider pests in your home may not be a concern in other countries. Laws and regulations also are different. So wherever you are, always research and know all information before you address the pests
How do you get rid of pests?
1. Insecticides
To keep them out of your Home. Although effective, these can still cause issues to your health.
2. Baits and Traps
Probably one of the most humane ways of dealing with rodents and other creatures that infest your home or farm.
3. Heat treatment
Effective to eradicate smaller insects like bed bugs and microscopic creatures.
4. Cleaning and Sanitising
Most pests thrive on dirt and stagnant water sources. Once these have been addressed you are free from them and even other germs
5. Proper storage of food
Storage of your food needs to be dry, clean, air-tight, and free from contamination. Proper handling is also a must.
6. Proper disposal of garbage
Throwing your garbage regularly and properly will save you from infestation. Segregation is also a plus.
7. Natural remedies
Citronella, lemongrass, and other citrus plants are cost-effective measures to control and eradicate pests. Proper research also is needed to know which and how these are applied.
8. Household dogs and cats that are instinctive hunters
Having pets also has advantages. One is you get free pest control and protection for infestation. They can sniff and kill rodents and other animals who are not welcome in your home.
9. Fixing leaky pipes and faucets.
Discourage the pests to have an oasis for a water source.
10. Professional work
Hiring an exterminator or professional may be your last resort once you cannot handle or control the pests anymore. Rather it is costly and expensive.
Prevention is key!
What should we consider when handling pests? Location. Costs. Resources.
Pests can never be fully eradicated but can be controlled. Regular checking and prevention are gold. Once you see signs of infestation, address the issue as soon as possible. You do not need to spend a lot of time and money as long as you act right away.
