Did you know that over 20% of American homes have bed bugs? That’s just one of the many common household pests that can affect your daily life.
Knowing how to identify and get rid of any unwanted visitors on your property will ensure your home stays safe. Not only that! It can also mean being better equipped to handle any bites or marks you might encounter due to pest problems.
Keep reading and learn about the most common pests you could have in your home. Let’s get into it!
1. The Intelligent Rats
Rats are the most intelligent, highly adaptive, and long-lived among other pests. In addition, they can fit through the tiniest of openings and can quickly take over an entire home with their prolific breeding habits.
They often nest in warm, dark areas and hide from humans. Also, they can cause a great deal of damage if not dealt with in a timely fashion. They may also contaminate stored food and damage valuable furniture and personal items.
Rats can also spread diseases to humans, so it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent them from setting up residence in your home. However, there are a variety of products available to help eliminate rat infestations, such as:
- Trodenticides
- Bait stations
- Ultrasonic repellers
Fortunately, there are a few ways to control their populations like sealing entry points and removing potential food sources. With the right strategy, you can maintain a pest-free home and protect your family’s health and safety.
2. Roaches and Spiders
Roaches can enter homes through small cracks and crevices, and they often look for food and water inside. They reproduce quickly, so a pest infestation can happen in a short amount of time.
They can also spread disease as they travel between different foods and surfaces. Further, spiders thrive in wet and humid environments and often enter homes through open doors and windows.
They spin webs to catch their prey, and their presence can be a nuisance. Most spiders are harmless, but some species can cause bites, rashes, and other health problems.
Both roaches and spiders should be controlled in the home using traps and pesticides, as well as specific cleaning methods to keep them away.
3. The Large-Headed Ants
Ants are classified as invasive and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are typically found infiltrating homes through cracked foundations, walls, and beneath shingles.
They can infest anywhere from kitchen cupboards to closets, gaining entry into homes in search of crumbs and sweets. Additionally, they can survive in a wide range of climates, making them one of the most difficult pests to control.
Furthermore, their large heads increase their chances of escaping from costly traps. With their ability to quickly multiply, an outbreak can quickly get out of hand.
Homeowners are encouraged to call a pest control company at the first signs of an ant problem as early intervention is key to controlling the infestation.
4. Annoying Flies
Another common type of household pest is the flies. They are capable of quickly multiplying and easily entering the home through open windows or doors. They often carry various bacteria and other germs, which can be dangerous to people and pets as well.
Additionally, flies tend to cluster near trash and other areas that offer them a food source or places with lots of moisture. To help actively keep them away, one should avoid things such as:
- Leaving food or organic materials uncovered
- Regular cleaning of the house
- Close off any open entryways
In addition, there are various pest control methods, such as insecticides, glue boards, and trap boxes. With a combination of preventative measures and pest treatments, homeowners can help to reduce or stop the annoying invasions of flies.
5. The Blood-Sucking Bedbugs
Bedbugs are small wingless insects that live off the blood of humans or animals. They are usually found in dark, warm places like mattresses, couches, and clothes.
They can be hard to spot because their brownish-red color blends in with the furniture. They are usually detected when someone wakes up with lots of red itchy bites on their body.
While bedbugs are not known to transmit any diseases, they can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of. Like other pests, they can also spread quickly and often take up homes or hotels where they will feed on humans or animals at night.
Due to their small size, they can easily hide in tight cracks and crevices, making them difficult to eliminate. However, some basic preventative measures can help keep these pests away, such as:
- Regular vacuuming
- Frequent pest control inspections
- Using bedbug-proof mattress covers
If your home becomes invaded by bedbugs, it’s best to contact a professional exterminator to have them safely and effectively controlled.
The Jumping Crickets
Jumping crickets feed on organic material and can be seen in many areas of the home during the summer months. They can be usually found in places such as the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and entryways.
These crickets appear in a variety of colors, but most are generally brown or black. They are very small, measuring not more than a half inch in length. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also damage clothing and wallpaper.
Crickets are considered to be a nuisance because of the loud chirping or singing “noise” they make. They also tend to reproduce quickly and prefer warmer temperatures, making them difficult to get rid of.
There are several methods for controlling jumping crickets, such as:
- Using insecticides
- Baiting traps
- Applying chemical repellents
However, the most effective way to get rid of crickets is to keep your home clean and sealed, as this will prevent them from entering in the first place.
A Guide to the Most Common Household Pests
Depending on the region, household pests can vary drastically. No matter what type is present in the home, it is important to seek help from reputable pest services to safely and effectively eradicate the problem.
As homeowners, they can play an active role in preventing their activity and avoiding further infestations. So, take charge and protect your home from household pests today!
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