Pest control is highly specialized. It’s not just about killing bugs. It’s also about identifying their source and finding solutions for you. The following guide will help you learn more about the different types of pests and how to prevent them from returning.
Knowing what pests are around you can help you keep track of and prevent them.
Knowing what pests are around you can help you keep track of and prevent them.
- Identify the type of pest. Pests have two categories: those that eat plants, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects, and those that damage buildings, like termites or wood-destroying organisms (WDs). If a pest is feeding on your plants or damaging your home’s structure, it’s essential to identify the type of pest before removing it from your property.
- Where do they come from? Most pests come from outside sources—nearby forests or greenhouses where they were initially released as part of an experiment gone wrong (or maybe not so bad). If you suspect that one particular plant has been infested by WDOs or other invaders this summer season with little signs left behind, then don’t hesitate to call upon our experts, who will take care of everything immediately at affordable prices!
Rodents
Small mammals that can harm humans, and rodents are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals for food. They have a high reproductive rate, so you will often see them in your home if you have other animals around.
Rodent activity occurs at night and causes structural damage to buildings by gnawing through wood beams or insulation materials (e.g., paper).
Rodents also carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including salmonella and the hantavirus. The best ways to prevent rodents from entering your home are by sealing cracks around doors and windows and keeping garbage cans clean and tightly sealed.
Termites
Likely to cause severe damage to your home, termites are a common household pest. You should be aware of their presence as soon as possible.
At first glance, termite damage is often difficult to spot, but some telltale signs may indicate termite infestation:
- The ground near the foundation looks yellowish or brownish, with mounds of dirt or clay on top of it.
- There’s an overall musty smell coming from inside your house.
You see tiny black dots outside your house, which are termite droppings. You notice small piles of sawdust or pellets in isolated areas around your home.
Ants
Regular household pests that can be found in almost any setting, ants bring damage to property and food. They can also cause health hazards, including allergic reactions and asthma attacks for people with allergies or asthma.
Ants love sweet foods and liquids that contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This makes it easy for them to find their way inside your home, so you should always keep an eye out for ants when shopping at supermarkets or restaurants—they may be lurking nearby!
Ants are also attracted to meat, so it is essential to take precautions when cooking meat in your kitchen. Keep all food sealed tightly and store it in a cool place, not exposed to direct sunlight. If you have a barbecue outside, keep ants away by cleaning up any spills as soon as possible and keeping food and drinks indoors.
Cockroaches
Being a health hazard, cockroaches can carry diseases and have disease properties. They’re also challenging to eliminate, and their people and actions proliferate. You can find cockroaches in different places around your home, including:
- The kitchen
- The bathroom
- Your bedroom, or your living room.
You can get rid of cockroaches by using insecticides or natural pest sprays that you can do yourself! Practice cleaning often to prevent them from living with you in your own home.
You can also use traps to catch the cockroaches as they enter your home and then throw away the web with them inside. You’ll want to ensure that you don’t use pesticides directly on your pets or children, so be careful when using insecticides around them!
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, brownish-red insects that feed on human blood. They’re nocturnal and can hide in their hosts’ bedding, furniture, and clothing.
Bed bugs are unavoidable and can be a threat if left untreated. You can try the heat treatment if you feel you have bed bugs. If things go out of control, you can always call a professional to give you a hand.
Although bed bugs do not spread diseases, they can survive for up to 18 months without feeding on people. Bed bugs are tiny, measuring only 1/4 to 3/8 inches long. They’re flat and reddish-brown.
Better Safe Than Buggered
If you need to figure out whether you have a problem, make sure your home is infested with bugs. Instead of getting rid of the pests, call a professional and let them handle it.
Pest control professionals have access to all kinds of methods for controlling pests; they can also help you find out what type of pest problem your home might be facing so that they know how best to treat it. Pest control professionals of Seaside Heights, NJ will do the job for you!
Pests are a reality for us all, but knowing what kind of pests are around you can help you keep track of and prevent them. If you want to avoid pests quickly, you may need this guide!
