Cockroaches
We don’t have to tell you that cockroaches are gross. You already know that! What you do need to know about cockroaches, though, is that they can actually be pretty dangerous to have in your home…
There are different types of cockroaches like American, German and Oriental. While they may have a few small differences, what they have in common is their ability to spread viruses and bacteria throughout the surfaces of your home.
There are a few ways to address these critters:
- Check for cockroaches around the exterior of your house and make sure there isn’t a way for them to get in.
- Use weather-stripping and place it around your windows and doors.
- Don’t leave food out, and close your food containers fully.
- Clean and vacuum your house regularly.
- Check any packages that arrive before you bring them into your house.
- Keep your basement dry and free of humidity.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are awful, and they seem to be everywhere during the hotter months. While swatting at the occasional mosquito can do the trick, if you find that you are dealing with more than one around you’ll want to address the issue. Mosquitoes bite—which is bad enough—but that isn’t all they do. Mosquitoes can transmit serious illnesses, so you’ll want to avoid having them around.
Here are some tips for making sure mosquitoes don’t find a home in or by your house:
- Keep all outdoor buckets and containers upside down so they don’t collect water.
- Keep your grass cut short.
- Remove any standing water from within or around your home.
- Remove any debris and/or stumps from your property.
- Fill holes in the yard that can collect water.
Ants
Ants are problematic because they live in colonies. Even if you see only an ant or two out on their own, this is generally an indicator that there are other ants around somewhere close. There are a few different types of ants that you may encounter. These include fire, Argentine and sugar. Ants aren’t just small pests that get into your food. They can also do structural damage, and can spread illness. Beyond all that, fire ants sting!
In order to avoid ants in your house, follow these tips:
- Use weather-stripping on your windows and doors.
- Put your food away when done.
- Remove overgrown vegetation and branches from your yard.
- Close off openings to your house where ants can get in.
- Rinse out cans and containers before tossing them out.
spiders
Creepy spiders may be making their home in the corners of your house without you even noticing. That is, until the web becomes big enough that you walk into it! Even when there aren’t visible webs around, if you see spiders in your home you’ll want to make sure you get rid of them.
There are a variety of different types of spiders that include brown recluses, black widows, American house spiders and more. Some are harmless, but some can be quite dangerous.
Here are some things you can do to avoid spiders in your home:
- Remove cobwebs as soon as you see them.
- Remove rock piles, branches and other debris from your yard.
- Close off openings to your house.
- Replace or repair torn window screens.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are extremely annoying. They feed on your blood, and the bites itch. This itching can actually lead to an infection if you aren’t careful. While bed bugs are known for creating a home in your bed, they can also spread to other areas of the house. That’s why it’s important to get rid of them ASAP.
Here are some things you can do to avoid bed bugs:
- Regularly wash your sheets.
- Don’t bring home used furniture.
- Wash your clothing when you get home from traveling.
- Wash new clothes when you bring them home from the store.
- Clean and vacuum your house often.
Rodents
It’s gross having rodents like mice, roof rats and Norway rats running around your house. The last thing you want is to have a friend or family member visiting and a rat runs by their foot! Beyond being unpleasant, rats are also known for carrying viruses and diseases. Because of this alone, you’ll want to remove any rodents from your home and take steps to make sure they don’t infest your house to begin with.
Here are some tips to consider in order to avoid rodents:
- Clean your house regularly.
- Don’t leave out food or open containers.
- Take out your trash often.
- Call a company for pest control in Fort Lauderdale to handle the pests.
Wasps/Hornets
If you’ve been stung by a wasp or a hornet, you know how much it hurts! These bugs are real nuisances and are particularly mean. Beyond a sting hurting, it can actually be much worse if someone you know or you are allergic. It’s important to get rid of a nest of wasps or hornets as soon as you see them setting up shop.
While you may want to try to address the issue yourself, it may be a better idea to call in a specialist. They will safely remove the nest and make sure the hornets or wasps don’t come back.
Ticks
Ticks are bloodsucking critters that attach themselves to your pets or you. They are both annoying and dangerous, as they can spread different types of diseases. Because of this, you’ll want to take measures to ensure ticks don’t make their way into your home.
Here are some things you can do to avoid ticks:
- Check your pets when they come inside after letting them out.
- Utilize tick control programs for your pets.
- Get rid of brush and vegetation from your yard.
- Cut your grass regularly.
- Clean your house often.
Termites and carpenter ants
Termites and carpenter ants are known for the structural damage they can do to your home. What may seem like a small infestation also may be much bigger than you would think—as they are often hiding in the walls.
In order to avoid these pests, consider these tips:
- Use weather-stripping on your doors and windows.
- Stain, paint and varnish the wood in your home.
- Remove wood and debris from your yard.
- Close openings to the exterior of your house.
- Call in a specialist once you see any signs of termites or carpenter ants.
Carpenter Ants
Like termites, carpenter ants can cause structural damage to your home. Actually, they account for billions of dollars’ worth of property damage every year!
In order to avoid carpenter ants, follow these tips:
- Use weather-stripping on windows and doors.
- Remove wood and debris from your yard.
- Close off any cracks in your walls.
- Varnish, paint and stain the wood in your home.
- Use a dehumidifier in your basement.
