Cockroaches
Cockroaches are gross. There’s no doubt about that. Beyond being gross, though, they are also a major nuisance. There are a variety of different types of cockroaches, with the most common being American, German and Oriental. While they look different, they all cause similar problems.
Cockroaches tend to get into everything. Even though they aren’t aggressive, they still spread bacteria and viruses around your house. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure they don’t nest in your home.
Here are a few things you can do to avoid a cockroach infestation:
- Vacuum and clean your home regularly and thoroughly.
- Place weather-stripping around your doors and windows.
- Inspect packages you receive before bringing them indoors.
- Ensure your basement stays dry.
- Inspect the exterior of your home for cockroaches.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are bloodsuckers that are annoying and more dangerous than you may think. While the occasional itchy bite is something you can easily deal with, having a lot of them around increases your risk of having a disease transmitted. Actually, some of the worst diseases in the world are spread by mosquitoes! This isn’t to make you paranoid—you aren’t necessarily going to get sick from a mosquito bite. Still, it’s good to make sure they aren’t making a home on your property.
Below are some tips for avoiding mosquitoes in and around your house:
- Turn any buckets or containers outside upside down so they can’t collect water.
- Fill any holes in your yard that allow for standing water.
- Ensure you don’t have any standing water around your home.
- Keep your grass cut short.
- Remove debris and stumps from your property.
Ants
There are a variety of different kinds of ants. Some common ants include sugar, fire and Argentine. Whatever kinds of ants, though, you don’t want them in your home. Ants can get into your food, spread illness and even bite. Fire ants, for instance, are notorious for their sting.
To avoid ants making their way into your home and causing problems, consider these tips:
- Rinse out cans and containers before throwing them away.
- Close any openings to your house off.
- Use weather-stripping for your doors and windows.
- Remove branches and overgrown vegetation from your property.
spiders
It’s okay to be afraid of spiders. These little critters can actually be pretty nasty, and even dangerous to have around. There are different types of spiders, which include American house spiders, brown recluses, black widows and long-bodied cellar spiders. While some of these types of spiders are generally harmless, others can be extremely dangerous.
If you want to avoid spiders spinning webs in your house, consider the following tips:
- Close any gaps that may lead to the outside and allow spiders in.
- Keep your windows and doors closed.
- Remove rock piles, branches and other areas that spiders can hide from your property.
- Replace or repair torn door and window screens.
- Get rid of spider webs as soon as you see them.
Bed Bugs
Don’t let the bed bugs bite! You may have heard this growing up. It’s actually really good advice! Itchy bites from bed bugs can lead to you scratching—and that can, in turn, lead to infection. Bed bugs aren’t just bed bugs either. Bed bugs can spread around your home and get on other pieces of furniture you own.
In order to avoid bed bugs, take advantage of the tips below:
- Wash your sheets regularly.
- Wash any new clothing you bring home from the store.
- Wash your clothing when you get home from a vacation.
- Don’t purchase used beds or furniture if possible.
- Clean your home and vacuum regularly.
Rodents
When you see a rodent scurry across your floor, you’ll want to consider where it came from and where it lives. Maybe it just got in when you opened the door—or maybe it’s living in your home without you knowing.
There are different kinds of rodents, including roof rats, Norway rats and mice. Whatever kind of rodent you have scurrying around your home, though, you’ll want to get rid of it. Rodents can cause damage to your home, get into your food and (worst of all) spread viruses and diseases.
In order to stop a rodent infestation before it begins, consider these tips:
- Clean your house regularly and vacuum your floors.
- Don’t leave windows and doors open.
- Take out your trash regularly.
- Don’t leave out food and don’t leave food containers open.
Wasps/Hornets
Wasps and hornets are particularly aggressive insects and you don’t want them anywhere near your home. Not only do their stings hurt a lot, but they can also be very dangerous to some people. If someone you know or you are allergic to their stings, it’s extremely important to make sure you get rid of these pests as soon as possible.
Once you notice a nest on your property, contact a pest control specialist in Charlotte North Carolina. They will be able to safely destroy the nest of wasps or hornets and keep these dangerous insects from making their way back onto your property.
Ticks
Ticks are bloodsuckers that spread disease through their saliva. They tend to make their way indoors either by attaching to your pets or catching a ride when you are outdoors. These annoying insects should be avoided at all costs, as some of the diseases that they spread are actually pretty serious.
Here are some things you can do to avoid ticks attaching to your pets or you:
- Cut your lawn regularly.
- Remove bushes and dense vegetation from your property.
- Check your pets for ticks if they spend time outdoors.
- Use a tick control program for your pets to ensure they don’t get ticks.
- Vacuum your floors and clean regularly.
Termites AND CARPENTER ANTS
Termites and carpenter ants aren’t known for being extremely dangerous to people directly, but they can be very dangerous when it comes to your property. Both of these insects are known for their ability to cause property damage. Carpenter ants alone are known to cause billions of dollars in property damage each year! These insects can also multiply pretty quickly. Termites, if untreated, may end up numbering in the thousands.
If you find termites or carpenter ants in your house, don’t take any chances. Make sure you contact a pest control specialist in Charlotte as soon as you suspect that they may be crawling around in your walls. This can literally end up saving you thousands of dollars in home repairs!
