Cockroaches
Cockroaches are nasty pests that will get into every nook and cranny in your home and spread bacteria. Notoriously difficult to get rid of, American, German, and Oriental cockroaches are not something you want to deal with.
Keep these things in mind to avoid a cockroach infestation:
- Inspect the exterior of your home for any signs of cockroaches.
- Inspect all deliveries for any hitchhikers.
- Use weatherstripping on all windows and doors.
- Regularly clean and vacuum your home.
- Keep your basement dry.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the most common and annoying pests that you can find pretty much anywhere. They are frustrating and often leave us with itchy bumps. They can also carry diseases and be potentially dangerous.
Here are a few things you can do to help keep them away from your home so you can enjoy your yard while staying safe:
- Mow your grass often and keep it short.
- Make sure that buckets, furniture, and other items in your yard don’t collect water.
- Fill in holes in your yard where standing water may gather.
- Remove stumps and debris from your property.
Ants
Ants are small but mighty, and they almost always bring an army with them. If you see a few ants, then there are likely thousands more on their way. Some common types of ants are Argentine ants, sugar ants, and fire ants (who are known for their painful bite).
These tips will help keep them outside:
- Use weather-stripping to seal windows and doors to eliminate entry points.
- Rinse out cans before throwing them away or recycling them.
- Keep branches and vegetation around your home tidy.
spiders
A surprise visit from a creepy-crawly spider is no fun. While most species like American house spiders or long-bodied cellar spiders are harmless, a venomous black widow or brown recluse could be dangerous to your family and pets.
Use these tips to prevent spiders:
- Keep windows and doors closed or use screens.
- Make sure screens and weather-stripping are in good condition.
- Remove spider webs immediately.
- Eliminate hiding places like branches, rock piles, and debris.
Bed Bugs
We’ve all heard, “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite,” at some point. That saying is derived from the fact that bed bugs leave itchy bites that can get infected. They can also spread to other areas of your home.
These tips will help make sure the bed bugs don’t bite:
- Avoid pre-owned beds and furniture when possible.
- Wash your clothing after a vacation.
- Wash your sheets, vacuum, and clean regularly.
- Wash new clothing right after you buy it.
Rodents
Rodents like house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats can be sneaky and stay hidden—all while destroying your home and reproducing rapidly. Rodents can spread disease, get into your pantry, and chew through wires in your home.
Here are some preventative tips to avoid a rodent infestation:
- Don’t leave food containers open and out.
- Don’t let trash build up.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Vacuum, sweep, and clean your home regularly.
Wasps/Hornets
Stings from hornets or wasps can be painful, if not deadly (especially for children and pets). Many people are allergic to these pests, so keeping them away could save a life. The best thing to do when you find a nest is to contact a specialist to remove it and prevent these dangerous pests from coming back.
Ticks
Ticks can carry diseases that can affect humans long-term. Keeping these blood-sucking hitchhikers away should be a priority.
These tips will help keep ticks away from your pets and you:
- Keep your lawn cut short.
- Check yourself, your kids, and your pets when coming inside.
- Use a tick control program for your pets.
- Vacuum and clean inside, and remove brush and vegetation outside.
Termites and Carpenter Ants
Termites and carpenter ants cause billions of dollars-worth of property damage each year.
These infestations are best left to the professionals, so—if you think you have a termite or carpenter ant problem—then be sure to contact a specialist immediately to prevent serious damage to your home.
