Cockroaches
Cockroaches are disgusting critters. It’s no wonder people are so grossed out by them. Not only are they ugly but they also spread bacteria everywhere they go. They have a tendency to get into everything as well. You may see them scurrying across your counter, on your floors, or even in your food! Whether they are German, Oriental, American, or any other type of cockroach, you want to get rid of them as soon as you see them.
Below are a few tips to help ensure cockroaches don’t create a nest in your home:
- Close off gaps to the exterior of your house.
- Take out your garbage often.
- Repair or replace torn window and door screens.
- Make sure packages you receive don’t have cockroaches on them before bringing them inside.
- Vacuum and clean your home regularly.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a part of living in West Palm Beach, Florida. You can’t avoid them entirely. With that said, you don’t want them to live on your property. Their buzzes and bites aren’t just annoying—they can also be dangerous. Mosquitoes are known all around the world for their ability to spread diseases and viruses. While they are generally safer in the United States, you still should limit your exposure to them when possible.
If you want to ensure you don’t end up with a mosquito infestation, consider these tips:
- Turn any containers and/or buckets in your yard upside down.
- Fill in holes on your property that can collect water.
- Cut your grass often and keep it short.
- Remove any standing water from around your home.
- Get rid of stumps, branches, and debris from your property.
Ants
Ants aren’t solo critters. Instead, they live in colonies. This is very important to keep in mind when you see a couple in your pantry, or you see a few in the corner of your living room. Where there are a few, there are surely a lot more. Before you know it, this can turn into a full-blown infestation. There are a few common ants that you may find in your home. These include Argentine, sugar, and fire ants. Fire ants are particularly bad, as they have a very painful bite.
If you don’t want ants living in your home, consider these tips:
- Put away food containers when you are done with them.
- Rinse out your containers and cans before throwing them in the garbage.
- Remove debris and fallen branches from your property.
- Use weather-stripping on your doors and windows.
spiders
Spiders are icky and frustrating. The webs get everywhere! On top of that, certain types of spiders are very dangerous. There are a variety of different types of spiders in West Palm Beach. You won’t want any of them living in your home.
If you don’t want spiders spinning their webs around your house, consider these tips:
- Keep your doors and windows closed if you don’t have screens and aren’t using them.
- Get rid of rock and wood piles, debris, and overgrown vegetation from your property.
- Repair tears in your door and window screens.
- Get rid of spider webs when you see them.
- Make sure there are no cracks in the outside wall of your house.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small but extremely annoying insects. As their name implies, bed bugs are often found in beds—but they can also make their way to other pieces of furniture throughout the house. Bed bugs feed on blood—which makes you their ideal meal. Their bites are annoying and itchy, which can lead to infections from scratching.
In order to avoid bed bugs, consider these tips:
- Clean and vacuum your home regularly—including your mattress.
- Wash clothing when you bring it home from shopping.
- Wash your sheets regularly.
- Avoid purchasing used furniture.
- Wash your clothing when you return home from traveling.
Rodents
Whether it’s rats or mice, no one likes rodents scurrying around spreading disease, getting into food, and chewing through wires. It’s best to ensure they don’t make their way indoors.
To avoid rats or mice in your home, consider these tips:
- Clean and vacuum your house often.
- Put leftovers in containers when you are finished with your food.
- Take out your garbage often.
- Use your garbage disposal.
- Keep your doors and windows closed if they don’t have screens.
Wasps/Hornets
Wasps and hornets are nasty and mean. They don’t have any problem with attacking and stinging you. Unlike bees, stinging won’t kill them. They can sting multiple times. Not only are their stings extremely painful, but they can also lead to an allergic reaction. Because of this, you should hire a pest control specialist to remove a wasp or hornet nest from your property.
Ticks
Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to people and animals. These parasites live off of their host’s blood. Not only are ticks annoying, but they are also extremely dangerous. Ticks spread a variety of different diseases—some of which are deadly. If you notice your pet, a family member or you have a tick or ticks, make sure you take care of it immediately.
In order to prevent ticks moving forward, consider these tips:
- Cut your bushes and remove dense vegetation.
- Cut your lawn regularly.
- Use tick control programs to keep your pets safe from ticks.
- Vacuum and clean regularly.
Termites and carpenter ants
Termites and carpenter ants are small, but they are a major problem. While one or two won’t do a lot, they will quickly increase in numbers and spread. From there, they will do considerable damage to your property. The repairs may end up costing thousands of dollars!
Don’t try to address termites and carpenter ants on your own. They need to be professionally removed so they are all taken care of and so they don’t come back. A professional pest control expert will ensure all the termites or carpenter ants in your walls are gone for good.
