Cockroaches
Nobody likes cockroaches. They are gross, and they seem to get in everything. They are also a potential hazard. While you don’t have to worry about them biting you, cockroaches can spread viruses and bacteria. They contaminate your food and your surfaces when they are present.
There are a few different types of cockroaches, with the most common being American, German and Oriental. They vary in size and appearance, but they are all equally dangerous to have in your home.
In order to avoid cockroaches, follow these tips:
- Don’t leave food out and don’t leave food containers open.
- Place weather-stripping around openings like doors and windows.
- Make sure your basement stays dry.
- Check for cockroaches around the outside of your house.
- Clean and vacuum your home regularly.
- Check packages before you bring them indoors.
Mosquitoes
Those living in Orlando are well aware of how much of a nuisance mosquitoes can be. They buzz around, annoying you. They also feed off of you. This leaves itchy bumps that you have to deal with. What you may not be aware of, though, is how dangerous mosquitoes can actually be. These insects can spread diseases and serious illnesses.
Keep yourself safe from mosquitoes by doing the following things:
- Use mosquito spray.
- Turn any containers and buckets outdoors upside down.
- Fill in any holes in the yard that collect water.
- Get rid of any standing water in the house.
- Remove debris and stumps from your yard.
- Keep your grass cut short.
Ants
Ants live in colonies. This is well-known. What you may not know is just how big these colonies can get…
Even if you only see a few ants running around carrying crumbs, there may actually be more ants hiding away. These ants may not only get into your food, but they may also end up causing damage to the structure of your house. On top of that, certain types of ants like fire ants bite—which is quite painful!
To ensure an ant colony doesn’t move into your house, follow these tips:
- Use weather-stripping on your windows and doors.
- Rinse out cans and containers before you throw them out.
- Close off openings to your home.
- Remove vegetation and branches from your yard and from near your house.
spiders
Spiders are not only spooky, but they can also be quite the hassle. No one likes having to deal with spiderwebs all over the house! Beyond that, some spiders can actually be really dangerous. There are a variety of different types of spiders out there, which include black widows, brown recluses, long-bodied cellar American house spiders and more.
In order to make sure spiders don’t infest your home, consider these tips:
- Keep your doors and windows closed.
- Remove spider webs as they appear.
- Get rid of branches, rock piles and other places in your yard that spiders can hide.
- Close any gaps that may allow spiders access into your house.
- Replace any torn or damaged window screens.
Bed Bugs
If you’ve ever experienced bed bugs, you know that they bite. Those bites are extremely annoying and itchy. While bed bugs are often found in beds (as their name implies), they can actually make their way to different areas of your house and get on the furniture.
To avoid these bloodsuckers, do these things:
- Purchase new beds and furniture. Avoid purchasing used.
- Clean and vacuum your home regularly.
- Wash your clothes as soon as you get back from traveling.
- Wash any new clothing that you buy from the store when you bring it home.
- Wash your sheets.
Rodents
Mice and rats have a tendency to move indoors for the winter. This means finding a home inside of your house. From there, these pests cause damage and get into your food. Beyond being a nuisance, rodents are also unsafe to have around. These pests carry diseases and viruses, and they allow for the spread of these illnesses.
In order to make sure you don’t get a rodent infestation, follow these tips:
- Don’t leave out food, and close your food containers when you are done with them.
- Clean your house regularly.
- Take out your trash often.
- Call a pest control specialist in Orlando if you see rodents in your home.
Wasps/Hornets
Wasps and hornets are nasty little creatures, and they can make their home right outside of yours. From there, the risk of getting stung goes up exponentially. While being stung by a wasp or hornet is bad enough, for some people it can be deadly. Even if you aren’t allergic, a guest you have over may be.
If you see a nest of wasps or hornets by your house, make sure you contact a pest control specialist in Orlando to take care of the problem. They will destroy the infestation and ensure the insects don’t build another nest in its place.
Ticks
Ticks are bloodsucking bugs that attach themselves to both people and animals. These gross and annoying creatures aren’t just a bother, though. They can actually be extremely dangerous because of the diseases they sometimes carry.
Make sure you follow these tips to lower the risk of ticks:
- Use a tick control program for your pets to ensure they don’t get ticks.
- Check your pets for ticks if they spend a lot of time outside.
- Regularly cut your lawn and remove dense vegetation.
- Vacuum and clean your home regularly.
Termites
While termites are sometimes confused for ants, they can often be a lot more trouble. These insects are very destructive, and can do some serious damage to your home. While they are small, there are often a lot of them hiding away—destroying your house.
If you suspect (or know) you have termites, contact an exterminator as soon as possible. They will kill the termites and make sure they don’t return.
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.
