Today we are going to talk about pests; the different types we may encounter in our homes, what they damage and how to beat them. Creepy crawlies and small creatures like nothing more than to make their homes inside ours, and also it may be endearing that they want to live alongside us; they can do a hell of a lot of damage to our homes. When you’ve got a family to look after a keep safe the last thing you want is to have to pay out to fix damage done by tiny creatures.
Bats
Bats may be a great animal to have in your home in one respect because they can be incredibly helpful in getting rid of the other pests we’ll be talking about in this list. The biggest issue with bats is that they can overtake your entire roof space and there could be over a hundred living in your home. Bats are a protected animal so you must deal with them by calling a professional who will come in and get rid of the issue without harming the creatures.
The main issue with having bats in your home is that they will take over your roof space, and their faeces contain microbes which can cause respiratory issues. Their urine is also very pungent and strong, and can eventually cause damage to the floors.
Ants
We all know what ants are, and we probably will all know that they can find a home pretty much anywhere they please. The love the damp, and will pretty much nest in any patch of moisture I your home- including in your walls, in the insulation and under the floor. Ants steal food, they are just generally irritating guests to have in the home, and some species do bite.
To get rid of them you can find their entry points into the home and seal them up with caulk. Ants hate strong flavors like cinnamon, mint and garlic- so sprinkling these near their nests and entry pints will help drive them away from you home. You could also choose to use a repellent which is harmless to humans and other animals.
Bed Bugs
The rumors are true, they do bite. Bed bugs, as the name suggests, like to hang out in your bed. However, they will also live in clothing, soft chairs and other furnishings. They get their food by sucking on your blood, and once they have fed they can last for a year without eating again. Bites will cause itching, rashes and can also cause insomnia.
They aren’t easy to get rid of- and you will need to wash all of your clothes, furnishings and bedding in hot water, and then dry on the hottest setting to try and kill them off. You’ll have to scrub your mattress and vacuum it thoroughly to remove the critters; or just go for the easy option and buy a new one.
Birds
You might not really think about bird being a pest in the home, but in a similar fashion to bats; they can build nests in your roof- such as barn owls, or make small nests on the side of your house- which is what swallows do. Pigeons will also live on pretty much any flat, sheltered surface you can find. If birds feel threatened they can attack humans, which is why it is important to keep them in the garden or trees instead.
The best way to discourage birds from nesting in your home is to block of all entryways and places they could perch. If you have guttering which birds often sit on, try to take measures to block it off.
Bees And Wasps
Bees, wasps and hornets are a family of insect which are known for their beautiful colours, and painful stingers. They live in large hives and work hard to pollinate the plants in your garden, as well as prey on other small critters. Bees only feed on pollen, however wasps and hornets will feed on plant and animal matter, making them omnivorous.
The main issue with having these creatures nesting in or around your home is that if they feel threatening, they will sting you. This can be incredibly painful and can cause allergic reactions in some people. To get rid of them, you can enlist the help of a pest control company such as Go-Forth Pest Control who will carefully remove the nests and help you to prevent them coming back again the following year. You can also use strong flavors such as rosemary, basil and mint- and hang bouquets of them near potential nesting spots around the home.
Chiggers
These tiny red insects are another animal which likes to feed on blood. Their bites aren’t harmful but they can be very itchy and unpleasant. The best way to get rid of these pests is to prevent them from attaching themselves to your clothing or skin. The way to do this is to use bug spray on your clothes, wear multiple layers and avoid the areas which are known for being full of chiggers. If you do walk through a chigger infested area, shower as quickly as you can and dry your clothes at a high temperature.
Fleas
Another pesky parasite, fleas will often attach themselves to your pet dog or cat while out and about and then make it back to your home without you even realizing. Fleas can be incredibly dangerous as they carry serious diseases such as typhus. To get rid of them, you’ll be able to purchase flea spray and treatments from the pet store and treat your animal for the infestation. You will also want to spray your entire home to make sure none are still alive.
Rats And Mice
Mice and rats maybe cute to keep as pets, but when they invade your home they can be dangerous. It is well-known that the black plague began with black rats crossing over from china who carried fleas infected with the disease. Of course, this is not the case today but they can still carry a host of diseases and pests.
Getting rid of rodents is all about controlling your environment and making sure they cannot get into your home seal any entryways and gaps in the walls and floor. Make sure that your windows and doors and total secure and that your bins are empty. Mice and rats hate the smell of peppermint- so dropping some essential oil around the home may prevent them coming inside and munching on your cereal.
Flies
You can’t escape them, they live EVERYWHERE. They love anything which is smelly, rotting and dirty. So, if you don’t empty your bins and clean you home often enough, they will find a way to get in and feed themselves. Flies are irritating and they can bite, which can spread diseases and also lead to food poisoning. To get rid of them, keep your home spotless- empty the bins, clean up your rubbish and make sure the home is secure.
Lice
Headlice are one of the most common type of lice, and they affect many small school children at some point in their lives. They feed on human and animal blood, and are particularly rife in schools because children come into contact with lots of other people. To get rid of them you can buy a special shampoo and wash the hair thoroughly in warm water- then use a fine comb to remove the lice from the hair. You must also take the time to make sure you get rid of the eggs on the scalp.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitos are one of the most annoying pests out there: the males are smaller and feed on nectar, but the females love to bite humans and animals and suck on their blood. Although the mosquitoes in our country are mostly harmless, in other parts of the world they can spread malaria.
They lay their eggs in still water- so if you don’t clean out your gutters often enough you could have a nest of them to deal with in the summer. To get rid of them you will need to manage them with the use of DEET. Keep your home sealed up, and use bug sprays which contain pepper or lemon essential oils.
Mites
These little critters are too small to see with the naked eye, but that doesn’t stop them from being a pest in your home. Dust mites like to feed on dead skin cells and pollen, as well as bacteria. Many people are allergic to dust mites, but they are not harmful in themselves.
To get rid of them, you will have a large job on your hands because you can’t see them. The first step is to reduce the humidity in your home and then take some time to clean the house from top to bottom. Make sure you get rid of as much dust as possible in order to keep them away from your home.