Bugs and other critters aren't a favorite for most, but they are essential to our life. You may have noticed spider webs forming in high corners, flies trying to come inside, and even mice making nests around your home or property. You're not alone. All homes, even the most well-cared-for homes, can have pest issues from time to time. Here are some common pests and ways to take back control.
Mice
Mice might seem harmless because they are small. However, that is not the case. Their danger lies in how often they can reproduce their population. You may not even know you have a problem with mice until it is too late, such as when you start noticing holes in soft fabrics, droppings, and urine. Managing their population is the key to getting rid of mice in your home. Be sure to keep all food sealed and keep the surfaces in the house free of crumbs. Because mice are tiny, they can squeeze into gaps and cracks. Do a complete inspection around the home and seal off areas where they might enter. You can also place traps at these sites to capture the pests.
Termites
Termites are tiny bugs that do big damage! Termite inspections are typically a routine part of the procees of buying and selling your home. If you suspect you have a termite issue, we recommend calling a professional. They can identify the kind of termites present in your home and recommend the appropriate removal solution. In addition, most pest control companies offer termite maintenance service plans, so you can have peace of mind.
Ants
You may have heard that ants live in colonies. If you see one ant, that ant probably has 50 or more of its closest pals right around the corner. A spill or unsealed bag can bring all of them literally out of the woodwork. Wipe surfaces down often, seal cracks in doorways and windows, and if all else fails, use traps. We recommend keeping outdoor trashcans away from the home, and large mulched flower beds a couple of feet away from entrances and windows if you can. Because ants dislike mint and other fragrant herbs, you can plant them around your home and patio to keep ants away. As an alternative, you can also mix a small drop of concentrated essential oil of mint with water, place thie mix in a spray bottle, and mist around your doors and windows.
Rats
Large and ugly, rats are an unwelcome house guest, and an infestation can be severe. You are more likely to see them if you have a garden, pool, or nearby densely wooded area. If they are indoors, similar to mice, you might notice droppings. Rats carry dangerous illnesses that are easily transmitted to humans, so steer clear of close contact with a rat. Removal can be tricky; traps are good if you can lure the rat. Be careful of using harsh poisons in cases of indoor infestation. If rats ingest it and die in inaccessible areas of the house, such as between walls, their remains can create a stink and cause damage to the home.
To-Dos
There are several things you can do to spot pests and prevent them from damaging your home. Here is a short list of seasonal housekeeping tips:
- Perform seasonal perimeter searches. Look for cracks, piles of leaves and debris, and nests.
- Keep woodpiles away from the house and off the ground. You can also tarp the woodpile to keep it dry.
- Schedule a pest inspection if you cannot recall the last inspection or have reason to suspect a pest problem.
- Fix leaks. Water leaks provide an inviting water source for pests.
- Keep trashcans sealed and several feet away from any entrance to the home.
Hopefully, you can safely resolve any minor issues with these tips, but other options are available for more significant intrusions. Learning about and treating them is the key to maintaining a pest-free home!
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