Spiders are one of the most concerning pests in the USA, despite most species in the country being harmless. It is likely linked to internal fears, not reality.
Because other pests should concern you as a homeowner! Household pests are unsanitary and can cause severe damage to your home and your health. Not to mention all the sleep you will lose trying to get rid of them.
As they say, the best defense is a good offense, so it is a good idea to protect you and your home now before household bugs move in.
Not sure how to prevent pests or which ones should concern you? This list details them all and gives you all the pest control tips you need.
1. Bed Bugs
Believe it or not, bed bugs affect around one in five Americans though they might seem a lot rarer. And they are one of the most difficult household pests to remove.
Why? Because bed bugs can survive extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), they can live well over a year without food. They have adapted to withstand many common pesticides and they breed like rabbits.
Bed bugs are common throughout the USA and one state does not suffer more than others.
How To Prevent Bed Bugs
Professionals like custombedbug.com and jcehrlich.com say that the only way to get rid of bugs like these is to call an exterminator. So you 100% want to avoid that if you can!
The places you are most likely going to pick up bed bugs are from hotels and visiting other people. When you travel, the first thing you should do is check the bedding and mattresses for little black dots. They live in headboards and pillowcases, in particular.
Never put your suitcase or backpack on the bed so you can reduce the chances of bed bugs getting in your belongings. Hang up your clothes in a wardrobe rather than store them in drawers.
At home, the fewer belongings you have, the fewer places there are for bed bugs to hide. Wash and dry your bedding at high temperatures and wash forgotten fabrics (like curtains) on a regular basis. Vacuum and empty the bag often, too.
2. Ants
Ants are one of the most common pests across the USA. Depending on the ants, these types of pests could be either annoying or dangerous. House ants like living in huge colonies under floorboards and do not bite or sting but they can get into your food supply.
Carpenter ants, like termites, cause structural damage to homes. They remove lots of tiny pieces of wood for their nests which can destroy support beams and furniture.
Fire ants live in southern states like Florida and Louisiana. They are biters and if they attack someone who is allergic they can cause severe pain and reactions.
How To Prevent Ants
The main reasons most house ants enter your home are that they have the means and because they want food.
First, make sure all your food is in airtight containers that the ants cannot penetrate. Tupperware is great for this but you could also invest in reusable plastic bags and food clips. Ants like sugary food in particular.
Next, seal off any cracks in your kitchen counters and around any doors and windows. Sealants can erode over time so it is important to top them up when necessary.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to wait until you see ants in your home to call professionals. However, call ant removal professionals if there are ants in your home, and you don’t want to work your way down a list of DIY removals. They have the tools and knowledge to get rid of the problem as soon as possible.
3. Rodents
Rodents are likely the worst household pests anyone could have. Mice are more common in rural areas but rats tend to live in more urban parts of the USA.
These types of pests are carriers of diseases, bacteria, and viruses. They could also be carrying other pests like lice, mites, and fleas on their fur. Consuming rodent fecal matter by accident could make someone very ill.
How To Prevent Rodents
Seal all potential cracks and holes around doors, pipes, air vents, and roofs. Keep all outside doors closed when not in use.
Be mindful of how you keep your garden. Move plants away from your house as they can be good hiding places for rodents. Remove any sources of water (fountains, dripping outdoor taps, etc.) and keep your lawn short and tidy.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are common in big city apartment buildings where there are lots of humid basements and sewers for them to hide in. They are adept at moving between homes in the pursuit of water and food.
How To Prevent Cockroaches
Cockroaches often enter homes through bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms at night. So, it is important to remove any food or strong smells that would attract cockroaches before you go to bed. Keep your kitchen counters free from food spills.
Remove all pet food, water bowls, and litter trays and fix any leaky taps, too. Make sure you clean and vacuum on a regular basis so you can be 100% certain they are not hiding anywhere.
5. Termites
Termites are one of the most expensive household pests to remove. They feed on dead plants which is why they love munching on wood, paper, and drywall. They are more prevalent in warmer, humid states on the gulf coast and the Southeast.
How To Prevent Termites
If you are in an at-risk region, keep wood and plants as far away from your house as possible. Stack firewood at least 20ft away, check your fences for rot, and treat all outdoor wood with termite-proof paint.
This may be an expensive solution for some, but in an ideal world, you would remove all lumber and mulch away from the foundations of your property.
Keep plants and moisture away from your home too. Plant shrubs and flower beds at least 1ft away from your property and remove dead plants ASAP.
Banish All Household Pests Forever
Dealing with household pests is time-consuming, often expensive, and damaging to your health. By being aware of the most common pests in your area and knowing how to prevent them means you can avoid the problem altogether.
And you will be able to relax in your home knowing it is clean, cozy, and sanitary.
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