Rodents, such as mice and rats, can cause damage by chewing through insulation and electrical wires. They also contaminate food and spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella.
Regular cleaning can prevent pest infestations, by removing crumbs, spills, and other potential food sources. Certain pests emit a distinct odor when they’re infesting a house, making them easier to identify. Consult with Pest Control Meridian ID pros today.
Rodents
Rodents like mice and rats are a common problem that can pose serious health risks due to the transmission of disease. They also cause damage to structures by chewing through wires, destroying insulation and contaminating food. If left unchecked, rodents can even gnaw through electrical cords, leading to fire hazards. They are most active in the winter, when they invade homes in search of warmth and shelter. Identifying a rodent infestation is typically as simple as looking for droppings or gnawed objects. Mouse droppings are pointed and the size of grains of rice, while rat droppings are larger and brownish in color. You may also see gnawed holes in walls or woodwork, or tracks along the ground and in crawl spaces.
Blocking entry points is the best way to prevent rodents from getting into your home. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as 1/4″, so repairing and caulking gaps around exterior doors, windows, ductwork and vents is critical. Use expandable caulking or concrete patching products. Install door sweeps and weather stripping on frequently used doors, and cap chimneys. Keep wood piles, yard waste and other debris away from the house, and store bird feeders in cages that rodents cannot chew through.
Ignoring pest infestations will lead to further structural damage, increase property value loss and compromise the safety of your family. It is important to regularly inspect and address any problems that arise. Contacting a pest control professional is the best course of action to ensure that your home remains safe and secure. A pest problem should be addressed immediately, as rodents are quick to multiply and can cause extensive damage in a short time.
Insects
Whether it’s the buzzing of mosquitoes, the scurrying of rodents or the creepy crawling of insects, pests can cause a wide variety of problems inside homes. They can spread diseases, damage property and make life uncomfortable and unsafe for household residents. Knowing more about common household pests – from ants and cockroaches to spiders and termites – can help homeowners proactively prevent and control these unwanted intruders.
Household pests like flies, spiders and ants are often just transient visitors that enter your home for food or shelter. However, some species of ants and cockroaches can become serious pest infestation problems, especially if you live in a warm or humid environment.
Insects exhibit seasonal activity patterns that are influenced by temperature and the availability of food. For example, ant infestations typically peak during spring, and roaches may be more active throughout the year as they search for food in homes. Proper sanitation and prevention measures can significantly reduce the number of these pests that invade homes. Maintaining clean kitchens, storing food in airtight containers, and sealing entry points can all minimize the presence of these pests.
Regular inspections of your home, particularly in secluded or hidden areas, can help you identify signs of pest activity. Look for droppings and discarded insect parts, chew marks or gnaw holes, and unusual odors.
If you notice a problem, take prompt action. Insect droppings and feces can affect indoor air quality, triggering allergies and asthma in some residents. In addition, ants and cockroaches can contaminate food sources, leading to foodborne illnesses. Finally, stinging insects like paper wasps and hornets can be dangerous to those with sensitive skin. These venomous insects are more likely to swarm and attack if they feel threatened.
Fleas
Fleas are an irritating problem for both people and pets. They can cause extreme itching and hair loss in humans, while pet owners often notice red irritated skin on their dogs and cats, as well as flea dirt (flea droppings) around the home. It’s important to check your pets regularly for fleas, and wash their bedding on a hot setting. A thorough vacuum is also helpful, particularly using a tool that will reach in crevices. Once you’ve done a deep clean, consider adding an insect growth regulator, or IGR, to your treatment plan. These products prevent flea eggs from maturing and are safe for use around children and pets.
Household pests often follow seasonal activity patterns, making certain times of year more susceptible to infestations than others. Understanding these patterns can help you avoid a pest problem, or identify one early and call in the professionals for assistance.
Spring
During the warmer months, pests such as flies, mosquitoes, rodents, stink bugs and stinging insects are more active due to increased moisture and food sources. Repair any torn window screens and properly seal doors to keep these pests out.
Fall
When the weather turns colder, cockroaches, ants and wasps become more active in homes searching for warmth and food. Inspect and sanitize kitchens, pantries and cabinets to remove any potential food sources.
While cockroaches can survive on just about anything, they typically seek out moisture and food in the home. They can be found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements, and can spread disease-causing pathogens such as E.coli, salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. Look for these nocturnal pests to scatter when exposed to light, and for a musty, odorous lingering in dark areas.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a common pest that can hitchhike into your home from public transportation, waiting areas of crowded places, hotel rooms, and more. Once they’re in your house, these little pests can quickly spread to other bedrooms and living spaces.
A low-level infestation of these tiny insects can be hard to find and correctly identify. If it isn’t identified early, it gives the bugs more time to expand their numbers and cause even more issues for your family.
You can identify bed bugs by their brown, oval shape and tiny size. They’re also known for their bites, which can leave itchy red bumps on your skin. You may notice these bites, as well as a musty smell in your home. You might also find dark-colored droppings or ring marks around furniture.
If you suspect you have a bed bug problem, it’s important to act fast to prevent it from spreading. Call your county extension agent or another pest control specialist for help. If the pest is identified as a bed bug, take steps to prevent it from spreading:
Carefully inspect all furniture, especially dressers and nightstands. Place beds in protective encasements. Keep discarded items sealed or in a storage container until you’re able to treat them. Avoid picking up discarded items from the curb, and don’t throw away furniture without checking it carefully first. If you must discard furniture, have it picked up and disposed of by the trash collection agency as soon as possible to prevent bed bugs from crawling out and hiding elsewhere. Also, consider purchasing protective covers for mattresses and box springs. These can be placed over the bed, and they seal so that the pests inside will die.
Termites
A common pest, termites, can destroy wood structures in and around your house. Like most pests, they enter your home to get food, namely cellulose (found in grass, plants, paper products, and cardboard) and other organic materials that are broken down by termites into digestible sand-like particles. If you have a serious problem, it could cost a lot to repair the damage. Regular inspections are crucial, especially if you live in an area with high rates of termite infestation. Identifying signs of an infestation is vital for early detection, such as hollow-sounding walls and mud tubes.
The most effective way to address termite issues is through preventative maintenance. Checking your home’s foundation, crawl space, and support piers on a routine basis is the most important step to avoid an infestation. You should also inspect exterior masonry to ensure that cracks and crevices are sealed properly and that any tree stumps or debris are kept away from the house.
Using barriers that physically separate soil and wooden structures (like concrete, metal, or a termite-resistant wood) helps limit the potential for infestation. Additionally, keeping gutters clear and ensuring that storm drains direct water several feet away from the house help reduce moisture and eliminate the conditions that attract subterranean termites.
Moisture is another factor that contributes to pest problems, especially in humid climates. Regular decluttering, repairing leaks promptly, and using a dehumidifier in the basement can help. Finally, checking your roof to make sure it’s free of shingle debris and other items that can contribute to moisture buildup is critical.