Pest infestations at home can severely affect occupants' physical and mental health. Pests such as rodents and insects carry many germs, which can spread diseases and cause various illnesses for humans and their pets.
Additionally, pest infestations can be costly to repair. According to The National Pest Management Association's survey, the average cost of repairing structural damage caused by termites alone was $3,000 per incident. Other common repairs due to pest infestation include replacing insulation or wiring, which runs into hundreds if not thousands of dollars per incident.
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Moreover, pests may indirectly cause financial loss through contamination or destruction of home food products. A single rat can contaminate up to 10 times more food than it eats due to its fur being covered in disease-bearing bacteria from its environment; this could potentially lead to food poisoning for those who consume the contaminated products as financial losses associated with wasted food items.
Pest infestations can be challenging to eliminate as many pests have developed resistance to traditional extermination methods. Therefore, knowing about the different types of infestations and their prevention measures is essential to keep one's home safe from pests. Here are a few to consider:
Rodents
Rodent infestations can occur in any home, regardless of cleanliness or hygiene. They are attracted to food sources, nesting materials, and warmth – all of which can be found in most homes. Rodents are especially adept at hitching packages and luggage rides into the house, making it even harder to control their entry.
To prevent a rodent infestation, it is essential to eliminate potential food sources and nesting materials by keeping the house clean and storing food correctly. It is also wise to inspect possible entry points like cracks and holes around the home's perimeter and seal them off using steel wool or other material that rodents cannot chew through.
Finally, setting up traps around the house eliminates any existing rodent population without needing chemicals or other extermination. It is essential to place these traps where rodents travel since they will be more likely to trigger them if they are in familiar pathways and territories.
Tiny Insects
Tiny insects can be particularly problematic when becoming infestations. These pests are small enough to leave their host undetected for long periods, allowing them to multiply and spread throughout a home before being adequately controlled. Here are a few insect infestations and how to deal with them:
Cockroaches
These pests can be among the most destructive home invaders, capable of spreading bacteria and spoiling food. To prevent a cockroach infestation, keeping the house clean and dry by wiping spills immediately and reducing potential food sources is essential. Sealing off entry points with caulk or steel wool also helps prevent roaches from entering one's home.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood while people sleep. They are typically found in mattresses and bedding but can also exist in other home parts since they can crawl through cracks in walls or floors. It is essential to regularly inspect the home for signs of bed bug infestations, such as dark spots on mattress seams or small eggs. To prevent infestations, periodically vacuuming and laundering bedding is essential. It is also wise to install mattress encasements that zipper around the mattress to ensure they are sealed off from potential hosts.
Mosquitoes
Some of the deadliest pests, mosquitoes can transmit severe illnesses to humans and animals. Remove standing water around the home to prevent mosquito infestations since they are attracted to such areas. Regularly spraying insecticides in these potential breeding grounds can also help keep them under control.
Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless insects that can live on soft surfaces like upholstery or carpets. They feed on human and animal blood and reproduce rapidly when left unchecked. To prevent fleas from becoming infestations, keep the home clean by vacuuming regularly and washing bedding to remove any existing eggs. It is also wise to use a flea treatment for pets as these pests often come into the house through animals.
Termite Infestations
Most pests are dangerous to the homeowner's health, but some can cause property damage. Termites are particularly destructive, capable of eating away at wood and other materials in a home. To prevent potential termite infestations, it is essential to regularly inspect the home for signs of them, such as tunnels in the foundation or walls, as well as small piles of sawdust or dirt near wooden fixtures. Additionally, sealing off cracks in walls and repairing any moisture leaks can help reduce the risk of an infestation.
However, termite infestations can be challenging to control, making seeking professional help for a suspected infestation vital. You can get termite control in the Philippines to help protect your home from the damage these pests can cause.
Final Thoughts
Keeping one's home safe from pests is essential to protect occupants' health and property. Knowing which infestations to look out for and how to prevent them is crucial in keeping an infestation-free home. With regular inspections, proper cleaning habits, and occasional professional help, anyone can ensure their home remains safe from harmful pests this season!
This is a contributed post.
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