Pests can destroy properties and spread diseases among humans and animals, so more emphasis must be placed on pest prevention and control within homes.
Common Household Pests
In order to control pests, there’s a strong need to understand them. Here are some of the most common household pests:
Ants:
They can turn into a big issue if these small insects locate a food source within your house. They usually invade homes in the quest of food most especially sweet and greasy foods.
Cockroaches:
These active night flying insects cause contamination by transferring bacteria to foods. They also cause allergic problems, such as asthma and allergies to those sensitive to dust.
Rodents:
Mice and rats not only cause annoyance but are dangerous since they may spread diseases or contaminate food.
Termites:
They are wood-boring insects and if left without control, can cause a lot of damage to your homes structure.
Bed bugs:
These small creatures prefer to feed on blood from the human body and are mostly found in mattresses, bedding, and furniture. Their bites can cause rash and allergy swellings on the skin.
Flies:
Even though there are many types of flies, a few of them can cause diseases and pollute the food we eat.
Mosquitoes:
In addition to being a nuisance, these insects can also spread dangerous diseases such as the Zika virus, West Nile virus, and malaria.
Spiders:
Most spiders are non-venomous, but there are dangerous types of spiders. A spiders infestation in Ventura County can be harmful to both your home and its inhabitants.
Fleas and ticks:
These are blood-feeding and blood-sucking parasites that can be found in homes and pets and can infect human beings with diseases.
Problems caused by Pest infestations
Pest infestations can lead to a variety of problems, including:
Health risks:
A pest can cause disease outbreaks, allergies, and asthma, and it is also known to bite or sting humans.
Property damage:
Rodents, termites and other small pests can do much harm to our homes, appliances, furniture, and even the foundational structure.
Food contamination:
For example, any mice or flies that infiltrate your home can pose a danger to your family’s health because they may breed and pollute your food.
Emotional distress:
Sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste can be affected by pests leading to anxiety, stress, and emotional instabilities.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Holistic Approach
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a preventative or holistic approach to protecting plants and control pests with minimum damage to the environment. IPM involves:
Inspection:
You should constantly check your home for these early signs of pest presence including droppings, damages, or foul smells.
Identification:
To know which pest control method to use, one must identify the pest species correctly.
Prevention:
It is important to employ all necessary steps to ensure that pests are unable to get to any of your rooms and infest your house.
Monitoring:
Check for pest activity often and record pest population density to see if control measures should be implemented.
Control:
Apply pest control, whenever is needed with special emphasis on reduction of risks posed to human health and the surrounding environment.
Pest Prevention Strategies
Pest control is all about preventing pests from becoming a menace to human life or property in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
Seal entry points:
Correct any gaps or cracks where pests may enter your premises including those in walls, windows and doors.
Eliminate food sources:
Get rid of food in open packages and make sure you wipe any food particles on the floor to discourage pests.
Reduce clutter:
Order helps keep pests away since they have hiding places all over a cluttered house.
Maintain your yard:
Make sure to cut the grass and trim the bushes, then clear the compound of unwanted materials that make a home for the pests.
Proper waste management:
Clean and get rid of waste products and waste regularly to reduce the attraction of pests.
Moisture control:
Do not allow water to drip anywhere and try to eliminate any signs of moisture, as it can lead to formation of molds and act as an attraction point for pests.
Pest-proof your home:
Eliminate possibilities of pests getting into your home by using screens, traps and anything that may act as barrier.
Pest Control Methods
Here are some common pest control methods:
Physical control:
Located, exclude, or capture pests away from high priority sensitive areas and restrict pest population by erecting barriers or physically getting rid of them.
Cultural control:
Change the exterior design of your home or your gardening, so that pests are reluctant to come any closer.
Biological control:
It is recommended to let natural predators take care of pest problems since they are very effective in managing the problem.
Chemical control:
Employ insecticides in managing pests. This method should only be applied occasionally and as directed on the label.
Tips on Selecting a Pest Control Company
In case you want to involve a pest control company ensure that you get the right company in the market. Consider the following factors:
Experience:
It is advised to choose a company that is well versed in handling your particular pest problem.
Licensing and insurance:
Always check that the company has a license and is well insured to avoid risking your health and assets.
Reputation:
Always check for reviews on the company and get first hand recommendations.
Cost:
Compare companies and inquire about their services and price offers.
Customer service:
Select a company with a good customer service support team.
Conclusion
A pest infestation is a major source of stress and damage to property and it is important to control pests. Knowing about household pests, knowing why pest control is necessary, applying IPM techniques, and selecting the best ways to control the pests are easy ways of protecting your home and family against pests’ dangers. By ensuring that you avoid having pests in your home, you will make it easier to live in comfortable housing without the intrusion of pests.