Your house is your haven, your nest, and your resting place. A place to go to when you want peace. But these ten house pests can destroy our haven in just a few days or weeks. And your supposed place of peace will turn into chaos and disaster when these pests are around. Let’s see what they are, the damage and disease they carry, how they can destroy our lives, and of course, how to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Quick Overview
Termites
Termites are known to eat wood and live in the space in your wall or ceiling where it is dark and damp. They have a colony that has one king and one queen. They are ruthless when it comes to eating wood and do massive damage to your house. As they build their nests inside your wall, it is not easy to tell if you have termites. But if you suspect that you have a termite infestation, you need to look for these things:
- The damp area near wooden structures like walls and ceiling
- Blistered wood
- Mud tunnels running from one point to another.
How to get rid of Termites
There are many ways on how to kill termites. From Do-It-Yourself pesticides to professional exterminators. How you should treat termites depends on you.
Rats
Rats are one of the dangerous pests in the world. They are known to be the carrier of deadly diseases like the Bubonic plague. They are also adaptive to their environment and multiply rapidly. They are a danger, not only to you but also to your furniture and belongings. Rats love to gnaw on everything, destroying them in the process.
How to get rid of Rats
You can use traps orb baits for rats. But if you have kids and pets at home, it is advisable not to use them as they get hurt or poisoned. There are also many natural solutions to get rid of rats, like lemons and peppermint spray. There are also electronic devices that repel rats.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are disgusting creatures that can infest your house. They live in damp and dark places like under the sink or in the cupboard. They also carry diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and the most common, diarrhea.
How to get rid of Cockroaches
Spraying insecticides is an effective way to kill roaches. If you have pets and children in your house, use it at night. Remove all food and store them in a sealed container so the mist from the insecticide cannot get into it. Spray insecticide to areas where cockroaches you think are nesting.
Ants
These little creatures are a problem of their own. They can infest your backyard, your walls, and even computers. Many species of ants are labeled house pests. The most common ones are the carpenter ants that chew on wood, the tawny crazy ants that are addicted to electronic devices, and the red fire ants that can be seen almost anywhere inside and outside your house. They may not carry viruses, but they can damage your appliances and electronic devices.
How to get rid of ants
Insecticides also kill ants. But some types of ants are immune to some insecticides. Check the label to see if you are buying one to see what species it can kill. Just note that these are chemicals, and it is best to be careful and follow the packaging instructions. You may also opt to repel them using peppermint sprays or cinnamon oil.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are pretty small but carry big problems. They are known to have viruses that are fatal if not treated immediately. They are also annoying, and their bite stings. They are present all year round but are most active during the rainy season as they lay eggs in the water.
How to get rid of Mosquitoes
The most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes is by cleaning your house inside and out. Remove all items that they can lay their eggs on like, old tires, upturned plastic bottle caps, and uncovered trashcans. You can also add plants that mosquito hates, like lavender and rosemary.
Bedbugs
These pests are small, nocturnal, and hide under your bed, thus the name. You can get them by sleeping into a bedbug-infested bed like a hotel if you are traveling. They multiply rapidly and can lay eggs in hundreds every day. They are adaptive creatures and can live anywhere, even in your bedside lamp or picture frames. However, they will stay close to their host so they can feed. They bite and suck your blood. With it comes rashes, allergies, and wounds.
How to get rid of bedbugs
Getting rid of bedbugs is a tad bit difficult. Because if one remains, they can multiply in no time. Vacuum your whole room, especially your mattress, twice a week. Wash your beddings when you vacuum and change them into fresh, clean ones.
Fleas
Fleas are pests that live in your dog or cat’s fur. They are parasites that feed off your pets. Fleas can also feed on you if you do not get rid of them fast. They can travel from your pet’s fur to your couch or carpet by jumping.
How to get rid of Fleas
Spraying vinegar solution to your dog’s fur can get rid of fleas. For cats, use lemon solution. Vacuum your couch, carpet, and anywhere you see your pet hanging out. Clean their beddings as well. Spray food-grade diatomic earth to areas where there are signs of flea infestation.
Spiders
House spiders are not harmful to humans. They are even helping you get rid of bugs like mosquitoes and flies. But the problem is their web. Spider’s web is not a pretty sight if you are not decorating the house for a Halloween celebration. And they can be scary when you are going to the washroom and see a spider in the sink.
How to get rid of spiders
Spiders are attracted to other bugs because they eat them. Remove the bugs, and they are gone as well. Clean your house regularly to get rid of the spider’s web.
Mice
A mouse is different from a rat, but they carry diseases as well. They are smaller than rats but just as dangerous. Mice have viruses like Salmonella and Hantavirus. They spread this through their feces and urine. Before they can destroy your house, it is best to get rid of them.
How to get rid of mice
You can get rid of mice just like getting rid of rats; by using traps and baits. And if it gets out of hand, call a rat exterminator. It is faster but way more expensive.
Flies
Flies are annoying bugs that can spread diseases like cholera and E. Coli. And why not? A fly can perch on cow dung in one second and fly right into your food the next. Flies can also multiply fast and is almost everywhere. While most mosquitoes are active during the night, flies are during the day.
How to get rid of flies
Flies are attracted to the strong smell of food, be it fresh or stale. But some fragrances flies hate like lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass. You can also create a do-it-yourself spray by mixing one part water and one part fabric softener. Flies hate that smell and will leave your house alone.
These ten house pests can lead to problems for you and your family. And one sure way to get rid of them is by regularly cleaning your house and removing food and food particles.
