If you’re like most people, the mere sight of a pest, be it a mouse, ant, cockroach, or termite is enough to give you the heebie-jeebies. However, rodent problems and termite infestations are two of the most common pest control issues that affect American homes.
For instance, you may be surprised to find out that a whopping 82% of American homes were found to have mouse allergens. In addition, it’s estimated that termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year. If pest infestations aren’t properly addressed, they can lead to much more severe problems, including illness and even house fires. It’s estimated that up to one third of all electrical fires are due to damage caused by rodents.
If you suspect you have a pest problem, it’s best to leave it up to the pros. A local pest control company or exterminators can help get rid of your unwanted guests and keep your home safe. Here are three things you exterminator wants you to keep in mind.
A clean home won’t necessarily prevent pest infestations
While it’s true that many insects and rodents are attracted to the scent of food, dirty dishes left on the counter aren’t the only things that draw pest into you home. Moisture also plays a significant role in both the attraction and sustainability of certain pests. Therefore, it’s important to keep gutters free of debris and clean decorative pools or baths on a regular basis.
There’s little you can do to keep certain pests away
Many people assume that maintaining a clean home will prevent a bed bug infestation; unfortunately, that is not the case. Bed bugs continue to be one of the most difficult pests to treat, according to 76% of survey participants, even more so than cockroaches, ants, and termites. Unlike other insects that are attracted to food or moisture, bed bugs are after your blood. Bed bugs can enter your home on luggage, furniture, and even your clothing.
Even if you don’t see pest, you still might have them
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, when it comes to pests, this isn’t the case. Winter is the perfect time of year for rodents to move indoors. While you may not see them or see signs of them, it does’t hurt to have exterminators inspect your home for preventative reasons. They can perform services such as placing a weatherstrip on the bottom of all doors to ensure rodents stay out.
How do you deal with pest problems? Let us know in the comments.
