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Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Alaina Bullock
It’s a sad fact of life that at some point, we will all have to deal with an unwanted visitor or two in our homes. Pests are just creatures that find our livings spaces as comfortable as we do. But they come with hygiene and allergy risks that are not so good for our health. So how can we get rid of them? Read on to find out what type of pest control works best with which pest.
Termites
How can something so tiny be so destructive? Termites are only a cm long at most, but they can cause havoc in your home. That is because they feed on dead plant material. Of course, there is lots of that in any home, especially in the structure and furniture of a house.
It can be hard to spot that you have termites at first, sometimes you only know when they begin to mature and swarm toward the light. The best preventive measures is to stop a termite infestation before it has begun. Keep on top of any damp issues like leaking taps or standing water containers. It’s also important to limit their access to a food supply where possible so keep wood away from soil and screen your vents so they can’t get into the house. Of course, if you already have an infestation you will need a specialist in residential termite control to come in and help you out.
Spiders
Depending on where you live, spiders can be an inconvenience to a major health risk. Large spiders like Tarantulas have hair that is very irritant to human skin, so much so that they use it to make itching powder out of it! Smaller spiders like the Black Widow are poisonous, causing vomiting diarrhea, and breathing problems. These would need to be treated right away.
Even if it’s a spider that is not directly dangerous to your health, few people enjoy sharing their homes with such creepy crawly creatures. Apparently, horse chestnuts placed by window and door opening repel spiders. Which is a good eco-friendly way of dealing with the little blighters!
Rodents
Mice or rats are not a popular addition to anyone’s home. They are associated with disease and getting into people’s food stores. There is a huge range of different rodents that can cause an issue in your home. They range from the smallest field vole to the black rat, known to carry at least seven dangerous diseases!
So what is the best way of getting you home to be clean and rat-free? Well, first of all, take some common sense steps like making sure you block off their food supply by doing a regular spring clean.
Block up any unnecessary access to the inside of your home. Then, make sure that all of your food is stored in airtight containers and that you clear away dishes and rubbish daily. Keep your trash bins away from your home in case they attach some rodent friends. Then if you have a serious problem, you will need to take it to a professional.