Part of the joy of being a homeowner is dealing with the various pests that try to move in with you. Here are four common household pests and what you can do to keep them out.
1. Termites
These tiny insects cause more wood damage to U.S. homes than any other household pests. Termites primarily live underground in nests, with workers traveling to other areas to obtain food (i.e. your home’s wood framing). Because of their ability to cause structural damage, getting rid of termites is a job best left to residential pest exterminator Mount Sterling OH.
2. Ants
There are several different types of ants that can cause problems for homeowners. The two most common are carpenter and odorous house ants. The former can cause serious damage by chewing through wooden structures, while the latter is more of a gross inconvenience. If you suspect household ants are entering your home in search of food or water, double up storage efforts and clean any spills right away.
3. Rodents
While some people think mice are adorable, no one really wants to walk into the kitchen to find one snacking on the counter. Telltale signs of a rodent infestation include droppings, nests, or gnaw marks, especially around where food is stored. You may even see an occasional mouse scamper along a wall. The best way to deal with rodents is to keep them from entering your home in the first place. Seal any gaps or cracks, keeping in mind that mice can squeeze through a dime-sized hole.
4. Bed Bugs
A bed bug infestation is a serious problem and very difficult to eradicate. These tiny insects feed on mammals and live in dark hiding places. Their small size means they can fit just about anywhere. That means checking around outlets and behind pictures in addition to looking for signs of infestation in bedding.
Early identification and treatment is the best plan of action for most common pests, including rodents, termites, ants and bed bugs.
