Pests are one of the most common problems faced by home and property owners. They are not only harmful to the health and wellbeing of homeowners but can also cause property damages.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can control pests without poison. Here are some tips to get started:
Termites
Termites are wood destroying insects that can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home. These pests can be difficult to identify and get rid of, but with the right Pest Control Made Easy services, you can protect your property from termites.
Throughout their lifetime, termites form colonies that are made up of three castes: workers, soldiers and alates (reproductive termites). The workers build the nest and take care of the young.
The soldiers develop into much larger termite heads and mandibles that allow them to fight off predators. They are the highest level of termites in the colony.
Cockroaches
Roaches are pests that invade homes and businesses seeking food, water and shelter. They are a major health threat and can cause serious illness in people.
Cockroaches wiggle into homes and buildings through small cracks in walls, doors, windows and foundations. They can also travel on clothing, shoes and suitcases.
They thrive in damp, dark places and like warm temperatures. They may nest under refrigerators, in wall voids or behind cabinets.
They are a common source of food contamination, which can lead to diarrhea, dysentery, salmonella poisoning and other illnesses in people. They also produce a foul odor in the home and trigger asthma in some individuals.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are a problem in the eastern and midwestern United States and in areas of Southeast Canada. They are invasive and can be hard to control.
Adults and grubs feed on about 300 species of plants, including roses, berries, apples, grapes, raspberries, lindens, elms and trees like beech.
If your landscaping plants or lawns are susceptible to this pest, there are several ways to get rid of them. Some options include hand-picking, spraying with neem oil or using trap crops.
Ants
Ants are a major problem for homeowners. They can quickly become a nuisance in kitchens and bathrooms.
Ant control involves many steps, including sanitation of food sources, dripping faucets and leaky pipes, removing ant-attracting plants and sealing up ant entrances to homes.
Ants can be controlled through baiting or sprays (Table 2). Baiting is usually the most effective way to control ants.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a common pest in many areas, especially those that have warm humid air. They can carry diseases, so they’re important to keep them under control.
If you’re having a hard time controlling mosquitoes in your yard, there are several things you can do to help.
One of the most effective ways to eliminate mosquitoes is to remove standing water from your property. Empty old tires, empty buckets and planters that contain water, drain plastic wading pools and birdbaths, clean clogged gutters and treat containers of non-drinking water with larvicides.
Fleas
Fleas are a common pest in homes that have pets, and they can cause serious skin irritation and allergic reactions. They may also spread disease.
Adult fleas are ravenous blood-feeders, consuming up to 15 times their body weight in blood per day. They’re also jumpers, jumping up to 13 inches – that’s like a human jumping 200 times their length!
Female fleas lay tiny white eggs that fall off onto carpet fibers, pet bedding and furniture. These eggs become larvae (worm-like) that seek protection deep in the fibers of carpeting, under cushions and in cracks and crevices around your home.
Rodents
Rodents are mammals that are found all over the world. They are omnivorous and feed on seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials.
Many rodents are social and live in family groups of adults with children or young. Some species are monogamous, while others have polygyny and promiscuity.
They are generally active at night and can enter buildings by gnawing, climbing or jumping. Check for holes inside and outside the home and seal them to keep them out.