Top 5 Household Pests and How to Prevent Them

Throughout the US, insect infestation is more common than you may think. According to the National Pest Control Association, the top five household pests include:

1. Cockroaches
2. Mice
3. Rats
4. Termites
5. Ants

While some of these pests are active year-round, many increase in activity as the weather gets warmer in the spring. To control an in-house pest issue, prevention is key. Use these expert extermination tips to keep your home safe and free from creepy, crawly critters:

• Seal cracks and holes in your home. This simple tip alone will help to keep out major pests like rodents, as well as smaller bugs like termites and ants. It’s important that the exterior of your home is sealed completely to reduce the likelihood of an infestation by blocking off entry points. Additionally, try to keep shrubbery and branches away from your home, which will make it easier for insects to enter your property.
• Store firewood away from your house. One way to keep insects away from your property is by storing firewood at least 20 feet from your home and 5 inches off the ground. Since bugs are likely to set up shop in a stack of firewood, this is a simple way to keep pests from overtaking your house.
• Keep garbage in sealed containers. Keeping your home clean and free from garbage will prevent insects from coming indoors. Make sure that garbage kept in the kitchen, the garage, or outdoors is covered completely in a sealed container to keep bugs out. It’s also important to stick to a regular schedule and dispose of garbage frequently so that it doesn’t accumulate and rot.
• Install screens. If you don’t already have screens on each window and door of your home, installing sturdy screens is an effective way to keep bugs from entering, especially when opening doors and windows in milder weather. For the most resilient screen barrier, 20 mesh or finer is recommended to keep out a number of common household pests, including mosquitoes.

 

For many homeowners, keeping pests in check is a necessity and can help to protect a family’s health. For example, cockroaches are the leading trigger of allergies and asthma attacks in homes. Their saliva and droppings contain known allergens that may trigger a number of symptoms in children.

To keep your family safe and sound, put the tips above into practice and consult with an Alabama pest control at the first sign of infestation.