How to Identify and Eliminate Common Indoor Pests

Nobody likes having uninvited roommates, especially creepy ones. Across North America, it's common to occasionally find bugs inside the house. By identifying the types of pests, you can develop the best strategy to eliminate them. Whether it's ants in the kitchen, cockroaches in the bathroom, or mice in the basement, every home is susceptible to an infestation of rodents, insects and other common pests.

Unfortunately, once these pests find a way in, they can pose a significant threat to our health, food, and property. To prevent an infestation from taking hold from the start, it's important to keep flowerbeds free of weeds and plant debris that could harbor insect pests. Keep pruned plant branches away from the foundations of your home and make sure woodpiles, compost bins, and garden waste are away from the house. Before bringing firewood into your home, check it for bugs that might be hitchhiking for free. Eliminate areas of standing water in your garden that could be mosquito breeding areas. Carefully inspect the outside of your home and look for small holes or gaps where rodents can enter.

Fill holes and gaps with steel wool and caulk the outside of your home to prevent rodents from entering. Did you know that a mouse can enter your house through a hole the size of a dime and a rat can enter your house through a hole the size of a 25-cent coin?If you've just moved to a new home or have identified an infestation in your current one, locate the infestation and dispose of infested material. To protect your health, it's important that you prevent these pests from entering your home and, if you have a pest problem, that you resolve it quickly. Not only can licensed pest control operators help you get rid of pests, but they can also help you identify pest entry points and take corrective action to prevent future infestations. Companies that are members of the Maryland Pest Control Association and the National Pest Control Association have access to all current treatment practices.

It is extremely important to follow the preparation instructions provided by a licensed pest control operator in order for the extermination of any type of pest to be successful. Check your dry food for signs of pests before taking it home; small holes in food packaging can be an indication of food pests. Certain pests, such as bed bugs, should be eliminated with a pest control company, as there are no over-the-counter products that can be used to eliminate bed bugs. To keep crawlies away, plug holes in walls and windows to keep them at bay. They love crumbs, but it's not the leftovers that bring ants to the table; they come in when it's cold and humid or hot and dry. The crowds of these insects on countertops are a nuisance but not a harm; this type of ant does not damage homes or carry diseases.

However, keep an eye out for carpenter ants; they won't eat wood in your house but will dig in it to make nests. Being able to properly locate and identify these home invaders is essential when it comes to an infestation or when trying to prevent one from taking hold from the beginning. If domestic insects are not controlled over time they can begin to turn your home into their own and cause a full-fledged infestation. You'll discover why pests are attracted to certain rooms, get expert advice on identifying household insects, and find pest protection tips to keep them away all year round. To protect your health, it's important that you prevent these pests from entering your home and, if you have a pest problem, that you resolve it quickly.