Did you know that the average house is filled with 100 species of insects? The good news is that most of them are completely harmless.
A small percentage, however, can be considered pests. Take cockroaches, for instance. They can spread various diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
Fruit flies are another example. Not only are they a nuisance, but they also have the potential to contaminate food.
What other common household pests are there? How can you get rid of them?
For the answers, be sure to keep reading! We’ll be going over some of the most common pests in detail below.
- SilverfishÂ
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that have tear-shaped bodies. While they’re harmless to humans, they can cause property damage by chewing holes in paper products such as wallpaper.
Not only that but they’re also known to infest items such as books.
While they can be found almost anywhere in the house, they often hide in damp, cool areas such as bathrooms, attics, and garages (they require a high humidity environment).
To prevent and remove silverfish, eliminate moisture from the environment. For example, you can use a dehumidifier. There are also traps that you can buy that’ll trap and poison the insects.
- RatsÂ
Rats can get into your house through cracks in the walls and foundation. Not only do they leave behind droppings, which can spread germs, but they can also infect humans directly with diseases such as leptospirosis.
They’re also one of the most destructive types of pests. For one thing, they can damage property by chewing on materials like wallboard and insulation. On top of that, they’re known to gnaw on electrical cables, which can lead to fires.
How can you get rid of them? Eliminate their hiding spaces. Clean up the clutter in and around your home and keep all food in sealed containers.
Depending on the extent of the infestation, however, hiring an exterminator may be a better option (find rodent control services here).
- Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, reddish insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans. They can often be found around the bed, near the seams of the box spring and mattress. You may also find them between cushions or in the folds of curtains if the room is heavily infested.
While they’re not known to transmit disease, they can affect an individual’s quality of life, causing discomfort and distress.Â
If you notice bed bugs in the home, call a pest removal company right away. In the meantime, wash and dry your clothes and bedding with the hottest possible temperature setting.
Getting Rid of Household Pests
Various household pests can invade your home, from silverfish to bed bugs. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to get rid of them, and when in doubt, you can always call an exterminator!
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