How to Identify and Address Common Pests

No homeowner wants to find out that pests have taken up residence in their home. However, every year countless homeowners have to deal with pest infestations that have taken up residence in their homes. They may bring in boxes and bags and then come to find out that a tiny hitchhiker has become an unwanted visitor, or a home might have an infestation already when someone buys a home. This can usually only be detected with a specialized home inspection conducted for termites and other pests. Pests may sneak in through holes and crack in a home's structure and begin breeding before a homeowner catches sight of the first signs of an issue.

Often when a homeowner finds evidence of common pests, there are a multitude of pests already living within a home's structure. Pests can lead to damage, reduce property values and exacerbate health conditions. Know more about common pests and what can be done about them.

Termites and Home Damage

Termites can pose a significant issue for homeowners. These insects consume wood and have the potential of reducing the structural integrity of important structures, including support beams. Homeowners that knock on wood and hear a responding hollow sound may have a termite infestation. Termites can reside in furniture, antiques and wooden structures.

Homeowners may see small wings and what appears to be sawdust. This sawdust is actually termite excrement and is one of the signs of a termite infestation, others of which may include sagging floors and holes. It can be difficult for a homeowner to eradicate a termite infestation, so a professional exterminator may be useful in resolving a termite infestation.

Cockroaches and Contamination

One of the most common pests for homeowners is the cockroach. This pest wants to reside near moisture and food and may come in for a ride on boxes or grocery bags to a home. After that, they and their progeny may be seen in bathrooms and kitchens, though homeowners can prevent an infestation by vacuuming regularly, cleaning floors and counters and disposing of garbage often. A cockroach can easily contaminate food and an infestation may trigger an exacerbation of allergy symptoms.

Rodents and Salmonella

Rodents can be nasty pests that can chew through electrical wires and more. An infestation can lead to significant damage, including the potential of a home fire when wires have been compromised. The house mouse will make their home in attic spaces and residents, gnaw electric wires and spread diseases such as tapeworms and Salmonella. On the other hand, more sizable rodents such as the Norway rat will gnaw through lead pipes and plastic, as well as transmit disease. What can homeowners do to prevent these rodents from getting into a home?

One approach is to seal up any holes or cracks in the exterior of a house or structure. It will be necessary to use caulk and steel wool to prevent their entrance. Homeowners may also want to address moisture issues, such as leaking pipes, eliminate clutter and store boxes off of the floor. Signs of a rodent infestation may include animal droppings, damaged food containers and gnaw marks. While it may be relatively easy to trap a single rodent, it may be necessary to contact an exterminator if there are signs of an infestation.

Protect Home Value and Safeguard Health

Homeowners may not know what to do about handling common pests. Even though there are a number of resources available on the topic, it may be necessary to contact a professional exterminator to properly identify the pest and to choose an efficient method of remediation in your Lakes home. Many homeowners decide to take steps to prevent an infestation as it can become costly to properly address an infestation and make necessary repairs.