Finding pests in your home can be unsettling, particularly if you don’t know what type of pest you’re dealing with. There are various ways to get rid of unwanted pests in your home, so the first step to do when seeing such a creature lurking around is to identify it and figure out how to eliminate it and prevent further infestation. Here are some common household pests that many people encounter, including how to identify them and how to eliminate them safely and effectively.

Bed bugs

The bed bug is an unwanted pest that most commonly attacks beds and couches, but can also be found in other places such as cars, offices, and hallways. These bugs are easily identified by their black colour with red-coloured marks on their back. Because they are nocturnal insects, you may often find them hiding in dark spaces near your bed when you wake up in the morning. Although these critters look creepy, they do not carry diseases so aren’t dangerous to human health.  However, they might cause itching if they bite, or allergic reactions if exposed to skin. Bedbugs generally feed at night and will typically hide during daylight hours; hence it is important for you to check around your bedroom thoroughly during nighttime before going to sleep and after waking up in the morning. You should be able to see reddish-brown droppings left behind by them if any bedbugs have stayed around your bed overnight. To get rid of bedbugs, you need to employ a combination of strategies. Vacuuming all crevices (including mattress seams) will remove egg casings and help reduce infestation rates over time. Sanitizing surfaces using soap and water can kill any adults or eggs remaining in hard-to-reach areas like under desks, chairs, etc. If you find yourself with a bed bug infestation it’s best to call your local pest control to see what your best course of action is. 

Mice and rats

Ever see a mouse running around your house? Mice and rats can cause real damage if they get inside. They like to chew on wood and insulation, weakening your home’s structure. If you have an infestation, you’ll likely spot droppings in your pantry or near areas where food is stored. These critters are also known for chewing on electrical wires, which could lead to fire damage or power outages. And if that isn’t scary enough, remember that rodents are also responsible for spreading many illnesses and diseases through their urine and feces. Prevention: Seal off any holes that might be allowing mice or rats into your home; keep pet food bowls away from walls, and block off access routes with heavy furniture. For example, move bookcases against entrances to prevent rodent entry underneath. You should also regularly inspect items such as cardboard boxes before bringing them into your home—and throw away anything that looks gnawed or chewed upon. Your local hardware store should carry a variety of supplies that can help deter rodents. If commercially available products do not work be sure to call a pest control service. 

Flies and mosquitos

If your home has a constant infestation of mosquitos flies, you likely have an overflowing trashcan or food-waste sitting outside. You may even be able to see a group of tiny flies hovering over it. Any amount of spilled liquids left unattended can become breeding grounds for these insects. Make sure that everything is properly sealed and covered in your kitchen, and remove any standing water from potted plants and recycle bins as soon as possible.  Also, make sure all food waste is disposed of by placing it in sealable bags and then into your compost pile immediately after cooking. Remember, once they grow accustomed to being around human settlements, they will begin moving inside homes and into containers on window sills. 

Fruit flies

The best way to kill fruit flies is to get rid of any excess food and garbage. Also, make sure your drains aren’t clogged, or that you have enough screens on your windows so flies can’t get inside. If you’re still having a hard time controlling them, use special fly traps with a sugary liquid bait that they won’t be able to resist! Fruit flies are attracted to rotting fruit whether that’s in your fruit bowl or your bin. A great DIY fruit fly trap is to combine some white vinegar, 2 tsp of brown sugar and a squirt of dish soap in a bowl or container and set it out on the countertop. 

Cockroaches

If you ever see a cockroach in your home, don’t freak out. Cockroaches are unpleasant, but they don’t carry disease and aren’t usually associated with an increased risk of allergies. Nonetheless, it is important to make sure these bugs don’t get comfortable in your home. The best way to prevent cockroaches is to keep food in sealed containers, remove cardboard from the home, vacuum and wipe all spills and crumbs and monitor cool, humid dark places such as under your kitchen sink for signs of cockroaches. 

Termites

These are most commonly found in older homes but can appear in newer homes if there has been previous water damage. They can eat through your walls and even foundations, causing significant structural damage and expense to remove them. Signs of termites include buckled paint, hollow-sounding floorboards or walls, swarms of flying insects outside your home and the presence of frass – a black waste product produced by termites. Termites can cause extensive structural damage to your house and furniture so it’s important that you get it looked at right away. You should seek advice from a pest control professional as soon as possible if you think you have termites or other wood-eating insects. 

What should I do if I have a pest problem?

If you think you have a pest problem the best course of action is to try and identify what pests you have in your home. If you’re not sure contact your local pest control service immediately and they should be able to inspect your property. At Ivey’s Carpet Cleaning and Pest Control, we have a range of pest control options to suit everyone. We are a local family-owned and operated business that services the Fraser Coast area including Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Tiaro and surrounds. Contact us today on 0428 420 667 or fill in our form here for a FREE quote