One of the few downsides of living in a beautiful, almost-tropical location like Florida is the insects. Here is an overview of some of the most common household pests you may find in and around your home.
One of the peskiest pests headed for your home is the American cockroach. These hide in unsanitary and unclean areas and contaminate the kitchens and food with disease causing pathogens. These usually migrate indoors during the rains and often fly through windows following trails of moisture. American cockroaches find glue and starch tasty with chew marks on envelopes and book bindings indicating an infestation. If you find tiny black droppings and musty odor, then there could be an infestation.
Flies are common in summer and about 18,000 species of these insects can be seen inside homes. Aside from the buzzing and erratic flight tendencies, these flies carry diseases causing germs of typhoid and dysentery. Your garbage, if piled up, can have white worms crawling out of it. These are fly larvae that can contaminate your home.
Bees and wasps are pests that have an organic value and contribute to being nature’s clean up squad. They are valuable contributors to the eco-system and sting for their own protection! If you hear buzzing sounds near your home, search your yard and property for nests. These nests vary according to species. Some are made of mud and drilled into rotten wood while others are hanging. If you see sawdust streaking your floors, carpenter bees are probably inside your rooms.
Mosquitoes are a terrifying presence in summer, especially around gardens and pools. The females are after blood and enables them to develop eggs and breed. They are so tiny that most mosquitoes can enter your home without a hitch. Standing water, other sources of moisture and pet fur are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Ants are terrible insects that bite and cause pain. They find strength in numbers and follow a trail. You may spot them trailing along the kitchen countertop or even a baseboard in the bathroom. They often look for water and build mounds indoors with sand. Many also have a vicious sting and carpenter ants gnaw at wood coming through cracks in the foundation.
Ticks commonly attack pets at home in summers. There are over 80 species of ticks in the US alone and these cause serious illnesses such as Lyme disease. You need to check your pet’s fur coat and have them treated with tick repellents. Remember most pets that stay outdoors for longer periods can develop ticks in their bodies in the humidity, moisture and high temperature.
One of the best ways too deter insects from infesting your home is to keep your lights dim outside and spraying your patio furniture with disinfectants when you eat outside. Spills and wastes need to be removed quickly and you could try burning citronella candles to keep mosquitoes away. Ensure that firewood and leaf piles are quickly cleared and all potential sources that attract bugs are kept at bay.
Not protecting your indoors and outdoors from pests in summer can create many problems. Most of us love to enjoy the warm weather but ensure that you take all necessary precautions to protect your home from these pests.
How to Get Rid of These Pests…
Call the experts at Brothers Pest Control!