Common Household Pests and How to Manage Them
What Pests to Look Out for at Home
When the seasons change, you might also find different pests around.
Pests will always find their way into your home through a crack or crevice. Most pests are unlikely to cause you major concerns, although some do carry diseases. But it can cause a great deal of concern.
For example, wasp nest removal services are in high demand at this time of year. Conversely, you don't see many spiders inside as they seek shelter during the colder months. Let’s look at some of the most common.
Spiders
Perhaps the original creepy crawly, the sight of a spider often leaves people running for safety.
Spiders really are self-sufficient, and like dark spaces and peace. But with all its hidey holes, your home is their ideal place. They are usually found in the corners of rooms where it is dark or where there is enough room in between the walls for them to comfortably live.
Spiders can bite, and although most don’t an influx of spiders or the discovery of a spiders’ nest is really ever welcome.
Fleas
If you have cats and dogs, then fleas are inevitable at some point. These pests might be tiny, but they jump around a lot and like to bite, especially during the summer. You really don't want these pests in your home.
Fleas lay eggs in soft furnishings and even if you don’t see the fleas themselves, the eggs can still be there, laying dormant until the weather heats up. Things like regular hoovering and washing help break the fleas’ life cycle.
Genuine flea infestations are hard to control, so don’t hesitate to call a specialist if it gets to this stage.
Bees. Hornets and Wasps
Bees and wasps are drawn to sweet things, although bees only eat pollen and nectar, and depending on the species can build nests in loft spaces, trees, brickwork or holes in the ground.
But wasps and bees are also vital to our planet because they pollinate our crops and the food we eat.
Bees’ honey can do considerable damage to the structural elements of a property while all bees, wasps and hornets will sting if provoked.
And it’s a myth that bees only sting once and die. Only honeybees die after stinging and this only applies if the creature’s skin is thick enough to trap the barbed stinger – as human skin is.
Stinging insects pose a real danger to anyone who has an allergy to stinging insects. If this applies to you, call a wasp nest removal specialist near you.
Don’t try to remove a nest yourself, and don’t block access. These methods usually fail and just agitate the stinging insects. The world needs bees and wasps, so if they don't pose a danger, then simply leave them alone.
Wasps are also part of the process of turning grapes into wine. Wasps store wild yeast in their stomachs during the colder months. So, when they feed on grapes during the summer, they help to start the fermentation process by passing on the yeast.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are flat and small, so can easily get into the smallest of spaces – luggage, handbags – and hitch a lift to wherever you are. These pests don’t transmit diseases to humans, but their bites can be hugely irritating, so we would highly recommend calling in the professionals if you think you have an impending problem.
They are hard to get rid of, and realistically you’ll need to call in a professional.
Rats
Rats are a serious pest problem. They carry many diseases, can chew through electrical cables and cause serious damage to your home's structure. Once rats are in your home, it’s extremely difficult to eradicate them. Your best bet is to call a pest control company.
Rats will make nests in rubbish and debris around your home, so always keep areas clean and remove any piles of rubbish.
You can try to remedy the situation by buying traps or shutting up entry points but for a larger problem you’ll need to call a professional pest control company. An expert will ensure your rat problem stays away.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with pests at home can be a frustrating and challenging experience. However, by taking proactive measures such as keeping things clean, sealing entry points and using professional pest control when necessary, you can effectively handle pest infestations.
Early detection and swift action are the key to minimising damage and ensuring a pest-free environment for you and your family.
When the seasons change, you might also find different pests around.
Pests will always find their way into your home through a crack or crevice. Most pests are unlikely to cause you major concerns, although some do carry diseases. But it can cause a great deal of concern.
For example, wasp nest removal services are in high demand at this time of year. Conversely, you don't see many spiders inside as they seek shelter during the colder months. Let’s look at some of the most common.
Spiders
Perhaps the original creepy crawly, the sight of a spider often leaves people running for safety.
Spiders really are self-sufficient, and like dark spaces and peace. But with all its hidey holes, your home is their ideal place. They are usually found in the corners of rooms where it is dark or where there is enough room in between the walls for them to comfortably live.
Spiders can bite, and although most don’t an influx of spiders or the discovery of a spiders’ nest is really ever welcome.
Fleas
If you have cats and dogs, then fleas are inevitable at some point. These pests might be tiny, but they jump around a lot and like to bite, especially during the summer. You really don't want these pests in your home.
Fleas lay eggs in soft furnishings and even if you don’t see the fleas themselves, the eggs can still be there, laying dormant until the weather heats up. Things like regular hoovering and washing help break the fleas’ life cycle.
Genuine flea infestations are hard to control, so don’t hesitate to call a specialist if it gets to this stage.
Bees. Hornets and Wasps
Bees and wasps are drawn to sweet things, although bees only eat pollen and nectar, and depending on the species can build nests in loft spaces, trees, brickwork or holes in the ground.
But wasps and bees are also vital to our planet because they pollinate our crops and the food we eat.
Bees’ honey can do considerable damage to the structural elements of a property while all bees, wasps and hornets will sting if provoked.
And it’s a myth that bees only sting once and die. Only honeybees die after stinging and this only applies if the creature’s skin is thick enough to trap the barbed stinger – as human skin is.
Stinging insects pose a real danger to anyone who has an allergy to stinging insects. If this applies to you, call a wasp nest removal specialist near you.
Don’t try to remove a nest yourself, and don’t block access. These methods usually fail and just agitate the stinging insects. The world needs bees and wasps, so if they don't pose a danger, then simply leave them alone.
Wasps are also part of the process of turning grapes into wine. Wasps store wild yeast in their stomachs during the colder months. So, when they feed on grapes during the summer, they help to start the fermentation process by passing on the yeast.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are flat and small, so can easily get into the smallest of spaces – luggage, handbags – and hitch a lift to wherever you are. These pests don’t transmit diseases to humans, but their bites can be hugely irritating, so we would highly recommend calling in the professionals if you think you have an impending problem.
They are hard to get rid of, and realistically you’ll need to call in a professional.
Rats
Rats are a serious pest problem. They carry many diseases, can chew through electrical cables and cause serious damage to your home's structure. Once rats are in your home, it’s extremely difficult to eradicate them. Your best bet is to call a pest control company.
Rats will make nests in rubbish and debris around your home, so always keep areas clean and remove any piles of rubbish.
You can try to remedy the situation by buying traps or shutting up entry points but for a larger problem you’ll need to call a professional pest control company. An expert will ensure your rat problem stays away.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with pests at home can be a frustrating and challenging experience. However, by taking proactive measures such as keeping things clean, sealing entry points and using professional pest control when necessary, you can effectively handle pest infestations.
Early detection and swift action are the key to minimising damage and ensuring a pest-free environment for you and your family.
