The number of insects on the planet is many times the number of the human population. All have their role to play in the greater scheme of things but for the ordinary person, they can be an annoyance.
Insects and animals considered pests like rodents and raccoons may not pose a threat to others of their species but for us, they can contaminate foodstuffs, introduce and spread disease, and even threaten our pets. In the long run, health can take a fall and surroundings become breeding grounds for infections and worse.
Because there are so many bugs and animals considered pests, we'll be taking a general view and outline tips on how to best keep certain pests at bay. Prevention is key but if a few have already made your home theirs, you need to apply a 'cure'.
Bed bugs
Tenacious little critters, bed bugs have ingenious ways of getting into mattresses, pillows, clothes and elsewhere. You most often find them in hotels and motels but they can live virtually anywhere.
If you're worried about them, conduct a thorough cleaning of the house, furniture, upholstery and bedding. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner. Keeping surroundings clean is the best way to keep the bugs at bay especially after coming home from a vacation where they can stick to clothing, even inside buttonholes.
If you already have a bed bug problem the solution is to exterminate them. Thoroughly vacuum all the rooms and fabrics. You may have to turn the house upside down! Soak bedding, clothes and upholstery in very hot water which is the only sure way to kill them.
Since bed bugs can become a major problem fast, be prepared to call a professional exterminator. It's the only way to deal with an infestation.
Rats/mice
Rats and mice almost always find their way into people's houses. They have great survival instincts and the ability to gnaw through very tough material means it's difficult running away from them. However, there are ways to make sure they don't pose a threat to you and your home: by keeping surroundings clean and never leaving foodstuffs in the open, even crumbs.
Rats and mice, like other animals, are drawn to food and water sources. If you leave none for them to find they usually go away. Another step to take is to regularly check the entire house and surroundings for nests. Warm, dark spaces make for great nests so don't give your property a chance to harbor any.
Birds
For many, birds are more pets than pests but like other animals, they can become a problem. Droppings can contain disease-causing bacteria/viruses while creating unsightly stains on walls, rooftops and the ground.
Bird control products like electronic and sonic devices are frequently used to deter birds though they don't guarantee 100 percent bird-free surroundings. Nests, if any, should be removed and placed a distance away from the site. If you don't like the idea of disturbing the young, install control products near the nest once the birds look like they're old enough to fly. They'll very likely be forced to leave.
Lay barbed wire or pieces of glass on top of walls to prevent birds from perching. Check rafters and eaves regularly for nests. Don't set out water and food either because like animals and insects, they will be drawn to them.
Insects and animals considered pests like rodents and raccoons may not pose a threat to others of their species but for us, they can contaminate foodstuffs, introduce and spread disease, and even threaten our pets. In the long run, health can take a fall and surroundings become breeding grounds for infections and worse.
Because there are so many bugs and animals considered pests, we'll be taking a general view and outline tips on how to best keep certain pests at bay. Prevention is key but if a few have already made your home theirs, you need to apply a 'cure'.
Bed bugs
Tenacious little critters, bed bugs have ingenious ways of getting into mattresses, pillows, clothes and elsewhere. You most often find them in hotels and motels but they can live virtually anywhere.
If you're worried about them, conduct a thorough cleaning of the house, furniture, upholstery and bedding. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner. Keeping surroundings clean is the best way to keep the bugs at bay especially after coming home from a vacation where they can stick to clothing, even inside buttonholes.
If you already have a bed bug problem the solution is to exterminate them. Thoroughly vacuum all the rooms and fabrics. You may have to turn the house upside down! Soak bedding, clothes and upholstery in very hot water which is the only sure way to kill them.
Since bed bugs can become a major problem fast, be prepared to call a professional exterminator. It's the only way to deal with an infestation.
Rats/mice
Rats and mice almost always find their way into people's houses. They have great survival instincts and the ability to gnaw through very tough material means it's difficult running away from them. However, there are ways to make sure they don't pose a threat to you and your home: by keeping surroundings clean and never leaving foodstuffs in the open, even crumbs.
Rats and mice, like other animals, are drawn to food and water sources. If you leave none for them to find they usually go away. Another step to take is to regularly check the entire house and surroundings for nests. Warm, dark spaces make for great nests so don't give your property a chance to harbor any.
Birds
For many, birds are more pets than pests but like other animals, they can become a problem. Droppings can contain disease-causing bacteria/viruses while creating unsightly stains on walls, rooftops and the ground.
Bird control products like electronic and sonic devices are frequently used to deter birds though they don't guarantee 100 percent bird-free surroundings. Nests, if any, should be removed and placed a distance away from the site. If you don't like the idea of disturbing the young, install control products near the nest once the birds look like they're old enough to fly. They'll very likely be forced to leave.
Lay barbed wire or pieces of glass on top of walls to prevent birds from perching. Check rafters and eaves regularly for nests. Don't set out water and food either because like animals and insects, they will be drawn to them.
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