Pests wreak havoc in homes, and some carry diseases. They also spoil food and damage fabric and paper. Prevent them by storing dry foods in airtight containers and sanitizing shelves regularly. Use boric acid to dust tiny cracks and crevices, and set glue traps around kitchen cabinets.

Social insects like ants raid pantry goods; beetles feast on rotting organic matter; and flies breed in decaying waste of plant or animal origin.

Ants

Not only do ants spoil your home’s food supply, but they can also cause structural damage to your house. In addition, depending on the species, these insects can carry germs and contaminate food.

Keep ants away by storing foods in tightly sealed containers and scrubbing kitchen surfaces frequently to remove sticky residue, especially from honey bottles and syrup jars. Use trashcans with tight lids and liners, and clean up spilled food immediately.

Ants invade homes for food, water, warmth or refuge from weather conditions. You may notice ant infestations around doors and windows, as they can get in through these cracks. Other signs of an ant infestation are sawdust or small oval or D-shaped exit holes in the bark of firewood logs.

Cockroaches

A cockroach’s ability to survive and thrive in any environment where food, water and shelter are available makes them an annoying household pest. They can also trigger asthma and allergies, spread diseases through their poop and eggs, and contaminate foods.

Cockroaches enter homes looking for food and water sources and are attracted to crumbs and spills in kitchens and dirty dishes left on countertops. The best way to limit roach infestations is to keep a clean home and regularly wipe down countertops, store food in sealed containers, and frequently take out trash.

Citrus County pest control experts will close entry points by affixing door sweeps and sealing cracks around the foundation, exterior walls, windows, holes used for pipes, and crawl space vents. Outdoor foliage should be kept from the house, and a dehumidifier can address basement moisture.

Termites

Not to be outdone by ants or cockroaches, termites are the most destructive household pests. They cause $5 billion in damage yearly, consuming wood and weakening structures. They also contaminate food, destroy fabric and paper, and can spread germs such as salmonella, hepatitis C, and streptococcus.

Signs of a termite infestation include hollow-sounding wood, mud foraging tubes, and peeling paint. You may also hear clicking as soldiers bang their heads against wood to signal danger. Infestations often start in damp crawl spaces.

To treat a termite infestation, spray boric acid or use termiticide foam. You can also try using beneficial nematodes, natural parasites that kill termites as they eat them. They are available online and at most garden centers.

Mice

Mice are another common household pest that can be a major nuisance. They cause damage by chewing and contaminating food, spreading germs, and leaving droppings throughout the home. These rodents can also carry diseases like salmonella and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can be fatal. They’re typically active at night and leave a greasy trail near baseboards and walls resembling handprints.

To keep mice away from the house, homeowners should seal any gaps or cracks they find in basements, attics and crawl spaces. They should also vacuum and sweep regularly, wipe down counters and store food in airtight containers. And be sure to trim back shrubs and branches that may offer mice shelter. If these prevention measures fail, many ways exist to remove mice from the house.

Rats

Rats are a serious pest that can cause health problems and property damage. They carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to people, including salmonella, typhus, and more. They also gnaw on wires, wood, and insulation, leading to costly repairs.

They love to hide in debris-filled spaces and can enter homes through gaps and chinks in doors and walls. Keeping yards and sheds clear of piles of debris, trash, or wood will prevent rats from hiding nearby.

Suppose you see signs of a rat infestation, such as droppings and gnaw marks on paper, cardboard, or plastic. Rats can breed quickly, meaning a small problem can get out of control.