Insects and rodents have been invading homes for centuries. If the conditions are right, pests will waste no time building a habitat on your property. If an infestation persists, you become more at risk of disease and illness. Some pests cause catastrophic structural damage to houses.
Investing in pest control for your home is a wise decision. Read on to learn more about some of the pests in the local area and why Go-Forth Home Services is a top choice for pest control in Fredericksburg.
Types Of Pests That Enter Homes
Pests of all kinds infest local homes throughout the year. Depending on the animal or insect, they may make their way into your home for a number of reasons. One main reason is a readily-available food source. Scraps, crumbs, or improperly stored food items lure critters in. Standing water from leaking pipes and moist areas also attract pests. Depending on the season and climate, pests may move indoors to take shelter from extreme weather conditions.
Here are some of the most common pests found in the local area:
- Rodents (mice and rats)
- Cockroaches
- Stinging insects (bees, wasps, and hornets)
- Crickets
- Ants
- Termites
- Spiders
- Silverfish
- Mosquitoes
- Ticks
- Bed bugs
Because of the risks associated with these invaders, it's essential to implement a proven pest control plan to keep your family safe.
Household Pests Can Be Dangerous
Both insects and rodents are known carriers of bacteria and diseases, some of which are extremely harmful and could result in a trip to the emergency room. Stinging or biting insects can inject poisonous venom into victims, resulting in an extreme reaction or allergy attack. Even insects like ants that seem relatively harmless can contaminate your food when they come in contact with it. Just the presence of bugs or rodents in your home can aggravate allergies and trigger asthma attacks. Blood-feeding pests like bed bugs are extremely difficult to get rid of and have both physical and psychological consequences when they take over homes.
In addition to carrying and spreading disease, pests cause major structural damage to homes. A termite infestation that goes unnoticed could weaken your home's wooden framing and lead to a collapse. Mice and rats also chew through wood and electrical wiring, causing a huge fire risk. Taking measures to prevent infestation and investing in quality pest control services greatly reduces your chances of dealing with an out-of-control insect or rodent problem.
Five Effective Pest Prevention Tips
Here are several suggestions to help keep pests away from your home:
- Cut Off Access: Seal all gaps and cracks in your exterior walls. Make sure all window and door screens are free of holes. Keep doors and windows closed whenever possible.
- Remove Water and Moisture: Repair all roof and pipe leaks. Remove standing water sources from around your property, like birdbaths and tarps. Use a dehumidifier in moist areas of your home, like the basement and attic.
- Proper Food Storage: Keep all food stored in airtight containers with lids that lock. Clean your kitchen frequently and wipe up all scraps and crumbs. Don't leave pet food out overnight and keep it stored in a container.
- Keep Your Yard Maintained: Trim back all trees and shrubs with branches too close to your house. Mow your lawn regularly and remove tall grass. Remove old or dead trees that have rotted.
- Declutter Your Space: Throw away old cardboard boxes and paper goods in your storage spaces; also, store clothing in vacuum-sealed bags or plastic containers.
Taking these steps to pest-proof your home, combined with routine professional pest control services, ensures insects and rodents stay out of your way.
The Best Form Of Pest Control In Fredericksburg
Go-Forth Home Services has been a trusted provider of residential pest control services for decades. Our comprehensive, affordable treatment plans get rid of insects and rodents and keep them away for good. Give us a call today to learn more about our offerings.