Household pests are a nuisance that many of us have encountered. From tiny ants marching across the kitchen counter to mice scurrying through the loft, these unwelcome guests can cause damage and spread disease. Understanding how to prevent and deal with the most common household pests can help maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable home.
Ants
Identification
Ants are small insects that can invade homes in large numbers, particularly during the warmer months. They are often seen in kitchens, attracted by food residues.
Prevention
Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal any cracks and crevices in walls, windows, and doors.
Cleanliness: Keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
Remove Attractants: Ensure bins are covered and emptied regularly.
Dealing with Ants
Natural Remedies: Sprinkle cinnamon, coffee grounds, or vinegar at entry points.
Commercial Baits: Worker ants carry ant bait back to the nest, effectively eliminating the colony.
Professional Help: If an infestation is severe, contact Stratton Pest Control. Our team employs safe and advanced techniques to eliminate ants from your home.
Mice and Rats
Identification
Mice and rats are larger pests known for gnawing on wires, furniture, and food. They leave droppings and can spread diseases like Hantavirus and Leptospirosis.
Prevention
Seal Gaps: Block any holes or gaps in walls, floors, and foundations.
Food Storage: Store food in metal or glass containers with tight lids.
Declutter: Keep storage areas tidy and avoid piling up newspapers or cardboard.
Dealing with Mice and Rats
Traps: Use snap traps or humane traps to capture rodents.
Poison: Rodenticides are effective but should be used cautiously, especially around pets and children.
Professional Extermination: Persistent problems may require professional pest control services. Stratton Pest Control use a combination of traps, exclusion techniques, and preventative measures to ensure the welfare of rats and mice.
Cockroaches
Identification
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that hide in dark, moist places during the day. They can contaminate food and spread illnesses like Salmonella.
Prevention
Sanitation: Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, floors, and appliances.
Eliminate Water Sources: Fix leaking taps and pipes, and avoid leaving standing water.
Seal Cracks: Block any potential entry points.
Dealing with Cockroaches
Insecticides: Use baits, sprays, and traps specifically designed for cockroaches.
Natural Deterrents: Diatomaceous earth or boric acid can be effective.
Professional Services: For large infestations, a pest control professional is recommended. Stratton Pest Control employs safe and advanced techniques to eliminate cockroaches from your premises.
Spiders
Identification
While most spiders in the UK are harmless, their presence can be unsettling. Common species include the house spider and the cellar spider.
Prevention
Declutter: Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots.
Seal Entry Points: Close gaps and cracks in walls, windows, and doors.
Regular Cleaning: Vacuum regularly to remove webs and potential prey.
Dealing with Spiders
Natural Repellents: Essential oils like peppermint or citrus can deter spiders.
Manual Removal: Use a glass and a piece of paper to safely remove spiders.
Spider Traps: Glue traps can help monitor and reduce spider populations.
Professional Services: For larger infestations or for people with a fear of spiders, Stratton Pest Control are more than happy to help. Our team employs effective and comprehensive spider removals for your home.
Flies
Identification
Flies, such as houseflies and fruit flies, are common in households and can spread diseases.
Prevention
Waste Management: Keep bins covered and dispose of waste regularly.
Food Storage: Store food properly and clean up spills promptly.
Screen Doors and Windows: Install screens to keep flies out while allowing fresh air in.
Dealing with Flies
Fly Traps: Use flypaper, UV light traps, or commercial fly traps to catch flies.
Natural Remedies: Herbs like basil, mint, and lavender can repel flies.
Insecticides: Use sprays or foggers specifically designed for flies, following safety instructions.
Professional Services: For infestations that are more substantial, contact Stratton Pest Control. Our team deploy targeted treatments that focus on fly hotspots to remove and prevent fly infestations.
Silverfish
Identification
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that thrive in damp, dark environments. They feed on paper, fabric, and starchy foods.
Prevention
Reduce Humidity: Use dehumidifiers and ensure good ventilation in damp areas like bathrooms and basements.
Seal Entry Points: Close off cracks and crevices in walls and floors.
Proper Storage: Store books, papers, and fabrics in sealed containers.
Dealing with Silverfish
Natural Deterrents: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth or cedar shavings in affected areas.
Baits and Traps: Use commercial silverfish baits or sticky traps.
Professional Assistance: Severe infestations may require the expertise of pest control professionals. Stratton Pest Control employs safe and ethical techniques to eliminate silverfish.
Bed Bugs
Identification
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, typically at night. Signs of an infestation include itchy bites, blood spots on bedding, and tiny dark faecal spots.
Prevention
Inspect Second-hand Items: Carefully examine second-hand furniture, bedding, and luggage for signs of bed bugs.
Regular Cleaning: Wash and dry bedding at high temperatures and vacuum mattresses and carpets regularly.
Protective Covers: Use bed bug-proof mattress and pillow covers.
Dealing with Bed Bugs
Heat Treatment: Wash infested items in hot water and use a high-heat dryer.
Insecticides: Use bed bug sprays and powders according to the instructions.
Professional Extermination: Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate, so professional pest control services are often necessary. Stratton Pest Control provides comprehensive steam treatments to fully eradicate bed bug infestations.
Woodlice
Identification
Woodlice are small, greyish crustaceans that prefer damp, decaying organic matter. They are usually harmless but can be a sign of excessive moisture in the home.
Prevention
Reduce Moisture: Improve ventilation and use dehumidifiers to reduce dampness.
Seal Entry Points: Close gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
Remove Decaying Material: Clear away leaves, wood, and other organic debris near the house.
Dealing with Woodlice
Natural Repellents: Diatomaceous earth can be effective in reducing woodlice.
Manual Removal: Sweep or vacuum up woodlice and dispose of them outside.
Professional Services: For persistent issues, consult with a pest control expert. Stratton Pest Control offer specialist woodlice treatments for homes.
Keeping household pests at bay involves a combination of preventive measures, cleanliness, and prompt action when an infestation occurs. Regular maintenance, proper storage of food and waste, and sealing potential entry points are crucial steps in preventing pests from making your home theirs. For severe infestations, professional pest control services are the most effective way to ensure a pest-free environment. By taking these steps, you can protect your home and family from the discomfort and potential health risks posed by common household pests.
Stratton Pest Control offer comprehensive pest removal services for all of the pests mentioned in this blog. If you have any pest problems in your home, contact Stratton Pest Control today!
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