• Cockroaches are among the most common pests in the US, attracted to food and moisture and can spread disease.
• House mice are another common pest that can contaminate food with their feces and spread disease.
• Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on human blood, often found in mattresses and furniture.
• Ants enter homes searching for food and water and can contaminate food with feces.
• To prevent pests from entering your home, seal cracks and crevices, keep food in airtight containers, and use ant bait traps to attract and kill the ants.
Pests are a nuisance. They invade people’s homes, destroy properties, and, worst of all; they can carry diseases that pose a threat to our health. While there are many pests, some are more common than others. Here are four of the most common pests found in the United States.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in the United States. They are attracted to food and moisture, often found in kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches can cause allergies and asthma attacks, and they can also spread disease. Here are ways to get rid of cockroaches:
Seal Any Cracks
Like any pest on this list, cockroaches use any crack or crevice to enter your home. Ensure you seal off any cracks and crevices that may allow them in. There are various ways you can do this. First, take a look at your windows and doors. If you find any cracks, seal them with caulk or spray foam.
Seal Your Food Waste
Food waste is one of the biggest attractions for cockroaches. Keep your kitchen clean and all food waste properly sealed in garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
House Mice
House mice are another common pest in the United States, with millions of families spotting them inside their homes. They are attracted to homes in search of food and shelter. House mice can contaminate food with their feces, and they can also spread disease. There are various ways to prevent mice from entering your home. Here are three known ways to do that:
Install Fences
A reliable fence can help avoid a mouse infestation. A wooden fence is good enough to deter rats from entering your property. However, it’s always good to seek out wood fence alternatives. Alternatives such as metal fences are much better at keeping mice out.
Clean Up Clutter
Mice love to use clutter as shelter and hide in it when they feel threatened. Ensure that your home is free of debris, and clean up any clutter regularly. This will make it harder for them to find a hiding spot inside your home.
Use Mothballs
Mothballs are a great way to repel mice. Place them around your home’s perimeter, but remember that mothballs can be toxic and should not be used around pets or children.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are often found in mattresses and furniture, which is why they are difficult to remove once they infest a home. Bedbugs can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, and they can also spread disease. Here are two ways you can prevent a bed bug infestation:
Inspect Used Furniture
Before bringing any used furniture into your home, inspect it thoroughly for bed bugs. Bed bugs can lurk in cracks and crevices of furniture, so make sure to look closely. If you notice any bedbugs, do not bring the furniture inside your home.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming your house regularly can help get rid of and stop bed bugs from infesting your home. Make sure to vacuum furniture and carpets as often as possible. Vacuum crevices and cracks thoroughly to ensure that no bed bugs are hiding in them.
Ants
Ants are small insects that live in colonies. They enter homes in search of food and water. Ants can contaminate food with their feces, and they can also bite humans or animals. To prevent ants from entering your home, seal cracks and crevices in your walls and floors, and keep your food in airtight containers. Additionally, use ant bait traps to attract and kill the ants. Ant bait traps contain an attractant that will draw the ants in, followed by a poison that will kill them.
Pests are a nuisance that nobody wants to deal with. But unfortunately, they’re a reality for many people living in the United States. By being aware of the most common pests, you can take steps to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. And if you do find yourself dealing with a pest problem, many resources are available to help you get rid of them for good.
