Pest infestations can disrupt your life in every aspect. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can impact your sleep, your work life, and your social life. Because they carry a number of diseases that are transmissible to humans, pests can also put the safety of you and your family at risk.
Although you may never have dealt with a pest infestation before, you can never predict when this might happen. Being prepared for the worst will enable you to tackle any type of infestation as quickly as possible. Luckily, you are already preparing yourself by reading this article!
Let us take a detailed look at three common household pests and how to get rid of them with DIY pest control techniques if they take over your home.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes might only be small, but they are one of the deadliest animals on the planet. They are also a nuisance when you are trying to relax, and they are buzzing around you non-stop!
These pesky flies are known to carry several deadly diseases, including Zika virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever, dengue, and malaria. They can pass these diseases onto you when they bite your skin and suck your blood, which is why protection and prevention are so important.
Luckily, there are plenty of effective mosquito-killing techniques that are safe to use inside your home and in your outdoor areas.
Some of the most common techniques used outdoors include backyard mosquito control systems and fogging machines, which turn liquid insecticides into a fine mist that is spayed into the surrounding area. If a mosquito flies nearby, they will die within a minute or two, leaving your home bug-free after just a few days.
If you are dealing with an indoor mosquito infestation, you can use strong insect repellents to drive them away from your home. Certain essential oils are also effective at repelling mosquitoes, such as basil, sage, peppermint, and aloe vera.
Pigeons
Pigeons and birds are some of the most disruptive household pests. Not only are they noisy and annoying, but they also like to leave their droppings here, there, and everywhere. They tend to nest in dark, warm areas, such as attics, which can make them difficult to spot.
However, you might hear strange noises coming from above when you are relaxing in your home, and you might notice an unpleasant smell radiating from your attic are (thanks to pigeon droppings).
Deterrents work well to prevent an infestation from getting any worse. You can use wire coils and spikes on your fencing and roof to keep further pigeons from entering your home. You can also use parallel wiring and netting along your roof, although you might need the help of a professional pest control technician to fit these for you.
If you have already got a nest of pigeons living rent-free in your home, you might struggle to get rid of them on your own. In most cases, you will need to call a pest control company to deal with a pigeon infestation using specialized tools, equipment, and chemicals. It is best to call the company as soon as you spot the infestation to prevent it from getting any worse.
Rodents
Rodents are pets for some people, and while they might look cute and innocent, they are not so adorable when they are running rampant in your home. Mice and rats can carry a variety of diseases that are transmissible to humans, including Salmonella, hantavirus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV).
Aside from spreading diseases, rodents can cause havoc in any building. They can chew through furniture, scratch floorboards, and leave droppings all over the place. Their sharp knee can also chew through your electrical wiring, causing it to trip and leaving you in the dark (and with a very expensive electrical repair bill).
Prevention is always better than dealing with an infestation after it is already begun. You can minimize the risk of rodent infestations by taking out the trash regularly to reduce the scent of rotting food, which can attract rats and mice from miles away.
If you have noticed mice or rats in your home, you can use rodent traps to kill them. The two main types of traps include spring-loaded traps and glue traps. The former is more humane as it kills the rodent immediately, while the former results in a slower death.
Once you have managed to get rid of a rodent infestation, you must seal any gaps where new ones could come into your home. Seal gaps with fillers, caulk, and mesh wiring to prevent them from accessing your home.
