Bugs can be found anywhere. Even if your cleaning routine is regular and constant, bug infestations may occur anyways. The reasons for that are various and in this article, we will talk about the different types of bugs, what causes them to show up and how to get rid of them.
You certainly do not want to share your home with a bunch of tiny insects. However, they don’t usually ask and find their way into random areas of the house. Having bugs and insects at home does not mean you have poor hygiene. Letting them stay and take over your place – does. Keep reading to find out what the most common types of household insects are and how to get rid of them efficiently.
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Weevils – The most common way in which weevils end up in your house is through your groceries. Adult species usually burrow into rice and other grains and lay eggs, so you may not even realise you brought in the pests until they hatch and take over your whole pantry. The easiest way to get rid of those insects is by getting rid of any unpackaged items and foods, including flour, rice, pasta, oats, and cornmeal. If you have any boxes of sealed food like soup mixes or gelatin, get rid of them too. Even though weevils do not feed on such foods, they may get into the boxes and re-emerge later. Once you get rid of all unpackaged food, clear your pantry shelves and spray the whole area with insecticide. Once the liquid is dry, restock your pantry.
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Carpet beetles – Adult carpet beetles will not cause you any harm. However, the same cannot be said for their larvae. Those can eat holes into carpets, rugs, curtains, clothing, and books. It is tricky to notice the infestation of carpet beetles before noticing the actual damage that has been caused to your property. If you have any suspicions, pay attention to the carpet cleaning routine.. Regularly vacuum and dust all surfaces, and get all your clothing, pillowcases, and everything else that is removable and can be washed, and throw it in the washing machine. If there are some items that cannot be washed at home, send them to the dry cleaner. To make sure, you can treat your rugs and carpets with insecticides that will kill larvae and prevent them from spreading.
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Centipedes – Centipedes are common visitors in most households. You will probably be surprised to find out that they are actually great at cleaning. Not actual cleaning, but getting rid of termites, moths, and cockroaches. However, those multi-legged ‘’friends’’ can be intimidating. If you find it hard to coexist with them or you just have too many of them, spray some insecticide around baseboards, doors, and windows. In order to prevent future infestations, it is best to check all cracks and crevices and seal them. Centipedes like moist environments, so you may want to get a dehumidifier as well.
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Stink Bugs – Those creatures usually live outdoors, but when the temperatures drop, they start coming inside in order to hibernate. If you get one of them inside, do not attempt to squash it. They are called stink bugs for a reason. When smashed, they emit a foul odour that, in fact, attracts more stink bugs. The best way to get rid of them is by using your vacuum cleaner. The tricky part is, that you should get rid of your vacuum bag as soon as you finish. You should also do that far away from the house to prevent the bad smell from spreading.
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Ants – Ants are tiny but relentless little creatures. They usually enter homes to look for food, water, and shelter. Baited traps may work, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, where ants are most commonly found. However, those traps are not suitable for use around pets or little children. If you would rather skip commercial products and chemicals, there are a lot of natural remedies which will help you get rid of ants. Once you do that, vacuum regularly, wipe down all surfaces every day or two, and take your rubbish out daily.
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Cockroaches – Cockroaches are probably the most common household insect that is a problem in a number of countries all around the world. If you have seen some in your house, keep in mind that there are probably much more that are unseen. These pests are not too easy to get rid of. You need to take strong and sustained action. Place insecticides under the sink, behind the toilet, alongside the refrigerator, and in other places where they may lurk (such as cupboards and drawers). Eliminate all their food sources by cleaning up right after meals and not leaving any unsealed food. Store your food supplies in sealed packages and containers and take out your rubbish daily. By regularly cleaning your kitchen, bathroom, and the other areas where cockroaches can be found, you will also reduce the chance of them returning.
For more serious pest infestations, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional company.