You consider your house to be home. But it’s understandable if you don’t want it to be a breeding ground for pests as well. Whether you want to implement preventative pest control measures or you are dealing with an existing pest infestation in your home, doing your research on ways to prevent pests and rodents can save you time, money, and energy. Protect your home from harmful pests by using the tips indicated below.
Pests and rodents are more than just a nuisance; they can have serious consequences for your health and the health of your family. This is why bug and insect prevention is critical in preventing pest infestations in homes, businesses, schools, and any other place where humans live, work or play. Keeping your home pest-free is essential for a variety of reasons.
Common pests found in homes
Some pests can cause internal damage to your home. Here are the top five pests that can cause damage to your home here in the Philippines:
1. Termites (Anay)
Termites are a despised pest that is also notorious for causing costly damage to homes. Termites can eat straight through wood, causing significant property damage. Because termites can cause damage so quickly, contacting an expert at the first sign of damage is critical to avoiding major problems.
2. Rodents or Rats (Daga)
Rodents come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common ones in your home are mice and rats. Rodents also have a habit of chewing through various materials in your home, making them an expensive pest to deal with. However, rodents are particularly dangerous because they can transmit a variety of diseases to humans. Because they are larger, they can be more difficult to catch.
3. Ants (Langgam)
Ants are a very common household pest. While ants are very small, there are undoubtedly many more where there is one. There are also different types of ants, such as carpenter ants, fire ants, and sugar ants, each with its own set of irritating characteristics. Carpenter ants are particularly dangerous because they can chew into wooden structures to build nests.
4. Cockroaches (Ipis)
Cockroaches are another common offender, and while you may only see one at a time, they are extremely adept at hiding. Cockroaches can contaminate food, destroy fabric and paper, and cause surface stains. Bug sprays don’t always work as a long-term solution for these bugs because they are larger than most of the others on this list, but traps can be used to manage an infestation.
5. Honeybees (Bubuyog/Pukyutan)
Honeybees are an important part of the environment and produce honey for you to enjoy, but if they get into your home without your knowledge, they can be a costly pest to deal with. Hives, wax, and honey can be extremely difficult to deal with and frequently necessitate the hiring of a specialist who can remove hives without causing additional damage. Hives can also attract other pests such as rodents and moths.
Damage caused by these pests to your home
Pests can cause significant damage to various parts of your home, making it critical to address any pest issues as soon as possible. Some pests can even cause serious structural damage to your home, which can cost thousands of pesos to repair so you might need ways to prevent pests and rodents immediately to save you from cost.
Pests can cause damage to the following areas of your home:
1. Roof Deterioration
Pests, especially rodents, and termites, can cause extensive damage to your roof. They can damage shingles, cracks as well as holes in your roof, and wires and pipes running through your attic. Your home becomes more vulnerable to water damage with each crack and hole in your roof. When water leaks through your roof, it causes mold, mildew, rot, and fried electrical wiring, all of which can cause a fire. Rafters, ceiling joists, and wall framing can all be damaged by water. Repairing all of this damage will cost a lot of money.
2. Damage to the Foundation
Your foundation is crucial because it supports your home’s walls, floors, and roof. Carpenter ants and termites are attracted to wood foundations. When the foundation is damaged and not repaired, the rest of your home may suffer as well. Not only can insects cause damage to your foundation, but so can water and excessive moisture.
3. Insulation Damage
Insects and rodents that have made your insulation in their new home will cause it to deteriorate. However, when holes are chewed through insulation, air passes through, making your heater or AC unable to keep up with the changing temperatures in your home. Rodent urine allows mold and rots to permeate your attic and walls’ insulation.
4. Damage to a Hardwood Floor
The most common reason for replacing hardwood floors is insect damage. Ants and termites are the most common offenders. They slip through the gaps into the wood, either to eat it or to hollow it out for nesting purposes.
Try these 6 pest-control tips
Don’t let pests take over your home this summer, especially in the Philippines, where the weather is hot and humid. Keep these simple and effective solutions on hand so that you can respond quickly if a pest problem arises. Here are some general ways to prevent pests and rodents from your home.
Read also: Bria homes – 5 Simple tips to keep the pests away for more pest control tips.
1. Remove all food, water, and shelter sources.
Pests are constantly on the lookout for food, water, and shelter. Pests will be discouraged from entering and staying in your home if you deny them those necessities.
2. Food should be stored in tightly sealed plastic or glass containers.
To deter pests, store food in airtight containers whenever possible. Cooked foods should be refrigerated, preferably in airtight containers. Glass is your best rodent repellent. Food scraps should be disposed of in trash cans with tight lids.
3. Fix any leaking plumbing.
Who would have thought that your plumbing could be the source of so many insects and rodents living inside your home? To avoid pest infestations, make sure your plumbing system and all of its fixtures are regularly inspected, serviced, and repaired. Avoid allowing water to accumulate anywhere in the home. Allow no water to collect in trays beneath your houseplants or refrigerator.
4. Remove clutter because it provides places for pests to breed and hide.
The more cluttered the environment, the easier it is to find a good hiding spot. Pests are also aware of this universal truth because they instinctively seek out safe places to nest and breed without being disturbed. So, if you have a habit of piling up useful and useless items in your home, don’t be surprised if some pests have “moved in” to live among the clutter. One of the ways to prevent pests and rodents is to remove items such as stacks of newspapers, magazines, or cardboard.
5. Seal off any entry and hiding points for pests.
When you’re looking for all of the potential entry points for pests, keep an eye out for small, unsealed gaps where electrical lines and pipes enter your home. These small gaps are ideal for bugs, mice, and other pests. Caulk cracks and crevices around cabinets and baseboards, for example. Fill gaps around pipes with steel wool. Fill any gaps with wire mesh.
6. Learn about your pests and your pest-control options.
Pests range in size and shape, from ants and cockroaches to rodents and more. To find an effective solution, you must first determine which pest you are dealing with. Different species require different strategies at times. Once the pest has been identified, other sources of information can be used to determine the best management strategy like these ways to prevent pests and rodents that you might find on the internet nowadays.
Although pest infestations refer to a variety of situations, some are more serious than others and will necessitate professional intervention. If you have pests in or around your home, the first step should be to determine what kind of pests you have, how widespread they are, and where they are. And occasionally, you may have a pest problem that is difficult to manage on your own. When this occurs, it is critical to contact a reputable pest control company in your area. Bria homes – Top Home Services for your Bria House and Lot is dedicated to protecting residential buildings and homes while providing quality services.
In conclusion on ways to prevent pests and rodents, the most important part of dealing with and preventing pest infestations is constantly being vigilant. Keep your home as clean as possible, and don’t forget about the areas you don’t see or use very often. If you don’t know how to get rid of pests properly, the situation can easily get worse instead of better and as always, Don’t be afraid to hire a professional to assist you with your pest control needs.
Written by Mark Anthony Seña