Common Household Pests: Identification and Effective Control Methods

Household pests are a common concern for homeowners worldwide. From rodents scurrying through walls to insects invading your kitchen, many of these pests can turn the comfort of your home into a source of stress. Understanding the most common pests will help you identify the issues they create and the solutions to get rid of them.

The most common pests in households include rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, and flies. Each has their habits and preferred environments, which can influence how you manage their presence. By being proactive with pest control, you save money, time, and damage to your property. 

Identifying Common Household Pests

The most effective way to identify household pests for more effective management begins with observation. You must notice the physical features of the pest and try to understand their behavior. These are some of the categories to help you distinguish these pests:

Insects and Arachnids

Both species are ever-present in most households, with several specimens causing multiple problems. Cockroaches are pretty standard; they are often brown or black and showcase a long pair of antennae alongside a flattened body. They love to nest in dark, damp areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Ants also invade living spaces, mostly looking for food. You can tell them apart by their segmented bodies, small size, and penchant for traveling in trails. Bedbugs are also notorious in most homes. Their small size makes them easy to overlook. Depending on your house’s location, you’ll likely deal with mosquitoes, moths, and other insects, especially if you have a backyard.

Last but not least is the Spider, which is a predator to most insects. Their presence can be beneficial for a while, but their reproductive rate can turn them into another pest that will fill your house with cobwebs in every corner in no time.

Rodents and Mammals

Rodents such as mice and rats are prevalent in most households. Mice are usually shorter in size, with grey colors and long tails. They nest in walls or attics, usually drawn by nearby food supply. Rats, on the other hand, are larger and look to settle in dark spaces such as basements or right below kitchen appliances. 

Squirrels are another common pest; they are prone to take over loft spaces or attics. Their bushy tail can identify them. Last, we have the raccoon, often called the “trash panda.” These mammals have nocturnal habits, and they tend to set shop in any place they can find food; they are about the size of a small dog, and you can quickly identify them by their bandit-like mask made of fur.

Strategies for Prevention and Control

Effective prevention and control of household pests begin with proper sanitation and the right control measures. Once you understand what you’re dealing with, you’ll better grasp the measures to apply to keep a pest-free home. Follow the practices listed below, and you’ll have the upper hand:

Home Sanitation

• Wipe flat surfaces when dirty, and ensure no crumbs or spills on tables.
• Make sure all garbage bins are tightly sealed and emptied frequently 
• Store all food items in airtight containers to create barriers
• Take care of all entry points by sealing cracks, crevices, and gaps in your walls, doors, and windows
• Keep a tidy garden, trim vegetation, and clear away any debris.

Physical and Chemical Control Measures for a Pest Free Home

If any of the mentioned pests have already taken over your household, you can implement physical measures to keep them at bay. Chemical measures should always be a last resort. Choose one of the strategies listed below:

• Use traps for insect and rodents, either sticky traps or snap traps. Make sure to check them frequently.
• Use natural repellents like diatomaceous earth, essential oils, or other deterrents.
• If none of these works, choose a targeted pesticide and follow the application instructions as stated on the label.

If the issue persists you must consult a professional to help you deal with the problem. 

Taking Care of Your Pest Control Issues

As you try all the mentioned methods to identify and deal with pests, you can be overwhelmed, especially if multiple pests have taken over your household. For such cases, the best thing to do is to call in the professionals.
If you’re in Texas, Critter Stop can help you. This pest control agency has built a fantastic reputation online with multiple positive reviews thanks in no small part to high-quality work and excellent customer service. Call them at (214) 234-2616 for a free inspection. Remember! Timely action can save you from larger infestations in the long run!