Nearly every article about basic pest prevention stresses this key point: keep your home clean. This seems like common sense. 当然, a cluttered home with dirty dishes in the sink 和 crumbs on the floor is more likely to get a pest control problem. So how come clean 和 tidy homes can also have pest issues?
If you’ve found yourself in this frustrating situation, don’t stress--it is not a reflection on your cleaning abilities. Below, we’ll explain some of the reasons why clean homes get 虫害 和 provide tips for what to do about it.
1. They’re getting in through gaps.
Pests are pros at finding a way into homes, 和 you might be making it easier for them than you think. 记住: 老鼠 can squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel, 和 the average rat can fit through a hole the size of a quarter. 蟑螂 和 蜘蛛 need significantly less space than that.
Here are some of the most common pest entry points:
- Open windows 和 doors
- Holes in window 和 door screens
- Gaps under exterior doors
- Holes in your home’s exterior meant for pipes 和 cables
- Vents 和 gaps around vents
- Gaps around window AC units
Sometimes it’s difficult to determine exactly where pests are getting in, especially after you’ve taken the time to repair screens, 密封的窗户, 和 install sweeps under your exterior doors. That’s when you should involve a 十大网赌靠谱平台网站专家 to help you get to the root of the problem.
2. They hitched a ride on your clothing or luggage.
臭虫 are hitchhikers no one wants, 但不幸的是, thous和s of people bring them home unknowingly every year--和 not just from hotels. Aside from overnight lodgings, some other common places where you might pick up bed bugs include buses, 飞机, 火车, 零售商店, 还有电影院.
臭虫 spread by crawling 和 attaching onto clothing, furniture, linens, 和 luggage. Even though these bloodsucking pests don’t spread disease, their bites are itchy 和 can be quite painful, especially in large numbers. Trust us: you would much rather take steps to prevent an infestation than deal with an existing one.
3. They stowed away with your groceries.
It’s not pleasant to think about, 但是是的, your grocery store (or their supplier) could have a pest control problem, which could spread to your home. Here are some precautions you should take:
- Avoid produce if flies are buzzing around it--this a sign that they’ve laid eggs in it.
- Don’t buy something if you can see that the packaging has been clawed, chewed, or torn in any way.
- Once you get home, immediately wash your produce.
- Store your dry goods in airtight containers right away 和 check for any signs of 储藏室害虫.
- If you find bugs in your groceries, tie the contaminated food up in a bag 和 discard it in your outdoor garbage can.
4. They’re smelling unsealed food.
如上所述, one of the first things you should do after coming home with groceries is to store your food in airtight containers. Pests prefer a dark place to hide, so clear containers are ideal because they let in the most light. When food isn’t in a sealed container, it’s really easy for insects 和 啮齿动物 to catch the scent of something delicious. 蚂蚁, in particular, are masters at seeking out food, as they have four to five times more odor receptors than most other insects.
5. They’re attracted to your pet’s food.
Your dog’s bowl might have their name on it, but to a mouse or a 蟑螂这是一顿免费的饭. Although it might be a little disruptive to your pet at first, we recommend establishing meal times for them so that you can avoid leaving their food out all day 和 all night. Plus, you don’t want pests contaminating the food, so it’s best to put it away when they’re not eating. Also, make sure your pet’s food supply is stored in a hard, sealed container!
6. They’ve crawled up through your plumbing.
This is the possibility that no one wants to think about, 但是是的, it does happen. 老鼠的 incredible swimming 和 climbing abilities allow them to travel from the city sewer into your home’s plumbing 和 up into your toilet. 类似的, when the city performs sewer maintenance, this can frighten 蟑螂es into seeking a safe haven in your plumbing system. From there, if they don’t get washed back down to the sewer, they can crawl out of your drains.
With 鼠尾草病虫害防治, you can expect thorough inspections, 免费的估计, year-round protection, 和 GreenPro 和 QualityPro certified professionals. 在线十大网赌排行榜 或者打电话给我们 (704) 413-3398 to schedule your appointment today.