Far too many homeowners underestimate the potential adverse impact that pests have once they infiltrate your home. While many pests are considered to be more of a nuisance, many others pose risks to human health and may create costly property damage. In many cases, individuals will initially detect a somewhat minor pest-related problem and fail to take sufficient action.
Many of the most common pests in the Houston region can breed rapidly and expand their presence. Some of these unwanted creatures become deeply entrenched within interior walls, below floorboards, and in crawlspaces. In a matter of weeks, what began as a minimal concern has developed into a full-blown infestation.
At the core of these health concerns is determining how to control pests in your home. Clearly, many preventative measures can be employed to limit the likelihood of a pest invasion; however, once they are indoors, the best solution is to speak with a local pest control professional. Other options such as home remedies for pest control and home pest control products are nowhere near as reliable.
What Types Of Pests Are The Most Dangerous?
While some types of pests, including flies, ladybugs, and silverfish, are primarily nuisance pests, others may pose a danger. Among the most problematic categories of pests are parasites, which include fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Parasites travel among hosts that commonly include humans and warm-blooded animals, consuming their blood and potentially transmitting diseases including tularemia, Zika virus, Lyme disease, and others.
Rodents are another category of pests that are known for operating as opportunistic scavengers that burrow through trash, sewers, and other areas of filth and have exposure to parasites. Among the most common in this region include mice and rats, which are associated with leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and more. Making matters worse, rodents have overgrown front teeth (incisors) that cause them to constantly gnaw on things, which could be a major concern when involved with your home’s electrical wiring.
Prevention Tips: Houston Home Pest Control
Here are some recommendations for how to prepare your home for pest control:
- Limiting sources of food: Kitchen areas should be swept regularly to remove crumbs, leftovers placed in the refrigerator or durable sealed containers, and avoid leaving dirty dishes out overnight.
- Preventing standing water and excessive moisture: Promptly repair leaking spigots or plumbing, keep gutter systems clear of debris, and use dehumidifiers when needed to limit excessive humidity.
- Sealing exterior points of entry: Repair any holes in screens, install sweeps on the bases of exterior doors, and use caulk or sealant to fill cracks in the foundation.
- Minimizing exterior debris and vegetation: Keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed away from the exterior and move firewood and bird feeders away from the home.
Properly managing trash: Kitchen trash cans should have functional lids and exterior trash areas properly cleaned and maintained.
When To Contact A Professional Pest Exterminator
Avoid making the mistake of trying fabled home remedies for pest control that are generally ineffective or the store-bought home pest control products that produce typically only short-term results and may contain harsh chemicals. Contacting a licensed pest control professional is the best means of addressing these problems. A trained expert can also provide assistance with identifying existing property conditions that make you vulnerable to future pest invasions and explain how to prepare your home for pest control moving forward.
Leading Provider Of Pest Control Solutions In Houston
As a licensed Houston home pest control company, the team of technicians with All-Safe Pest & Termite has a track record of delivering results that extend back for more than 30 years. We will visit the premises, perform a detailed interior and exterior inspection, and propose the best treatment option. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.