Love is in the air during the month of February as you celebrate your relationship with heart-shaped balloons, candies and flowers. Even during the ‘season of romance’ it’s fair to say that we’ll never have that type of relationship with the pests that enter our home.
“Nobody enjoys encountering pests in and around their home,” said Jerry Lazarus, third-generation owner of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. “Some can pose significant health risks, such as cockroaches and mice, while others – like spiders – can be just plain creepy.”
Braman wants to prepare you to face these top four offenders in unwanted home pest problems:
- Bed bugs: According to an NPMA survey, one out of five Americans has experienced a bed bug infestation or knows someone who has encountered these despised pests. Avoiding these pests requires properly inspecting hotel rooms, leaving suitcases on bathroom tile, looking for traces of bed bug signs before settling in; and, carefully unpacking upon return to ensure no bed bugs hitched a ride home in your suitcase.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches spread bacteria and pathogens by picking up germs on the spines of their legs and transferring them onto food and preparation surfaces. They can also exacerbate allergies and trigger asthma attacks in those with a cockroach allergen sensitivity. The best advice for cockroach control is to practice good sanitation by vacuuming often and keeping a spotless kitchen. It’s also important to eliminate moisture build up around the home.
- Mice: An infestation of mice in your home can have a serious impact on your family’s health and well-being. Mice are constantly urinating and defecating, contaminating every surface they touch. Disease and bacteria are easily tracked across appliances, counter tops and utensils on their paws and fur. Some ways to prevent mice is to store food in metal and glass containers, don’t leave pet food out overnight, and be sure to trim back vines and shrubs close to your home that can damage building materials and create entry points.
- Spiders: The common house spider is usually the spider most often encountered indoors. To prevent common house spiders from entering the home, seal cracks and use screens on windows and doors. Use a vacuum to remove adults, egg sacs and webs (not blowtorches!).
If you suspect you have an infestation, Braman Termite & Pest Elimination is here to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment. Make an appointment online or call us at 800-338-6757.