How common are pest infestations? As it turns out, pest infestations are relatively common. Here we explore how common they are, what pests are and what you should do in the event of an infestation. Discover how you can prevent an infestation in the first place and how often you should have pest control come to your home.
1. Pest Infestations Are Relatively Common.
Data suggests that pest infestations are relatively common. 2019 data shows that about 14 million of the approximate 124 million occupied housing units in the United States reported seeing cockroaches in their homes. Also, nearly 14.8 million reported seeing rodents, and about 2.9 million reported seeing both cockroaches and rodents in their homes.
If you are one of the common victims of a pest control problem, Hart Pest Control can help.
2. How Do I Know if What I’m Seeing Is a Pest?
A pest is defined as any living thing or plant that harms and damages other living things. They include insects, birds and small mammals such as rodents.
If you see small, brown beetles in your kitchen or an entryway in large numbers, they may be cigarette beetles. These pests infest dry goods like cereal and flour in addition to tobacco products.
If you see ants in your home, it could be one of several types of ant species. These include pavement ants (which eat mostly sugar and grease), odorous house ants (which infest places with high humidity) or Pharaoh ants (which are very tiny).
Cockroaches are most likely seen in the kitchen, bathroom or basement of your home.
Silverfish are grayish-silver, fish-like insects found around moisture sources. If you see them, it means there is a high level of moisture somewhere in your home. You can see them crawling near paper products like books or magazines. These pests will eat organic matter, like leather book bindings and glues used in trunks & closets.
3. What Should I Do if There’s a Pest Infestation?
Experts recommend contacting pest control services within 24 hours if you spot pests in your home. Professional exterminators can inspect the area for signs of infestation, recommend specific treatments and provide tips for preventing pests in the future.
We are the professional exterminator that can inspect your home for an infestation. See how Hart Pest Control’s Residential Services can provide for you.
4. How Can I Prevent a Pest Infestation in the First Place?
Lifestyle changes, like not leaving food out or dirty dishes in the sink, can help prevent pest infestations.
Other tips include keeping food in tightly-sealed containers and taking out the garbage regularly. Also, avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight and patch holes that provide entryways for pests into your home. Clean your house regularly, including sweeping, mopping and vacuuming.
Installing mesh screens over windows and caulking small cracks in walls can also prevent bugs from entering your home.
5. How Often Should You Have Pest Control Come to Your Home?
Depending on the severity of a pest infestation, you might need to have a professional exterminator come multiple times. Some pests can quickly re-infest your home, so it’s important they don’t return. Talk with your professional exterminator to determine how often they should come.
If you’re struggling with an infestation, don’t struggle alone. Contact Hart Pest Control today.