Even the word “infestation” is enough to give most home owners nightmares! As spring approaches, it is especially important that you remain vigilant about the home; the sooner you can spot and deal with an infestation, the better as you will be able to limit the damage (if any), not to mention that infestations are much easier to handle in the early stages.
What: woodworm is not a worm at all, but the term is used to describe a collection of beetles. The most common types of woodworm are the furniture beetle, house longhorn beetle and the infamous deathwatch beetle.
Why: woodworm bore into wood and can cause serious structural damage to a home.
How: you can identify a possible woodworm problem by looking for holes in wood, fine powder (wood dust), weak or crumbling wood and the presence of dead beetles are all signs of woodworm. If you spot these, don’t panic; either attempt to treat yourself or call a specialist.
What: rats and mice are among one of the most common uninvited guests.
Why: rodents can cause structural damage while nesting, and they are undoubtedly a hygiene hazard as they can spread disease. However, the most serious risk is from rodents chewing through pipes, plastic and wires. It’s not uncommon for them to chew through electric wires, water and waste pipes of white goods such as dishwashers and washing machines, causing serious problems.
How: If you suspect a rodent infestation, watch out for droppings, crumbs on the floor, holes in walls and nibbled packaging (rodents love dry goods such as cereals and crackers!). If you find any evidence, call a trusted local pest control service for advice.
What: woodlice and silverfish are both fans of damp conditions.
Why: woodlice hang around damp wood and can create havoc on indoor and outdoor plants. Silverfish, meanwhile, love nothing more than to find damp spots and munch through them, wallpaper, adhesive and all.
How: Both are easily treated with insecticide. The best way to deal with them is to treat the problem then get rid of the cause (the damp).
What: ants can be a problem in summer, particularly if you have children and so there are a few crumbs of food in and around your home.
Why: most ants can’t actually do serious damage, they’re just not particularly hygienic therefore not pleasant house mates.
How: You will know if you have an ant problem! There are a range of pesticides available to get rid of ants. You can deter them by sprinkling cloves, cinnamon and pepper at the point where they are accessing your home; washing powder is also used to some success, as they carry it back to their nests and it acts as a poison. Ants have a very sweet tooth. Reduce the likelihood of an ant infestation by keeping your floors swept nice and clean and not enticing with crumbs!
Do you have uninvited guests that you can’t get rid of? Call a trusted pest control specialist for advice and a free quote.
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