All homeowners dread the moment they realize their home is infested with pests! Dealing with household pests, or any insect or animal commonly found in a household structure, can be a nuisance as they are known to cause destruction to your Florida property or even to your health. Having an occasional bug make its way inside your home shouldn’t set off alarms but if it becomes a habit, this could indicate an infestation. One of the best ways to deter pests from your home is to understand the common pests in your area and the do-it-yourself measures you can place to avoid them. We breakdown the top 3 household pests in the Land o’ Lakes area and how you can prevent them!
3 Common Household Pests in the Tampa Area
Ants
While most ants don’t cause any structural damage to your home, excluding the carpenter ant, they can be annoying when they’ve invaded. There are several species of ants, such as the fire ant, Argentine ant, and odorous house ant. Once these insects invade your home, it can be difficult to control them because their colonies can be so large. Ants typically enter homes because there are food and water sources available to them. To prevent ants from invading your Tampa home, consider these tips:
- Keep your kitchen clean of food crumbs and drink spills by wiping your countertops after cooking, sweeping your floors, and cleaning appliances regularly.
- Empty your trash daily and keep your trash containers clean of food residue.
- Repair any leaky pipes or faucets throughout your home.
- Inspect the exterior of your home for any holes, gaps, and cracks, sealing them as soon as possible.
Roaches
Cockroaches can be dangerous to human health, as they carry serious diseases and trigger both allergies and asthma! Once they’ve found a place to nest, roaches can multiply quickly which can become a problem when it’s time to control and eliminate them. If a roach has infested, it’s likely you’ll find them in your home’s kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms looking for moisture and food sources. Prevent roaches from your home by:
- Rinsing food containers thoroughly before throwing away and disposing of them in a tightly sealed trashcan.
- Remove old newspapers, old magazines, cardboard boxes, and any unnecessary clutter as roaches will use these items to create their nests and hide.
- Store both your food and pet food in airtight containers.
- Repair any leaks and caulk around your tubs and sinks to seal them.
Spiders
Venomous spiders can be found in the Land O’ Lakes area. Most spiders that tend to enter homes are harmless and just looking for a place to find food. Certain spiders, like the crevice spider, can be beneficial by eating other household pests! While spotting a spider or two on your property isn’t a big deal, if more invade your home, it could become a problem. Check out the easy DIY pest control methods to deter spiders from your home:
- Screen your doors and windows, making sure they are in good repair throughout the year.
- Keep your shrubs and plants trimmed back so they aren’t touching the sides of your home.
- Have a regular cleaning schedule that consists of vacuuming and dusting.
- If you notice spider webs inside your home, brush them down with a broom to encourage them to go elsewhere.
By placing these preventative measures early, you can keep household pests from invading your Florida home! If you notice these pests or would like recommendations on preventing them, give a pest control company near you a call for a free evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan.
