Pests are called such for a reason. They are more than just a nuisance, causing damage and destruction in our homes and to our crops, livestock, pets, and food. The trick is to know what you are dealing with. Then, how to go about finding a solution to the problem. Hopefully, in a way that is as eco-friendly as possible with Ethical Pest Solutions.
What Pests are You Dealing With?
There are so many animals and plants we could name a pest, but whether it’s a problem depends on your circumstances. For most people, the most complained about pests will come as no surprise to you. For bigger organisations like farmers and the food transport industry it’s a much longer list and they may need container fumigation services to properly manage their challenges.
Here are some all homeowners and companies should keep a lookout for.
Creepy Crawlies
- Cockroaches: These insects can quickly overwhelm a home under the right conditions. They live off old and rotting food but strangely enough, they’ll happily live off office supplies such as glue and cardboard too, especially if damp. Cockroaches can spread disease very quickly when found in our kitchens.
- Termites: Like many other bugs, termites love warm temperatures. Alarmingly, termites can lay up to 2000 eggs per day. It’s more of a problem for some people than others. But for those living in a place with balmy, beautiful weather these little pests can cause health concerns as well as thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Fighting this infestation is extremely time-sensitive.
- Ants: Rather more annoying than dangerous ants can still spread germs around. Some types of ants like to chew on wiring, so best they stay outside.
- Spiders: Spiders play an important role in our ecosystems. They eat a lot of the other pests on this list, so they aren’t all bad. Like the termites and other creepy crawlies, they can lay an immense number of eggs. And while they usually don’t get out of control, a lot of people are frightened of them and some can be lethal.
- Fleas: You probably can’t stand even the idea of fleas. They are literally good for nothing, though the top spot for ‘worthless bug’ is contested with the mosquito. These little biters are known to transmit a few types of diseases to both you and your pets.
Flying Bugs and Rodents
- Wasps and bees: Of course you should honour the honey bee. However, they can be problematic where you work, live or where your children play. Wasps you may also not be very fond of, even if they are awesome pollinators.
- Flies: Truthfully, it’s probably the fly that holds the most unenviable position of the most annoying pest! From egg to adult in seven days and the ability to lay over 150 eggs a day it’s no wonder why there are so many of them.
- Rodents (mice and rats): These are literally the subject of plagues. Can you see the common pattern emerging when discussing pests? These too have multiple offspring and in alarmingly short periods of time.
- Mosquitoes: The terror of our nights. The mosquito you’ll probably agree is among the worst of the ‘good for nothing’ pests. For one thing, they attack when you are most vulnerable, right as you are falling asleep.
But now, what is the right way to protect yourself against these creatures?
Pest Solutions to Try
Be Green or Call a Pro
Now some of these insects will definitely need a targeted approach led by a professional team. But there are some ideas you can implement to keep your home pest-free:
- Plants as pest control: Herbs such as mint, basil, lavender, rosemary and others deter insects that aren’t welcome in your home.
- Spices as barrier protection: Strong spices can create a line that bugs can’t cross. Some of these include cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, salt, turmeric, and black pepper.
- Clean with vinegar and essential oils: Eucalyptus, clove, and peppermint oil are particularly effective when added to vinegar which cleans and removes any smells that the bugs may be attracted to.
- Use food to repel: Other ideas that can be used on their own or added to the vinegar solution are citrus peels, onion, chilli, and garlic. Insects dislike all of these strong smells.
If you know you can’t tackle the problem yourself, research a professional that’s right for the job.
Prevention, Better than Cure
Anything that holds waste, remnants of food, or standing water is a potential breeding ground for the critters. Just some of the areas of your home to check when cleaning to deter pests are:
- Bins: Clean daily with a powerful anti-bacterial detergent. Seal tightly when not in use.
- Drains: Check for and remove any blockages, especially if food waste is a source of any odour.
- Pools: Standing water is a haven for mosquitoes and other water-loving insects. Run the pump regularly and clean as directed.
Keep Pets in Mind- Ethical Pest Solutions
Don’t forget if you have pets to keep them in mind when doing any form of pest control. They might also be upset by strong smells and sprays. Putting them in a crate or room out of harm’s way if you have a professional coming to help with an infestation is probably the best route to go.
[Conclusion]
On a scale of 1 to 10 which bug do you favour the most and which do you absolutely detest from these Ethical Pest Solutions? For us, we choose the little honey bee with a score of 10 for being fuzzy, cute, and making delicious honey. It was close competition for the bottom spot with mosquitoes, flies, and fleas all scoring a dismal minus 10!
But no matter their score, make sure you manage them before a small problem becomes a huge challenge! Simply do it with pets, nature and eco-friendly methods in mind.
