For most people, household pests are a nuisance they encounter problems with every now and again. However, they can turn into something more severe if not addressed right away. They can take over hidden areas of your house, bite, sting, cause irritations, and even spread disease.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by any bug presence at all. But, do remember that not all insects are pests. According to studies, only one percent of insects are pests. So, it’s best to let experts take a look at your home to assess the situation and determine the problem before it gets out of hand.
Pests in Bloomington, Illinois
Some insects in Bloomington are an essential and welcome part of the ecosystem, especially when they stay out of your home. Insects are an important part of our lives and have a significant contribution to human health and agriculture.
Insects are essential because of their significant contribution to pollination. Around 80% of all the crops that produce food depend on animal pollination. Without pollination, we will not survive because most of our food crops depend on pollination to grow fruits and grains.
Insects rarely become pests in their natural ecosystems, but they can become a problem due to human development and changes to their habitats. You might think that using a DIY insect spray is the fastest solution. If you live in Bloomington, IL, you will likely encounter the following pests. When you do, be sure to keep in mind that while many DIY solutions may temporarily solve the problem, long-term approaches will likely be necessary.
Carpenter Ants
They usually live in and chew decaying wood. If you find piles of sawdust, but you haven’t been sawing, it’s a sign you have carpenter ants. They can enter through cracks in the foundation, around vents and pipes, gaps in door and window seals. Check for these gaps or cracks and seal them.
They can turn into a significant problem once they appear in your kitchen looking for food. Carpenter ants do not actually eat wood; they build their nest and burrow into it. They prefer staying in decaying and damp wood.
Mice
Mice are rodents that usually come to your home to get food and shelter. During winter, they go to your house for warmth and protection from the severe weather. They can enter through holes in the siding and foundation. Check for and patch gaps and cracks. They can be dangerous to human occupants because they can contaminate food with their hair, droppings, and urine. Regularly clean away food particles and crumbs, including in hard-to-reach places.
Termites
Eat wood and can render your home structurally unsound. They can also chew on furniture. The most common kind in Bloomington is the Eastern Subterranean Termite. They are tiny, but the amount of damage they can cause is tremendous. To prevent them, reduce humidity and moisture around your foundation and in crawl spaces by using dehumidifiers. Consider blowing the foundation dry with a leaf blower after heavy rain if you know you have cracks.
Spiders
Spiders are often carried inside on clothes or objects. Check items before you take them inside, especially during the winter months. Spiders can be beneficial in the house because they eat other insects. They can control other pests from invading your home. They only become an annoyance if they start appearing inside your house and furniture like cabinets and drawers.
Occasional Invaders
Occasional invaders are bugs that don’t usually come indoors but sometimes do in large groups due to inhospitable conditions outdoors (too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, etc.). These include centipedes, crickets, and ladybugs. One way to control them is to seal all entry points such as windows, doors, vents, sidings, and utility lines. A strip of gravel or rock around your home’s foundation can break up the path pests take into your home.
Don’t Let the Situation Get Out of Hand
Always make sure to check hidden areas of your house such as cabinets, drawers, ceilings, drainage, and utility lines for any signs of pest infestation. Often, once you notice an infestation, it’s already too late. Seeing just one of many insects and creatures means there are likely many more.
If DIY situations are no longer working, it’s time to call professionals to save time, money, and damage. Experts from Bloomington, IL pest control can help you assess the pest situation and suggest solutions to eliminate the household pest.
Pests can become a health hazard if you do not take action to eliminate them. Make sure to check for any signs of insect and rodent infestation occasionally. Reduce excessive clutter and clean your house regularly to keep the pests away. When in doubt, call professional household pest experts so that you can be given proper advice.
