When life’s next great adventure calls and it’s time to sell or buy a new home, you want that home to look its best. A home with a great look can have a greater chance of selling for a higher price. A well-designed home can make it easy for buyers to visualize themselves living there. 

 

A pest infestation at an open house can ruin the appearance of the property on the market.  Pest control continues to be equally important for homes that are currently in use as for homes for sale. It may even be more important.

 

Think about it. Pests will quickly realize they don’t need people to keep them under control. You may notice an increase in rodent and cockroach infestations. This can cause unpleasant surprises when potential home buyers visit your condo or house.

 

Even the most beautiful homes can be invaded by pests from time to time and ruin the value of a home. Pests can be annoying, from ants to bedbugs. With the right approach and treatment, pests can be eliminated and kept out permanently. 

 

These are the most common pests that can infest your home. Here’s how to keep it free from them.

7 Pests Most Likely To Invade Your House and How to Get Rid Of Them

1. Ants

There are many types of ants, all are omnivorous (they eat everything!). In nature, they feed on the milk of aphids and other small Hemiptera, insects and small living or dead invertebrates, as well as the sap of plants and various fruits. They also eat insect eggs.

 

When they come into our homes, ants add to their menu a wide range of sweets, meats, animal foods and fats. They can eat almost anything humans do. They also hunt small insects inside our homes

 

Ants are more likely to seek shelter indoors when the weather is hot, dry, wet, or cold outside. Although they won’t cause any damage to your home or harm your health, ants can be a nuisance as they make nests in your home.

How to Prevent Ants

  • Seal all holes in walls, windows, or doors by plugging them.
  • Make sure to immediately clean up food spillages and other food messes.
  • Keep food sealed in containers
  • Wash dishes daily.

How to Get Rid of Ants

  • Apply a mixture of peppermint essential oils and water near your entrance (15 drops to two cups of water).
  • Place a lemon at their entrance.
  • You can either place ant traps in their path, but keep them out of reach of children and pets, or you can make your own bait.
  • Sprinkle cayenne or black pepper near entry points.
  • Spray equal parts of water and white vinegar near their entrance.
  • For ant treatment, call a local pest control company.

2. Bedbugs

Anyone can be bitten by bedbugs. They can hide in boxes, springs or under beds, and travel with luggage, clothing, and furniture. They can be found anywhere but are most prevalent in areas with frequent visitors, such as hotels and dorms. They feed on blood and can cause allergic reactions.

 

To eradicate bedbug infestations, a professional exterminator is required. The most popular treatments are heat and chemicals. Find out how to find the best pest control professional for you.

How to Prevent Bedbugs

  • Protect your mattress with a cover.
  • Avoid bookings at hotels or rental properties that have reviews that mention bed bugs.
  • For bed bug excrement, inspect mattress seams.
  • Instead of putting your luggage on the floor, place it on a table or dresser.
  • Avoid second-hand bedding.

How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

  • Wash your bedding and clothing, then dry them at least 120°F.
  • Contact a professional exterminator in your area.

3. Cockroaches

Cockroaches love dark, moist areas and are most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. German cockroaches can be difficult to eradicate because they infest homes and live there.

 

Cockroaches can be dangerous and can cause illness and foodborne diseases. It is a good idea to call an exterminator when you see one cockroach. There may be many others hiding.

How to Prevent Cockroaches

  • Make sure to clean your kitchen and bathrooms immediately.
  • Limit where you can eat, like in the kitchen and dining room.
  • Keep food sealed in containers
  • Regularly empty your trash.
  • Do not leave food out.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

  • Sprinkle some Diatomaceous Earth on areas where you see cockroaches.
  • Mix diced onions with baking soda. Place near cockroaches.

To have your home inspected by a pest control professional, you can apply bait or pesticides.

Termites

4. Termites

Termites, which feed on wood, are the most destructive pests you can have in your house. You can avoid serious property damage by getting rid of termites quickly. Termites can be easily removed by calling a professional who will fumigate the area and then apply local treatments.

 

You may have termites if you see discolored walls, bubbling or peeling paint, discarded wings, or small holes in your walls.

How to Prevent Termites

  • Make sure your home is free from leaks
  • Seal the areas where pipes meet walls with caulk or sealant.
  • Avoid stacking firewood against your home.

How to Get Rid Of Termites

  • Contact a local pest control company.
  • Use professional-grade termiticides, but be sure to take all precautions.
  • Use termite baits.
  • Spray boric acid on cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors.

5. Millipedes and Centipedes

Although they are distinct insects, millipedes, as well as centipedes, may invade your home. They look very similar. They love moist areas but will not cause any damage to your home or property. They will eat other insects.

 

It can still be disgusting to see them crawling on your floors, but there are ways you can keep them away.

How to Prevent Centipedes and Millipedes

  • Fill cracks in the foundation, walls, doors, or windows.
  • Take out all outdoor debris, such as leaves and other brush, from your home.

How to get rid of centipedes, millipedes, and other centipedes

  • Mulch should be removed from your home.
  • They can be vacuumed or swept.
  • Move them outside.
  • For large infestations, call a pest control specialist.

6. Pantry Moths

Indianmeal moths, as well as merchant grain beetles, find their way into pantries and kitchens. Merchant grain beetles eat grains like corn, cereals, rice, and flour. Indian meal moths also eat dried fruits, nuts, pet food, and other food items. You may have a larger problem if you find more than one moth in your kitchen.

How to Prevent Pantry Moths

  • After receiving them from the store, dry goods and grains can be stored in the freezer for up to a week.
  • Make sure to immediately clean up any food crumbs and spills.
  • All dried foods should be kept in sealed containers.
  • To repel bugs, keep lavender, bay leaves, or mint in your pantry.

How to get rid of Pantry Moths

  • You should throw out all contaminated food that you find moth larvae.
  • Vacuum all food surfaces thoroughly. Next, wipe them clean with a 50/50 vinegar/water mixture.
  • All dried foods should be kept in sealed containers.

Fleas

7. Fleas

Fleas can be brought into your home by furry members of the family. Fleas are a serious threat to your family, pets, and children. Fleas can also infest furniture. Fleas can cause more problems than just a nuisance; they can also carry diseases.

How to Prevent Fleas

  • Your pet should not be allowed to come in contact with wild or stray animals.
  • Regularly check your pet’s hair to make sure there are no fleas.
  • Regularly bathe and brush your pet.
  • Discuss flea control products with your veterinarian.

How to Get Rid of Fleas

  • Vacuum floors, furniture, mattresses and other surfaces, including cracks and crevices.
  • All upholstery, including pet beds, can be steam cleaned or washed.
  • Use insecticides but be careful.
  • Contact a pest control professional in your area. The cost of professional flea control is between $75-$400