When you are a homeowner, tasks are neverending. You have to take care of the yard and house and keep things in tip-top shape. One of the ways you can do that is by protecting your home from pests. Insects and rodents can find their way through tiny cracks, invading your home. By the time you notice them, they may have a stronghold. That is why tackling a pest problem the first time is essential.

While there are hundreds of potential pests that can get into your home, there are five that are more common than others:

  • Ants
  • Cockroaches
  • Bed Bugs
  • Rodents
  • Termites

Everyone knows what ants look like. You may see them near food or water sources. Ants are not generally damaging and do not spread disease the same way as other pests. However, ants, especially carpenter ants, can do a tremendous amount of damage to your home. Plus, they can be considered a warning sign. If ants can get into your home, so can other pests.

Cockroaches are nasty critters that no one wants to see inside their home. You may see signs of them before you see the roaches. That is because they leave visible droppings. You may also see a roach or two when you turn on a light. If you see any roaches, just know that many others are always hiding.

Bed bugs are challenging to see because they are so tiny. Instead, you detect them because of the small bites you get when sleeping. Bed bugs are incredibly resistant to DIY extermination efforts, so you should call a pest control professional if you even suspect that you have them.

You often hear rodents or see signs of them without ever seeing a rodent. Scurrying sounds, nibbled foods or packages, droppings, and greasy streaks along walls and baseboards are all signs that you have rodents. If you see rodents, you should assume that others are hiding. Getting rid of rodents is urgent because they breed very carefully; two can turn into 15,000 in a single year!

Termites may be the most serious pest in Australia. They cause billions of dollars in damages each year. You may see termite swarms, but their first sign may actually be hollow-sounding or damaged wood and piles of wood shavings.

Whatever pest you notice, give us a call. Flick can help you deal with any of your pest control problems.