Bugs. They’re as much a part of springtime as blossoming flowers and warm sunshine. While insects play a pivotal role in nature, for us homeowners that is exactly where we want them to stay. An infestation can become far more than a simple nuisance; pest invasions have the potential to affect our homes and our very livelihoods.

In order to keep all those critters outside, we have to understand what brings them in in the first place. For this article we’ll highlight a few of the most common intruders, and what you can do to keep your castle well-fortified.

First, let’s look at the home invaders.

Ants

We all know what these little guys look like. A single ant probably doesn’t cause much concern, but imagine tens of thousands of them just feet from your home. They are often found nesting in colonies near trees or sidewalks, and enjoy warm, moist spaces. Some species can bite or sting, and others like to chew on wood for food.

Termites

Often mistaken for ants, termites basically have one goal in life: to eat as much wood as possible. That’s bad news for most homes, which also happen to be among these pests’ favorite dwellings. Though they are not harmful to humans, they cause billions of dollars in annual damage to homes and buildings.

Stinging Insects

Bees, wasps, and hornets are plentiful in spring. Even though they’re often found outside, it is not uncommon to discover nests inside attics, garages, chimneys, and even cars! Since lots of people are allergic to stings, these types of insects can be particularly dangerous to have around the home.

Fleas

If you own a pet, you’re likely familiar with fleas. These tiny parasites hide in carpet and hair (in animals and humans), and feed on blood. Besides the itch, fleabites can also spread disease to owners and their pets. Fleas are tough to fight because of their small size and constant egg laying.

Cockroaches

Perhaps the creepiest of the crawlies due to their size and speed, roaches infest homes across the country. They are hearty insects that thrive in dark, warm, and damp spaces, eating almost everything in their path. Cockroaches are known carriers of many pathogens, and are a common cause of allergies in children.

Obviously, there are many more pests to add to the list. Spiders, silverfish, flies, and bed bugs come to mind. And those are just the bugs! Birds, bats, mice, rats, and snakes can pose problems depending where you live. Thankfully, a few simple steps go a long way to treating pests of all varieties. A few tools to consider include:

Pesticides

Store-bought and commercial chemicals are proven killers of home invaders. Unfortunately, these toxic materials don’t discriminate, and can cause all kinds of harm to adults, children, pets, and even the environment. If you choose to use chemical pesticides, make sure you first know all of the hazards involved.

Stay Dry

Many insects require moisture to survive. Inspect your home’s interior and exterior surfaces for leaks and other water sources. Check basements for humidity levels and look for leaky plumbing pipes. The same goes for attic and roof leaks. Water always finds a way to get in, so look for clogged downspouts and any standing water spots outside.

Seal Up

And just like that doggy door lets Fido in and out, any small holes or cracks in your home are basically invitations for pests to come and go as they please. Caulk windows, patch holes, and look for cracks throughout your home. Any place that allows air to leak in is big enough for bugs as well.

While Mister Quik isn’t an exterminator, our home comfort pros have a number of ways to help protect you from pests, while improving the performance and efficiency of your home’s heating & cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation estimate, and use our website to book a service call today. Happier, healthier homes are what we do!