Credits: Social Media
4 pests that want to invade your home this winter and how to stop them, reveals real estate mogul
As the weather begins to take a dip, a real estate expert has cautioned Americans against common pests while sharing the major signs that you have a bug problem in your home.
No matter how many cleaning hacks you use, completely preventing the invasion of pests in your home is practically impossible. Nontheless it’s essential to be aware of the possible pests because, unlike the spiders you are killing, they can pose a risk to both your home and your health.
Termites love the warmth of your home and the wood even more
As the temperatures plummet outside, armies of termites are relocating to warmer locations like your home.
Signs of termite damage include hollow or crumbling wood, drooping or discolored drywall, loose tiles, and piles of discarded wings, Doug Van Soest, co-founder of SoCal Home Buyers, a professional real estate investment company, told us. Additionally, you can sometimes spot flying termites inside or outside your home.
Termites love to chow down on the wood and building materials of your home, which can naturally lead to devastating structural damage totaling thousands of dollars in repairs.
To combat termites, Doug suggested: You can prevent termites from entering your house by addressing moisture issues like leaky pipes, making sure your foundation has adequate drainage, and storing any firewood away from the house.
“Termites love to eat their way through wood and get inside, so make sure no wooden element of your home is in contact with the ground outside.
Bedbugs aren’t just in your bed
If a nearby apartment complex or neighboring house has a bedbug problem, these blood-feeding pests can easily hitch a ride into your space on packages or peoples clothes, said Doug.
Bedbugs are incredibly quick at reproducing so very soon you could have a full-scale invasion on your hands. The biggest sign of their presence is, of course, small, red, and very itchy bite marks on your skin.
While you should already be washing sheets once a week, Doug said that bedbugs require specialist attack methods with a “bedbug-specific insecticide.”
He added: Pillows, blankets, sheets, duvets, and both sides of your mattress. Id even suggest treating the floor if you have carpet. In addition, wash everything you can at the highest temperature thats safe for the fabric.
Ant infestations are rare during the winter – not impossible
Much like humans, ants enter a sort of dormancy during the winter to maintain energy and keep themselves functioning. Unfortunately, they might still choose to skip their naps for a vacation in your toasty home.
Most species will be more interested in your food after they manage to sneak inside through cracks, breaks, and structural damage, but other species could pose greater risks.
Some species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood, Doug said. Much like termites, you can prevent ants from entering your home by storing firewood away from the house, sealing entry points like cracks, doors, and windows, and fixing any leaks.
Cockroaches are a common pest in your home
Depending on your location, cockroaches might be a familiar part of your everyday life. They are resilient creatures that seem to weather anything you throw at them, but there are some steps you can take to reduce their influx.
Firstly, move piles of food or foliage away from your home to decrease the number of cockroach-friendly vacation spots. You should then attempt to seal cracks and holes that could serve as entry points for the cockroaches.
Cockroaches are not just an unpleasant sight; they also pose health risks, as they often carry pathogens, Doug said. Their droppings and shed skin can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
