NATIONAL PEST PREVENTION MONTH IN AIKEN

April marks National Pest Prevention month for Aiken homeowners, and there’s never a better time to learn about the types of pesky invaders you may find in your home. Whether it’s cockroaches, rodents, or spiders, here’s what you should know about the common types of pests that come into Aiken homes, the problems they cause, some easy ways to prevent them, and how you can get rid of them with pest control in Aiken.

The Types Of Pests That Invade Aiken Homes

While they can vary by season and location, some of the most common types of pests you may find your Aiken home include:

• Ants: From fire ants waiting to give you a painful sting to odorous house ants that’ll take up shop in your house, ants can be a huge nuisance for homeowners throughout the year.
• Bed bugs: You may pick up bed bugs by traveling, but once these parasites are in your Aiken home, they aren’t keen on leaving.
• Cockroaches: Whether it’s German cockroaches or American cockroaches, roaches are bad news for homeowners – they’re resilient, great at hiding, and reproduce very quickly.
• Spiders: Along with harmless spiders like the house spider or wolf spider, homeowners may also encounter the brown recluse or black widow spider, which can be a serious danger if they bite.
• Fleas: Fleas may start in your yard, but whether they get in through wildlife or pets, these tiny pests can cause big problems in your Aiken home.
• Rodents: Some of the most common rodents in Aiken include roof rats, brown rats, and house mice, all of which can cause damage and spread dangerous diseases when they get inside your home.
• Ticks: Ticks can invade your home in various ways, but once they find a host, they have the potential to transmit serious illnesses to you or your family.
• Termites: Termites are so sneaky that the signs of their presence may not show for three to eight years after they have infested your home. 

The Problems Pests Can Cause In Aiken Homes

While the specific problem can depend on the pest, here are some of the most common issues that arise with Aiken’s most infamous pests:

• Pests can cause property damage: Many pests, like termites, can wreak havoc once they make it inside your home, and end up costing you hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs. Other pests, like rodents, may chew through electrical wiring or insulation, while carpenter ants cause structural damage to the wooden components of your home.
• Pests can spread disease or cause other health issues: Most of the pests on the list above, like rodents, cockroaches, and ticks, come with a variety of dangerous diseases or illnesses. Spiders, like black widows or brown recluses, might not spread disease, but their dangerous bite can still land you in the hospital.
• Pests can be dangerous to interact with: Not all pests are aggressive, but rodents, spiders, and wildlife all have the potential to lash out and bite or attack if they feel threatened by your presence. 

Easy & Effective Pest Prevention Tips For Aiken Homes

There may be specific ways to prevent each pest, but here are some of the easiest and most effective prevention tips for keeping most of Aiken’s worst invaders out of your home:

• Practice good sanitation by not leaving food out, keeping any leftovers sealed, and not letting your garbage can or compost pile overflow.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting in the sink for more than a couple of hours or leave them sitting overnight where pests may find them.
• Declutter your home regularly to avoid providing hiding spots for cockroaches, spiders, and other pests.
• When you come home from a trip, be sure to wash and launder your clothing and luggage immediately.
• Always inspect secondhand or used furniture and appliances for signs of termites, bed bugs, or even cockroaches before you bring it inside your home.
• Use caulk or another rodent-proof sealant to cover any small holes or cracks around your home.
• Ensure that you’re keeping up with regular lawn maintenance like mowing the lawn and trimming shrubs.

The Best Way To Keep Pests Away From Your Aiken Home

Along with practicing the tips above, the best way to deal with these unwanted invaders during National Pest Prevention Month – or any month in Aiken – is by calling us at Aiken Pest Control. If you think you may have a pest in your home, we’re equipped to handle all the invaders listed above and more. 

Call us today at Aiken Pest Control to learn more about our pest control services or schedule an inspection of your home.