How To Preserve Bugs Out of the Home, Based on Entomologists

TTwice a year, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) publishes a Bug Barometer Forecast that predicts pest activity in the United States based on weather patterns, long-term forecasts, and other biological behaviors. Brittany Campbell, PhD, contributor entomologist and research scientist at NPMA says the latest predictions are grim for people trying to keep bugs out of the house.

“In March 2021, our forecast showed that wet spring and summer conditions predicted for much of the United States would contribute to pest populations nationwide. As predicted, the bitterly cold weather most of the United States experienced last winter was followed by the warm weather we’re experiencing, “says Dr. Campbell.” It’s likely that people living in regions with hot, rainy summer weather are seeing an increase in disease-transmitting pests like ticks and mosquitoes that thrive in these conditions. In addition, there are other moisture-loving pests like termites, ants and cockroaches that are likely to show up in areas with warm, wet weather. “

When dealing with insects, it is important to distinguish between friendly creatures and harmful pests. “Not all beetles are pests!” says Dr. Campbell. Green lacewings, ladybugs, and ground beetles shouldn’t be a concern, although “it’s important to keep an eye out for infestations,” she says. “On the other hand, there are various vector pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, rodents, cockroaches and fleas that can transmit diseases to humans.”

If you think you have an infestation on your hands, Dr. Campbell that it is best to hire professional exterminators. If you are renting, check the tenant laws in your area as your landlord may be legally required to control pests. However, if you are dealing with a small number of bugs and you think you can handle them on your own, there is more than one way to solve the problem, depending on the type of bugs you want to settle in your home.

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What you need to prevent insect infestation

Among other preventive measures, sealing holes and crevices is the first step. Grab a cartridge gun ($ 9), cartridge, and steel wool ($ 17-21) to aid in this process. Also, have spray ready to kill insects on contact.

How To Keep Various Insects Out Of Your Home With Routine Maintenance

1. Cockroaches

“Roaches congregate in warm, humid places where food and water are readily available, such as kitchens and bathrooms,” Matta says. “If you suspect an infestation, check the places where water goes in and out of your home, such as along and behind pipes and in cabinets under your sinks, by wiping countertops after you’ve cooked food, sealing food bins, and trash cans keep closed and often emptied. Cut shrubs outside and remove piles of wood from your home to reduce roach shelter. “

2. Mosquitoes

“Still, standing water attracts mosquitoes, which can transmit harmful viruses,” says Dr. Campbell. “This can happen in as little as half an inch of standing water – think of a water bottle cap. People can reduce the threat of mosquito-borne diseases by eliminating various sources of stagnant water around their properties that are ideal breeding grounds for it. ”Walk around your property once a week to drain stagnant water sources and be careful on bird baths, children’s toys, pool covers, tires, planters and drainage areas. Property owners can also clean gutters that contain dirt or leaves and screen windows and doors. “

3. ants

“Ants can live without food for a long time, but not even a day without water, so they venture into the house in search of moisture,” says Matta. “Seal the entry points of ants by caulking windows, doors and openings through the supply pipes into your home. Seal food in the kitchen, sweep and vacuum often, and wipe the countertops after food is prepared. Leave Keep animal feed or water out continuously and fix leaky pipes and taps. Keep outdoor landscaping a few inches from your foundation. “

4. House flies

“Houseflies are strongly attracted to sugary human food and human activities. Gray with a yellow-brown tint on their sides, these annoying annoying insects penetrate through open windows, doors, cracks and crevices and stay because they cannot find the way”, Matta says, “Keeping food in sealed containers, closing garbage bins, and making sure window bars are in good condition can all help reduce the activity of houseflies.”

5. Stinging insects such as wasps and hornets

“Check gutters, windows, grilles, porch lights, etc. regularly for stinging insect activity,” says Dr. Campbell. She says they build nests in and around solid surfaces outside the home and sometimes on the ground and in shrubs and bushes. “If you find a nest on your property, stay away and warn other family members to keep a safe distance. Stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room each year, so please avoid getting too close come or try to remove the nest. You have to call a pest controller. “

According to Dr. Campbell do some things. “Clean up any crumbs or spills and cover any food that might attract stinging insects at outdoor events,” she says. “Avoid wearing dark colors, floral prints, and sweet-smelling perfumes or cologne when you spend time outdoors.”[And] Seal any cracks and crevices in the house with a suitable sealant, repair any cracks in screens, and try to keep the doors closed to prevent stinging insects from entering the house. “

6. Spiders

“Closing insect entry points helps keep spiders out,” says Matta. “Check gaskets and gaskets on doors and windows, and re-seal any openings you might find. Remove piles of wood outside and trim back creepers and overgrown shrubs around your house so they don’t spider for access to your house Remove all visible straps outside and inside, especially around windows and in corners. Use caution if black widows, brown recluses or hobo spiders have been known. If you are bitten by a spider, see a doctor immediately . “

7. Bed bugs

“Prevent bed bug infestations by collecting clutter, washing linens and upholstery regularly, and not buying used furniture,” Matta says. When you travel, Dr. Campbell to thoroughly inspect the room before unpacking it, including behind the headboard, under the light, and in dressers, couches, and chairs.

“Pull back the sheets and check the mattress seams and box springs, especially at the corners, for any tell-tale stains or stains,” she says. “Carry a small flashlight ($ 7) to aid you with the visual inspection.” Matta also advises keeping your belongings in your suitcase, not unpacking them in dresser drawers, and sealing dirty laundry in plastic bags that can be taken straight to the laundry room at home.

When you return home from a trip, camp, or college, Dr. Vacuuming and properly inspecting Campbell, suitcases and belongings before bringing them indoors, and washing and drying all clothing – including those that have not been worn – on hot cycles.

8. ticks

If you are out and about in wooded areas or tall grass, Dr. Campbell to wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, and closed toe shoes. all in bright colors, making ticks and other insects easier to spot. Also, when outdoors, wear a $ 6 bug spray that contains at least 20 percent DEET and reapply as directed.

“When hiking, stay in the middle of the trails, away from vegetation. Keep the grass low around the property and remove weeds, piles of wood, and debris that can attract ticks and other pests,” says Dr. Campbell. “Check yourself and your pets for ticks regularly before you go inside, especially if you’ve been in tall grass or wooded areas. If a tick has caught, be sure to use fine tweezers to remove it completely from the bite mark. Pay attention Be sure to gently pull the head out. Wrap the tick in a tissue and flush it down the toilet. Then wash the bite site thoroughly with warm soap and water. Look out for any signs of tick bites, such as a tell-tale red bullseye rash around a bite around. If you suspect a tick has bitten you, see a doctor. “

9. Termites

“Termites thrive in moisture-rich environments, so eliminating or reducing moisture in and around the home can be of great help,” says Dr. Campbell. Think about how water can enter and / or move through your home. Repair leaky faucets, plumbing, and external air conditioners. Repair fascia, soffit, and rotten roof shingles; and replace weatherproof and loose mortar around basement foundations and windows. Maintain a gap of 18 inches between soil and wooden parts of your home and avoid using mulch against the outside of structures. Also, store firewood at least 20 meters from the house.

“Periodically inspect the foundation of a house for signs of mud pipes (used by termites to reach a source of food), piles of termite debris, and wood that sounds hollow when knocked. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, door frames, and Skirting boards for noticeable changes, “says Dr. Campbell. “Consider planning a professional termite inspection annually. Wood-boring insect damage is not covered by home insurance and can result in expensive repairs.”

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