Storage product pests are an invisible nuisance. You may not know you even have them for months until you open up a bag of flour and one comes crawling out. Often, the bugs are in the stored product long before it ends up in your cabinet. Follow these tips to keep pests out of your home.
There are two types of storage product pests, the University of Georgia noted. There are pantry pests and there are fabric pests. As the name suggests, pantry pests are often found in cabinets and other kitchen storage areas. Conversely, fabric pests are found in closets or fabric containers. These pests will mostly feed on fabrics such as leather, cotton or even fur. However, these pests may not always be in the most obvious of places. Sometimes, pantry pests are found in animal carcasses of mice or other small creatures. Fabric bugs could be discovered in any place in the home.
There are a few ways to recognize these bugs to reduce their chances of getting into your home. Usually, storage pests are either beetles or moths. Moths can feed on pantry foods or fabrics. However, usually size, color and behavior can distinguish which type of moth it is. One of the most common is the Indian meal moth, which has a two-tone pattern and will feed on any type of food. Some of their favorite snacks include dried fruits, various grain products and even dog food! Unlike moths, beetles have a preference for pantry foods. There are many species of beetles found in pantries. Beetles will feed on grains, dried meats or even dead mammals.
There are a few simple ways to control these bugs in your home, Texas A&M University stated. Consider these pest management tips.
Sometimes locating these bugs is easy, while other times it isn't. Homeowners should look in small cracks and dark areas where food may have fallen. Look within sealed food containers. Though it seems safe sealed, sometimes pests can wiggle through even the smallest openings. Under appliances and pet bowls is another good spot for moths and beetles to hide. If you do locate these bugs, vacuum well. These bugs may appear because of the presence of a bigger pest, such as a rodent. Vermin will gather and hoard food, which pests will then feed off of, too. If you believe you have a larger pest problem, contact a pest control company.
Prevent pests by using air-tight containers. That way, no pest can sneak into your food or fabric, whether it's big or small.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
