4 Common Household Pests and How to Get Rid of Them

 

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No one wants an unexpected intruder in their home, but it happens often. Many people experience household pests in their homes or gardens that cause destruction, create mess, and pose a general nuisance for all residents.

Even if you don't currently have any pests in your home, it is always worth knowing what steps to take to remove the most common household pests. This way, if they ever make an unwanted appearance, you will have the knowledge required to banish them as quickly as possible.

With this in mind, here are four of the most common household pests and how to get rid of them.

Ants

If you’ve ever left sticky sweet food out in the open, you’ve probably had the unpleasant experience of seeing a swarm of opportunistic ants descending on the tasty treat. If there are ants in your home, the first thing you should do is play detective and determine a cause, as it’s likely they have been attracted by some spilled food or drink. Once you have cleared this food away, you will want to put something down to repel them. You can buy ant killers from any garden center or hardware store, but if you prefer a more natural solution, a dilution of peppermint oil and water will do the trick.

Moths

Moths are one of the most irritating pests you can have in your home because they are difficult to catch and they eat holes in your clothes, as well as dry goods like bread and pasta. The best thing you can do to prevent moths from entering your home is to keep it clean at all times, as moths are attracted by dust and dirt. This means vacuuming floors and dusting surfaces regularly. You could also buy pantry moth traps to protect your food or spray cedar oil around your home to repel them. Make sure you wash any clothes that have been attacked by moths to ensure you destroy and eggs or larvae that might have been left behind.

Raccoons

These furry creatures might look cute, but they can cause significant damage to your home if you're not careful. Like most pests, raccoons are attracted by food, so you should ensure the area around your home is clear of anything that might be attractive. This includes unsecured ins, pet food, or fruit from trees. Reduce potential nesting sites by clearing your backyard of debris such as woodpiles, and consider putting a fence around your perimeter to prevent them from entering. 

Spiders

If you’re an arachnophobe, unearthing a spider infestation in your home is probably one of your worst nightmares. But with the right tips and tricks, they are easy to remove. There are several scents and chemicals that these eight-legged creatures absolutely detest, so try and infuse your home with scents of cinnamon, peppermint, and eucalyptus to deter them. Sprinkling some diatomaceous earth around areas where spiders frequent will kill them instantly, and if all fails, consider buying a cat to hunt them down.