Home - Home&garden - 7 Common Home Pest Control Mistakes

7 common home pest control mistakes

7 common home pest control mistakes

The sight of a pest infestation at home could get etched in one’s memory for a long time. And from that moment on, one can’t help but constantly think about potential ways to get rid of these bugs or rodents. While pest control is an excellent solution, doing it incorrectly can worsen the existing infestation and lead to a lot of hassle. Below are seven pest control mistakes one should avoid.

Not determining the cause
The first mistake is not determining the cause of the problem. For example, on seeing a couple of spiders in the basement, some people immediately spray pesticide to get rid of them. However, one needs to find where the spiders are coming from. If they are emerging out of gaps in windows, seams, and foundations, one must seal these gaps to keep infestations away.

Only spraying ants
On seeing a trail of ants at home, some immediately spray them. However, ants come from colonies, meaning a new batch could return in a few days. Therefore, individuals must use indoor baiting techniques instead to solve this problem. The ants will bring the bait back to their nest, which could help eliminate or drive away the colony.

Keeping the home messy
One of the worst mistakes that leads to pest infestations is always leaving the home in a mess. This includes leaving crumbs or juice stains uncleaned. One should tidy the entire house regularly, including the kitchen counter, sofas, and floors. Experts also recommend dusting and vacuuming regularly and keeping clutter to a minimum.

Incorrectly baiting for pests
While baiting is an excellent way to control pests at home, one may do it incorrectly and lower its effectiveness. Individuals should not place a trap where they don’t see the infestation. Rodents usually travel along the walls, behind the refrigerator, or in dark corners, so these are the best places to keep the trap. Further, if one thinks they have caught all the insects and/or rodents, they should continue placing the trap. It could help catch potential younger rodents in a few days.

Leaving pets untreated
One might clean their entire house thoroughly but still see infestations of ticks and fleas. The problem might occur because the individual has a pet that has not been treated. Failing to clean and treat pets can leave the home susceptible to creepy crawlies, hampering both pet and human health. Therefore, one should take the appropriate measures to protect pets from infestations.

Waiting it out
Many wait to see if the infestation goes away without intervention. While this might work sometimes, in other situations, their number might grow by a significant margin. Therefore, one should treat the home at the first sign of an infestation.

Not seeking professional assistance
While minor home infestations are manageable, homeowners might not be able to handle the problem if it is severe. In such situations, one should consider hiring a professional pest control company. While it might cost more, the services could help secure the home against infestations for a long time.

Previous Read

5 common vacuuming mistakes to avoid

Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes hardwood floors. Though the vacuum is a versatile and sturdy tool, you may be unknowingly doing things that could damage its parts or body in the long run. After all, they are not indestructible and surely not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should avoid making the following mistakes with your vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming things you shouldn't Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But bits of wet food left on the floor, like pieces of tomato or baked beans, should not be vacuumed. They contain moisture that can clog the pipes and ruin the motor. Small and heavy objects like screws, coins, or large pieces of broken glass could cut the dust bag if vacuumed and damage the internal parts. Used coffee grounds are another thing that should not be vacuumed. They can block pipes, destroy motors, and result in the growth of mildew. Avoid vacuuming long clumps of hair, too, as they can get stuck inside the machine. Running the vacuum when the dust bag is full Whenever the dust container or bin is full, it should be emptied. On the off chance that you don't do that, the performance of the vacuum cleaner will be affected. You also risk overheating and harming the machine. However, time after time, we're in a rush and run the machine when it's overfilled. In the event that you notice the vacuum cleaner doesn't appear to have as much suction, take a look at the bin or dust bag first. More often than not, emptying these can have a tremendous effect on the vacuum's performance. It will likewise lessen the weight on the motor and extend the life of the machine. Throwing away the vacuum prematurely If your vacuum cleaner isn't suctioning things like it used to, don't just assume it's old and broken. There are various easy ways to fix the machine. First, check if the dust bag is full. Most vacuum cleaners perform poorly when the dust bag is full or nearly full. If this doesn't work, there could be a clog somewhere. Unplug the machine and remove its parts carefully. Check if the hose or its surrounding openings are blocked. Your brush-roll could not be running smoothly because of too much hair or carpet fibers stuck inside. Clean the clogged parts and your vacuum will start running just fine. Assuming the motor is broken Sometimes vacuum cleaners stop working mid-way. This is not because the motor is broken. It could simply mean that the machine has overheated because of a full dust bin. Empty the bag and try running the machine once it's cooled down. Some machines have a manual reset button that needs to be pushed to reset the motor. Read the instructions booklet on how to resolve this issue. Not cleaning the filter All vacuum cleaners have a filter that can get blocked due to excess dirt. They prevent dust from recirculating back into the air. The process of cleaning the filter is different for every model. Some have washable filters while others need to be replaced. Read the instruction manual and take the necessary steps to clean it accordingly.

Next Read

Top 6 fragrant plants that repel ticks

Ticks are common household pests that infest pets. That said, they can make an appearance even in non-pet households. They may come from reptiles and birds just passing through the yard. As soon as the weather starts warming up, one must watch out for these insects. One way to prevent tick infestations is by placing a few fragrant plants around the house. Here are some commonly used fragrant plants that are known to repel ticks. 1. Sage Sage leaves are usually used to add flavor to food. They have a savory and warm taste. At the same time, they emit a strong, earthy aroma that can be calming for humans but repellent for ticks. Thus, sage plants can make a versatile addition to one’s home. Make sure to have multiple plants clustered together to emit a strong smell to repel the ticks. 2. Lemongrass The lemongrass plant secretes a citrusy fragrance that is quite similar to that of lemons but slightly milder. They look like normal, tall grasses. While normal grass can attract mosquitoes and other pests, lemongrass is an effective repellent against ticks. Moreover, it can also be used in food prep or to make tea. In addition, these are quite low-maintenance plants. During the summer, keep them in a sunny and sheltered place. Make sure to water regularly to prevent the grass from drying out. During the winter, the plant can be kept indoors. 3. Lavender This plant is known for its calming properties. It can be added to teas or soothing herbal beverages. While lavender's delicate and sweet floral smell is attractive, it doesn't smell so pleasant to insects. The fragrance of lavender repels mosquitoes, moths, and ticks. The color of the lander flower is also known to deter ticks from coming into close vicinity of the plant. 4. Garlic Garlic is a bulb plant that belongs to the same category as onions. While it is packed with flavors, it also emits a powerful smell. This sharp smell makes the plant quite unappetizing to pests such as ticks. Fall and spring are the best periods to plant garlic in the garden. One can grow a garlic plant with just one clove. It must be placed in a sunny place, and the soil must be well-drained. For warmth during the winter, add a mulch layer for protection. 5. Chrysanthemums The chrysanthemum plant is known to be a natural pesticide. This is because some chemical-based pesticides contain compounds that mimic the ones released by chrysanthemums. This plant repels and makes an aesthetic addition to one's garden. 6. Rosemary A common herb used in cooking, rosemary can be easily planted in one's kitchen garden. It is known for its earthy fragrance, resulting from the plethora of essential oils in the leaves. In addition to releasing a pleasant smell, these oils repel insects and pests, such as ticks. To plant rosemary, one can use a cutting of another plant or use seeds. It is easier to grow from a cutting. Place it in a pot indoors. Once roots grow, plant them outside. It's quite a hardy plant that prefers hot and dry conditions.

Trending Articles

01

Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

Our Blogs

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
Read More
Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Read More
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Read More
Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
Read More
Allergies – Stages and prevention

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Read More
Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
Read More