Summer is the time for barbecues and visitors. Unfortunately, not all visitors are welcome. Here are some of the most disgusting insect infestations that can happen to your home and how you can kick them out for good.
Indian meal moth larvae
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Although you may not have heard of them, Indian meal moth larvae are a lot more common than you may think. Brought in via an infested package, these insects are often found in the kitchen or pantry area. They feed on cereal, grain, pet food and more. Get rid of them with the use of moth traps and pesticide sprays or by calling your local exterminator.
Bees
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Bees are a scary infestation, as many people are allergic to their stings. You are most likely to see such an infestation in the spring, although bees are known to be active through the summer and fall. The queen bee is responsible for choosing the nest location, build and construction with little to no help from the male colony. Once a nest is set up, other bees will swarm the area to protect the eggs and begin their work. The only way to rid yourself of a bee infestation is to remove the nest entirely. Since there are so many bees involved, it is best to leave the removal up to a professional extermination service.
German cockroaches
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German and American cockroaches are the big, nasty insects that most people fear in their homes. They are extremely invasive and very hard to get rid of. Since their eggs are naturally protected from pesticides, it is very hard to rid your home from these creepy guys. As you would do for smaller roaches, contact a professional to help get cockroaches away from your house.
Ladybugs
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Believe it or not, a ladybug infestation is more common than you may think. Because ladybugs migrate to warm places when it’s cold, an infestation is most likely to happen in the winter. And because they release pheromones, once you get one ladybug in your house, you are likely to get a few dozen. They’re extremely hard to get rid of until the spring, when they will naturally head back outside. The good news is that they won’t do any harm to your home. However, if you want to get rid of them, you can either sweep them out or vacuum them, using a paper towel to block the hose, and release them outside where they belong. Close up any cracks or holes that may have let them inside in the first place.
Box elder bugs
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Another nuisance form of infestation, box elder bugs do very little harm. However, if infested in multiples, they can be extremely annoying. Like the ladybug, these insects can be vacuumed up or swept up. You can also kill them by spraying them with a water and soap solution. You may want to avoid stomping on these bugs if you are inside, as they will leave a nasty yellow stain behind.
Bedbugs
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Once you have bedbugs, it is very hard to rid yourself of them. The female lays hundreds of eggs — which are hardly seen by the naked eye — over her lifetime. Getting into your hair, skin and furniture, these annoying insects are transported by clothing, luggage and an infected person. You are likely to see signs of an infestation in the form of bites, blood stains on bedding, and shells and other disgusting remnants. Clean all of your bedding with hot water and replace any furniture or mattresses. Use an exterminator for further treatment.
Termites
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Termites are the most threatening form of infestation to your home. Eating at your home’s foundation, they are a silent killer that can do a lot of damage before you even know you’ve been infested. The most common signs that you have a problem are finding discarded wings in the corner of your home, seeing small swarms of winged insects or finding cracks in the paint. If you think you may have a problem, it is best to contact a professional service immediately.
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