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Pest Control
Solutions: Common Pests
Termites
Damage:
Termites eat wood, and can consequently cause great
structural damage to your home if left unchecked.
Detection and Treatment:
Although termites and their tunnels are sometimes seen
by the homeowner, their subterranean habits mean only a
thorough professional inspection can determine whether an
infestation is present, and what kind of control measures
need to be taken. For more information, see Termite Facts.
Cockroaches
Damage:
Cockroaches spread human disease by depositing disease
organisms on food and utensils. The American cockroach,
which comes into contact with human excrement in sewers or
with pet droppings, may transmit bacteria that cause
Salmonella and Shigella. German cockroaches are believed to
be capable of transmitting disease-causing organisms such as
Staphylococcus, hepatitis, and coliform bacteria. They also
have been implicated in the spread of typhoid and dysentery.
Recent studies have found a strong association between the
presence of cockroaches and increases in the severity of
asthma symptoms in individuals who are sensitive to
cockroach allergens.
Detection and Treatment:
Cockroaches may become pests in homes, restaurants,
hospitals, warehouses, offices, and virtually any structure
that has food preparation or storage areas. These pests are
common even in the cleanest of crowded urban areas and older
dwellings. It’s usually not difficult to discover an
infestation, because they are often visible. Treatment
usually involves sealing cracks and crevices to block
entrance; keeping food and trash areas clean to avoid
providing food; and the professional application of
insecticide and bait on a regular basis.
Rodents
Damage:
Rodents consume and contaminate food. They also gnaw on
electrical wires, wooden structures, and tear insulation in
walls and ceilings for nesting. Rodents can also transmit
disease to humans, pets, and livestock. They have been found
to transmit typhus, leptospirosis, trichinosis, and
salmonellosis.
Detection and Treatment:
The presence of mice and rats is usually detected by the
damage they cause to food and structures, by their
droppings, and by their nests. Treatment involves
eliminating all entry points and population reduction by the
application of rodenticides and traps. See Bob's Rodent
Control Tips.
Ants
Damage:
Ants cause various types of damage, depending upon the
variety. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood, destroying
structures. Pharaoh ants may transmit serious diseases. A
fire ant’s sting is potentially deadly to susceptible
individuals, and all ants contaminate the food they infest.
Detection and Treatment :
Ants build massive colonies, so their presence is
generally detected when you see their nests, or the ants
themselves. Treatments involve baiting, insecticide, and
sealing off entry to buildings. See Bob's Ant Control Tips.
Spiders
Except for poisonous spiders, such as the black widow and
the brown recluse, spiders are not harmful to humans. When
it’s important to eliminate spiders, chemical control is
used, along with destruction of webs and eggs. Since they
feed on insects, measures that eliminate unwanted insects
will also reduce spider populations.
Biting and Stinging Pests
Damage:
Bees, wasps and scorpions are dangerous because of their
painful and potentially harmful stings.
Detection and Treatment:
Wasp nests and bee hives can be removed by professionals
with protective gear. Insecticides are also used. Scorpion
problems are usually treated chemically.
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