Top 5 Insect Pests and How to Get Rid of Them

Although no one wants to find themselves in need of pest control, Temecula residents face a number of possible infestations that could riddle their homes. Once things get to this point, homeowners may inevitably need to rely on chemicals to rid their homes of the unwanted pests. Sometimes there are simpler solutions that are worth trying, though, before calling in the professionals. Here are five of the most common insect pests that you may find in your Temecula are home, and a few simple solutions that you may be able to try before giving us a call.

1. Ants and Cockroaches

The best way to avoid ants and cockroaches is to keep a clean home, and be especially careful about food waste. But if you should spot a cockroach, or one of the more than twenty species of U.S. house ants infiltrating your home, see if baits or traps with boric acid work to get rid of them. If they keep coming back, then it’s time to call the professionals.

2. Fleas

Pet owners are at highest risk for flea infestations, and once you see them hopping about on your skin you’ll want to get rid of them fast. It’s important to focus on flea eggs in fabrics and carpets first, starting with washing all rugs, bedding, slip covers, and pillow covers in hot water. If your pet has been infested with fleas, they will need to be bathed with anti-flea shampoo and treated with an anti-flea medicine prescribed by a veterinarian. If the infestation has gotten too severe for these methods to work, though, you’ll need professional help.

3. House Flies

The housefly is the most common of all pests that infiltrate people’s homes, and there are many common ways to get rid of them such as sticky strips and fly swatters. There are sprays that you can use if the problem gets severe, but try all your other options first (including keeping doors closed and using screens) before taking that road.

4. Spiders

No one likes finding spiders in their home, and some of us are downright terrified of this scenario. Aside from highly venomous species such as the brown recluse and black widow, though, most spiders are harmless and can help get rid of flies and other insects that they eat for food. Only severe infestations require professional spider control. Temecula homeowners with just one or a few spiders in the home are better off capturing them with a cup and a piece of paper, then vacuuming up any webs and egg sacs. Just make sure to dump the vacuum canister outdoors and rinse out the removable hoses before bringing the vacuum back inside.

5. Termites

A termite infestation can cause serious damage to your home, as these creepy critters love to infest wood structures and eat them from the inside out. If you notice “termite tubes” or spot weak wood, or find termite wings or droppings around the wood in your home, there are unfortunately no homemade solutions for termite control. Temecula homeowners who spot the signs of termites will need an inspections as soon as possible, and if your suspicions are correct you’ll need professional termite control services.

If the simple solutions don’t seem to work, just remember you’re not alone. The professionals at Black Knight Termite & Pest Control are waiting to help you rid your home of unwanted insects and other uninvited critters.