For any Adelaide resident, it comes at no surprise that natural life is abundant. You can find many birds flying around, little creatures, and insects passing through your garden and home. Residents have become accustomed to different bugs and small animals scouring through their homes. But when do you know if the cute little mouse is actually a destructive pest?
It’s important to educate and familiarize yourself on different pests in your Adelaide area in order to identify a pest when you see one. Pests can cause destruction in a matter of weeks and keeping them at bay is important to the health and stability of your family, garden, and property.
Before you jump on the table and scream by the sight of every Australian creature that pass through your house; we’ll share with you the list of the most common household pests you should keep an eye out for in you Adelaide home:
1. TERMITES
In the United States alone, termites cause destruction and damage of up to $5 billion each year. Not to mention the damage they cause in Australian homes, especially those made out of wood.
It’s not surprising that termites are found in wooden beams, floors, and patios because they absolutely love wood. Before you get too comfortable, it’s important that you phone a professional when you only spot one termite on your wooden patio.
Calling someone from pest aid will help you get rid of termites before they cause serious and expensive damage to your property.
2. ANTS
Ants are family-type creatures who usually live in very large colonies. If you spot one ant in your home, chances are there are thousands more where it came from.
These little social critters scour around your home in search of food. They are attracted to anything sweet, sticky, meaty, and juicy. You can bet your bottom dollar, that once one ant has spotted a tasty treat it’ll quickly inform the others to come and collect. Before you know it, your house is a buzzing restaurant for the entire colony.
Apart from infesting your home in the thousands, some ants can even bite and carry diseases. Humans can be allergic to certain ants and when they start nibbling at your family’s skin, they can cause quite discomfort.
Keeping your kitchen counters clean will only be part of the prevention. Once ants have made a big nest near your home, or even under the foundation, it’ll take a real professional to get rid of them.
3. FLEAS
Fleas are by far one of the most gross-looking pests on the market. Their big squishy bodies and hairy legs is scary enough. Combined with the destruction they cause for your house’s pets; they are pure evil.
Because these little creatures are almost microscopic in size, it’s difficult to spot them at an eye’s glance. Once they’ve attached themselves to the fur of your cat, dog, or bird, they can cause great discomfort. Be sure that once a group of fleas are in your home, you’ll be itching the night away.
Get rid of them by consulting a professional or even using flea-repellant shampoos and collars for your dogs.
4. COCKROACHES
Cockroaches are estimated to have been on planet earth for almost 400 million years. No matter what homeowners do, cockroaches will always come back for more.
These dark brown critters are fast and enjoy lounging in dark and dingy areas of the home. Especially behind stoves, refrigerators, sinks, and damp places like behind the toilet and under floor drains. When you spot one cockroach in your sink, be sure that there are loads more where it came from.
Cockroaches, similar to rats, can cause serious medical conditions like leprosy, cholera, and dysentery, as well as spread foodborne sickness. Learn more about cockroaches and their different types here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach
5. RATS AND MICE
Even though some people enjoy having rats and mice as home pets, wild rodents roaming around your home is never a good sign. Especially for residents who are located close to grass fields or farmlands, rats and mice are commonly spot.
Mice and rats are both very destructive. They can chew through food containers to get to what they want and without you knowing they can contaminate food. Not to mention, they don’t mind leaving droppings all around your home. They can carry and spread deadly diseases which will be unsafe to all members in the house.
Rats are much bigger than mice which makes them much more destructive. To get inside cupboards, rats can chew and gnaw their way through wood, walls, electrical wiring, and even through the roof.
These rodents don’t necessarily travel in packs, if you spot only one mouse or rat in your home, it’s time to call a professional. Especially if they go about their business every single night.
6. BED BUGS
Parasitic in nature, bed bugs are microscopic and can’t be seen. In most cases, they are introduced into your home by a lovingly, an unknowing, house pet. They will find their way onto your bed or couch and feast on your blood at night. Bed bugs can be extremely destructive, in that they can infiltrate numerous bedding, beds, couches, and rugs without being seen.
Trying to suck them up with the household vacuum won’t necessarily work. It’s best to phone a skilled professional to help you get rid of all the bed bugs in your home at once.
To learn more about what common pests lurk in your Adelaide backyard, read this article by the Government of South Australia to be informed.
Knowing the difference between harmful and hazardous pests in your area and harmless critters is important. This will give you the knowledge to identify whenever a pest has entered your home. Whether it’s termites, bed bugs, ants, mice, rats, cockroaches, or fleas; pests can only spread destruction. Posing a great risk to your family’s health and your property’s construction.
