Sometimes it makes sense to just let things be and see what happens. But when it comes to pest and wildlife infestations in your home, ignoring the problem is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
In today’s post we’ll talk about the damage that can be done by uncontrolled pest and wildlife infestations. You’ll also learn about how early detection and preventive treatments can keep your home, property, family, and pets safe.
Why do homeowners ignore pests?
There are many reasons homeowners may not want to acknowledge a pest problem in their homes. In many cases though, it’s not intentional. Many homeowners just don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late.
If they are ignoring pests in their home, generally it’s for one of these reasons:
- It’s a common but misguided belief that pests are seasonal or that they will “move on.” This just isn’t true. When pests have easy access to a food source or a place to nest and breed, they won’t be going anywhere!
- Some homeowners may worry about the toxicity of pest control treatments. In reality, our modern and eco-friendly treatments are completely safe for people and pets. You don’t even have to leave your home!
What’s at risk?
Bugs, rodents, and wildlife infestations aren’t just an annoying hassle. They’re serious sources of potential damage to your home, a common cause of destroyed property, and are even a potential health hazard to people and pets.
Let’s take a closer look at the damage pests and wildlife can do, the most common types of infestations, and the warning signs you need to watch out for.
Your home
Common culprits
- Raccoons
- Bats
- Opossums
- Squirrels
- Rats
- Wood beetles
- Carpenter ants
What can happen
- Structural damage to roof, siding, insulation, electrical systems, and foundation
- Hard to clean and disease-causing droppings
- Eventual possibility of damage to property and injury to pets
What to look for
- Droppings
- Footprints
- Holes or other entry points for rodents and wildlife
- Scratching sounds inside walls
- Signs of wood chips or insects boring
Your belongings
Sure, your property is insured and things can always be replaced. But the headache and heartache of losing sentimental belongings due to damage from wildlife and insect infestations is completely avoidable.
Common culprits
What can happen
- Moth larvae eat wool and other natural fibers, damaging clothing, furniture and other possessions
- Ants, moths, and rodents get into stored food, meaning it all has to be thrown out
- Rodents and wildlife chew through and nest in belongings stored in your garage or attic
What to look for
- Damage to food containers or any container where belongings are stored for long periods of time
- Moths in or around clothing – especially in attics or in seasonally stored garments
- Adult insects of any kind in your home
Your family and pets
Don’t overlook the threat that some insects and pests pose to the people in your family – and to your pets, too! Even “helpful” insects like spiders that eat other bugs can inflict painful bites.
Common culprits
What to look for
- Pets scratching or itching themselves as the result of Flea bites
- Swollen and inflamed insect bites
- Wasp or Hornet nests outside your home or in gutters and eaves
- Signs of Bed Bugs like dark spots on bedsheets
- Spider webs especially in sleeping areas
What can happen
- Dogs and cats can fight with potentially diseased rodents and wildlife
- People may suffer painful stings or allergic reactions to insect bites
- Hornet and Wasp stings can be very painful and trigger dangerous anaphylactic shock even if you think you’re not allergic
- Stressful Bed Bug infestations that are very difficult to eradicate
- Wild mammals may carry rabies or other diseases
The importance of preventive pest and wildlife control
Inspect. Exclude. Exterminate.
It’s great to be on the lookout for the signs of pest infestations and invasive wildlife. But if you’re seeing damage to your home or property or your pets and family are being stung or bitten, the problem is already very advanced.
Preventive pest control can keep unwanted pests and critters out of your home and far away from your family, pets, and possessions. At EcoCare Pest Control our experienced pest control technicians take a multi-faceted approach involving:
- Inspection – We not only look for signs of existing pest and wildlife infestations, we also look for the places pests may eventually use to gain access to your home. During our inspections we thoroughly examine the interior and exterior of your home, including pipes, electrical systems, your home’s foundation, and much more.
- Exclusion – Through the application of preventive treatments and repairs like sealing gaps and holes, we create a barrier pests can’t cross.
- Extermination – If an infestation is discovered, our eco-friendly treatments are specifically targeted to the pests we find. That means there’s no danger to your family or pets from toxic chemicals.
Protecting your home isn’t a one-time job
Seasonal inspections help keep pests out of your home all year round. Our annual Pest Insurance program includes:
- 4 seasonal pest inspections
- Eco-friendly pest control treatments
- Protection against nearly 40 common pests
Compared to the cost of fighting entrenched pest infestations and the damage caused by pests, our Pest Insurance program can save homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year.
Ready to learn more?
If you’re ready to take action against pest and wildlife infestations, contact us today for a free in-home consultation. We’ll tell you more about our services and how we can help you protect your home and your family.
There’s no time like the present.
