Tips for Selecting a Pest Control Service
Some people in Jackson can handle the removal of critters and pests from their homes on their own. Other people may feel lost and decide to hire a pest control company. Hiring a professional means the job will get done safely and swiftly. Doing it solo can mean trying several different pest removal methods that may not work at all.
Types of Pests in Jackson
Many different critters will try to make a home in a residence. Common pests that people use pest control jackson ms services include:
- Ants
- Bats
- Bed bugs
- Fleas and ticks
- Gnats and flies
- Mice and rats
- Mosquitoes
- Roaches
- Spiders
- Wasps and bees
- Random wildlife
Ants Can Be a Huge Problem for Homeowners
While many people may not realize it, there are actually many types of ants. Jackson residents most often see little black ants, odorous house ants, and fire ants. The type of ant that the resident is dealing with will determine the plan for removal. Not all ants act the same.
Tiny Shiny Black Ants Love Nesting in Houses
What is a tiny black ant? This type of any is black in color and measures one-sixteenth of an inch. These little insects spread both diseases and bacteria through the house. They like trash cans, pet dropping, dirty diapers, trash, and other kinds of waste.
Little black ants are a pain because they like to build little nests in wall spaces, in woodwork, under baseboards, in wall voids, and even under carpeting in a home. To find out where they are nesting, watch where they go. While bug sprays and poisons are available, many people prefer to use safe and non-toxic options.
Get rid of this type of pest in a holistic manner by mixing fifteen drops of peppermint oil or tea tree oil, half of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and six ounces of water in a plastic spray bottle. Give the bottle a few shakes and spray the mix wherever the ants are seen. Another option is to soak cotton balls in the mix and stuff them behind baseboards or in the cracks of the wall.
Odorous House Ants Love Eating People Food
Odorous house ants are another common pest in Jackson, MS. These ants can be black or brown in color. The measurements for this type of ant are one-sixteenth to one-eighth of an inch in length. They get their name from their smell, as they stink when they are squashed.
These ants love kitchens, trash cans, and snacking on human food. They usually show up as a bad surprise after it rains. Just when a person thinks they have taken care of the problem, this type of ant pops back up, as they are constantly moving their nest.
Get rid of these kitchen ants by getting rid of the food source. If there’s nothing to eat, the ants will eventually stop coming. Take out the trash as soon as there is trash, not when the can is full. Seal all food in air-tight containers. These ants will even eat pet food, so make sure pet food is put away between pet meals.
Fire Ants are Dangerous
While all ants spread diseases and nasty bacteria through the house, fire ants are downright dangerous. What do these ants look like? Fire ants have heads that are copper-colored, and bodies that can be either black or reddish-brown. They can vary in length from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-fourth of an inch.
Why are fire ants dangerous? Many people are allergic to the poison from fire ants. Some people may go into anaphylactic shock. This type of ant has been known to kill small animals and even humans. They can damage crops, eat through electronic wiring, and contaminate food.
How does one get rid of fire ants? Many people choose to hire a professional pest control company for ant removal. There are poisons, sprays, baits, and natural methods that can work as well.
Bats Carry Rabies
The bats in Jackson love trying to nest in residential attics. These flying critters can carry rabies, posing a huge threat to the residents of the home. Their droppings can grow a fungus that gives humans lung issues. The droppings also are bad for the house, as they can eat through both wood and metal.
Never try to remove a bat solo. There are a whopping fifteen different species of bats in Mississippi, with nine of those species being protected and endangered. If there is a bat in the house, call a pest control company. It’s safer for the residents of the home, and a professional will know how to remove the bat without harming it.
Bed Bugs are a Nightmare for Homeowners
Bed bugs have had a lot of negative attention lately because more and more people are finding these insects in their homes. Even clean homes can have a bed bug infestation despite the common misconception that bed bugs mean the home is filthy. At the first sign of this type of insect, call a professional to keep the problem from growing.
Bed bugs come in an assortment of sizes. Younger bed bugs are typically two to fine millimeters in length. When they are fully grown, bed bugs can be one-fourth of an inch long or larger. The unhatched eggs of bed bugs are light cream in color.
Fleas and Ticks Bite Pets and Humans
Fleas and ticks like to ride into the home on the family pets but can end up biting humans as well as the pets. Ticks spread both viruses and harmful bacteria to humans and their pets. Two scary diseases they infect people with include Lyme Disease and Tick Bite Fever.
It’s extremely hard to get rid of ticks and fleas. Many people who want the job done right and completed as quickly as possible choose to hire a professional right from the start. Even homes without pets can end up infested by these two types of biting critters.
Gnats and Flies are Both Annoying and Harmful
Gnats and flies are annoying. They land on people, they land on food, and they spread disgusting germs wherever they land. Common types of these flying critters include fruit flies, house flies, vinegar flies, drain flies, and gnats.
Mice and Rats Spread Diseases Through Droppings
As soon as a rodent problem is suspected, pick up the phone and call a pest control specialist. Rodents breed swiftly and can be almost impossible to eradicate without professional help. Their droppings spread diseases, and they love to snack on and ruin food in the home.
Mosquitoes Bites Don’t Have to be Tolerated
Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Malaria are three diseases mosquitoes spread to people through bites. While many people consider mosquitoes as a common summer pest, there are measures that can be taken to get rid of them. A pest control company can survey the area, point out breeding areas for mosquitoes, and make a plan with the homeowner to reduce their numbers.
Seeing One Roach is a Huge Problem
If a person sees one roach in their home, it is very likely there are hundreds more hidden away. Common roach breeds in Jackson include both the German cockroach and the American cockroach. These critters come out at night when people are sleeping, so seeing one in the day can mean the infestation is already out of control.
Why are roaches a problem for a homeowner? They spread polio, typhoid, and even dysentery. While some people try to get rid of them with baits, sprays, and sticky strips, it’s smarter and faster to utilize the services of a professional pest control company.
Spiders Can Be Lethal
Spiders are creepy to look at, and no one wants them to take over their home. Common spider breeds found in Mississippi homes include the American house spider, black widow spiders, and brown recluse spiders. While the common house spider is harmless, the other two breeds are lethal.
Some People are Allergic to Wasps and Bees
If wasps or bees are found in the home, the homeowner should call a professional for safe removal. Some people are allergic to the stings of these flying insects, which poses a huge safety threat. Common types include honey bees, wasps, and yellow jackets.
Wildlife Does Not Belong in a House
While the random wildlife in Jackson is entertaining to watch, no one wants a wild animal in their home. Common animals that make their way into Jackson’s homes include squirrels, raccoons, and possums. If a homeowner hears scratching in the walls or odd noises coming from an attic, chances are that something wild has made its way in.
In conclusion, there are many types of insects and animals that can try to take over a home. At the first sign of a problem, smart homeowners call in professionals for help. While there are measures that a person can try on their own, they may not work. Professionals typically know the fastest and most efficient manner of removing unwanted guests from the property.