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Cockroach
Cockroaches are not a structural pest in that they do not do physical damage to buildings or surroundings; however, they can be a significant health concern and a difficult nuisance. Cockroaches can contaminate food products with their bodies or their waste products; they may also leave a disturbing odor in areas where infestation has taken place. Foraging cockroaches can also be vectors of disease, depositing germs or bacteria in areas that they infest and causing attacks of asthma in some people prone to reactions to cockroaches.
How to Prevent Infestation
Cockroaches are a disgusting pest to have in one’s home; however, there are some great ways to limit the risk of cockroach infestation. Sanitation and cleanliness are the most important tools in your arsenal against cockroaches; cockroaches love to dwell in areas that are poorly cleaned, and will usually gravitate towards those areas where there is adequate food, water, and shelter for them. In restaurants that are not cleaned thoroughly, for example, it become nearly impossible to completely eradicate cockroaches. Special attention to cleanliness and sanitation — particularly in the kitchen(s) and bathroom(s) — will be very beneficial. Caulking and sealing small gaps underneath doors and in windows as well interior molding, anywhere they can touch their front and backs is also a great way to keep roaches out. It is always harder to get cockroaches out of your home than it is to prevent them in the first place.
In some situations, cockroaches will become a problem due to factors outside of your control. In multifamily housing situations where there are shared walls with plumbing, you may have a neighbor next door (or elsewhere in the building) whose behavior is contributing to an existing cockroach problem. |
Beetles
Immature carpet beetles, called larvae, cause damage to human clothing, furnishings, and other products. These larvae feed on natural fibers, while adults feed primarily on plant nectar and pollen. Larvae scavenge for food in dark and hidden areas. Infestations occur swiftly and often go unnoticed until damage is widespread.
The larvae of carpet beetles feed primarily on animal and plant materials such as fur, dander, silk, wool and feathers. As a result, they damage clothing, furniture and other household materials. While larvae prefer organic materials, they will consume synthetic fibers with oil, perspiration and food stains. They sometimes feed on grains and spices, as well as nuts, cereals and other milled products. Larvae may also consume animal hair, dead animals and insects.
The larvae of carpet beetles feed primarily on animal and plant materials such as fur, dander, silk, wool and feathers. As a result, they damage clothing, furniture and other household materials. While larvae prefer organic materials, they will consume synthetic fibers with oil, perspiration and food stains. They sometimes feed on grains and spices, as well as nuts, cereals and other milled products. Larvae may also consume animal hair, dead animals and insects.
Larvae can be found living under floors, behind baseboards, inside air ducts, under heavy furniture and in other hidden areas. Although carpet beetle larvae move slowly, they infest entire homes and cause considerable damage within weeks.
Adult carpet beetles feed on plant-based foods outside and can be found scavenging in gardens, where they cause damage to ornamental flora with light petals. While adult carpet beetles do not cause damage to fiber, they are also considered indoor pests. |
Beetle Treatment
In the event of a severe carpet beetle infestation, there are several effective treatments. Vacuuming before treatment may remove potential carpet beetle food sources. Boric acid and other residuals might be applied to cracks and crevices. It is required by the government to follow product label instructions. Potentially treatable areas include behind baseboards, cracks, crevices and moldings.
Misapplied boric acid solutions may cause damage to property and could prove harmful to humans and pets. While some homeowners are comfortable applying their own boric acid solutions, many people prefer to allow Professional Pest Control to address a carpet beetle infestation since they are trained in proper application techniques and are equipped to efficiently deal with the pests. |
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