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There are over 850 species of ticks found worldwide, 90 of which exist in the United States alone. Depending on factors like weather and geography, the threats posed from these various tick species will differ. Regardless of location, a tick infestation is not something anyone wants to contend with.
Another common pest to watch out for is the ever-pesky mosquito. Mosquitoes love to rest in commonly used areas of a home like underneath the sink, in the shower, and even the laundry room. These pesky bugs can stealthily enter from outside and begin to lay their eggs indoors.
So, what are some need to know items about controlling these pests in the home and keep them from invading further? Let’s take a look.
Identifying Nests
As mentioned, mosquitoes like to nest in specific places both inside and outside of the home. There are specific hotspots to keep an eye on such as standing water, untrimmed grass, and trees.
While ticks don’t typically infest the inside of a home, they are commonly found outside in tall grass. This leaves plenty of room for them to be carried inside by both people and pets. However, because ticks are also found in conditions that are moist or highly humid, this makes it difficult for them to survive indoors for longer than a few days.
Start by identifying places where each pest has built its nest. From there, you can make a game plan for either eradicating them from the home or preventing them from coming inside.
Keep it Clean
One way to kill tick infestations in places like outdoor sheds is to install an air conditioner as they help remove the humid conditions ticks thrive in. It’s also a smart idea to trim overgrown flower gardens, trees, or bushes around the home as ticks like to make a home in humid and shady overgrown gardens. Maintaining the lawn and surrounding landscape means maintaining troublesome tick populations.
As for mosquitoes, they also love humidity but at a more extreme level as they flock to any standing bodies of water. Think rain barrels filled with water, uncovered watering cans, and clogged gutters. Mosquitoes flock to places like this as they provide perfect breeding conditions for this pest.
Be sure to remove any stagnant water near the home to avoid mosquitoes laying their eggs and multiplying. Mosquitoes also love damp soil and wet mulch. To that end, be sure to clear gutters of any standing debris and treat any soil areas with a recommended mosquito treatment. This could be a plant-based, natural solution or something a pest control professional recommends.
Tick It off the List
Certain areas of the home are more conducive than others to hosting ticks and mosquitoes. Knowing the conditions in which they thrive can help anyone with an infestation craft a game plan. Look for overgrown shrubs, keep tall grass trimmed, and remove stagnant pools of water to remove the number of ticks or mosquitoes that live around the home.
For larger problems, it’s always best to consult an expert. They will be able to fully eliminate the problem and keep your home safe from these dangerous pests.