Pests are a nuisance that can cause extensive damage to your property and compromise its structural integrity. Understanding what pests cause the most harm is important for preventing further damage and keeping your home safe.

It can also help you determine the best pest control methods to use and when to employ them. This article outlines the most significant types of pests that can cause damage to your property, the problems they cause, and how you can prevent them.

Ants

Ants are small but mighty pests that can cause considerable damage to your property. Small holes in baseboards and walls may be evidence of ant infestations. Ants will also create pathways by chewing through wood, insulation, and drywall in search of food. Severe ant infestations can lead to structural damage as they chew through electrical wiring and support beams.

Remember, there are different types of ants, and each type causes different levels of damage. For instance, carpenter ants cause more destruction because of their sheer size. Other types, such as fire ants and pavement ants, can result in localized damage, depending on their numbers and nesting habits.

To ward off ant invasions, seal up any cracks and crevices around your property, keep food sealed away, and immediately clean up any spills or crumbs.

Bedbugs and Fleas

Bedbugs and fleas are two of the most common household pests. Bedbugs are small, typically 4–5 mm long and 1.5–3 mm wide, brownish insects that can cause a lot of trouble to humans and animals. They are often found in mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture.

Fleas are smaller than bedbugs, these are 1.5 – 3.3 mm long, brownish insects that feed on human and animal blood and are typically found in carpets and other fabrics. They can both be very difficult to get rid of, and they can both cause a lot of problems for your family and your property. So if you have either of these pests, taking care of them as soon as possible is a must. If you think you may have bed bugs or fleas, contact a pest control professional for assistance.

Rats & Mice

Rats and mice are another type of pests that can cause serious damage to property. Not only do they spread diseases, but they also chew through electrical wiring, insulation, and even walls in their search for food. Rats and mice have the potential to start fires by chewing on live wires. They can also contaminate food sources with their droppings and urine.

Preventing rat and mouse infestations is the best way to avoid any related damage. Seal up any cracks or crevices they can use as entry points and remove any potential food sources, such as open cereal boxes or pet food. Regularly inspect your property for signs of rat and mouse activity, such as droppings or unexplained holes in walls or furniture. Contact a professional pest control company immediately if you find evidence of an infestation.

Moths

Moths may seem harmless, but they can cause considerable damage if left unchecked. Moths feed on natural fibres like wool, fur, and cotton fabric. Clothing, carpets, furniture upholstery and other items made of such fabrics are all vulnerable to moth infestations.

To prevent moths from infesting your house, make sure you clean and vacuum regularly. Avoid storing items that are prone to moths in dark places like closets and basements. It is best to keep your home tightly sealed against outside air currents by ensuring windows and doors are not left open for extended periods of time. Additionally, an effective insecticide can be used to repel moths.

Birds

Having a few birds in your garden can be enjoyable, but unchecked infestations can cause serious damage to your property. Birds are attracted to buildings and roofs, and If they find a way inside the structure, they can cause extensive structural and cosmetic damage.

In addition to damaging structures, birds also like to feast on fruits and vegetables in gardens. To prevent birds from damaging your property, make sure to keep bird feeders away from your home and garden. Additionally, it is important to ensure eaves, windowsills, and other entry points are properly sealed.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches can cause various health problems due to the allergens they produce and the bacteria they carry. They can also cause significant damage to books, food, electronics, and furniture.

The best way to prevent cockroaches from infesting your property is to ensure that all food sources are sufficiently sealed or disposed of properly. Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect for any signs of pests in the form of droppings or skin castings which can indicate a cockroach infestation. Effective insecticide treatments can also be used to help control and prevent cockroaches from gaining entry into your home or property.

All these pests can cause serious damage to your property if left unchecked. It is important to be proactive in dealing with them and not wait until the problem becomes severe. Regular inspections, cleaning, and proper insecticide treatments can help you keep your home and property pest-free.