What does the queen of homemaking have in common with getting rid of creepy crawlies that have snuck inside your house? The Pest Rangers! Keeping a good home doesn’t just mean making some wonderful meals or having the right decor. It also includes making sure your home is fortified against unwanted pests and that means taking some extra care to keep them out.
The wrong creatures can not only ruin the way your home looks, but they can also cause a lot of damage. Whether it’s cave crickets or Asian lady beetles, you must do what it takes to protect your home. So, what can you do to ensure your home stays in tip-top shape? Thanks to ContentMender’s traditional PR outreach efforts, you get the combo of great housekeeping and pest protection to keep your home in top shape. This is exactly what you should be on the lookout for this spring,
Overwintering Pest Problem
As warm weather approaches, the bugs start to come out. While most of these critters emerge outside, if some managed to weasel their way into your home, the shift in temperature can cause them to stir. There are quite a few overwintering pests that can cause a problem, but there are two that are quite a nuisance: ladybugs and cave crickets. As seen on Martha Stewart’s website, these creatures can tarnish a home if left unchecked. It’s time to search both high and low, and we’ll help you spot these unwanted house guests.
The Call of the Cave Cricket
An unsightly pest, cave crickets can often be mistaken for spiders. Also known as camel crickets, spider crickets, or sprickets, unlike other cricket species, they don’t actually make sounds. These insects are drawn to dampness, and you can often find them where moisture gathers. Typically, cave crickets can be found in basements and crawlspaces, but they can’t also be found in closets, utility rooms, and garages.
Cave crickets get inside your home through cracks and open areas. They actively seek out high moisture areas. While they don’t carry diseases or bite, they are a nuisance pest. Once in your home, they can cause damage to clothes, fabric, furniture, or carpeting. If you don’t want to deal with holes in your curtains or rugs, you may want to deal with the problem fast.
Drying up Cricket Problems
An easy way to deter cave crickets from your home is by eliminating excess moisture. Make sure all your pipes are sealed and are in working order. Also, it’s a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier to pull the moisture out of trouble spots in your house. To keep crickets from getting inside, fortify your home by closing any cracks or openings. Outside your home, make sure to keep a tidy lawn by cutting the grass often, tending your garden to avoid overgrowth, and keeping woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your house. These tips should keep your home cricket free!
Not your Everyday Lady…bug
If you’re looking for a little luck, you may want to look somewhere other than ladybugs. These little beetles are great for a garden and make amazing little pest control experts themselves. However, if they find their way inside your home during the winter, they can be a problem. While ladybugs tend to stay outside, Asian lady beetles can be a nuisance.
These little insects sneak inside through cracks and crevices actively looking for a warm place to hide out for the winter. As spring rolls around, the resulting swarm can be overwhelming. While a few ladybugs may seem harmless, they can stain interior and exterior paints a brown-yellow color. Once inside ladybugs tend to look for heat and moisture, and you can often find them in areas that are bright and warm.
While ladybugs are pretty harmless, Asian lady beetles can bite. They also leave a yellow stain when crushed. It can be hard to tell the difference, but you can spot an Asian lady beetle by its brown-yellow color and the distinct white mark on its forehead.
How to Stop the Swarm
The best way to get rid of a swarm of ladybugs is to stop them from getting inside. Perform exterior maintenance on your home, particularly on loose and damaged siding. Repair any screens that may have snags or tears and seal any cracks or holes that may lead inside. If you do spot them inside, it may be too late. If you have a few, you can easily brush them into a box with small holes and relocate them outside. If you have Asian lady beetles, however, you might have quite the swarm on your hands. If you have an overwhelming amount, it may be time to seek out professional help.
Concluding Thoughts
Keeping a good house means keeping it safe from invaders, and the Pest Ranger is here to help. With these helpful tips and a little prevention, your home can be pristine and pest-free. Plus, a little extra home maintenance can keep your property looking great. Home care and pest control are a well-met match; if you suspect you may have a pest problem, seek a pest control expert to help.