There is a list of the 10 most unwanted house guests for each home, a bit like the FBI's 10 most wanted, on this list you will find the most annoying pests that can make their way into your home and cause untold amounts of damage. Reports from the National Pest Control Association, an association of pest control companies that is not set up for profit, an estimated $4.5 billion of damage is caused by pests each year. Added to this damage there is the real danger of such pests affecting you and your families health.

Even the cleanest house can find itself infested with pests. Neither are these visits by pests completely controlled by the time of year or region you live. Because the inside of the home is climate controlled, the pests that come into the home can thrive at any time of the year. A major spike in rodent populations is generally seen in the fall months as they begin to come indoors for food and shelter when the temperature begins to drop. You end up with a roach infestation when they hop onto your grocery bags and get into your vehicle.

There are plenty of smaller insects that may sneak in on clothing or shoes. Pest control is something you need to think about all year round, it does not matter the time of year of where you live. To really control pests in your home you need more than reactionary methods such as mouse traps or pesticide spray found at the local store. The key factor of this issue is that pests truly love heat, water and food, which are the three key elements that give your home its livability and comfort.

Because we need these things as well they can not be eliminated from our homes, however there are preventative measures we can take to help keep them away. Keep your house clean and target those places specifically likely to house pests, pay close attention to vents and small crevices, do not forget under the staircase. Get rid of any junk, trash or other belongings you never use regularly.

A good preventative measure is to install screens over your windows and doors, make sure there are no cracks outside that can allow access to your home for small pests. Do not stockpile food and make sure all food you do have is securely stored in containers no pest will be able to penetrate. Do not allow spills and crumbs to linger, and check out any item that comes in your house. #6 - Produce packages such as netting, plastic wrappings and boxes are particularly vulnerable.

When you use pesticides always follow the instructions and keep in mind these are potentially dangerous chemicals you are dealing with. Look for those that have a Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration number, and are specifically designed for the pest you wish to target. If you follow the instructions properly such chemicals are perfectly safe and environmentally friendly. Always check out the label prior to purchasing a pesticide and do not deviate from the product's instructions for use. Use insecticides for those insects they are designed and not for anything else.

#9 - Be sure to stores pesticides in a safe area away from children or pets. Always disposed of the chemicals carefully, and in a lawful manner. #11 - And most important, if you need a professional to do the job, be sure to hire an expert. By hiring a true pest control professional you will receive top of the line service from a specialist who can properly and effectively treat your home while taking care to protect the environment. You will find that the Ten Most Unwanted Common Household Pests and What To Do About Them is a newly published booklet available now, and is very helpful when detailing how to prevent and kill unwanted pests in the home. You can get it sent to you for a small mailing and processing fee.

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