Gary expected to swat away his fair share of mosquitoes and flies during the dog days of summer, but he wasn’t expecting to find a swarm of termites in his spare bedroom. While on hold with his exterminator, Gary wonders what other pests may be lurking somewhere in his home, and how can he pest proof his home?

Let’s take a look at some of the pest issues that can lead to infestations and potential damages to your home and offer tips on how to best keep those critters and bugs outdoors in their habitat and not yours.

Common household pests:

• Roaches: Even the name makes us shiver. Roaches won’t cause any damage to your home, but their presence indicates unsanitary conditions in the home. 
• Termites: These insects love to dine on dead plant matter like wood, which is why they are drawn to our homes and why they are considered one of the most destructive pests. 
• Mice and rats: Some people like to keep mice and rats as pets, but most of us shriek at the sight of them scurrying across our floors. They are a common pest throughout the year but are most common in winter when they seek food and shelter. Rats are larger than mice and can range from 11-19 inches long. Mice will have large ears and small black eyes and mature to about 6-7 inches in length.

The pests mentioned above are the most common, but other pest issues depend on the type of house, where your home is located and the time of the year. For example, other pests you may encounter include silverfish, fleas and bees.

How to keep your home safe:

• Prevention starts on the outside of the home, so reduce clutter around your house and keep grass and shrubbery trimmed. Keep trash can lids tightly sealed and avoid keeping bird feeders close to your house.
• Check for any areas where pests may enter the home, such as cracks in the foundation, tears in window screens, chimneys, and damaged weather stripping. 
• Inside the house, check areas such as the basement and attic, under and behind refrigerators, stoves and cabinets. Many bugs are attracted to moisture, so check for any leaking pipes and clogged drains, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. 

Regular maintenance and prevention will help avoid pest issues. However, if you find damage to your home, and you think pests may be the culprit, talk to your local Rockingham Insurance agent today.