Pests are not only a nuisance but they carry a lot of bacteria and germs with them causing deadly diseases. They also pose a serious threat to our property and contaminate our food. Many pests infiltrate our homes and cause havoc. However, some pests are common in Indian homes. You will usually find them in every Indian home. In this article, we will discuss about top pests that are found in Indian homes and the impact they cause on our lives.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are the most common Indian pests. You will find small cockroaches in the kitchen, especially during the summer season. They infiltrate our homes and contaminate our food spreading diseases. Cockroach feces and saliva can trigger asthma and respiratory issues in sensitive people. They are also a cause of allergies in human beings. It is important to get rid of cockroaches for the safety and health of our family members.
Prevention: The best way to prevent cockroaches from invading your home is to maintain cleanliness. Wipe off food crumbs and spills and do not keep food in the open. Store food in air-tight containers and use garbage bins that have tight lids on them. A clean and tidy home is less appealing to cockroaches.
Ants
It is quite common to see ants lined up in search of food in your kitchen and other areas of your home. Ants are especially active in the summer season but you can also see them during winters. They come out of their nest in search of food. Though ants do not cause any health hazards, they can bite and cause rashes which disappear on their own within a few days. Some ants may contaminate our food.
Prevention: You can minimize the problem by paying attention to cleanliness in the house. Do not scatter food in the house and make sure to wipe the countertops and surfaces if there are any food crumbs or spills. Sweep and mop the floor regularly and store sweet foods like sugar, jam, and honey in air-tight containers.
Termites
Termites feed on the cellulose that is present in the wood. If you have moisture in the house, it will be an open invitation to termites in the house. Also, moisture in the soil can lead to termite infestation. Though termites do not cause any health problems directly, they can be the cause of allergies and asthma in sensitive people. Termites are known as silent destroyers and they cause severe damage to property by eating away the wooden framework of the house.
Read Also: 9 Tips for a Smooth Local Move
Prevention: It becomes crucial to address the termite issue in your house as the damage they cause is irreparable and it can damage the structural integrity of the house. Make sure that there is no moisture in the house. You can use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture. Fix plumbing issues like leaky pipes and faucets. Repair any clogged drains and maintain cleanliness in the house. Maintain your yard well so that termites do not use the overgrown trees and bushes to enter your home.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are prominent during the summer season, especially during the rain. They thrive during this season and you may find a surge in dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes are a common Indian pest and they thrive easily in our homes due to the tropical climate in the country. Though you cannot eliminate mosquitoes, you can take measures to keep them out of your house. It is crucial to get rid of mosquitoes to save you and your family from deadly diseases.
Prevention: The best way to get rid of mosquitoes is not to allow stagnant or standing water in and around your house. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and the rainy season gives a perfect environment for mosquitoes to thrive. Remove excess water from plant pots and bird utensils kept in the yard.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny pests that feed on human and animal blood. They can hitch a ride on travel bags, suitcases, and our clothes. Bed bug problem has increased in recent years due to increased traveling and globalization. Bed bugs are active in the night as they bite their host in the night. Though bed bugs do not cause any serious harm, their bite can cause rashes accompanied by itching. They can disrupt your sleep which can lead to stress and anxiety.
Prevention: To prevent bed bug infestation in the house, vacuum thoroughly and wash your bed sheets and linens in hot water. Also, maintain cleanliness and wash your laundry daily. Take special care while traveling and when you return from travel, open your travel bags outside the house and wash them in hot water. Dry them in the sun so that if there is any bed bug inside it gets killed.
Conclusion
These are the top 5 pests found in Indian homes. You can take precautions to save your home from these pests. Taking steps like maintaining cleanliness, fixing leaky pipes and faucets, storing food in air-tight containers, removing stagnant water, and washing your laundry can help in preventing these pests from invading your home. If you are dealing with severe infestations, you must hire a professional pest control in Mumbai. They have the resources and tools to safely eliminate pests from your property.