Pest infestation is a common problem in India. The varied climate and cultural practices in India make it a perfect breeding ground for a variety of pests that thrive in various conditions. These pests pose health risks, damage the property and disrupts daily life. In this article, we will discuss 10 common pests found in Indian households and ways to combat them.
1. Cockroaches
One of the most common pests found in Indian homes are cockroaches. They are very adaptable and can thrive in different environments. They are mostly active in the night. Cockroaches do not bite but contaminate food, spread diseases and trigger allergies. To combat cockroaches, you need to keep your home clean, seal cracks and crevices or use a bait trap or insecticide.
2. Ants
Ants are not only a nuisance but they also contaminate the food. They invade kitchen in search of food. When present in large numbers, it becomes difficult to control them. Carpenter ants can damage your furniture and structural integrity by eating the wood. Maintain cleanliness, keep your surfaces clean and store food in air tight containers to get rid of ants. You can also use ant baits or natural remedies like cinnamon and vinegar.
3. Lizards
Lizards are uninvited visitors that enters your home in search of food and warmth. They are commonly found in Indian households. Though lizards are harmless, some people find them disturbing. They hide in dark places of your house, on the corners of the walls or behind the picture frames. Make sure to seal all gaps and cracks to prevent their entry. Their main source of food is insects inside your house. Maintain cleanliness and reduce the number of insects to drive away lizards. You can also use adhesive traps if needed.
4. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the common transmitters of diseases in India. Being a tropical country, mosquitoes common in Indian homes. They spread diseases like malaria, chikungunya, dengue, encephalitis etc. They strive in hot weather and standing water gives them the perfect environment to breed. To prevent mosquitoes entering your home, screen your doors and windows, remove stagnant water and use home remedies like camphor and citronella and lavender oils.
5. Rats and Mice
Rats and mice are not only a nuisance but they also cause several diseases by contaminating your food. They also destroy your property causing financial losses. Rats can chew wires and cables, clothes, shoes. Rats can feed on anything and never go hungry. To get rid of them, maintain cleanliness, seal the gaps and holes and use mice trappers.
Also Read: What Are the Factors to Consider Before Job Relocation?
6. Flies
Flies are not only annoying but they are also a carrier of various diseases. They tend to accumulate around food and garbage making them one of the most common household pests in India. Make sure to maintain a good hygiene, dispose the garbage on a regular basis, install fly traps and screen windows and doors to prevent their entry.
7. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are found on beddings sofas, carpets and furniture. Bed bugs are mostly active in the night and it is hard to detect them. Wash your bed covers regularly, vacuum your furniture and carpet, use mattress covers and seek professional assistance if there is severe infestation.
8. Termites
Termites are the most devastating pests in the house. They can eat away the wooden framework of your house making it brittle and hollow from inside. Termites can destroy the structural integrity of the house which may require costly repairs. Regular inspections and taking preventive measures can keep termites at bay. Seal cracks and crevices and use termite resistant furniture to prevent infestations. In severe infestations, seek professional termite control services.
9. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, silver-colored insects that can thrive in damp conditions. They are found inside the books, papers and clothes as this is their main source of food. They leave holes on the edges of the furniture and shelves. Make sure to keep your home clean and dry, store papers in dry containers and use traps to catch them.
10. Spiders
Spiders are generally harmless but their presence can be sometimes annoying to some people. Make sure to clean the corners of the roof and remove all the clutter from your house. You can use a spider repellant or use some home remedies like peppermint oil to drive them away.
Important Tips to Prevent Pests
- Remove all food sources and standing water. Dispose left overs properly and make sure there is no spills on the floor.
- Store food in air tight containers made of plastic and glass. Make sure that the garbage bins have covered lids so that pests cannot easily access them.
- Cluttered houses are more prone to pests. The more the clutter, the more they will get space to hide. Declutter your house and remove any waste and scrap materials like stack newspapers, books, magazines and cardboards.
- Fix leaky taps and pipes and ensure that there is no water standing in and around your house.
- Seal cracks and crevices with caulk or cement. This will close all the possible entry points of pests.
- Screen windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes and flies get access inside your home.
- Check for pests in packages, custom boxes and luggage before taking them home.
Conclusion
Pest infestations are a common problem in Indian homes due to its diverse climate and cultural practices. However, with timely actions and implementing preventive measures, these pests can be kept at bay. You can achieve this by maintaining cleanliness, sealing cracks, holes and crevices in the house, installing traps and baits and using home remedies. If you have severe pest infestation in your house, seek professional assistance and hire a reputable pest control in Ahmedabad that can effectively eliminate pests from your premises.
