How to prevent a parasite infestation in the house?

A pest infestation occurs when your home is invaded by one or more species that damage and threaten the integrity of your home. 

While an infestation is the presence of an unusually high number of insects or animals in a place, usually to cause damage or disease, most health services consider one or more insects or animals a call to action, as a single cockroach can trigger an asthma attack in a sensitive person!

There are multiple reasons why a pest might infest your home, but there are four predominant categories that can be attributed to this:

• Seasonal changes
• Weather changes
• Water and food shortages
• Loss of shelter

Where you live will determine the factor that affects you most, but seasonal and weather changes are a standard cause of the majority of pest infestations. If you live in an urban development in or around a rural area containing forests, green spaces, or farmland, infestations are more common.

Parasites, like us, share the same basic needs (food, water and shelter) so when their habitat is moved, or if the weather changes drastically, they go in search of a new place to live... and your house could meet their needs.

Shelter and refuge

Especially during cold or rainy weather, pests will seek shelter in your home. Entry points for pests can include small cracks and crevices in your foundation, around windows, or in doors. The warmth of a cardboard box in an insulated attic can provide the perfect shelter and incubator for pests.

Food and water

Pests spend most of the year searching for waste and food. Unlike in the wild, your home is a constant food storage area. Even crumbs left on the kitchen table, pet food, and dirty dishes attract pests. During the winter, when we tend to store food, our homes are especially appealing to hungry invaders.

In addition to food, parasites are constantly searching for water to survive and they love stagnant water. They find water wherever they can (tiny drops from your tap, water left in a food bowl, damp wood, etc.).

There are many signs that allow us to know if a parasite is living among us, but the following are the most common:

Dead pests

If you spot a dead parasite, you may have an infestation. Window sills, attics, and basements are all perfect places to discover the presence of a parasite. 

As for larger pests, you might find them under your refrigerator or behind large pieces of furniture and appliances (cabinets, ovens, dishwashers, or washing machines). If you suspect an infestation, check these areas!

Excrement 

This is a common sign of a parasite infestation. As horrible as it sounds, droppings can indicate the presence of different species, so if you find any, be sure to contact an extermination company ! 

Holes and damage

Most small pests dig and gnaw through walls and floors. Burrows in your rubbish bins, garden, or near your house indicate a potentially larger problem. 

You may also find chewed cables, small holes or chew marks in your home, left by insects and small animals.

Smells and sounds

Odor can also be a key indicator of whether your home is threatened by an infestation. Insects have a sweet, musty smell, while rats and mice typically smell of ammonia and urine. 

Keep an ear out for noises at night. Large pests may be attracted to your garbage, so you might hear them. You might also hear small insects and pests scratching, gnawing, or buzzing in the walls.

• Springtails or snow fleas
• Spiders
• Bed bug
• Ants in the cobblestones
• Carpenter ants
• Cockroaches
• Mouse
• Skunks
• Moles

Here you will find information on all these parasites and the signs of an infestation.

Here are some simple and effective ways to prevent and control pests from entering your home: 

A clean house is a pest-free house 

Food crumbs are a real treat for parasites, so be sure to keep your home clean. By cleaning your pet's food bowl, as well as washing dishes and utensils after use, you ensure that no parasites will be able to find a food source. 

If you have leftover food, be sure to cover it! Don't leave food uncovered, or pests will come and clean it for you. Also, by regularly cleaning your clothes, sheets, rugs, and carpets, you can ensure that no bed bugs or fleas infest your home.

You should also empty and clean your garbage regularly to ensure that no pests can nibble on what you've thrown away. Believe it or not, your garbage is a pest's favorite food!

There may come a time when the infestation is too severe, or the pest too large, for you to control on your own. Under no circumstances should you attempt to tackle this problem alone. RD offers a fast and effective emergency service. 

We provide residential, commercial, and agricultural services for rodent protection, wildlife control, and damage repair to ensure your peace of mind. Even if you think a pest infestation is under control, calling a team of professionals is the best way to be sure. Feel free to contact us if you would like more information about our services!