There are so many pests that live outside your home and can’t wait to find the perfect moment to invade your home. From tiny ants to larger snakes, there’s always an opportunity for them to show up when you least expect it. The smallest hole or crack anywhere in your home can provide an entry point for these pesky visitors. That’s why it’s so important to keep your home sealed and fully protected.
1. Rats
2. Snakes
In the southwestern United States, lizards are quite common in toilet pipes. These creatures love water and will look for food anywhere. If the plumbing is not kept clean, crickets and other insects, such as flies, can accumulate in the toilet pipes. The lizards that do manage to get into the pipes are usually small enough to fit through.
4. Spiders
In the case of spiders , the situation is a little more complex. Although they cannot swim through pipes, they can enter the bathroom through other passages. Once there, they usually stay on the outside of the toilet seat. However, only black widow spiders crawl into the toilet bowl and spin their webs from one side to the other.
Arachnids are most commonly found in outdoor toilets without good plumbing, where venomous spiders thrive due to the abundance of flies as food. Therefore, it is essential to check the seat thoroughly before using these toilets. Venomous spiders, such as the black widow, brown recluse, and hobo, can bite easily, which is why they are very dangerous.
5. Possums
Possums enter homes by climbing, so it’s important to inspect the exterior of your home for potential entry points, including the roof . They’re also known for their loud vocalizations, often hissing and screeching, which makes their presence quite noticeable. If trapped in your home, they may scratch at the walls in an attempt to escape. Once outside, they’re likely to target your pet’s food. Additionally, the smell of their feces is quite unpleasant, serving as a clear indicator of a possum infestation.
To prevent possums from getting in , start by doing regular inspections of your home. You can also patch any gaps or holes that could be entry points for them. You may also need to cover any vents with screens. If possums still manage to get in, it’s best to call in professionals to fix the problem safely and effectively.
6. Frogs
7. Bats
To keep them away , illuminate the areas where they may try to roost with bright lights , as they do not like light and will try to avoid it. However, if they have already taken up residence in your walls, this approach can be challenging. In these cases, seeking professional help is the best option. Be aware that professionals may need to open up the wall to effectively remove the bat infestation.
How to prevent and react to these situations
- Keeping your bathroom clean is essential for hygiene . Disinfectants are ideal for this task, but for a cheaper option, white wine vinegar or baking soda also do the job effectively. You can also consider using air fresheners that stick to the side of the toilet, releasing a pleasant aroma with each flush.
- For preventative measures, consider installing a one-way valve to prevent anything from re-entering the toilet after flushing.
- To keep pests away, mix equal parts sugar, water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. Pour this solution down the toilet or sink. Alternatively, pouring boiling water down the toilet can also help.
- If you can’t or don’t want to do pest control yourself, consider hiring professionals who have access to strong cleaning products . After treatment, periodically pour water mixed with a cleaning solution down the drain to prevent the bugs from returning to the toilet.
How to Keep Other Insects Away
- Ants: Ants are highly repelled by the smell of cinnamon . Sprinkle cinnamon powder in areas where you suspect ants are entering your home. For added effectiveness, add a little essential oil to the cinnamon powder. This will also leave a pleasant earthy fragrance in the air.
- Cockroaches: Chop an onion and mix it with a teaspoon of baking soda. Place this mixture in the corners of your home. Reapply daily and your home will soon be free of cockroaches.
- Drain flies: To eliminate drain flies and prevent them from returning, clean and disinfect your sinks. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and salt with 1 cup of vinegar. After using the mixture, wash the area with warm water.
- Dust mites: Mix 6 teaspoons of eucalyptus oil with 1.5 teaspoons of liquid laundry detergent in a bucket of water. Soak washable items in the mixture and then wash as usual. For items that cannot be washed, simply spray the solution on them and wipe with a clean cloth. If you don’t like the smell of eucalyptus oil, you can substitute tea tree oil, which is equally effective.
- Woodworms: Woodworms don’t like the smell of bay leaves and cloves . Place a clove or bay leaf on food and around containers to keep woodworms away from your home.
- Ticks: Combine 20 drops of rose geranium essential oil, 10 drops of fennel essential oil, 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of citronella or lemon essential oil, and 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. Dilute this mixture in 100 ml of vinegar or water and put it in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the mixture on your clothes before leaving the house.
Speaking of hygiene, don’t miss our other article , in which we discuss the parts of your body that you may be washing incorrectly during your shower.
