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It is estimated that around 68% of households (that’s 85 million families in the US alone) have pets. Now, there are various reasons that we have these companions and why we are happy for them to live alongside us in our homes. They provide us with love and affection. Many species encourage us to take up exercise, as we have to take them outdoors to stretch their legs. They are a constant means of entertainment, as they’re always bound to be catching your attention in some way or another. The species that we take on also vary widely – dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish… the list goes on. However, just because we are happy to accommodate certain animals within our homes, doesn’t mean that we want to open our doors to every creature that may come along. Creatures that enter our properties whose presence we’re not all too fond of tend to be termed “pests”. So, what can you do to identify pests within your land and four walls, and how can you prevent them from making repeated visits? Read on to find out!
Why Do We Get “Pests”?
The human population is constantly expanding. At the moment, there are approximately seven billion people on the Earth. Now, with these people come needs and requirements. We need land to live on and land to farm in order to feed ourselves. However, as we are constantly taking over more and more land to suit our own needs, it’s extremely important to remember that this land wasn’t previously uninhabited. Before we came along, it was likely home to various native species and by building houses, commercial properties, schools and other public properties here, we are imposing ourselves on other creatures’ natural habitats. Nine times out of ten, we will push the creatures out entirely. However, occasionally, certain species will adapt to live alongside us efficiently. You can view this in species such as rats, pigeons, raccoons, and various insects. Rather than fleeing, they have found new and innovative ways to thrive in urban centers. However, as we perceive them as encroaching on “our” space, we look to push them back out and they begin to be labeled “pests” which require control.
What Threats Do “Pests” Pose?
Now, there are various circumstances where the presence of certain animals within our personal space is problematic. Most creatures referred to as “pests” cause a “nuisance” at most. Perhaps you don’t like seeing them. Maybe they leave some feces on your land. They might damage a part of your lawn. These are all things we don’t agree with but they’re not actively causing us injury or damage. However, there are certain creatures which will literally eat you out of house and home if they are given the opportunity. Termites are just one example of this type of pest. While they are sentient creatures and you should try to work around them as much as possible, they may not move on from your property of their own free will, as they have a fairly consistent supply of food in the form of your property itself. In extreme cases, you may have to call in ABC Home & Commercial Pest Control. They will be able to offer various solutions to the issue at hand and put things right as quickly as possible.
Ways to Keep Wildlife at Bay
Now, it is extremely important to bear in mind that there is no “humane” way to kill any sentient being. This is just a phrase that we use to comfort ourselves when ending another creature’s life. While there are, of course, certain ways to kill creatures that are faster or supposedly less painful than others, you should respect animal life and do whatever you can to avoid a situation in which you consider ending innocent creatures’ lives. Here are a few different preventative measures that you might want to consider taking in order to keep local wildlife outside of your property in the first place.
Practice Responsible Waste Management
The main reason that animals are likely to encroach on your space is to find food and nutrition. Wild animals spend the majority of their time finding a means of sustenance, so if your property has all sorts of food out in the open and free for the taking, you’re bound to draw in a whole host of creatures looking for their next meal. The more food available and the more reliable the source, the more likely animals are to create a home in close proximity to the source and they will also be strong enough to focus on breeding, which results in quickly multiplying numbers. So, the easiest way to rid your land of animals is to remove any food supplies. Once they realize there is nothing on your property that will sustain them, they’ll find somewhere else to forage. Now, there are several ways that you can go about this. The first is to secure your bins. Where there’s trash, there’s likely to be leftover food. Many creatures can easily enter flip top bins or wheelie bins, so try to find alternatives with locks or tight seals. Another option is to feed your pets indoors. Many of us feed our pets outdoors to save on cleaning. But by keeping their food indoors, you remove another potential food source for wildlife. The amount of time and effort you save in clearing unwanted animals off your land will more than compensate for clearing up a bit of gravy or spilled kibble from your interiors in the long run.
Secure Your Property’s Perimeters
Now, very few creatures will actually traverse the space between the outdoors and the inside of your property. Think about things logically: while your home’s interiors may offer warmth and shelter, it’s a relatively dangerous space, home to pets that pose as predators for many species and people who are likely to lash out at “pests” or capture them. There are, however, a few creatures which will attempt to make a home within your property. Take wasps as an example. While most wasps are solitary creatures (so can easily be caught in a jar and released away from your home), there are certain species which live in swarms. Given the opportunity, they may build a nest in your home. This is likely to be in a space such as your loft, your garage, or your shed. These spaces provide a warm, dry, and relatively safe space for a swarm. Now, it’s not all too surprising that this poses a nightmare for the majority of us. After all, wasps sting when provoked and unlike their cousins bees, they can sting as many times as they please. You can prevent an infestation by ensuring that your windows are always secure, there are no gaps in your brickwork, and you check your disused spaces at regular intervals. If you find that you already have a wasps nest, you will simply have to practice patience. When the right time comes, removal is a surprisingly simple process. All you have to do is wait for the queen to vacate the nest. The other wasps will leave with her. You then merely have to fill the nest with soil and block all entry points. This will prevent another queen from entering in the spring.
Hopefully, this has all helped you to realize that the creatures we brand “pests” are actually just other species trying their best to survive in their given circumstances. It’s relatively simple to prevent infestation. So, follow the steps above and your home should be safe and secure!
