The monsoon season brings with it relief from scorching summers accompanied by rainfall and nourishing crops. However, it also brings a set of challenges with it. The rainy season is the best time for various pests to thrive and breed. These pesky pests wreak havoc in the house posing a threat to the health and property. Here, in this article, we will explore 10 common pests found in the monsoon season and tips to prevent them.
1. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are fond of wet weather and the rainy season provides them the perfect opportunity to breed rapidly. Rainfall creates stagnant water bodies that serve as ideal breeding places for mosquitoes. It is important to get rid of mosquitoes as they are the cause of various deadly diseases.
Prevention and Control
Eliminate stagnant water sources such as potholes, flower pots, containers, and gutters. Use mosquito repellants to ward them off and wear covered clothes. You can also install screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
2. Ants
Ants come out of their nests during the rainy season and invade your home, especially the kitchen where they can get both food and warmth. The increasing humidity forces the ants to come out of their anthills
Prevention and Control
To prevent ants from entering your home, seal the cracks, holes, gaps, and crevices in your home. Use ant repellant and bait stations to deter them. Store food in air-tight containers, maintain cleanliness, especially in the kitchen, and wipe off the crumbs and food particles on countertops and and surfaces.
3. Termites
Rains can increase termite activity and you can see termite infestations quite often during this season. Standing water sources and damp structures give the perfect environment for termites to thrive. It is important to detect early signs of termite infestation that can lead to structural damage and costly repairs.
Prevention and Control
To prevent termite infestations, it is essential to inspect your home thoroughly for signs of termite activity in the house. Remove moisture sources like standing water and fix plumbing issues. Hire a pest control in Pune if you see any indication of termite activity in the house.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are most active during the summer season. Their outdoor habitats get flooded during heavy rains and they seek shelter inside our homes. Rainwater creates dampness and moisture making favorable conditions for cockroaches to survive. Cockroaches are carriers of various allergens that can aggravate respiratory issues in asthma patients. They can also contaminate the food leading to stomach infections. Hire the best cockroach control experts.
Prevention and Control
It is essential to maintain cleanliness and wipe the countertops and surfaces to remove spills, crumbs, and food particles on them. Seal cracks and crevices to prevent cockroaches from entering your home and reduce moisture in the house by fixing leaky pipes and faucets.
5. Rodents
Rodent infestation is a persistent problem but they seek shelter inside our homes during the rainy season. They invade our homes as they are warm and dry and can provide them with a source of food and water. Rodents can cause damage to our property by chewing and gnawing on electrical cables, furniture, and other wooden structures. They also contaminate our food which can lead to food poisoning and other deadly diseases.
Prevention and Control
To prevent rodent infestation, it is important to seal cracks, crevices, holes, and gaps on windows, doors, and walls with sealant and weatherstrippings. Use door sweeps as rats can squeeze from the tiniest hole and invade our homes. Place rat baits and traps to catch them. Keep food items securely and dispose of the garbage regularly.
6. Flies
Rainy weather provides perfect conditions for flies to thrive. Stagnant water, clogged drains, and puddles of water make a perfect breeding ground for flies. The moisture-rich conditions provide ample environment to lay their eggs leading to increased population. Flies can transmit several diseases including cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and even tuberculosis.
Prevention and Control
Keep your home clean from spills and crumbs to make it less appealing to flies. Store garbage in covered bins and dispose it of regularly. Fix screens on doors and windows to prevent flies from entering your home. Do not keep dirty dishes overnight in the sink.
7. Bed Bugs
High humidity levels during the rainy season increase the chances of bed bug infestation in the house though they are capable of surviving in varied temperatures. They feed on human and animal blood and bite their host in the night. You can get rashes accompanied with itching which may take a few days to go. Having bed bugs in the house can disrupt your sleep.
Prevention and Control
Wash your linens, bed covers, and bedding regularly in hot water. Vacuum the carpets, sofa, and other furniture frequently and remove the clutter from your house so that they do not get enough hiding space.
8. Lizards
Rain showers increase the chances of lizard infestation in the house. Monsoon triggers the breeding season for many lizard species. Though they are not harmful, their presence can be annoying to some people.
Prevention and Control
Keeping doors and windows closed can prevent lizards from infiltrating your property. You can use pepper spray and naphthalene balls to deter lizards from your house.
9. Silverfish
Silverfish dwell in dark, damp places and the rainy season provides them with the perfect environment. They are attracted to paper and damp clothing and can be found in basements as there is increased humidity during the monsoon season.
Prevention and Control
You can use humidifiers to reduce moisture in basements and store rooms. This will prevent silverfish from invading your homes. Also, keeping the living space organized and free of clutter will deter selfishness and other pests in the house.
10. Earthworms
Rains fill the habitats of earthworms with water. So, they come out of the earth to get air for respiration. They can enter your house through drains and are found mostly in the bathroom and around the sink in the kitchen.
Prevention and Control
Use baking soda and vinegar and pour them into the drains during the monsoons. Ventilate and open the windows and use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
Conclusion
Monsoon pests are one of the biggest threats to property and agriculture as well as a major health hazard. During the monsoon season, it is important to prevent and control these pests to maintain a healthy and comfortable living environment. By following the prevention and control tips mentioned in this guide, it is possible to reduce the impact of common monsoon pests and enjoy a pest-free and safe rainy season.