BUGGING: Would you believe that about 100 different species of insects live inside our homes?
That creepy news is from the Penn State Extension, and an article about “What’s bugging you.”
“If there is food, water, hiding spots and a way in, the critters will come. Instead of grabbing the bug spray, consider getting to know some of our buggy roommates and learn ways to control their populations.”
Ants, for example. A nuisance, yes, but a danger? No.
“They often enter our homes when they are foraging for crumbs, grease, and food scraps, leaving a pheromone trail for their relatives to follow. Caulking points of entry can thwart them, and non-toxic products like boric acid can reduce their numbers. However, sanitation, especially in the kitchen, is the most effective method of elimination. Vacuum floors and carpets to remove the scent from their trails, clean remaining food crumbs from counters and floors, and take out the garbage daily.”
The article gives tips for cutting down on the number of dust mites, too.
“Unpleasant though they may be, dust mites are found in everybody’s home. Because they feed off dead skin, dust mites can be found on any plush surface, including bedding, carpeting, upholstery and children’s stuffed toys. Although dust mites cannot be entirely eliminated, their numbers can be reduced by routinely vacuuming carpets and furniture and washing bedding in hot water. Seal plush toys and delicates in a re-closable plastic bag and place in the freezer for at least 48 hours. Dust mites cannot survive the deep freeze.”
There are tips, too, to eliminate one of our least favorite creepy crawlies — Asian beetles, which look like the much friendlier native ladybug.
“The Asian lady beetle, an invasive pest, enters our homes in the fall and winter seeking warmth and shelter. Large numbers can be found, and they create an offensive smell. The best prevention is physical exclusion, by caulking all gaps in outside walls and eaves. Remove aggregations with a broom and dustpan or vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming kills almost all of the indoor beetles, so there is no concern about them crawling out of the vacuum cleaner.”
