If you find a swarm of winged ants or
termites in
the
home, don't spray them. Instead, save a few for a professional to
identify and vacuum the rest. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or
place contents of the canister in a plastic bag, and place in
the trash outdoors. Spraying creates an odor and a mess to be cleaned
later.
A mouse can enter through a hole as narrow
as
the diameter of an ink pen. To get rid of rodents, temporarily plug
holes in the wall with steel wool. Use wire mesh and expanding foam for
more permanent results. Mice
usually enter through the garage because the door is often not sealed
well. Purchase two multiple-catch traps and place them on either side
of the garage door on the inside of the garage. These traps capture up
to 10 mice with one setting, usually just after the critters have
invaded the garage.
To catch fruit flies, make a
vinegar trap with a cup and a piece of plastic. Punch a hole in the
plastic and flies will go in, but they will not be able to get out.
Wool
clothing is subject to attack by carpet beetles and moths. These items
should be cleaned then stored separately by covering with a plastic
bag. Brushing wool clothing before storing
removes larvae and eggs.
Tape along all
edges of a storage box to keep silverfish and spiders from entering
stored items in attics and crawl spaces.
Vacuuming is the best way to deal
with spiders because the webs, the spider and the egg sacs are removed
all at the same time. There are also products on the market that are
specifically designed to get rid of cobwebs. The more often the product
is used, the fewer spiders that are usually seen. It also makes
spotting new spider activity easier.
