Which Is Worse, a Roach Infestation or Ant Infestation?
No matter what you’re dealing with, a pest infestation of any kind isn’t pleasant. This is even more true if you have pets or young children to worry about. Two of the most common infestations homeowners typically deal with are roaches and ants. Since these intruders are the most likely for you to run into in your own home, you might be wondering - on the scale of bad to absolutely terrible, where do these two fall?
Well, obviously neither option is great. Bug infestations of any kind leave your home feeling unclean and can lead to exhaustive extermination efforts. But if you had to choose when it comes to ants vs. roaches, ants would probably be the preferable nuisance.
An ant infestation is annoying, there’s no doubt about that. These tiny little creatures can find their way into everything in your home, and it seems as if there are millions of them. The common household ant infestation of black ants isn’t dangerous to humans or animals, and they also won’t cause any damage to your home. However, if you have a fire ant infestation, it’s important to deal with the issue as soon as possible as these ants can be dangerous for humans if they happen to bite. Also, carpenter ants love to tunnel through and excavate the wood of your home. So if you see ants in your home, it’s important to determine exactly what you’re dealing with to make sure all is well.
If the typical everyday ant is what you’ve got in your home, then there are several things you can do to eradicate the issue. First, you’ll need to determine where the ants are entering your home. This can typically be done by following the steady stream of intruders back to their entrance. Once found, use caulking to seal up the location. This should deter any others from coming in. If you want to get rid of all of those currently in your home, you may need to kill them off. However, if your home remedies aren’t cutting it, it might be time to bring in a professional pest control expert.
When it comes to roaches, an infestation can be more than just a little annoying. Roaches are notoriously difficult to get rid of and tend to make you feel as if your home is unclean. As for any danger they pose, it’s mostly allergens. As much as 60% of asthma sufferers are said to be affected by cockroach allergens. The main symptoms are skin rashes, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and possibly even asthma attacks. If you or someone living in your home suffers from asthma, this is even more motivation to keep these creepy crawlies out.
Keeping your home as clean as possible is the main defense against a roach infestation. Roaches are attracted to dirt and filth, so keep your home clean and tidy at all times. Aside from that, prevention is basically the same as when dealing with any insect. Seal up gaps and cracks around your home. Add screens to windows and doors if possible. Keep all vegetation around your home trimmed back and off of the actual structure.
On the inside of your home, cleanliness is key. Empty your trash often, especially when you have discarded food. Sweep and mop regularly, and clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Store your food in airtight containers, and never leave food out on counters. The kitchen is a major draw for roaches, so ensuring that this is an incredibly clean area in your home is essential.
If you already have a roach infestation on your hands, getting rid of the issue will likely take some time and effort. The first step is putting out roach bait. There are a few different options for the type of bait you can use, and always keep in mind the safety of those in your home – especially if you have children or pets. Roaches will ingest the poison in the bait, then take it back to the nest to share with others. This approach isn’t quick. It may take a few weeks to kill them off in this way. You can also use traps, which will kill off whatever is caught but won’t affect others back at the nest.
If you’re the do-it-yourself type, there are many home remedies for ridding your home of roaches, many of which are covered in this article. However, if you’d prefer not to deal with the situation on your own and want it taken care of immediately, calling in the professionals is probably your best bet. A pest control expert will know exactly how to deal with the issue, what pesticides to use, how to use them safely, and how to get rid of the roaches in the quickest way possible. Always discuss the method of removal with your technician before allowing anything to be done to make sure it is safe for those living in your home.
While neither an ant nor a roach infestation is appealing, ants typically tend to be the easier of the two to get rid of. When it comes down to it, calling a pest control company anytime you have an infestation on your hands is likely your best option. They are experts in their field for a reason, so taking advantage of that expertise will allow you to be pest-free in the quickest amount of time possible.