What is a pest?

May 18, 2023 | Blog

We are all aware that pests can prove to be a nuisance and that pest infestations must be dealt with, but what exactly is a pest? A pest is defined as any living thing—plant, animal, or microorganism—that has a detrimental impact on humans. The ways in which pests affect human interests are unique to each pest. Pests are frequently regarded as a nuisance in agriculture and residential life. They may cause damage to your property and can affect your health. Labelling an organism a pest is subjective and varies with each individual’s point of view but generally, pests are unwanted or undesirable because they:

  • Decrease the availability, quality, or worth of human resources such as food, feed, water, or space.
  • Damage persons, animals, crops, structures, and valuables.
  • Spread or cause disease.
  • Interfere with human activities by creating displeasure, discomfort, or trouble.
Different pests and how to manage them:

Rats

Rats could get into your home without your knowledge. They can enter through holes and crevices in floors, walls, and foundations, for example. They are not only carriers for different diseases (such as leptospirosis, murine typhus, trichinosis, and salmonellosis), but they can also cause damage to your property. They can, for example, chew on your walls, flooring, and insulation. In some instances, they may even chew on your electrical cables, causing fires!

When it comes to rats, we have several excellent products to select from, such as our Cardboard Bait Station, Combat Bait Station, Econo Bait Station, Electronic Rat & Mouse Trap, Rat Snap Trap, Tomcat Blox, Xcluder Rodent Proofing Wire Mesh, and many more.

Mice

Mice are well-known for infesting homes. They can readily slip through the slightest of holes or gaps due to their size. They, like rats, can transmit diseases such as salmonellosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever. They are well-known for their destructive eating habits, but they can also be a fire threat when gnawing through wires.

To get rid of mice, try our Cardboard Bait Station, Combat Bait Station, Discreet Mouse Trap, Easy-Set Mouse Snap trap, Econo Bait Station, Metal Mechanical Mouse Trap, or Trapper 24/7 Station, and so much more.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are most prevalent in the summer; however, they can be found all year. They prefer warm, humid temperatures and are so frequently seen near still water. While the majority do not carry diseases, they can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Because of their size, they can quickly enter your home through cracks, tears, and holes.

Installing a mesh screen is the most effective approach to keep them out. Another option for repelling annoying mosquitos is to use our Fly & Mosquito Repellent Candles, which come in Aloe, Berry, Sandalwood, and Vanilla scents.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are hardy creatures that love dark, moist environments (behind sinks, stoves, and refrigerators). They can also be found inside furniture and under floor drains. They can transmit diseases such as dysentery, leprosy, and cholera. Furthermore, they can induce foodborne diseases.

Avispray, Generis Cockroach Gel Bait, Insect traps, PES Ant & Cockroach Bait Station, Rossi Gel Bait, and Stop Roach Gel Bait can be used to get rid of nasty cockroaches.

Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs prefer to conceal themselves in crevices, cracks, beds, and mattresses. They are nocturnal creatures that feed on your blood while you sleep. This frequently causes itchy, red patches. Bite marks will typically appear on exposed places such as the neck, cheeks, hands, and shoulders.

To get rid of bed bugs, use Avispray. Avispray is an aerosol spray that can be used to manage and eliminate bedbugs and other crawling/flying insects.

Ants

Ants are one of the most common pests in homes. They are social animals that frequently live in colonies with thousands of members. They are drawn to sweet scents and will eat practically anything. As a result, it’s critical to wipe up any food spills or messes as soon as possible. Try our PES Ant & Cockroach Bait Station to get rid of ants.

Flies

Flies can get into your house through windows, doors, and other openings. They can also reproduce in contaminated food, garbage, and manure. They have the ability to spread diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, rotavirus, and typhoid fever.

Many excellent products are available to help with housefly control, including our Aerosol dispenser for insecticides, Fly and Mosquito Candles, Atrapa Fly Wall Unit, Avi-Stelspuit, Avimatic aerosol, Fly Bait Station, Fly Zappers, Redtop Fly Traps, and other products are available.

Do not let pests ruin your home or make you sick. Pest Store can help you fight pests! For more information on our pest control products, please visit our website at https://www.peststore.co.za or call us at 086 999 0959.