Uninvited guests are always an unwelcome sight, but the unseen ones can be even more disturbing. They hide in your home and cause illness or damage to your property without you ever knowing they were there. We all know that germs like colds and flu are transmitted through the air, so it’s important to keep surfaces clean and wash our hands frequently.
Radioactive Gas
Radon gas is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It can be found in soil, water, and air. Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers in the United States. The only way to know if you have radon gas in your home is to test for it. You can buy a testing kit from home improvement stores or online sites.
Mold
Mold growth, which you can find using a mold test kit, is a serious health risk that can grow anywhere in water or moisture. It has been linked to asthma, lung infections, and allergies. In addition, mold will cause damage to your walls and even destroy wood furniture, so it’s crucial to take action against mold in the home before any long-term harm occurs. If you discover mold, it is best to hire professionals for mold cleanup as they will have the necessary safety gear to protect themselves and you while they clean up the mold.
Pests
Did you know that one mouse can leave behind droppings containing up to 200 droplets of urine per day? If a mouse is living in your home for just three weeks, it will have left behind enough droppings to contaminate every surface! Rodents and other pests can cause various health problems, from respiratory illnesses to salmonella poisoning. They can also damage your property, chewing through wires, insulation, and even framing! You can protect your home from pests by taking a few simple steps:
- Seal up any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior that might provide entry for pests.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping to keep them out of your house.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Ensure you have adequate ventilation in your kitchen and bathrooms to discourage pests from living and breeding there.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. They can be found in mattresses, carpets, and furniture. Dust mites feed on human skin cells and can cause asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. To protect your household from dust mites, you should:
- Vacuum regularly and use a high-quality vacuum.
- Clean your bedding often, especially pillows and mattresses.
- Seal up any cracks in the walls or other areas where dust mites might be able to enter.
- You can also use a mattress encasement that zips shut over the top of your mattress to prevent these unwanted visitors from entering.
Termites
Termites are one of the most destructive insects that can invade your home. Their numbers grow exponentially until they feel overcrowded and move on looking for a new place to nest. It might be too late when you see them, but if not, then there are steps you can take now before it’s too late! Look for termite damage. Since the insects live in hidden tunnels inside the wood, it isn’t easy sometimes to spot them without knowing what you are looking for. Some signs might indicate infestation: Uneven floors; powdery residue or tiny pellets on your windowsills (which could be their feces); small holes in the wood; and cracked or bubbling paint. Hire a professional to help you get rid of them.
The best way to protect your household from unseen uninvited guests is by being proactive. You can take some easy steps to make your home less inviting for pests, such as sealing up any cracks or crevices in your foundation or walls, checking your screens and doors to ensure they fit correctly, and keeping food scraps cleaned up and stored away. Take these steps now. Prevention is better than cure.
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