Feb 14, 2017, 14:14 PM by Fred Speer

The Clark Man doesn’t mean to be a buzzkill, but the fact of the matter is that unwanted pests in your home could put a serious damper on your Valentine’s Day plans.

Does anyone think it’s romantic to see a cockroach scamper across the kitchen floor when you are preparing that special dinner, or to encounter a spider when you go to take that special-occasion dress or suit out of the closet? The answer is simple: no!

What are some of the most “unloved” pests homeowners may come across this Valentine’s Day? How does this sampler sound – bed bugs, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and spiders?

The Clark Man knows there isn’t a homeowner in California who enjoys encountering pests in and around their home, especially when they can bite and produce itchy welts (bed bugs and spiders) or transmit harmful bacteria (cockroaches).

Here are some tips to keep these pests from putting a damper on your Valentine’s Day:

• Bed Bugs: According to a National Pest Management Association survey, one out of five Americans has experienced a bed bug infestation or knows someone who has encountered these despised pests. Avoiding these pests requires inspecting hotel rooms properly, leaving suitcases on bathroom tile, inspecting for traces of bed bug signs before settling in, and carefully unpacking upon returning home to ensure that no bed bugs hitched a ride in a suitcase.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches spread bacteria and pathogens by picking up germs on the spines of their legs and transferring them onto food and preparation surfaces. They can also exacerbate allergies and trigger asthma attacks in those people with a cockroach allergen sensitivity. The best advice for cockroach control is to practice good sanitation by vacuuming often and keeping a spotless kitchen. It’s also important to eliminate moisture buildup around the home.
• Spiders: The common house spider is usually the spider most often encountered indoors. To prevent common house spiders from entering the home, seal cracks and use screens on windows and doors. Use a vacuum to remove adults, egg sacs, and webs.

If you have concerns over pests threatening your home, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or drop us an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.