Don’t Be Creeped Out By Real-Life Pests!

The National Pest Management Association Halloween guide to
preventing your home from turning in to a haunted house this fall

FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Halloween is right around the corner, and sightings of decorative creepy
creatures are everywhere you look. The National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that when
real-life rats, bats and spiders enter homes, however, the real
nightmare begins.

“With the arrival of cooler fall weather, pests are more likely to
invade homes in search of shelter, food and water,” said Cindy Mannes,
vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “These unwelcome
houseguests are capable of damaging property and pose risks to human
health.”

The NPMA offers the following guide on avoiding these three common,
creepy fall invaders:

Rodents
Are you hearing things go bump in the night?
Scratching in the walls? It’s no ghost—but it could be a mouse in your
house! Rodents are capable of chewing through glass, cinderblock,
aluminum and wire, increasing the potential risk for fires and damaging
property. They can also spread a slew of diseases. To prevent rodents,
closely inspect both the inside and outside of the home for any cracks
or crevices that could allow them easy entry.

Bats
These classic haunted house dwellers prefer settling in
dark, secluded and protected areas, including the attics of homes. They
can be carriers of rabies in the U.S., a disease that can be fatal in
humans, and their droppings can lead to histoplasmosis, a lung disease.
Bats are protected mammals in many states, so it is necessary to contact
a pest control professional or the local wildlife service before taking
any action to remove bats from the home.

Spiders
Spiders of all shapes and sizes are spooky,
especially when found indoors! To prevent a startling spider run-in,
keep attics, garages and basements clean and clutter-free. Avoid leaving
clothing and shoes on the floor, and consider storing them inside
plastic containers to keep spiders out.

For more information on preventing fall pests, visit www.pestworld.org.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment
to the protection of public health, food and property. For more
information, visit PestWorld.org.

Contacts

National Pest Management Association
Cindy Mannes, 703-352-6762
cmannes@pestworld.org
or
Vault
Communications, Inc.
Amanda Crisafulli, 610-455-2744
acrisafulli@vaultcommunications.com