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Published on 07/20/1998 All articles from this issue

An overview of common pests

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Roof Rats

Problem

Rats and their fleas transmit a variety of diseases by contaminating food, and can be especially problematic if inside the walls and attic of your home.

Solution

Keep the house clean, seal possible entries, such as overlapping roof lines and crawl space vents. Employ wise use of rodenticides. Pick up fallen fruit and nuts on a daily basis and never leave uneaten pet food outside overnight.

Raccoons

Problem

Raccoons only weigh between 15 and 40 pounds, yet they represent a danger to homes, yards, and ultimately, pets and people. Smart and armed with sharp claws, they are excellent diggers.

Solution

Remove all pet food, accumulated trash and overhanging vegetation or top bushes at least 24 inches below the roof line. Repair any damaged vent screens using quarter-inch hardware cloth. Install spark arresters on chimneys.

Skunks

Problem

Like raccoons, skunks also are excellent diggers and the nauseating musk that they discharge when threatened is an obvious drawback. Skunks are a threat to the garden and to bird populations.

Solution

Like many animals, skunks are attracted to homes by the presence of food, water and shelter. Removing these enticements will lessen your chances of being sprayed. The same general advice for roof rats and raccoons applies.

Fleas

Problem

Fleas are bloodsucking insects that attack cats, dogs and humans. Fleas lay eggs that fall off and land all over the house. The flea life cycle can be as long as a year. Fleas can cause anemia in animals.

Solution

Wash, change your pet's bedding often; do regular housecleaning, such as vacuuming; restrict pet access to areas where cleaning is difficult. Bathe pets with flea soap.

Ticks

Problem

Can cause Lyme disease, a potential fatal disease that attacks the nervous system, but also a host of other ailments, from Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick paralysis.

average of 200 cases of Lyme Disease annually in California.

Solution

Wear long pants, shirts when hiking in wooded areas. Wear light-colored clothing so any ticks can be seen and removed. If bitten, grasp the tick with a tissue or tweezers, never with bare hands. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Mosquitoes

Problem

The western treehole mosquito common to this area can cause dog heartworm, a potentially fatal ailment.

Solution

Remove all sources of standing water, in which mosquitoes breed. Examine trees for holes that can hold water. Employ mosquito fish, which are very adept at destroying mosquito larvae. Fish are available free through county Vector Control.

Information and graphics courtesy of the Santa Clara County Vector Control District.