Who Do You Share Your Home With?
A list of the most unwanted house guests.
House Mites
House mites are found in most homes. They are microscopic in size, they are not parasites and do not bite, but they can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms include sneezing, respiratory problems, rhinitis and in severe cases asthma and eczema. Although dust mites can not be eradicated, changing your environment can help ease allergies. Try and keep your house as dust free as possible, vacuum regularly, reduce humidity within your home, wash linen on a hot wash, use laminate or wooden flooring as carpets trap dust and non fabric sofas such as leather as they attract less dust.
Fleas
Adult fleas are long and brownish in colour. They are usually between 2-7 mm long. They have a laterally flattened body and have large hind legs for jumping. These long legs enable the flea to jump up to 30 cm.
They are parasites and live on warm-blooded animals. Fleas that live on cats and dogs also live on other animals, but they cannot live for long periods or reproduce on humans.
The Flea’s life cycle usually lasts about four weeks, but can last longer if subjected to low temperatures.
They can be eradicated by thoroughly cleaning all infested bedding and clothing. Vacuuming carpets and soft furnishings. Pets should be checked and treated as well.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are large insects. They can range in size from 10-23mm in length. They have two sets of wings and long antennae. They are nocturnal and hide in drains, cookers and cracks. They can be seen scurrying if a light is switched on. Large infestations can be detected as they emit an almond like smell.
Cockroaches will feed on almost anything including faeces. Their droppings carry typhoid, dysentery and food poisoning organisms.
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Published in: Home
Arthur of Somerset | May 19, 2009 | Reply
A good collection of English pets Very interesting
Cebah | May 19, 2009 | Reply
Thank you Arthur :O) It makes you think doesn’t it?
bojangles | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Ooooh it sure got me thinking, just when i thought I was alone!!
Cebah | Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
The Anonymous One | Jun 11, 2009 | Reply
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more informative article written on this topic. 5 stars. Fantastic job.
Cebah | Jun 14, 2009 | Reply
Thank you FH that’s really kind of you
I wrote this one because my cats caught a mouse and then had the audacity to let it go in my lounge. Yes, it was still alive – but not for long!
chris73 | Jun 23, 2009 | Reply
Oh i am “afraid” of bugs as i grew up in an apartment but strangely i like mice, they are so cute! I wish they were not dirty
Once in an army camp out in the fields i was feeding one for a week! I found his nest and every morning this lucky mouse had plenty of food just out of his door 
Now you may think that i am lunatic…:)
Cebah | Jun 26, 2009 | Reply
I’m afraid of bugs too
In particular…. Spiders!!! No I don’t think you’re a lunatic, I like mice too – as long as they live outside 
)
J L Williams | Jun 30, 2009 | Reply
An education certainly, I shall shiver between my sheets for weeks!
Cebah | Jul 1, 2009 | Reply