How do I get rid of a worm infestation in my house?
Finding those slinky little worms crawling around your house can be downright disturbing. But don‘t worry, friend, we‘ve got your back! As a home improvement specialist with over 10 years of experience dealing with all kinds of pest problems, I‘ve successfully tackled my fair share of worm invasions.
Today, I‘ll share my proven step-by-step plan to get rid of a worm infestation for good. We‘ll cover:
Table of Contents
Alright, let‘s get started!
Identifying the Worm Intruders
Before we can launch a counterattack, we need to know what type of worms we‘re up against. Here are the usual worm suspects that sneak their way into homes:
Threadworms
These tiny spaghetti-like worms measuring about 13 mm long are the most common type found in homes. They live in the intestines and emerge at night to lay eggs around the anus, causing serious itching.
The eggs easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, food, or poor hygiene. In fact, a 2016 study showed up to 30% of children may carry threadworms, making them a frequent invader.
Roundworms
As the name suggests, these pinkish worms have a round body shape growing up to 35 cm long! Roundworms chill out in the small intestines, getting into people and pets via ingestion of eggs in soil or unwashed veggies.
Whipworms
Named for their whip-like shape, these tiny worms hatch in soil before being passed through feces onto surfaces and ingesting eggs. They can cause symptoms like rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and more.
Hookworms
Hookworms latch onto the intestinal wall with hook-like mouths to feed on blood and tissue. Just 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, they enter the body from larva in contaminated soil penetrating bare feet or hands.
Tapeworms
These long, flat worms can reach over 3 meters in length! Tapeworm segments are passed from pets and livestock in feces containing eggs, which are ingested by animals or humans.
Pinpointing the type of worm is the critical first step. I‘ll help you diagnose based on symptoms and identify specimens. Finding the culprit early is key to destroying an infestation.
Detecting Signs of Infestation
While worms try to stay sneaky, they inevitably leave clues that reveal their existence. Be on the lookout for these common tip-offs:
- Itchy bottom – Especially intense at night, threadworms provoke itching around the anus from exiting to lay eggs.
- Visibility – You may physically see threadworms or eggs around the anus, toilet bowls, underwear, or bed sheets. They look like tiny white threads.
Threadworms under a microscope [CDC]
- Pet symptoms – Worms can sicken pets with vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and visible worms in feces.
- Landscape signs – Worm larvae and eggs in soil can damage plant roots and lead to spotty lawns.
- Weight loss – Parasitic worms steal nutrients, causing unexplained weight loss in people and pets.
- Abdominal pain – Some worms irritate the intestines, causing pain, cramping, and discomfort.
Act quickly if you notice any of these red flags before the infestation takes hold. Early detection and treatment are vital!
Kill and Remove Worms
Once we‘ve confirmed worms, it‘s time to annihilate the little buggers! We‘ll use a combination of sanitizing, pesticides, and medications to wage all-out war.
Sanitize Surfaces and Fabrics
Starve worms by eliminating their food supply and breeding grounds inside your home. Here‘s how:
- Vacuum everywhere – Use the hose attachment to vacuum every nook and cranny that could harbor worms. Focus on carpets, furniture crevices, pet areas, etc.
- Wash all fabrics – Bedding, towels, rugs, and other items worms contact should be washed in hot, soapy water above 130°F then dried on the highest heat setting to bake any eggs.
- Disinfect surfaces – Use antibacterial cleaners, vinegar, or boiling water to scrub down floors, countertops, toilets, showers, and other areas.
- Remove trash – Sealed, covered bins keep waste from becoming a worm buffet. Take the trash out frequently.
- Clear drains – Prevent buildup of hair/gunk worms feed on by pouring boiling water or commercial drain cleaner down sinks and tubs.
- Inspect pantries – Check all boxed and canned goods for signs of worms. Toss anything potentially contaminated.
- Clean pet spaces – Use pet-safe products to thoroughly clean kennels, crates, litter boxes, and outdoor areas where pets spend time.
With their food supply demolished, worms will struggle to thrive inside your home.
Apply Pesticides
In severe infestations, pesticides augment sanitizing by directly poisoning worms. Some chemical options include:
Boric acid: This powder is a proven stomach poison for worms. Puff it into cracks, crevices, and secluded spots worms hide. It‘s low toxicity to humans and pets when used properly.
Diatomaceous earth (DE): The razor-sharp edges of DE shards shred worms from the outside in. DE is also used as an organic livestock dewormer.
Insect growth regulators: These mimic hormones to prevent worm eggs and larvae from maturing. Novaluron products like IGR Concentrate are available online and at home improvement stores.
Pyrethroids: Powerful pesticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers which attack worms‘ nervous systems. They require careful handling to avoid toxicity.
Caution: Carefully follow all label safety directions when using pesticides. Consider hiring a professional exterminator for chemical treatment.
Deworm Pets
Worms in Fido and Fluffy put the whole household at risk. Regular deworming ensures their intestines don‘t turn into worm nurseries.
Most veterinarians recommend deworming puppies and kittens every 2 weeks until 3 months old, then monthly until 6 months old. Adults can be dewormed at least twice yearly.
Prescription medications like these are commonly used:
- Fenbendazole: This interferes with worm energy metabolism to kill adult roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. It‘s the active ingredient in Panacur dewormer.
- Pyrantel pamoate: Paralyzes worms allowing them to be passed out. Effective against hookworms, roundworms, and pinworms.
- Praziquantel: Disrupts tapeworms‘ skins causing paralysis and death. Specifically treats tapeworms.
- Ivermectin: Derived from bacteria in soil, it binds to worm nerve cells immobilizing them. Used for roundworms and hookworms.
Ensure your pets complete the full course of deworming medication. Combine with a thorough cleaning of their living space inside and out.
Medical Treatment
If humans in the household have contracted worms internally, medication will be prescribed by a doctor. Common anti-parasitic drugs used include:
- Albendazole: This stops worm glucose uptake starving them of energy. Treatment is 2 weeks.
- Mebendazole: Paralyzes worms so they lose grip and get flushed from the intestines.
- Nitazoxanide: Interferes with worm metabolism quickly killing parasites. Requires a 3 day treatment.
Some natural remedies can also help expel worms from the body. For example:
- Pumpkin seeds: Compounds that paralyze worms allowing them to pass out. Eat 1⁄4 cup ground daily for a week.
- Papaya seeds: Contain enzymes that may disable intestinal worms causing them to release and exit.
- Diatomaceous earth: A small daily dose can mechanically damage worms and aid in removal. DE must be food-grade quality.
Let your doctor guide you to the right prescription or natural treatments for whatever worms are causing infection. I‘m happy to offer my input as well.
Prevent Reinfestation
We‘re almost across the finish line! The final step is keeping the wriggly pests from coming back. I‘ll equip you with all the weapons needed to guard your home.
Indoor Prevention Tips
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water to remove worm eggs – especially important for kids
- Avoid food hazards like undercooked meat or fish and unwashed fruits/veggies
- Only drink clean purified water from sealed bottles when traveling
- Properly store food by keeping dry goods sealed and refrigerating perishables
- Take out trash and change garbage bags often to remove food sources
- Fix any leaks and eliminate standing water where worms can breed
- Keep drains flowing freely without blockages worms love
- Inspect pet fur and bedding for worms and eggs
- Follow veterinarian deworming schedule for pets
- Treat and isolate sick pets showing signs of worms
Outdoor Prevention Tips
- Remove piles of feces from pets in the lawn
- Fill gaps in foundations, walls, and around windows/doors
- Regularly service septic tanks if not on municipal sewer
- Maintain proper drainage and slope yard away from home‘s foundation
- Change out damp mulch which can harbor molds and fungi worms feed on
- Control garden pests like slugs that spread worms and eggs
- Cover exposed soil with plants, grass, stones, or mulch
- Sterilize potting soil and containers before planting
- Keep pet areas like kennels and yards clean and dry
With vigilance both inside and out, your home base will be safe from future worm invasions! Let me know if any issues pop up.
When to Call an Exterminator
In severe cases, professional pest control provides the firepower needed to obliterate stubborn infestations. Signs it‘s time to call in backup include:
- You‘ve thoroughly cleaned and treated, but worms keep returning
- Large number of worms visible around the home
- Family members show symptoms of illness from worm infection
- Unable to determine the root source of the worms
- Pets experiencing uncontrolled gastrointestinal issues
- At-risk family members with compromised immunity
Reputable exterminators use integrated pest management to identify and annihilate worms. This can include intensive chemicals, heat treatments, and fumigation beyond what‘s available to homeowners.
They‘ll also provide documentation when the job is complete, as satisfaction is guaranteed! I‘m happy to recommend properly licensed and insured professionals.
The Bottom Line
While dealing with worms wriggling around your home may make your skin crawl, the situation doesn‘t have to feel hopeless. Armed with the right knowledge, you can systematically seek and destroy the intruders and fortify your house against future infiltration!
Early detection, thorough sanitizing, medication, and prevention are the key weapons in this fight. Feel free to reach out anytime for advice tailoring a battle plan specific to your needs. I‘m always available to help squash worm predicaments and keep your home unharmed!