Is a mystery pest bugging your household? Here, you will find helpful information detailing insects, their habits, characteristics, and where they may be commonly found in or around your home.
Centipedes and millipedes are common household pests that can invade damp, dark areas of your home, such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. While centipedes can bite and may cause discomfort, millipedes are generally harmless but can become a nuisance when they gather in large numbers.
Contrary to popular belief, spiders are not insects; they are actually arachnids, closely related to ticks and scorpions. Possessing the signature trait of eight legs and known to leave behind webs, spiders are notorious for spooking many homeowners.
Closely related to spiders, ticks also belong to the arachnid group. Relying on the blood of their hosts, ticks are likely to move from one mammal to another in order to survive. Due to their transient behavior, these pests are vectors of a number of diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease.
Beetles make up the largest category of insects in the world, accounting for approximately 25% of all life forms on earth. In fact, there are more than 5 million different species of beetles. These insects are easily identified by their hard outer shell, known as an elytra, which covers and protects their wings.
Roaches travel through dirty areas, carrying germs from one place to another and contaminating food, surfaces, and other items they come in contact with. They spread more than 30 different types of bacteria, including salmonella, which can cause physical distress in humans.
Wildlife control is essential for managing unwanted animals that can invade homes or properties, causing damage or posing health risks. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, bats, and rodents can create nesting areas, chew through structures, and spread diseases.
Including mice and rats, rodents can present a number of threats to homeowners. Known to chew through wires, causing electrical fires, transmit diseases, and even track in ticks, it’s always a good idea to prevent these pests before a problem occurs.
Flies are among the most common and annoying pests. Of the more than 120,000 fly species throughout the world. Flies carry germs from place to place. Scientists estimate that they transport up to 2 million different types of bacteria. Flies are also responsible for transmitting harmful, and even fatal, bacteria and viruses to animals.
There are a number of stinging insects common to North America, many of which pose a threat to your family’s well being. Insects like bees, wasps and hornets can cause painful, sometimes life-threatening stings! It’s important to understand the behaviors and characteristics of these pests, so you can stay safe.
Not only are mosquitoes known for disrupting outdoor activities, but they are also vectors for dangerous diseases. Drawn to standing water and capable of laying up to 3,000 eggs in a lifetime, it’s no wonder that mosquitoes are one of the top nuisance pests in the US!
One of the most feared pest infestations, bed bugs are small, flat insects that tend to congregate in mattress folds, furniture, carpet, or wall folds. Bed bugs feed on blood obtained through biting their host. Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but their bites can result in red welts, rashes, and hives. They may cause allergic reactions and, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock.
The number one nuisance pest, ants make up the majority of local pest problems. Varying by species, the average colony is made up of anywhere between 300,000 to 500,000 ants. With the capability of surviving more than seven years, it’s no surprise that they are likely to take up residence in your home.
