Pest Library
Are unfamiliar-looking pests starting to invade your space? Feel free to rely on this guide to learn more about common pests, their habits, the risks they pose, and where they are most frequently discovered in or around your residential or commercial property.
Ants
Ants are among the most persistent household pests, and they are normally found in kitchens, bathrooms, and along baseboards. They enter homes searching for food and moisture, and some species, like carpenter ants, can greatly contribute to structural damage. With colonies that can range from hundreds to thousands, professional pest intervention is key to preventing long-term ant infestation.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small and reddish-brown insects that hide in furniture, mattress seams, and wall cracks. They survive by feeding on human blood, usually while people sleep, and leave behind itchy, red welts. Although they do not spread disease, their presence can result in allergy-related manifestations and restless nights. Impactful treatment needs targeted eradication and focused monitoring.
Cockroaches
Few pests cause the same degree of unease as cockroaches. They sneak into warm and damp spaces like drains, kitchens, and storage areas. Aside from the shock of seeing them scatter, cockroaches are known to spread harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E.coli. Getting rid of them completely normally calls for professional assistance and localized treatments.
Fleas and Ticks
Normally introduced by wildlife or pets, fleas and ticks pose severe health threats to humans and animals. Fleas rapidly multiply and cause persistent itching, whereas ticks can carry harmful diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease. Such pests regularly hide in grass, carpets, and bedding, making whole-structure treatments vital all year.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a public hazard as they are carriers of harmful viruses like Zika, dengue, and West Nile. Such flying pests lay eggs in stagnant water and are especially active around dusk and dawn. Reducing breeding grounds and implementing targeted control measures drastically lowers the mosquito population on your property.
Rodents
Rodents like rats or mice are not destructive; they’re hazardous to your health. Rodents chew through insulation materials, food containers, and wires, increasing the risk of contamination and electrical fires. They are known to spread diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus. Effective rodent management begins with exclusion, followed by gentle removal and disinfection.
Spiders
Spiders are quite beneficial when it comes to controlling insects, but their presence indoors can still be unsettling. Although most are harmless, species like brown recluses and black widows pose medical risks. Common hiding spots usually include basements, quiet corners, and attics. Consistent cleaning and sealing entry points help reduce spider encounters.
Stinging Insects
Stinging insects like hornets, wasps, and yellowjackets can be hostile when they are protecting their respective nests. Their stings cause serious allergies in certain individuals. Nests are usually found under eaves, in shrubs, or near outdoor gathering spots. Safe removal needs professional equipment and knowledge, particularly during peak activity in warm months.
Termites
Termites discreetly cause billions in property damage every year by feeding on wood, drywall, or paper. Subterranean species are particularly prevalent and create mud tubes to travel between their food sources and their colony. Since their activity usually goes undetected, pinpointing them early and monitoring them closely is critical to avert serious structural damage.
Wood-Destroying Insects
Beyond termites, other wood-destroying insects include powderpost beetles and wood borers. Such pests weaken structures by tunneling through furniture, flooring, and beams. Signs of infestation include frass (wood dust), hollow-sounding wood, and exit holes. Prompt intervention is practical to prevent expensive fixes and maintain the integrity of your structure.