Types of Pest Problems
In some cases, figuring out the identity of your unwanted guests will be easy. Certain types of pests, such as flies and cockroaches, aren't shy about making their presence known. In other cases, it may take the expertise of a skilled pest control expert to determine which pests are at the heart of your home's infestation.
Below is a list of some of the common types of pests, along with what problems they can cause in homes.
Ants are quite social, and they reside in colonies that have a structured caste system. They can cause discomfort by biting and stinging. They can also compromise hygiene, because if they have previously traveled through unsanitary places, like trash cans and gutters, they will carry these germs into your home. There are more than 700 species of ants in the United States. For ant control to be effective, it's essential to first identify the species of ant behind the infestation.
Termites reside underground, and they might also live within the walls of your home. They are stealthy in their movements and work hard to remain unseen. Termites reveal their presence by the things they leave behind by expelling droppings that look like tiny brown pellets. They might also create mud tubes on walls, and swarmers can shed their wings at various places around your home.
Termites feast on wood and other cellulose-based plant materials, and they can cause damage that can threaten the very structure of your dwelling. It's estimated that termite damage in this country exceeds $5 billion per year.
Spiders can cause discomfort by biting. Only two species are venomous to humans: black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders. Spiders hate open spaces, and they tend to gravitate toward clutter. Indoors, you'll often find spiders in storage areas with lots of boxes;outdoors, spiders will be drawn to piles of firewood and debris.
Rodents include cotton rats, deer mice, house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats. These pests carry disease and they may bring parasites such as fleas and ticks into your residence.
Rodents breed rapidly, and it's possible for one mouse to produce 32 to 56 pups per year. Since rodents can be both dangerous and notoriously difficult to eradicate, it's recommended that you seek professional help when facing a rodent infestation.
Wasps and hornets tend to cluster around homes in warmer months, and they might establish large colonies on your property. Both wasps and hornets sting, and these stings can cause pain, swelling, infections, and nausea. Some individuals are allergic to these stings, and in cases like this, a sting may be fatal. Wasp and hornet control [5] often involves locating the nest and taking steps to treat it with pesticide.
Bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood and typically in soft furniture, such as couches, chairs, and mattresses. They often travel from location to location by clinging to human hosts and their luggage. Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal, and a bed bug bite, which can cause itching and welts, usually happen when people are sleeping. While bed bugs are primarily known for taking up residence in homes and hotels, they can also strike office buildings.
Bed bugs can be cunning adversaries, and it's recommended that you seek professional help when tackling bed bug control.