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.
Scorpions are nocturnal arachnids known for their pincers, segmented tails, and venomous stingers. Found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests, these predators primarily hunt insects but can also consume small vertebrates, even other scorpions. While most species are harmless to humans, some possess venom potent enough to cause severe reactions.
The number one nuisance pest in North America, 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.
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.
Termites are wood-destroying insects that can cause serious damage to homes and buildings. Often called “silent destroyers,” termites feed on wood, paper, and other materials that contain cellulose. They can go unnoticed for months or even years, eating away at the structure of a property from the inside out.
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.
Mostly nocturnal, cockroaches like to seek shelter from the outdoors. Likely to gravitate in dark, warm locations, many homeowners notice that cockroaches inhabit their bathrooms, closets, and kitchens. Ranging in color from light brown to black, the type of cockroach has much to do with the location they are likely to be found.
Silverfish are tricky pests to deal with. They reproduce quickly and are great at hiding, which makes them tough to eliminate once they’ve made their way into your home. That’s why preventative pest control is so important. True to their name, silverfish have a silvery, fish-like appearance—and they’re definitely not something you want creeping around your home!
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.
More of a nuisance than a threat, house crickets are omnivorous scavengers that feed on almost anything in sight. Known to destroy both vegetable gardens and clothing, all while producing a repetitious chirping sound, crickets cause quite the disturbance! You can typically find more of these creatures in heavily wooded areas.
Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing you to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.
