Have you been feeling a little itch lately? The house seems to be a little more crowded than you remember. Is it possible that your home is infested with pests?
Thousands of different species of pests live among humans throughout the world. It’s impossible to identify every single pest with absolute certainty. Yet, we can identify the most common species.
You can easily prevent and exterminate the most common household pests. Once the infestation has gotten out of hand, though, it can be a major pain to fix it. This guide will teach you how to identify the most common pests and how to handle a full-blown infestation.
1. Ants
Ants are the most common household pest because they are attracted to the food and other wastes that are found in human dwellings. They are also hardy, adaptable, and persistent in their search for food. They are also small, allowing them to more easily travel along walls and other surfaces to get to food sources.
Their small size also allows them to fit into tiny cracks and crevices, making them difficult to remove. Additionally, many species are capable of reproducing quickly and widely, which can quickly lead to a full-blown infestation if left untreated. Ants have been around for millions of years and have become an integral part of our ecosystems, but they are still one of the most hardy and well-adapted pests out there, making them the most common household pest.
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are the most common household pest due to their adaptability and hardiness. They thrive in all types of environments, from damp and warm areas to dry deserts. They can survive without food or water for up to a month, and without oxygen for up to 40 minutes.
While they are mainly active at night, when temperatures drop they can also become active during the day. They aren’t able to climb smooth surfaces, but they can squeeze into small crevices and get into almost any area by sliding under doors and cracks.
Also, cockroaches are excellent at reproducing quickly, as a female can lay up to 500 eggs during her lifetime. Overall, cockroaches are one of the most difficult types of pests to get rid of, and proper knowledge and timely treatments will help to reduce the possibility of an infestation.
3. Spiders
They thrive in the quiet, dark corners of a home. They prey on other pests that may enter your home, making them beneficial in controlling infestations of other bugs. While some spiders may carry mild venom, they are generally harmless if left undisturbed.
Spiders are also abundant in the outdoors, with most species unable to survive inside the home. This is why most spiders that enter homes are wandering, non-venomous varieties. Spiders require little to survive and can be found nesting in quiet, dark areas of the home such as in corners, under furniture, and near windows.
These pests can easily hide in clutter and out of sight, making them difficult to detect and remove. Therefore, spiders are often found in homes across the world and typically become a pest problem when their populations grow too large.
4. Fleas
They spread quickly and are hard to eliminate or contain. Fleas are tiny wingless insects that feed off of the blood of humans and animals, causing annoyance, itching, and general discomfort. Fleas can live almost anywhere but prefer warm, humid places.
They can easily move from host to host and reproduce quickly. Furthermore, fleas can jump from one person or animal to another, crawling onto beds, carpets, furniture, and other places that we frequent. They thrive in uncared-for pet beds and hiding places and can live for months without a host.
To make things worse, many people are allergic to fleas and their bites, which can make the problem even worse and make it more difficult to get rid of pests. All this contributes to why fleas are the most common household pest.
5. Rodents
For one, they breed quickly, with some rodent species able to produce litters of several offspring. They also have nocturnal habits, which allow them to feed and reproduce while sleeping. Rodents are also incredibly adaptive, meaning they can quickly adjust to different environments.
They’re able to climb fences and chew through nearly anything in search of food, water, and shelter. Additionally, rodents have a tendency to live in large colonies, so if one gets into a home, they’re likely followed by many others.
Finally, they carry a host of diseases and can cause significant damage to homes and businesses due to their relentless chewing and burrowing. Rodents are one of the most common pests across the world, so it’s critical to call a residential rodent control service to keep them out and eliminate them if they do invade.
6. Termites
Termites consume timber and other materials containing cellulose such as cardboard, paper, and fabrics. Found in urban and rural areas, termites are usually attracted to moist, warm climates, and highly populated areas. They can cause a tremendous amount of damage to structures such as homes and businesses, and the cost of repairs can be quite high.
In addition, termites often produce a distinctive, musty smell that signals their presence. As a result, prompt action must be taken in order to prevent or manage an infestation before it does any more damage.
Avoid and Remove These Household Pests Today
Household pests can be a major problem and can cause a variety of issues. Fortunately, homeowners can take preventative measures and hire pest control services to help keep pests at bay.
If you find you are having a problem with common pests, don’t delay, contact a professional. They will help you protect yourself, your family, and your home from pests.
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