Pest infestations of certain species remain prevalent in the United States. That is why most homeowners and business proprietors avail of the services of pest control companies to protect their property from destructive or invasive pests. So far, termites, carpets, beetles, cockroaches, honey bees, wasps, moths, and ants are among the most common problems that can cause significant harm to our homes. These pesky creatures thrive all year round regardless of the season as long as they can find an ideal shelter to breed or hibernate. Unfortunately, the household stands out as the perfect sanctuary for pests when outdoor conditions become unfavorable for them.
Notorious and Destructive Pests to Watch Out For
Pests are nuisances; although some are considered harmless, they always have something negative to offer. The reason that pest control experts exist is to assist people in terms of eliminating pests and preventing future infestations. These are the terrible pests that hurt the safety and structural integrity of your home:
1. Termites
Most infamous when it comes to destroying a house’s wooden structures are termites. The nature of termites is to get drawn to wood and dead trees and consume the cellulose in plants’ cell walls. That is why these pests are typically found infesting furniture, floors, and walls made of wood. Termite infestation can result in severe structural damage. The destruction caused by termites comes fast and easy since these critters never sleep; they stay active, consuming wooden structures without rest for 24 hours. In the US alone, the annual structural damage due to termite infestation costs billions of dollars–too big a dent in one’s wallet. Worse, some termites consume non-wood materials like books, insulation, pipes, etc.
2. Roaches
Roaches are not only filthy and smelly. They are among the worst when it comes to threatening human health and causing damage to household items made of paper products and fabric. These disgusting pests prefer a humid environment where food debris is present. Because they traverse damp and dirty areas like garbage cans, trash piles, pipes, and sewers, they accumulate germs along the way and spread life-threatening diseases. Roaches are the last things you want when touching your food, kitchen utensils, and appliances. Aside from that, they chew through items like wallpapers and textiles.
3. Carpet Beetles
The likely culprits behind holes in your carpets and textiles within your home are the carpet beetles. Homeowners should understand that these pests are most destructive during their larval stage, where they consume natural fibers found in their clothing, blankets, and linens. Because they look like little hairy caterpillars during this stage, carpet beetle larvae are called “woolly bears.” However, other species of carpet beetles feed on dead insects, potpourri, pasta, cornmeal, and hair. Their adults lay at least 100 eggs in one go, and it only takes 10 to 30 days for them to hatch.
4. Honey Bees and Wasps
Bees are undoubtedly most useful to Mother Nature because they are significant in pollination. However, having too many bees near us is not something to be happy about, for they could be frightening when they attack and sting. Bee stings are not only excruciating. They are potentially risky for people who have allergic reactions to stings. Also, honeybees may build honey-filled hives inside sidings or between gaps in the house structure. Eventually, this will lead to the weakening and collapse of your house’s drywall. It is best to call bee experts when removing and relocating the beehive, for this is a dangerous and tricky job to be handled by ordinary homeowners. Wasps, like bees, are also beneficial to the environment, but they can be pretty disturbing when they become hostile. Usually, these insects attack and sting when they feel threatened or disturbed.
5. Moths
The main thing that attracts moths is light. Thus, they typically hover around lights on porches, ceilings, and lit windows at night. Moths are terrible pests because they chew through all forms of fabric. This is why mothballs are created for people to repel moths in their drawers and other areas where materials are stored.
6. Ants
Whenever there is an opportunity, ants find their way to your homes, particularly your food. Ants often infest areas like kitchen counters, dining tables, and floors, especially when you fail to clean up after food spills and debris. Eliminating ants is not always easy because these annoying crawlies do not come in threes or twos. If you spot several ants inside your home, it is positive there are hundreds and thousands more nearby. In particular, the red imported fire ants are quite problematic pests. Their venom causes an excruciating sting. Although typically drawn to landscaping, where they build their mound nests in the soil, they may also infiltrate your household’s interiors. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, can inflict structural harm like termites do. What separates them from termites is that they consume wooden structures not for nutritional purposes but for building their nests.
Pests are downright irritating to be around. They can destroy the peace and safety of our household. To get rid of pests for good, it is best to contact a pest control company in your area.
