Among the most common house pests are ants, millipedes, fleas, earwigs, and wasps. There are several ways you can keep them away from your house, but a good tip is to make sure you are able to eliminate their food source. This is the most important way to prevent the spread of the pests.
Earwigs
Whether you’re a gardener, homeowner, or just enjoy being outdoors, earwigs are pests you should be aware of. They feed on insects and plants, and can become a big problem if they begin to invade your home. Fortunately, you can control earwigs with home remedies and other measures.
Often, earwigs enter houses when they are seeking shelter from the weather. They may seek out a damp, dark basement or basement area. They can also enter through gaps in screens or window sills.
If you notice earwigs in your home, you can try sweeping them away or vacuuming them. You can also hire a pest control company to do the job for you.
Termites
Termites are house pests and can be destructive. Termites feed on wood, paper, cardboard and other materials containing cellulose. They are attracted to moist wood and will attack woodwork in an attempt to gain their share of the food supply.
A termite colony consumes about one pound of wood per day. Some sources estimate that termites are responsible for $5 billion in property damage in the United States each year. However, there are many different types of termites. Some are more apt to infest homes than others.
In some areas, termite control companies offer spot treatments and spot treatments may be more affordable than full-blown treatments. However, spot treatments will not eliminate an infestation.
Fleas
Getting rid of fleas is important because these insects are known to carry a wide range of diseases. Their bites can cause allergic reactions and itchy spots on the skin. They also can carry bubonic plaque, which can cause severe asthma attacks.
Fleas are often brought into homes by pets. Cats and dogs are especially common flea carriers. Other animals, such as raccoons, squirrels and opossums, may also be the cause of a flea infestation.
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects. Adult fleas are reddish brown in color, and they measure about 1/8 inch in size. They have strong back legs and a flattened, oval body.
Millipedes
During the summer, you may find millipedes in your house. These small, brown insects are found in damp areas outside and can wander into your house. Millipedes aren’t dangerous, but they can be annoying. They feed on decaying organic matter, including wood and leaves, but they don’t harm people or animals.
Millipedes have very high moisture needs and must have moisture to survive. They can live for a few days in a dry environment, but their body parts can’t survive without moisture. Millipedes are also scavengers. They eat dead insects, larger animals, and decaying plant matter.
Stinkbugs
Whether you’re living in a rural or urban environment, stink bugs can be a real nuisance. They feed on a wide variety of plants and fruits. They aren’t a health threat to humans, but they can cause a lot of damage to your garden.
Stink bugs are a problem in homes during the winter because they seek out warmth. They may enter your home through a hole or crack in your foundation, around a window, or in a door. Sealing these areas can help prevent the problem.
When the weather gets cold, stink bugs slow their metabolic rate to a crawl. They also go through a process called diapause. It’s a similar process to hibernation, but stink bugs aren’t reliant on food to survive.
Wasps
During the summer months, wasps are busy foraging for food. You might even find them in attic insulation. They prefer fruit, nectar, and fruit juice. They also prey on insects in the garden. They can also enter your home through an open window or door. Luckily, there are many things you can do to keep these nuisances out.
Keeping your outdoor garbage bins empty and properly covered is a good start. You should also keep trash cans out of direct sunlight and away from entry points. Also, dispose of cooking scraps in an airtight container.
Wasps are opportunistic creatures and will build nests anywhere they find food and shelter. They prefer shaded, corner, or corner-like spots.
Ants
Among the most common household pests, ants can be a real nuisance, especially for lawns. They invade homes for food, and may also be found in hospitals. They can be controlled through an integrated pest management approach that eliminates food and water sources, and seals cracks.
Pavement ants are tiny, house-invading ants found in Ohio. They nest under pavement or rock and mine soil and sand from under concrete slabs. They can also infest structures through holes in concrete.
The workers are 1/4 to 1 inch long, and they are yellowish in color. The queens are smaller, and wingless.
