Do You Have Bugs in Your House?
A study of urban homes in Raleigh revealed that there are almost certainly bugs in most dwellings.
“For example, researchers found gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) in all 50 homes. But these millimeter-long flies feed on outdoor plants and can’t survive indoors.”
Researchers collected arthropods to study their patterns and found they are plentiful in practically every room of each home studied. Arthropods, which include insects, spiders, mites, and centipedes, are invertebrate organisms having segmented bodies, exoskeletons, and jointed limbs. Only five of the 544 rooms studied didn’t have arthropods in them.
“The most commonly collected groups of arthropods in the homes were flies, spiders, beetles, ants, and booklice.”
Most of the arthropods found are not considered pests, but that does not mean you want to allow them to get out of control.
When Normal Bugs Become a Pest Problem
We live in relative harmony with bugs every day. You probably hardly even notice them most of the time. However, sometimes, the bugs in your house can lead to other concerns, like more bugs and actual pests. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between pests and other bugs.
Pests Can Be a Nuisance
Essentially any bug can be a pest if you don’t want it in your home. If you have one or an abundance of any critter that’s unwelcome, you’ll want to take steps to send them away.
Pests Can Be Dangerous
Some pests are potentially harmful to people. Most species of spider are relatively harmless, but there are four types of venomous spiders in the Carolinas and Virginia:
- Brown Recluse: The most dangerous spider in our area; if bitten, you should seek treatment right away.
- Black Widows: Though not quite as dangerous as the Recluse, these are still spiders you do not want to mess with.
- False Black Widows: With slightly different markings than their namesakes, these spiders are venomous but not nearly as dangerous as the real thing.
- Yellow Sac Spiders: Bites will sting from these spiders, but they are far less dangerous than Black Widows and Brown Recluses.
In addition to spiders, biting insects like ticks and mosquitoes can carry harmful diseases and bacteria, and bed bugs can cause breakouts and irritation.
Pests Can Be Damaging
Some insects can damage your home. Wood-destroying insects will literally chew or bore through your home’s wood and could potentially cause a lot of damage. Some of the wood-destroying insects that affect homes in the Carolinas and Virginia include:
- Subterranean termites
- Powder post beetles
- Old house borers
- Carpenter ants
- Carpenter bees
Unfortunately, these pests are skilled at hiding for months and years such that you may not notice their presence until the damage is done. Some of the signs you have this type of pest include:
- Wooden stairs and floors have soft places.
- Your home's exterior is covered in mud tubes.
- Your wooden rails, studs, and floor have hollow spots.
- Doors and windows that have suddenly started to stick
- Excessive moisture, particularly in attics and basements
- Holes in the outside surfaces of your home
- There may be stacks of termite wings that have been left behind
- Something resembling a bumblebee is buzzing nearby, maybe near your fascia or soffit
- Wood that appears to be falling apart
If you see any signs pests are damaging your home, you should reach out to your trusted pest extermination professional immediately.
Pests Can Be Disgusting
Some pests like ants and cockroaches are just gross. They are often attracted by open food containers and small spills that happen in any home and with every family but can make your home feel unwelcoming.
What to Do About Bugs That Become Pests
When bugs become pests, you have to start getting rid of them. Some of what you can do to reduce the presence of bugs that are pests include:
- Address moisture issues on your property and within your home.
- Eliminate potential food sources such as pet food bowls, empty beverage cans, open food containers, and crumbs.
- As quickly as possible, mop up spills, tidy up messes, and wash any dirty dishes.
- Regularly gather and remove all garbage.
- Seams around windows and doors should be sealed.
- To guarantee a snug fit, adjust the door sweeps and window screens.
- Utilize an indoor pest killer spray to Eliminate bugs and provide a barrier.
- Vacuum regularly.
- Clean your luggage and immediately wash your clothes after traveling.
All the cleaning in the world won’t stop some bugs from making your home their home. Sometimes, you have to call in reinforcements. In the Carolinas and Virginia, Rid-A-Bug Exterminating provides families with fast, efficient pest control services that will help you make sure you have only the ones you want in your home. Contact us today for your pest extermination needs.