As a homeowner, you'll likely come across some uninvited creepy-crawly guests in your home on occasion. Here are some of the most common types of bugs (which are really insects) you might find in your home and how they can cause damage.
Identifying bugs in the home
There are a few common types of bugs and insects that tend to cause the most problems for homeowners. The first step towards stopping an infestation is learning more about the type of bugs that may be in your home. Identifying different types of house bugs will help you figure out exactly what you're up against. Here are some of the most common types of house bugs.
Ants
Ever see a line of ants marching up the side of your counter and straight into your pantry? Homeowners know that ants may be a serious sign of trouble. Ants can find their way into anything edible and gobble it right up. They are one of the most common insects found in and around homes in the United States. Outside, they can nest in lawns, walls, stumps and even under foundations. They can also find their way indoors through even the tiniest cracks while searching for water and sweet or greasy foods in a kitchen or pantry.
Unless you have a carpenter ant infestation, ants typically won't damage your home, and they aren't a pest that's known to carry disease. Regardless, no one wants bugs making their way into their home and settling in, which means if you see signs of ants, it's time to call the pest control professionals to solve your problem.
Learn more about ants and how Terminix® can help rid your home of these pests.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most loathed bugs in the world, and for good reason. These bugs can contaminate food, damage paper and fabric, trigger allergic reactions in some people sensitive to allergens, and can carry bacteria pathogens wherever they go. This bacteria can potentially cause food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea and other intestinal issues.
If you spot a cockroach, it may be a sign that more cockroaches are present. Cockroaches are great at hiding from people, so you may not even know they're there until you have a significant infestation. Remove their food and water sources, seal up any cracks in your pipes or foundation and bring in the pest control professionals.
Termites
Termites vary in color from white to brown to black depending on their species and caste. Some termites, such as flying termites or swarming termites, often look like whitish or brownish ants, which is why the two can often be confused with one another. Termites also range in size between one-eighth of an inch to one inch, depending on species. While ants may ravage your pantry, termites can be much worse. The scariest thing about termites isn't what they look like — it's the damage they can cause to homes. Often called the "silent destroyers," termites may be eating their way through the wood in your house without you even knowing it.
There are a few different species of termites, and unless you're a termite control professional, it can be difficult to know which one have in your home and how to proceed with treatment. This is why it's a great idea to bring a termite control professional into your home. They can identify the insects, figure out how the bugs are getting in and come up with the right treatment solution for your situation.
Get started today with a free initial termite inspection.
Bed bugs
No one wants to climb in bed only to wake up covered in itchy red bites. Although bed bugs are not known to spread disease pathogens, they are a nuisance. Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects that are often difficult to spot until it's too late. They can be found in your home in cracks and crevices, mattress seams, sheets, furniture, electrical outlet plates, behind baseboards and even in picture frames. The worst part? Bed bugs feed on blood, usually while people are sleeping, which makes them an unwanted pest.
Bed bugs can multiply and spread quickly. Bed bugs travel on belongings such as bags, backpacks, suitcases and other items. They can be moved from work to school and other places on these items, which means they may be introduced into your home. DIY bed bug control can often come up short in the fight against a bed bug infestation because DIY treatments typically only treat the visible bed bugs, while the bigger problem can be the ones that are hiding. It's better to bring in professionals who can treat the infestation at its source.
Learn more about what a bed bug infestation looks like and how Terminix can help.
Fleas
If you have a dog or cat as a pet, you may have encountered fleas. Fleas are tiny, reddish-brown, wingless insects with shiny bodies covered in microscopic hair. They can't fly, but the have legs that are designed to help them jump long distances. Fleas will hitch a ride on anything that moves, including both pets and people. You should consult with your veterinarian about flea control for your pet.
When fleas get into your home, they can become a nuisance. When you spot a single flea, it often suggests there are plenty more. Because of their small size, flat shape and super-powered exoskeleton, it can be difficult to kill them. And, unfortunately, in the ongoing battle against fleas, they've begun to gain resistance to some common pesticides. This is why it's a better idea to call in the professionals and have them handle the infestation for you.
Silverfish
You've likely seen these shiny gray or silvery bugs hanging out in dark and damp areas like your garage, closet, bathroom or basement. They have slender, segmented bodies and are known for causing damage to items like wallpaper, clothing, books and more. Silverfish are adept at staying hidden and can cause unseen damage before you even realize they're in your home.
If you've ever tried to step on a silverfish, you know that they can be very fast — so fast, in fact, that they look like a fish moving through water. This is where they get their name.
How Terminix can help
If you think you have a bug problem in your home but are unsure of what kind of bug is causing the issue, you may be unsure of what to do next. Combating infestations effectively takes knowledge and skill. And sometimes you just don't have the time or patience to try to take care of these pests yourself. That's when you know it's time to call in the pros.
Fortunately, the termite and pest control professionals at Terminix know the signs and symptoms of bug infestations and can recognize what's happening right away. They also know the best ways to take care of the problem so you can forget about bugs and get on with your life. And even if you don't have an insect problem right now, Terminix can help protect your home from future infestations. Contact us today to learn more about how our team of experts can protect your home from pesky pests.
