What’s Bugging You?: Our Top 10 U.S. Household Pests

 

32117 47 ant image 300x216 What’s Bugging You?: <em>Our Top 10 U.S. Household Pests</em>
Did you know that there are approximately millions and millions of species of insects in the world?  That’s a lot of pests.  And that  doesn’t even include rodents and other critters that invade our homes and our lives on a daily basis.  With all those bugs and pests running around it’s difficult for a homeowner to determine what type of bug problem they have.

The first step in effective pest control is understanding what you’re up against, and that’s precisely where HomeTeam Pest Defense steps in to assist you. Operating from over 50 branches and comprising a team of over 2,000 skilled professionals, we excel in detecting and resolving diverse pest problems. Our focus is on delivering peace of mind to homeowners, assuring them that their homes and families are protected.

Geography matters. One pest in the South may not be problematic in the North. Here is our list of the top 10 household pests in the U.S.:

Ants

There are many species of ants and the type most bothersome to homeowners has a lot to do with where you live. In parts of the South the red imported fire ant is considered to be the number one structural pest by pest control companies. On the other hand, carpenters ants seem to account for a high number of phone calls to professionals in the Pacific Northwest.

Ants can be a considerable nuisance for homeowners and homebuilders alike. Beyond the annoyance of having these tiny invaders crawling around, ants can cause damage and inconvenience in various ways. They are notorious for infiltrating food storage areas, contaminating food, and creating unsightly trails in living spaces.

Additionally, they may disrupt outdoor activities, especially during warmer months, becoming a particular nuisance in gardens or on patios. Homeowners often find themselves grappling with ant invasions, affecting both the cleanliness and structural aspects of their properties.

Preventing ant infestations involves good sanitation practices, such as keeping food containers tightly sealed and cleaning up crumbs, as well as eliminating entry points by sealing cracks and gaps. Professional pest control services like HomeTeam Pest Defense’s 6 Point Advantage service can provide tailored solutions for specific ant species that pose a threat in your region.

Termites

There’s no doubt that termites are one of the most irritating and destructive pests around. They are fine when aiding in the ecological cycle of forests, but not so good when destroying your home.

Termites are a significant concern for homeowners across the United States and are consistently ranked among the top 10 US household pests.

The US is home to several termite species, the most common being subterranean termites, dampwood termites, and drywood termites. Subterranean termites are notorious for their ability to build mud tunnels, allowing them to travel from the soil to, and through, wooden structures.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, can be found in various structures, including wooden furniture, framing, and flooring. Dampwood termites, as the name suggests, feast on wood with high moisture content. Each species poses unique challenges for homeowners, making effective identification and treatment crucial.

Termites are social insects living in cooperative groups dividing their work among specialized members. To the untrained eye they can be hard to distinguish from ants. Thus, many homeowners don’t even know they have a termite problem until damage has occurred.

Common signs of a termite infestation include hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows and doors, mud tubes on foundation walls, and small piles of fecal pellets.

Preventing termites requires regular inspections and implementing preventative measures like maintaining proper ventilation and reducing moisture around your home. Professional termite control services can provide comprehensive protection and treatment options to safeguard your property from these destructive pests.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are hardy little creatures as we all know, but did you know that cockroaches seek water more often than food?  They can live a month without food, but only a week without water.  Cockroaches thrive in all environments and live in the desert as well as in the Arctic.

Cockroaches are a persistent nuisance in many parts of the United States. These resilient pests can invade homes and businesses, posing health risks and spreading diseases.

Rodents

Rodents are both highly beneficial mammals and significant pests. However, homeowners definitely don’t like cohabitating with them. The Norway rat, roof rat, and house mouse are the most common North American rodents that homeowners deal with.

Aside from being nuisances, they can carry diseases, contaminate food, and cause structural damage by gnawing through wires and insulation. Moreover, their rapid reproduction rates mean a small infestation can quickly become a significant problem. Homeowners should be vigilant for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, and scampering noises in walls or ceilings.

Earwigs

Despite a widespread superstition, earwigs do not crawl into people’s ears at night. Earwigs are flat and brown-black in color. These pests have pincers and prefer moist, cool hiding spots, such as bathrooms and basements. They are omnivores, feeding on both plant material and other insects, making them a natural form of pest control in gardens.

To prevent earwigs from becoming a nuisance indoors, homeowners should focus on reducing moisture levels, sealing entry points, and keeping outdoor areas tidy. While not among the most dangerous pests, they are often listed in the top 10 US household pests due to their prevalence and the discomfort they cause.

Millipedes

Millipedes, with their numerous legs and cylindrical bodies, are a common household pest across the United States. Although they don’t threaten human health, millipedes can become a nuisance in homes and gardens.

These brown nocturnal bugs live outdoors but make their way indoors for weather protection or by accident. They eat decaying wood and hide under objects. Millipedes have a distinctive odor so you may smell them before you see them.  And although the name may imply they have a thousand feet they actually have around a hundred feet.

Silverfish

Silverfish live in warm, humid spaces and tend to find a food source and stay put. These insects feed on a variety of materials commonly found in homes, including paper, glue, and clothing. This makes them a threat to books, important documents, wallpaper, and stored fabrics.

While silverfish don’t harm humans directly, their knack for consuming and damaging household items makes them an unwelcome presence in homes, prompting homeowners to take preventive measures to keep them at bay.

Paper Wasps

There are approximately 15 species of paper wasps in the U.S. and Canada.  They are called paper wasps because they make their nests with paper-like material. These nests can be found in and around homes’ eaves, behind shutters, inside outdoor lamps and even in playground equipment. Stings from paper wasps are excruciating and can cause allergic reactions.

Preventing paper wasp problems involves early nest detection and safe removal, which you can trust the HomeTeam Pest Defense professionals to do.

Fleas

These tiny, blood-feeding insects are not only a concern for pet owners but can also affect humans. There are many different types of fleas, including the dog flea, cat flea, squirrel flea, and human flea. Identification of the type of flea is vital in determining the control strategy.

Fleas cause irritation due to their bites and transmit diseases, including the bubonic plague, murine typhus, and flea-borne spotted fever. While these diseases are relatively rare today, it underscores the importance of promptly addressing and controlling flea infestations.

Fleas are also a well-known nuisance to pets as they cause itching, discomfort, and allergic reactions. Continuous scratching can lead to skin issues, disrupt a pet’s well-being, and lead to a challenging living environment for both pets and their owners. Regular flea prevention and treatment are crucial to maintaining a healthy and happy environment for all stakeholders.

Bees

While sometimes problematic to homeowners, many types of bees are beneficial to the environment and cross pollination. Homeowners are fearful of bees because they sting. Did you know honey bees can sting only once and then they die? A bumble bee can sting numerous times.

For help diagnosing your bug or pest problem, please visit us at pestdefense.com.

Contact HomeTeam Pest Defense to defend your home from the top 10 US household pests

When it comes to protecting your home from the top 10 household pests in the US, HomeTeam Pest Defense has your back. While DIY solutions may provide temporary relief, our professional expertise ensures a comprehensive and lasting solution. Don’t let pests compromise your home’s safety and hygiene — trust our skilled professionals. With our dedicated team and advanced solutions, you’ll have a pest-free home in no time!

With nearly three decades of experience and a commitment to delivering effective pest control every time, we stand as the only pest management company serving homebuilders, and are proud of our exceptional customer service to homeowners.  Invest wisely in your home’s well-being; choose HomeTeam Pest Defense for reliable pest control. Your property deserves the best, and that’s precisely what we offer.

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