Bugs and insects are some of the most common unwanted guests in homes and business across the United States. Identifying the type that has taken up residence with you is one of the very first steps to successfully eradicating any pest. Here are 8 of the most common household invaders.

⦁ Spiders- Spiders come in many varieties. While most are harmless to humans, there are several species that can be venomous to humans. More importantly, spiders can often be an indicator of another possible infestation, as they can often move inside following a food source. When hiring an exterminator, they should check both for the spiders and for their potential meal source to eliminate all potential pests.

⦁ Ants- Ants are commonly listed as the number one household pest across the United States. They are typically drawn into a residence by food, and what starts as a single scout can quickly turn into a colony if not properly addressed. They generally enter through tiny cracks and will search out crumbs of food, especially from dirty dishes, improperly sealed trash cans, and open storage containers. Certain types of ants can cause more damage than others. For example, carpenter ants make their nests inside of wood, which can lead to structural damage of your property if not quickly addressed.

⦁ Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets- Stinging insects are often found in the summer. They can be very territorial, and their homes can range from elaborate hives to underground burrows. Stings from these insects can be painful, and in some cases can cause serious and life-threatening reactions. Different insects require different approaches. Honey bees, for example, should often be relocated instead of eradicated because of their important environmental impact. Discuss your options with a professional.

⦁ Cockroaches- One of the most notorious household pests, cockroaches have a reputation for taking up residence in homes that are not properly cleaned, though this is not always the case. They enter homes in many ways, hitching a ride on outside items, climbing in through cracks, and even crawling up through drains and sewer pipes. Cockroaches can be difficult to treat without the help of a professional. They can be carriers of food-borne illnesses, making it necessary to hire an exterminator promptly.

⦁ Bed bugs – Bed bug infestations have been on the rise in recent years and can affect both residential and commercial properties, especially hotels. Locating bed bugs can be tricky, as they are small, flat pests that tend to hide in hard to reach places, like mattress seams and carpeting. These creatures feed on blood and tend to bite humans as they sleep. Itchy, red bumps are often the first indicator that they’ve taken up residence in your home. Bed bugs can be transported from location to location on items such as clothing or luggage, making it particularly necessary to address the problem quickly.

⦁ Flies – With over 16,000 species of flies across the United States, there are many different reasons why these pests may find your home enticing. Often, they are attracted to food or decay found in drains. They may also choose to hide out from the cold weather inside your heated facility. Flies are known carriers of many diseases. Prevent them by sealing all points of entry, eliminating items such as rotten fruit, and contact a professional if you notice a problem.

⦁ Termites- Like carpenter ants, termites feed on wood and can cause significant damage to homes and furniture if left untreated. In fact, termites are the pest responsible for the costliest damage to Americans in any given year. They are excellent hiders, and damage is often the first indicator that they are present. This is often a sign that an infestation is already full-blown. Treatment and property assessment should be done quickly before further destruction.

⦁ Mosquitoes- Mosquitoes affect almost every family across America. Though not often found inside the home, they are common seasonal visitors to backyards and barbeques. They tend to breed in standing water and are most prevalent in the summer months. Mosquitoes should always be addressed, and precautions should be taken to avoid their bites, as they are known to carry many dangerous diseases on top of their irritating, itchy bites.

Knowing what type of insect you’re dealing with can be the key to prevention and treatment. Successful identification can also prevent the use of harsher chemicals, keeping an environmentally friendly approach to pest control possible. Contact your local pest control company for further identification and solutions.