Your home is your sanctuary. It's the place where you relax, unwind and feel completely at ease. And nowadays, for many of us, it's also where we work. Because your home plays such a vital role in your life, it's important that it's protected.
Not much can disrupt and threaten the sense of tranquility in your house like unwelcome pests. Learn about the most common household bugs (that are actually insects commonly referred to as "bugs") and what to do about them.
What are Some Common House Bugs?
Ants
Ants are, without a doubt, one of the most frequently spotted household pests. And depending on the species in your home, they can cause varying degrees of damage.
Because ants are social creatures and communicate with each other using chemical signals called "pheromones," seeing one in your home means others are likely already there, too. And if they're not, they may be on their way.
Ants live in colonies, and different castes of ants have different roles to fulfill. More than likely, the ants you're seeing in your home are worker ants. These are female ants that take care of the nest and forage for food to feed the colony. When they arrive in your home, they're probably looking for their next meal.
A notable group of household ants are the carpenter ants. These ants tunnel through wood and often go undetected for long periods of time, meaning they can cause extensive structural damage to your home. Like many other ants, they're difficult to control and often require the help of an ant control professional to eliminate. If you see large black ants in your home, you may have a carpenter ant infestation.
Cockroaches
Nobody wants to find a cockroach in their home. These common pests have a reputation for being unsanitary, and it's one that's well earned. Because they live in areas where garbage, waste and germs are prevalent, they can transfer bacteria like E.coli and salmonella from one food source to the next.
And they reproduce rapidly — a single female can lay between 120 and 320 eggs in her lifetime.
Cockroaches are most likely to be found in your kitchen or in the bathrooms, where they have access to your home. How cockroaches access your home can depend on the species. For example, American cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches often access home through plumbing while German cockroaches are almost always brought into a home accidentally.
Spiders
It's not uncommon for spiders to find their way into your home, and many homeowners are afraid of these pests. While most spiders in your house are likely to be relatively harmless, a few species — like the black widow and brown recluse — can be harmful to people, and this may partly explain the fear they cause.
There are two types of spiders: web-building spiders and hunting spiders. Web-building spiders, like the black widow, build spider webs to catch their prey. Hunting spiders, like the brown recluse, chase down their prey.
Related > Pest Facts: The Difference Between Poisonous and Venomous
Spiders are another pest that reproduces quickly. For example, a female common house spider can lay up to 1,600 eggs in her lifetime.
Additionally, spiders prey on other common household bugs, and their presence in your home may mean you have another pest issue.
Silverfish
These small, silver-colored insects are one of the most common household pests, and they've been around since before dinosaurs roamed the earth. Silverfish aren't harmful to humans, but they're still unwelcome in your home. They feed on fungal molds and other organic material, as well as glue and book bindings, so they can cause some minor damage to certain household items.
Because silverfish like moisture and humidity, they're frequently found in bathrooms and kitchens, but you may also spot them in laundry rooms, garages, cabinets and crawl spaces.
Why Am I Getting So Many Bugs in My House
There are a few common reasons you might find bugs in your house. Regardless of the type of pest you're dealing with, one of these is likely the cause:
- Cracks around doors and windows
- Brush, twigs, leaves or other debris near your home's foundation
- Crumbs, unsealed food and pet food
- Leaks or other issues causing excess moisture
- Keep these in mind and fix any issues to help keep common bugs away from your home.
Professional Pest Control
The most reliable solution to any pest problem in your home is to call the professionals. Terminix® Pest Control Plans include regular treatments to eliminate existing infestations and help prevent future infestations from these common pests and more. Make sure your home is protected, and get your quote today.
