Unwanted insects and rodents are a common problem for homeowners, and it’s essential to call a pest control expert if you see any signs of an infestation. Here are a few of the most common household pests and how you can prevent an infestation. 

5 Common Household Pests

1. Cockroaches

These insects are one of the most reviled household pests, as well as the hardest to get rid of. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so if you see one during the day, it might be a warning of an infestation. They have visibly noticeable droppings, which can resemble coffee grounds or small, cylindrical pellets. You might notice a strong, musty odor or find egg cases on the backs of furniture or inside of books. Since these insects transmit E. coli and salmonella, call a pest control professional at the first sign of a problem.

2. Termites

Pale, soft, and a quarter to a half inch in length, these insects can cause serious damage. Termites can thrive for years in your home before they are noticed. Signs include a swarm of the winged insects in or around your home, mud tubes along walls or exterior surfaces, bubbling paint, hollow wood, or quantities of discarded wings. To prevent termites, fix leaky water areas, remove firewood or lumber from basements or porches, and install screens on your windows. 

3. Rodents

Mice and rats can enter a home easily—through holes as small as a dime. They carry various diseases and might contaminate food with feces, fur, or saliva. Small black droppings are the most noticeable sign of rodents, as well as chewed plastic or wood, nests of shredded paper, and a musky odor. To prevent an infestation, clean up any kitchen messes and keep leftover food in plastic containers.

4. Ants

Ants thrive in busy areas, such as a kitchen, where dirty dishes, crumbs, and pantry items provide food. Colonies can have 30,000 to 500,000 ants, so it is difficult to apply do-it-yourself methods for pest control. If you see ants in your home, it’s best to have professionals handle the removal.

5. Mosquitoes

These pesky insects like dark areas in your home and moist, standing water. They can carry serious diseases, such as the Zika virus and encephalitis. Reducing standing water in and around your house, installing screens, and cutting back vegetation from the sides of your home are ways to help control mosquitoes.

While you might be able to curb pests from entering your home using preventive measures, most infestations require professional removal to completely get rid of the problem. Moore Pest Control has provided affordable insect and animal control to Hughes Springs, TX, residents for over 30 years. Call (903) 639-2884 to get an estimate, or visit their website to learn more about the type of infestations they treat.