Pests

ANTS

With ants being the #1 nuisance pest in the United States, ant control is now more important than ever. There are more than 700 ant species found in the U.S., although only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants are social insects that typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen. Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets. Ants are easily identifiable due to their three distinct body region: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae.

SPIDERS

• Common House Spider

The common house spider is usually the spider most often encountered indoors. It is a nuisance pest, probably more because of its webs than the spider itself. This spider is common throughout the United States and Canada.

• Black widow

Black widow spiders are most recognized for the red hourglass shape under their abdomen. Black widows spin their webs near ground level. They often build their webs in protected areas, such as in boxes and in firewood.

• Brown Recluse

Brown recluse spiders have a characteristic dark brown violin marking on their back. Brown recluse spiders often live outdoors in debris and wood piles. They can be found indoors in storage areas and dark recesses.

RODENTS

House Mice

The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. It can breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Micro droplets of mouse urine can cause allergies in children. Mice can also bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into your home.

• Roof Rats

Roof rats get their name from their tendency to be found in the upper parts of buildings and can also be found under, in and around structures. They only need a space of one-half inch to get into buildings. Ranging in size from 6 to 8 inches in length, not including their tails, they have very poor vision and are color blind. They do have extremely strong senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste.

• Norway Rats

Norway rats live in fields, farm lands and in structures and often found in woodpiles. These rats have smaller eyes and ears and shorter tails. Rats can gain entry to a home through a hole the size of a quarter. Rats can chew through wiring, causing fires and also spread numerous diseases. Rats are excellent climbers and often enter a home in the fall when outside food sources become scarce.

COCKROACHES

Cockroach control and management are important for health and safety reasons. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reports that one-in-five children in the United States have severe sensitivities to cockroach allergens, which increase the severity of asthma symptoms. These allergens are most commonly introduced in homes through cockroach saliva, droppings and the decomposing bodies of these pests.

FLEAS

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on cats, dogs and humans. Protect pets by practicing active flea management; keep them on a leash when outside, bathing and grooming pets regularly, visiting a veterinarian annually, and using flea treatments according to direction. It is important to hire a flea control professional to rid your home of rodents and fleas.

FLIES

House flies do not bite, but are capable of transferring more than 100 pathogens, including malaria, salmonella and tuberculosis. They contaminate food and surfaces by spreading disease organisms picked up on the silla on their bodies and through their saliva that is used to break down foods. Food contamination is one of the main reasons that fly pest control is so important.

SILVERFISH

This insect gets its name from its silvery, metallic appearance and fish-like shape and movements. Silverfish have no wings, but are able to run very fast. They tend to hide their presence from humans which means any damage they have caused could go unnoticed as well.