Pest Library

House Insects

Common house insects like ants, earwigs, and flies are frequent invaders that can contaminate food, damage property, and spread disease. Understanding their habits aids in prevention and control.

Common Species

Ants (Family Formicidae)

Ants are common household pests typically found in kitchens and pantries where food is accessible. Notable species that invade homes include:

  • Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile): Known for emitting a rotten coconut-like odor when crushed.
  • Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.): These ants can cause structural damage by excavating wood to build their nests.
  • Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum) and Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis): Often invade homes in search of sweets and proteins.

Earwigs (Order Dermaptera, Pictured on the left)

Earwigs are small, elongated insects identifiable by a pair of forceps-like pincers on their abdomens. They prefer moist, dark environments such as under mulch, stones, or logs and may occasionally enter homes. Earwigs feed on a variety of organic matter, including decaying plants and other insects. While their appearance can be intimidating, they are generally harmless to humans and do not spread diseases.

Carpet Beetles (Anthrenus verbasci, Pictured above)

Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects whose larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, and leather. They can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture.

Risk & Danger

can cause a variety of problems, including:

Signs of Infestation

Ants

  • Trails: Visible trails leading from entry points to food sources.
  • Nests: In severe infestations, nests inside walls or beneath floors.
  • Sawdust Piles: Indicate carpenter ant activity.

Earwigs

  • Live Earwig Sightings: Observing live earwigs in damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, or under sinks is the most common sign of an infestation.
  • Congregation in Moist Areas: Finding groups of earwigs around door thresholds, windowsills, or foundations, especially during wet weather.
  • Plant Damage: Noticing chewed or ragged leaves on indoor plants, indicating feeding activity by earwigs.

Carpet Beetles

  • Fabric Damage: Discovering small, irregular holes in natural fabrics such as wool, silk, or leather, particularly in carpets, clothing, or upholstery, is a primary sign of carpet beetle larvae feeding.
  • Shed Larval Skins: Finding tiny, shed skins around infested areas, such as in closets, near carpets, or on upholstered furniture, indicates the presence of carpet beetle larvae.
  • Dead Beetles or Larvae: Spotting dead adult beetles or larvae on window sills, baseboards, or in corners of rooms is a clear sign of an infestation.
  • Bare Patches in Carpets: Noticeable bare or thinning patches in carpets, rugs, or under furniture suggest carpet beetle larvae have been feeding on the fibers.
  • Fecal Pellets: Small, dark fecal pellets left by carpet beetle larvae near damaged fabrics may also indicate an infestation.

Prevention Tips

Seal Entry Points: Inspect the building for gaps, cracks, and holes in the exterior walls that pests can use to enter.

Keep Food Secure: Store food in airtight containers, and clean up spills and crumbs immediately. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.

Eliminate Clutter: Pests thrive in cluttered environments where they can find hiding spots and nesting materials. Keep areas tidy, especially basements, attics, and storage rooms.

Maintain Landscaping: Trim back trees, shrubs, and dead plant matter that touch your building, as these can provide pathways for pests to enter. Keep firewood and debris away from your building.

My

Inspection and Assessment

  • Thorough Inspection: I conduct a comprehensive inspection of your property to identify signs of pest activity, entry points, potential hot zones or nesting areas — the goal is to find current issues, and anything that could become one in the future.
  • Customized Plan: Based on the inspection findings, I develop a tailored pest control plan that addresses the specific needs of your property. Together, you and I talk about what needs to be done to elevate the security of your home or business.
  • Pest Identification:
    Accurate pest identification is crucial for effective treatment.
    I use advanced tools and techniques to determine the species, lifecycle stage, and behavior of the pests present, ensuring that we can target them with the most effective solutions.

If you suspect an infestation of any kind

or want to take preventive measures

Get in touch with me ASAP!
I'm ready to jump into action and keep your Home or Business pest-free.

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