WHAT'S IN MY HOME?
Common Pests
Bed Bugs
A menace due to their ability to rapidly infest living spaces, feeding on human blood while people sleep, leading to uncomfortable bites and allergic reactions in some individuals. Their elusive nature and resistance to many common pesticides make them notoriously difficult to eradicate, often requiring extensive treatment efforts.
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Although commonly thought, bed bugs' presence is not necessarily linked to cleanliness or hygiene standards. Bed bugs can infest even the cleanest of environments, as they are mainly attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by humans.
Ticks
Ticks pose a significant threat to both humans and animals as they can transmit various diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. Their ability to latch onto hosts for extended periods makes them stealthy carriers of illness, potentially leading to long-term health complications. Ticks can be challenging to detect due to their small size, increasing the risk of unnoticed bites and subsequent infections.
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Commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and shrubs. Ticks can travel relatively far distances by hitching rides on hosts such as birds, deer, and rodents, allowing them to spread into new areas and potentially increase their presence anywhere.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs emit a foul odor when threatened or crushed, making DIY removal methods unpleasant and potentially ineffective. Exterminators have access to specialized treatments and equipment specifically designed to target stink bug infestations, ensuring thorough eradication and preventing future reoccurrences.
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Stink bugs are a significant agricultural pest, causing damage to fruits and vegetable crops, and ornamental plants.
Bees, Wasps, & Yellow Jackets
While bees play a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem health, their presence near homes or in recreational areas can lead to accidental stings, particularly if disturbed. Similarly, wasps and yellow jackets, although beneficial for pest control, can become aggressive when threatened, creating a hazard for people, especially those allergic to their venom.
Bees:
1. Bees typically have a robust, hairy body with a more rounded shape compared to wasps.
2. Their coloration varies but often includes shades of black, brown, yellow, or orange.
3. Bees have stout legs adapted for collecting pollen and are generally less aggressive compared to wasps and yellow jackets.
4. They are often seen visiting flowers for nectar and pollen collection.
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Wasps:
1. Wasps have a slender body with a narrow waist and smooth skin, lacking the dense hair seen on bees.
2. Their coloration may include combinations of black, brown, yellow, or metallic blue.
3. Wasps often have elongated legs and distinct markings, such as stripes or spots.
4. They are known for their predatory behavior and may scavenge for food or hunt other insects.
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Yellow Jackets:
1. Yellow jackets have a similar body shape to wasps, with a slender waist and smooth skin.
2. They are typically recognized by their yellow and black striped abdomen.
3. Yellow jackets are aggressive scavengers and are often found near garbage cans, picnics, or outdoor food sources.
4. They can build nests in various locations, including underground burrows, hollow trees, or man-made structures.
Observing these physical traits and behaviors can help differentiate between bees, wasps, and yellow jackets, aiding in proper identification and appropriate pest management strategies.
House Flies
House flies reproduce rapidly, with a single female laying hundreds of eggs in a short period, leading to large infestations if not addressed promptly. The leading cause of getting house flies is often poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Maintaining cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and practicing good hygiene are crucial in preventing house fly infestations.
Spiders
The scariest of them (at least in our eyes)! While many spiders are harmless, some species can pose risks to humans through their bites, which may result in painful symptoms or allergic reactions. Exterminators have access to specialized treatments and techniques to control spider populations and reduce the risk of encountering dangerous species in and around the home.
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Some indigenous spiders in WNY include the orb-weaver spider, wolf spider, and fishing spider.
Ants
Ants in your home can be problematic for several reasons. Firstly, they can contaminate food sources, leading to food spoilage and potential health risks. Additionally, certain ant species, such as carpenter ants, can cause structural damage to buildings by nesting in wooden structures. Moreover, ants can be challenging to eradicate once they establish colonies indoors, requiring professional intervention to effectively eliminate them and prevent future infestations.
Mice & Rats
Field mice and rats can be problematic when they invade homes for several reasons. They can carry and transmit various diseases to humans, including leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonellosis, through their droppings, urine, and saliva. Additionally, they can cause structural damage by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and other household materials, potentially leading to fires or costly repairs. Their presence can result in food contamination and loss as they consume and contaminate stored food supplies.
Mice only need a hole or crack the size of a dime to get into your house. They can reproduce rapidly, with a single female capable of producing multiple litters per year, exacerbating infestation issues in residential areas.