![]() ![]() The good news is that most pests are easily lured out of the home. ![]() New construction homes come with their own issues. When wooden beams are exposed to the elements during construction, they gather moisture, which attracts fungus beetles. These tiny beetles are very common and will go away on their own once the material dries - but that could take up to a year. The fungus beetle has been nicknamed the “new-house pest,” says Troyano. Older homes are also a concern, because they are full of cracks and crevices where pests can enter or take up residence. Houses with vinyl siding or brick tend to be safer bets. Log cabins are the most pest-prone homes, Troyano reports, and can attract beetles, termites and bees. The type of home will also determine what kinds of pests you get. In the desert, you’ll have to worry about snakes and scorpions.In wooded areas, you will find spiders, ants and beetles.Tropical, humid places like Florida are breeding grounds for water-loving pests like mosquitoes.The types of pests you encounter largely depend on where you live. You can easily lure out one or two bats, but if you have a big problem, you’ll want to call a professional. A word of warning about these winged creatures: They can carry rabies, so be careful with any DIY measures you undertake. Bats are usually found in homes with attics or chimneys, because they like to hang out in dark, cavernous areas. Mice are also drawn inside to escape the cold, so homeowners in colder climates should make sure their homes are tightly sealed. Rodentsīugs aren’t the only unwelcome guests you may encounter - keep your eye out for rodents, too.īird feeders are a “mouse buffet,” says Troyano, so keep an eye on those. Homeowners with pets should also be wary of ticks and fleas. Standing water creates a breeding ground for these pests, so try to minimize the water that collects around your home.īed bugs are a big issue in cities, where it’s easy for them to be brought in by furniture, clothes or people - and they’re notoriously hard to get rid of. Most unwanted critters are pretty harmless - just annoying.Īfter the Zika outbreaks, mosquitoes are generating more concern than in the past. The one “upside” to roaches is that they’re big, so you will definitely know when you have a problem. Secondhand or rented furniture is a big culprit of cockroach infestations. While they don’t actually cause damage to a home, they do require professional extermination - and they’re just gross.Ĭockroaches are attracted to food and garbage, and they’re usually brought in from the outside. CockroachesĬockroaches are a big problem in crowded cities and apartment buildings. Watch for piles of droppings or swarms of termites flying out of the wood. They create colonies in the wood instead of the ground, and they need very little moisture. Homeowners in the Southwest and California should look out for drywood termites. Other hints are blistering paint, loose siding, piles of droppings or a substance that looks like sawdust. Look for brown staining around the house, both inside and out, and pay special attention to baseboards in the basement. In the Northeast, subterranean termites build mud tubes that you can usually spot. They’re usually hard to see, but you can still find evidence that they’re around. Termites and carpenter ants eat away at the foundation, and you have to call a professional to remove them. Here are the top pests to watch out for, according to Troyano. The first step is learning which pests might become an issue for you. When you know how to recognize and prevent an infestation, you can keep unwanted visitors at bay. Nancy Troyano, director of technical education and training at Rentokil Pest Control. But knowledge is power when it comes to critters, says Dr. Pests are everywhere, and having a few in your home is pretty much inevitable. This guide to common household creepers will help you send pests packing - for good. ![]()
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