10 Most Common Pests

Bugs and rodents might be essential to the balance of the Earth’s delicate ecosystems. But when these and other common pests turn up uninvited in your home, they represent a potential health risk as well as a nuisance.

While keeping on top of your home cleaning and maintenance is often the first and best line of defense, even the most spotless homes can have pest problems.

But what are the most common household pests to look out for? Keep reading to find out!

1. Ants

They might be tiny and oh-so mighty, but these hardworking insects are also one of the most common and persistent household pests around. Ants often invade homes in search of food, so be sure to clean surfaces and dishes fast if you want to avoid an infestation.

2. Flies

From fruit flies to blue bottles, household pests don’t come much more exasperating than flies. They’re also rife with disease and bacteria, with the average fly harboring as many as 65 illnesses and infections.

3. Cockroaches

While cockroaches are one of the most common household pests, they’re also one of the most stubborn. But it’s important to try and stop an infestation in its tracks as fast as possible since these creepy crawlies can spread E.coli and salmonella.

4. Bed Bugs

A few of these teeny insects can soon multiply into hundreds so don’t delay in calling Reynolds pest control if you think you might have an infestation. Blood spots on your sheets, itchy bites on your extremities, and feces littered on your floor, bed, and sofa are all signs that bed bugs may have set up home in your property.

5. Rats

Nothing makes homeowners call in the pest control experts faster than an infestation of rats. As well as chewing through wiring, littering your home with droppings, and tainting food, rats can transmit a variety of bacteria through their saliva, urine, and feces.

6. Fleas

Rodents are hosts for fleas so you might end up encountering both these home pests at once. Although, most flea infestations come from pet dogs and cats. If you notice your furry friends scratching a lot or experience flea bites yourself, you likely have an infestation on your hands.

7. Termites

These home pests are especially frightening as they chew on wood 24 hours a day, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The worst part is, you won’t know you have termites until it’s too late. This makes termite prevention pest control a necessity for all homeowners.

8. Mice

Like rats, mice carry a range of diseases as well as ticks and fleas. But, since they’re smaller and more common than rats, they’re far more likely to plague your home than their rodent cousins.

9. Mosquitos

Summer might bring warm weather and more outdoor fun, but it’s also when these annoying blood-suckers are most likely to strike. To avoid them ruining your summer, grow mosquito-repelling plants, remove standing water, and install fans inside and outside your home.

10. Silverfish

Although these household pests don’t transmit diseases, they can trigger allergies in some people. Silverfish are also damaging to upholstery, clothing, and books, and can attract other pests such as carpet beetles.

The Most Common Pests

Are any of these common pests is bugging you at the moment?

As this household pest guide shows, there are a lot of different critters to look out for. And, often, the only way to be rid of them for good is by contracting a professional pest control service.

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