Bugs outnumber us. Although there are more of them, that doesn’t mean that you have to give them food and shelter. There are steps that you can take to bug proof your home. However, before you can take these measures, you have to know what you’re dealing with. Let’s take a look at some common indoor bugs so you can know what to look for.
Ants – The Most Abundant of the Indoor Bugs
Did you know that experts estimate there are more than upwards of 10,000,000,000,000,000 ants alive on the planet at any given time? There are also dozens of different ant species. Some, like the carpenter ant, are destructive; while others are merely pests.
You know you have ants when you see them, and if you see one, there’s a chance there are more. Wood shavings are a sign of carpenter ant infestation and, believe it or not, you can often hear them in the walls. If you hear rustling in your walls when the house is quiet, it’s time to start looking for ants.
Cockroaches – The Dreaded Indoor Bugs
Cockroaches are a problem because they carry germs and can cause asthma in children. They come out at night, so it can be difficult to know you have a problem. If you find a dead cockroach, you can bet there are more somewhere.
The best evidence of a cockroach problem are their droppings, which resemble coffee grounds. If you suspect you have cockroaches, you will need professional help to get rid of them.
Termites – Indoor Bugs that Destroy Homes
Termites are among the most destructive of all house dwelling bugs. The adult “swarmers” are termites with wings, flying around to find a place for a new colony. Sometimes, they are mistaken for flying ants. The “worker” termites are those ugly things you see eating on the wood. If you see swarmers, there’s a good chance that a new colony is in or around your home, and you should call a pest control specialist right away.
If you see termite tubes or termite cement, this is evidence of the termite workers already doing damage and protecting themselves within your home while they move around.If you suspect you have a termite problem, call a specialist immediately.
Bugs are a part of life and there are many hundreds of other types of insects that you may find in and around your home. The three indoor bugs listed are the most common and often the most problematic. Keep an eye out for them and call a professional if you suspect you have them in your home.
