A Quick Rundown of Common Household Pests

Many pest species can find their way into your home. Luckily, you can use unique identifiers to tell apart these unwanted guests. This way, you

can limit how much damage they cause and figure out the best ways to deal with them.

Read on to learn about common household pests that are likely to invade your home.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches have a flattened and oval-shaped body. They also have a pair of antennae that helps them sense movement in their surroundings.

Though these are common characteristics across the board, different species may vary in size and color.

Since cockroaches are nocturnal critters, they're far more likely to swing into action at night. If you spot one during the day, your home might have

a severe infestation. While you can't always tell, the following signs may point to a severe cockroach infestation:

• Skin shedding. You may notice different sizes of shed skins as the cockroaches evolve in their lifecycle.
• Smear marks. You're likely to see dark brown spots on walls and surfaces where these critters are most active.
• Foul odor. Cockroach droppings produce an oily and musty smell that attracts other roaches. As the infestation grows, the scent becomes more intense.

You will often find these hardy critters in dark and moist places (mostly under the sink and near water pipes). As such, you should always repair

plumbing leaks quickly before they create damp conditions that could attract roaches. They often carry dangerous infections that could seriously

affect you and your family.

Bedbugs

These tiny, reddish-brown bugs go through several changes from infancy to adulthood. Bedbug characteristics and features are dependent on its

stage in the lifecycle. For instance, a young bedbug (nymph) grows up to about 4.5mm before they become full-grown adults. On the other hand,

adult bedbugs can be anywhere between five and seven millimeters in length.

Because of their small size, bedbugs can make their way into your home undetected through clothes, couches, and luggage. Their flat bodies allow

them to hide in tiny spaces such as mattress seams, box springs, and dresser tables. While bedbugs don't carry any diseases, they might give you

sleepless nights when the infestation gets out of hand.

You may have a serious bedbug infestation in your home if you've noticed signs such as:

• Shed exoskeletons and eggshells
• Blood spots on pillowcases, sheets, and mattresses
• Red, itchy bite spots on your skin

Even a low-level invasion can quickly turn into a serious problem, so you need to act quickly before things get out of hand.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control company to inspect your home and offer effective bedbug treatment solutions.

Mice

The typical house mouse has a dusty grey fur color, but some species will have a different pigmentation (often a lighter shade of brown). They

have a long tail that is almost the same length as their head and body.

Mice normally hide out in dark, hidden areas such as drawers and shoeboxes. They are curious rodents and often tend to explore their habitats.

Unfortunately, these rodents chew on furniture, books, and electrical wires as they investigate their surroundings. Since mice are social and breed

rapidly, a minor invasion can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Worse still, these rodents can spread diseases. For instance, if you breathe in air contaminated with mice urine or fecal matter, you might be

exposed to Hantavirus. Keep in mind that mice also carry parasites such as mites, ticks, lice, and fleas that can also spread disease.

To keep mice away, regularly clean and declutter your home. Also, seal off any cracks that mice can use as an entry point. If you're too late,

reach out to an exterminator to help protect your home against a full-on mice invasion.

Different types of pests require different pest control strategies. Standard DIY methods are usually not enough to clear your home of pest activity.

Contact Best Pest Control Services today for more information on the right pest control plans for your home.