Correctly identifying pests in your home can not only save you time but also peace of mind.
When there’s a problem in the home it’s not uncommon to worry about the worst possible outcomes, even if it’s something as small as a benign insect problem.
Our guide will help you to accurately identify the most common pests that cause issues in Utah. If you still aren’t sure, call our office, and someone from our team will help you out.
Ants
Crumb-snatching field ants, while annoying are not the ones that you need to worry about. These ants only come inside when they smell leftover food sitting out.
The ones that cause the most damage are carpenter ants. They will chew through your wood to make a home for their colony. If you’ve noticed wood damage or shuffling in the walls, the problem is either carpenter ants or termites.
These ants also leave discarded wings on the floor as well. Regrettably, so do termites. If you are unsure, save the wings in a discarded bag and show it to us. We’re trained in identifying bugs.
Bed Bugs
Unfortunately, bed bugs are most commonly diagnosed because of their bites. Their bites leave small red marks that are extremely itchy.
Some other signs of bed bugs are small spots of blood on the sheets, discarded skin and shells and a musky smell.
Cockroaches
Like bed bugs cockroaches also have a poor odor. However, this odor is often accompanied by feces and egg shells.
If you find a combination of these things, it means that you have a cockroach infestation and need to call up an exterminator.
Termites
Like ants, termites eat the wood inside of your house. They eat the wood faster than the ants burrow into it, so if your wood sounds hollow it’s more likely to be termites than ants.
Some of the other ways you can identify termites in your home are by discard wings on the floor or mud tunnels on the walls. You’ll also be able to hear a tapping sound in the wall.
Rodents
Rodents are most commonly identified by their droppings and the noise they make. Mouse droppings are less than a quarter of an inch, while rat droppings are half an inch.
Their urine also has a musky smell that is easily apparent when you have a large infestation. Lastly, if you have rodents you might notice gnawed holes in food.
Identifying Pests in Your Home
These are some of the most common pests. However, they’re not the only ones that plague Utah homes. If you need help identifying pests in your home call our team at A-1 Exterminators. We have the experience to get you the timely help you need.
Schedule an appointment today!
