Although household pests are common, they can be a real headache for homeowners. They give the impression of a dirty house and in some cases, could even be detrimental to your health.
Certain pests are known for spreading disease or having a deadly sting that could cause serious illness or death. Even ones that are considered harmless to humans can still wreak havoc on your home.
Depending on the region you live, some pests may be more burdensome than others. In Northern California, certain pests you may encounter include:
Ants
Ants are common pest for households, creating a steady line of insects seeking food and water. You can usually trace the trail back to their original pile, if you have the patience to follow the entire line. While most type of ants are relatively harmless, two species to look out for in California are the Red Imported Ant and Carpenter Ant. The Red Imported Ant was first found in the state in 1998, and it known for it’s stinging bite. Carpenter ants can cause serious damage to your home or building - although they don’t consume wood, as their name suggests, they just hollow out wooden pieces to nest.
Cockroaches
Possibly the most common household pest known to man, cockroaches infest pretty much any building or structure than can provide shelter. Six types of cockroaches are commonly found in California, including America, Brown Banded, and Oriental cockroaches. The most troublesome is the German Cockroach, who prefer the indoors and are notoriously difficult for homeowners to remove without assistance. Known for spreading disease and bacteria, they are an unwanted guest in anyone’s home or business.
Black Widow Spiders
Probably one of the most well known spiders due to it’s lethal bite, black widow spiders are common throughout the state of California. The females are usually identified by their unique markings - an all black body with a bright red hourglass on the belly. Black widows are known for their reclusive habits, so they may be lurking in dark corners or holes throughout the home. As the most venomous spider in the U.S., homeowners should be especially diligent in eliminating black widows if they are found.
If you come across an infestation in your home (or even just a single insect that has you worried), the best thing to do is call a licensed pest control company to investigate. They will be able properly identify your pest problem and recommend an effective treatment to remove your pest.
