You’re well acquainted with common household bugs such as flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and moths. The more uncommon bugs, however, you may not know as much about. Learning to identify the most elusive pests is time well spent. It allows you to act immediately to prevent and exterminate unwanted visitors in the home before they breed and create a larger population of insects to deal with. Certain bugs are very destructive so investing in methods to get rid of them protects your home and belongings from damage.
Some of the more uncommon bugs you’ll see around the home include the six types listed below.
Silverfish
The wingless bug is silver in appearance, carrot-shaped, full of antennae, and makes fish-like movements, hence its name. This type of insect doesn’t enjoy the light. Instead, they’re typically found in cold, dark, and damp environments such as basements or inside cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom.
The most problematic thing about silverfish is how much they love starch. They feast on the glue used to seal boxed food, paper, and even skin cells. The damage that they cause to household belongings is minimal with it being akin to what moths do to textiles such as clothing and curtains.
House Crickets
A light yellow bug identified by the three dark bands across its head and flat wings on its back, house crickets cause a lot of damage because of the way they feed. They love fabric and will pull fibers loose while they eat. They also defecate on the material which leaves noticeable fecal pallets on upholstery, carpeting, drapery, and clothing.
Be mindful about checking your home and shed for signs of house crickets. They love light and moisture which is why they move from outside to indoors. Fix leaky pipes immediately, dry up standing water, and place wool, cotton, silk, and synthetics in garment bags to protect the clothing from annoying pests.
Millipedes
Commonly referred to as a “worm with legs,” millipedes are brownish in color and have a pair of jointed legs for every segment of their body. They’re long and thin which helps them enter the home undetected. The pests gain entrance through gaps in doorways and the vents in crawlspaces.
If ignored, millipedes destroy food in pantries, furniture, and even structures such as homes and garages. They feast on these items, and although most varieties are harmless, some can cause skin rashes in humans because of a fluid released while the bugs defend themselves. Sealing areas where weather-proofing has come loose or is non-existent is the best way to keep millipedes from entering the home.
Flying Ants
Winged ants have reached the full stage of maturity needed to start their own colonies elsewhere. They’re able to set out on their journey because of their ability to fly. Although some people mistake flying ants for termites, they look distinctly different.
Swarms of flying ants typically indicate that there is a nest inside or directly outside the home. Getting rid of them lessens the likelihood of carpenter ants gaining access to your residence and destroying furniture and wood. The sooner that you kill the flying ants, the faster you’ll get relief from their presence inside your home.
Brown Praying Mantis
The least common of the unusual bugs you’ll find in a home, the brown praying mantis lives in trees where it can easily blend into its surroundings. Its body consists of three parts, the head, thorax, and abdomen. It has two dot-like eyes and multiple legs with the front two grasping things like a pair of hands would.
Adult females lay up to 100 eggs. The insects can eat birds and mice once they’ve reached full maturation. Although beneficial to have in your garden because the bugs eat insects that destroy plants, they’re not something you want to have in your home as a pet or pest.
Stink Bugs
A stink bug is brown in color with a shield-shaped body. They measure almost as wide as they do long. The pests have legs that come off the side of their body which make them look a great deal larger than they are.
This insect destroys agricultural crops and smells terrible when frightened or crushed. The bugs love sunshine and hang out on the exterior of homes soaking up the warmth. To prevent an infestation, you should be diligent about sealing off areas of the home that could serve as potential entryways for the insects.
Gain Greater Knowledge About the Uncommon Pests Lurking Around Your Property
Being able to identify the uncommon bugs found in and around your home allows you to pick the best treatment option to eradicate them. That way, you’re not left with an infestation you stand no chance of getting rid of. You’ll be able to apply your knowledge to your current situation and remove the unwanted pests that have found their way onto your property. If peace of mind is something you’d love to have, get to know the six bugs listed above so that you know what they are right away.
Are you being bothered by pests? Contact us to schedule your appointment for pest services or by calling 888-945-2847. We also offer free termite inspections!
Recent Comments