Bugs are all over the place! They sneak in from the backyard and take refuge in your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and more. Getting rid of bugs can be tough, but as with most things, the best strategy is to educate yourself.
Common House Bugs:
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects, no bigger than the size of an apple seed. They are known for feeding on blood, but they don’t need to eat that often. Able to stay alive without eating for over a year, bed bugs are found in mattresses, wallpaper, picture frames, and furniture crevices.
2. Ants
Ants are the most common insect in the United States, with an estimated population of over 10 billion. They can easily travel into your house from the outside and find places to hide, lying in wait for crumbs of food to snack on.
3. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the first creatures that comes to mind when thinking about bugs in the home. They are attracted to pieces of food, damp areas, and cool spaces. As such, they’re most commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
4. Flies
There are more than 16,000 species of fly in North America, the most common of which are house flies. Although they have a typically short life expectancy, house flies have an incredibly high birthrate, able to produce millions of eggs in the span of a few days. They tend to reside in bathrooms and kitchens.
5. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are some of the most notorious members of the insect community, terrorizing fun-seeking families during the warm summer months. These pests are attracted to stagnant water and otherwise humid areas, preferring to lay their eggs there.
6. Beetles
Similar to cockroaches, beetles are commonly found in basements and even living rooms. They feed on hardwoods and fibers, putting your furniture especially at risk.
7. Ticks
Ticks are often found outside in wooded areas, and can be brought into your home by either you or your pets. Often no bigger than a sunflower seed, ticks latch onto their hosts and feed on their blood. If you have a penchant for hiking, check yourself for ticks after each trip to prevent them from coming into your home. Be sure to check your pets as well!
8. Centipedes
Centipedes are yellowish-grey, and can have up to 15 pairs of legs. During the winter months, these creepy crawlies take refuge at people’s homes for their warmth. They may be a welcome addition to your home, as they prey on other insects such as termites and cockroaches.
9. Termites
These tiny household insects can hide in your home for many years unbeknownst to you, only to emerge suddenly and do great damage. They feast on wood and other materials, and can destroy your furniture beyond repair. To avoid this disaster, have your home checked regularly.
10. Fleas
Fleas are about 2.5mm long and reddish brown in color. Like many of the other insects on this list, they feed on blood and need a host to survive. Fleas love to hop on pets and infiltrate your home, so be sure to check your pets regularly and invest in a flea collar and other repellants.
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