An animal invasion in your home isn't just disgusting. Sometimes wild creatures and creepy crawlies can cause serious damage to your house, resulting in expensive repair bills or even unsafe situations.
Not every critter that makes it into your home will necessarily cause damage, however, and some animals are more dangerous than others. Here are some of the most costly pests in terms of home damage.
1. Termites
These insects have a ferocious appetite, and can make quick work of your home's foundation. In fact, the National Pest Management Association reported that each year, termites cause north of $5 billion in property damage around the U.S. Because most homeowner insurance policies don't cover problems caused by these voracious little bugs, a termite infestation can be especially troubling.
To make matters worse, signs of termite damage can even hurt your home's resale value, as well as derail a renovation project or other installation, and different species may have different behaviors and cause different problems. Calling in a pest inspection specialist at first site of any possible termite activity is essential.
2. Carpenter ants
Another insect with a knack for taking out wooden fixtures, carpenter ants are especially difficult home invaders because they can also deliver a nasty bite. Unlike termites, Texas A&M stated that these bugs don't actually eat wood, but instead will quickly hollow out a home's wooden structures to make nests.
Aside from possibly creating expensive damage, carpenter ants are such unwanted pests because they will forage for food in your kitchen or living areas as well. As social insects, seeing a single carpenter ant likely means there are dozens more close by, so take any sighting seriously.
3. Moths
Moths of all types can be difficult to control. This is because they lay eggs that may lie dormant for months before hatching in your home and reeking havoc. Unfortunately for homeowners, there are countless species of these flying insects that can do different types of damage.
Some types target food supplies and can set up shop in your home's pantry. The larvae will feed on grains and other preserves without any obvious sign of damage, and even eliminating the adults may not be enough to stop an infestation. Other species, meanwhile, eat away fabric. And while it may be irritating to find a few holes in your favorite t-shirt or sweatpants, moths are equally happy chewing through expensive cashmere sweaters or hardy jackets. This can ruin priceless hand-me-downs or your nicest attire.
4. Rodents
It's not uncommon to be a little squeamish about rodents and other small mammals, but these critters can cause a tremendous amount of damage around the home. Aside from harboring nasty fleas and bacteria, rodents can chew threw anything from wooden siding to electrical wires. These creatures may accidently expose wires, possibly with catastrophic consequences.
In fact, Texas A&M found that up to 25 percent of fires without an immediate or obvious cause can be attributed to squirrels. They may also damage the trees in your yard which can be an expensive problem to mitigate. For that reason, it is a worthwhile pursuit to cover up any holes or points of entry. If you hear rodents in your walls or see possible droppings, call in a pest specialist immediately.
5. Honey bees
Allergic reactions and painful stings notwithstanding, eliminating any bees from your home, garage or shed is important because hives, wax and even honey can cause serious, expensive damage. To make matters worse, many homeowners may remove the bees without taking care of the hive, which can attract rodents, moths and other unwanted pests that can cause further problems.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
