Richmond, Virginia, has its share of unwanted pests. But some are worse than others.
In this informative guide, we’ll show you:
- Five of the most challenging pests for local homeowners
- The characteristics of each pest type
- How to tell if you have a problem
- The best way to deal with these annoying creatures
#5. Bees and Wasps
Honey bees are beneficial for the environment since they are active day pollinators. They become pests by constructing enormous hives in locations that are inconvenient for people gathered in buildings and homes.
Removing huge bee colonies isn’t easy, either. That’s especially true if they hide deep within wall spaces. That’s because you may have to dismantle part of your house to access them.
The majority of wasps are much simpler to get rid of since they’re mostly docile. Invasive species such as the German yellowjacket display a much more aggressive nature. So, it can be tricky to bring down an entire nest, especially if it happens to be indoors.
#4. Moles
Moles are burrowing rodents that live almost exclusively underground, and they are attracted to the Richmond area due to the wide variety of worms and insects they eat.
Baiting for moles is particularly challenging since they are wary of anything foreign within their vast tunnel systems. So, it’s best to use scissor traps that fit around the tunnel.
Also, exclusion measures such as metal screening material have been proven successful for this damaging pest. However, make sure it’s at least three to four inches under the surface to keep moles from tunneling in your yard.
#3. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, lintel-colored insects that feed on human blood. They usually aren’t active until the evening when you are asleep and unaware of their presence.
While their bites don’t result in any diseases, they can cause large welts on the skin. In addition, some people affected by large infestations become afraid to go to sleep. As a result, insomnia can set in quickly, resulting in chronic psychosis.
Due to an increase in international travel, bed bugs are on the rise in the U.S. after 50 years of being fully eradicated. So, if you stay in hotels frequently, it’s best to inspect your room upon entering for the first time.
An assortment of bed bug traps is available for this purpose. You can slip a couple under your bed to monitor any possible activity. The best thing is, you can fit plenty of traps into your suitcase since they’re quite small.
#2. Starlings
Starlings are loud, annoying birds that measure about nine inches long. They are mostly black in color and can be identified by their purplish hue. But in the winter months, they usually turn light gold, or they may even display white speckles on their feathers.
Starlings become urban pests when they swoop into your neighborhood by the thousands, roosting in trees or even on your house. They also create widespread damage with their waste products. But the most troubling aspect is the deafening noise they make.
Starlings are not generally known to carry diseases to humans, but breathing dust from their feces can cause a severe respiratory illness called histoplasmosis.
Bird spikes are the best way to keep starlings and other bird pests from roosting on your house. However, you can’t use them for your live trees. So, you may have to resort to installing bird netting, especially to protect saplings and other vulnerable plants.
#1. Mosquitoes
Richmond’s warm, humid summers attract all sorts of flying pests, especially mosquitoes, and they create a widespread problem for area residents.
Many mosquito species in the region adapt well, even when water levels are low. That’s because female mosquitoes are adept at laying eggs in most varieties of broadleaf plants.
Then, the eggs hatch during warm summer rains, sending swarms of adult mosquitoes into local neighborhoods.
Mosquitoes in the region are capable of carrying a wide range of illnesses, including:
- Malaria
- Encephalitis
- Yellow fever
- Dengue
- Zika
One of the best ways to protect yourself from bites is to generously apply insect repellent to your skin. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be one containing DEET. There are several natural brands available that will do just as good a job.