A pest infestation can be a nightmare for homeowners. Not only can a pest infestation make you feel unsafe or lead to property damage, but some pests even threaten the health of our families and pets.
So, if you live in the Atlanta area, what are the most difficult pests to get rid of? Continue reading for more information about what makes some pests more difficult to get rid of and what challenging pests are common in the Atlanta area.
Why Are Some Pests More Difficult to Get Rid of Than Others?
So, what makes a pest more challenging to get rid of?
Breeding is a significant factor that can make a pest very difficult to get rid of. For example, rodents and bed bugs can breed incredibly quickly. Some rodents are estimated to have up to 2,000 offspring in a year, making them difficult to eradicate from your home. Other pests, like bed bugs, lay hundreds of eggs during their lifetime, making them tough to get rid of because you may eliminate the adult bed bugs, but their eggs may hatch afterward, restarting the infestation.
Another critical factor is where the pest lives in your home. For example, if you have pests that live within your walls, on the roof, or underneath appliances, they will be more challenging to notice and treat.
A pest’s size can also affect this. Tiny pests are more challenging to spot and can sneak into our homes easier than larger pests. Their size gives them an advantage and time to spread the infestation in your home unnoticed.
Here are a few of the most challenging pests to get rid of in Atlanta:
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are disgusting creatures that make most people shudder at the mere sight of them. Unfortunately, Atlanta is ranked as the city with the second highest number of cockroach infestations in the United States. It’s even estimated that Atlanta homes have a 29.35 percent risk rate of cockroaches, which is second only to Houston in the United States.
So, why are cockroaches so tricky to get rid of? Cockroaches are fast pests that are excellent at hiding in the walls and under appliances in our homes. Cockroaches also breed quickly, allowing them to expand the infestation fast.
On top of this, cockroaches present a health risk to humans because they carry and spread dangerous bacteria. They also secrete a substance that can trigger asthma attacks in some humans.
Rodents
Rodents are highly adaptable mammals that are one of the most challenging pests to get rid of and prevent due to their crafty ways. Common signs of rodents include scratching noises, feces, squeaks, and disappearing or eaten food. According to Orkin, Atlanta was recently ranked as the tenth most rat-infested city in the United States.
Rodents are difficult to get rid of due to their rapid breeding, adaptability, and collapsible ribs, which allow them to squeeze through tiny holes and entry points in our homes. Once inside our homes, rodents expand the infestation quickly and sustain themselves from many different food sources. If you notice any signs of rodents, we recommend immediately reaching out to your local pest control provider.
Wildlife
Wildlife is not only a pain to have as an unwanted guest at your home, but almost all types of wildlife pose a serious health risk to you and your family.
Many types of wildlife carry dangerous diseases, such as rabies, and spread them through scratches, bites, and saliva. Other wildlife may go after your pets or small children if they feel threatened, while some wildlife, like birds, will cause massive damage to your home as they create nests, leave feces everywhere, and dig through your yard and home for food sources.
Wildlife is challenging to get rid of because they are adaptable creatures, and they are never a pest that an untrained individual should take on because of the health risk they present. In Atlanta, common wildlife pests include squirrels, armadillos, snakes, opossums, pigeons, bats, and more.
If you notice any signs of wildlife pests, we recommend immediately contacting your local pest control provider so that they can be safely and effectively removed from your property.