As the temperature changes throughout the year, different pests begin to thrive or seek shelter. So, if you live in the Evansville area, what are the worst seasonal pests that you should be on the lookout for? Read on for more information.
Spring
Fleas: Fleas are blood-sucking insects that frequently target our pets. Outdoor pets are especially susceptible and may bring fleas into our homes accidentally. Unfortunately, fleas are rapid breeders and lay eggs on their host, which may roll off onto our pets’ bedding or the carpet, allowing the infestation to expand into our home.
Termites: Indiana is home to the Eastern subterranean termite, which is an especially destructive type of termite that can quickly plague homeowners. Termites are wood-destroying pests that feed on wood and plant-based materials. In particular, subterranean termites create large underground colonies with a series of mud tubes that allows them to travel to the surface to access their food. Common signs of subterranean termites include mud tubes, feces, molted skin, and damaged wood.
Ants: Ants are prolific pests that create large colonies and are often drawn to our homes in search of shelter and food. They are especially attracted to sweet foods and split beverages, which is why cleaning up crumbs and spills is very important to prevent ant infestations. Indiana is home to many types of ants, including carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants.
Summer
Silverfish: Silverfish are creepy critters that are attracted to humidity and water, which is why you will typically find them in your bathroom. However, they cannot survive long without water, so eliminating water sources, such as leaks, and cleaning your shower curtain regularly can significantly reduce your chances of having silverfish.
Stinging insects: Nobody wants to risk getting stung by a bee or wasp, especially those allergic to their stings. Unfortunately, Indiana is home to many types of stinging insects, which are irritating at best. Some stinging insects, like bees, are legally protected because of their important role in pollination, which greatly benefits the environment. If you notice a nest or hive on your property, we recommend contacting a pest control professional to have it safely removed.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are one of the most frustrating insects to deal with during the summer. Not only are their bites itchy, but they can transmit dangerous diseases, like West Nile, malaria, and Zika, to us through their bites. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water and will frequently breed heavily by water, especially before rain.
Fall/Winter
Cockroaches: Cockroaches can spread diseases through food contamination and even trigger asthma attacks because of a substance they secrete. You’ll typically find cockroaches around gutters, bathrooms, kitchens, garbage, and anywhere where they have access to food. Unfortunately, they are difficult to control because they breed quickly and are great at hiding in many places throughout your home.
Bats: Some bats migrate away from Indiana during the winter months, but the bats that stay will usually seek out shelter in our homes. Many favor shelter in our chimneys or attics. Unfortunately, their feces can spread disease to us, and some bats also carry rabies which presents a severe health hazard to humans. Some bats, like the Indiana bat, are even endangered, so they need to be taken care of and removed from your property safely by a pest control expert.
Bed Bugs: Bed bugs are creepy bugs that come out at night to feed on human blood. While their bites are not considered medically dangerous, they are psychologically disturbing to have because nobody wants to feel like they’re not safe, especially in their own bed. Common signs of bed bugs include blood spots on your sheets, bug bites in a line on your body, and itchy bites that you wake up with in the morning. As their name suggests, they are typically found near beds which gives them easy access to humans. Bed bug populations usually peak around the fall and winter season because bed bugs are hitchhikers who travel in luggage and clothing of travelers.