As the snow recedes and the warmth of spring awakens New England, many of us turn our attention to the annual ritual of spring cleaning. While cobwebs and dust bunnies are expected, a deeper dive into your home might reveal unwelcome guests. Understanding common household pests and their signs will help you maintain a healthy and pest-free environment.
Spiders: Unsung Heroes or Unwanted Guests?
Spider emerging from web next to old exoskeleton
Where to Look:
- Spiders prefer secluded, cluttered areas like closets, under furniture, cracks, windowsills, basements, and attics.
What to Look For:
- Webs: Clean, intact webs indicate active spider presence, as they meticulously maintain their hunting grounds. Did you know that different spider species weave distinct web patterns? Orb-weavers, for example, create classic circular webs, while funnel-web spiders build, well, funnel-shaped webs.
- Exoskeletons: Translucent, papery sheds left behind after molting.
What to Do:
- Embrace the Natural Pest Control: Most New England spiders are harmless and beneficial, preying on insects like ants, flies, and roaches. They are natural pest control!
- Relocation: If necessary, gently relocate spiders using a cup and paper.
- Web Removal: Regularly remove webs to discourage their presence.
Carpet Beetles: Silent Destroyers of Natural Fibers
Carpet beetle larva and adult carpet beetle
Where to Look:
- Dark, secluded areas with animal-based materials (wool, silk, fur, leather), carpets, furniture, and mattresses. They are also attracted to dead skin and pet dander. And a fun fact, they are a major problem for museums due to their consumption of taxidermy.
What to Look For:
- Sightings: Small, slow-moving beetles (adults) or hairy, striped larvae.
- Exoskeletons: Light brown, translucent sheds with a “fuzzy” appearance.
- Damaged Goods: Thinning carpets, holes in fabrics, and damage to furs or taxidermy.
What to Do:
- Fortify Your Home: Seal entry points to prevent infestation.
- Vacuum Vigorously: Regularly vacuum to remove eggs and larvae, paying close attention to hidden areas.
- Inspect Second Hand Items: thoroughly inspect any items that contain natural fibers.
Mice: Stealthy Invaders Seeking Shelter and Sustenance
Mouse on pavement
Where to Look:
- Basements, attics, wall voids, storage areas, pantries, and kitchens.
What to Look For:
- Droppings: Small, dark, tapered droppings.
- Chew Marks: Damage to wood, drywall, wires, and food containers.
- Nests: Nests made of shredded materials.
What to Do:
- Seal The Deal: Block entry points to prevent access.
- Remove Attractants: Eliminate food sources and hiding places.
Ants: The Persistent Foragers
Where to Look:
- Food storage areas, pantries, kitchens, basements, and garages. Check for entry points.
What to Look For:
- Ant Sightings: Scout ants indicate a nearby colony.
- Wood Destruction (Carpenter Ants): Sawdust piles, warped wood, and window/door problems. Did you know that carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood? They excavate it to create their nests.
What to Do:
- Control Humidity (Carpenter Ants): Use a dehumidifier, repair leaks, improve ventilation, and replace damaged wood.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills.
- Call The Pros (Carpenter Ants): Professional pest control is often necessary for established colonies.
Pantry Pests: Tiny Threats to Stored Foods
Larder beetle egg, larvae, and adult stages
Where to Look:
If you guess pantry, you’re correct! Common pantry pests, such as Indian meal moths and larder beetles are usually found in the pantry but can also be found in other places where dry human or pet food is stored, such as kitchen cupboards, basements, and garages.
What To Look For:
Visible Insects
If you see insects in your pantry, they’re probably feeding on your stored food. Common pantry pests include:
- Indian Meal Moths
- Larder Beetles
- Saw-toothed Grain Beetle
- Cigarette beetle
- Flour beetles
Infiltrated Packaging
Pantry pests will go to great lengths to get to your stored food. Some, such as larder beetles larvae, have been known to chew through tin containers to get to what’s inside. Most pantry pests are capable of chewing through paper or soft plastic. The presence of small holes in packaging are a sign that pests are attempting to chew their way in.
Inspect open flour or food containers for dark specs, live or dead insects, meal moth webbing, or unusual movement.
What To Do:
You can reduce the risk of contamination by storing food items in thick plastic or glass containers. If the infestation has already occurred, contaminated foods must be disposed of immediately. Vacuum shelves and cabinets as thoroughly as possible Be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner and/ or dispose of the bag afterwards to ensure that the pests do not escape and re-infest. Clean shelves with a vinegar solution to kill any remaining larvae or eggs.
Roaches
Where to Look:
Cockroaches are thigmotactic, meaning that they seek out contact/pressure from surfaces and like to hide in cracks or underneath objects. Part of the reason roaches are so difficult to treat is because they are master hiders, and will tuck themselves away in small spaces. Roaches also crave warmth and moisture, and can be found near stoves, behind appliances,
What to Look For:
Cockroaches are nocturnal and hide during the day, making early detection challenging. If you suspect a roach problem, watch for these signs:
- Droppings: cockroach droppings are small, dark and look a little like coffee grounds. They can be found in hidden areas like kitchen cabinets and behind appliances.
- Egg Casings: German cockroach egg casings, or oothecae, are brownish and about 1/4 inch long, often found in crevices or near electrical outlets.
- Shed Exoskeletons: Finding translucent, shell-like exoskeletons can be a sign of an infestation.
What To Do:
If you’ve detected roach activity in your home, some things can be done to prevent further infestation, including:
- Vacuuming food crumbs and cleaning spills immediately.
- Storing food in airtight containers.
- Removing clutter to eliminate hiding spots.
- Sealing cracks and crevices where roaches can enter.
- Fixing any plumbing leaks promptly, as roaches are attracted to moisture.
The Modern Solution: Proactive Pest Management
By recognizing the signs of pest activity, you can safeguard your home and family. If you’re facing a persistent pest problem, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.