Common insects
There are some pests that only want to stop by from time to time, throughout the year, depending on the season. They are not a constant concern, but the do bring the potential to do damage to gardens and around the home, plus they are just generally unpleasant to see. They are known as ‘Common Insects’.
Types of occasional invaders
There are many different types of species of ‘Occasional Invaders’ or ‘Casual Intruder’ but a few of the more common insect pests are:
Carpet beetle
Carpet Beetles come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, but generally they resemble a ladybird beetle in shape with their color ranging from black to brown and even white and yellow. Adults generally measure 2-3mm long.Adults are not typically a pest in your home as they tend to live outside and eat nectar and pollen. However, towards late summer they are likely to enter your home and lay up to 40 eggs at a time in any natural fibres, such as carpets and curtains.
The eggs hatch as larvae within 2 to 3 weeks and it is these larvae – sometimes called Woolly Bears – that do so much damage because their diet consists of any natural fibre such as carpets, soft furnishings and clothes.
Earwigs
Adult earwigs are 14-23mm long, dark brown in color and have forceps at their hind end. The forceps, which are curved in the male and straight in the female, are not poisonous and will simply give you a small pinch. The female lays about 40 eggs a year and then rears the young herself – which is uncommon in the insect world. Earwigs feed on green vegetation and other plants and are more of a nuisance in the garden than inside the home.
Silverfish
Adult silverfish are 10-12mm long, silver-grey in color and torpedo shaped with three bristles on the end of the abdomen. Silverfish need moist, warm conditions and are often found in bathrooms and kitchens. They feed on food debris and, although silverfish prefer a starchy diet, they have evolved to be able to digest cellulose and can cause real damage if allowed to get in to book collections or paintings.
Prevention of occasional invaders
Insect proofing (sealing entry points) can help deter casual intruders from entering the home. Key risk areas are gaps under doors or around pipes to the exterior or neighboring properties.
Also seal gaps where insects can harbor – many of these insects, such as Earwigs and Carpet Beetles, are nocturnal and hide during the day in cracks and crevices in the walls, behind electrical sockets or around skirting boards.
Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly to eradicate any eggs that Carpet Beetles may have laid and use insecticidal carpet shampoos at regular intervals to solidify prevention measures.
The most common reason any insect enters your home is in it’s search for food and water so ensure there is none available by taking the following measures:
- Clear used dishes and cutlery immediately
- Clean all waste food and spillages immediately
- Clean food debris from under refrigerators or stoves
- Do not leave liquids in sinks or buckets overnight
- Remove pet food, water and litter trays overnight
- Keep refuse or compost in sealed bins
- Take care of and dispose of soiled napkins or dirty clothing
- Store food in containers or in sealed plastic bags
Silverfish require a moist but warm atmosphere to live in so ensure that rooms are well ventilated and dry.
How to get rid of creepy crawlies
If untreated, some occasional invaders will quickly establish themselves by reproducing in high numbers and will spread to adjoining properties.
In the case of a Carpet Beetle infestation we recommend thorough vacuuming of all carpets and rugs, as well as shampooing with an insecticidal carpet cleaner. Any curtains, clothes or soft furnishings showing signs of infestation or damage from the larvae of the Carpet Beetle should be dry cleaned as soon as possible.
Professional Pest Control for Creepy Crawlies
Most Occasional Invaders are more of a pest outside in the garden than in the home. However, this is not always the case and some of these pests will prove extremely difficult to control. DIY products can deal with the immediate problem, treatment by a qualified pest control Technician is often necessary to deal with some Occasional Invaders over the long-term.
Rentokil Technicians have a range of powerful insecticides to deal with Occasional Invaders.
We also reduce the risk of insecticides in the home with proprietary products such as non-toxic RID (Rentokil Insecticide Dust).
Rentokil offers at home service to deal with pest problems effectively and quickly so you can back to the important things in life.. Our service offers the highest level of safety for your family and pets so you can enjoy peace of mind, free of pest worries.
If your home has a problem with Occasional Invaders then call on the expert Technicians at Rentokil at 877-690-2115 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.