Are there lots of insects and bugs in North Carolina? You bet!
The number of bugs and insects we see naturally increases during the warmer months. This includes pests like roaches, spiders, ants, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, termites, and other insect pests that occasionally invade our homes and businesses. In a normal environment, these bugs are a food source for many birds, bats, snakes, lizards and other critters. Unfortunately, they can invade our environments in our homes and businesses. Some invading pests like ticks, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes can also carry diseases which may affect humans and pets.
Most people are okay with bugs and insects as long as they remain outside and do not bite or otherwise become annoying! Insect repellants that you can apply to yourself, containing DEET for example, can be very effective at keeping bugs from biting. Some natural insect repellants work as well, but in some cases you may have to apply those more often to keep biting insect pests away. Make sure to follow the directions carefully. If you plan to use sunscreen as well, put that on first, then apply the insect repellant.
Common NC Bugs
Our pest control technicians see a lot of bugs and insects! Here are some of the more common types found in the state that commonly “bug” our customers:
• A number of species of ants call North Carolina home. The most common indoor ant is the odorous house ant, shown here. You might also find acrobat ants, little black ants, ghost ants, pavement ants, pharaoh ants, or argentine ants in or around your home. Many ants prefer to live outdoors in wood piles and other protected areas. Ants become pests when they invade our homes and businesses looking for food sources and places to nest sheltered from outside environmental conditions. Learn more about these ants.
• Fire ants are also found across the mid-Atlantic region. While technically these fall into the ant category listed above, they can be such pests we decided to give them their own category! Fire ants are very aggressive and will sting humans and pets if their mounds are disturbed. Their stings burn and will quickly produce a pustule that may become infected or leave a scar if scratched. If a person receives multiple stings, he or she may have a bad reaction (anaphylactic shock) requiring immediate medical treatment.
• Several types of roaches can be found in North Carolina, including the American cockroach, German cockroach, Smokeybrown cockroach and the Oriental cockroach. Roaches like to hide in dark moist places and roam your kitchen and house at night. Signs you have roaches may include small brown smears or black droppings in cabinets and drawers or along the backs of counter tops (can look like spilled black pepper). For those with allergies, tests often show sensitivity to roach droppings as an allergy trigger.
• Fleas and ticks can be a problem even if you don’t have a pet. Ticks are easily picked up by anyone who spends time outdoors. It’s a good idea to check yourself and your children for these “tag along” pests when you head home, especially if you go to areas frequented by deer and other wildlife. Fleas can also hitch a ride on humans to come indoors. We have even heard of cases where fleas were transported into a brand new apartment complex on infested carpet. The first residents who moved into these units reported being bitten multiple times before the infestation was identified and treated! Adult fleas can remain in their pupal cocoons for months if there is no host (humans or pets), and will emerge when they sense carbon dioxide (our breath), or vibrations (like vacuum cleaners)!• Several types of roaches can be found in North Carolina, including the American cockroach, German cockroach, Smokeybrown cockroach and the Oriental cockroach. Roaches like to hide in dark moist places and roam your kitchen and house at night. Signs you have roaches may include small brown smears or black droppings in cabinets and drawers or along the backs of counter tops (can look like spilled black pepper). For those with allergies, tests often show sensitivity to roach droppings as an allergy trigger.
• Research shows that termites cause more than $5 billion in damage every year. These insects never stop eating – they can literally eat you out of house and home! The good news is that close monitoring can catch many problems early, before too much damage is done. Tools like the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System, Premise®, and Termidor® are available to eliminate these hungry insects.
So if you’ve got bugs in North Carolina, give Clegg’s a call. Our pest professionals can identify the problem and offer a solution to meet your specific needs. Contact us today.
