Many people have a favorite season, but not all bugs can pick just one. Though summer is when pests are typically most active, some stick around throughout the year. While certain pests, like spiders, hide in your home year-round, others stop by long enough to escape the cold. We’ve made a list of pests that can be found in your home any time of the year.
Bed Bugs
Appearance: Bed bugs have a flat, oval body that grows to about ¼ʺ. When unfed, bed bugs are brown. After feeding, bed bugs become reddish-brown and grow in size.
The Problem: Bed bugs feed on blood, and humans are their main target. Their bites can cause red, itchy bumps. They hide in mattresses, bedding, furniture, and walls. These pests multiply quickly, which can make it difficult to control them.
Prevention & Treatment: Before bringing furniture into your home, check for bed bugs. Make sure to inspect luggage after travelling. To eliminate bed bugs, you’ll want to vacuum the infested area. Wash and dry clothes and bedding on high heat and treat the area where bed bug activity is detected with an insecticide dust, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Bed Bug Killer. Or you can use an insecticide spray, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Bed Bug & Flea Killer, can also help eliminate an infestation.
German & Oriental Cockroaches
Appearance: Cockroaches are flat and have an oval-shaped body. German cockroaches are brown and have two stripes on their back. They grow between 1/2ʺ-5/8ʺ. Oriental cockroaches have a shiny, dark brown body and grow up to 1ʺ.
The Problem: Cockroaches crawl through dirty materials and bacteria attaches to them. They transfer these germs to counters and food if they make contact with them. They also multiply quickly, which makes it difficult to eliminate infestations.
Prevention & Treatment: Removing hiding places, food, and water sources can prevent an infestation. Keep your home clean and free of crumbs. Repair any leaking pipes and use a dehumidifier to prevent moisture build-up. Using a bait, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Roach Killer Gel Bait, will help eliminate the source of the infestation. The bait is designed to allow cockroaches to return to nests. When cockroaches feed on them or their droppings, the bait is transferred.
Spiders
Appearance: Spiders vary in size, shape, and color depending on the species. The common house spider is brown and grows between 1/8ʺ-5/16ʺ. Two spiders to look out for are the brown recluse and black widow. The brown recluse has a violin-shaped marking on its body. Black widows have a reddish-orange hourglass-shaped marking.
The Problem: One or two spiders isn’t usually a problem. Spiders can be beneficial, especially when they eat other pests. However, a spider infestation is more concerning. Some spiders, like the brown recluse and black widow, can bite and cause a serious reaction.
Prevention & Treatment: Making sure there aren’t any entry points in your home is the best way to keep spiders away. Repair screens on windows and doors and seal any interior or exterior holes. An insecticide spray, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Home Bug Spray, can be used to kill on contact and repel spiders. An insecticide dust, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Spider & Insect Dust, kills on contact and provides long-lasting protection.
Carpet Beetles
Appearance: Adult carpet beetles have a black, oval-shaped body with white and yellow markings. They are about 1/16ʺ-1/8ʺ in length. Larvae have a light brown or black body covered in hair. They grow between 1/8ʺ-1/4ʺ.
The Problem: Carpet beetle larvae feed on household items including clothing, curtains, bedding, and even carpets. Their hair can cause allergic reactions, leading to red and itchy bumps.
Prevention & Treatment: Carpet beetles enter through cracks and crevices. Check the interior and exterior of your home for holes and seal them. Make any necessary repairs to door sweeps and weather-stripping. Check plants before bringing them inside. Using an insecticide spray that kills and repels, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Home Bug Spray, can provide you with long-lasting control.
Fruit Flies
Appearance: Fruit flies are tan flies with a dark abdomen. They have red eyes and grow to be about 1/8ʺ.
The Problem: Fruit flies feed on ripe fruit and fermented items. They can contaminate fruits and vegetables when they make contact with them. Fruit flies can also reproduce quickly, which can lead to large infestations.
Prevention & Treatment: The best way to keep fruit flies out of your home is proper sanitation. Clean up spills and crumbs and remove trash daily. It’s best to leave fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator. A pesticide spray, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Flying Insect Killer, will kill on contact. You can also use traps, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Fruit Fly Trap, to help prevent flies from breeding and multiplying.
Even though some bugs disappear during the colder parts of the year, some will still hang around your home. Taking the time to pest-proof your house can help keep uninvited bugs away. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products.