Pests in New York and Their Signs and Treatments

by Kevin Smith Author

There are several different pests that you might need to call pest control in Middletown, NY, to take care of. Roaches aren't the only problem. Mice, rats, and bed bugs represent a majority of the infestations in the area with wood destroying insects being close behind. Recognizing an infestation often takes a professional. Still there are some telltale signs that you might spot and most require treatments beyond what you may want to do yourself.

Residential Rodents

Most of the time, you won't see mice or rats in your home. You'll see their feces first. If you don't do anything at that time, the infestation will grow. Still, it's more likely that you'll hear the rodents in your wall before you actually see them. Mice and rats don't like people. Still, when they become comfortable in an environment, you may end up seeing them in your pantry or other dark areas. They may run from one corner to another along the wall. Because mice and rats represent a health hazard, it's important to get them taken care of early. Traps may control the population, but implementing a comprehensive care plan will help keep the rodents away indefinitely.

Bed Bugs

As the climate has gotten warmer, bed bugs have made a comeback in the United States. These bugs are relatively harmless; they are not the vector for any diseases. What they can do is disrupt light sleepers during the night and spoil white sheets with black stains from their feces. Some people will have a fierce reaction to the bed bug bite, which can leave a trail of red, itchy, but relatively tiny welts. Treating bed bugs is difficult for homeowners because many of the treatments are contact poisons that can't be delivered into the crevices where bed bugs live. Their eggs are also generally unaffected by poisons.

Wood Destroying Insects

Wooden structures in New York can become the home for four different types of pests. Almost everyone is familiar with termites and carpenter ants, but carpenter bees and powderpost beetles are less-known problems. Any of these pests can infest your home or wooden furniture and use it as a dwelling or for nourishment. They are generally first recognized by the holes they leave in the wood. Treatment sometimes means replacing the infested wood. Calling a professional in pest control in Middletown, NY, will give you someone who can diagnose the infestation and make the right decisions as how to best treat it.