Norfolk is a vibrant city in southeast Virginia. It is a popular destination for vacationing and year-round living.
Pests can wreak havoc on homes and businesses in this area, making it important to take action quickly. Fortunately, pest control companies have no problem getting rid of them for good!
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that bite people while they sleep. Their bites cause itchy, swollen skin. They are commonly found in hotels, dorms and other crowded places where people live or sleep.
They can be found hiding in a variety of areas including cracks and crevices, under carpets, behind baseboards, in bedding, and inside box springs and mattresses. They can also be found in electrical switch plates, picture frames and wallpaper.
Infestations may spread quickly if the bugs are allowed to remain untreated, especially in vacant homes or apartment buildings. Moreover, nymphs and adults can survive months without feeding, which is unusual for most insects.
The best way to prevent bed bug infestations is to use a pest control company that has experience in treating them. Ideally, the company will inspect the entire home and apply a treatment that is effective in eliminating the bugs.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are pests that can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies and asthma. They spread disease, contaminate food and cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or watery eyes.
Cockroach infestations can be a serious problem in the home because of their ability to multiply quickly and their ability to spread germs, bacteria and viruses. If cockroaches become a problem, you may want to consult with a professional for help.
Identifying the cockroach species that is infesting your Norfolk VA home is critical to proper control. The most common cockroach found in homes is the German cockroach (Blatella germanica).
Cockroaches can be identified by their dark bronze coloring, two black stripes on the prothoracic region and their preference for hiding in cracks and crevices. They can be found in kitchens, bathrooms and other warm, humid areas. They also tend to nest in wet locations, like basements or crawl spaces and under refrigerators.
Earwigs
Earwigs can be a pest in your yard or garden. They live together outdoors in large numbers and congregate under piles of lawn debris, mulch or in tree holes.
They can also enter your home through exterior cracks. They love to hide in damp or dark areas and scavenge for food and water.
Female earwigs are unusual in that they exhibit maternal care – they stay around their eggs and nymphs until the second molt. They care for the young and protect them against predators.
These insects are a nuisance in the yard and garden, especially when they find their way into your fruit trees or other plants. Use non-toxic treatments such as rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and diatomaceous earth to prevent them from consuming the fruits of your labor.
In addition, keep your gutters and downspouts away from your house’s foundation and remove woodpiles, mulch, and debris that creates a damp, shady environment in the yard. This will deter earwigs from nesting near your home and will also make it more difficult for them to access your property.
Termites
Termites are a common pest that can infest any structure. Their presence can be hidden under the surface, so it is important to monitor your home for signs of an infestation.
Besides feeding on wood, termites can tunnel through non-wood materials as well, such as paper and cardboard. Termites can cause significant damage to your home.
They are very social insects that live in colonies. These colonies can consist of several millions of members and they have many different castes, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives.
In addition to feeding on wood, termites also consume fungi and other organic matter. They can also opportunistically feed on dead animals as a source of protein and carbohydrates.
Swarmer termites have wings that they use to disperse their colony and find a new nesting site. If you see discarded wings around your home, this is a good indication that you have an active termite infestation.