What Bugs Are Waiting To Get In Your Home?

North Carolina is a buggy state. There are over 1,000 species of insects here and infestations are a common occurrence. But did you know that most pest infestations don't start inside your home? They start in your yard.

The fact is that many destructive insects live in the areas surrounding our Troutman and Charlotte neighborhoods. When those pests reach your landscape, they begin to cause problems. Damage to your yard is only the beginning. The proximity to your house is a gateway to much bigger trouble. Most pests on your land eventually target your home, so how you deal with them is of the utmost importance. Let's look at some of the most destructive bugs you might find in your yard and what you can do about them.

Common Yard-Invading Bugs

One of the most destructive insects on the planet that first shows up in your yard is the termite. Eastern subterranean and Formosan subterranean termites are found here and are amongst the most devastating of termite species. They destroy wood and make no distinction between your trees and the wooden structures of your home. As the word "subterranean" implies, their nests are underground, but there are still some signs you can look for. Termite mound entrances often look like small, round smokestack-shaped openings in your soil. You'll usually see the pests themselves coming and going.

This Carpenter Doesn't Have A Hammer

Carpenter Ants are another destructive insect that moves onto your landscape before heading into your home. Like termites, they damage wood, but the ants don't eat it. Instead, they tunnel through it. Carpenter Ant nests are found in tree holes and rotting wood, especially where moisture is present. It's only a matter of time before these bugs start exploring your home. They eat the same things we do, so the food in your kitchen is a tempting lure.

Hide The Electronics

Another yard-invading insect is the cockroach. Although we typically think of it as an indoor scourge, some species, such as the American cockroach, live outside. But rest assured, they venture indoors in search of food. The filth, diseases, and mental trauma these bugs inflict are legendary. They don't build recognizable nests but congregate in large groups. Check amongst clutter, nooks, crannies, and dark, out-of-the-way places to find them. While they don't physically damage your home, their feces and spreading bacteria can ruin furniture, clothes, and more. Roaches have been known to short out electronic items.

Turn Wood To Dust Like Magic

Powderpost beetles also live in your yard before they begin wreaking havoc in your home. They occupy trees and rotting wood, so a woodpile is an easy target. The first signs of a Powderpost beetle's presence are many tiny holes riddling a tree or other wood. They can be incredibly destructive and difficult to find, as they typically stay out of sight. Look for holes and piles of powdery dust that build up outside them. Their targets in your home include hardwood floors, molding, furniture, and doorframes.

Other Destructive Yard Invaders

The list above is far from complete. Other destructive pests found in yards cause colossal problems, including ticks, several species of ants and beetles, bees, wasps, and more. There are also many non-insect pests like rodents that can be problematic. Being watchful and keeping your outdoor spaces well-tended is an essential step in the right direction, but your earnest diligence is not necessarily your best defense. Furthermore, DIY pest control measures won't be enough to stop invasions from moving indoors. Sometimes, it might even drive those same pests inside your home. Your best defense against pest issues both inside and out is service continually.

Why Homeowners Need Professional Pest Control

If you are experiencing an issue, no one is better prepared to eradicate it than a professional exterminator. Even more invaluable is what professional pest control can prevent. From routine inspections and timely maintenance services to prevention programs such as exclusion, pest problems can be stopped in their tracks and warded off before they happen. Experts know how to find those destructive bugs that live in your yard and get rid of them before they can breach your home. In the end, the ongoing services of a pro can save you money, help preserve the value of your home, protect your family from dangerous diseases, and bring you the most precious commodity, peace of mind. That's what we're about. We are At Ease Pest Solutions, and our name says it all. Don't you deserve to be at ease? Contact us today!