Creepy Crawlers: Common Bugs and How to Keep Them Out in Massachusetts

Bugs can be found anywhere, from bumblebees that thrive even in the Arctic to cicadas that thrive in desert climates. It should come as no surprise, then, that Massachusetts residents continue to see a wide range of creepy crawlers no matter the time of year.

The cold winters or hot summers are no deterrent, and homeowners should keep their pest control strategies prepared throughout the year. No matter the weather, there are some things that any home can do to keep common bugs in Massachusetts out of their indoor spaces.

Here are some tips for preventing those creepy crawlers from infiltrating your home and causing problems.

Understanding Common Bugs in Massachusetts

Before you can determine which steps to take against the bugs and rodents that call Massachusetts home, you’ll need to understand which pests are most common. Most residents in the state are likely to see the following creatures at some point:

• Ants — A single ant might not be a problem. The real issue is that there’s never just one. Ants leave a pheromone trail that allows others from their colony to follow them to a food source or other resource. Thus, if an ant has succeeded in forging a useful path through your home, it’s only a matter of time until others follow, ruining food items and potentially even destroying your home’s wood (in the case of carpenter ants).
• Mice — These small rodents can carry disease, and their fecal matter can cause unpleasant smells and sickness. They might chew on insulation or wiring, and the sound of them scrabbling around can be a nuisance.
• Rats — Larger than mice, rats are also disease vectors but have the potential to cause more damage. Their larger teeth and more powerful jaws can bore holes into your home, and when cornered or threatened, rats can be dangerous.
• Cockroaches — These notorious pests are challenging to kill and populate quickly. The bacteria on their body can make you ill, which is a problem when they infiltrate food items. They do not bite, but they can cause asthma.

Prevention Tips for Common Bugs

Pests come in all shapes and sizes, which means that you’ll need to take a multi-pronged approach to make your home less attractive and less accessible to them. In general, the most effective methods that will apply to as many pests as possible are:

• Sealants — Close off entry points and cracks in the home to prevent pest entry. It’s harder for them to cause problems if they can’t get inside. Look at areas where piping or electrical wiring leaves the home outside and around windows and doors.
• Cleanliness — Pests are looking for food. By maintaining a clean home and good hygiene, they have less to eat or fewer resources for making their nests.
• Storage — To keep food and nesting sources away from pests, store items in plastic or glass, and keep waste (such as garbage bags) inside closed cans.

Identifying and Dealing with Specific Pests

Perhaps, despite your best efforts, you already have pests in your home — or maybe you see them outside and feel that it’s only a matter of time until they intrude. If so, here’s what you can do:

• Ants — Clean your home and exterior to remove food sources. Use sealant around water sources to make their long journeys into your home less viable. Treat nests if you can find them.
• Cockroaches — Remove clutter where the roaches can hide. Transfer food items to plastic or glass storage containers to eliminate nutrition sources. Remove garbage from the home daily and store it in bins.
• Mice and Rats — If you hear scrabbling noises or your household items are chewed on, you likely have a rodent problem. Professionals can trap them for you, but be sure to seal their entry points, or they will return.

Natural and Eco-Friendly Pest Prevention Methods

Many pest control solutions rely on chemical treatments to eliminate the invaders and discourage future incursions. However, chemicals can also leave your pets and children susceptible to harm.

Instead, it is possible to use essential oils and natural repellents to mitigate the problem in a safer way. While chemical treatment may still be needed for severe problems, roaches will balk at tea tree oil, and ants will often turn up their noses at peppermint. Eucalyptus is a notorious deterrent for rodents.

Consider diluting these oils in water and using a spray bottle to disperse them along your home’s border.

Get Pest Help from the Experts

Pests can wreak havoc on your home and health if left unchecked, and they will not go away on their own once established. Hiring trained pest control experts can free you from the clutches of the many bugs and rodents that want to call your home their own.

The professionals at Spartan Animal & Pest Control can help you explore natural or chemical treatment options and prevention strategies according to your situation. Contact Spartan today to get started.