Types of pests

A pest can be defined as any animal or insect that you do not want in your home or on your property. Therefore, there can be dozens of different types of pests that you may need to deal with.

Insects and bugs

Some of the most common pests fall into the category of insects and bugs. Because they’re small, you often don’t notice signs of these pests until you have a larger infestation.

Ants

There are numerous species of ants that may invade your home. Most are harmless, but a few, such as carpenter ants, may harm your property, while fire ants can have painful bites. If you find them indoors, they are likely outdoors as well, and you may need ongoing treatment or at least a two-phase treatment to thoroughly deal with the problem.

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are amongst the most annoying and difficult-to-treat pests. They can live in your furniture, the cracks of your baseboards, and in your bedding. They don’t spread disease, but their bites can be itchy, which can lead to secondary infections. You will need to have a whole-house treatment done and, depending on the level of infestation, you may need more than one treatment.

Bees

If there are bees in your home, they are more likely to harm your house than you. Bees may damage wood or build nests in inconvenient places. The normal method of dealing with them is to remove and relocate the nest. They can be found in or around your property.

Carpet beetles

Carpet beetles are fairly harmless to humans and typically exist outdoors, as they prefer to eat pollen. However, if they find their way inside, they will eat your clothing and furnishings instead. If you have an infestation, chemical treatments are the best way to eradicate them. Often one visit is enough, but it may require several if the problem is bad.

Centipede

It’s very rare to have a centipede infestation in your home, as these insects are usually solitary. There are many different kinds of centipedes, but only one that usually comes into your home. Good hygiene is the key to keeping centipedes away, but if you think you have a small infestation, chemical sprays can also be used to kill them.

Dust mites

Dust mites ³ are microscopic insects that are present in dust - mostly human skin cells, and other biological debris. The mites ³ eat the dust, so there is often a steady supply of food for them. They can be a serious problem for those who have allergies or respiratory ailments. Deep cleaning and using air filters can help cut down on dust mites, but some chemical sprays may also be useful at keeping them away from certain areas. Multiple visits are often necessary to deal with this problem.

Earwigs

Earwigs or pincher bugs are most commonly found outside, but they may occasionally make their way in if it’s very hot or cold out. If you have a lot of earwigs in your yard, then spraying your yard’s perimeter and the perimeter of your home with chemicals can help cut down on the population and keep them from entering your home.

Fleas

Fleas can be a serious problem in the home. There are more than 2,000 different types, and many of them can spread diseases. Treatment usually involves not only cleaning and spraying the home, but also any family pets, and usually also requires at least one follow up visit.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are usually fairly harmless to people and are considered beneficial because they eat other insects. However, some species may also eat squash and other garden vegetables, and they may find their way indoors where they emit a smell that attracts others so you will have a small infestation. These infestations usually die out on their own, as the ladybugs don’t typically reproduce indoors. Thorough cleaning, particularly after you spot the first few, can help you manage the problem.

Lice

Lice is a common problem in families with school-age children. The lice spread from person to person, and they may exist on your head, body, or in your clothing in both larval and adult stages ². Lice generally don’t need professional treatment; over-the-counter treatments can help remove them from the head while washing your body and belongings will get rid of the rest.

Millipede

Millipedes are considered beneficial insects, helping to break down debris and soil. They are generally harmless, although some people may have an allergic reaction if they come in contact with them. Most millipedes are found outdoors, but if they get in your home, good hygiene practices and some chemical sprays can help eradicate them. Usually a single visit is enough.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more commonly a problem outside of the home, in and around your yard. They’re normally dealt with either by spraying or by installing a misting system that can provide more continuous coverage. If you choose to spray, you will need to have follow-up visits every few weeks, as the lifecycle of the mosquito is only 21 days long.

Moths

Most moths typically stay outside and are harmless to people. Occasionally, however, they may make their way indoors, where an infestation can occur. Moths can eat clothing, and particularly natural fibers like wool, so they need to be dealt with quickly to avoid damage. Chemical sprays may work for small infestations, but large ones will likely need fumigation.

Pillbugs

Pillbugs, or roly-poly bugs, are often found outdoors. They don’t usually pose a problem, unless they overrun an area, where they like to eat debris. One female may lay up to 30 or 40 eggs at a time, and they can live for up to 3 years, so if they are in a confined space they will multiply quickly. Dealing with them usually involves removing their food source, such as mulch ⁴ or other debris, from your yard.

Roaches

Roaches can be a serious problem that can carry parasites and transmit diseases. They are most common in damp areas and in areas where there is food. It may take several visits to fully eradicate the infestation, and you will likely need some sealing or prevention techniques to keep them from returning.

Scorpions

If you live in the Southwest, then you may have encountered scorpions before. There are more than 1,400 different types of scorpions, and 25 of them may be fatal to humans. They are usually found outdoors but can enter the home as well. They eat other insects, so keeping your home free of other pests will help keep it free of scorpions as well. Good hygiene and chemical deterrents are crucial to keeping scorpions away.

Silverfish

Silverfish don’t pose any harm to people or pets, but they can do serious damage to your property. They are frequently found in damp areas like basements or bathrooms, but can also be found inside of cabinets and near food sources and books. Depending on the size of the infestation, you may need multiple treatments to eradicate them.

Spiders

Spiders are typically found outdoors but may make their way inside over time. Most types of spiders are harmless, but there are some that are venomous, and others whose bites can be painful. Spiders are usually eradicated by spraying the perimeter of your home with chemicals, and repeat visits may be necessary.

Termites

Termites can pose a serious problem for your home. There are six different types of termites, and each may need a different level ¹ of treatment, depending on how big the infestation is or how much damage they’ve done. You may find that there needs to be serious repair work after you’ve eradicated the insects.

Ticks

Ticks are a serious issue in many people’s yards. There are many different types of ticks, and a lot of them are responsible for spreading tick-borne illnesses through their bites. Ticks can often be controlled through a variety of methods, including clearing out brush and tall grass, using sprays or chemicals, and sometimes introducing other animals (like opossum) that will eat the ticks in the area.

Wasps

You may need to have a wasp nest removed from the interior or exterior of your property. Wasps can be a serious problem for those who are allergic to their stings, and even in those who are not allergic stings can cause redness or swelling as well as pain. There are more than 30,000 different types of wasps, although the type that you may find in or around your home may be limited by your area. Wasp nest removal is generally done in one step, but you may require repairs once it’s done.

Weevils

Weevils ⁵ are small insects that have a very fast life cycle. They can be seen as what looks like grains of rice or brown insects with wings. You need to act quickly with weevils ⁵ to eliminate an infestation, starting with removing food and deep cleaning the area to stop the cycle. If the space is clean enough, then they will not return, but if you are unable to clean deeply enough, chemicals may be used.

Rodents

In addition to insects, rodents are also a common issue in many homes, regardless of where your home is located.

Mice

Mice can spread a lot of very serious diseases, which is why it’s important to deal with a mouse infestation as soon as possible. This may include a variety of different techniques, from trapping to chemicals, to prevention and deep cleaning. There are many different types of mice that may infest a home as well, and methods vary depending on type.

Rats

Rats spread many of the same diseases as mice and have many of the same types of pest control, such as trapping and chemicals. Because they are larger, things like traps may be more costly, and you may need more than one session in order to ensure that they are completely eradicated.

Small animals and wildlife

Depending on where your home is located, you could also find that there are other pests such as animals or wildlife that could infiltrate your home.

Bats

While bats themselves are rarely a health hazard, their excrement (called guano ⁶) may spread diseases or cause respiratory distress. The most common way of dealing with bats involves allowing them to leave on their own, then sealing the entrance so they can’t return. If this isn’t possible, then chemicals and repeat visits may be required.

Birds

There are many different types of birds that may infest a home. Birds, their feathers, their eggs, and their droppings can all cause health problems, including spreading various diseases. Birds are usually dealt with through trapping and nest removal, as well as relocation, followed by a thorough cleaning of the area. Steps do need to be taken to seal their entrance as well, otherwise they may return.

Foxes

There are also several different types of foxes that may infest a home, usually having their kits there within a two month period. Foxes can be responsible for health risks such as canine distemper, rabies, and tapeworm, so it is best to have them removed. Foxes are usually trapped and relocated, but if there is a large number of kits, several visits may be required to complete the job.

Raccoons

Raccoons can be a serious nuisance if they get into your home. They can spread diseases, as well as do a lot of damage to your property, sometimes even when they live outdoors in your yard. Raccoons are usually dealt with through trapping and relocation and may require several visits depending on the size of the infestation. You will also need to clean the area thoroughly and seal up their entry point so they can’t return.

Snakes

Snakes are rarely found inside the home but may form a nest in crawl spaces and other damp, dark areas. If they aren’t dealt with in a timely way, they can multiply until there are thousands of them, which can make it dangerous to access these areas of your home. Snakes pose a threat of biting anyone who approaches or interacts with them, and in the case of some venomous snakes this could be fatal. Snake treatments usually include removal and relocation, as well as setting traps and returning to empty them at a later date.

Squirrels

While squirrels in your yard are likely not a problem, if they make a nest in your home, they can cause serious health problems. Squirrels can have up to 4-6 babies a year, and can live for up to 12 years, so squirrels in your home can quickly multiply and become a major issue. They can cause damage to your property and should be removed as soon as you see signs that they have infested your home. Squirrels are usually trapped and relocated, but depending on how many you have, this may take several visits. You will also need to have the area cleaned, and any entrances sealed so they don’t return.

Methods by pest

While several different methods may be effective for a type of pest, generally there are some methods that may be more frequently used or recommended by pest type.

Insects

Insects are generally dealt with by a combination of cleaning and some kind of chemical treatment. By cleaning you remove the food source for the insects, while the treatment kills them. Depending on the insect, you may need multiple visits, and in the case of very serious infestations, then fumigation or heat treatments may be appropriate.

For bees and wasps, the nest itself is usually removed, and bees may be relocated depending on the type and the level ¹ of infestation.

Rodents

Rodents can be dealt with in a few different ways as well, depending on their location and how serious the issue is. Trapping is often effective for small infestations, but sometimes chemical treatments may be necessary. Sometimes these are also paired with repellents that can keep the rodents from returning to your home. Hygienic treatments to clean the area thoroughly and remove food sources may also be necessary, along with sealing up potential entry points.

Small animals/wildlife

In the case of wildlife, the most common method of eradication involves trapping and relocation. This may mean opening walls to reach the pests and physically removing them, or it may mean setting traps and returning later to empty them. This is frequently paired with stopping up their entry points so they can’t return once they leave, as well as a deep cleaning of the area and physical removal of their nests.

Prevention by pest

Prevention is often a multi-step process that can be very similar for several types of pests. In most cases, good hygiene and removing any potential food sources for the pests are the best places to start. Pests won’t go where they can’t find food, so identifying and removing the food source is always the right first step.

Insects

Preventing insects always starts with good hygiene and making sure that there are no open food containers or other food sources. Clean up standing water or damp areas as well, as this can attract some insects. Spraying chemicals around the foundation may prevent some insects from entering, and caulking ⁷ or sealing cracks around the foundation and sealing up doors and windows can also help prevent insects from entering the home.

Mosquito misting systems and lawn treatments can also help keep insect populations down, and can be used to help prevent insect infestations from getting out of hand.

Rodents

Rodents can be difficult to prevent in some cases because they are often small enough to slip into holes or cracks that are overlooked. Good hygiene and removing their food sources will help deter them from entering. If possible, you should also clear brush or tall trees away from your home and try to locate and seal up any small cracks or holes that could be allowing them to enter. Sometimes it may be necessary to spray the perimeter of the home as well to discourage them from entering. Sometimes electronic pest deterrents can be used to create a sound or vibration that will discourage them from entering.

Wildlife

In most instances, sealing up the entryways for wildlife is the best way to prevent them from entering. This may mean locating vents and other uncovered areas and keeping things like tree branches well away from the roof and eaves ⁸ where they could be entering.

Window nets and snake fences around crawl spaces can also help prevent wildlife from entering your home. Electronic pest deterrents can also sometimes be used to discourage wildlife from entering.

Labor

Labor for each pest is going to depend on certain variables. This may include where the pest is located, how big the infestation is, and the method you and the pest control company agree to use to treat the issue.

For nearly all pests, the company will begin with an inspection. They can help you identify the exact type of pest you’re dealing with and offer you the various treatment plans. Once you decide on the plan, one of several things will happen.

For chemical sprays and treatments, these are usually applied right away to the agreed-upon areas. Depending on the issue, this may be the final step or the company will schedule further visits to apply more chemicals.

For trap and removal treatments, sometimes the traps are set and the worker will return at a later time to check them and retrieve the animal. Other times, the worker may trap the animal or animals during the visit and relocate them immediately. In the case of large infestations or families of animals, there may be multiple visits to make sure they have all been removed.

If you contract with the company for further services such as repair or prevention, these are carried out once the initial issue has been dealt with, and are usually done at a later time.

Most pest companies will charge by the visit or by the project, with flat fees for each one of the services that they offer. For example, there may be a fee for having a room sprayed and a separate fee for spraying the perimeter of the home. Fees start at $50-$100 for the initial visit and labor, with serious infestations having higher fees, usually starting at $250-$350 for labor.

One time visit vs recurring

There are often different costs associated with pest control for one-time visits vs recurring visits. For example, the initial treatment may cost $250-$350 in total labor and material fees, but return visits may cost $50-$200 depending on how often they need to return. It’s common for homes that have had serious issues in the past to contract with a monthly service that will charge around $50 per visit to return and reapply chemicals and to check for signs of returning infestations. You can also set up recurring visits for quarterly or yearly intervals as well. Semi-monthly visits will generally run around $100 a visit, while quarterly visits may cost around $150 to $200 per visit.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Repairs precipitated by the pest

Sometimes repairs are needed after the pest is gone. If walls needed to be opened to reach the pest, or if the pest damaged your property during its stay, you may need repairs. This can have a range of associated costs depending on the pest. The cost of repairs ranges from $150 to $500.

Attic repairs

Squirrels and bats are the two most common problems in attics. They may disturb insulation or wires, as well as damage woodwork. Repairs usually start around $150, depending on the level ¹ of damage done.

Wall repairs

Sometimes walls need to be opened to remove the pest, this is most common with bees, birds, and wasps, but any pest that made its home in the walls can cause damage that needs repair. Wall repairs start at $150 for just the drywall ⁹, and can go as high as $500 if you need to repair wiring or studs.

Drywall repairs

Mice, squirrels, and wasps may damage the drywall ⁹, or the drywall ⁹ may need to be opened to reach them. Repairing this costs around $150.

Wiring and plumbing

Mice may also chew through wiring or plumbing, which can require expensive repairs. If this is the case, you will need to hire an electrician at a cost of $65-$85 per hour and a plumber at $45-$150 per hour.

Eco-friendly treatments

If you don’t like the idea of chemicals, some pest control companies will offer eco-friendly treatments such as diatomaceous earth and other products harmless to people or the environment. These may cost more than other chemical treatments, with costs starting at $250 per area.

Canine inspection

If the problem is severe and the pest control company needs assistance in locating the pests, you may need to have a canine inspection done, where a dog is brought in to help locate the various problem areas. This process has fees starting at $200, and they can go much higher depending on how large the property is.

Structural fumigation

Sometimes fumigation of the interior isn’t enough to deal with the problem. Structural fumigation goes deeper and gets into more of your home’s crawl spaces, attics, and other hard-to-reach areas to completely eliminate the problem. Costs start at around $5,000 for most homes.

Carpet cleaning

Sometimes the hygienic process needs to include carpet cleaning to remove residual chemicals, droppings, or insect carcasses. Carpet cleaning costs around $50-$75 per room.

House cleaning

You may also want to opt for whole-house cleaning after the issue is resolved in order to remove chemicals, droppings, and other potential problems. House cleaning can also help prevent the pests from returning. House cleaning costs between $25 and $40 per hour on average.

Additional considerations and costs

• Guarantee. Depending on the pest and the treatment, some companies may offer you a guarantee, where they will eradicate the pests or provide continued treatments that are free. Each company is different, and not all pests can be guaranteed, so always speak to the company.
• Certification. All professional pest control companies must be certified. Always ask to see their certification to make sure it’s current.
• Hiring tips. Tips for hiring the best pest control company include asking for references as well as their certification, asking for copies of the labels of all chemicals being used, and finding out how many years they’ve been doing business in your area. You may also want to look for a company with experience dealing with the specific pest you have.
• DIY. Some pests can be removed DIY if you’re willing to deal with the issues. This includes rodents, for which you can set traps, and remove or release them yourself, and most insects. For insects, cleaning is always the best way to start. You can apply many topical pesticides yourself, particularly in areas that are away from food sources. Do not attempt to remove wildlife yourself, and if you have doubts always call a professional.
• Travel fees. If you are having an animal located, there may be additional fees for travel if it needs to be moved to a far distance. This can vary by company, so always be sure to ask.
• Saving tips. Get bids from several companies. Most will give you a free on-site quote, and most pest problems can wait a few days, so don’t fall for companies that charge extra for same day or next day services.
• Climate. Some pests can only be found in specific climates, while others may come indoors when it becomes very hot or very cold. If you’re unsure of what type of pest you have, pay attention to the area and the weather preceding the infestation for clues.