Pest Library
Freedom Wildlife Solutions & Pest Control
Common pests in the Raleigh-Durham area
Welcome to the Freedom Wildlife Solutions Pest Library, your comprehensive guide to understanding and managing wildlife and pest issues in your area. Whether you’re dealing with a common household pest or local wildlife, our library provides essential information to help you identify and address these challenges effectively. Freedom Wildlife Solutions is a wildlife removal and pest control company in Clayton, NC.
Specific Pests
Ants are among the most common household pests, with colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands. These social insects are particularly attracted to moisture and food sources in homes. Different species, such as Acrobat, Argentine, and Little black ants, exhibit varied behaviors and nesting habits, making professional identification and treatment crucial for effective control.
Bed bugs are notorious for their stealthy presence in homes, particularly in bedrooms. These small, flat insects are adept at hiding in mattress seams, furniture crevices, and wall cracks. They feed on human blood, often causing itchy bites. Due to their elusive nature and rapid reproduction, professional extermination is usually necessary to fully eradicate them.
Crickets, known for their distinctive chirping, are nocturnal insects that can invade homes and gardens. They feed on a variety of organic materials, including plants and fabrics, potentially causing damage. House crickets are common in wooded areas and may enter homes in search of warmth and food, creating a nuisance with their continuous noise.
Earwigs are easily recognized by their pincers and are more of a visual nuisance than a threat. They are commonly found in damp areas and can occasionally enter homes. Despite their menacing appearance, earwigs are generally harmless to humans but can be unsettling due to their scorpion-like appearance and nocturnal habits.
Fire ants, introduced to the Southern United States in the 1920s, are known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior. These ants are easily identified by their copper-colored bodies and the large mounds they build in sandy soils. They are attracted to sugary and fatty foods and can pose a significant threat to humans and pets.
Fleas are tiny, jumping insects that primarily feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are a common nuisance to pets and can also bite humans, potentially transmitting diseases like typhus and tularemia. Effective flea control involves treating infested animals, as well as cleaning and treating the home environment.
Flies are known for their rapid flight and ability to evade capture. They are attracted to rotting food and animal waste, making them potential carriers of disease. Due to their feeding habits and resistance to many insecticides, flies can be difficult to control, often requiring professional intervention to effectively manage infestations.
Mosquitoes are infamous for their itchy bites and ability to transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika. They breed in standing water and can lay thousands of eggs in their lifetime. Controlling mosquitoes involves eliminating breeding sites and using repellents, and in severe cases, professional pest control services may be necessary.
Pantry pests are a common concern for households and businesses alike, as they infest stored food products, particularly in kitchens and pantries. Common species include Indian meal moths, flour beetles, and grain weevils. These pests often enter homes through contaminated food items or packaging and can quickly spread to other stored goods. Infestations can lead to significant food waste and contamination, as these pests lay eggs in food products, causing them to spoil. Proper food storage, regular inspections, and prompt removal of infested items are essential steps in controlling pantry pests. In severe cases, professional pest control may be necessary to eliminate the problem and prevent future infestations.
Occasional and fall invaders refer to a group of pests that typically enter homes during specific times of the year, particularly in the fall, as they seek shelter from colder temperatures. These pests can include boxelder bugs, stink bugs, lady beetles, and cluster flies. While they don’t usually cause significant damage, their presence can be a nuisance as they often congregate in large numbers. These invaders are known for finding small cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations to gain access to indoor spaces. Effective management includes sealing entry points and sometimes using targeted pest control measures to prevent them from becoming a bigger issue
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that prefer dark, warm, and moist environments, often found in kitchens and bathrooms. They can spread diseases and trigger allergies and asthma. Due to their resilience and rapid breeding, roaches are challenging to eradicate, typically requiring professional pest control methods for effective management.
Rodents, including mice and rats, are known for their destructive nature, chewing through wires, insulation, and other materials. They can spread diseases and contaminate food sources. Effective rodent control involves sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and in severe infestations, professional extermination.
Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a distinctive silvery appearance. They thrive in damp, humid environments and feed on carbohydrates, including books, wallpaper, and clothing. Their elusive nature and high reproduction rate make them challenging to control, often requiring professional intervention for effective management.
Spiders, classified as arachnids, are beneficial predators that feed on insects. Common household spiders include Black Widows, Carolina Wolf Spiders, and House Spiders. While most spiders are harmless, some can pose health risks with their bites, making proper identification and control important for safety and peace of mind.
Stinging insects like bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets play crucial roles in ecosystems but can be dangerous due to their painful stings. Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions. Safe management of these insects often requires professional removal, especially in cases of large nests or aggressive species.
Squirrels are agile rodents known for their bushy tails and climbing skills. They often invade attics and gardens, causing damage by gnawing on wires and plants. Effective squirrel control includes sealing entry points to prevent access to homes and using humane traps or repellents to manage outdoor populations.
Raccoons are nocturnal mammals recognized by their masked faces and ringed tails. They are adept at scavenging and can become a nuisance by rummaging through garbage and invading homes. Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies, making safe and humane removal by wildlife control professionals important.
Bats play a vital role in insect control but can become problematic when they roost in buildings. Their droppings can pose health risks, and some species are protected by law, making professional removal and exclusion necessary for safe and legal bat management.
Snakes vary widely, from harmless species to venomous ones. They play an important role in controlling rodent populations but can be a concern when they venture into human habitats. Professional removal is recommended for venomous snakes to ensure safety and proper handling.
Moles are small mammals known for their burrowing habits, which can damage lawns and gardens. They feed on insects and earthworms underground. Effective mole control often involves trapping and habitat modification to deter these creatures from establishing tunnels in affected areas.
These semi-aquatic rodents are known for their environmental impact, often altering waterways and damaging vegetation. Beavers, in particular, are famous for dam building. Management of these species requires specialized techniques to balance environmental considerations with the prevention of property damage.
Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are known for their extensive burrowing, which can undermine building foundations and damage gardens. They are typically managed through exclusion methods, habitat modification, and in some cases, humane trapping.
Skunks are known for their distinctive odor, a defense mechanism against predators. They can carry diseases like rabies and can become a nuisance when they inhabit human environments. Preventing skunk problems involves securing food sources and potential shelter areas to discourage them from settling nearby.
Opossums are opportunistic feeders and are often found near human habitats, scavenging for food. While generally harmless, they can become a nuisance. Preventing opossum infestations involves securing garbage and other food sources, as well as blocking access to potential nesting areas.
Armadillos are known for their armored shells and digging habits, which can damage lawns and gardens as they search for food. Control methods typically involve humane trapping as well as habitat modification to make areas less attractive to these animals.
Foxes and coyotes are predators that can pose risks to small pets and livestock. They are typically managed through secure fencing, deterrents and sometimes trappings. In urban areas, reducing food sources and shelter opportunities can help minimize encounters with these wild animals.
While birds are generally beneficial, some species can become pests in urban areas, causing noise, mess, and property damage. Bird control methods include exclusion techniques like netting and spikes, as well as deterrents to prevent roosting and nesting in undesired locations.
Schedule A Pest Control or Wildlife Removal Service Now!
