When it comes to pest control, there are a few pests you don’t want to settle into your home.

The last thing anybody wants in their home is bugs. Some pests are harmless and easy to get rid of, like sugar ants. Most of the time, all it takes is a quick trip to Home Depot for some bug baits or spray to knock out the problem, or a simple fix by a pest control company. However, when it comes to pest infestations inside the home, there are a few types of pests you absolutely don’t want to deal with.

Some pests can do real damage to your home or be easily aggravated, so it’s important to be aware and take quick action to handle these pests if needed. To learn more about what kinds of pests you don’t want in your home, how you deal with them, and most importantly, how you prevent them, keep reading below.

1. Wasps

Just the thought of a wasp infestation in your home is enough to make anybody cringe. Wasps are dangerous and damaging pests that are difficult to approach once they’ve made their home. Getting stung by just one wasp or bee can be extremely painful, so it’s especially important to proceed with caution. 

• Risks: Stings, minor to severe allergic reactions which could result in hospitalization

• How to prevent: Remove trash, keep windows and doors closed, set traps, cover any holes

• Keep an eye out for: large pest swarms, buzzing sounds, nests

• Potential damage: Structural damage

• How to manage: Wasp traps, spray, professional pest removal

2. Termites

Termites have the potential to cause severe damage to your home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them. Americans spend over $5 billion annually to manage and repair damage done by termites, making termites no laughing matter.

• Risks: allergic reactions, asthma attacks

• How to prevent: Keep bushes trimmed, keep shrubbery, lumber, cardboard, wood, and paper away from the exterior of your home

• Keep an eye out for: buzzing sounds, patterns in wood, squeaky or hollow-sounding floors and walls, damaged wood, discarded wings or waste

• Potential damage: Severe structural damage

• How to manage: Professional pest removal

3. Bed Bugs

While most pests aim to destroy the structure of your home or live within it, bed bugs will take over your bed and other furniture. Not only do they bite, but once bed bugs have infested your home, it’s extremely difficult to get rid of them completely.

• Risks: bites, allergic reactions, infections

• How to prevent: check hand-me-down furniture or clothing for any bugs, use mattress protectors and covers, vacuum frequently

• Keep an eye out for: red, itchy bites, musty smell, small bugs in furniture or mattress, blood stains or dark spots on sheets

• Potential damage: discarded furniture, severe infestations

• How to manage: professional pest removal

Among these worst pests to invade your home are many others, such as rats, mice, woodworms, and more. In addition to bites and structural damage, pests can carry many diseases. By learning the signs and being aware of pests in your home, you can prevent major issues -- however, if the problem becomes too severe, you may need professional pest control. Just remember to take care of any problems before major damage occurs.

Author: Aimee Adams

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