The Creepiest Critters You Don’t Want to See in Your Home this Spooky Season!
While each season brings different types of insects, autumn definitely has a lot going on. As temperatures drop and we all start to hunker down for cooler months ahead, critters of all kinds will be doing the same thing. But what are the top creepiest critters we may see in our homes this time of year?
Spiders: Spiders are one of the most feared insects on the planet. Maybe it’s the way they move or the fact that they have two more legs than many other insects? Or, perhaps we’ve all seen too many horror movies where every spider has gigantic fangs and venom?
The spiders we see most commonly are wolf spiders, cellar spiders, house spiders, daddy-long-leg spiders, and jumping spiders. Don’t despair, however, as none of these are deadly. Wolf spiders do get big and hairy and will bite if they are provoked or handled. But remember that everyone reacts differently to bites. Call your doctor if you’re ever concerned about a spider bite and call us if you need help eradicating spiders from your home.
Rodents: Mice and rats are definitely among the most feared creatures out there. And rightfully so! Rodents are a necessary part of nature and the food chain for wildlife. But they’re capable of spreading viruses, bacteria, fleas, and ticks and can cause respiratory illness if they share residency with humans. Rodents also leave a trail of urine and feces in your home, which can make you really sick.
Mice can enter your home through holes in soffit vents, around cables entering the building, and through gaps the diameter of a dime. Rats only need an opening the size of a quarter to access interiors of a structure. If their skull can fit through, then the rest of their body can also fit through it. Signs of mice and rats include droppings, torn or chewed up packaging, greasy rub marks along their travel path, and squeaky skittering noises.
Centipedes: Centipedes have to be one of the creepiest looking creatures we encounter. You may have heard people say “but they’re good. they eat other bugs.” That may be true, but it doesn’t make them less creepy!! A centipede has 15-77 pairs (always an odd number) of legs. That alone is terrifying! What other creature on Earth has that many legs besides this thing?!
But, don’t despair! Centipedes are basically almost blind and their mouths are super small, so they don’t bite. And they live in damp, dark places like under logs, in basements and occasionally your bathroom. Don’t be afraid. Again, just call us if you need help getting rid of them!
Roaches: Cockroaches are universally not a fan-favorite. They are gross, fast, and they breed rapidly– it’s a sighting you should never ignore.
Living with cockroaches can have a major negative impact on your health. They contaminate food and are vectors for bacteria and parasites. Salmonella and E.coli are two examples that can make you feel quite ill. If you see cockroaches in your house or office, call Alexandria Pest Services today!
Stink Bugs: Stink bugs are creepy because not only are they ugly. . . they STINK if you accidentally (or purposely) crush one. Stink bugs, much like Asian beetles, cluster flies, and boxelder bugs, are often classified as “overwintering pests”. In the fall, these creepy critters seek shelter out of the elements and fly to the nearest structures: our homes or businesses.
Stink bugs love to bask in the sun and will cluster together on the south and west sides of the house, where the sun hits the hardest. As temperatures drop, they crawl underneath the siding and through cracks and crevices, where they’ll hide out in a state of diapause. Stinkbugs are particularly creepy in that they invade, hibernate, and then reanimate to reappear in the future! So, if you notice a stink bug infestation, call us to eliminate these creepy pests.
No Need to be Frightened. At Alexandria Pest Services, We’re Here to Help!
At Alexandria Pest Services, our goal is to keep unwanted pests out of your home, and that includes keeping creepy critters at bay. We have professional treatments available to repel these pests and eradicate a potential infestation.
If you find that you are having a problem with spiders, roaches, bed bugs, termites, rodents, or other pests and need an exterminator in Springfield, Burke, Alexandria, or other parts of Northern Virginia, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office! Contact us today to learn more.
