Invaders — Pests That Wander Indoors
Invaders are indigenous pests that wander in your property. This does NOT suggest a minor problem, as anywhere from 1, 10,000 or more pests can “wander in” and even small numbers sometimes grow in number, i.e., grow into a full blown infestation. Examples of these types of invaders are: Ants, Mice, Roaches, Silverfish, Earwigs, Springtails, Indian Meal Moths, Carpet Beetles and 1000s more.
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Silverfish
Silverfish prefer very warm areas like the attic, and starchy foods, however they are omnivorous and can also go without food for 1 year (and can go without water, as they collect moisture from the atmosphere). So, attempts at control by eliminating food, water or harborage alone won’t work. Silverfish destroy valuable paper documents, such as books, contracts, pictures, etc.. Outside ‘Preventive Treatments’ are best, however will not eliminate an existing infestation, which can be eliminated without contaminating living spaces by a Certified tech.
Earwigs
Earwigs (Think… Roaches that live outside). Earwigs prefer cool tight areas to nest in such as, under rocks and house siding. Usually more of a garden pest, Earwigs sometimes escape the heat by coming inside, and while they may be inside in great numbers usually do not thrive. Outside Preventive/Curative treatments are best, and usually will reduce the population by 80%. Reducing the number greater than 80% can be accomplished without spraying chemicals directly into the living areas, by treating inside window and door framing, and wall voids. At FVE these ‘prescription’ treatments are only performed by Certified technicians.
Springtails
Springtails (jump like fleas, but cannot bite.) Springtails grow in numbers usually because of moist lawns, and significant shade, and become serious pests as thousands migrate inside simply because the house is in their way. Once inside, Springtails may find moist areas where they will thrive, grow in numbers, and can be distributed through the entire home, via air conditioning ducts Elimination of water (lawn watering ) and harborage (ask about ‘Exclusion’), and outside preventive/curative treatments, are the best courses of action to prevent further infestation, although none of these measures will reduce an indoor infestation.
Indian Meal Moths (IMMs)
Indian Meal Moths (IMMs) These very tiny erratically flying pantry pests are usually brought in bird seed or other pet food, but can be an invader from outside. They like everything from cereal to chocolate, and can get into and ruin large amounts of dry goods. Finding and eliminating all of the nesting sites is the first step in eliminating IMMs. (Don’t even think about “reducing populations to acceptable levels”, as even a few of these will develop into another serious infestation.) Pheromone ‘traps’ are not a good idea for homeowners, as the trap may lure many more from outside. Homeowners usually require help in inspecting for IMMs.
Spiders
Spiders (actually Spiderlings) migrate easily to the tallest mountain tops, most remote islands, and to the siding on your home, via a small length of silk string and can invade any home through the tiniest crack or crevice. Once inside they feed on other insects and spiders, and as such might be considered beneficial creature. All Spiders are venomous and “bite”,, and sometimes bite humans.
Black Widow Spider
The Black Widow Spider, is the only spider in Illinois that can deliver a fatal bite, if bitten seek medical treatment immediately.
Brown Recluse
The Brown Recluse (no picture) is notorious as it causes a large severe ulcer difficult to heal at the bitten site, for which there is no present medical treatment. It is important mention that many individuals are very sensitive to spider bites, and can react similarly (i.e. Ulcers) to less potent bites.
Yellow Sack
The Yellow Sack (see left) is a common spider in Illinois whose bite can cause ulcers, in sensitive individuals, that look like they have been bitten by the Brown Recluse.
Millipedes
Millipedes grow to large numbers in damp areas near the home and can climb to upper floors, coming out of wall voids and window frames. Outside preventive treatments are best, as it becomes necessary to treat the inside of wall voids and window frames once great numbers have found their way in. Don’t Spray living areas with pesticides of any kind for Millipedes because doing so, does nothing to reduce the population inside walls ( and those inside the room still need to be cleaned up even if you have killed them.) , and needlessly damages indoor air quality.
Centipedes
Centipedes are fast movers and good climbers. While some species can sting this is rarely happens in Illinois. Preventive treatments in Spring and Autumn are the best, as treatment inside of wall voids and window frames becomes necessary, after they have found their way in. Don’t Spray living areas with pesticides of any kind for Centipedes because doing so, does nothing to reduce the population inside walls and those inside the room still need to be cleaned up even if you have killed them and needlessly damages indoor air quality.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder Bugs While these pests are “in your face” they don’t bite or sting. They can, however, stain curtains, carpeting and furniture with feces that appears like dried blood spots.
Asian Beetles
Asian Beetles These are NOT the harmless Lady beetle, we all know and love. Asian Beetles can deliver a painful “pinch.” So, If they land on you or an infant, brush them off immediately.