The DMV's Most Common Pests

From the diverse cuisine and monuments to the cherry blossoms and museums, D.C. is known for a lot. But unfortunately, it can’t all be spring flowers and mouthwatering meals. The D.C. area also hosts its share of creepy crawlies. Learn about the most common pests in the area, the problems they pose, and why it’s crucial to keep an exterminator’s phone number handy.

1. Bed bugs

Bed bugs typically make it into a building on someone’s clothing, luggage or body. To prevent bringing these bloodsucking pests into your home, stay cautious when traveling. Perform inspections for signs of bed bugs in any hotel rooms you stay in.

Signs of a bed bug infestation include reddish stains on the mattress and sheets (caused by their bodies being crushed), black or brown spots on the mattress or sheets (bed bug excrement), and bites on your skin. Bed bugs are extremely hard to eliminate, so hire a professional exterminator service if you notice a problem.

2. Ants

The three most common ants you will find in this area are odorous house ants, carpenter ants and pavement ants. The main way to know you have an ant issue is just seeing the ants, but you can also look for rotted areas on the exterior of your home (a sign of carpenter ants) or listen to hear if any ant
activity is going on in the walls or floors.

Ants can contaminate food and cause structural damage to your home. Eliminate sources of standing water in and around your home and keep your kitchen clean and clear of crumbs to prevent ants from entering. But if the ants come marching in, you will want to hire an affordable pest control company.

3. Rodents

Mice and rats scurry through small openings and cracks; mice can fit through an opening the size of a nickel! Signs of a rodent problem include droppings left behind, clawing or gnawing noises coming from the walls and ceiling and gnaw marks on wires and pipes. Seal cracks and openings around your home so rodents can’t find a way inside.

According to the National Pest Management Association, mice and rats are known to spread more than 35 diseases, so don’t delay in calling a pest control professional to handle any rodent problems in your house.

4. Termites

Termites are attracted to moisture, which is why they often come out of the woodwork at the start of spring when snow is melting. Make sure gutters and downspouts are properly aligned and working to prevent moisture and deter termites. According to NPMA, termites cause about 5 billion dollars in property damage annually. Signs of termite activity include seeing their discarded wings after they swarm or spotting blistering paint or mud tubes outside the home. However, you may have a termite problem and not see any signs of it. This is why you should have a termite inspection performed annually and hire a pest control professional for termite treatment if needed.

5. Cockroaches

Cockroaches spread bacteria, trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma symptoms. The three main species in the D.C. area are the German, American and oriental cockroaches. Signs of a roach problem include seeing them dead or alive and spotting their droppings or egg cases. Keeping a clean home helps prevent roach infestations. Cockroaches look for warm, moist places, so pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms when cleaning. Scrub under sinks and appliances. Cockroaches are a health hazard, so call a pest control service immediately if you suspect you have a problem.

Working with CroppMetcalfe

Need an exterminator in Washington, D.C., Maryland or Northern Virginia? Our certified pest control professionals have an average of 15 years of experience in the field. Our specialists use only the industry’s safest materials to effectively prevent unwanted insects and rodents from dwelling among your family, home, and business.

Call us now at 703-698-8855, or visit us online at https://www.croppmetcalfe.com/.