It’s springtime, which brings us lovely outdoor weather, blossoms, blooms –  and pests! We are accustomed to having ants invade our picnics and kitchens, and we wave away flies when we are in the yard. While annoying, these pests are usually not a significant problem. On the other hand, it’s a little creepy when we encounter unidentified bugs in or near our homes.

Some insects are dangerous.

When you see a flying or crawling insect, it’s natural to wonder if it is a threat to you, your family, your home, or your pets. Some pests carry germs and diseases, like cockroaches. If you see these insects in your home or business, be assured they were previously foraging for food somewhere filthy, like a dumpster, or even on dead animals. It’s smart to eradicate these from your property as quickly as possible using a pest control company. The ants may enter your home under a closed door, through a crack in the wall or foundation, or in a package delivery. These nasty pests transmit more than 30 kinds of bacteria, and their skin can trigger allergies, especially in children. 

However, identifying cockroaches may be more complex than you think. Many are brown and roughly oval in shape, but some are a bit more round and even black. Check out our pest identification guide to be sure. 

Another sneaky intruder is the termite. Termites and other pests that destroy wood are easy to miss. They spend their time inside the wood they feed from and rarely appear. A powder post beetle is equally destructive but even more elusive because if you see one, you may mistake it for a harmless garden beetle. It’s best to engage a professional like Thomas Pest Services if you suspect an infestation of wood-destroying pests –getting rid of them on your own is very difficult.

Pantry pests also take several forms, making it a challenge to determine which invader has made a home in your kitchen. Some look like harmless moths and beetles, but these intruders will nest and reproduce in your pantry. Often, these pests enter the home through dry goods like flour, spices, dry pet food, or cereal. You can’t see them because the eggs are too small to see. When those eggs hatch, the larvae feast on the food. One tip is to ensure that you don’t buy packaged goods if the package is damaged, but some species can also enter through the door and window of your home. 

What should I do if I can’t identify a pest?

If you aren’t sure about the type of flying or crawling insect you see, visit our identification guide. If you still aren’t comfortable, consult our entomologist. Bill Clark is licensed by New York State and certified by the Entomological Society of America. Send a good picture of the mystery insect using our online form, and ask Bill to help.  

Or, move straight to the solution: Whenever you are concerned about pests, wildlife, or other home invaders, it’s smart to call in professional pest management companies like Thomas Pest Services. We provide exceptional service in the Capital and Adirondack regions. Our Complete Care Plan is the most comprehensive way to ensure that you minimize pest infestations and damage. This plan includes regularly scheduled service, along with monitoring and inspection. The treatment and cost for pest control will depend on the type of infestation. 

Why call Thomas Pest Services?

Thomas Pest Services is a family-owned company based in Hudson Falls, serving the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and surrounding areas. Bill Clark and Sarah Thomas-Clark have built this company following sound business practices that have been in the Thomas family for generations. They believe in the power of customer service, relationship-based pest management, and treating “the little things like big things.”