When cooler weather arrives in the Nashville area, pests invade homes in search of shelter and food. Black widows, brown recluses and other spiders spin their webs in corners, beneath furniture and other places where they will not be disturbed. Their presence generally indicates that they are tracking other insects that are already in your home. German and American cockroaches are attracted to the warm, humid environment inside your house. They prefer moist human and pet food, sweets and starches. They can be found in dark, damp areas, such as basements, attics and garages as well as kitchens and bathrooms. In addition to contaminating food, roaches can spread disease and exacerbate allergies.
Bed bugs are small parasites that feed on warm-blooded hosts. These nocturnal insects generally live in the fold of clothes and seams of fabric. Their bites can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes, which can become infected. Although normally considered a beneficial insect, ladybugs can cause damage and become a nuisance as they swarm and cluster in and around your home in search of winter quarters. Ladybugs can emit an odor and stain surfaces with a yellow secretion. Some people can have an allergic reaction to the skin shed when ladybugs molt.
Mice and other rodents enter through gaps and holes in your home’s exterior to build nests in the attic, basement, closets or any other inviting space. Be on the lookout for gnawed wood and tiny droppings. Rodents can spread numerous life-threatening diseases. When you see the first signs of a pest, contact a professional exterminator to ensure that the right steps are taken to completely eliminate the infestation and keep your home pest-free all year long.
