What’s Bugging Us in 2014

The Nashville area’s subtropical climate means that we experience relatively pleasant weather year-round, but the downside is that many species of bugs thrive in this type of environment. Over the last few years, many of the following pests have become more common, due to increasing resistance to common bug-control chemicals and an overall increase in human travel, which means more chances of unknowingly transporting bugs into your home.

• Bed bugs – These critters feed on your blood, and they’re easily transported from place to place. Unfortunately, they’re also difficult to see with the naked eye, so you may not even realize that you’ve carried them home on your clothing. If you find unexplained red, itchy bumps on your body or have noticed tiny dark spots in drawers or along floorboards, you may have a bed bug problem.

• Cockroaches – Known for their resiliency, cockroaches thrive in a range of environments. They nest in damp basements just as easily as in your kitchen or yard, and roaches can transport allergens and harmful microbes on their bodies. They are most often observed at night.

• Crazy ants – Homeowners may have noticed that, if an ant gets in the house, it brings thousands of its friends along. Crazy ants are one of the largest invasive species of ant, and they can destroy crops and damage property. This species is a recent arrival to the U.S., and it prefers warm, wet climates. 

The best way to rid your home of any of the aforementioned pests is by contacting a professional exterminator. By using the proper equipment and possessing knowledge of where different types of bugs tend to nest, bug control professionals may be able to make your home pest-free.