North Carolina is home to a variety of insects and rodents, many of which can trigger allergies or make you sick. They are often attracted to trash, so it’s important to keep garbage and food items away from entry points and trim any bushes or trees that have branches reaching your house to prevent them from finding ways to get inside. Read on to learn about some of the most common North Carolina pests.
- Ants/Fire Ants: Ants generally build their homes in woodpiles, trees, or other covered areas outdoors, but may come in looking for food sources or shelter. Fire ants are more aggressive and will bite or sting anything that disturbs their home. Fire ant bites can cause itching, swelling, or allergic reactions which may require medical attention.
- Roaches: Roaches like to hide in warm, dark, and damp places and come out to explore at night. If you notice small brown or black spots in dark corners of your cabinets similar to spilled pepper or coffee grinds, you may have roaches in your home. Make sure you clean up any spills and fix any leaks to help prevent them from getting too cozy in your kitchen.
- Fleas and Ticks: These types of bugs are expert hitchhikers and will attach themselves to any person or pet who has spent time outdoors, especially in areas with wildlife. Be sure to wear a good bug repellant, long sleeves, and pants, and check yourself and your kids when you get home.
- Mosquitoes: Mosquitos aren’t just annoying insects that leave itchy red bumps. They can also carry a number of deadly diseases that spread through their bites. Avoid being outside during dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most prevalent. They are attracted to standing water, so make sure all drainage is directed away from the home.
- Termites: Termites are known for their insatiable appetite and will keep eating until they are stopped. It’s important to catch them early to avoid as much costly damage as possible. If you notice tiny wings or droppings on your window sills or find wood that is hollow, damaged, or puckering, get it checked out to make sure there are no termites. Termites also love water, so keep your air conditioning units clean and dry.
- Rodents: Mice and rats breed year-round and carry many kinds of diseases. They can chew through food packaging and leave droppings behind. Be sure to clean up droppings right away as prolonged exposure can make you ill. Also, check to see that all food is stored in airtight containers.