Seeing one or two of these pests is most likely just the tip of the iceberg!

Don’t mistake a small sign as something insignificant. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean a larger problem doesn’t exist. Pest problems and infestations can occur behind the scenes. When you see one or two bugs that is very often just the tip of the iceberg! Once the problem becomes noticeable it is often already past the point of taking care of it yourself.

Tip of the Iceberg

There are four pests that you need to take very seriously if you see them or have evidence of them. They are mice, ants, roaches and bed bugs. Let’s take a look at them individually.

Mouse Infestation

MICE – If you see a mouse in your home or see droppings, it is very doubtful that you have just the one. Mice reproduce very quickly with a gestation period of only 19 to 21 days. Female mice reach sexual maturity at 6 weeks old and can have 5 to 10 litters a year. They will want to hide from you and will scurry out at night to forage for food. Seeing droppings means trouble.

Swarming Ant

ANTS – Ants live in colonies, so while there is a chance that a stray ant could wander into your home, it is more likely that you have a nest nearby. If an ant finds a food source in your house you can be assured they are going to bring all their friends to the party. Also, if you see swarmer ants, the flying ones, look out! Swarming ants only go out once a colony has reached its full size, which happens to be in the thousands! Seeing those flying ants most likely means that you have a full-size colony somewhere on your property or in your home.

Roaches

ROACHES – The German Cockroach is the most common roach found in U.S. homes. They are nocturnal and will come out at night to forage for food. During the day they like dark, humid, small places. They like pressure on all sides of their body. If you see a roach out in the middle of the day you need to be worried. Especially if they are in a room other than the kitchen. The main reason for roaches to be out in the middle of a room, during the day is because the infestation is so heavy that there are no suitable hiding spaces.

Bedbugs and their feces (the little black dots) on a mattress.

Bed Bug Infestation on a Mattress

BED BUGS – Bed Bugs are another type of pest that likes to hide and likes pressure on all sides. They will look for hiding spaces in and around areas where they have a food source. This means they are not limited to being in just the bed. They can and will hide in the headboard, dressers, closets, baseboards, outlets, behind pictures and more. If you have a bed bug infestation you may also find them in other living areas. Couches, love seats, recliners and other upholstered furniture. If you bring a bed bug home with you it can take only 2 to 3 months for the problem to be in the hundreds. Without treatment your bed bug populations could be in the thousands by 6 months.

If you see signs of any of these pests contact Rapid Pest Solutions today. We will do a full inspection and offer treatment options for your peace of mind. We can also help with any other pest problems or questions you may have. Let us know how Rapid can help you!