Did you know that certain household bugs are more common in specific locations than others?
States like Virginia have specific bothersome house insects that are specific to them and if you live here, there is a huge probability that you might have to deal with a bug infestation.
So, what are the major bugs you will find in Virginia? Well, many of the bugs on this list are common in several parts of the country, while some are common in Virginia.
Some of these common house bugs in Virginia include;
- Cockroaches
- Millipedes and Centipedes
- Ants
- Spiders
- Stink Bugs
- Mosquitoes
- Ticks
- Stinging Insects
- Termites
- Silverfish
- Bedbugs
- Termites
- Japanese beetles
Here we will introduce you to the kind of bugs you will likely encounter in Virginia, what attracts them, and how you can get rid of these unwanted house pests.
House Bugs in Virginia to Look Out For And How To Control Them
There are over 20,000 bug species of bugs and bug-like pests in Virginia but here we have carefully selected eight of the most common bugs in the state that you are likely to encounter.
It is vital that you can identify these bug species so that you are sure of the best way to control an infestation problem if you have one. Here are some of these bugs and how you can identify them.
1. Cockroaches
There are various types of cockroaches in different parts of the world but in Virginia, the common ones are the American cockroach and the German cockroach.
One common trait of these cockroaches is that they are scavengers, so they carry bacteria and can spread diseases around the home. These cockroaches are similar but have unique features that help with their identification.
- American Cockroaches
This bug is also referred to as the palmetto bug. It is a large, brown bug with wings for flight that makes it bothersome to have the pest in your home. Although they do not sting, an infestation will spread bacteria and parasites while causing allergy symptoms for the homeowner.
- German Cockroaches
These cockroaches are smaller than many of the other types. They are light brown and tend to multiply quickly inside your home if you do not curb the spread on time.
How to Get Rid Of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are particularly drawn to dirty areas and excess moisture so, to curb this menace, you have to keep your surroundings free of any dirt or particles that cockroaches would want to nibble on. Vacuum the floors, do the dishes, and ensure there is no dirt around.
For areas with excess moisture, you should invest in a dehumidifier to help you reduce moisture. Also, check for leaking faucets and leaking pipes to ensure that there is no reason for the moisture.
N.B: A full-blown infestation will require the use of a professional pest control service to eliminate these pests wherever they may hide.
2. Millipedes and Centipedes
These bugs are often mistaken for the other because of the similarities in their appearances. Like cockroaches, they have unique features that set them apart and help you know the one you have in your home.
- Millipedes
The millipede has a long round body with four legs on each segment. They are not venomous and are most common in gray or black, although other bright colors like yellow and red are not so common.
- Centipedes
These bugs have a long flat body, long antennae, and two legs on each segment. They are more common in colorful colors and sometimes darker colors. Centipedes thrive in dark, moist areas in your home so you should look out for them in damp areas like these.
How to Get Rid Of Millipedes and Centipedes
These crawlers thrive in damp environments so the first thing you must do is disturb their comfort zone. Damp environments are caused by conditions like drippy air conditions or faucets so if you have any of these issues, ensure that you fix them first and use a dehumidifier.
Additionally, you should take away their food source. These bugs feed on smaller household pests so if you get rid of their food, you will not have to see these bugs as much.
3. Stink Bugs
As the name implies, these bugs are famous for the foul smell they emit in their surroundings. The kind you will find in your home is the brown marmorated stink bugs, which are an annoyance but do not damage surfaces in your home.
Basically, the concern for these bugs is that they tamper with the atmosphere of your home and it is bothersome having to always deal with foul smells.
How to Get Rid Of Stink Bugs
Like any other bug, it is compulsory that you block off any access stink bugs that may have into your home like cracks in your windows and doors. These bugs are also attracted to light so we advise that you limit the lighting around you to an extent.
Also, ensure that you check for moisture around you because these bugs find shelter in very damp areas and they build a nest in such places.
4. Mosquitoes
Here is a bug that plagues many areas in the world and Virginia is not an exemption. These little insects are common in areas with dirt and stagnant water and tend to cause illnesses like malaria and yellow fever.
This is because the female mosquitoes require protein to aid the laying of eggs and so they feed on hosts and in the process, spread parasites and diseases around. They are small and have several attractants, so it is common to see them around.
How to Get Rid Of Mosquitoes
To prevent mosquitoes, always avoid stagnant water both indoors and outdoors because this is a common breeding camp for these tiny bugs. If you have any overgrown trees, this is the perfect time to get rid of them.
A Lot of the time, if the infestation is severe, it would be best to fumigate. To properly do this, we recommend you contact a pest control service so they can use the proper chemicals and equipment to fumigate your house.
5. Ticks
These are flat-bodied bugs that do not only affect humans but also our pets. As small as they are, they are really dangerous and if not controlled, will lead to a full-blown infestation in your home.
They are bloodsuckers and carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and what makes it worse is that these ticks attach themselves to their host and feed on them, then do not leave the host easily.
Additionally, the common types of ticks in Virginia are the American dog tick and the Lone Star tick.
How to Get Rid Of Ticks
In addition to benign bloodsuckers like mosquitoes, ticks also carry diseases which makes it necessary to get rid of them. Since these bugs affect pets a lot, we advise you to put your pet on a tick-preventative program.
Also, ensure that there are no grass piles anywhere around your home that can serve as shelter for these ticks. Lastly, you should always call pest control services if you notice any tick around so they can curb the situation on time.
6. Stinging Insects
Stinging insects like wasps and bees and wasps are common in cities like Virginia. However, even though they have stingers, they are not necessarily harmful. Learn about these stingers below.
- Carpenter Bees
This is the common type of bee you will find in Virginia. It appears like a bumble bee with yellow stripes around the body. The female species have stingers for defense, while the male ones are more aggressive.
They tend to destroy wooden surfaces and have permanent nesting sites that they return to over time.
- Wasps
Wasps and bees are stinger bees, but they have certain differences in their appearance. The common types in Virginia include the yellow jacket, the paper wasp, and the bald-faced hornet.
They build their nests in places like trees, woodpiles, and shrubs and sometimes, in small spaces like attics and chimneys.
How to Get Rid Of Stinging Insects
To prevent these stinging insects from taking over your home, ensure that you put up solid barriers like glass windows to prevent them from gaining entry. Another thing you can do is limit the number of flowering plants in your garden since they are mostly attracted to them.
Additionally, you can eliminate the possibility of nesting ground by covering up your bin and your chimney. Also, filling the holes around your garden and cutting down tree branches in your surroundings will prove useful in getting rid of these stinging insects.
Final Thoughts
Household pets are common in different parts of the world. From bugs like mosquitoes and ticks to rodents like rats and mice, we advise keeping a pest library so that you can easily identify and eliminate such pests whenever you see one.