What Are the Most Common Pests in Pennsylvania?

Home to over 25,000 known species, Pennsylvania’s state forests and parks provide habitats for many types of animals. While having so much natural wildlife around is great, not every creature is safe. Some can sneak into your home, wreaking havoc on your safety and property.

In this blog post, the Home Paramount Pest Control experts discuss some of the most common household pests that Pennsylvania families have to deal with and how to protect your property from unwanted infestations.

Seven Common Household Pests in Pennsylvania

Ants

Ants are a common nuisance in many households, often invading kitchens and pantries in search of food. The most common types of ants in Pennsylvania include:

• Carpenter ants: Unlike other ants, carpenter ants can cause structural damage by hollowing out wood to create their nests.
• Odorous house ants: These small, dark brown or black ants emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed. They frequently invade homes in large numbers.
• Pavement ants: Often found in cracks in driveways and sidewalks, they can also make their way indoors, especially during rainy seasons.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are notorious for their ability to thrive in a variety of environments, particularly in homes where food and moisture are readily available. The most common types of cockroaches in Pennsylvania include:

• American roaches: Also known as water bugs, these large, reddish-brown roaches prefer warm, damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
• German roaches: Small and light brown with two dark stripes, German roaches are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Oriental roaches: Often called black beetles, these dark, shiny roaches are usually found in cool, damp places like drains and sewers.

Fleas

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Pets often bring them into homes. Signs of a flea infestation include pets scratching excessively, tiny black specks on pet bedding (flea droppings), and bites on humans, particularly around the ankles.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance with their itchy bites; they also pose significant health risks by transmitting diseases like West Nile, Zika, and malaria. Stagnant water around the house, such as in birdbaths or clogged gutters, can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, making them a prevalent pest in many households.

Rodents

Rodents, particularly mice and voles, are common household pests in Pennsylvania that can cause considerable damage and spread diseases. Signs of a rodent infestation include droppings, gnaw marks, and scampering noises in the walls or ceiling. Mice, in particular, are known for their ability to squeeze through tiny openings to gain access to food and shelter.

Ticks

Ticks are arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. They’re often found in wooded or grassy areas but can also be brought into homes by pets or humans. Ticks can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, making them a significant health concern.

Wasps

Wasps can be both a nuisance and a danger, especially if they build nests near or inside homes. The most common types include:

• Paper wasps: These wasps build umbrella-shaped nests in sheltered areas and can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed.
• Yellowjackets: Known for their yellow and black stripes, yellowjackets are highly aggressive and often build nests underground or in wall voids.
• Hornets: Larger than other wasps, hornets can deliver painful stings and are protective of their nests, which are typically found in trees or shrubs.
• Carpenter bees: These bees resemble bumblebees but can cause damage by boring into wood to create their nests.

Contact Home Paramount Pest Control for Extermination Services in Pennsylvania

For nearly 100 years, Home Paramount Pest Control has proudly delivered reliable pest control solutions that Pennsylvania families trust to keep their homes safe and comfortable. We don’t like bugs either, which is why we deliver 24/7 emergency and same-day solutions to eradicate harmful species from your home once and for all.

Get rid of the pests in your Pennsylvania property by contacting our team to book your extermination service today.