What Are the Most Common Pests in North Carolina?

North Carolina might be known for its stunning sunsets and pristine beaches, but it’s also home to a wide variety of household pests that can wreak havoc on your property.

In this blog post, the pest control experts at Home Paramount Pest Control discuss some of the most common pests found in North Carolina to give homeowners a better understanding of their risks.

5 Common Household Pests in North Carolina

While there are many different types of pests in the area, these are just five of the most common household pests that our team has been called to help eliminate:

Ants

Easily identifiable by their long antennae and small, black bodies, ants are a common pest found in many North Carolina homes. They’re usually attracted to food, so cleanliness — especially in the kitchen — is paramount.

To avoid ant infestations in your home, clean up food scraps, spills, and crumbs quickly and effectively. You may also want to consider:

• Using ant bait traps to reduce the ant population around your property
• Spraying ants with Raid or other over-the-counter ant spray treatments
• Placing cucumber peels near entrance points
• Putting boric acid powder near ant nests

Since ants are also attracted to moisture, it’s more common to get ant infestations in North Carolina during summer due to higher humidity levels.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are one of the worst types of infestations you can get. These small, oval-shaped insects feast on human blood and are excellent at hiding in bedsheets, blankets, furniture, and even under your carpet.

While bed bugs don’t typically carry diseases, they can cause significant discomfort as they bite you while you sleep and leave itchy, irritating marks behind.

Bed bugs are incredibly difficult to treat on your own, as female bed bugs lay eggs every day. Just one female bed bug in your home can result in thousands more in just a few months. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it’s important to contact a professional for immediate assistance.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches, or palmetto bugs, are some of the most common critters found in North Carolina homes. There are three main types of cockroaches that homeowners typically deal with:

• American cockroaches: These large, reddish-brown roaches often infest homes through the sewer system or drain pipe. With fully developed wings, they can fly and are extremely motivated by food.
• Oriental cockroaches: Often referred to as “water bugs,” these cockroaches are black and most commonly found in damp, humid areas like basements and crawl spaces.
• German cockroaches: Light brown with a slight yellow tint, German cockroaches are the most common type of roach in North Carolina. Because they move so fast, they can be difficult to catch and kill.

Rodents

Deer mice and white-footed mice are the two most common types of mice found in North Carolina homes. Both types are destructive and have the potential to carry life-threatening diseases more than any other type of pest.

These mice are known for carrying Hantavirus, which can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome — a severe virus transmitted by inhaling particles contaminated with urine and feces from infected mice.

Spiders

Spider infestations are another common problem for North Carolina homeowners. There are several spider species found in the area, including:

• Black widow spider
• Brown recluse spider
• Cellar spider
• Giant house spider
• Hobo spider

Depending on the type of spider, these pests can pose significant risks ranging from painful bites to lasting health effects caused by venom.

Trust Home Paramount Pest Control With Your Pest Control Needs in NC

Have a pest problem that needs professional attention? Home Paramount Pest Control can help. As the leader in pest control since 1939, our certified technicians take pride in using the highest-quality products to eradicate unwanted pests from your property safely.

Call our team today to request pest control services in North Carolina.