What Are the Most Common Pests in West Virginia?

From ants and cockroaches to bed bugs and termites, many critters can creep inside your home, taking over entirely if left untreated. These unwanted guests can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks to your family.

In this blog post, the pest control experts at Home Paramount Pest Control discuss the six most common pests in West Virginia, how to identify them, and what signs to look for that may indicate an infestation.

6 Most Common Pests in West Virginia

Living in West Virginia, you’re likely to encounter a variety of pests that thrive in the local climate, including:

Ants

While they might seem harmless, ants can become a nuisance if they invade your home. These small insects range in color from black to red and are typically seen marching in long lines on the hunt for food. Signs of an ant infestation often include:

• Long trails of ants in your kitchen or pantry
• Small piles of dirt, indicating a possible ant nest
• Food containers that have been tampered with

In some cases, such as with carpenter ant infestations, there may even be structural damage to the wooden fixtures in your home.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects infamous for their ability to hide in mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture. They feed on human blood, usually at night, resulting in itchy, red welts on your skin.

Signs of a bed bug infestation include:

• Seeing the bugs in your bed
• Noticing dark spots of bed bug excrement on your mattress or sheets
• Finding shed skins or tiny white eggs in the seams of your bedding

Cockroaches

One of the most dreaded pests, cockroaches are known for their ability to survive in almost any environment. The most common species in West Virginia include the American and German cockroaches. These pests are usually dark brown or black, with flat, oval-shaped bodies and long antennae.

Cockroaches are often found in dark, moist areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Signs of an infestation typically include:

• Seeing cockroaches
• Finding their droppings (which often resemble black pepper)
• Noticing a musty or oily odor in affected areas

Mosquitoes

A common pest in West Virginia, mosquitoes are a top concern, especially during the summer. These small, flying insects are notorious for leaving itchy bites, which can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus. Most active at dawn and dusk, mosquitoes are usually found near standing water, where they lay their eggs.

Signs of infestation include:

• Increased bites when outdoors
• Spotting large populations around the property
• Persistent buzzing noises around the yard

Rodents

Rodents, including mice and rats, are another common pest in West Virginia. These small mammals can cause significant damage to your home by gnawing on wires, insulation, and even structural elements. They also pose health risks as they can carry diseases and contaminate food.

Typically brown or gray with long tails and sharp front teeth, rodents are easy to spot. They’re typically accompanied by scratching or scurrying noises, droppings in cupboards or along baseboards, chewed food packaging, or gnaw marks on furniture.

Termites

One of the most destructive pests in West Virginia, termites are a terror capable of causing severe damage to wooden structures. These small, pale insects live in large colonies and feed on wood, often going unnoticed until the damage is extensive. Signs of infestation include:

• Swarms of winged termites
• Discarded wings near windowsills or doors
• Hollow-sounding or crumbling wood
• Termite droppings

Contact Home Paramount Pest Control for Pest Control Services

If you’ve noticed any of these pests around your home, it’s crucial to take action to prevent an infestation from worsening. At Home Paramount Pest Control, we offer comprehensive pest control services tailored to the unique needs of West Virginia homeowners.

Our team of experts uses eco-friendly methods to eliminate pests while minimizing the impact on your home and surrounding environment.

Don’t let pests take over your home — contact us today to request a pest inspection and protect your property from these common threats.