Close up Cockroach on white a bowl
A whopping 100,000 species — that’s how many insect species there are in California. 12% of these are also said to be endemic to the state.
As beneficial as many of these insects are, many of them have found their way inside our homes. While some may be a mere nuisance, many others can be health threats.
So, which of the common bugs found in homes in North California should you be wary of? What qualities make them “pests” and what can you do to control them?
We’ll answer all these questions in this post, so be sure to keep reading!
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs have always been common household pests, affecting over a third of US homes from 1920 to 1930. They then disappeared in the ’50s, during the prime of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT).
DDT was later found to be toxic, so the Department of Agriculture banned its use in the ’90s.
Because of this, bed bugs have made a comeback to all 50 states. The San Francisco Bay area, in particular, had the ninth-worst bed bug infestation in the US in 2018.
2. Termites
The dry wood and dampwood termites are also some of the most common California bugs. However, once they nest in homes, they stay hidden and feeding for up to five years. They then come out in the springtime in swarms.
Two termite species alone already cost the world $40 billion in damage each year. These are the Formosan and Asian subterranean species.
3. Cockroaches
In NorCal, there are five cockroach species considered as pests. These include the German, brownbanded, oriental, American, and Turkestan species.
These bugs carry at least six parasites and 180 bacterial species. These include the “giant roundworm”, whipworm, enterobacter, salmonella, and shigella.
4. Ants
According to Pegasus Pest Control, Argentine ants are the main ant concerns in NorCal. Other common species are the odorous house ant, thief ant, fire ant, and pavement ant.
As tiny as these common California insects are, their bite can pack a punch. What’s more, ants have shown to be potential carriers of pathogens and bacteria. One study found that these insects carry at least 41 species of bacteria.
5. Bees
The US is home to 4,000 different species of bees, with 1,600 of them being native to California. These insects are generally beneficial, as they are vital to sustainable crop pollination.
Unfortunately, bees can sting when they feel threatened. An estimated 100 deaths occur in the US each year due to these stings.
The Best Way to Get Rid of These Common Bugs Found in Homes
Professional pest control is the fastest and safest way to eliminate bugs at home. These experts use a variety of treatment methods to bring infestations under control. They also know which chemicals to use against which insect, and which ones they are resistant to.
Don’t Let Any of These Bugs Bite
There you have it, your ultimate guide on the most common bugs found in homes in NorCal. It’s best that you get rid of them as soon as you can, as these insects can multiply at a rapid pace. The bigger their colonies are, the harder it will be to get them under control.
Ready for more pro tips to make your home healthier and safer? Then be sure to check out the rest of the posts filed under this site’s House section!
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