Not A Creature Was Stirring: Pests That Come Out at Night

It can be quite a shock when you turn on the lights in your home and find that something has been using it as its private playground. Pests like rats, mice, cockroaches, silverfish, and even spiders can be active at night, taking advantage of the cover of darkness to scurry around your home in search of food or shelter.

Because these creatures are nocturnal, catching them in the act can be difficult. But if you’re hearing strange sounds at night or noticing droppings or other signs of infestation during the day, chances are you have some unwanted guests.

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Identifying them is key to finding the best way to eliminate them. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most common pests that come out after dark.

Centipedes

Centipedes are long, slender insects that can be anywhere from 1 to 12 or more inches in length. They have segmented bodies with up to 100 or more pairs of legs and two antennae.

These pests feed on insects like flies, spiders, and moths, but they’ll also eat other centipedes if food is scarce. Centipedes are most active at night and are typically found in humid areas such as bathrooms, basements, or closets.

If you see centipedes in your home, contact a Fox Pest Control expert for help with centipede control before the infestation gets out of hand. Once identified, we can devise a plan to safely and effectively eliminate the pests.

Mice

Mice are some of the most common household pests. These rodents are typically gray or brown in color, with fur-covered bodies and long tails. They can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter-inch to get into your home in search of food, water, and shelter.

Mice are most active at night and can be identified by their droppings, which look like tiny black pellets. They also gnaw on furniture, wires, and other objects to create nesting material or enlarge existing openings. Mouse control is essential to keeping your home safe and comfortable.

Earwigs

Earwigs are reddish-brown insects with a distinct “pincer” at the end of their abdomen. These pests feed on decaying matter, other insects, and plants. They are commonly found in damp and humid areas such as basements, bathrooms, or under rocks and logs.

They’re most active during the summer and can be identified by their long, slender bodies and dark brown color. At night they can be seen scurrying around in search of food. Earwig control is essential to keep them out of your home.

Ants

Ants are another common household pest that come out after dark. These small insects form large colonies and can travel in swarms, creating enormous problems for homeowners.

They’re usually black or brown and feed on sweet foods like honeydew, fruits, and juices. They’re most active at night and can be identified by their long antennae and three body parts – the head, thorax, and abdomen. Receiving ant control from a Fox Pest Control professional is the best way to keep them from invading your home and causing problems.

Millipedes

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Millipedes are small, worm-like insects with rounded, segmented bodies with two pairs of legs per segment. They typically measure around 2.5 centimeters to 13 in length and can be black, brown, or reddish-orange.

These pests feed on decaying matter like leaves and wood, which makes them a common sight in gardens and other outdoor areas. At night, they may wander into your home searching for food or a warm place to stay.

Millipedes can be identified by their long, cylindrical bodies and multiple legs. If you suspect an infestation, contact a Fox Pest Control expert for millipede control. They can help identify the species and devise a plan to safely and effectively eliminate them from your home.

Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that measure up to 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in length. They have long, tapered bodies and antennae that look like bristles. Silverfish are most active at night, searching for food sources such as flour, cereal, and wallpaper glue.

These pests are also known to feed on fabrics, carpeting, and even human hair. If you find small, yellowish droppings in your home or notice that items have been chewed on, chances are you have a silverfish infestation.

Rats

Rats are one of the most common and destructive pests at night. They’re usually brown or black with long, scaly tails.

Rats are scavengers, which means they’ll search for food anywhere they can find it. They’re also known to chew through walls and wiring in search of a warm place to nest. These pests can spread diseases and contaminate food sources, making them a serious threat to public health.

So, if you hear gnawing or scampering sounds at night, it could signify a rat infestation. Rat control from a Fox Pest Control technician is the best way to keep rodents out of your home and protect your family from getting the illnesses they can spread.

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are notorious for only coming out at night searching for human blood. These small, oval-shaped insects feed on the blood of humans and can hide during the day in dark crevices like mattresses or floor cracks.

If you notice bites on your body, small blood stains on bed sheets, or an odor of rotten berries in your home, it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation. Contacting a Fox Pest Control professional is the best way to receive bed bug control and keep them from invading your home.

Crickets

Crickets are small insects with cylindrical bodies and long antennae. They range in size from .12 to 2 inches in length and can be brown or black. These pests are most active at night as they search for food sources such as plants, flowers, and insect larvae.

If you hear chirping in your home or find small droppings, chances are you have crickets inside. To remove them, contact a Fox Pest Control professional for cricket control. They can help identify the species and offer safe and practical solutions to eliminate them from your home.

Cockroaches

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Cockroaches are another night-time pest that loves dark places like basements, attics, and under kitchen appliances. These insects feed on various materials, including food crumbs, pet food, and paper products.

Cockroach control is essential to protect your family from diseases and allergies. To identify an infestation, look for small, dark-brown droppings that resemble pepper flakes or coffee grounds. You may also see brownish egg cases in the corners of cabinets or under furniture.

Spiders

Spiders are eight-legged creatures that can come in various shapes and sizes. Some species, like the black widow and brown recluse, are venomous and should be avoided at all costs.

Most spiders feed on insects like flies and mosquitoes, so having them around is beneficial to some extent. However, if you find large numbers of spiders in your home, it could indicate a more significant pest problem.

Contact a Fox Pest Control professional to control spiders in your home. These pests are most active at night and prefer dark, undisturbed spaces like closets, attics, and basements. Identify webs or egg sacs near windows and doors to detect an infestation.

How To Prevent Nocturnal Pests From Invading Your Home

Finding and responding to nocturnal pest infestations is vital for maintaining a healthy home. As a preventative measure, here are some tips to keep these pests out of your home:

1. Keep your home clean and clutter-free: Cleaning up spills and crumbs right away, storing food properly, and regular vacuuming can help prevent pests from coming in.

2. Seal off entry points: Use caulk or steel wool to seal any cracks or holes around doors and windows. Check for gaps around pipes, cables, wires, vents, and other areas that may be entry points for pests.

3. Use natural deterrents: Some plants, like lavender and mint, can help repel certain pests from entering your home.

4. Schedule regular pest control treatments: Professional pest control services from Fox Pest Control are the best way to detect and eliminate any current or potential infestations in your home.

5. Monitor your home: Check for signs of a pest infestation regularly, especially close to night-time when many pests are most active.

Following these tips can help prevent nocturnal pests from invading your space and putting your health at risk. If you suspect a pest infestation, contact Fox Pest Control right away.

With the help of our dedicated technicians, you can control nocturnal pests and reclaim your home. We offer complete pest control services, including inspection, treatment, and prevention, to protect your home from unwanted intruders. Don’t wait until it’s too late—call us today!

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens