I have been asked by customers so many times when they see a bug. they want to know if they are infested with bugs.
So let’s answer your question: does one bug mean many? Certain bugs will most definitely mean an infestation where others will not. For example bed bugs, termites, box elder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs, cockroaches, and colony pests are a sign that you are infested. If you see a spider, millipede, centipede, and other solitary pests they could stay in the area long enough to inhabit and infest it but that is not always the case.
Keep reading to hear more about infestations and solitary bugs.
The environment you live in will make a big difference in what you will need to do to defend your home against pests.
Humid Environments:
Spiders can thrive in most environments as well as cockroaches, and bed bugs. Ants, however, and termites do exist in the cool dry environments but they are more problematic in warmer more humid areas.
Dry Environments:
Bed bugs and cockroaches are able to infest in almost any climate their exterior is tough and they usually find a suitable place to lay the eggs that will protect them well (usually indoors).
Cleanliness and regular pest maintenance is also a factor when it comes to infestations.
If you are the type of person that can’t see themselves with a single cobweb in the garage and you constantly brush it down and clean the area your chance of spider infestation is less than those that don’t clean this area as often.
You may only encounter a spider infestation if the female spider has laid her egg sack indoors where the little spiderlings are not able to escape, at that point the spiderlings will acclimate to that environment. (basements, crawl spaces, and attics).
If you have a consistent time that you treat for bugs and pests you will probably not have an issue with infestations.
What Should You Do If You See A Bug In Your House?
Try to take a picture or catch the bug you find in a napkin or plastic bag so that you can properly identify it.
I have found it to be quite easy to look up bugs in google search after seeing what they look like you can simply describe what you see in the search bar and it will bring the pest up most of the time.
This way you have a better chance of understanding why you have it, where it may have come from and IF it could pose a problem to your living situation.
Depending on how you feel about bugs it could ruin a good night’s rest, even if it is just a daddy long leg. It won’t let you feel any less uncomfortable.
It is best to find out what kind of bug you have so that you can find out how to get rid of it. You may want to catch and release to avoid killing the insect or you can squish it, your choice. Bugs can be great for some things like preying on other insects that are more harmful. Some bugs can be catastrophic to your living environment like cockroaches leave ammonia in their urine that can make it hard to breathe in your home over time. Unfortunately for most bugs there is no space for them inside your home.
Are You Infested?
Like I mentioned above there are some bugs where if you see 1 that will imply that you have a deeper problem than just that single bug.
Which bugs will indicate infestation even if I only see one?
- Cockroaches
- Termites
- Bedbugs
- Ants
- Boxelder Bugs
- Stink Bugs
- Pantry Moths
- Carpet Beetles
s to hide until they are ready to mate or lay eggs at that time you will see them come out more.
Is It Possible To Only Have One Bug?
Yes, but it certainly depends on the bug. . It is unlikely if you see a household bug that it is the only one. There is a problem somewhere in your home that is the cause of this issue unless you’re in an apartment and you could have many other causes (neighbors) and the people in your complex might not always be forthcoming regarding their pest control issues. (embarrassed)
What you should do if you see a problematic bug:
Certain bugs will be in specific places due to the necessity to survive, here is the list look at each of the following:
- Cockroach – Kitchen/bathroom
- Termite – Wood areas: deck, door frames, structural leverage
- Beg Bug – Search the perimeter of the bed, and furniture checking in all creases
- Ants – kitchen, bedrooms, living room
- Box Elder Bug – Outdoor frames and entry
In What Case Could I Have A Single Bug Problem?
I mentioned above that you could have a single spider, however, if it is a female and has been around for a long time it could time to mate and lay egg sacks.
It can be hard to tell if you have an infestation with spiders if there are places in your home that you don’t visit very often like closets, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and the garage. Spiders prefer a dark cool area
To rid your home of insects and pests you will need to take a different approach for each of them
Cockroaches will take time and effort to remove from your home they are dangerous to your health and need to be removed as soon as possible. They are very sneaky they like the dark and wet areas of your home. You will need to use —-
Termites are terrible for your home and if you believe you have them and encapsulation is necessary to protect your home from further damage
Bed bugs are also very difficult to get rid of and they are not only harmful to you but your body as well. You will need to use —-
Will A Messy Home Grow An Infestation?
There are many times that I have entered homes that are very tidy and well kept but they have a pest problem. A messy home usually does not invite pests in initially, but could allow them to stay a bit longer and make them difficult to get rid of.
Pests need 3 things that allow them to stick around, they are food, water, and shelter.
If you provide these 3 things to bugs or rodents they will stay as long as they feel welcome to.
How Do I Prevent An Infestation?
To Prevent an Infestation:
- Keep your home as clean as possible
- Remove all evidence of bugs (spider webs, silk egg sacks, brush down nests)
- Make sure you have regular pest maintenance ( check out my recommended products page here)
- Seal your home to make the entry from pests hard. (screen gable vents, foam or silicone open holes or cracks. fill in burrow holes, if your crawlspace door is poorly sealed consider rebuilding it or having it professionally fixed).
Summary
So one bug can mean many you just need to figure out if the bug you have is an infestation bug. You can make your home less inviting by sealing all your food in the proper storage containers and defending your home with proper pest maintenance.
If you have a current infestation make your way over to my recommended products page to get great products and information on fixing the problem yourself.
Thanks for reading and as always:
“Thanks For Buggin’ Out With Me”
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Ok, but when does mouse poison expire? Mouse poison doesn’t expire. As long as bait stays dry and the smell of the bait can still attract the rodent to it.
Mouse poison can last several years or a mere few days.
Can Fleas Come Through Screen Windows?
So, can fleas come through screen windows? Yes, fleas are jumpers they move quickly and go unnoticed on account of how small they are, that is until they bite. Fleas can travel up to a single mile in one hour, they can jump long distances to move around. Since they are so small there are no real barriers to your home that can stop them from coming in if they want to.
