Montgomery Counties Most Unwanted: A Guide to the 4 Pests Invading Homes This Season
Enjoying the last few weeks of an Indiana summer is a special kind of bliss. That is, until you find a trail of ants marching across your kitchen counter or a spider setting up shop in the corner of your living room.
Unfortunately, late summer is a peak season for many common household pests. They're actively searching for food and water, and it won't be long before they start looking for a warm place to spend the winter—like your home.
To help you stay one step ahead, here is our guide to the four most common pests in the Crawfordsville area and what you can do about them.
1. Ants
It’s a classic problem for a reason. One moment your counter is clean, and the next, it’s a highway for tiny, unwanted guests.
Signs to Look For: The most obvious sign is visible trails of ants, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms where food and moisture are abundant.
Why They're a Problem: Beyond the nuisance factor, ants can contaminate your food and food-prep surfaces. Certain types, like Carpenter Ants, can also cause structural damage.
What You Can Do: The first line of defense is cleanliness. Wipe up spills immediately, store food (especially sweets) in airtight containers, and use caulk to seal any small cracks or holes where they might be getting in.
When to Call a Pro: If you can't find the source of the ants or if the over-the-counter sprays just aren't stopping them, it's time for professional help. We can locate the nest and eliminate the entire colony for good.
2. Spiders
For many homeowners, this is the one pest that sends a shiver down their spine. As summer winds down, spiders often become more visible as they search for mates or move indoors.
Signs to Look For: An increase in webs in the corners of rooms, around windows, and in doorways. You may also simply see more spiders than usual.
Why They're a Problem: While most common house spiders are harmless, their presence is unsettling. It can also be a red flag that you have other insects in your home, which the spiders are preying on.
What You Can Do: Regular dusting and vacuuming of corners, baseboards, and ceilings is a great way to clear out webs and deter spiders. Reducing clutter in basements and garages also removes their favorite hiding spots.
When to Call a Pro: If you're dealing with a large number of spiders or if you suspect a more venomous species like a Black Widow or Brown Recluse, do not hesitate. A professional can safely identify and treat the issue.
3. Stinging Insects
Nothing ruins an outdoor meal faster than a swarm of aggressive yellow jackets. In late summer, their colonies are at peak size, and they become much more defensive.
Signs to Look For: You might see visible nests under the eaves of your roof, in dense bushes, or even in the ground. You'll also notice increased activity around trash cans, grills, and any food or sugary drinks you have outside.
Why They're a Problem: Their stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Their aggression makes them a significant safety hazard for your family and pets.
What You Can Do: Be cautious with food and drinks outdoors. From a safe distance, visually inspect your home’s exterior for nests.
When to Call a Pro: Immediately. We can't stress this enough: do not attempt to remove a wasp or yellow jacket nest yourself. It is extremely dangerous. A trained professional has the right equipment and protective gear to handle the removal safely and effectively.
4. Rodents
As the weather begins to cool, mice and rats will start looking for a warm place with a steady food supply. Your home is the perfect target.
Signs to Look For: Keep an eye out for small, dark droppings in cupboards, behind appliances, or along walls. Other signs include gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, or wires, and hearing scratching or scurrying sounds in your walls at night.
Why They're a Problem: Rodents cause significant property damage by chewing through wires and insulation, and they can transmit diseases and contaminate your food.
What You Can Do: Seal any cracks in your foundation and gaps around pipes with steel wool and caulk. Make sure all indoor and outdoor trash is stored in tightly sealed bins.
When to Call a Pro: The moment you suspect you have rodents. They reproduce incredibly fast, and what seems like one mouse can quickly turn into a major infestation.
Your Local Partner in Pest Control
Protecting your home and family is our top priority. Being vigilant is the first step, but you never have to handle these problems alone. If any of these unwanted guests have made an appearance in your Crawfordsville-area home, give Green Haven Pest Control a call. We're your local, friendly experts ready to help!
