Discovering that insects have claimed a room as their own can be incredibly disconcerting. To eradicate an infestation, a pest control company may recommend a bug bomb as a relatively quick and easy solution. “Bug bombs are effective for a wide range of pests, like fleas, cockroaches, and spiders,” said John Target of Target Pest…

Summer is the season for the reemergence of bugs — not just the American cicada — but all types of indoor and outdoor bugs. You’ll spot silverfish, carpenter ants, ticks and spiders. With so many insects, you may be wondering where bugs go in the winter.  It turns out the answer is a little complicated,…

Mole crickets, which get their name from their mole-like burrowing habits, disrupt your grass’s root systems, leading to patchy spots and unsightly damage. To get rid of mole crickets, start by identifying these pests, then choose the appropriate control methods, which could include hiring one of the best pest control companies. Regular monitoring and proper…

To get rid of flies in and around your home, you can set up traps using household items or store-bought traps. If you’re not having luck, you can call in pest control professionals. They’ll assess the issue and use methods such as sanitation, traps and insecticides to eliminate flies. Flies are not just nuisances; they…

Bedbugs and ticks have a few similarities but many differences. Bedbugs trigger more frequent calls to the best pest control professionals, while ticks, often outdoor pests, don’t usually establish long-term infestations in homes. Still, both of these tiny, blood-sucking pests can wreak havoc on your peace of mind and health.  “Both bedbugs and ticks cause…

Unwelcome creatures can carry diseases, pose a health risk and may cause structural damage to your home. Sure, you can run for bug spray, stomp on a roach or put out mouse traps, but DIY methods are not always effective for a real infestation. Pest control is worth it if DIY methods are out of…

While mice might seem harmless at first glance, they can quickly become unwelcome guests, leaving behind a trail of droppings and gnawed belongings.  To help you find the perfect pest control solution, we contacted seasoned pest control pros — such as Derrick Clay, district manager of Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida at Trutech Wildlife Service, and…

Like earwigs and centipedes, silverfish are known in the pest industry as “occasional invaders” because they enter homes seeking more hospitable habitats than they can find outdoors.  Homeowners taking a nighttime visit to the bathroom might spot a metallic creepy-crawly darting across the floor. Silverfish are common household pests, earning their moniker from their fish-like…

Finding a spider in your home can be jarring. But in most cases, getting rid of spiders is more about peace of mind than safety. Decluttering, reducing insect activity and sealing entry points are the best DIY solutions for unwanted spiders. In the rare instance the spiders you find are venomous and can harm you…

It’s a nightmare scenario. You’ve just climbed into your bed, eager for a good night’s rest — then, you spot a bedbug. It’s just one, but that doesn’t stop the panic from setting in as you imagine your home overrun by these tiny, bloodsucking pests. Thankfully, finding a lone bedbug doesn’t mean you’re dealing with…

House centipedes — creepy crawlies with spindly pairs of legs — often look like something out of a nightmare. You might be tempted to reach for a heavy shoe when you see these arthropods scurrying at full speed along your baseboards.  Not so fast. Centipedes can be an unlikely ally and personal exterminator, feeding on other…

Though fall and winter present their own challenges for homeowners experiencing cold weather, it’s hard not to smile at the thought of mosquitoes disappearing for a while when summer ends. Unfortunately, not all mosquitoes die off when the months turn colder. Some mosquito species can persist through the winter during their larval and adult stages…

Drain flies have a nasty habit of turning your bathroom into their personal hangout space. These tiny insects can quickly become a nuisance in any home, leaving you wondering how to reclaim your sinks, drains and pipes. Drain fly infestations can be eliminated with a combination of active and preventive treatments, such as setting up…

Anyone with an enviable lawn knows that maintaining the verdant blanket is a full-time job. Even the most dedicated homeowners run into lawn grubs (also called white grubs) — pesky creatures that feed on grass roots and ultimately cause the fresh, healthy grass to turn brown and soggy.  “[Lawn grubs] wreak havoc on a lawn…

Ultrasonic pest repellers use high-frequency sound outside the range of human hearing to repel rats, mice, cockroaches, termites, fleas, bedbugs and other pests. Some companies even claim that their devices get rid of all types of insects and pests. But whether these devices are effective is a cause for some debate. According to several studies…

In the world of bugs, beetles and other crawly creatures, ladybugs enjoy a better reputation than most. Finding one climbing up your arm at a picnic is often a joyful moment rather than a horrifying one — you wouldn’t say this of a stink bug or a tick. Most of the roughly 6,000 species of…

When looking for how to kill ticks in your yard, you may turn to acaricides and pesticides to do the job. Unfortunately, these ingredients may harm your yard and local environment, which means prevention is typically the best defense against ticks. “Ticks prefer cool, moist areas, so trimming large bushes, trees, and shrubs allows for…

Boric acid, insecticides, growth regulator products, bait and traps are effective tools to get rid of roaches from your home. In addition, you should deep clean your home and take steps to prevent roaches from entering, such as caulking entryways, fixing leaking pipes and checking on your home’s insulation. Though you may get rid of…

Termites are small but mighty and can cause costly damage to buildings and infrastructure. Often, homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage, according to Joe Malinowski, vice president of pest management at Pest Authority. Luckily, several treatment options can remove termites from your home. But how long will these treatments last? Typically, termite treatments last…

Carpet beetles may be tiny, but they can wreak havoc on your home and belongings. If you’ve ever found mysterious holes in your favorite sweater or noticed strange larvae crawling around your carpeted bedroom floor, you might have a carpet beetle infestation on your hands. Carpet beetles, scientifically known as Anthrenus verbasci, originated from Europe…

Seeing an earwig scurry across your floor is enough to give you shivers. But before reaching for the nearest shoe or bug spray, take a moment to understand what you’re dealing with and how to tackle these pincer-waving pests. Earwigs are small insects known for their distinctive pincers at the end of their abdomens. Scientifically…

Wasps help the ecosystem with pollination and pest control, but unlike other creatures, these insects are not friendly neighbors. Unlike honeybees, butterflies or other winged pollinators in your backyard, many types of wasps don’t have an easygoing nature. If they feel their hive is threatened, they will sting repeatedly. While wasps and bees do look…

Japanese beetles are metallic, green-and-copper insects that have scuttled across North America since the early 1900s. This invasive species is a common nuisance to gardeners and romantics alike — Japanese beetles are known for eating beautiful rose blooms as well as grapes, ornamental fruit trees and hundreds of other plants. Luckily, there’s no shortage of…

Although there are more than 20,000 species of bees on the planet — including an estimated 3,600 species in North America — very few are likely to take up residence in the American home. Bee problems are likely linked to honeybees since they tend to interfere with your structures. “Honeybees are the only kind of…

Having critters make their way into your attic is an unpleasant experience that often requires pest control experts. Birds are no exception. Removing them before they cause significant damage can save you money and hassle, no matter what kind of bird enters your home. While you can try DIY bird removal, our experts recommend calling…

Termites are sneaky creatures. Concealed by the wood and soil where they reside, termites feast away on your home. These wood-destroying insects (WDIs) often go unnoticed as they feed on structural components such as studs, rafters and floor joists from the inside out. “Unaddressed termite damage can greatly affect the structural integrity of a home,…

The German cockroach is a survivor, with ancestry predating the dinosaurs and the mobility to outpace the panicked stomps of your shoe. They distinguish themselves from more beefy American roaches through their tiny size — no larger than the width of your index finger — and quick reproduction cycle. This means they can hide easily…

The best way to get rid of brown recluse spiders is to “remove potential harborage sites, control insect population levels that act as a food source and precisely treat with a registered [insecticide],” said Jim McHale, certified entomologist and CEO of JP McHale Pest Management in Buchanon, New York. It’s tempting to jump right to…

Knock, knock! Who’s there? It’s your neighborhood woodpecker, a bird known for its strong beak and ability to peck holes in various surfaces. Unfortunately, these birds sometimes go after your home instead of nearby tree trunks. Woodpeckers, including the yellow-bellied sapsucker, may drill holes in your wooden siding or trim, or damage your home’s exterior…

The most effective way to get rid of gnats is to eliminate their food sources and the conditions in which they thrive, including compost bins and overwatered indoor plants. You may also get rid of gnats by setting up homemade gnat traps that attract and catch these pests. “Because of a lack of rapid control…

The best way to get rid of snakes usually comes down to the number of snakes residing in your yard. It’s often best to hire a professional to assist your removal efforts and avoid ongoing problems. “Getting rid of snakes in a yard or garden depends on how much ‘pressure’ or snake population is being…

Stink bugs get their name from the unpleasant odor they produce when they feel threatened. Generally, they emit this smell to deter predators from eating them while they’re outside. However, they can enter your home and unleash this same scent. So, it helps to know how to get rid of stink bugs. “You don’t want…

Twenty-one percent of the 1,000 respondents in our February 2024 survey of homeowners listed price as the primary factor they considered when choosing a pest control company. With affordable monthly rates, attractive new-customer discounts and friendly customer service, Hawx Pest Control is a great choice if you’re a price-conscious homeowner. We conducted in-depth research into…

Fruit flies aren’t dangerous, but they’re certainly annoying. According to Oklahoma State University, they can multiply rapidly in your home by laying up to 500 eggs at a time. Getting rid of fruit flies involves preventing breeding and eradicating the adults. You need “a multiprong solution for an infestation,” said David Price, associate certified entomologist…

Whether you live in a big city or a small rural area, you’ve likely heard or possibly even smelled mice at some point. You may have seen one or two scurrying across your home. And unless you’re a pest control expert, getting rid of mice in your walls can be tricky. “Since mice can carry…

Chipmunks, which primarily inhabit North America and are drawn to wooded areas, may be charismatic and cute, but they’re also unwanted pests. While they can help disperse tree and fungi seeds, these mischievous creatures can’t resist helping themselves to the fruits of gardeners’ labors — quite literally. The striped rodents from the squirrel family are…

Fleas bite pets and people and can cause severe itchiness and allergic reactions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fleas can also transmit diseases to and from humans and pets, including typhus, plague and cat scratch disease (CSD). The CDC also maintains that getting rid of fleas is complicated, as flea…

Mosquitoes can quickly ruin a backyard barbecue and outdoor relaxation time, but more importantly, they can transmit dangerous diseases. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these parasitic insects can spread West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue, and malaria and cause allergic reactions. “Creating an effective mosquito control plan involves a combination of prevention, protection…

Bats are generally beneficial, though they may carry rabies and their droppings (called guano) can damage your home. Additionally, many bat species are federally protected, so learning how to get rid of bats safely — and without causing injury — can protect you from fines. The most effective way to get rid of bats is…

Your kitchen is where you enjoy meals and sip your morning cup of joe — it’s not a dining hall for ants. But these resourceful little pests love a good snack as much as you do. That’s why it’s not too far-fetched that crumbs could lead to ant infestation. So how do you get rid…

A carpenter ant infestation is one of the more difficult pests to remove because of their intrusive nature. Carpenter ants excavate extensive galleries, or burrows, inside wood, which can wreak havoc on your home’s structure.  These pests can also be attracted to sugary foods, greasy leftovers and pet food. This is why it’s best to…

You’ll likely experience an inconvenient pest infestation at some point during homeownership. One option you have besides applying homemade pest treatments is hiring a full-service pest control company. These companies specialize in eliminating a wide variety of pests safely and promptly. Our team researched, reviewed and rated national pest control companies to determine which brands…