By Linda Williams
Did you know that insects and pests are the most diverse group of organisms in the world? Unbeknownst to many homeowners, there are thousands upon thousands of pest species known and documented, translating to an alarmingly high risk of suffering from a pest infestation at one point in time.
With this overwhelming number of bugs scurrying around your property in mind, sometimes it can be challenging for homeowners to identify the infestation type. Similarly, many homeowners fail to realize that location matters. A pest species in the North may not be as troublesome in the South.
Like other states in the U.S, California, specifically, LA County, is chalked full of native pests that can spell disaster for residents’ health. Because several local Californian pest varieties prefer the warm weather, expect these creepy crawlers to flock to your heated living spaces as overnight lows dip below 50 degrees.
To avoid becoming bed and breakfast to local pest species, Moxie Pest Control, an Orange County pest control service provider, recommends investing time and resources into your current pest control strategy.
If you’re a life-long L.A. county resident or you recently relocated, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with pest species native to the area. Why? Generally speaking, pest control strategies customized to the local pest varieties garner the most success. That said, here’s an overview of the most common pests in the LA County area taking a toll on residents’ health and safety.
Rats/mice
Rats and mice are commonly found in densely-populated areas, as these rodents are often attracted to the shelter and food located in the average suburban home. For those curious homeowners, you can diagnose a rat infestation in your home through droppings, gnawed holes, urine odors, scampering noises, and rodent runways.
If left undisturbed, these rodents can destroy your property by chewing electrical cables and wreaking havoc on your home’s structural integrity. Additionally, rats and mice can cause significant harm to humans’ health.
How so? For one, they can transmit diseases such as salmonellosis, murine typhus, leptospirosis, and trichinosis. These household pests transmit these diseases via direct bites or food contamination. Should your home’s residents come in indirect contact with infected rat feces, nests, or urine, prepare to take the necessary action to avoid life-threatening symptoms. Overlooking signs of these previously-mentioned diseases can lead to severe health complications or even death if not detected earlier and treated appropriately.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a common type of pests found in many homes. Some of the roach infestation indicators include droppings, shed skin, unusual odor, and smear marks. If you’re struggling to locate these nasty creatures, note that these insects prefer moist, darker areas such as the following: the inside of furniture, behind refrigerators, sinks, and stoves.
Cockroaches can trigger health breathing complications for individuals who have asthma and other severe allergies. Furthermore, these pests can contaminate your food and food prep areas with harmful bacteria strains known to cause various illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and leprosy.
Termites
Pest control providers consider termites to be the most destructive pests worldwide, and LA County is no exception. Despite their small size, these creatures can cause massive destruction when they work as a team. According to the National Pest Management Association, termite damage in the U.S accounts for over $5 billion each year.
Termites typically feed on wood, causing severe structural problems in your home. These pests hardly sting people, but when they do, your home’s residents may notice relentless itching, severe pain, and tissue swelling. If left untreated, these stings can result in asthma attacks and anaphylactic shock episodes. Getting rid of termites can be overwhelming, especially in cases of severe infestations. For that reason, it’s crucial to seek help from a professional exterminator.
Spiders
You can find several types of spiders across LA County. While most spiders are harmless, a few species can be dangerous to humans, including the brown widow spider, black widow spider, and yellow sac spider.
If you notice spider webs in wall corners and window sills, consider this a sign that spiders have set-up camp in your living spaces. While they may not be harmful to humans, some people are afraid of spiders, leading to bouts of distress and anxiety.
Stinging insects
Common examples of stinging insects in LA include wasps, bees, and hornets. These insects’ presence in your home can be problematic, as they often cause real harm through their painful stings.
For those individuals with severe allergy issues, bee stings can trigger serious health problems resulting in hospitalization and even death in some cases. These dangerous insects are popular in LA-County and usually seek shelter near doorways, under porches, and inside walls.
Flies
Flies are hard to control, given that they can trail into your home through doors, windows, and any other openings. Not to mention, they feed on any food scrap available and can breed in garbage, manure, and rotten food. Worst of all, these flies can transmit serious diseases to humans, including dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, and rotavirus, resulting in hospitalizations or even death.
Final thoughts
Bugs can be a menace, and they’re not welcome in your LA County home. There are many ways to keep these pests out of your home, including keeping your home clean, storing your food in sealed containers, and securing your home’s exterior to keep the pests where they belong: outside.
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