Perimeter Pests and their Control
"Perimeter pests" or "occasional invaders" are catch-all names for the various insects and other critters who wander into homes from the outside. Here are a few of the most common perimeter pests found in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas.
Sowbugs and Pillbugs
Sowbugs and pillbugs are not really "bugs." They're not even insects, in fact. They're crustaceans. They require a very high moisture level and breathe through gill-like structures. They're commonly found (often already dead) in basements and along the insides of exterior walls.
Centipedes and Millipedes
Like sowbugs and pillbugs, centipedes and millipedes are not insects. There are many species of these creatures. Some require high moisture levels, but others are comfortable in dry areas. Most centipedes and millipedes are harmless, but a few species can inflict stings. Control is primarily non-chemical, consisting of debris removal, correction of moisture problems, or exclusion.
Earwigs
Earwigs are small insects who survive primarily as scavengers who eat dead plant and animal matter. Despite their scary appearance and prominent pincers are their abdomens, they are harmless. Control is primarily non-chemical, especially cleaning up organic matter and correcting moisture problems.
Silverfish and Firebrats
Together known as "bristletails," silverfish and firebrats can be very difficult to exterminate once they enter a building. Silverfish prefer moist environments such as damp basements, pipe chases, and water-damaged wood. Firebrats prefer dry, hot environments such as furnace rooms and dry attics in the summer.
Crickets
There are many species of crickets, almost all of which are primarily nocturnal and prefer dark, secluded environments. Generally speaking, they only become a problem when they enter homes, often taking up residence under decks, in crawl spaces, and in basements. Not all crickets "chirp." Some are mute.
Ticks
Ticks are parasitic arachnids who feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Some tick species, such as the deer tick (shown on the right), are known to transmit of serious diseases. Deer ticks transmit Lyme disease, and other ticks have been implemented in the transmission of human granulocytic and monocytic ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, relapsing fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, Q fever, and tick paralysis.
Please contact us for help with these pests, or any pest control problem.