Learn About the Most Common Household Pests

Most Common Household Pests in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, CA, is one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Unfortunately, even the most pristine California home is vulnerable to common household pests. Knowing what creepy crawlies to look for and how to handle them is the key to maintaining a safe, comfortable living environment. Here’s a guide to the 10 most common household pests in Sacramento.

1. Ants

Sacramento homeowners often deal with carpenter ants and Argentine ants. Carpenter ants chew through wood, causing structural damage, while Argentine ants invade homes in search of food and water. Effective ant extermination requires eliminating the entire colony, which often calls for professional pest control services.

2. Spiders

Sacramento is home to various spiders, including the venomous black widow, identifiable by the shiny black body and red hourglass marking. A black widow’s bite requires prompt medical attention. Keeping your home free of clutter, regularly cleaning, and sealing cracks and crevices can help prevent spider infestations.

3. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are common in Sacramento. These resourceful pests thrive in humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They spread bacteria and allergens and reproduce at alarming rates. Caulk any cracks near your windows, doors, baseboards, and cabinets to keep them out of your house.

4. Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks control are common pests in Sacramento, particularly for pet owners. They cause itching and can transmit diseases. Ticks are particularly known for causing Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To manage these pests, groom your pets regularly, vacuum frequently, and use preventative products. Maintaining your yard and performing regular tick checks after outdoor activities also helps. For severe infestations, you may need professional flea and tick pest control services.
Chart Showing Common Household Pests for Pest Control in Sacramento

5. Wasps and Yellow Jackets

Wasps and yellow jackets are aggressive insects that can sting multiple times. They build nests in eaves, attics, and underground burrows. Attempting to remove a wasp infestation on your own can be dangerous. Professional pest control service providers safely remove nests and prevent further infestations in your home.

6. Earwigs

Earwigs are nocturnal insects that feed on plants and decaying organic matter. They often enter homes in search of moisture and food, particularly during dry weather. While they don’t cause any harm, you probably don’t want to share your home with earwigs. Keep them out by sealing entry points, reducing indoor humidity with dehumidifiers, and removing debris from around your home’s exterior.

7. Millipedes

Millipedes are harmless but can become a nuisance when they enter your home searching for moisture. They feed on decaying plant material and prefer damp environments. To control millipedes, reduce the moisture level in your home, seal entry points, and remove mulch, leaves, and other organic debris from around the foundation.

8. Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a silvery-gray color and fish-like movements. They thrive in dark, damp environments like basements, bathrooms, and attics. Silverfish are nocturnal and can survive on various food sources, including paper, glue, and clothing. While they don’t pose direct health risks, they can damage household goods. To prevent silverfish infestations, reduce the indoor humidity, seal entry points around your home, and store items like books and clothes in sealed containers.

9. Box Elder Bugs

Box elder bugs are common in Sacramento, especially in areas with box elder, maple, and ash trees. These bugs are about one-half inch long, with black bodies and distinctive red or orange markings. While box elder bugs are not dangerous, they can become a nuisance if they enter your home in large numbers, such as when seeking warmth in the fall. Consider professional box elder bug pest control if they become a problem.

10. Pantry Pests

Pantry pests include beetles, weevils, and other insects attracted to stored food products like flour, cereals, rice, and nuts. These pests contaminate your food and are a common problem in Sacramento homes. To prevent an infestation, inspect food packages before purchase, store dry goods in airtight containers, and regularly clean your pantry shelves. If you discover these pests, discard any contaminated food, clean the pantry thoroughly, and consider pantry pest control services.

Schedule Pest Control Services in Sacramento

Now that you know more about the most common household pests, you may be ready to get rid of them. That’s where Apex Pest Control comes in. We have over 40 years of experience serving Sacramento homeowners with fast, reliable services at competitive rates, making us a top choice for all your pest control needs. Contact us today at 916-362-9294 to request a pest control estimate today.