Common Household Pests in Upstate New York: Identification and Prevention 

Home to sparkling lakes, gorgeous vistas, sprawling parks, charming towns, and vibrant cities, upstate New York is a region like no other. With its picturesque landscapes, changing seasons, and diverse areas to live, Upstate New York is a remarkable place to call home.

Unfortunately, people aren’t the only ones living in the area. No matter what type of home you inhabit — farmhouses, modern lofts, contemporary homes, or apartments — you could be sharing your living space with various pests.

USX Pest Control understands the challenges that homeowners face throughout the area. Understanding and identifying common household pests, along with implementing preventive measures, are key steps to maintaining a pest-free environment.

Common Household Pests in New York State 

Household pest identification is the first step to effectively combatting and preventing infestations. It’s also one of the most critical elements of an Integrated Pest Management approach, which is the key to establishing safe, effective pest control. This strategy, which is at the heart of how USX Pest treats and prevents infestations, places an emphasis on prevention and maintenance.

However, you must first determine the pest that is causing problems. After all, different pests have different habits and require different approaches to eliminate them. Let’s explore six of the common household pests you may encounter in Upstate New York along with tips for preventing infestations. 

Carpenter Ants 

These destructive ants pack a painful bite and can also cause significant damage to your home, fencing, outbuildings, and other wood structures. Carpenter ants build nests in wood, excavating it as they go and creating widespread damage along the way. They are among the largest ants, typically ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 inch in size, with black or red bodies. Prevention is critical and taking steps to minimize the risk of an infestation can make a significant difference: 

• Add a dehumidifier to damp rooms, including basements and crawlspaces. 
• Trim shrubs and branches away from the exterior of the home. 
• Inspect firewood and store it 20 feet or more from the home.
• Conduct periodic inspections to look for sawdust and small openings on wooden surfaces. 

Bed Bugs 

Bed bugs are a problem across the country, not just here in Upstate New York. The National Pest Control Association recently teamed up with the University of Kentucky to conduct a bed bug survey. The results revealed that 97% of those surveyed received bed bug treatment within the past year.

These tiny terrors can spread easily, hitching a ride on luggage and other plush materials. Once inside, they find dark crevices and out-of-the-way spots to nest, coming out at night to feed on blood. These six-legged insects are small, usually about 1/4 inch long, with brown bodies that turn to a purple-red hue after feeding. Signs of an infestation include seeing dead or living bugs, usually in the seams and crevices of mattresses and bed frames, and experiencing itchy bites.

Some ways to prevent infestations include the following: 

• Inspect hotel rooms, including luggage racks and baseboards. 
• Check all luggage for bed bugs before bringing pieces indoors after traveling. 
• Eliminate or reduce clutter in your home. 
• Contact professionals promptly for treatment if bed bugs are present. 

Rodents (Mice and Rats) 

Rodents like rats and mice aren’t just a nuisance; they can be a true menace. With their proclivity for constant gnawing, these critters can do substantial damage. From leaving a mess in your pantry to gnawing on structural elements, insulation, and wiring, mice and rats can leave your home in a dangerous condition. Additionally, rodents are known to spread dozens of diseases, including salmonella and hantavirus, making them downright hazardous to your health.

Because rodents tend to be more active at night, you may never see one in action. Instead, you might see other signs of an infestation, like gnaw marks and droppings. Some effective ways to prevent infestations include the following: 

• Keep food (including pet food) and garbage stored in rodent-proof receptacles. 
• Maintain a clean, sanitized home with minimal clutter.
• Close off gaps, cracks, and openings from the outside. 
• Invest in a Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion System to establish a long-term, chemical free barrier.

Termites 

Termites are often referred to as the “silent destroyer” — for good reason. You could have a widespread infestation and not realize it until the damage to your home is severe. These wood-chewing insects cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year, chewing their way through wallpaper, flooring, and other structural elements.

Although there are many species of termites worldwide, the most common one in the Northeast is the subterranean termite. Adults are typically 1/2 to 1 inch in size, with bodies that are brown, yellow-brown, or light tan in color. 

To prevent termites, consider taking the following steps: 

• Promptly fix any leaks or dripping faucets.
• Maintain dry soil around your home’s foundation by maintaining your gutters and downspouts and ensuring proper drainage. 
• Eliminate entry points by filling cracks and openings around utility lines. 
• Avoid storing firewood or wood debris adjacent to your home. 
• Conduct periodic inspections. 

Cockroaches

Like rodents, cockroaches can contaminate surfaces and food items, potentially spreading dangerous germs and disease-causing pathogens. These creepy crawlies thrive in moist, humid areas. Cockroaches can range anywhere from 1/2 to 3 1/2 long. One of the most common species of cockroaches in Upstate New York is the German cockroach, which has smaller tan or light brown bodies with two stripes down its back.

Other species you might encounter in the area include brownbanded cockroaches, which are light brown and around 1/2 inch in size, and the American cockroach, which is reddish-brown and 1 to 1 1/2 inch in size. Regardless of the species, prevention is essential. Appropriate steps include: 

• Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. 
• Wipe down counters and routinely vacuum and sanitize floors. 
• Secure garbage and remove it frequently. 
• Keep food stored securely.
• Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets promptly. 
• Consult professionals for effective control.

Spiders 

Spiders play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Although they may give many homeowners an immediate feeling of “ick,” these eight-legged creatures are natural predators that control populations of many harmful insects. Some spiders, including black widows and brown recluse spiders, can pack a venomous bite. Others, such as the American house spider and daddy long legs, are mostly harmless to humans.

One of the most effective means of preventing spiders is by minimizing their hiding spots. Tips include: 

• Clean all areas regularly, vacuuming often and minimizing clutter. 
• Replace torn screens and caulk around doors and windows.
• Keep shrubs and other vegetation at least 8 feet from your home’s exterior walls. 
• Seal gaps, cracks, and other possible entry points. 

Professional Pest Control 

When pests invade, it might be tempting to rely on the suggested DIY solution. However, doing so rarely allows you to get to the root of the problem, which can leave you with a bigger challenge (and expense) in the long run. Professional pest control relies on state-of-the-art technology and treatment options to eliminate infestations safely and effectively. Additionally, the pros at USX Pest partner with homeowners to help prevent infestations before they start.

Customized Treatment Plans 

No two pest infestations or two homes are the same. By taking a customized approach with treatment plans tailored to the precise situation at hand, USX Pest can maximize treatment efficacy. Technicians begin each case by performing a detailed home pest inspection to identify the pests and potential causes of the infestation.

Use of Specialized Equipment and Products 

Trained, licensed technicians have the expertise to safely handle products and equipment. This ensures that each home launches a treatment plan designed for maximum effectiveness, with minimal harm or risk to people, pets, and the environment.

Preventive Measures and Education 

Prevention is priceless. Professionals lean on decades of experience and extensive training to empower homeowners and aid in enacting preventive strategies.

Safe and Efficient Application 

Targeted treatments focus each application on the pest at hand. Technicians undergo ample training to ensure that they can safely administer all treatments. USX Pest can also advise homeowners on all necessary steps to maintain safety for everyone in the home.

Platinum Home Protection 

For year-round monitoring and maintenance and the ultimate peace of mind, many homeowners choose USX Pest’s Platinum Home Protection Program. Ongoing prevention with pest assessments every other month and prompt servicing as needed between visits make this program a favorite among Upstate New Yorkers.

Contact USX Pest for Household Pest Identification and Control

As a homeowner, having professionals you can count on can make all the difference. Experience USX Pest’s commitment to providing excellent service and safe, effective pest control for yourself. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free inspection.