Common pests in West Chester, PA
With this in mind, here are five pests that are commonly seen in the southeastern Pennsylvania area:
Termites
Termites are pesky insects that thrive on cellulose, a substance that is found in wood. Termites chew through wood in order to obtain cellulose, which is why they can be a nightmare for homeowners. As a result, a termite infestation may cause significant structural damage to your home if left untreated. It's a good idea for homeowners to schedule a yearly termite inspection to help detect their presence sooner rather than later for both peace of mind and to avoid costly repairs.
Bed bugs
Small and oval-shaped in appearance, bed bugs are another common pest in the West Chester, Pennsylvania area. Bed bugs typically infest mattresses and the crevices in furniture, quietly emerging to feed on someone sitting still long enough for them to obtain their blood meal. Their small size makes them difficult to detect until a person has been bitten. Bed bug bites can cause irritating welts, which can lead to a secondary infection due to scratching.
Flies
No one enjoys having flies buzzing around their home, but flies can be more than just irritating. Flies have a habit of feeding on dead or rotting things, as well as landing on fecal matter. They pick up bacteria and disease-causing pathogens on their body, then transmit them to surfaces like food prep counters, which can leave humans quite sick.
Wasps
Wasps are one of the most common stinging insects, but unlike bees, they can sting several times – leaving those unfortunate to cross paths with painful welts. An increase in wasp sightings near your home or business could mean that wasps have made a nest nearby. They frequently build nests near or on human structures, typically in places like gutters or in garages.
Rodents
People often learn that they have a rodent infestation when they hear sounds of movement in their walls. Mice and rats can squeeze into small spaces, which is how they enter and move around inside buildings. Once inside, they can spread disease-causing pathogens, contaminate surfaces, and bring fleas.