How to Handle Northern VA’s Most Common Pests

Northern Virginia has the perfect blend of cosmopolitan skies and country-living areas. Also known as NoVa, the region holds a unique and eclectic history, culture, and modern commerce. It is a very promising area to live in, but its neighborhoods are not always safe from different kinds of pests, just like any other place.

The union of urban and suburban living also means a union of different pests exists in the area. To keep your home and your family safe from infestations, be knowledgeable of the common pests in Northern VA and how you can control them.

Wasps

There are different wasps that can be found in the Northern VA area, like the thread-waisted wasp, paper wasp, and yellow jacket. Most insects classified as wasps are often beneficial for gardening and pollinating plants. However, they can build nests in your wall voids, inside your house, or in the attic. This can cause damage to your home, and, at times, wasps can also swarm and sting you, especially if they feel threatened or disturbed.

Regular inspection and sanitation can prevent wasp infestation. You can also use natural wasp repellent by creating a concoction of clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils mixed with some dish soap and water or just a plain soap-water mixture. Put it in a spray bottle and spritz it onto the walls of your home to keep wasps away.

If you find a nest inside your home, spray all over it. However, take note that getting rid of wasps nests on your own has some risks. Gear up with safety goggles, gloves, and clothing that will cover most of your body to avoid possible stings.

Rodents

Northern Virginia has busy cities and great neighborhoods. Therefore, it also has sewage systems, garbage disposals, dark attics, basements, and garages that are perfect breeding grounds for rodents.

Rodents can transmit many diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, Lassa fever, and others. They can also contaminate food and damage your home’s foundation and furniture. No one wants rats and mice in their home, so try to keep your house clean with no food lying around and maintain proper garbage disposal. Seal all cracks and small openings in your walls and doorways as well as your basement.

If you notice rats or mice running around, you can try to trap and catch them. Just make sure you set the right traps for rodents by using the right bait and putting the trap in strategic places. However, you should be very cautious as food baits like peanut butter can attract other pests. The captured rodent may cause a disturbing smell; be sure to clean up whenever you catch one.

Bed Bugs

Just over 20 minutes away from Northern VA is Washing D.C., which is listed as one of the cities with the worst bed bug problems in the U.S. Bed bugs can travel unnoticed in luggage, clothing, and other materials as long as they get close to it. Therefore, Northern Virginia is not safe from bed bug transports.

Bed bugs are tiny and live in small cavities and spaces in a house and furniture, like the bed, couch, and closets. They can be difficult to spot, but you will most likely know when they are there. They often leave itchy bites, which can even trigger an allergic reaction to some. They do not necessarily carry diseases, but bed bugs can cause discomfort and even extreme distress to some people.

To avoid carrying bed bugs into your home:

• Be cautious when traveling and sanitize your home regularly.
• Be wary of second-hand furniture and try to carefully inspect them before bringing them into your home.
• If you suspect you already have bed bugs, use your heating system at home (if available) or put the infested furniture under the sun.

High temperatures can eliminate bed bugs. There are also DIY ways to properly control bed bugs, as suggested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including steam cleaning and using EPA-registered chemical treatments. However, it can be tricky and involve various risks. When in doubt, hand it over to experts.

Carpenter Ants

There are many types of ants in Northern VA. Most don’t cause much of a problem, except for carpenter ants. These ants excavate wood to build their own home inside of it. This means they can attack your house’s foundation, posts, wooden floors, and walls. They can also damage your furniture.

To avoid any carpenter ants:

• Do not leave food out for long, and keep everything tidy.
• Seal cracks around your windows and doors as they can get in this way.
• Make sure that wood pieces in your home are in good condition, as carpenter ants tend to make a home out of wood that’s softened and weathered.

Carpenter ants are barely noticeable, but if they build their whole colony inside your house, you may hear faint crackles in the walls or posts of your home. You may also see a small hole where ants have burrowed into the wood or notice fine wood shavings, sawdust, and traces of your internal wall insulation. With this, you’ll know that you are being infested and can take proper control measures.

However, the process of getting rid of carpenter ants, especially in walls, needs to be systematic. It may involve drilling into walls and using chemicals like boric acid. If the infestation is severe, you may also need to consider looking for a trusted Northern VA pest control.

When to Call Professional Exterminators?

Insects will always be flying and crawling around. But if their presence has caused distress and disturbance, it may very well be an infestation. With the earliest signs, there are easy pest control measures that you can take to resolve the problem. However, if it becomes too dangerous and involves many risks for you or your family, do not hesitate to call for professional help immediately.

Professional pest controllers and exterminators can handle various types of infestations the safest way. They specialize in knowing how to treat different types of pests, and they can provide effective prevention techniques meant to stop threats to your home. Calling exterminators as early as possible can save you from financial and property damage.

Get the Upper Hand Against Northern VA Pests

Your home is your sanctuary, and you would not want to have pests living in it. Keep your house and surrounding exterior clean, and try not to leave items in and around your house that will attract insects. Ensure proper maintenance for the foundations, pipes, walls, posts, and furniture pieces. Keep your house in good shape and have an expert exterminator’s number on hand so your dwelling place can be pest-free.