Occasional Invader Identification

Some pests like mice, ants, spiders, and bed bugs are persistent invaders of our homes and considered true structural pests. They move inside of our houses in search of food, water, and shelter. Once inside, they typically stay until made to leave.

Other pests like earwigs, silverfish, millipedes, and centipedes are referred to as occasional invaders. These pests live very successfully outside in our gardens, yards, and trees. Typically the only thing that drives these pests indoors is unsuitable weather. They aren’t pests that move inside to feed or breed, just to escape extremely hot, cold, wet, or dry environmental conditions.

Occasional invaders are not pests that anyone would consider dangerous. They aren’t aggressive, don’t cause structural damage, and as long as you don’t try to handle them, they won’t bite or sting. However, just because they are not a threat doesn’t mean we want them inside our homes. Having occasional invaders in your house is an issue you should always address.

Most occasional invaders have high moisture needs. If they are attracted to the exterior or interior of your home, the likely cause is excess water caused by poor drainage, clogged gutters, or leaky pipes. The presence of occasional invaders is problematic because while they might not be dangerous if they find a way into your home, other pests that are potentially dangerous and destructive will have a way inside also.

Occasional invaders can move into houses and other structures independently or by hitchhiking their way inside on things that we bring in like delivery boxes, newspapers, and flower pots. Moisture found in the flowerbeds, mulch, and soil that often surrounds our foundations and dense landscaping lures these pests to our homes and enables them to easily move inside whenever necessary.

If occasional invaders have invaded your home, they are going to migrate to dark, damp areas that mimic their outdoor environments. Basements, crawlspaces, utility rooms, spaces behind stairs, and cabinets under sinks are examples of places where occasional invaders gather. Sometimes these pests can enter into our pantries where they will get into and contaminate dry goods.

The best way to maintain a pest-free home is to partner with a pest control expert and put in place a regular pest control service. Though occasional invaders aren’t usually a significant threat, they still should not be living in our homes.

To combat occasional invaders and other household pests, at HomeShield Pest Control, we offer comprehensive pest control services that are kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and eco-friendly. We are committed to providing a long-term solution to pest problems! If you live in the Sacramento Valley or Southern California area and are experiencing issues with occasional invaders, give us a call today and speak with one of our helpful professionals!

Below are some of our most helpful tips to protect your California property from the occasional invaders that call our region home.

• Inspect the exterior of your house, checking for cracks, crevices, gaps, and other points of entry occasional invaders could take advantage of.
• Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Create a stone barrier between and soil or mulch and your foundation.
• Fix leaky pipes.
• Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris.
• Make changes to your yard that will eliminate areas of standing water.
• Cut shrubs, bushes, and other landscaping back away from your foundation.
• Look over boxes, flowerpots, and other items that were outside for occasional invaders before bringing them indoors.