Bed bugs, which appear reddish-brown in color, are flat and oval pests that are up to 5 mm long in size. After a blood meal, which is the only way they feed, bed bugs become swollen and redder. They’re more active at night when their host is sleeping, and they’re often found in hotels, where they travel easily from host to host.
A cockroach can measure more than two inches in length; tropical species tend to be larger than those found in cooler climates. They have six legs and two antennae, and some species have wings. Most winged cockroaches aren’t particularly good at flying, though. A cockroach can enter your home from nearly anywhere. Considering that they breed rapidly, it’s especially important to deal with the problem once you notice it to avoid allergic reactions and other health risks.
- Cockroaches are nocturnal, so if you spot one during the day, it’s usually a sure sign of an infestation.
- Cockroach feces will appear during an infestation; they resemble black pepper or coffee grounds.
- An unpleasant smell, either an oily or a musty odor, is typical during a cockroach infestation.
Termites live in colonies that consist of nymphs, workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Each specific type of termite differs in size, shape, and function. Termites might look like ants, but they’re more closely related to cockroaches. Considering termites cost homeowners in the United States billions of dollars every year in structural damage, you have to contact your local exterminators right away if you notice any signs of an infestation.
- Sagging floors and walls or areas that appear to have water damage can indicate a termite infestation.
- Termites usually leave behind small piles of feces that resemble pellets where they’ve either eaten or nested.
- The presence of tunnels near your home’s foundation is a likely sign of a subterranean termite infestation.