When pests pop up randomly, most homeowners instantly call for an extermination service. However, homeowners can do themselves a favor by taking measures to prevent pests before they come into the house. Here are a few of the most common infestations that homeowners face in the United States.

1. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. According to the United States Census Bureau, about 14 million homes nationwide have roaches. Prevention is almost as important as extermination. Clean your house regularly and store food in covered containers. If you do see roaches, contact an extermination service immediately to eliminate them. Without professional expertise, they can live in your walls for years. Pest exterminators eliminate the roaches as well as their colonies and their eggs. That way, they stay gone.

2. Rodents

Rodents like mice commonly come inside when it gets cold outside. As long as they have access to food and water, they’ll make your house their new residence. Once inside, rodents will remain and reproduce over time, often getting into your food, too. Exterminators can utilize lethal and nonlethal methods of getting rid of rodents. It depends on how bad the infestation is but, for example, if it's just a single mouse, they can be trapped and released. Conversely, an entire colony would be much more difficult to remove nonlethally. The longer you allow mice to create a nest, the worse of a problem you'll have to deal with.

3. Bedbugs

These are another surprisingly common household pest. Carefully inspect used furniture and clothing before bringing it home. Look for signs of bed bugs when staying out of town to avoid getting them from a vacation. As soon as you notice a bed bug infestation, contacting extermination services is essential. This can be one of the most challenging infestations to eliminate alone. DIY methods often wind up being more costly than professional services.

4. Flies

Once flies enter your home, eliminating them can seem impossible. The worst thing about flies is how they can build homes seemingly everywhere. This includes in kitchen drains, in trashcans, and even amongst plants. When you notice a fly infestation starting, contact exterminators ASAP. Professionals know about all of these hiding spaces that flies tend to love. That way, you don't wake up to a hidden colony of flies taking over your kitchen.

When they get into the cracks, walls, and holes in your home, dealing with pests is best left to the professionals. Here at Colwell Termite & Pest Control, we've expertly taken care of pests since 1981. Contact us today for an estimate of a local extermination service.