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Occasional Invaders

Small Pests, Big Problems—Know the Risks

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Occasional Invaders

What Are Occasional Invaders?

Occasional invaders include a wide number of common pests found throughout the United States that affect homeowners every year. While primarily a nuisance, in some cases these pests can do damage to your home or personal items. However, the main problem they pose comes from the annoyance you'll face when you have to deal with them.

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Are Occasional Invaders Dangerous?

While the danger level will vary, the main reason people dislike occasional invaders comes from the nuisance factor they bring when they swarm homes. Occasional invaders are not generally considered dangerous and instead as nuisance pests; however, in some cases, these pests can do damage to your home or personal items, especially in the case of silverfish. However, their nuisance can also serve a benefit, as their presence can indicate other issues that you may not have been aware of, like moisture problems in your home.

  • Centipedes can bite people and are venomous. A bite from a centipede is quite painful, feeling similar to a bee sting. They use their venom to attack and paralyze their prey; however, the venom is not strong enough to affect a human beyond the typical symptoms of a bee sting.
  • Earwigs may try to pinch if they feel threatened, but generally, they are not considered to be dangerous to people or pets. Although they may wander indoors, it is a widely accepted thought that earwigs are an "occasional invader" and that they are nothing more than a nuisance pest.
  • Although Asian lady beetles may bite, their bite does not seriously injure humans or spread diseases. If crushed, the beetles will emit a foul odor and leave a stain. The dust produced from an accumulation of dead beetles behind wall voids may trigger allergies or asthma in some people. Their tendency to aggregate and their ability to enter structures may cause this insect to become a significant structural pest. There have been reports of hundreds and even thousands of these beetles found in and on homes.
  • Millipedes are not poisonous and do not bite or sting. They can emit a horrible fluid in order to defend themselves. Some species of millipede can spray this fluid several inches. The fluid can cause skin irritation in some people and should be washed off right away. Additionally, it may take some extra scrubbing to get rid of the odor.
  • Silverfish are not associated with any disease, though the property damage they cause can be extensive.
  • Even though bird mites need the blood of birds to complete their life cycle and survive, they can bite humans. Human blood, though, isn't enough for survival. Symptoms of a bird mite bite are similar to bites of other insects and mites. You may develop small red bumps or a crawling sensation on your skin. Bird mite bites also cause itching, which can be severe at times, and in rare cases can result in a bacterial infection.

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Steps You Can Take To Prevent Occasional Invaders In Western Washington

The best advice when it comes to occasional invaders is simply to give them no reason and no opportunity to come inside. Here are some general tips you can use to protect yourself from occasional invaders around your home:

  • Seal any cracks or crevices that are visible in your home or building's foundation or exterior walls using a good quality silicone caulk.
  • Make sure to keep gutters clear and that they are directing water away from your home.
  • Keep logs, rocks, and other organic material away from the exterior of your home or building.
  • Reduce moisture problems in and around your structure.
  • Swap out your regular fluorescent lights with sodium vapor yellow lights (bug lights) to deter earwigs.
  • Seal cracks around windows, doors, utility pipes, siding, behind chimneys and underneath the wood fascia and other openings.
  • Repair or replace damaged screens on doors and windows.
  • Replace worn or damaged weather-stripping around windows and doors.
  • Use a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home.
  • Keep your yard free of any rotting wood, decaying grass, and leaf piles.
  • Create an 18-20 inch gravel or stone barrier between the lawn and the foundation wall.
  • Avoid close contact with birds or bird nests that could expose you to clover mites.
4.9 out of 5 stars - 51 votes

4.9 Stars (51 Reviews)

5

Guard has been very responsive and helpful with all of our pest issues. I can't say whether or not they have the best prices but it always feels reasonable.

5

Good quality service, very friendly and knowledgeable technician. Whole process was easy and stress free. 10/10 would hire them again in a heart beat. They were cheaper than 2 other quotes from other company’s. Can’t recommend them enough.

5

We had hornets that had gone under flashing by chimney and worked there way into attic, could hear them up there. Christian came out on-time/ same day service and sprayed them in the air coming and going from flashing area, within 24 hours no noise in attic and 48 hours later not seeing any...
We had hornets that had gone under flashing by chimney and worked there way into attic, could hear them up there. Christian came out on-time/ same day service and sprayed them in the air coming and going from flashing area, within 24 hours no noise in attic and 48 hours later not seeing any hornets. I will give it a few more days and see, I want to clean my chimney out. There 60 day warranty also gives peace of mind that it's taken care, also the price I was qouted is what I Paid. Thanks Jeff

5

Fast growing wasp nest in attic vent needed stopping asap. Scheduler Olivia was friendly and got Christian out right away to spray. Christian surveyed around the house for any other nests and detailed the spraying process along with 60 day guarantee. Wasps were gone after day 3 and still no sign...
Fast growing wasp nest in attic vent needed stopping asap. Scheduler Olivia was friendly and got Christian out right away to spray. Christian surveyed around the house for any other nests and detailed the spraying process along with 60 day guarantee. Wasps were gone after day 3 and still no sign of them on day 10 so very pleased. I would recommend and will use again.

5

UPDATE: Everything was all clear and they let us know to contact them if anything else showed up. Would work with them again! ORIGINAL POST (2 MONTHS PRIOR): Still in the process of working with them, so I’ll update when we’re done, but here’s the current feelings! There was a bedbug...
UPDATE: Everything was all clear and they let us know to contact them if anything else showed up. Would work with them again! ORIGINAL POST (2 MONTHS PRIOR): Still in the process of working with them, so I’ll update when we’re done, but here’s the current feelings! There was a bedbug sighting in my home which I think got picked up from the train as it’s a frequent mode of transport for most people I live with. My Aging and Disabilities case manager sent a referral and said to wait for them to call me. Olivia did, and helped me set up a date and time and kept me updated when things were running behind. Christian came by and was able to check all the soft furniture in the area it was found. He also set traps and showed me how to keep an eye on them. Olivia texted to get more information on what sorts of mattresses and bed springs the household uses so she could send a quote to my ADS case manager on how much it will be to cover and treat if more bedbugs are found. So far, it’s looking like we’re in the clear. But if things need to be treated, I’m pretty confident in this crew. Thanks!

5

Always great service. Professional, knowledgeable and always reliable. We have used the service at our home for a few years and now our parents.

5

Everyone that worked with us was awesome! Great service over the phone getting setup for a first visit and walking through the preventative maintenance. Their technician was professional and courteous once on site. I have been very appreciative and happy with the service!! Ty Guard Pest Control!

5

We have used Guard Pest Control for at least 4 years and have been so grateful for the peace of mind they bring. Ant problem - they got it and left me with extra traps. Spider problem - they got it. Yellow Jacket and Wasps nests - they come out. I highly recommend their maintenance program...
We have used Guard Pest Control for at least 4 years and have been so grateful for the peace of mind they bring. Ant problem - they got it and left me with extra traps. Spider problem - they got it. Yellow Jacket and Wasps nests - they come out. I highly recommend their maintenance program because it gives me peace of mind and I know myself well enough that I would be spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME AND MONEY myself if I tried all the silly DIY's....because I used to try those. Those google pest DIYs generally don't work and aren't always easy. Guard Pest Control has quality employees, very responsive and always friendly. I trust them to protect my family, kids, cats, and ducks.

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Why To Call Guard Pest Control For Help With Occasional Invaders

Occasional invaders can be particularly difficult pests to eradicate. These pests are often tiny, and while they may not be as tenacious as some pests, they tend to infest homes in significant numbers when they become a problem, making DIY pest treatments ineffective as they fail to eliminate the entire infestation.

Even if the pest that's bothering you isn't an immediate threat, it's always best to leave it to the professionals. DIY pest control generally does not address the root of the problem, while it may get rid of the pest for a short period, they will often come back. That's where a professional home pest treatment or a professional commercial pest control treatment regiment from Guard Pest Control comes in.

An inspection and treatment by our Snohomish pest control professionals can help eliminate these pests and identify issues that may be contributing to their presence. No matter what pest is bugging you or the size of the infestation, Guard Pest Control can help. Our team of pest experts have all the tools and know-how you need to make any occasional invader around your home a distant memory. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.