Other Pests

There are more than 800,000 named species of insects. This web site devotes the major part of its space to those species most common in our area. We've set aside this page to briefly discuss other pests which, while not quite as common, still come to exterminators' attention from time to time. For help with these critters or any other pest problem, in the Boston area, contact Economy Pest Control.

 

Bedbugs

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and other animals. For a while, bedbugs had become relatively rare in this country; but in the last few years we've seen a steady increase in bedbug calls. Bedbugs feed mostly at night, when their hosts are asleep. They cause small, hard, swollen, white welts on the skin that become inflamed and itch severely.

 

 

The actual insects are quite small, averaging about 1/8". Some common signs of infestation are blood and fecal stains on bedding an clothing, and a nauseating, sweet odor in seriously infested areas. When they are not feeding, bedbugs may live in bed frames and other room furnishings, in and under carpeting, in cracks and crevices along moldings and trim, in between floor slats, in picture frames, and in many other secluded, protected areas.

 

Bedbugs are among the most difficult insects to eradicate from a home. For more information about bedbug control, contact us.

 

Spiders

Spiders are not insects, but arachnids. Most spiders are harmless or even beneficial; but a few species, such as the widow spiders, the brown recluse spider, the wolf spider, or the Hobo Spider (shown on the left), can cause injury or illness to humans and domestic animals. Arachnid necrosis is a rapidly spreading death of tissue that occurs when an individual is bitten by one of several species of spiders.

 

Ticks

Ticks are not insects, as they have eight legs in their adult stage. All ticks are blood feeders, and some, like the American dog tick (pictured on the left), or the deer tick, are vectors of serious diseases. Control measures vary with the specie of tick, the location and severity of the infestation, the presence of pets in the home, and other factors.

 

 

Silverfish

Silverfish and Firebrats are closely related insects who occasionally invade homes. Once established, they can be difficult to eliminate, as they tend to harbor in wall voids, under shingles, or in other hard-to-access areas. They will eat virtually anything, and can cause damage to wallpaper, books, and carpeting, and textiles. Silverfish prefer moderately warm temperatures, whereas firebrats thrive in very hot environments such as boiler rooms.