Old House? 10 Common Pests To Look Out For

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Everyone knows that old houses are more susceptible to a pest infestation of certain common pests. These pests almost seem like legitimate occupants of such spaces. They turn the cracks, holes, walls, roofs, openings, and damaged places into their cozy palaces. Soon, they start to breed, multiply and disperse, causing the areas they occupy much more damage in the process.

Old houses with lots of structures made from wood tend to suffer a lot more damage from these pests. And once the wood gets infected, these irksome creatures then burrow into it, make their nest, lay eggs, hatch, and live in the structures. 

10 Common Pests to Watch Out for in Old Houses

Pests major dwellings in old houses include the attic, lawns, cupboards, drawers, bathroom, kitchen, wardrobe, electronics and appliances, sinks, and basements. Pests can also hide behind and under household items that have been packed away for long periods (epochs, boxes, and clutters). Aging walls, fences, posts, and even recycle bins are some of the choicest living spaces for these little animals.

Here are 10 common pests to watch out for:

1. Termites

‘Old house’ is almost synonymous with ‘termite damage.’ Termites occupy a top spot on our list of pests that infest old houses. These havoc-wreakers feed on wood and can cause extensive structural damage. The cost of fixing such damages caused by termite activity is significantly high, so it’s important to reach out to a professional as soon as possible.

2. Powderpost beetle

Different species of insects are usually classified under this name. Powderpost species are known for chewing woods, especially those with neither covers nor paints. If you see little holes in your wooden items surrounded by powdery dust, these beetles could be the likely culprit. They can often also be commonly found in older houses.

3. Cockroaches

Roaches feed on wood, clothes, fabric, and all sorts of left-over food. They are nocturnal animals, and so, will roam your kitchen while you sleep.

4. Centipedes

Centipede’s hiding places are usually moist. They can be found in bathrooms, recycle bins, closets, the kitchen, the basement, or any other damp place in the house.

5. Flies

Flies of all kinds are carriers of pathogens. They forage in refuse bins and damp spots like the basement, and lawns.

6. Silverfish

You could easily find this pest in old houses since they thrive in moist places as well. Spaces like attics, bathrooms, and basements have been proven to be good hiding spots for them. Their entry points into old houses are mostly aging walls.

7. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes love to stay around stagnant water and wet areas. They are parasites and carriers of plasmodium, which is the known cause of malaria. Be wary of this insect because of its rapid reproduction rate.

8. Ants

If the insect you’re looking at appears smooth, fine, and warm, then you’re probably dealing with ants. These wanderers love to nest in your lawns but could use literally anywhere as their hideout.

9. Bed Bugs

A known nuisance that feeds on the blood of its host. What could be more ungrateful? Be careful because these ones will make your beddings their dwelling place.

10. Rats

These warm-blooded mammals will exploit roofs, doors, windows, posts, and frames as infiltration points. They masticate books, clothes, woods, cut your cables, turn your house into a mess and announce their presence with their droppings. They can be quite noisy as well and often get out of control quickly.

Got Old House Pests?

Even if your home is really old, it doesn’t have to remain in that state. Enlist the services of an experienced pest control expert to kick out these unwanted occupants to reclaim your home. We service all of Metro Detroit, including Troy pest control services or rodent removal, and even into Wayne County.

Contact Solidified Pest Control today to remove the most common pests and rodents. We have same-day and evening appointments to accommodate your needs.