5 More Pests You’ll Find On Denver Properties
6. Ground Rodents
Moles, voles and pocket gophers cause big headaches for Denver residents every year. Moles target your lawn, voles target your fruit trees, and pocket gophers wreak havoc in the vegetable garden. They are adept at hiding from people, but their droppings can spread disease and they can carry other pests, like fleas. You may notice mounds of disturbed soil, tunnel tracks under the snow, and obvious plant or tree damage from nibbling. The only way to deal with these rodents is to have them removed by a professional.
7. Ladybugs
Ladybugs or Asian lady beetles are generally considered beneficial insects. They eat other pests like aphids, scale insects, and mealy bugs. These red, black-spotted beetles become a problem in the fall, when they start to look for a place to hibernate in the winter, and this place is most often in your house. If you find beetles in your home, you can vacuum them up and free them or crush them. You should also seal all cracks and joints where they may sneak in. Bug lights can discourage beetles from remaining, since they are on the hunt for a dark place to overwinter.
8. Squirrels
Squirrels are supposed to nest in trees, but they are invasive and will take up residence in or on your property. In spring, mother squirrels look for good nesting sites, which may include your attic. Physical removal and relocation is the best way to get rid of squirrels, but you may be subject to local laws regarding their removal. For best results, contact a pest removal specialist. To prevent them from making a nest in your home in the first place, replace all soft and rotted wood that they may try to chew through to gain entry, keep trees trimmed away from your roof to dissuade squirrels from jumping onto your home, remove bird feeders, and avoid planting nut trees.
9. Clover Mites
Clover mites are tiny, reddish-colored pests that show up in early spring, once temperatures hit the mid 40’s. They eat plant juices and aren’t harmful to humans, but when crushed, they leave an unsightly red stain behind. You’ll find them congregating in sunny windowsills or on siding. Keep them out by vacuuming them up or wiping them up with a damp sponge and keep the perimeter of your home free from grass and weeds, where they like to dine. A layer of pea gravel around the foundation can provide an effective barrier.
10. Millipedes
Millipedes are another species that likes damp places. They tend to show up in homes in the fall or after heavy rains. Many millipedes excrete a caustic liquid or noxious smelling odor as a defense mechanism. The caustic liquid may kill insects, but is only a mild irritant to both humans and pets. Likewise, the noxious odor is not harmful to people or pets, but it’s very unpleasant. Millipedes are technically not insects, so they lack the waxy protectant layer that insects have. Because of this, they are very sensitive to desiccation, or agents that will dry them out. Commercial desiccants are very effective, as well as home remedies, such as boric acid or diatomaceous earth.
Contact Pest Free Denver For Help Removing Pests From Your Property
If DIY pest-control efforts have failed, contact Budget Pest Control for professional pest removal and extermination services. We can help you get rid of an existing infestation and provide you with tips to keep the pests from returning.
