There are lots of great things about living in the Midwest: the seasons, the relatively low cost of living, and pleasant communities. But the region’s vast array of weather and farming also gives rise to numerous pests that could be having fun in your home.
Midwestern homeowners are confronted with challenges different from those faced by coastal residents, from spiders in the basement to grain-loving pantry moths. These cold winters and hot, humid summers provide the perfect breeding ground for pests to enter your house and multiply rapidly once they find a place to stay.
Such pests can ruin the property, spoil food, and affect the health of your family. Although DIY techniques may be effective in the short term, seeking advice from pest control near me is essential to eliminate and protect your home from further attacks in the long term.
Why Are Pests Common In Midwest States?
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Climate Conditions Create Perfect Breeding Grounds
Because of the Midwest’s continental climate, pests are compelled to stay inside during extreme temperature conditions, especially in the summer heat and winter chill. High humidity (70% or higher) in summer months creates desirable environments for pest insects; basements, crawl spaces, and attics become prime real estate, avoiding the hot outdoors and looking for consistency in their moisture.
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Agricultural Landscape Attracts Diverse Pest Populations
The plentiful farmland and grain-growing infrastructure of the Midwest are natural lures for pests that subsequently travel to buildings and homes in the vicinity. Rodents, insects, and other pests like corn, soybeans, and wheat, and these fields provide bounty. USDA data shows that corn and soybeans make up more than 80% of what the Midwest produces, creating one contiguous habitat for pests across the region.
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Seasonal Migration Patterns
The frigid conditions of winter drive pests into our homes, and the increased temperatures of spring create quick breeding cycles. Pest control calls in spring months, when dormant insects are awakened and looking for new nesting spots, increased by 65%, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Commonly Found Pests In the Midwest & How to Tackle Them
Here are some of the common pests you will find:
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House Mice and Norway Rats
These little rodents become especially annoying in fall and winter when they are looking for warm shelter. They can come in through places that are as small as a dime and reproduce very quickly once inside.
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Boxelder Bugs
In the fall, these black and red insects cluster on the warm sides of buildings and then enter your home in search of shelter for the winter. Boxelder, maple, and ash trees are particularly appealing to them.
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Asian Lady Beetles
These orange beetles, often confused with ladybugs and indeed not helpful, gather in swarms at homes in the fall. They bite, leave stains on the surfaces, and stink when disturbed.
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Cluster Flies
These slow-moving flies hibernate in hollows between walls and attics, and come out to play when a winter day is warm enough to have a game. In warmer months, they are attracted to earthworms in your yard. This can include putting up screens over the vents and in windows, sealing exterior-wall cracks, and sticky traps on the inside.
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House Centipedes
The fast-moving, multi-legged critters like damp areas such as basements and bathrooms. Though they do feed on other pests, the sight of them frightens almost every homeowner. The first step is to lower moisture through the use of dehumidifiers, plumbing repair concerning leakages, and sealing basement cracks appropriately. Using a company such as Reliable Pest Solutions’ help often means getting a recommendation about how to treat your pests. They have local knowledge of pest behaviors and have also helped hundreds of homes in the Midwest live pest-free!
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Pavement Ants
Before invading our homes looking for food, these little black ants create nests under walks, driveways, and foundations. Spring and summer are prime seasons for them, too.
