Types of Insects in Illinois: Common Outdoor House Bugs and Other Pests in Illinois
Pests, while always a nuisance, can also pose threats to your health and your home. When it comes to Illinois pest control, identification and prevention are the first lines of defense. Identifying pests from ticks to termites can be difficult if you aren’t sure what to look for – calling a pest control professional is the best way to identify and treat insects in Illinois, big or small.
List of Common Types of Pests & Insects in Illinois
While many common house bugs in Illinois prefer conditions inside, there are also many outdoor insects. The same goes for rodents and other pests. It’s important to be aware of the dangers and know when to contact a pest control professional for help.
Rodents
Illinois pest control professionals know a lot about rodents as they are a common household pest. From mice to rats, rodents are constantly seeking shelter and food, making homes a perfect place to set up camp. Between Illinois’ freezing winters and particularly snowy environment, rodents are likely to seek shelter indoors for much of the year.
Rodents can squeeze through any hole or crack that their skulls can fit through – for instance, mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime and rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter. Once they get inside, rodents can cause property damage by chewing through drywall and insulation, as well as the electrical wiring in your walls or vehicles. Damaged electrical wiring is not only costly to repair but poses a fire hazard.
To avoid an infestation, be sure to seal any potential entryways that rodents could use to get inside your home or move through the home. Rats and mice are associated with several health risks and are known to spread more than 35 diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Droppings and dander from rodents can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, especially in children.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a particularly hated pest by Illinois homeowners due to their creepy appearance and ability to withstand harsh environments, making them difficult to get rid of once an infestation occurs.
Cockroaches are a real concern when it comes to our health. They can spread nearly 33 kinds of bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella as well as six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. In addition to these serious illnesses, cockroaches can also trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.
Cleanliness is key when preventing a cockroach infestation. Emptying the trash regularly, keeping food in sealed containers, and cleaning moist spaces such as bathrooms and basements often can help keep these pests at bay.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites typically stay hidden from view. People commonly encounter the flying “swarmer” termites when a colony is large enough to send out reproductive termites to create new colonies.
There are several telltale signs of a termite infestation. One sign is the presence of mud tubes on the exterior of the home. Mud tubes look like thin tunnels made of soil, which the termites construct to protect them from drying out as they travel. Other signs of a subterranean termite infestation include damaged wood in the home, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, and uneven or bubbling paint.
These pests can seriously damage the structural integrity of your home, which makes termite control and regular termite inspections so important. The annual cost of termite damage in the U.S. is $6.8 billion when adjusted for inflation! To avoid property damage, always call a pro to identify the type of termite and treat an infestation.
Ticks
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the most common diseases associated with tick bites reported in the state are Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis.
Adult ticks are most active in April, May and June and can hide in tall grass, wooded areas and even your backyard. With this in mind, Illinois residents need to make sure they are taking certain precautions to avoid tick bites.
When spending time outside, use an insect repellant with at least 20% DEET, wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible and always remember to check yourself and pets for ticks before coming back inside. Always reach out to an Illinois pest control professional if you suspect an infestation.
What is the Illinois State Insect?
Illinois’ official state insect is the Monarch Butterfly, known for its beautiful orange and black markings. Unlike other pests living in the prairie state, this butterfly is harmless to humans.
Find Illinois Exterminators Near You
If you’re concerned about an infestation of these types of insects or rodents in Illinois, it’s important to act quickly to protect your home and health. Contact a pest control professional licensed in Illinois for expert advice before your pest problem becomes an expensive health hazard.
