Common Virginia Household Pests
- Cockroaches may not bite or sting but they are nonetheless meddlesome pests that Virginia homeowners should be aware of. Virginia is home to various species of cockroach, the German cockroach being the most common according to BugmanExt.com. Other common Virginia species include the American cockroach, the largest of all the common species, and the brown-banded cockroach, which is particularly prominent in the South. Cockroaches generally prefer moist areas, such as bathrooms, basements, cloths hampers and other such places.
- The common housefly can be a rule nuisance for Virginia residents. These black, flying insects are usually 1/6 to 1/4 inches in length. They can be found anywhere in the home but are particularly attracted to decaying vegetable material, garbage, and manure. Like many insects, house flies typically lay their eggs in moist, warm areas. Keep your house clean and odor-free to prevent house flies, and make sure to have a fly swatter on hand during high season (spring and summer).
- Stink bugs, or Halyomorpha halys, hit Virginian homes between the spring and late fall and are attracted to light at night. These pests secrete foul-smelling liquid when disturbed, which is where they got their name. Stink bugs are typically 3/4 inches in length and have distinctive markings on their thorax. Look for the triangular shape that extends from the their head to halfway down their backs.
- Mosquitoes are not only extremely irritating, they can cause painful skin irritation and spread disease. Virginia residents who live near wetlands, ponds, rivers, streams, lakes and other places with stagnant water should be particularly wary of mosquitoes. These insects are most active from dusk until dawn, and only the females attack and suck their victim's blood. Mosquitoes are usually 1/4 to 3/8 inches in length with pale stripes along their abdomen. Purchase citronella candles and apply mosquito repellent during the spring and summer to prevent bites.
- Lady bugs are completely harmless and some people even believe them to bring good luck. However, many Virginia homeowners see these small, round insects as meddlesome pests. Lady bugs typically infest Virginia homes during late fall to escape the cold temperatures. Usually red or orange with small black spots, lady bugs are about 1/4 inches long on average.
- Not all common Virginia pests have wings and multiple eyes. Rats are common in Virginia households, particularly those that are near or in big cities and those that are not well cared for. Rats vary in length from two to three inches to nearly a foot long. Rats are attracted to food primarily and may be found scurrying around the kitchen at night. They can be hard to get rid of and often require the help of an exterminator.