Are you noticing a lot of spiders or centipedes in your home lately?
Don’t be fooled: it’s not winter driving them into your house!
Today, we’re talking about predatory insects. Keep reading to find out what they are and why seeing these pests in your home might mean you have a different infestation!
What Are Predatory Insects?
Everything in the animal kingdom has to eat something—and insects are no exception. While many insects feed on plant matter (like termites and ants) or scavenge whatever they can find (like flies and cockroaches), others prey on their fellow insects!
For example, spiders, centipedes, ladybugs, wasps, beetles, dragonflies, and lacewings are all predatory creatures that hunt and eat insects. The most common of these that the average Ohio homeowner will see are spiders, centipedes, ladybugs, and wasps.
Predatory Insects in Your Home
You’ve likely come across at least one predatory insect in your home.
To many homeowners, they are a creepy nuisance; however, in small numbers, predatory insects are actually beneficial! That’s because these insects (or arachnids, in the case of spiders) keep down the number of more annoying, harmful insects. Think about it: without spiders, there would be a lot more flies buzzing around your home!
That said, there is such a thing as too many predatory insects. If you are seeing large numbers of predatory pests in your home—especially if this is a recent change—you could have an infestation of the predatory pest…or a different pest entirely!
What do we mean by that?
Predator or Prey Infestation?
True infestations of predator pests are (fortunately) relatively rare. (They’re not as common as, say, bed bug infestations.)
When large numbers of predatory pests do come in the home, it can be a sign of one or more infestations. Your home may have an infestation of the predatory pest itself. In addition, your home may have an infestation of a prey pest.
That’s because the predatory pest must have a large food supply in order to reproduce to large numbers. And because their prey is—you guessed it—other insects, your home must be giving them that food supply.
That’s why, if you are seeing an increased number of spiders or centipedes this winter, it’s a good idea to check for other pests as well.
Common prey insects include fleas, bed bugs, moths, fruit flies, beetles, stink bugs, and even cockroaches! These insects can all be food for spiders and centipedes.
How to Get Rid of an Infestation
If you want to get rid of predatory insects in your home, your best bet is often to get rid of the pests that are their food source, and to take steps to keep further infestations out of your home.
Because getting rid of an infestation can be tricky, we often recommend homeowners get help from pest professionals. A qualified pest professional can answer all of your questions, such as: What kind of pest is invading your home? Is there more than one pest problem? What’s the best way to get rid of predator insects and other pests? A pest expert can also help determine the size and scope of the infestation and make sure all pests are eliminated quickly and effectively.
Call Us Today
If you need help tackling the spiders, centipedes, or other insects that have become a problem in your home, please give us a call.
Contact ScherZinger Pest Control, a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-888-681-1925 or through our website, Facebook, orTwitter.