Blog
Help! Do These Pests Bite?
10/11/13
Cockroaches, millipedes, carpenter ants, yellow jackets, and silverfish. Seeing any of these pests around your home? These are just a few of the most common pests here in Worcester, Massachusetts. But a lot of people don't really know much about them aside from the fact that they are pests. One of the biggest concerns is whether or not these pests bite. So here we will try to clear up some of the confusion.
Cockroaches: Although cockroaches actually are capable of biting, they very rarely do so. They are typically associated with infesting areas that are moist or provide ample food (trash, leftovers, etc.); biting humans is not of concern to them. Where cockroaches can be dangerous, however, is when they inhabit unsanitary areas and then carry harmful bacteria on their bodies and spread it from one place to another. So not only not only will these little guys creep you out by scuttling across your floor, but they can spread bacteria and pathogens leading to illness. Also, roaches are known to cause allergies and asthma in young children.
Millipedes: Millipedes, actually an arthropod not an insect, typically live outside in compost piles or gardens, and eat decaying plant matter. You may see them inside on occasion, but they generally die off quickly without nourishment. Millipedes cannot bite but they do have a defense mechanism which is to release a smelly liquid that if not washed off right away may cause a skin irritation.
Carpenter Ants: A common type of ant in New England is the carpenter ant. Although these insects rarely bite, and to no major effect, these are still some of the least favored pests on any property. Carpenter ants make their nests in the woodwork of a building, chewing holes throughout as they grow their colony. A colony of these little guys cause quickly cause major structural damage to any building they inhabit, often comparable to the damage of termites!
Yellow Jackets: Similar to a wasp or hornet, yellow jackets sting and inject a very painful venom into their victim. Even worse, they do not lose their stingers (like bees) and can sting repeatedly. And, some people are allergic to this venom and may have a serious reaction aside from just a painful bump. Although they can nest higher up (in barns, under eaves, behind window shutters), yellow jackets also like to make their nests on the ground...not good for someone to accidentally stumble upon.
Silverfish: Although most people equate silverfish with being unsanitary, like a cockroach, this is not the case. In fact, these tiny silver insects eat things like paper, book bindings, and wall paper glue. Definitely a nuisance, and potentially damaging to property if given enough time, but silverfish do not bite or sting people so they are mainly a nuisance pest.
Luckily, Big Blue Bug Solutions can help protect your home against both biting and non-biting insects of all kinds. Our home pest control program is a great way to reduce the threat of any biting or stinging insects, as well as those that are simply a nuisance. Contact Big Blue Bug Solutions to learn more about pest control in Worcester as well as pest control services in Framingham, Massachusetts.