

Cockroaches
There are a variety of different types of cockroaches, which include Oriental, German, American, and others. What they all have in common is how repulsive they are. No one wants to see cockroaches scurrying across their floor. These pests can get into your food, make their way into the pockets of your clothing, and spread bacteria all over your counters.
To prevent a roach infestation, consider the following tips:
- Place weather-stripping around your doors and windows.
- Vacuum and clean your home often.
- Check the outside of your property for roaches.
- Inspect packages before bringing them inside.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests around. They either buzz around your head or silently land on you and suck your blood—leaving itchy bumps. Beyond being annoying, mosquitoes are also carriers of diseases and viruses. This can make them very dangerous. While the occasional mosquito bite most likely won’t be anything more than frustrating, you don’t want them infesting your property.
In order to avoid a mosquito infestation, consider the tips below:
- Fill holes in your yard where water can collect.
- Turn any buckets and/or containers in your yard upside down.
- Get rid of any standing water around your home.
- Cut your grass short.
- Remove debris, overgrown vegetation, and stumps from your property.




Ants
Sugar ants, Argentine ants, fire ants…there are quite a few different types of ants. All of them live in colonies. This is important to keep in mind when you see a couple of ants out on a solo mission. They are bringing those crumbs somewhere—and that “somewhere” is back to their colony. While all ants are a pain to deal with, fire ants are particularly problematic—as they have a painful sting.
If you want to ensure ants aren’t building a colony in your house, consider the following:
- Close off any openings to the outside of your property.
- Rinse containers and cans before throwing them away.
- Use weather-stripping for your windows and doors.
- Get rid of any debris, branches, and overgrown vegetation that is on your property.
spiders
Spiders can be quite scary. They can also be a nuisance, or worse. While some spiders are relatively harmless, others have nasty bites that can land you in the hospital. There are many different types of spiders, which include brown recluses, American house spiders, black widows, and more. You don’t want any of these spiders spinning their webs in your home.
In order to avoid an infestation of spiders, consider these tips:
- Replace or repair torn window and door screens.
- Close your doors and windows when not in use.
- Close off any gaps to the exterior of your property.
- Remove rock piles, branches, and debris from your yard.
- Remove spiderwebs when you see them.




Bed Bugs
“Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” is actually really good advice. Bed bugs are extremely annoying, and they cause itching and discomfort. These bugs feed on human blood, and they can be tricky to get rid of. They also can spread around your house over time—leading to a bigger infestation.
If you want to avoid bugs in your bed, consider these tips:
- Wash your sheets and clothing regularly.
- Wash any clothing you bring home from the store.
- Avoid purchasing a used bed, frame and furniture.
- Keep your home clean and vacuumed.
Rodents
Rodents come in different types and sizes. There are mice, Norway rats, roof rats, and more. If you live in Chicago, you know how common rodents can be. While they are a part of life in some areas, you want them to stay outdoors. Rodents can carry disease and cause damage to your property. They can also eat your food and chew through your wires.
If you don’t want a rodent infestation, take the following tips into consideration:
- Close your windows and doors when not using them.
- Vacuum and clean your home regularly.
- Take out the garbage often.
- Don’t leave food containers out and open.




Wasps/Hornets
Like bees, wasps and hornets have painful stings. Unlike bees, wasps and hornets are particularly aggressive and will live after stinging you. If you notice a wasp or hornet nest on your property, you’ll want to get rid of it immediately. Not only do their stings hurt, but they can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. For your own safety, contact a pest control company to remove the nest from your property.
Ticks
Ticks are bloodsucking insects that can cause quite a bit of trouble. Not only can they feed off of your dog or cat, but they can also bite you as well. Having a tick or ticks attached to you is gross, but it can also be dangerous. Ticks carry disease and can make you very ill. You’ll want to get rid of these parasites as soon as you see them.
Here are some tips for avoiding ticks:
- Check your pets when they spend time outdoors.
- Cut your grass and other vegetation in your yard.
- Vacuum and clean your home regularly.
- Use tick control programs for your pets.




Termites and carpenter ants
Termites and carpenter ants can do thousands of dollars in damage to your property in a short amount of time. As soon as you notice these pests, you need to contact Nationwide Pest Control immediately. Your pest control specialist will thoroughly remove these pests from your property. Don’t try to do this on your own! Leave it to the professionals.