Springdale Pest Control

Most Common Pests in Northwest Arkansas 

For termite treatment in Northwest Arkansas, as well as other pest control services, Terminix is the company to call when you need local expertise and extensive knowledge. Whether you live in Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, or in neighboring areas in Missouri or Oklahoma, our pest control Technicians can help you.

Termites

Subterranean termites are the most common termite species in the Northwest Arkansas area. As the species name implies, these termites live in underground colonies and build tunnels known as mud tubes to access food. They consume cellulose, which is a fibrous substance found in wood. This makes termites a destructive threat to homes.

If you encounter mud tubes near your home, you may have a subterranean termite infestation. Wood may sound hollow if you knock on it when termites are present, and you may notice discarded termite wings after their swarming period. In Northwest Arkansas, termites are most active in spring and early summer, particularly after storms.

Ants

According to the University of Arkansas Arthropod Museum, black carpenter ants are the most common pest in the United States, and they are common throughout the Northwest Arkansas area. While carpenter ants do not consume wood, they tunnel through wood and build their nests inside. The wood in your home could be a target for ants, particularly if there is a problem with moisture. Keep an eye out for sawdust trails that could be a sign of burrowing ants, and also look out for ants themselves. You may encounter these industrious pests throughout the year, but spring and summer are their most active seasons.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are common in Northwest Arkansas and throughout the United States. They are small and flat – roughly the size and shape of an apple seed – making them difficult to see. Bed bugs often stow away on luggage, furniture, or other objects that are brought into a home, and this is how infestations begin. Bed bugs often infest mattresses because they provide them with access to an easy meal, feeding on your blood while you sleep.

Bed bug infestations can occur throughout the year and they can be difficult to get rid of on your own, making it a good idea to enlist the aid of professionals to help stamp them out.

Fleas

Fleas are parasitic, flightless insects that live on mammals like cats and dogs. There are several species of fleas, including cat fleas and dog fleas, however the cat flea is the most common species and is found on both cats and dogs. Fleas consume the host's blood and can jump from host to host, even though they cannot fly. Pets often get fleas when they go outside, and when the pets return inside, the fleas can spread. If mice or rats enter a home, then these pests may bring fleas with them.

Ticks

After spending time in the beautiful outdoors of Northwest Arkansas, it is important to check for ticks. These arachnids are parasitic and can be found in wooded spaces outdoors, particularly in places where it is humid. Ticks enter homes by attaching to humans or pets. Tick season in Arkansas occurs during warmer months, but depending on the weather, ticks can survive throughout the year.

Cockroaches 

In the Northwest Arkansas region, the most common cockroach species are German cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches. Cockroaches are scavengers that live in spaces that give them access to food and water. They are often found hiding in spaces like kitchens and near garbage cans. Because cockroaches are often hidden, you may have an infestation without realizing it. Cockroaches can infest homes throughout the year. 

Spiders

Northwest Arkansas is home to a variety of spider species. Some of the most common include dangerous spiders, such as the black widow and brown recluse, as well as other species including the wolf spider, yellow sac spider, jumping spider, house spider, and orb weaver spiders. Different spider species prefer to live in different environments, but generally, spiders can be found in plants in outdoor spaces or in places where they can hide indoors. Some spiders seek damp, dark areas, which makes basements an appealing area for these arachnids to inhabit.

Wasps

Paper wasps are the most common wasp species in the Northwest Arkansas area. These stinging, flying insects get their name from their nests, which look like they have been made of paper mache. Wasps can be aggressive and will sting if their nests are threatened. Thankfully, paper wasps are less active during the winter, but you may notice an increase in activity during the spring when they build their nests.