Park Hill Pest Control

Most Common Pests in Denver, CO

Terminix has provided world-class pest control and termite treatment services to customers throughout the Denver metro area for decades. If you're experiencing an infestation, get in touch with the knowledgeable, local Denver Terminix team. We have deep expertise in helping stamp out pest problems of all kinds and are committed to helping keep homes and businesses throughout Denver and the surrounding areas protected from pests.

Termites

Subterranean termites are the most common species of termite in the Denver area. These termites typically inhabit moist soil and build tunnels called mud tubes in order to reach wood sources for food. Any wooden parts of your home that contact the soil can be a starting point for these mud tunnels, which branch upwards. Once inside your home, they forage for cellulose in wood and other products and can cause significant damage to homes and other structures, if left unchecked. Termites can be active throughout the year but are most noticed when they begin to swarm in the spring and into early summer.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches aren't just unpleasant to look at when they're skittering across the floor of your kitchen. These pests have been known to carry a variety of disease-causing pathogens and can also trigger allergic reactions in some individuals with asthma. In the Denver area, the most common species is the German cockroach, which can be identified by its tan or light brown coloring. German cockroaches require a steady source of water in order to thrive and will also feast on any crumbs left on countertops or floors. You'll often see them around drains or leaky pipes, making kitchens and bathrooms a prime place to spot them. Cockroaches can be a problem any time during the year, but you may encounter fewer of them during the cold winter months.

Ants

The most common species of ants found in the Denver region are odorous house ants and carpenter ants. As their name states, odorous house ants are known for the strong, unpleasant scent they give off when they are crushed. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, they are often drawn to homes to forage for foods – particularly, anything sweet that may be left out and offer them easy access. Ants are known to carry bacteria such as E. coli and can potentially contaminate your food supply if they get into it. On the flip side, carpenter ants chew through wood to create tunnels, potentially causing damage to the structure of your home. The University of Minnesota states that carpenter ant colonies are most active during the spring, but they can still be active in the winter as long as they have enough warmth.

Wasps

Bald-faced hornets, yellow jackets, and paper wasps are the most common species of winged, stinging insects in the Denver area. These wasps are territorial and will aggressively protect their nests, which can be found in high trees on your property, in the ground, or above your garage or eaves. If you think you have a wasp or hornet nest on your property, you should not attempt to remove it yourself. Some individuals are allergic to the venomous sting of these winged pests, so it's best to enlist the aid of a professional to help get rid of their presence.

Rodents

If you hear the sounds of scratching or movement within the walls of your home or business, it could be a mouse or rat. Especially during cold winter months, rodents in the Denver metro area view human residences as convenient sources of food and shelter. Due to their small size, mice can often get inside a home even if you think it is tightly sealed. When mice or rats are inside a building, they can contaminate food. Rats and mice have a long-held reputation as carriers of various disease-causing pathogens that can make people sick. Additionally, rodents may also harbor fleas, which can then spread to pets in a home. Both rats and mice can multiply rapidly, making it essential to call Terminix if you suspect they are taking up residence on your property.

Bed Bugs

The EPA states that bed bug infestations often begin when bed bugs move from one infested location and travel to another destination. These tiny, blood-sucking pests are roughly the size of an apple seed and can easily latch onto luggage or clothing you bring back with you from vacation, going undetected until they arrive at your home. Once inside, they often hide on mattresses, bedding, or in cracks of furniture near your bed. This gives them easy access to sleeping humans who remain still enough for bed bugs to consume their blood meal. Bed bug infestations can occur throughout the year, so checking for bed bugs after traveling is important.

Centipedes

Centipedes can be identified by their elongated appearance and large number of legs. They seek out damp environments and can often be found in basements, especially when there are leaks or other causes of moisture. Centipedes consume other insects, so if you have other insects in or around your home, you may be more likely to have centipedes, as well.

Silverfish

Despite their aquatic-sounding name, silverfish are slim, slithery, land-dwelling insects known for their gray, scaly appearance. Throughout the Denver metro area, silverfish can be a problem year-round. They are attracted to moist or humid spaces and you may have a good chance of spotting them in your bathroom or basement. Although silverfish rarely bite, their presence can trigger allergy symptoms in some people. Additionally, they can cause significant damage to your belongings because they feed on various household objects, including clothing and books – and even the glue in book bindings and wallpaper.