West Bench Pest Control

Most Common Pests in Boise

Discover which insects, rodents and wildlife are commonly found in your neighborhood and around popular Boise attractions such as the Boise River Greenbelt, Boise Art Museum, Idaho State Capitol Building, The Old Idaho Penitentiary, and the Idaho Botanical Garden.

Understanding the types of pests that are common in Boise can help with your pest prevention efforts and in finding the right pest control provider.

Common pests in Boise, Idaho include:

Termites

Western subterranean termites are the most destructive and the most common species of termite to infest Idaho homes. These wood-destroying pests live in ground soil and build mud tubes along the foundation and walls of buildings to travel from the soil to their food source. Once inside, termites will infest and destroy wood flooring, window frames, and structural elements.

Termite swarming season in Boise typically occurs in the spring, March to June, but can vary depending on weather conditions. During this time, reproductive termites will swarm in large groups to establish a new colony. Homeowners in Boise should be aware of the signs of termite swarming season, including the presence of swarmers, discarded wings, and mud tubes.

Cockroaches

The most common types of cockroaches that are found in Boise are American, German, and Oriental cockroaches. Because cockroach infestations can grow out of control quickly, it's important to take action at the first sign of activity. If you see one, you can be sure there are more. Cockroaches are attracted to food, water, clutter, warmth, and darkness. The best way to help keep cockroaches away is to keep your home clean and free of clutter, fix any leaks or moisture problems, and store food in airtight containers to help prevent cockroach infestations. It's important to note that cockroaches can easily contaminate food and surfaces, and spread disease-causing bacteria. If you have a cockroach issue, contact your local Terminix team to set up an inspection.

Mice

The most common types of mice to invade homes in Idaho are house mice, deer mice, and Western harvest mice. Once inside a building or structure, mice may build nests, chew through food packaging, or gnaw through wiring in the walls, which could result in a fire hazard. As mice move about, they contaminate surfaces and leave behind droppings and urine. They may also leave oily "rub marks" on the walls as they enter and exit small spaces. Because mice are nocturnal, it's not likely that you'll see one crossing your path during the day, but the evidence they'll leave behind is a good indicator that you have a rodent problem.

It's important to take preventative measures to keep mice out of your home and/or business, such as sealing up any cracks or openings in walls and foundation, keeping food in sealed containers, and using traps or other pest control methods when necessary. If you suspect mice activity, give your local Boise Terminix team a call to schedule a pest inspection.

Rats

There are two types of rats that are a common issue for home and business owners in Boise – the roof rat also known as the “black rat" and the Norway rat also known as the “brown rat." Roof rats are skilled climbers, making their nests in higher areas like attics and drop ceilings. Norway rats prefer to stay lower to the ground and will often nest in burrows underground. Both species of rat can be found in urban and suburban areas throughout Boise, particularly in areas that offer a variety of food and shelter options. It's important to take steps to prevent rat infestations, such as keeping food stored in sealed containers, maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment, and sealing up cracks and gaps on the exterior of buildings. Don't risk handling rats on your own. Call a Terminix pest control professional for help with rodent issues.

House Ants

No matter where you live in the Boise area, you have probably had to contend with ants at one point. House ants are attracted to food and water, both of which can be found in and around your home. House ant colonies live outdoors, sending scout ants to find food and water. Once a scout ant finds what it's looking for, it will send a signal to the other ants in the colony. That's when you may see masses of small ants in your kitchen or bathroom. Keeping food and trash in sealed containers, cleaning up crumbs and spills in your kitchen, and repairing any leaks will help reduce ant activity in your home. Another important factor for eliminating ants is to identify where the nest is located. Your local Boise Terminix pest control team can help keep ants away with innovative and effective solutions.

Clothes Moths

There are two types of clothes moths in Boise, ID: the webbing clothes moth and the casemaking clothes moth. Clothes moths are small, winged insects that are cream or light brown in color. Clothes moth larvae will feed on natural fibers (feathers, wool, silk, cotton, animal fibers) that are commonly used in carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, and rugs. If you find holes in your favorite wool sweater, you may have a clothes moth infestation. To prevent clothes moth infestations, it's important to store clothing and other textiles in airtight containers or bags, and to regularly clean and vacuum closets and other storage areas. If you suspect you have clothes moths, contact your local Boise Terminix branch for a pest inspection.

Spiders

There are several species of spiders that plague homeowners and businesses in Boise, ID. The most frequently encountered are: common house spiders (harmless webmakers) live indoors in sheltered areas and build webs in corners; wolf spiders (hairy and scary) are found indoors and outdoors, they can move quickly and will bite if provoked; and sac spiders (pale yellow or tan in color) build silken sacs or retreats, and can be found both indoors and outdoors and are known for their irregular hunting behaviors. Most spiders will hide in areas of your home or business with the least amount of foot traffic and air flow. This may include the corners of rooms, your garage, cabinets, closets, and attic. To avoid being bitten by any spider, wear gloves when reaching into dark areas. Can't stand the thought of creepy spiders lurking in the dark? Terminix's year-round pest control plan can help.

Fleas

These incredibly small pests can plague Boise pet owners. Fleas can enter homes on pets or on other animals, such as rodents or wildlife, and can quickly reproduce and infest a home. Fleas thrive in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes Boise a hotspot for flea activity starting in late spring through early fall. Because fleas may carry disease-causing pathogens and can put your health and the health of your pets at risk, it's important to implement a professional flea control program early in the year, before an infestation grows out of control. Call your local Terminix branch today for a free quote.

Ticks

Ticks can be found in all 50 states, Idaho included. However, different types of ticks live in different areas and carry different disease-causing pathogens. The most common ticks in Boise are the Rocky Mountain wood tick, Western black-legged tick (deer tick), and American dog tick. Common tick-borne illnesses in Idaho include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and tularemia. Ticks typically live in areas with tall grass, dense vegetation, or wooded areas. Keeping the vegetation around your property trimmed back and implementing a preventative tick control program can keep ticks away from your outdoor spaces and help keep your family and pets safe from these blood-sucking, disease-carrying pathogens.

Mosquitoes

Because mosquitoes have the potential to transmit diseases to humans and pets when they bite, it's a good idea to be cautious if you live in a Boise suburb where mosquitoes are present. Protect yourself, your family, and your pets by hiring a professional mosquito control technician – before the height of mosquito season. Ongoing mosquito treatments will reduce overall mosquito populations living on your property and keep them from coming back. Another way to reduce mosquito populations lingering around your property is by eliminating standing water, removing dead/rotting trees, and trimming back vegetation – a resting spot for adult mosquitoes.

Earwigs

Typically found living in dark, damp environments such as under rocks, logs, and plant debris, earwigs are primarily a nuisance pest; however, they have been known to feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit. To prevent earwigs from entering your Boise home, it's important to seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows, and to keep the area around the foundation of the home free from organic debris such as leaves and mulch.

Stinging Insects

There are several species of stinging insects that are common in Boise, ID, including: