Castleton Pest Control

Most Common Pests in Indianapolis, IN

Whether you have an active pest infestation or are looking to help prevent one in the future, your Indianapolis Terminix pest control team can provide innovative solutions to help keep your home and/or business protected year round.

Common pests in Indianapolis, Indiana include:

Termites

Eastern subterranean termites are the most destructive and common species of termite to infest Indiana homes. With colonies of up to 2 million members, these wood-destroying pests live in ground soil and can 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 damage wood flooring, window frames, and structural elements.

Termite swarming season in Indianapolis typically occurs in the spring, usually between April and May. During this time, subterranean termites will swarm, or fly in large groups, in search of a new location to establish a colony. Home and business owners in Indianapolis should be on the lookout for the presence of swarmers, discarded wings, and mud tubes.

Cockroaches

The four most common types of cockroaches that are found in Indianapolis are the American, German, brown-banded, and Oriental cockroach. 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 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 pathogens. If you have a cockroach issue, contact your local Indianapolis Terminix team to set up an inspection.

House Mouse

There are several species of mice that are found in Indianapolis, IN. The most common to invade homes in Indiana are house mice, deer mice, and white-footed mice. Once inside a building or structure, mice may build nests, chew through food packaging, or gnaw at wiring in the walls, which could result in a fire hazard. As mice move about, they 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 and travel along walls, it's not likely that you'll see one crossing your path during the day, but the evidence they will leave behind is a good indicator that you may 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 Terminix 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 Indianapolis – the roof rat also known as the “black rat" and the Norway rat also known as the “brown rat." Roof rats, as their name suggests, are skilled climbers, making their nests in higher areas like attics and drop ceilings. The Norway rat prefers to stay lower to the ground living in sewers and basements, and will often nest in burrows underground. Both species of rat can be found in urban and suburban areas throughout Indianapolis, particularly in areas that offer a variety of food and shelter options. It's important to take steps to help prevent rat infestations, such as keeping food stored in sealed containers, maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment, and sealing up cracks and gaps in the exterior of buildings. Don't risk handling rats on your own. Call a Terminix pest control expert for help with rodent issues.

Clothes Moths

There are two types of clothes moths in Indianapolis, IN: 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 help 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 Indianapolis Terminix branch for a pest inspection.

Ticks

Ticks can be found in all 50 states, Indiana included. However, different types of ticks live in different areas and carry different disease-causing pathogens. The most common ticks in Indianapolis are the lone star tick, brown dog tick, American dog tick, and the blacklegged tick (deer tick). Ticks require blood-meals to reproduce and grow and will readily feed on animals and humans. Some common tick-borne illnesses include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, rickettsiosis, 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 home and help keep your family and pets protected from these blood-sucking, disease-carrying pests.

Spiders

There are several species of spiders that plague homeowners and businesses in Indianapolis, IN. The most frequently encountered are: cellar and 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 jumping spiders (small and colorful) are found indoors and outdoors, and are known for their ability to jump long distances. 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, attic, and basement. To help 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis a hotspot for flea activity starting in early spring through late fall. Because fleas can 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.

Mosquitoes

With warm, humid summers and moderate rainfall, Indianapolis is a hot spot for several species of mosquitoes, which have the potential to transmit disease-causing pathogens to humans and pets when they bite. Help protect yourself, your family, and your pets from mosquitoes by hiring a professional mosquito control technician – before the height of mosquito season. Monthly mosquito treatments will reduce overall mosquito populations and keep them from coming back. And, treatments will continue to work, eliminating any new visitors that may drop by. Another way to help 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

The high humidity in the Indianapolis area creates a perfect environment for moisture-seeking earwigs. Typically found living in garden soil, amongst decaying organic matter, and within moisture-rich areas, earwigs are primarily a nuisance pest; however, they have been known to feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit. To help prevent earwigs from entering your home, it's important to seal crevices and gaps around doors and windows, and to keep areas 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 Indianapolis, IN, including: