Spiders, Mice And Other Creepy Pests

We've all heard the Scottish Prayer of ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties, and things that go bump in the night. At Action Pest Control, we can't do much about those ghouls and ghosts, but as for the long-leggedy beasties, and things that go bump in the night, we have that covered. Here are a few creepy pests you'll encounter this Halloween, and what you can do to keep them from becoming a nightmare on Elm Street.

Long-leggedy beasties

In Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, there is no spider scarier than the brown recluse. This spider, with its dark brown, violin markings, has a potent venom with necrotic properties. If not treated, the venom of the brown recluse can create ulcers that rot flesh. And, these ulcers can leave ugly scarring.

The spider webs you typically see on Halloween, also called cobwebs, look nothing like the web of a brown recluse. Brown recluse don't use their webs to snare insects; they use them for escape--though you can sometimes see the cocoon of a bound up morsel inside their gauze-like webbing. So, if you see a web in a corner that looks like stretched out gauze pouring down onto the floor, inspect the top for a little brown spider. But don't be surprise if he makes a fast escape into a crack.

Things that go bump in the night

As Halloween nears, more and more rodents will be trying to get into your walls. If you're fortunate, they will go bump in the night. If your not, you could be dealing with unexplainable health issues. Many homeowners don't realize they have mice or rats, until they find droppings in their cabinets, or hear noises in their walls. By this time their plates and silverware have usually been contaminated. Wild mice and rats are scavengers, and they will forage in a dirty dumpster as easily as your food cabinets. This spreads bacteria, decay, and disease. It is best to protect your home before rodents are able to enter.

Another creature that likes to go bump in the night is the little brown bat. Sometimes mistaken for rodents in the walls, bats are notorious for bumping and scraping. They begin by infesting attic areas, but the need for dark confined spaces drives them down into wall voids. Bats are dirty creatures that will fill a nested space with their excrement. The droppings--or guano--of a wild bat can carry bacteria, disease, and parasites. And, this creature is known for rabies infection. If you get bitten, make sure to have the bat captured by a professional, and seek medical attention.

Halloween is a time of long-leggedy beasties, and things that go bump in the night, but those things don't need to be in your home. Call and find out how easy it is to seal up your house before these fall pests begin to overwinter. The best home pest protection is smart prevention.

Happy Halloween!