Occasional Invader Identification

What are occasional invaders?

Occasional invaders are those pests that don’t really want to live indoors but are driven inside by unsuitable weather. In most cases, occasional invaders such as snails, earwigs, crickets, pill bugs, and silverfish occasionally invade our Ventura County homes not to feed or breed, but for shelter. Since they often move into our homes randomly, preventing problems with these pests can be difficult.

Are occasional invaders dangerous?

Danger is not the middle name of occasional invaders! In most cases, when you have a problem with occasional invaders, it is more of an annoyance than anything else. While occasional invaders are in our homes, they usually don’t cause structural damage, but they may introduce bacteria they carry on their bodies and contaminate food. Snails are the most problematic, not in our homes, but in our gardens. They are known for being one of the most destructive garden pests.

Having occasional invaders in your home means that there are gaps or other openings present that could allow moisture or other more dangerous pests into your home. Occasional invaders are often an indicator of a bigger problem you need to address to protect your home and family. 

Why do I have an occasional invader problem?

Gardens, flower beds, woodpiles, and spaces under landscaping ties, containers, and trash cans are common areas that attract crickets, snails, and other occasional invaders outside in our yards. When migrating to escape the harsh weather outside, their proximity to our homes allows them to easily find an opening and move inside through spaces in its exterior walls, the foundation, and gaps under doors.

Where will I find occasional invaders?

If occasional invaders have found a way into your house, they are more than likely going to be hanging out in dark, damp areas. Occasional invaders usually enter buildings at ground level and often hide in bathrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Other hideouts include plant pots, closets, laundry rooms, and areas under sinks and around tubs.

How do I get rid of occasional invaders?

Protect your California property from occasional invaders with the help of the experts at Ventura Pest Control, our area’s oldest family owned and operated pest control company. With over 63 years of success in the pest control industry, you can rest assured that we will solve your property’s unique occasional invader problems.

After completing a thorough inspection to determine the species present, our professionals will perform the appropriate treatments necessary to eliminate the infestation and prevent occasional invaders and other pests from returning. If you are a home or business owner looking to protect your property from pests, reach out to Ventura Pest Control today and learn more about our pest control services!

How can I prevent occasional invaders in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent occasional invaders from invading your property:

• Keep plant pots, trash cans, recycling bins, and other containers up off the ground to eliminate damp hiding spots.
• Get rid of dense ground covering from your yard that provides warm, moist areas for occasional invaders to hide.
• Use dehumidifiers inside basements and other damp areas to reduce moisture levels.
• Door sweeps and securely placed screens will help to keep occasional invaders out of your home.
• Seal spaces in the foundation and around windows and doors to keep occasional invaders out.
• Vacuum your home often to eliminate stray occasional invaders that do find a way inside.
• Reduce excess moisture in and around your home; repair dripping pipes, leaking hoses, clogged drains, and dehumidifiers.
• Make sure your yard has good drainage.

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