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You can probably garner from their name that occasional invaders are pests that only make their way on to properties occasionally. Of course, this by no means makes them any less of a nuisance. While they don’t pose any real threat, they do bite, sting, and pinch. These actions usually don’t hurt, but they can be annoying. However, the most annoying things these unwanted nuisances do is they secrete foul odors, damage plants, stain indoor furniture, and damage delicate, expensive fabrics. To make matters worse, these guys can be a problem long after they are dead.
Regardless, you don’t want these unwanted invaders hanging around the home. One reason for this is because when they show up it isn’t just a few of them. They oftentimes bring their entire colony along with them. To battle these pests with the utmost efficiency, you’ll need to arm yourself with as much information as possible.
Why Are Occasional Invaders On My Property?
In addition to being classified an occasional invader, these pests also meet the criteria of a common scavenger. When their outside environment prohibits them from the resources they desire and need, they will seek respite indoors. The Tampa heat can be brutal and relentless at times, so it is not uncommon for environmental conditions to force these invaders inside the home. Other environmental factors that can force them inside are rain, drought, and extreme cold.
If these pests have a hard time finding food outside or are in search of new shelter, they might find their way to your property. Your home likely offers everything these pests need to survive, which isn’t going to help your case any. You need to understand what it is the pests are after and what you can do to eliminate the threat.
The Millipede
With a cylindrical worm-like body and two pairs of legs per body segment, the millipede can emit an intimidating presence. They might be slow-moving but are usually easily identifiable by their red or orange mottling and many legs. These pests are big purveyors of plant matter like decaying leaves but won’t turn down the common houseplant. When threatened, these guys like to curl into a ball as a tight defensive position.
The Centipede
Like that of the millipede in appearance, the centipede is actually an entirely different beast. With the ability to grow almost twelve inches in length, the centipede gives off an even more intimidating presence in the home. To back this intimidating presence up, the centipede bites. It usually is only does when provoked, but it is a bite none the less. The bites might not be medically significant, but they can sting. It wouldn’t be a pleasant experience for a youngster in the home. With their carnivorous-like characteristic, these pests like to feed on smaller insects commonly found on the lawn. Some might even consider them a helpful insect because of this very characteristic.
The Springtail
The springtail is oftentimes referred to or mistaken as a flea. It certainly is not because the two insects share a common appearance but because of the springtail’s ability to mimic the flea’s jump. Unlike the fleas, these tiny hoppers do not bite. They are drawn to areas with high moisture content and feed on fungus or decaying plant matter commonly found on Tampa lawns.
The Pill Bug
The pill bug is considered one of nature’s greatest cleanup tools, as they have a voracious appetite for dead and decaying plant matter. You’ve probably heard these guys referred to as rollie pollies on more than one occasion. They like to take up residence under rocks and fallen logs but won’t shy away from any home when the weather turns cooler. Without constant access to food and water, most of these unwanted invaders will simply die of natural causes within the home.
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