Pest control & exterminator services
in Milford, CT

Residential & commercial pest control issues in Bridgeport

With the largest population in the state, Bridgeport, CT, is home to over 140,000 people. With its many historical sites, beaches, and fishing spots, the area also draws tourists from all over. Unfortunately, the steady traffic, aging architecture, and abundant waterfront locales also attract a wide range of pests.

This seaport city serves as a hospitable environment for rodents and insects. Local waterways make it easy for pests to travel along the coast, all the way from Stamford to New Haven. As a result, residents and business owners may spot them indoors as they search for food and shelter.

Common Bridgeport pests

There are a variety of pests you may find around Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Waterbury, Connecticut. Here are a few of the usual suspects:

• Ants - These insects wander into buildings looking for food and water, making bathrooms, kitchens, and pantries prime targets. Ants may settle in cupboards, under refrigerators, and in the floorboards.
• Flies - Flies may come in through open windows, as well as through gaps in the siding or under the eaves. You often find these nuisances hovering near potted plants or lingering around the break room wastebasket.
• Cockroaches - Cockroaches slip in under doors, cracks, and can even hitch a ride in grocery bags. They eat whatever crumbs they can find and hide in dark places like cabinets and crawl spaces.
• Rodents - House mice and Norway rats are a few of the most common species of New England rodents. They feed on garbage and can get into a structure through spaces a quarter of an inch wide. They may also burrow under buildings or come in through broken sewer lines.

The Effects of Pests

Despite your best efforts, insects and rodents may find their way inside Bridgeport homes and businesses. These pests cause issues ranging from mere annoyance to sickness and property destruction. Here are just a few of the problems that infestations can cause.

• Irritation - Few things are more frustrating than having a fly buzz in your ear as you try to work or relax. Shooing flies away distracts employees from completing tasks, and having to stop these pests from landing on your plate disrupts family mealtime.
• Illness - Many pests can transmit harmful diseases. For example, the waste from some rodents can contain hantavirus, which causes a serious respiratory infection. On the other hand, cockroaches leave egg capsules and shells that can trigger allergies and asthma.
• Destruction - On top of affecting the people in your house or office, pests can damage the building itself. Rodents can dig underneath homes, causing structural issues. They may also gnaw through plaster and insulation to make tunnels, and chew through electrical wires.
• Food Contamination - Food is one of the main reasons pests will enter human structures. Pantry items, restaurant supplies, and grocery stock are especially susceptible. If this happens, food may be inedible or even dangerous to humans.
• Loss of Revenue - Business profits suffer when clients learn that you have pests. Customers who see rodents and insects in your establishment may refuse to come back or post negative online reviews that can hurt your reputation. They can also eat or damage stock and supplies, leading to costly losses.

Do I Have an Infestation?

There are several signs to look out for if you think you have an infestation. Here are a few ways to help you detect pests:

• Sighting - The easiest way to tell if you have a problem are the pests themselves. If you see a trail of ants on your desk or you notice cockroaches retreating when you turn on the light, it's time to contact a reliable Connecticut pest control company.
• Droppings - Every pest poops, which means that you'll likely find their waste if you have an infestation.
• Noise - Scampering, buzzing, or scratching sounds in the walls or ceiling are a good indication that you have an issue.
• Damaged Packaging - You might find anything from shredded wrappers to pinholes in cardboard or paper packaging. If you think you have pests, inspect food carefully before eating or serving.
• Tracks - Some pests, like rats, prefer to take the same routes to food and water, creating a track. You may see worn dirt paths outdoors, as well as grease marks along walls.
• Odors - Many pests have distinct odors that give them away. If you smell something unpleasant around your home or business, there's a chance you have an infestation brewing right under your nose.
• Signs of Nesting - Small holes in walls or baseboards usually suggest you have a rodent problem. Meanwhile, tiny pinpoints in wood or drywall can indicate you have boring insects, such as termites or carpenter ants.

Defend Against Pests

Basic sanitation and maintenance keep pests from getting in. Rodent-proof buildings by sealing cracks and patching up torn screens, pipes, and vents that lead indoors. Clean up spills and messes immediately to get rid of potential food sources for insects. You should also place trash in containers with tight-fitting lids and empty them frequently.

Call the Experts

Infestations can be costly, time-consuming, and dangerous. Though there are some steps you can take to prevent pests from coming into your home or business, sometimes those measures just aren't enough. If you think that you have rodents or insects, contact the professionals at Waltham Pest Services for trustworthy Bridgeport, Connecticut pest control.