Every home and business faces the risk of pests, from the tiniest insects to larger rodents that cause damage and spread disease. These unwanted invaders can make daily life uncomfortable, reduce property value, and even threaten your health. While some pests are seasonal, others are year-round nuisances that seem impossible to eliminate without professional help.

If you've ever wondered which pests pose the biggest problems, this resource will help you better understand them. In this article, we'll walk you through the top pests that typically require pest control, explaining why they are such a challenge and how they can affect your home or workplace.

Ants Are the Most Reported Pests

Ants may seem small and harmless, but according to Workwave, across the United States, ants top the list of reported pests, with 56% of households experiencing infestations. They enter homes in search of food and water, often creating long trails in kitchens and bathrooms. While some species are simply a nuisance, others, like carpenter ants, can damage wood structures, and fire ants deliver painful stings that can be dangerous for pets and people alike.

Because of their sheer numbers and ability to form multiple colonies, ants are extremely difficult to eliminate with DIY methods. Store-bought sprays might kill a few visible ants, but they rarely reach the source—the hidden nests behind walls, under floors, or outside near foundations. This is why ants are the leading reason people turn to pest control services.

Cockroaches Thrive in Hidden Spaces

Few pests trigger as much alarm as cockroaches. These insects are associated with unsanitary conditions, but the reality is that even the cleanest homes can experience infestations. Cockroaches thrive in warm, damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, where they hide in cracks and crevices during the day and come out at night to forage.

The danger goes beyond disgust. Cockroaches can spread bacteria, aggravate allergies, and trigger asthma attacks. They reproduce quickly, and because they are nocturnal, you may not realize you have a problem until the infestation is significant. Effective pest control is often the only way to target both adult roaches and their egg cases, ensuring long-term relief.

Rodents Pose Serious Health Risks

Rats and mice are not just destructive—they are also major carriers of disease. These pests chew through wires, insulation, and food packaging, leaving behind contamination that can endanger household health. Rodents are known to spread salmonella, hantavirus, and other harmful pathogens through their droppings and urine.

They are also skilled at sneaking into homes. Even small gaps in walls, foundations, or doors can provide easy entry points. Once inside, they nest in attics, basements, or within walls, making them difficult to remove completely without professional assistance. Because of the potential damage and health risks, pest control for rodents is essential to protect your property and your family.

Termites Cause Expensive Structural Damage

Unlike many pests, termites can silently eat away at the structure of a home for years without being detected. These wood-destroying insects live in colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands, tunneling through wood beams, floors, and foundations. The damage they cause often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.

The financial impact is staggering. Homeowners spend billions each year repairing termite damage, which is rarely covered by insurance. Regular inspections and preventative treatments from pest control professionals are the best defense. By identifying early warning signs and creating protective barriers, experts can stop termites before they cause irreversible harm.

Bed Bugs Are Increasing Nationwide

Bed bugs have made a major comeback in recent decades, spreading through hotels, apartment buildings, and even public transportation. These tiny, blood-feeding insects are notorious for their ability to hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and furniture, making them difficult to avoid.

Bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and sleepless nights. Infestations also carry a heavy emotional toll, as homeowners feel embarrassed or anxious about the problem. DIY methods rarely succeed because bed bugs hide in mattresses, baseboards, electrical outlets, and other hard-to-reach places. Professional pest control is usually required to eliminate them completely.

Mosquitoes Spread More Than Annoyance

Mosquitoes are often thought of as a summer nuisance, but their impact goes far beyond itchy bites. These pests are vectors for dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and malaria in certain regions. Even in areas where disease transmission is rare, mosquitoes can make outdoor spaces unpleasant and unusable.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, which can include birdbaths, clogged gutters, and even tiny puddles in the yard. Effective pest control programs target these breeding sites while also using safe treatments to reduce adult populations. Controlling mosquitoes protects not only comfort but also public health.

Spiders Trigger Fear and Unease

Although most spiders are harmless and even beneficial in controlling other insect populations, their presence often causes fear. Certain species, like black widows or brown recluses, can deliver venomous bites that require medical attention. Even non-venomous spiders can create webs that make a home feel unclean and unwelcoming.

Because spiders are usually a sign that other pests are present, their appearance often indicates a larger problem. Pest control services address both spiders and the insects they feed on, providing a comprehensive solution.

Fleas and Ticks Affect Both Pets and People

Fleas and ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans, bringing discomfort and potential illness. Flea infestations in homes often start with pets but can quickly spread to carpets, furniture, and bedding. Ticks, on the other hand, are notorious for spreading Lyme disease and other serious infections.

Both pests are difficult to control with home remedies alone. Pest control professionals use treatments that target both the adult insects and their eggs, reducing the risk of reinfestation. For pet owners, regular preventive care and professional treatments are essential.

Wasps and Bees Can Become Aggressive

While bees play an important role in pollination, their presence near homes can create risks for people who are allergic to stings. Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are more aggressive, often building nests in attics, garages, or under eaves. Disturbing a nest can lead to multiple stings, making them dangerous to handle without professional help.

Pest control experts know how to safely remove nests and reduce the likelihood of pests returning. This protects both property owners and pollinator populations by ensuring that removals are done responsibly.

Flies Are More Than a Household Nuisance

Flies may seem like minor pests, but they can carry bacteria and pathogens from garbage, feces, and decaying matter into your home. Common houseflies, fruit flies, and drain flies all create problems in kitchens and bathrooms, contaminating food and spreading disease.

Their rapid breeding cycle means small problems can quickly escalate. Pest control strategies often include sanitation improvements, targeted treatments, and long-term prevention methods to keep flies from becoming recurring issues.

Pests come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: the ability to disrupt your life, your health, and your property. From ants—the most commonly reported pest across the United States—to destructive termites, disease-carrying rodents, and nuisance insects like mosquitoes, each requires a unique approach to control.

Professional pest control services provide the expertise and tools necessary to address infestations effectively, offering peace of mind that your home or business is protected. They don't just eliminate pests—they also implement preventative strategies that save you time, stress, and money in the long run.

If you suspect a pest problem or want to safeguard your home before issues arise, don't wait until the damage is done. Contact Leck's Exterminating today and take the first step toward a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable environment.