Occasional Invader Identification Guide

close up of a centipede crawling on pavement

Occasional invaders wander to your property from time to time and cause serious issues when infestations grow out of control or are left untreated. Here we give you all the information you need to know about occasional invader pests and how a home pest control plan can help.

Review the answers to the following frequently asked questions about occasional invaders to learn more about these pesky intruders.

What are occasional invaders?

Occasional invaders are those insects that occasionally wander into properties, most often due to changes in outdoor weather or pursuit of easy shelter, food, or moisture. Occasional invaders include insects like centipedes, silverfish, and crickets, and while most occasional invaders aren’t particularly dangerous to encounter, infestations can be unsightly, loud, and destructive to your property.

Are occasional invaders dangerous?

Most occasional invaders aren’t that dangerous and don’t tend to be aggressive or present serious health risks. However, all insect invaders bring the risk of triggering allergic reactions in certain individuals, and most occasional invaders will destroy stored items, fabrics, and food with their droppings or chewing activities. Crickets, especially, are notorious for the loud noises they create and the restless nights they cause.

Why do I have an occasional invader problem?

Occasional invaders tend to find their way into properties that offer easy access to food, water, shelter, and preferable temperatures. If your property has lots of potential entry points, improper food storage, and moisture issues, you may find yourself prone to picking up occasional invaders. Address these factors to reduce your chances of an infestation.

Where will I find occasional invaders?

Around exterior areas, occasional invaders will be hiding under leaf piles, woodpiles, porches, and decks, near crawl spaces, and underneath outbuildings; anywhere that is dark, secluded, and full of moisture is a favorite for most occasional invaders. Once inside, occasional invaders gather in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, or cabinets and closets.

How do I get rid of occasional invaders?

Getting rid of occasional invaders can initially seem overwhelming, but this process is easy once you reach out to Gecko Pest Control. Skip the DIY tactics and let our team of experts inspect your property. We’ll provide you with tailored pest control solutions in Longview that ensure your occasional invader problems are taken care of in the long term.

How can I prevent occasional invaders in the future?

The following prevention tips for occasional invaders can help keep these unwanted insects off your property.

Seal potential occasional invader entry points around your property, such as cracks around windows, doors, the foundation, and even the roof.
Replace broken window and door screens to keep occasional invaders out and apply weatherstripping to doors and windows for total pest-proofing.
Address moisture issues in both interior and exterior areas, as pools of water or humid conditions, attract most types of occasional invaders.
Cut back long grass, trim overgrown trees and shrubs, remove outdoor woodpiles and debris, and elevate vegetable gardens when possible to make exterior areas less hospitable to occasional invaders.
Declutter interior areas often and make sure that stored items, both material items, and food, are sealed inside airtight containers, as this is the best way to keep occasional invaders out.
Dispose of trash and other waste promptly, make sure trash bags are sealed tightly, and use trash cans with lockable or tight-fitting lids to ensure you can keep occasional invaders out and odors to a minimum.

For more help addressing occasional invader infestations or advice on protecting your property from these pests, contact Gecko Pest Control today.