Are you an Oklahoma homeowner who has had their fair share of bugs that’ve made their way into your home? Or are you thinking of moving to Oklahoma and want to know what critters to be on the lookout for? Perhaps you’re actively dealing with an infestation and want to learn how to get rid of your unwanted guests. In any scenario, the following covers many of Oklahoma’s most common bugs and insects that tend to make their way indoors.
Included are details on the specific species, why they end up inside your house, and what you can do to get rid of them on your own. If you have a serious infestation issue, you should reach out to a local exterminator with experience in eradicating your bugs.
6 Common Oklahoma House Insects
Provided are links to specific resources to help you learn more about each of the insects and arachnids listed.
1. Ants
In my 25 years as an exterminator, I’ve seen firsthand how ants march into homes, drawn by the faintest whiff of a snack. They follow invisible trails—pheromones—straight to your kitchen scraps. For scouts, it’s not just about tracking down sugary or starchy foods; it’s about what’s accessible. And if it’s accessible, they will find it.
Oklahoma’s most common ants include:
Each has unique traits requiring tailored control tactics. Odorous house ants are lured by sweet snacks and tend to nest in moist areas indoors. Carpenter ants burrow into wood but not to eat it–they use it to tunnel a new home. Meanwhile, red imported fire ants stand out for their painful stings and aggressive nature when aggravated.
As an Oklahoma exterminator, I’ve tackled ant invasions with various tactics. One of the most effective methods is to sprinkle granular insecticide around the ant hill (assuming you can locate it), then carefully add water to activate it. This approach lets the poison seep deep into the ants tunnel system, wiping out the colony. For indoor ants, bug spray works to kill ants instantly. And if you’d like to keep things a bit less chemical-related, you can try boiling water; although this tactic may take several attempts on mounds.
To prevent ants from invading your home, simplicity works best. Focus on keeping your house clean—seal food and reduce clutter. Seal entry points too, especially those close to the ground and kitchen area.
2. Cockroaches
In Oklahoma, I’ve crossed paths with Oriental cockroaches more times than I care to count. These critters are real home invaders, sneaking in through the tiniest cracks in pursuit of damp hideouts like in basements or laundry rooms. They’re not just looking for a cozy spot; they’re after anything grimy to munch on, dragging bacteria around your house as they go.
The main species of cockroaches found in Oklahoma include:
Cockroaches are a lot more than a nuisance, they’re a health hazard nestled right where we live and breathe.
To manage American cockroach infestations, a comprehensive strategy is essential. This includes sealing cracks to block entry, ensuring cleanliness to eliminate food and water sources, and using professional pest control for precise insecticide application. Techniques like gel baits, boric acid dusts, and residual sprays target common roach hideouts effectively.
To fend off cockroach invasions, it’s wise to seal entrances with new door sweeps and weather stripping, declutter spaces, tackle humidity by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers, keep food in airtight containers (pet food included), ensure trash bins are lidded tightly, and consult experts for problemsome infestations.
3. Spiders
Spiders sneak into our homes hunting for the basics, like food, warmth, and a cozy corner. They’re after common house insects, including locusts, flies, and ants.
Dangerous Oklahoma spiders to avoid:
Spiders, including the brown recluse and black widow, enter homes seeking food and shelter. Though feared, many like tarantulas or garden spiders are harmless and help control pests.
To keep them out, target their snacks first. A mix of sealing up your home and regular pest control does wonders against these eight-legged freeloaders.
4. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs sneak into our homes by hitching rides on clothes, bags, and furniture. Although they can’t fly or jump, these pests latch onto our belongings, going wherever we take them. They feed on us at night and hide in hard-to-reach spots during the day, making them tough to eliminate.
The most common bed bug:
I’ve seen how these particular bed bugs cleverly exploit our daily routines to multiply. They tend to leave a trail of excrement on bedding and mattresses, a telltale sign you have a bed bug problem.
To tackle bed bugs effectively, hiring a pro is key given their cunning nature. Options range from spot treatments with sprays and powders for small problems, to heat treatment for bigger infestations, meaning you’ll need to vacate your space temporarily.
To stay ahead of bed bugs, folks in Oklahoma City in particular (as the ninth worst city in America for these nasty critters) must stay vigilant. Always check your hotel stays and any used furniture for bed bugs.
5. Pantry Bugs
Pantry pests sneak into our homes looking for snacks like flour, cereal, and other dried foods. Open packages in our cupboards create a perfect playground for these bugs to eat, multiply, and take over. Sometimes, they even wiggle into sealed stuff by nibbling through the packaging or sneaking in at the corners.
Common pantry bugs:
The frustration of homeowners discovering pests like cigarette and drugstore beetles, not to mention rice weevils and sawtoothed grain beetles. These culprits invade flour, cereal, dried fruits, and more.
Combating pantry pests means keeping areas clean and storing food like flour and pasta in airtight containers. If pantry bugs have laid their eggs in your flour, for example, those hatched eggs quickly turn to larvae. To prevent the hatching, you can keep flour and similar items stored in the freezer.
6. Termites
In Oklahoma, homes often face termite invasions simply due to widespread termite activity in the area. Subterranean termites are especially attracted to wood in structures, aiming to feed on it, while drywood termites sneak in through already infested wood items. Their search for food and a comfy living space leads them right into our homes.
Termites in Oklahoma:
- Eastern subterranean termites
- Dark southeastern subterranean termites
- Light southeastern subterranean termites
Eastern subterranean termites wreak havoc. These critters love munching on our homes’ wooden parts, making quick work of what should last years. It’s not just about spotting them; it’s about acting fast to prevent them from spreading.
Treatments like Termidor and Trelona bait systems are tailored to exploit these pests’ habits for complete elimination. This strategy not only clears current infestations but also guards your home against future ones.
