The Dangerous Pests You’ll Find Lurking In Rhode Island

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An effective way to deal with pests is with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, according to the University of New Hampshire. This involves identifying and controlling the pests without using chemicals. There are currently 1,163 species of insects roaming around Rhode Island, as well as bigger pests, such as rats and mice. So, which native pests do Rhode Island residents need to be aware of and how do you deal with them?

Large American cockroaches

There are four types of cockroaches commonly found in Rhode Island, including the German Cockroach, Oriental Cockroach, and Brown-Banded Cockroach. But it’s the American Cockroach that typically causes the most trouble in the state. American Cockroaches are very large (around 1.5 inches). Thankfully, they can’t fly, but they can run very fast. These cockroaches love water and can be found near ponds and bodies of water. They can even get into your home through your plumbing system. Consider moving your pond to the end of the garden, to deter American Cockroaches away from your property. You should also avoid leaving out water for pets, such as dogs. Remember to protect your home too by sealing up any cracks and holes. 

Poisonous spiders

The Black Widow Spider and the Black-Footed Yellow Sac Spider are the only two poisonous spiders living in Rhode Island. Black Widow Spiders have a nasty bite on them. If you get bitten by one you’ll feel instant pain and you may get muscle cramps. These spiders love warm and moist places and are often found in piles of wood and logs. Be cautious if you have a log fire in your home as there could be spiders lurking on them. You can also keep spiders away from your property by keeping your kitchen clean and putting food away. Other things you should do include keeping clutter to a minimum, inspecting plants before bringing them into your home, and sealing up cracks in the foundations of your property. Black-Footed Yellow Sac Spiders don’t often bite. But if they do, you’ll experience swelling and itching. You’re most likely to be bitten by one of these spiders if you brush up against trees and shrubs at night as this is where they tend to hang out.

Stink Bugs

Stink Bugs aren’t dangerous in the traditional sense, but they can do serious damage in the form of producing a rancid smell. They usually come out in winter in Rhode Island and have a horrible habit of releasing a bad odor when they die. Outside, Stink Bugs can be found on trees with pine cones. Should Stink Bugs make their way inside your home, they’re likely to gather in warm areas which get hit by the sun, such as window frames. To banish Stink Bugs for good, you can spray them with a mix of hot water, dish soap, and white vinegar. 

Rhode Island is home to some annoying pests that can cause havoc in your home. These are three of the most problematic pests in the state, so make sure you know how to identify them and get rid of them.

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