Halloween is still a couple of days away, but already there’s double, double toil and trouble afoot during the nighttime hours. We’re not talking about ghosts and ghouls, but rather the nocturnal pursuits of bugs and rodents. A lot of pests are most active after dark, putting you and your home at risk of some uninvited tricks this season. Learn more about some of Denver’s creepiest pests and what to do if you find them haunting your home or business with EnviroPest’s guide to common nocturnal pests.
Spiders
Without putting any effort into it, spiders make many of us uncomfortable. It’s not just us moderns either. Since medieval times spiders, along with black cats and rats, have been associated with witches, considered omens of bad luck, and harbingers of evil and malice. Whether you believe all that hocus pocus or you simply don’t like the idea of sharing your home with a bunch of eight-legged creatures, the good news is that most (the black widow spider being an exception) spiders in Colorado are harmless.
The bad news is that spiders usually infest homes because there are other bugs around for them to eat. That means that if you start seeing a lot of spider activity in your house, it might be a sign that you have another pest problem too.
Or Call (970) 235-8320
Cockroaches
You’ve probably heard a lot of crazy things about cockroaches, like they can survive a nuclear war, they stay alive after their heads are cut off, or they can stay underwater for close to an hour without dying. Believe it or not, two of these three things are true. Cockroaches can live for up to a week without a head and hold their breath for up to 40 minutes. Although they wouldn’t survive a nuclear blast, they can handle more radiation than humans.
As creepy as it is to think about headless cockroaches running around, that’s really the least of your worries when it comes to these pests getting into your Denver home. The more pressing issue with cockroaches is the diseases they spread. Cockroaches crawl around in some extremely dirty places, including trash cans, sink drains, and even on animal carcasses. As they travel, they pick up disease-causing pathogens that can then be transferred to your counters and food.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs have been dubbed the vampires of the insect world and rightfully so. They’re (mostly) nocturnal like vampires. They suck blood like vampires. Of course, they’re not completely alike. Vampires kill while bed bugs don’t even spread illness, and vampires are not real while bed bugs certainly are.
We’re grateful Colorado residents don’t have to worry about vampires prowling the night, but we do want to make a point to say that bed bugs are a common problem in Denver, Boulder, and other Colorado cities. These pests may not spread disease, but they easily travel from place to place, and a small infestation can quickly escalate into a much larger problem if not treated right away.
Mice & Rats
They say mice and rats are more afraid of us than we are of them, but have you ever seen one jump onto a chair or counter while screaming to avoid encountering you? All joking aside, rodents make most of us uneasy, especially when they become a problem in our homes or businesses.
Your concern is not unfounded. Mice and rats can damage property and transmit illness as they scurry about at night. With teeth that constantly need to be worn down because they never stop growing, rodents chew all the time. If they enter your home or business, they’ll chew on wires, causing fire risks; pipes, causing water and gas leaks; and insulation, causing heat loss.
How to Protect Your Denver Home or Business From Nocturnal Pests
Keeping pests out of your home or business protects not only your property but also your health, peace of mind, and wallet—saving you money on repairs and maybe even medical bills. EnviroPest recommends these practical steps to keep your structure pest-free:
- Seal entry points: Close cracks, holes, gaps, and other openings to prevent pests from getting inside.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources: Keep your yard free of debris and remove anything that might attract pests.
- Fix moisture issues: Address leaks, standing water, and humidity problems both inside and outside.
- Maintain landscaping: Trim back vegetation around your property and keep your yard clutter-free.
- Properly store items: Keep garbage bins and firewood at least 20 feet from your building, and store indoor items in sealed plastic tubs.
- Secure food indoors: Store all food in sealed containers and clean up after meals—wash dishes, wipe counters, and sweep floors.
- Take out trash regularly: Frequent disposal reduces attractants for pests.
Following these steps can significantly reduce the chances of pests invading your Denver home or business.
EnviroPest Can Keep Your Property Pest-Free This Halloween
If you’ve found insects and rodents haunting your property, EnviroPest is the Colorado pest control company to call! Ridding homes and businesses of creepy crawly things since 1965, our experienced pest control team provides effective home pest control services, bed bug treatments, and pest management solutions for businesses that deliver results! Find out how we can help you solve your pest problem, no matter how severe. Contact us today!
This blog was originally published on October 20, 2022; it has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.
Or Call (970) 235-8320
