10 Common House Bugs in Wyoming You Need To Watch Out For

From towering, beautiful mountains to stunning lakes, Wyoming is truly an outpost for rugged beauty.

But lurking behind the breathtaking landscapes is a diverse ecosystem of the most bothersome insects and wildlife. And if these creatures somehow gain access to your home, you might be in for loads of trouble.

In this article, we will take you through a list of the most common house bugs to watch out for in Wyoming.

Without delay, let’s begin!

Most Common House Bugs in Wyoming

1. Cockroaches

Opening our list are cockroaches. You will be surprised to know that Wyoming hosts different types of cockroaches, including:

• American cockroach (Periplaneta american)
• Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
• German cockroach (Blattella germancia)

These insects can be a major problem for Wyoming residents because they are notoriously resilient. For instance, they can withstand extreme heat and cold, live without their head, and hold their breath for up to 5 to 7 minutes.

If that’s not surprising enough; these creatures can survive nuclear radiation and can go for weeks without food and water

On top of that, they are nocturnal, staying hidden during the day and coming out at night. Even more interesting, they can sense human vibrations at night, which allows them to exit quickly before you can spot them.

Cockroaches also breed super-fast, producing about 30,000 cockroaches annually. So, if you see tiny cockroaches running around during the day, there’s a high chance you’re dealing with an infestation.

You want to get rid of these insects because they carry microorganisms and pathogens, which can contaminate food and water sources. As a result, they can cause diseases like salmonella and gastroenteritis.

Sometimes, although rarely, they can bite, causing irritations and swellings.

So, what is the solution?

Well, eliminate potential food sources and use airtight containers for food storage. Also, remove water sources, regularly clean your house, and use eco-friendly chemical treatments.

2. Bedbugs

Bed bugs are common in most states in the US, including Wyoming. With a reddish-brown coloration, adult bed bugs produce a distinctive sweet (but repulsive) smell and often leave black spots (feces) or red stains (blood) on sheets, mattresses, and other bedding.

These bugs feed on warm-blooded animals, including people, dogs, and cats. They are tiny and flat, which makes it easy to hide in a variety of places, including:

• Crack near the bed
• Floorboards
• Headboards
• Carpets
• Loose wallpaper

While there’s no evidence that bed bugs spread diseases, a heavy infestation can weaken small pets.

Most people rarely notice when they are bitten, as bedbugs usually feed at night. However, the bite area might become itchy, inflamed, and swollen after two to seven days.

Normally, the effect of the bite varies between people. While some individuals might not develop any symptoms, others might have adverse allergic reactions to the bite.

Considering the information above, immediate pest management action is necessary when you spot a beg bug. This could include hiring a licensed and insured pest control company.

Alternatively, you can take several steps to improve the odds of bedbug control. For example, use bed bug-free mattresses and box spring covers and steam clean/vacuum carpets and furniture.

You can also eliminate potential nesting sites by removing clutter, especially objects stored under the bed.

3. Butterflies and Moths

Wyoming is home to a wide selection of butterflies and moths, such as:

• Brush-footed butterflies
• Longwings
• Milkweeds
• True brushfoots
• Anise Swallowtail Butterfly
• American Copper
• American Dagger Moth
• Arched hooktip

These flying creatures are considered beneficial insects because they play an important role in pollination.

But sometimes, they can be a huge nuisance to homeowners once they venture indoors. This holds especially for moths.

These winged creatures love invading Wyoming homes to lay eggs in dark areas and search for food. You’re more likely to spot them in basements, closets, and attics.

Moth larvae are not fun to cohabitate with because they love eating cotton and wool clothing as well as foodstuffs like pasta and bread. Also, the hairs from moths can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and pets.

Let’s not forget how disturbing it is to see these creatures fluttering throughout your peaceful space.

So, how can you get rid of moths and prevent an infestation?

First off, fill your home with cedar. You can dilute cedar oil with water and place it in a spray bottle, then spritz it in your closet and potential moth-hiding spots. Likewise, you can use the oil in a diffuser and fill your home with an amazing scent.

Alternatively, you can use moth traps, vacuum your home regularly, store your clothes properly and

4. Fleas

Fleas are problematic pests that thrive during the warm summer months in Wyoming. In the wild, they can be found in tall grasses and wooded areas.

But they can find their way into your backyard, where they can jump on your furry best friend. Fleas can also make their way indoors through small rodents like mice and rats.

Once inside, they can infest bedding, carpets, and other surfaces often frequented by your pets. Like bedbugs, these ectoparasites feed on the blood of humans and animals.

The most common flea in Wyoming, the cat flew (Ctenocephalides felis) can spread plague bacteria to humans and pets. They can also transmit cat scratch disease (CSD) and flea-bone (murine) typhus.

On humans, flea bites often leave behind small, discolored bumps on the legs, particularly your feet, calves, and ankles. In some people, flea bites can cause severe allergic reactions like shortness of breath, rash, or swelling.

To prevent flea infestation, you need to make your environment uncomfortable for them by:

• Mowing your yard regularly to expose the fleas to the sun (fleas cannot withstand the sun for longer hours)
• Groom your dog and cat frequently and treat them with insecticides or pesticides to make them less prone to fleas
• Keep rodents like rats, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums away from your property at all times
• Discourage stray wild animals from coming to your home by removing potential food sources like pet food

5. Beetles

Beetles are a common pest across Wyoming. Although these bugs don’t bite humans, they can cause serious damage once they invade homes and yards.

As larvae, beetles can feed on wood, clothing, and even building materials. Adults, on the other hand, can feed on the leaves and small branches of your houseplants.

Most times, beetles venture inside in large numbers to seek shelter, warmth, and food. They can access your home through gaps around windows, torn screens, and open vents.

The most common beetles in Wyoming include:

• Carpet beetle–As the name implies, these bugs consume natural materials like rugs and clothing.
• Red flour beetle–Measuring less than ¼ inches, red flour beetles are attracted to food like grains.
• Cottonwood borer–These insects rarely come indoors, but when they do, they can become annoying.
• Japanese beetle–Japanese beetles tend to eat flowers, fruits, and branches of ornamental plants or other plants in your home and garden.
• Click beetles–Popular for their elongated body, click beetles can damage your house plants.
• Asian beetles – Also known as ladybugs, these bugs can invade attics, ceilings, and gaps in the wall in thousands. They cause substantial damage to your house by burrowing themselves into wood parts and feeding on your plants.

To keep beetles away from your home and prevent an infestation seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Keep moisture levels down by fixing pumping leaks and using dehumidifiers.

Lastly, keep wood piles away from home and use effective natural pests repellants like peppermint oil, neem oil, and lavender.

Other Common Pest Found in Wyoming Homes

1. Mosquitoes

Wyoming residents are too familiar with mosquitoes. In fact, the state harbors over 60 species of mosquitoes. These insects are not only a nuisance to people, but also to pets and livestock. Their bites are painful and pose a major health risk. Mosquito saliva might contain pathogens that can cause several diseases including, malaria, Zika virus, and Dengue fever. The best way to control mosquitoes is to get rid of stagnant water and use insecticides.

2. Termites

Termites are arguably not the best insects to cohabitate with. If they establish a colony indoors, they can wreak havoc on the wooden frames, affecting the structural integrity of your home. So, if you see discarded wings, mud tubes, or distinctive drooping, you might be dealing with a termite infestation. In this situation, consult reliable pest exterminators.

3. Wasps

Wyoming is home to some scary wasp species, like the cow killer, western cicada killer, bald-faced hornet, and yellow jackets. These species are aggressive and will sting anything with their retractable stinger when threatened. That’s why you don’t want them near your property. The good thing is they can help keep other harmful pests away, including spiders. You should also watch out for honey bees.

4. European earwigs

These insects might appear scary because of the pincers attached to their abdomen. But on the contrary, they are harmless to humans. Nevertheless, European earwigs can be annoying when they infest your house in large numbers. To keep them at bay, reduce humidity leaves in your house, clear food bins, and tightly seal food containers.

5. Pseudoscorpion

The pseudoscorpion is another scary creature common in Wyoming. No! They are no scorpions, but they are related to them. With a teardrop-shaped body and two pincers, the pseudoscorpion helps eradicates smaller pests. These insects often thrive in cracks, crevices, or places with high humidity, like bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. Unlike other insects mentioned, pseudoscorpions are harmless to humans and pests and not destructive.

Bottom Line

On the surface, Wyoming is a nature lover’s paradise. But underneath its beauty lies a world consisting of thousands of insects.

Some of these creatures, like termites and moths, can cause significant damage to the home’s structure, clothing, and house plants. Other can pose serious health risks, including mosquitoes and fleas.

To ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your property, take effective pest control measures to keep these harmful home bugs. And in case of an infestation, seek help from certified exterminators.

Thank you for stopping by. If you found this article helpful, leave us a comment below!

Sharing is caring!