Ants And Cockroaches Crawl To The Top Of The “Most Active Household Pests” List (NAPSA)—Even as bedbug activity increases across the nation, ants and cockroaches are still the most active warm- weatherpests. “Many homeowners consider ants and cockroaches nuisance pests, but they can also cause health issues or damage build- ings,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin, Inc. os a Species of ants, ae identified by a professional, can pose serious threats to your health and home. “Because associated risks vary by species, correct identification is crucial to controlling these pests.” Approximately 50 ant species infest U.S. homes, and some can contaminate food, sting or cause structural damage. Pharaoh ants can transmit disease organisms, and red imported fire ants sting anything they perceive to be threatening, causing painful pustules and even death. Carpenter ants exca- vate wood within the walls, causing severe damage andleavingtrails of sawdust. German, American and Orien- tal cockroaches, all active during warmer months, can spread disease-causing germs, contaminate food and cause allergies. To prevent infestations, Harri- son recommends homeowners: e Clean up spilled food and drinks, and removeclutter. Seal any entry points around windows and doorways. For more information on ants or cockroaches, visit www.orkin. com/learningcenter.
