Bug Masters, LLC Murray, KY

Phone:

KY: (270) 761-BUGS

TN: (731) 642-9367

Address:

414 N 4th St.

Murray, KY 42071

Common Household Pests

Knowledge is your first line of defense against pests. Learn about the common household pests in our area.

Termites

Termites are wood-destroying insects that can cause significant structural damage to homes. They feed on cellulose found in wood and other building materials.

Wood Destroyers Colony Insects

Ants

Ants are social insects that live in colonies. While most species are merely a nuisance, some, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage to homes.

Food Contaminators Colony Insects

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are known for their resilience and ability to survive in various environments. They can spread bacteria and trigger allergies and asthma.

Disease Carriers Allergen Source

Spiders

While most spiders are harmless and beneficial predators of other pests, some species like the black widow and brown recluse can be dangerous to humans.

Potentially Venomous Natural Pest Control

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They're known for being difficult to eradicate once established in a home.

Blood Feeders Difficult to Eliminate

Rodents

Mice and rats can damage property by gnawing on structures and wiring. They can also contaminate food and spread diseases through their droppings and urine.

Disease Carriers Property Damagers

Dealing with a Pest Problem?

Our expert technicians can identify and treat any pest infestation in your home or business.

Pest Prevention Tips

Keep Your Home Clean

Regularly clean floors, countertops, and other surfaces to eliminate food residue that attracts pests.

Manage Waste Properly

Keep trash in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly to prevent attracting pests.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes that pests can use to enter, and seal them properly.

Control Moisture

Fix leaky pipes and eliminate standing water to reduce habitats for moisture-loving pests.

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About Termites

Termites are small, pale insects that feed on wood and other cellulose materials. They live in colonies that can number in the millions and are one of the most destructive pests to homes and buildings.

Signs of Infestation

Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
Crumbling or damaged wood structures
Discarded wings near windowsills or door frames
Swarms of winged termites, typically in spring

Types of Termites

There are several types of termites that may infest homes in our area:

Type	Description	Damage Potential
Subterranean Termites	Most common type; build mud tubes; nest in soil	Very high; can collapse structures if left untreated
Drywood Termites	Live entirely in wood; don't require contact with soil	Moderate to high; damage occurs more slowly
Formosan Termites	Aggressive subterranean species; larger colonies	Extremely high; can destroy structures rapidly

Treatment Options

Bug Masters offers comprehensive termite control services including:

Termidor SC Perimeter Plus treatments
Pre-construction treatments for new builds
Termite baiting systems
Annual termite inspections

Early detection is crucial! Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover termite damage.

About Ants

Ants are social insects that live in organized colonies. While they play important roles in ecosystems, certain species can become household pests when they invade homes in search of food or shelter.

Signs of Infestation

Visible ant trails in or around your home
Small piles of dirt or sand near cracks in concrete
Wood shavings (with carpenter ants)
Food contamination

Common Ant Species

Species	Description	Concerns
Carpenter Ants	Large black or red ants; nest in wood	Can damage wooden structures
Odorous House Ants	Small brown or black ants; emit smell when crushed	Food contamination
Pavement Ants	Small dark ants; nest under pavement	Food contamination
Fire Ants	Reddish ants; build mounds; aggressive	Painful stings; can cause allergic reactions

Treatment Options

Bug Masters offers effective ant control services including:

Interior and exterior treatments
Targeted baiting systems
Nest removal
Preventative treatments

About Cockroaches

Cockroaches are highly adaptable insects that have been around for millions of years. They are nocturnal, omnivorous, and can survive in almost any environment. Cockroaches are known carriers of bacteria and pathogens that can cause disease.

Signs of Infestation

Live or dead roaches visible in your home
Small, dark droppings that resemble coffee grounds or pepper
Egg casings (oothecae) in hidden areas
A musty, oily odor in heavily infested areas
Smear marks along walls where roaches travel regularly

Common Cockroach Species

Species	Description	Habitat
German Cockroach	Small (0.5"), light brown with two dark stripes	Prefers warm, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms
American Cockroach	Large (1.5"-2"), reddish-brown	Typically found in basements, sewers, and drains
Oriental Cockroach	Medium (1"), dark brown to black, slower moving	Prefers cool, damp areas like crawl spaces
Brown-Banded Cockroach	Small (0.5"), light brown with bands across wings	Prefers warmer, drier areas; often found in electronics

Health Concerns

Cockroaches pose several health risks, including:

Triggering asthma and allergies, especially in children
Spreading bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli
Contaminating food and food preparation surfaces
Carrying parasitic worms

Treatment Options

Bug Masters offers comprehensive cockroach control services including:

Targeted treatments for infested areas
Gel baits and insect growth regulators
Preventative treatments
Follow-up monitoring and maintenance

Cockroaches can reproduce quickly. A single female German cockroach and her offspring can produce up to 30,000 roaches in a year!

About Spiders

Spiders are arachnids, not insects, characterized by eight legs and the ability to produce silk. While most spiders are beneficial predators that control other pest populations, some species can be concerning when they establish themselves in homes.

Signs of Spider Activity

Visible spiders in your home
Cobwebs in corners, ceilings, and other undisturbed areas
Egg sacs (small silk sacs containing eggs)
Small insect carcasses near webs

Common Spider Species in Our Area

Species	Description	Risk Level
House Spider	Small (0.25"), tan or brown with spotted abdomen	Harmless, beneficial predator
Wolf Spider	Medium to large, brown, fast-moving hunting spider	Low risk, painful but non-toxic bite
Black Widow	Black with red hourglass marking on abdomen	High risk, seek medical attention if bitten
Brown Recluse	Light brown with violin-shaped marking	High risk, seek medical attention if bitten

Benefits of Spiders

While often feared, most spiders provide several benefits:

Control other pest populations
Reduce disease-carrying insects
Serve as indicators of overall ecosystem health
Most are harmless to humans

When to Be Concerned

Spider control may be necessary when:

Venomous species are identified in your home
Spider populations become excessive
Family members have arachnophobia
Webs become unsightly or intrusive

Treatment Options

Bug Masters offers spider control services including:

Targeted removal of dangerous species
Perimeter treatments
Web removal
Prevention and exclusion measures

If you find a spider in your home, try to capture it safely for identification rather than killing it immediately. Most spiders are beneficial and harmless!

About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, oval, brownish insects that feed exclusively on blood. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. After feeding, their bodies swell and become reddish. They do not fly, but can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings.

Signs of Infestation

Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses (crushed bed bugs)
Dark spots (about the size of a period) which is bed bug excrement
Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow
Live bed bugs
Itchy welts on skin, often in a line or cluster
Sweet, musty odor in heavily infested areas

Bed Bug Life Cycle

Understanding the bed bug life cycle is important for effective treatment:

Stage	Description	Duration
Eggs	Pinhead-sized, pearly white	6-10 days to hatch
Nymphs	5 immature stages, each requiring a blood meal to grow	5 weeks (optimal conditions)
Adults	Apple seed-sized, can survive for months without feeding	Lifespan of 6-12 months

How Bed Bugs Spread

Bed bugs can be transported through:

Used furniture
Luggage and clothing after travel
Purses and backpacks
Adjacent apartments or hotel rooms
Used clothing and soft goods

Health Concerns

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, they can cause:

Skin rashes and allergic reactions
Secondary infections from scratching bites
Sleep loss and anxiety
Psychological distress

Treatment Options

Bug Masters offers comprehensive bed bug control services including:

Thorough inspection and identification
Heat treatments (bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 120°F)
Targeted chemical treatments
Follow-up inspections
Preventative advice and education

Do not attempt to treat bed bugs yourself with over-the-counter products. This can spread the infestation and make professional treatment more difficult.

About Rodents

Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are common household pests that can cause significant damage to homes and pose health risks. They have continuously growing incisor teeth that require constant gnawing to keep them at a manageable length.

Signs of Infestation

Droppings, especially near food sources or nesting areas
Gnaw marks on food packaging, walls, electrical wiring, or furniture
Scratching sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors
Nests made of shredded materials in secluded areas
Tracks or runways (dark, greasy marks) along walls
Unusual pet behavior, such as pawing at walls or cabinets

Common Rodent Pests

Species	Description	Habits
House Mouse	Small (3-4"), dusty gray with cream belly, large ears	Curious, good climbers, nest near food sources
Norway Rat	Large (7-9"), brown with shaggy coat, blunt nose	Ground-dwellers, burrow near foundations, strong swimmers
Roof Rat	Medium (6-8"), sleek black/brown, pointed nose	Excellent climbers, nest in upper parts of buildings

Health Risks

Rodents can pose several health risks, including:

Spread of diseases through urine, droppings, and saliva
Contamination of food and food preparation surfaces
Trigger of allergies and asthma
Introduction of parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites

Property Damage

Rodents can cause significant damage to property:

Gnawing on electrical wires (fire hazard)
Damaging insulation and HVAC ducts
Creating entry points through gnawing
Damaging stored items and documents
Weakening structural components through burrowing

Treatment Options

Bug Masters offers comprehensive rodent control services including:

Thorough inspection to identify entry points and nesting areas
Exclusion services (sealing entry points)
Trapping and removal
Baiting programs
Sanitation recommendations
Follow-up monitoring

A female mouse can have 5-10 litters per year with 5-6 young per litter. This means a single mouse can lead to an infestation of dozens within months!

Pest Library

Common Household Pests

Termites

Ants

Cockroaches

Spiders

Bed Bugs

Rodents

Dealing with a Pest Problem?

Pest Prevention Tips

Keep Your Home Clean

Manage Waste Properly

Seal Entry Points

Control Moisture