Animals and insects can be fascinating, as long as they stay in nature where they belong. When unwanted creatures find their way into your house or yard, they can cause problems. Certain pests can sting or bite, and others can carry disease. A pest control service can eradicate pest infestations, so you can get back to enjoying your life, worry-free. Here are three pests commonly found in homes and gardens.

1. Rodents

Mice and rats are both members of the rodent family. Rodents often infest homes during winter, seeking warmth when temperatures drop outside. Rodents are notorious eaters. They can chew through items in your pantry, ripping open cardboard and plastic packaging to eat the food inside. Gnaw marks are a sign of rodents as are small, pellet-like droppings. Rodents can carry disease, so you must call a mice control service at the first sign of a rodent infestation.

2. Ants

Ants are small insects that can cause large problems. These tiny bugs are attracted by unsealed food, particularly sugar and fats. They're also attracted to water. Ants bite when they feel threatened, which makes an ant problem especially unpleasant. Ants often infest houses during summer. Once an ant finds their way into your home, it will likely alert the rest of its colony. An exterminator can help you get rid of ants.

3. Termites

Termites are small insects that can cause large amounts of damage to your house. Termites eat wood, which means they can compromise the structural integrity of your home, garage, and any other standing structures on your property. Because termites eat wood from the inside out, you may not see the signs of damage until it's too late. However, if you have a termite infestation, you may see some of them flying around your house. You might also hear the sound of termites moving inside your walls. Warped windows or doors caused by the moisture termites give off when they feed can also be a sign of termites.

Any of these pests can cause serious damage to your home. If you believe you have a pest problem, call pest control services in your area. An exterminator will examine your home to determine which insects and rodents are present. Based on their findings, they will use a combination of fumigation, traps, and manual extraction services to remove your pest problem. Many pest control companies also offer ongoing services, which can keep pests from returning to your house.