Termites
Subterranean Termite
Subterranean Termite colonies can have up to 2 million members! Their colonies are Divided into three groups: workers, soldiers and reproductives. They are 10 millimeters in length, with dark brownish-black bodies. Colonies are most often located in the ground. They can eat up to five grams of spring wood per day. Chemical treatments and baiting systems work best to eliminate termites.
Dry wood Termites
Dry wood termites form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike Subterranean Termite’s colonies, Dry wood Termite colonies don’t have workers. Young termites Called “false workers” do all the work for the colony they are 11 to 12 millimeters long, with pale yellowish brown to pale reddish brown bodies. Southeastern dry wood termites fly to structures and infest exposed wood, such as door frames and siding, later infesting attics. Fumigation and direct wood treatment are the most effective methods of control.
Formosan Termites
Formosan termite colonies can be up to 300 feet long and there can be tens of Thousands of termites in a single colony. Formosan termite colonies are divided into Three groups: workers, soldiers and reproductive’s. They are the largest and most Destructive kind of termite. Size termites are 14 to 15 millimeters long and are pale to brownish yellow. Damage to wood is done in layers and soil is present. They often nest above ground as well as infesting homes, trees and landscape timbers. Chemical treatments and in-ground baiting systems, as well as direct wood treatments are typical control methods.
Rodents
Norway rat
The Norway rat is the largest of rodents. They damage materials, eat and contaminate stored food and carry disease. They are 7 to 9 ½ inches long with course brown and black fur. Signs of infestation include gnaw marks, droppings, burrows, damaged goods, etc. They will eat almost anything, and enjoy meat, cereal and dog food in particular. They nest along embankments, sewers, basements and sometimes in attics. To control Norway rats, it is important to understand their behavior in order to effectively set traps.
Roof rat
Roof rats are the smaller species of rats, and like others damage materials, contaminate food and carry disease. They average about 7 inches long with soft brown and black fur. Signs of infestation include, gnaw marks, droppings, burrows and damaged goods. Roof rats are nocturnal and live in colonies. They nest in upper areas of buildings and trees. They eat most anything, but prefer seeds, berries and nuts as well as insects. As with other rodents, it is important to know their feeding and nesting patterns, food preferences and travel range to effectively set traps.
House mouse
The house mouse is the most commonly seen rodent. They damage materials, eat and contaminate stored food and carry disease. Adult house mice are about 3 inches in size and dusty gray in color with a white belly. Signs of infestation include gnaw marks, droppings, burrows, damaged goods, etc. They eat many kinds of food, preferring seeds and insects. They typically nest in dark, undisturbed places as mice are nocturnal creatures. Control is based on behavior - to set traps effectively, place them where mice are likely to have been.
White-footed mouse
Similar to deer mice, the white-footed mouse is a structural pest in rural areas and in locations near woods. They carry hantavirus, which makes them a medical concern. These nocturnal creatures build nests in undisturbed areas, such as abandoned burrows. White-footed mice enter homes and garages in the presence of colder weather, nesting in concealed places. Exclusion is the best control method, sealing all possible entry ways of your home or property. If you already have a mouse infestation, trapping is an ideal elimination method.
Deer Mouse
Deer mice are structural pests that commonly invade homes in rural areas, or suburban homes that are located near the woods. They are a medical hazard because they are primary carriers of Hantavirus. Deer mice are typically about 3 to 4 inches in size and pale gray to reddish brown in color. They are nocturnal, and nest in trees, logs, abandoned nests, storage boxes, furniture, cabinets, corners and attics. They eat insects, seeds, nuts, fruits and other small animals. Deer mice damage food storage areas and furnishings in their efforts to feed and nest. Control includes identification, sanitation and removal, as well as setting traps and sealing home entries.
Common pests
Silverfish
Silverfish are fish-shaped insects with silvery scales covering their bodies. They are ½ to ¾ of an inch in size. Signs of infestation include feeding marks, yellow stains and black, pepper-looking feces on food sources such as wall paper, labels and envelops. They can be found almost anywhere inside residential and commercial structures. They prefer room temperature areas with high humidity. If you identify silverfish at your property, a professional inspection followed by the necessary treatment should be done to eliminate the infestation.
Springtails
Springtails derive their name from the spring-like structure that allows them to jump. They are nuisance pests that prefer high moisture areas where they can feed on decaying vegetation, bacteria, pollen, algae and the like. Since they are in search for moisture, Springtails often make their way into bathrooms, kitchens and crawl spaces as well as potted plants. Outdoors, they may be found in damp areas such as mulch, leaf piles and logs. If Springtails are found, they best way to remove them is to dry out the area of infestation, after which they will leave or die. If the area cannot be dried, then the appropriate pesticide should be applied.
Scorpions
Scorpions are a nuisance pest that requires medical attention if stung. They are two to four inches long, with a stinger at the end of their tail-like structure. Scorpions are found primarily in the Southwest and Southern regions of the United States. They hunt their prey at night (other insects such as crickets or cockroaches), and during the day hide under rocks, logs and debris, or inside burrows and sandboxes. Indoors, scorpions may be lurking in attics, in bathrooms to find water, or even in folded up clothes and blankets. A scorpion infestation is controlled by removing materials where they could hide, damp environments, their food source and may require pesticide application.
Carpenter
Carpenter Bees are a nuisance because of their nesting habits in wood. While they prefer, dry, unpainted wood, they will nest in just about any type. Carpenter Bees appear similar to Bumble Bees and males lack a stinger. They become aggressive when humans come too close, buzzing around a person's face and head. To control theses bees, the appropriate pesticides should be applied to woodwork.
Honey
Honey bees are the source of - you guessed it - honey! While they are important pollinators, they also account for a large number of insect stings. Honey bees are hairy and orangish-brown, and dwell in sheltered areas including hives, hollow trees, walls, attics, etc. They are not aggressive insects, but will attack if they feel threatened. When traveling in swarms they are fairly docile, but if the hive is approached the colony will go into attack mode. Hence, be cautious once entering their environment. If you are stung and the reaction is more severe than a small welp, seek medical help immediately. Removing bees can be an extensive, even dangerous process, making professional help advisable.
Flies
Flies are both a nuisance and a health hazard, as they carry multiple disease-causing organisms. Identification is perhaps the most important step in pest control to apply the most effective elimination strategy.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are named for their tendency to lay their eggs on fruits. They are a nuisance as well as potential disease carriers. Fruit flies are tan to brownish yellow to brownish black, and measure up to 1/8 of an inch long. They are attracted to fresh fruits, vegetables and decaying organic matter. To get rid of fruit flies, it is essential to remove their breeding site. If they are entering from outdoors, smaller mesh screens and baited jar traps can be used. In other cases pesticides can be used, after which the area should be kept thoroughly sanitized.
House Flies
House flies, as their name would indicate, are the most common flies found in and around the home. Like other flies, they are a nuisance and carry multiple disease organisms. House flies are dull gray in color with four dark stripes on their back. They are attracted to smells, moist places to lay eggs and air currents from buildings. To control house flies, it is important to identify and inspect the flies' habitat, clean the surrounding area of excess garbage and apply the appropriate pesticide.
Beetles
Beetles are pests because of the damage they do to stored household and pantry products, as well as fabrics such as paper and carpet. To prevent beetle infestations, it is important to perform proper sanitation methods and storage of products.
Cigarette
Cigarette beetles get their name for their tendency to attack tobacco wherever it is stored. They are 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in size, and light brown in color. Along with tabacco, Cigarette beetles attack several items including animal products, coffee, spices, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Drugstore
The Drugstore beetle got its name for being a notorious pest of medicinal herbs in early drug stores. They are 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in size, and reddish brown in color. Drugstore beetles will attack a range of household items, from food to drugs to hair and leather.
Sawtooth Grain
The Sawtooth Grain beetle is named for the teeth-like structures on either side of its body. They are 1/8 of an inch long. Their brown, flattened body allows them to make their way into packages and do considerable damage to a variety of foods. These beetles commonly attack cereals, bread, pasta, dried fruit, sugar and dried meat.
Carpet beetles
As the name indicates, Carpet beetles are a common pest of carpets. They are 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch, with a black and white patterned body with reddish scales. Signs of Carpet beetle infestation are seen in fabrics with extensive surface damage with uneven areas and holes. Types of fabrics include wool, hair, feathers, silk. Carpet beetles especially prefer clothing, carpet and textiles. To control them, the primary source of infestation must be located and destroyed. A thorough inspection and sanitation should also be performed.
Ladybugs
Most ladybugs are beneficial species of the beetle family. They eat other insects such as mites and mealybugs. A few ladybug species are leaf eaters, making them plant pests. No direct pest control of ladybugs is recommended, as they are most often beneficial insects that cause no health or structural hazards. Temporary relief can be achieved by vacuuming and sealing possible entry points.
Stinkbugs
Stinkbugs are named for the strong, cilantro-like odor emitted when they feel threatened. They are a little over ½ of an inch long with a shield-shaped body. Stinkbugs are various shades of brown with lighter markings. They are agricultural pests that can cause substantial damage to fruit and vegetable crops. Stinkbugs typically invade homes in the fall. You can prevent stinkbugs from invading your house with the appropriate treatment. If you suspect there is an infestation, a thorough inspection followed by proper sanitation and pesticide application should follow.
Crickets
Crickets are nocturnal insects that are known for chirping. They eat a variety of plant material, organic matter and occasionally other crickets. While they are harmless to humans, they can become pests if they enter the home and damage clothes and other fabrics. in clothes and other fabrics. Control begins with removing the cool, moist environments which they dwell. Entry points in the home should also be sealed.