Pest Library

Overview:

The American cockroach, also called a “waterbug,” is the largest of the house infesting cockroaches. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America, but was probably introduced via ships from Africa in the 1600s.

Habits:

Although American cockroaches can be found in homes, they are also common in larger commercial buildings such as restaurants, grocery stores, food processing plants and hospitals. They are known to infest food storage and food preparation areas, as well as basements, yards and alleys. They often enter structures through drains and pipes.

Threats:

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spine of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these onto food or food surfaces.

Prevention:

• Vacuum. Early and often is best for reducing harmful cockroach allergens.
• Keep a spotless kitchen. To prevent infestations, keep all your food and garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly. Clean behind and under appliances regularly, as these are favorite hiding spots for cockroaches.
• Ventilate. Air out basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
• Seal the entrances. Close off cracks and holes around utility pipes that provide easy access to your home.
• Act quickly. If you find evidence of an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem.

Overview:

Brownbanded cockroaches get their name from the two lighter bands they have across their dark brown bodies. Males have full wings, which reach beyond the tip of their pointed abdomens, but females have underdeveloped wings, much shorter than their broad, rounded abdomens.

Habits:

Brownbanded cockroaches can be found throughout structures, but show a preference for drier locations and warmer areas over 80⁰. They also tend to prefer higher locations than most cockroach species and are often found in upper cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. Brownbanded cockroaches often hide their egg cases in or under furniture and glue the oothecae (egg cases) to surfaces.

Threats:

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens are a leading trigger of allergic reactions in inner city children. They have even been shown to cause asthma in children.

Prevention:

• Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep counters free of crumbs and vacuum the floors often to reduce the accumulation of cockroach allergens.
• Keep garbage in a sealed container and dispose of it regularly to avoid attracting cockroaches.
• Pay extra attention to ceilings, wall moldings and highhanging picture frames, as these areas are particularly vulnerable to brownbanded cockroach infestations.
• If you find signs of a cockroach infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem.

Overview:

The German cockroach is the most common species of cockroach, found all over the world. German cockroaches prefer to live in cracks and crevices near food and moisture sources, hence their affinity for residential and commercial kitchen environments.

Habits:

German cockroaches are found throughout structures, but they prefer warm, humid places. They are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They are good hitchhikers and often find their way into new structures via grocery bags, cardboard boxes, drink cartons and secondhand appliances.

Threats:

In addition to being a nuisance, the German cockroach has been implicated in outbreaks of illness and allergic reactions in many people. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause allergic reactions in children and can exacerbate asthma attacks.

Prevention:

• Vacuum frequently and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs that attract pests.
• Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms, especially under appliances and sinks as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
• If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to recommend a course of treatment.

Overview:

Oriental cockroaches live in sewers and in wet, decaying organic matter. They are sometimes called “waterbugs” because they come out of drains, and “black beetle cockroaches” because of their smooth, dark bodies.

Habits:

Oriental cockroaches can survive quite well outdoors, where they can be found under debris, leaves, stones and porches or in wall voids. They can enter homes through door thresholds, under sliding glass doors, along utility pipes and air ducts and from floor drains. Inside homes, Oriental cockroaches tend to hide in crawl spaces, basements and around utility pipes. Oriental cockroaches feed on all kinds of food, especially decaying organic matter and starchy foods.

Threats:

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Oriental cockroaches’ habit of feeding on filth means that they are likely to pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these onto food or food surfaces.

Prevention:

• Keep food sealed and stored properly, particularly in kitchens.
• Clean kitchens daily, where crumbs and trash are more likely to build up.
• Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
• Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Contact a qualified pest professional to treat any infestations.

Overview:

Although closely related to the American cockroach, the smokybrown cockroach is readily distinguishable by its uniformly dark brown–mahogany coloration. The smokybrown cockroach's thorax is dark and shiny.

Habits:

They are found outside in wooded areas that provide shade and moisture. They can also be seen in protected areas around homes (tree holes and mulch) and in buildings and attics. Stacks of lumber and firewood, sewer-access openings and trash piles can contribute to infestations. Once in structures they are commonly found in attics or near fireplaces.

Threats:

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause allergic reactions in children and can exacerbate asthma attacks.

Prevention:

• Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup
• Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms, especially under appliances and sinks.
• Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Keep yard trash and stacks of firewood away from the home or garage to minimize the chance of cockroach invasion

Overview:

Red imported fire ants (RIFA, for short) get their common name from their ability to inflict painful bites and stings. Originally from Brazil, RIFAs were introduced to the U.S. in 1933 and are now found throughout the southern part of the country.

Habits:

Red imported fire ants usually nest in soil near structural foundations or in landscaping. They build large mound nests that are flattened and irregular in shape, and between two and four square feet in size. Although these ants usually nest outdoors, they can gain access to buildings through HVAC systems and AC units, and will nest in areas of exposed soil within buildings, such as bath traps. RIFAs are commonly introduced into new areas through potted plants, shrubs and trees.

Threats:

Fire ants will sting humans who disturb a nest. The sting of a RIFA is painful and often results in a raised welt that becomes a white pustule. Often, a person stung by a RIFA receives multiple painful stings from more than one of the ants. Those with allergies to insect stings will react more severely.

Prevention:

• Red imported fire ants and their telltale mound nests should be carefully avoided.
• To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.
• If you are stung by fire ants, seek medical attention promptly.
• If you suspect you have a red imported fire ant nest on your property, contact a licensed pest professional. Do not attempt to remove the nest on your own.

Overview:

Ghost ants are highly adaptable in their nesting habits, which seem to be similar to those of pharaoh ants. Colonies of ghost ants are moderate to large in size and can contain thousands of workers and numerous functional queens distributed across multiple nesting sites.

Habits:

Outside, ghost ants make their nest in the ground. They prefer cavities and crevices in dead tree branches, but will also nest under stones, inside logs and within piles of leaves and other debris. Ghost ants will readily enter structures by trailing from nests along sidewalks, patios and foundation walls. Inside, ghost ants typically nest in wall voids, behind baseboards, between cabinets and inside the soil of potted plants. Because of their high moisture needs, ghost ants can also be found trailing to water sources such as sinks, shower stalls and tubs.

Threats:

Ghost ants do not sting, as they lack a stinger. However, ghost ants can become a serious nuisance because they are known to nest inside homes.

Prevention:

• Trim vegetation away from your home to prevent pathways inside.
• Check carpet edges and shoe moldings, and around windows and doors for trails of ants
• Store firewood at least twenty feet from the home.

Overview:

Argentine ant colonies can grow to monumental size. A single colony can contain several hundred thousand workers, with the colony borders sometimes covering entire habitats. Worker Argentine ants are about ¹⁄₁₆ of an inch long. Queen argentine ants are ¹⁄₈ of an inch to ¼ of an inch long.

Habits:

Argentine ants prefer to eat sweets such as honeydew, but they will eat almost anything including meats, eggs, oils and fats. Their colonies are usually found in wet environments near a food source. Outdoors, they usually build shallow nests under boards or stones, beneath plants or alongside sidewalks. When conditions in their natural environment are either too wet or too dry, Argentine ants may seek shelter indoors, where they often nest near water pipes, sinks or potted plants.

Threats:

Argentine ants do not pose a health threat, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided.

Prevention:

• Eliminate any standing water on your property. Argentine ants are attracted to moisture.
• Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. These can provide “pest highways” into your home.
• Seal any cracks or openings around the exterior of your house, especially where utility pipes and electrical lines enter.
• Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Argentine ants like to build nests in moist wood.
• If you suspect you have an Argentine ant infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

This species is thought to be native to Africa, but is currently found throughout the Unites States. Pharaoh ants feed on a variety of food sources including sweets, oils and proteins. They will also eat other dead insects.

Habits:

Pharaoh ants are commonly found in commercial food handling establishments such as hotels, grocery stores and hospitals. Inside, they nest in warm, humid areas near food and water sources. Nests are usually located in inaccessible areas such as wall voids, behind baseboards, in furniture and under floors. These ants often use electrical and telephone wires as a highway system to travel through walls and between floorboards.

Threats:

Pharaoh ants have been implicated in the spread of more than a dozen disease pathogens including salmonella and Streptococcus pyogenes. They are notorious for being a major nuisance in hospitals where they can enter wounds, enter IV bottles and can sometimes even seek moisture from the mouths of sleeping patients.

Prevention:

• Seal all possible points of entry around the house including small openings and cracks around doors and windows
• Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
• Eliminate sources of standing water outside and use a dehumidifier indoors to prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.

Overview:

The little black ant gets its common name from its very small size and black coloration. Colonies are moderate to very large and contain many queens. Little black ant swarms are common from June to August, during which time they forage in trails and are frequently seen along sidewalks. These small ants feed on grease, oil, meats, fruits, and vegetables materials such as corn meal and sweets. The workers also feed on other insects, honeydew and plant secretions.

Habits:

Little black ants are common in wooded areas. In yards, they nest under rocks, in rotting logs, and under piles of bricks or lumber. Indoors, nests are located in woodwork, wall voids, decaying wood, masonry, and behind facades.

Threats:

Although little black ants have a stinger, it is often too small and weak to be effective.

Prevention:

• Trim vegetation away from your home to prevent pathways inside.
• Seal all cracks and crevices around the outside of your home, including around doors and windows.
• Store firewood at least twenty feet from the home.

Overview:

Crazy ants get their common name from the workers' habit of running in an erratic, jerky manner when searching for food.

Habits:

Crazy ants feed primarily on live and dead insects, seeds, fruits and honeydew. They enter homes in the autumn or after rainfall because both conditions reduce their supply of honeydew. Inside, crazy ants usually nest underneath floors or carpeting, in potted plants and in wall voids. Outdoors, their nests are shallow and commonly found in soil under objects or next to foundations. Crazy ants are highly adaptable, nesting in both dry and moist habitats.

Threats:

Crazy ants do not pose a health threat, but if they gain entry to a structure they can become a nuisance.

Prevention:

• Trim vegetation away from your home to prevent pathways inside.
• Seal all cracks and crevices around the outside of your home, including around doors and windows.
• Food spills and other potential attractants should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
• If you suspect you have a crazy ant infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

The house mouse is the most commonly encountered rodent in the U.S. It can adapt quickly to changing conditions and breeds rapidly. In fact, a female can give birth to a half dozen babies every three weeks, and can produce up to 35 young per year.

Habits:

House mice usually live in structures, but they can survive outdoors, too. They prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas and often build nests out of paper products, cotton, packing materials, wall insulation and fabrics. They are excellent climbers and can jump up to a foot high. House mice prefer to eat seeds and insects, but will eat many kinds of food.

Threats:

House mice are not only a nuisance; they can also cause serious property damage by chewing on materials. In fact, they have been known to spark electrical fires by gnawing on wires inside homes and behind walls. House mice can also eat and contaminate stored food, and are a vector of Salmonella, tapeworms, and the plague (via fleas), among other dangerous organisms.

Prevention:

• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home. Pay special attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
• Mice can hide in clutter, so keep areas clear and store boxes off of the floor.
• Keep food in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
• Regularly inspect your home for signs of mice, including droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food goods.
• If you suspect a rodent infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

The roof rat – also called the black rat or ship rat – is smaller than the Norway rat but causes similar issues, including gnawing through materials, carrying diseases and contaminating food. The roof rat is thought to be of southeast Asian origin, but is now found throughout the world, especially in tropical regions.

Habits:

Roof rats are primarily nocturnal. They live in colonies and prefer to nest in upper parts of structures or in trees. They forage for food in groups of up to ten and tend to return to the same food source time after time. Roof rats follow the same pathway between their nest and food. Their runways will be free of debris and may also have dark rub marks where their fur makes contact.

Threats:

Historically, roof rats and their fleas have been associated with bubonic plague. Though transmission is rare today, there are still a handful of cases in the U.S. each year. Roof rats can also spread typhus, jaundice, rat-bite fever, trichinosis and salmonellosis. They can also carry fleas and mites.

Prevention:

• Fill any gaps or cracks on the outside of your home with silicone caulk. Roof rats can fit through openings as small as ½ inch, or the size of a quarter.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the building and cut back limbs overhanging the roof.
• Clean up fruit that may fall from trees in the yard.
• Keep garbage in tightly covered receptacles.
• Regularly inspect your home and property for signs of an infestation, including rodent droppings, gnaw marks and damaged goods. Look for greasy rub marks caused by their oily fur.
• If you suspect a roof rat infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

Norway rats can cause damage to property and structures through their gnawing. They are also a vector of diseases and can contaminate food. Believed to be of Asian origin, Norway rats are now found throughout the world.

Habits:

Norway rats are primarily nocturnal. Outdoors, they burrow in soil near stream/river banks, piles of garbage or under concrete slabs. Norway rats are social and often build burrows close to one another. Indoors, they often nest in basements, piles of debris or undisturbed materials. They are known to gnaw through almost anything – including plastic or lead pipes – to obtain food or water.

Threats:

Norway rats can cause damage to structures and personal property through their gnawing and eating. They can also spread diseases including plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, trichinosis and salmonellosis. In addition, these rats can introduce fleas and mites into a home.

Prevention:

• Eliminate sources of moisture, especially in crawl spaces and basements.
• Fill any gaps or cracks on the outside of your home with silicone caulk.
• Store food in tightly sealed containers.
• Keep kitchens tidy by sweeping crumbs off of floors and wiping counters.
• Remove clutter to reduce nesting spots.
• Inspect your home for signs of an infestation, including rodent droppings, gnaw marks and damaged goods. Look for greasy rub marks caused by their oily fur.
• If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

This spider gets its name from the popular belief that the female eats the male after mating, although this rarely happens in nature. Black widow spiders are most recognized for the red hourglass shape under their abdomen.

Habits:

Outside, black widows commonly live in protected areas such as under stones or decks and in firewood piles, tree stumps and shrubs. They are also commonly found in barns, outhouses, sheds and barrels. Indoors, black widows prefer the undisturbed and cluttered areas of garages, basements and crawl spaces. Black widows spin irregular webs, which they usually build at night.

Threats:

The biggest threat posed by black widow spiders is their bite. Males are not of concern as they lack potent venom and rarely bite, but females are known to be especially aggressive after laying, and when guarding, eggs. Pain is usually immediate, but black widow bites are not always felt. In this case, the only reliable evidence is a slight swelling with two tiny fang marks. Symptoms of a black widow bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating and nausea.

Prevention:

• Reduce clutter in basements and garages to eliminate hiding spots.
• Wear heavy gloves when moving items that have been stored for a long period of time.
• Inspect shoes before wearing them, as they are a frequent spider hiding spot.
• Store firewood at least twenty feet from the home and five inches off the ground.
• If you are bitten by a black widow, seek prompt medical attention.
• If you suspect you have a black widow infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

Brown recluse spiders get their common name from their coloration and reclusive habits. They typically run for cover when disturbed.

Habits:

Brown recluse spiders feed on small live prey such as insects. Outside, brown recluse spiders are typically found around rocks, utility boxes and woodpiles or under bark. Indoors, they can be found in any undisturbed area, such as inside boxes, among papers, in seldom-used clothing and shoes, under furniture, or in crevices such as baseboards and window moldings. Closets, attics, crawl spaces and basements are the most common hiding areas.

Threats:

Both female and male brown recluse spiders can bite and inject venom, making them a danger to humans. The bite is usually not felt, but results in a stinging sensation followed by intense pain as long as six to eight hours later. A small blister usually develops at the bite location that can turn into an open ulcer. Restlessness, fever and difficulty sleeping are common symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite.

Prevention:

• Store clothing and shoes inside plastic containers, and shake out all clothing that has been in a hamper, on the floor or in storage before wearing.
• Pay special attention to items like boots, baseball mitts, skates and gloves that are used less often.
• To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.
• If you suspect you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, seek prompt medical attention.
• If you suspect you have a brown recluse spider infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

The hobo spider is native to Europe and was introduced into the Pacific Northwest in the 1930's and has expanded its range south and east. Originally, the hobo spider was named "the aggressive house spider," which originated from an incorrect interpretation of its species name-agrestis-which means "of the field or land."

Habits:

Hobo spiders frequent areas such as log or timber piles, rock piles, retaining walls, holes, or where tall grass meets the foundation or crevices in soil or concrete. Their webs are funnel shaped and really wide at the top.

Threats:

A hobo spider is poisonous and its bite can initially be painless but serious. When hobo spider poisoning is severe, it will take time to heal and may leave scarring. Following a bite there may be redness around the bite area and you can experience headache, nauseau, fatigue and vision problems.

Prevention:

• Reduce clutter in basements and garages to eliminate hiding spots.
• Wear heavy gloves when moving items that have been stored for a long period of time.
• To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.

Overview:

Cellar spiders seem to fare better in areas with higher relative humidity. These spiders build loose, irregular, tangled webs in corners, and hang upside down on the underside of them. The webs are not cleaned but rather new webs are continually added. This habit can result in extensive webbing in a relatively short time. When disturbed on its web, the cellar spider has the habit of rapidly shaking its body in a rotary movement to confuse and entangle the prey.

Habits:

Long-bodies cellar spiders and their webs are usually found in dark and damp places, such as cellars, basements, and crawl spaces. They can also be found in the corners of garages, sheds, barns and warehouses, on eaves, windows and ceilings, and in closets, sink cabinets and bath-traps.

Threats:

Cellar spiders do not pose a threat to humans, as their weak mouthparts keep them from injecting venom into humans.

Prevention:

• Use proper ventilation and dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity in your home or business.
• To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.
• Reduce clutter in basements and garages to eliminate hiding spots.

Overview:

Unlike most spiders, wolf spiders don't hunt with webs. Instead, they chase their prey using their fast running ability. These spiders are often big and hairy which alarms some people, but they are primarily nuisance pests. They are brownish in colour, and males are typically darker than females, with more distinct markings. Wolf spiders actively hunt during the night and usually rest in sheltered places during the day.

Habits:

Wolf spiders may enter structures in search of prey. Although they are not inclined to be permanent residents in structures, they often stay once inside. Indoors, wolf spiders tend to remain at or near floor level, especially along walls and under furniture. Outside, wolf spiders can be found under stones, landscape timbers, firewood, leaves and other debris. Wolf spiders do not spin webs and reside instead within burrows. These burrows may be open or sealed with silken doors.

Threats:

TBecause wolf spiders feed on a variety of insects, including crop pests, they can be beneficial. Wolf spiders can bite, but it's extremely rare to experience a wolf spider bite unprovoked. They will only bite if they are handled. The presence of wolf spiders in homes is usually accidental.

Prevention:

• To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.
• Clear away piles of grass clippings, leaves, firewood, mulch, or compost
• Reduce clutter in basements, garages and around your yard to eliminatehiding spots.

Overview:

Carpenter bees get their common name from their habit of boring into wood to make galleries for rearing their young. Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees but their abdomen is largely bare and shiny.

Habits:

Carpenter bees are not social insects and do not live in nests or colonies. The adults over-winter, typically in abandoned nest tunnels. In the spring, they emerge and feed on nectar. To excavate galleries, female carpenter bees bore circular holes the same diameter as their bodies straight into wood, and then turn to tunnel along the grain of the wood.

Threats:

Carpenter bees are a serious property threat, and can cause structural damage over time if left untreated. They prefer weathered and unpainted wood. Male carpenter bees can be territorial and may hover in front of one’s face aggressively, but they have no stinger and these actions are merely for show. Female carpenter bees do have a potent sting, but it is rarely used.

Prevention:

• Carpenter bees prefer bare wood, so painting and staining wood can sometimes deter them.
• Routinely inspect wood on your property for signs of a carpenter bee infestation, including round, smooth holes.
• In some cases, carpenter bees will attack stained or painted wood. If you suspect a carpenter bee infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

Africanized "killer" bees look so much like regular honeybees that the only way to tell the two apart is by measuring their bodies. A dangerous stinging insect, Africanized bees have different wing measurements than honeybees.

Habits:

Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in unique places. They have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes and empty cars. Worker bees gather both pollen and nectar from flowers to feed to the larvae and other members of the colony.

Threats:

These bees defend their colony and attack when threatened. Africanized bee venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees. However, these bees tend to attack in greater numbers, which poses a significantly greater danger to humans, especially those who are allergic to bee stings.

Prevention:

• If you are chased by Africanized bees, run in a zigzag patternand seek shelter in a house or car. Do not jump in water. The bees will just wait around for you to come up for air.
• Use caution when handling items on your property that could house an Africanized bee nest. Inspect items carefully for signs of infestation before moving or otherwise disturbing.
• Because of the aggressive nature of these pests and the enormity of their nests, a pest control professional or beekeeper must address an Africanized bee infestation.

Overview:

This large black-and-white relative of the yellowjacket gets its common name from its largely black color but mostly white face. It is named a hornet because of its large size and aerial nest.

Habits:

Bald-faced hornets are social insects, although not true hornets. They live in colonies that may contain between 100 and 400 members at their peak. They usually appear in late summer when populations are largest. Bald-faced hornets build paper nests at least three or more feet off of the ground, usually in trees, shrubs, on overhangs, utility poles, houses, sheds or other structures.

Threats:

Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that invades their space. This makes bald-faced hornet removal somewhat difficult. They have smooth stingers, so they can sting over and over again. Their stings also carry venom that makes the stings hurt, itch or swell for about 24 hours. Humans are at the same risk of allergic reactions from a bald-faced hornet stings as with other insect stings.

Prevention:

• Bald-faced hornets are beneficial insects that help to control many pest species. However, if a nest is close to the ground or near an occupied structure, control is warranted.
• Routinely inspect the outside of your home and any outbuildings for stinging insect nests.
• If you find a bald-faced hornet nest on your home or property, do not attempt to remove it on your own as this can aggravate the colony and cause them to attack. Contact a licensed pest management professional about hornet removal to avoid the risk of getting stung.

Overview:

One of the best-known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water or soft soil. There are about 170 different kinds of mosquito species in North America alone.

Habits:

Mosquitoes can breed in any form of stagnant water, including ponds, marshes, flood waters, woodland pools, drainage ditches, water in tree holes, leaves of plants and artificial containers. Mosquitoes regularly feed on nectar, although females require at least one blood meal before they can lay fertile eggs. They tend to bite most often at dusk and dawn.

Threats:

Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases including West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and encephalitis. In recent years, West Nile virus has become a serious concern in the United States. Signs of West Nile virus include flulike symptoms. In extreme cases, it can be a potentially life threatening infection with high fever, head and body aches, worsening weakness, confusion and even coma.

Prevention:

• Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths and baby pools. Mosquitoes only need about ½ inch of water to breed.
• Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
• Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• If you must spend time outdoors during peak mosquito times, wear long pants and sleeves, and use an insect repellant containing DEET.
• If you are concerned about mosquito activity on your property, contact a pest management company or your local mosquito abatement district.

Overview:

There are several species of yellowjackets. These flying insects typically have a yellow and black head/face and patterned abdomen. Many say that the pattern resembles stripes. The abdomen pattern can help an entomologist or pest professional identify specific types of yellowjackets.

Habits:

Yellowjackets are social insects that live in nests or colonies. They usually nest in the ground or in cavernous areas such as eaves and attics. Yellowjackets can be found anywhere humans can be found. They feed on sweets and proteins and are commonly attracted to trash and recycling bins. Yellowjackets are most active in the late summer and early autumn when a colony is at its peak.

Threats:

Yellowjackets’ stings pose significant health threats to humans. They are territorial and will sting if their nest is threatened. Yellowjackets may sting repeatedly and can cause allergic reactions.

Prevention:

• Wear shoes, especially in grassy areas.
• Remove garbage frequently and keep trashcans covered.
• Do not swat at a yellowjacket, as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction.
• Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes.
• Ensure all doors and windows in your home have screens that are in good condition.
• Seek immediate medical attention if stung, as reactions can be severe.
• If you find a yellowjacket nest on your home or in your property, contact a licensed pest professional.

Overview:

Subterranean termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks – workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite's role in the colony. Worker subterranean termites are ¹⁄₈ to ³⁄₈ inch long. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles and large brown heads. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately ½ inch long.

Habits:

secluded areas above ground. They build distinctive "mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring when groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies.

Threats:

Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive termite species. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. They can cause severe property damage.

Prevention:

• Divert water away from your home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home.
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with proper ventilation.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.
• Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation.
• Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes, cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest professional right away.

Overview:

Drywood termites are social insects. They infest dry wood, like that found in attic framing. Unlike most termite species, drywood termites do not require contact with the soil. Swarming drywood termites fly into structures and infest wood directly.

Habits:

Drywood termites form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood.

Threats:

Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant structural damage. They can chew through support beams, floors and walls, causing expensive repairs.

Prevention:

• Avoid wood-to-ground contact around the perimeter of your home.
• Routinely inspect your home for signs of drywood termites. Pay special attention to window/door frames, trim, eaves, siding and attics.
• If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest professional right away.

Overview:

As the name suggests, dampwood termites infest wood with a high moisture content. Dampwood termites are normally larger than other termite species. Bodies of king and queen dampwood termites range in size from ½ inch to ⁵⁄₈ inch long and have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape, extending beyond their abdomen. Nymphs can be as long as ⁵⁄₈ inch and worker dampwood termites are up to ¾ inch in size.

Habits:

Dampwood termite colonies, like drywood termites, have no worker caste. The nymph dampwood termites take care of the kings and queens of the colony and feed the soldier caste. Drywood termites are usually found in logs, stumps, dead trees, fence posts and utility poles.

Threats:

Because of their need for excessive moisture, dampwood termites are not often found in structures. However, these termites will infest sound wood if moisture is maintained, especially where wood is in contact with the ground or there is a moisture supply such as a leaky pipe. Care must be taken to avoid attracting dampwood termites to a structure as they can cause serious property damage.

Prevention:

• Eliminate sources of moisture by diverting water away from your home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home.
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with proper ventilation.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.
• Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation and avoid wood-to-ground contact.
• Replace any damp or damaged wood on your home’s exterior.
• If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest professional right away.

Overview:

Originally from China, Formosan termites are an extremely aggressive and destructive termite species. Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite. Swarmer Formosan termites are about ½ inch in overall length, including their wings.

Habits:

Formosan termites live in huge underground colonies, with an average of 350,000 workers, but can contain as many as several million termites. Formosan termites build intricate mud nests in the ground. In addition to structures, they are also known to infest trees, shrubs, utility poles, timber, railroad trusses and even boats.

Threats:

A mature colony of Formosan termites can cause severe structural damage to a home in as little as six months. Prevention is key with this species. If dealing with an existing infestation, talk to a pest professional about Formosan termite treatment.

Prevention:

• Divert water away from your home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with proper ventilation.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.
• Maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of your home.
• Inspect your home for signs of mud tubes, bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest professional right away.

Overview:

One out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has encountered bed bugs at home or in a hotel. Depending on the scope of an infestation and the type of treatment used by a pest professional, it can take several treatments to completely eliminate bed bugs.

Habits:

Bed bugs are found seemingly everywhere, such as homes, apartments, hotels, nursing homes, college dorms, offices, schools and daycare centers, hospitals, public transportation and others. Bed bugs are found in all 50 U.S. states.

Threats:

Research conducted to date has shown that bed bugs do not transmit disease to their human victims, although some people may experience itchy, red welts;

Prevention:

Vigilance is the key to bed bug prevention. When out in public - whether at a hotel, store, movie theater or work place - it is important to be conscientious of all surroundings.