Fleas
ceilings Fleas are small (1/16 to 1/8-inch (1.5 to 3.3 mm) long), agile, usually dark colored (for example, the reddish-brown of the cat flea), wingless insects with tube-like mouth-parts adapted to feeding on the blood of their hosts.
Fleas attack a wide variety of warm-blooded vertebrates including dogs, cats, humans, chickens, rabbits, squirrels, rats, ferrets, and mice. Fleas are a nuisance to their hosts, causing an itching sensation which in turn may result in the
host attempting to remove the pest by biting, pecking, scratching etc
the vicinity of the parasite.
Fleas are not simply a source of annoyance, however. Some people and animals suffer allergic reactions to flea saliva resulting in rashes. Flea bites generally result in the formation of a slightly-raised swollen itching spot with a single puncture point at the center.
The bites often appear in clusters or lines of two bites, and can remain itchy and inflamed for up to several weeks afterwards. Fleas can also lead to hair loss as a result of frequent scratching and biting by the animal, and can cause anemia in extreme cases.
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ceilings Fleas are small (1/16 to 1/8-inch (1.5 to 3.3 mm) long), agile, usually dark colored (for example, the reddish-brown of the cat flea), wingless insects with tube-like mouth-parts adapted to feeding on the blood of their hosts.
Fleas attack a wide variety of warm-blooded vertebrates including dogs, cats, humans, chickens, rabbits, squirrels, rats, ferrets, and mice. Fleas are a nuisance to their hosts, causing an itching sensation which in turn may result in the
host attempting to remove the pest by biting, pecking, scratching etc
the vicinity of the parasite. Fleas are not simply a source of annoyance, however. Some people and animals suffer allergic reactions to flea saliva resulting in rashes. Flea bites generally result in the formation of a slightly-raised swollen itching spot with a single puncture point at the center.
The bites often appear in clusters or lines of two bites, and can remain itchy and inflamed for up to several weeks afterwards. Fleas can also lead to hair loss as a result of frequent scratching and biting by the animal, and can cause anemia in extreme cases.
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Rodents
Rats and mice can be a problem in urban, suburban and rural areas. They infest old buildings and crowded, unsanitary areas that exist in an urban environment. However, they can also be a problem even where newer homes and sanitary conditions exist.
Since these rodents eat practically anything humans eat, they get plenty of food from home gardens, fruit or nut trees and even parts of some
ornamental shrubs and flowers.
Garbage disposals also attract rats into household and street sewer lines. Rats and mice have long been a problem on farms where food is plentiful and convenient nesting sites are both numerous and hard to eliminate.
There are six major problems caused by rats and mice:
They eat food and contaminate it with urine and excrement.
They gnaw into materials such as paper, books, wood or upholstery which they use as nest material. They also gnaw plastic, cinder blocks, soft metals such as lead and aluminum, and wiring which may cause a fire hazard.
Rats occasionally bite people and may kill small animals.
They, or the parasites they carry, (such as fleas, mites and worms) spread many diseases.
Rats can damage ornamental plants by burrowing among the roots, or feeding on new growth or twigs. They also eat some garden vegetables, such as corn and squash.
Rats and mice are socially unacceptable. These rodents have been a problem for centuries, chiefly because they have an incredible ability to survive and are so difficult to eliminate. In addition, they are extremely compatible with human behavior and needs.
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Rats and mice can be a problem in urban, suburban and rural areas. They infest old buildings and crowded, unsanitary areas that exist in an urban environment. However, they can also be a problem even where newer homes and sanitary conditions exist.
Since these rodents eat practically anything humans eat, they get plenty of food from home gardens, fruit or nut trees and even parts of some
ornamental shrubs and flowers. Garbage disposals also attract rats into household and street sewer lines. Rats and mice have long been a problem on farms where food is plentiful and convenient nesting sites are both numerous and hard to eliminate.
There are six major problems caused by rats and mice:
They eat food and contaminate it with urine and excrement.
They gnaw into materials such as paper, books, wood or upholstery which they use as nest material. They also gnaw plastic, cinder blocks, soft metals such as lead and aluminum, and wiring which may cause a fire hazard.
Rats occasionally bite people and may kill small animals.
They, or the parasites they carry, (such as fleas, mites and worms) spread many diseases.
Rats can damage ornamental plants by burrowing among the roots, or feeding on new growth or twigs. They also eat some garden vegetables, such as corn and squash.
Rats and mice are socially unacceptable. These rodents have been a problem for centuries, chiefly because they have an incredible ability to survive and are so difficult to eliminate. In addition, they are extremely compatible with human behavior and needs.
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Crickets
fabrics. There are about 900 species of crickets. They tend to be nocturnal and are often confused with grasshoppers because they have a similar body structure including jumping hind legs.
Cave crickets have very large hind legs with "drumstick-shaped" femora and long, slender antennae. They are brownish in color and rather humpbacked in appearance, always wingless, and up to two inches/5 cm long in body and 10 cm (4 inches) for the legs. On young
crickets the body may appear translucent. As the name implies, cave
crickets are commonly found in caves.
However, most species live in other cool, damp situations such as in wells, rotten logs, stumps and hollow trees, and under damp leaves, stones, boards, and logs.
Occasionally, they prove to be a nuisance in the basements of homes in suburban areas. Poor ventilation in areas such as crawl spaces and sheds produce fungi in which they will often feed upon.
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fabrics. There are about 900 species of crickets. They tend to be nocturnal and are often confused with grasshoppers because they have a similar body structure including jumping hind legs.
Cave crickets have very large hind legs with "drumstick-shaped" femora and long, slender antennae. They are brownish in color and rather humpbacked in appearance, always wingless, and up to two inches/5 cm long in body and 10 cm (4 inches) for the legs. On young
crickets the body may appear translucent. As the name implies, cave
crickets are commonly found in caves.However, most species live in other cool, damp situations such as in wells, rotten logs, stumps and hollow trees, and under damp leaves, stones, boards, and logs.
Occasionally, they prove to be a nuisance in the basements of homes in suburban areas. Poor ventilation in areas such as crawl spaces and sheds produce fungi in which they will often feed upon.
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Millipedes
Millipedes normally live outdoors but may become nuisance pests indoors by their presence. At certain times of the year (usually late summer and autumn) due to excessive rainfall or even drought, a few or hundreds or more leave the soil and crawl into houses, basements, first-floor rooms, up foundation walls, into living rooms, up side walls and drop from the ceilings.
Millipedes do not bite humans nor damage structures, household possessions or foods. They can give off a disagreeable odor and if crushed, leave an unsightly mess. These creatures are usually abundant in compost piles and
heavily mulched ornamental plantings, moving out shortly after sunset
sometimes into dwellings.
Over the past years, they have migrated in large numbers during a period of unusually warm weather for the time of the year (75 degrees F) and then would immediately stop when a quick drop in temperature (cold snap) occurred. Anyone handling these creatures without gloves will notice a lingering odor (hydrogen cyanide-like), and the fluid may be harmful if rubbed into the eyes. If crushed, millipedes may stain rugs and fabrics.
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Millipedes normally live outdoors but may become nuisance pests indoors by their presence. At certain times of the year (usually late summer and autumn) due to excessive rainfall or even drought, a few or hundreds or more leave the soil and crawl into houses, basements, first-floor rooms, up foundation walls, into living rooms, up side walls and drop from the ceilings.
Millipedes do not bite humans nor damage structures, household possessions or foods. They can give off a disagreeable odor and if crushed, leave an unsightly mess. These creatures are usually abundant in compost piles and
heavily mulched ornamental plantings, moving out shortly after sunset
sometimes into dwellings. Over the past years, they have migrated in large numbers during a period of unusually warm weather for the time of the year (75 degrees F) and then would immediately stop when a quick drop in temperature (cold snap) occurred. Anyone handling these creatures without gloves will notice a lingering odor (hydrogen cyanide-like), and the fluid may be harmful if rubbed into the eyes. If crushed, millipedes may stain rugs and fabrics.
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Spiders
Many people consider spiders to be nuisance pests. Most species that live in our area don't pose a serious health risk to humans. However, as pests some build unsightly webs inside and around your home. The Aggressive House
Spider
is a common example of this. They lay their eggs in brownish silken
sacs which have a tough papery cover.
A female produces 17 sacs during her lifetime. Each contains approximately 250 eggs. They survive best in areas with high humidity such as garages, sheds, barns, etc. You will often find their webs around door and window frames in and outside. There are two spiders that pose a more serious health risk.
The Brown Recluse and the Black Widow. Brown Recluse spiders are light brown or flesh colored to dark brown.
The
best identifying characteristic is the violin shape that begins behind
his eyes. They construct a nondescript, irregular web that is used
almost exclusively as a retreat. They typically nest in secluded
locations, e.g. among old papers or in seldom used clothing or shoes.
They can inflict a painful bite that can develop into an ugly,
slow-healing ulcer.
The Black Widow
Spider
is glossy black with globe like abdomen. The abdomen has two triangular
red spots that resemble an hourglass. They build their nests in
protected locations where their prey is likely to travel. They prefer
basements, crawl spaces and garages. Females produce a neurotoxin and
bite if disturbed or handled roughly.
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Many people consider spiders to be nuisance pests. Most species that live in our area don't pose a serious health risk to humans. However, as pests some build unsightly webs inside and around your home. The Aggressive House
Spider
is a common example of this. They lay their eggs in brownish silken
sacs which have a tough papery cover. A female produces 17 sacs during her lifetime. Each contains approximately 250 eggs. They survive best in areas with high humidity such as garages, sheds, barns, etc. You will often find their webs around door and window frames in and outside. There are two spiders that pose a more serious health risk.
The Brown Recluse and the Black Widow. Brown Recluse spiders are light brown or flesh colored to dark brown.
The
best identifying characteristic is the violin shape that begins behind
his eyes. They construct a nondescript, irregular web that is used
almost exclusively as a retreat. They typically nest in secluded
locations, e.g. among old papers or in seldom used clothing or shoes.
They can inflict a painful bite that can develop into an ugly,
slow-healing ulcer. The Black Widow
Spider
is glossy black with globe like abdomen. The abdomen has two triangular
red spots that resemble an hourglass. They build their nests in
protected locations where their prey is likely to travel. They prefer
basements, crawl spaces and garages. Females produce a neurotoxin and
bite if disturbed or handled roughly. Back to Top
Ants
There are upwards of 14,000 species of ants. Ants classified as pests include the pavement ant, yellow crazy ant, sugar ants, the Pharaoh ant, carpenter ants, Argentine Ants, odorous house ants, red imported fire ants and European fire ants. Because of the adaptive nature of ant colonies, eliminating the entire colony is nearly impossible. Pest management is therefore a matter of controlling local populations, instead of eliminating an entire colony. Many enter into homes around doors, windows, and through plumbing and electrical wires. Most bite and sting. They will also infest stored food and feed off of grease and/or sugar depending on the species.
The Odorous House Ant is among the most common. It's a scavenger/
predator ant that will eat most household foods, especially those that contain sugar and other insects. Indoors they will colonize near heat sources or in insulation.
Black Carpenter Ants are also common in our area.
They prefer dead, damp wood in which to build nests. Sometimes carpenter ants will hollow out sections of trees. Contrary to popular belief, Carpenter Ants do not eat wood.
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There are upwards of 14,000 species of ants. Ants classified as pests include the pavement ant, yellow crazy ant, sugar ants, the Pharaoh ant, carpenter ants, Argentine Ants, odorous house ants, red imported fire ants and European fire ants. Because of the adaptive nature of ant colonies, eliminating the entire colony is nearly impossible. Pest management is therefore a matter of controlling local populations, instead of eliminating an entire colony. Many enter into homes around doors, windows, and through plumbing and electrical wires. Most bite and sting. They will also infest stored food and feed off of grease and/or sugar depending on the species.
The Odorous House Ant is among the most common. It's a scavenger/
predator ant that will eat most household foods, especially those that contain sugar and other insects. Indoors they will colonize near heat sources or in insulation.
Black Carpenter Ants are also common in our area.
They prefer dead, damp wood in which to build nests. Sometimes carpenter ants will hollow out sections of trees. Contrary to popular belief, Carpenter Ants do not eat wood.
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Roaches
Although there are about 4,000 species of cockroaches, only a handful
are known to be common household pests. The American Cockroach is the
most identifiable. It's not uncommon to see them in the daylight
outdoors. They can be as large as 1.5 inches long. They are
reddish brown in color. Like many species of cockroaches, they prefer
dark and damp environments.
Warm conditions found within in buildings are ideal for these household pests. Cockroaches are mainly nocturnal and will run away when exposed to light. Asian Cockroaches are the exception and are attracted to light. They gain access into your home through doors, windows, small cracks and any place there is the smallest opening. The biology and habits of pest cockroaches are similar. One exception is the German Cockroach.
Adult German Cockroaches are up to 1.6 inches long and light brown in color. They're very fond of inhabiting restaurants, food processing
facilities, apartments and nursing homes. The greatest challenge with
exterminating German Cockroaches is the fact that they reproduce at a
very rapid rate and have an exceptional ability to hide in small
cracks. One female can produce up to eight egg cases in a lifetime; in
favorable conditions, it can produce 300-400 offspring. If seen during
the day in a structure, it's a sure sign of a dense infestation.
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Although there are about 4,000 species of cockroaches, only a handful
are known to be common household pests. The American Cockroach is the
most identifiable. It's not uncommon to see them in the daylight
outdoors. They can be as large as 1.5 inches long. They are
reddish brown in color. Like many species of cockroaches, they prefer
dark and damp environments. Warm conditions found within in buildings are ideal for these household pests. Cockroaches are mainly nocturnal and will run away when exposed to light. Asian Cockroaches are the exception and are attracted to light. They gain access into your home through doors, windows, small cracks and any place there is the smallest opening. The biology and habits of pest cockroaches are similar. One exception is the German Cockroach.
Adult German Cockroaches are up to 1.6 inches long and light brown in color. They're very fond of inhabiting restaurants, food processing
facilities, apartments and nursing homes. The greatest challenge with
exterminating German Cockroaches is the fact that they reproduce at a
very rapid rate and have an exceptional ability to hide in small
cracks. One female can produce up to eight egg cases in a lifetime; in
favorable conditions, it can produce 300-400 offspring. If seen during
the day in a structure, it's a sure sign of a dense infestation.
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Roaches
Ants
Spiders
Millipedes
Fleas
Crickets
Rodents
Welcome to our Pest Library. We've provided the links below for
general info. on the most common household pests. For more
complete information on the subject of pests, we've included a link to
Buginfo.com. Buginfo.com was created and is maintained wholly by
Univar USA, and is filled with short articles on a wide variety of pests
and other wildlife that you may be interested in.
This is where a homeowner can learn the truth about pesticides, termite baiting, West Nile Virus and Camel Spiders. You can learn about beneficial insects, the benefits of lizards in your garden, and the benefits of maintaining a neat and well trimmed property to keep pests away.
You can also learn about pest exclusion and the benefit it offers or about ultrasonic pest repelling devices and the truth on whether or not they provide any actual reduction of pests. It's an excellent resource so feel free to click on the banner below to visit buginfo.com.
This is where a homeowner can learn the truth about pesticides, termite baiting, West Nile Virus and Camel Spiders. You can learn about beneficial insects, the benefits of lizards in your garden, and the benefits of maintaining a neat and well trimmed property to keep pests away.
You can also learn about pest exclusion and the benefit it offers or about ultrasonic pest repelling devices and the truth on whether or not they provide any actual reduction of pests. It's an excellent resource so feel free to click on the banner below to visit buginfo.com.
Pest Library
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