Other Pests

Silverfish are fish-shaped insects with silvery scales covering their bodies. Signs of silverfish 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 silverfish treatment should be done to eliminate the infestation.

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 in your house, the best way to remove them is to dry out the area of springtail infestation, after which they will leave or die. If the area cannot be dried, then the appropriate pesticide should be applied.

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.

Bees are a beneficial group of insects that pollinate flowering plants, supply humans with delectable honey and control other insect pest species. However, they can be of medical concern because of the effects of their sting. Bee control methods should be done only where bees are an immediate threat to humans and pets. Bees can be controlled using the appropriate pesticides and applications.

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. For Carpenter bee control, the appropriate pesticides should be applied to woodwork.

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 fly elimination strategy.

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 and control the fruit fly infestation, 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, 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 a house fly infestation, it is important to identify and inspect the flies' habitat, clean the surrounding area of excess garbage and apply the appropriate pesticide.

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 effective beetle removal and control activities such as using proper sanitation methods and storage of products.

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.

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.

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.

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 a Carpet beetle infestation must be located and destroyed. A thorough inspection and sanitation should also be performed.

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. As far as ladybug removal is concerned, temporary relief can be achieved by vacuuming and sealing possible entry points.

Stinkbugs are named for the strong, cilantro-like odor emitted when they feel threatened. 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 a stinkbug infestation, a thorough inspection followed by proper sanitation and pesticide application should follow.

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.

Camel crickets are named for their humpbacked appearance. They are about 1/2 of an inch in size and dark brown in color. Outdoors, camel crickets are found in cool, moist locations including mulch, stones and woodpiles. Indoors, they may find their way into basements, garages and attics. Camel crickets have been known to eat holes in clothes and other fabrics. Camel cricket control begins with removing the cool, moist environments which they dwell. Entry points in the home should also be sealed.

As their name would suggest, house crickets can live indefinitely indoors. They are light, yellowish brown, and measure about 3/4 of an inch long. When the weather is warm, they are typically found outdoors in garbage dumps, light poles and house walls. House crickets enter the home in search of moisture. They feed on wool, cotton, silk and other fabrics and are attracted to dirty clothes. Cricket control begins with removing their outdoor living environments by regular mowing, removing wood piles and the like. Entry ways to your property should also be thoroughly sealed. After those measures have been taken, the appropriate house cricket treatment may be applied by a professional pest exterminator.