Pest ID

Red Imported Fire Ants

The Red Imported Fire Ant has invaded new territory, and it came without any natural controls to keep its numbers low and to keep it from spreading. The problems are numerous and dramatic, but possibly the two most important are the ability of this ant to cause a huge negative impact on the environment in the United States, and its ability to sting. One of the characteristics of the RIFA is that it commonly makes mounds of dirt above its underground colonies. These mounds may be as high as 3 feet, and they are composed of hard, compacted soil, that interferes with equipment used in harvesting crops or mowing lawns.

Common Black Ants

Common Black ants are very small and black, two nodes, with workers all one size, similar to the Pharaoh Ant. Found throughout the U.S. One of the more common house-infesting ants, Common Black Ants nest in wall voids and under carpets. May build outdoor colonies under rocks, logs, debris and forage to indoor food sources along baseboards and carpet edges. Likes sweets, fats, oils.

Bedbugs

Adult bed bugs measure approximately 1/5 inch in length by 1/8 inch in width. They are reddish-brown in color and typically oval and flattened in shape. After feeding, the abdomen becomes engorged giving the bed bug a somewhat elongated appearance. Immatures are yellowish-white in color. The head bears piercing-sucking mouthparts which enable bed bugs to pierce the skin and retrieve blood from their hosts. The antennae have four segments and two compound eyes are visible. The wings are reduced to short pads and incapable of generating flight. Eggs are white and approximately 1/32 inch long.

Bees

Bees belong to the third largest insect order which also includes wasps and ants. Together, these creatures pollinate crops, turn over the soil more effectively than earthworms, and, in the case of the bee, furnish food in the form of honey. Even more importantly, some members of this order prey on other insects -- the single most important factor in keeping the earth's insect population in check.

The bee's eyes, like those of other insects, differ greatly from human eyes. They consist of a pair of compound eyes made up of numerous six-sided facets (28,000 in some dragonflies, 4,000 in house flies) plus three simple eyes. Despite this, their vision is believed to be sharp only for a distance of about 1 m. Bees, however, are capable of seeing ultraviolet light, which is invisible to humans.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer warm temperatures around 84 degrees Fahrenheit and do not tolerate cold temperatures. In residential areas, these cockroaches live in basements and sewers, and may move outdoors into yards during warm weather. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material.

Crickets

Certain crickets occasionally invade homes and become a pest by their presence. Homeowners complain of their monotonous chirping, which can be annoying especially at night when trying to get some sleep. Indoors, some crickets can feed on a wide variety of fabrics, foods and paper products. Cotton, linen, wool, rayon, nylon, silk and furs are susceptible, along with soiled fabrics, sizing from wallpaper, glue from bookbindings, fruit, vegetables, meat and even other crickets. An occasional cricket or two in the home usually presents no serious problem. However, large populations may congregate around lights at night, making places unattractive.

Rodents/Mice

Rats are usually nocturnal, but as is their nature, they are extremely adaptable, and may be active during the day if conditions require it. Rats are extremely prolific, breeding 1 to 13 times a year and producing 1 to 22 young in a litter. Rats will eat almost anything. Certain Rat species are strict herbovours, while others, especially those types which live in towns and cities are omnivorous and will eat practically anything... Much to the delight of residents who would seek to poison their unwanted guests. Some of the larger species are purely carnivourous, and represent in certain areas the higher end of the food chain.

Silverfish

Silverfish are small, soft insects without wings. The abdomen has three filaments extending from it. Silverfish are not often seen by homeowners because they are nocturnal and can run very swiftly. Occasionally, they are found in bathtubs. They crawl in seeking food or moisture and can't climb out. These insects prefer vegetable matter with a high carbohydrate and protein content. However, indoors they will feed on almost anything. A partial list includes dried beef, flour, starch, paper, gum, glue, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, sugar, molds and breakfast cereals.

Spiders

Arachnids are usually predaceous. Often they hunt or lie in wait for small animals such as insects. Food may be partly or wholly broken down by secreted fluids and then sucked in. Arachnids have simple eyes and various prey-subduing structures, such as the segmented, stinging tail of scorpions and the abdominal spinnerets with which spiders construct elaborate insect traps (orbs or webs). The bites of some spiders and the stings of a few species of scorpions are dangerously poisonous to humans. However, most arachnids are harmless and contribute to the balance of nature by controlling the populations of the insects they prey on or the plants, reptiles, birds, or mammals that serve as their hosts.

Wasps

The northern or paper wasp is about 3/4 to 1-inch long, slender, narrow waisted with long legs and reddish-orange to dark brown or black in color. There are yellowish markings on the abdomen (rear body part). Paper-like nests, shaped like tiny umbrellas, are suspended by a short stem attached to eaves, window frames, porch ceilings, attic rafters, etc. Each nest consists of a horizontal layer or "tier" of circular comb of hexagonal (six-sided) cells not enclosed by a paper-like envelope. The ends of the cells are open with the heads of the larvae exposed to view.