Pest Library
Common Pest Types
Nobody wants pests in their home. A lot of times it’s out of your control when these pests do arrive and make themselves comfortable. If you’re wondering what the common pest types are and what they do, we’ve created a list for you. Browse below to see if you find the pest that’s living in your home.
Termites
Bed Bugs
Ants
Spiders
Stinging Insects
Roaches
Fleas
Flies
Beetles
Outdoor Pests
Rats, Mice, & Wildlife
Mosquitoes
Termites
- The most common termite is the Eastern Subterranean found across North America
- Feeds on cellulose materials i.e. wood structures, paper, books, and cotton
- Eastern Subterranean termite colonies can range from 20,000 to a whopping 5 million workers
- Multiple colonies can be found within one home
- The notable sign of termite damage is the presence of tube-like hollows within a home’s wooden structure
- The peak season of termite infestation is in the spring, however, termites are active year-round
TOP →
Bed Bugs
- Six legged insects around 1/4″ in size
- Mahogany to rusty brown, red after a blood meal
- Nocturnal, hiding in a wide range of places including baseboards, suitcases, and even shoes
- Primary sustenance is warm-blooded animals, very much including humans
- Although they do not transmit disease, their bites become itchy, red welts
- Prevent bed bugs by vacuuming suitcases after a vacation
- A telltale sign of bed bugs is blood spots on bed sheets
- Bed bugs get their name because they like to live and feed in beds.
Habits
Bed bugs like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply. They are elusive, nocturnal creatures. They can hide behind baseboards, electrical switchplates, picture frames, even wall paper. They come out at night for a blood meal.
Habitat
Bed bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, and in furniture crevices.
Threats
Although bed bugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they primarily dine on humans. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites can become red, itchy welts.
Prevention
Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation. Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots. Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.
TOP →
Ant Types
Pavement Ant
Measure 2.5 to 4 millimeters long
Dark brown to blackish in color
Can contaminate food
Nest in or under cracks in pavement, or in structures
Pharaoh Ant
Measure 1/16″ in length
Body is pale, varying from yellowish to reddish, with a darker abdomen
Strongly implicated in the spread of various disease pathogens
Nest in warm, humid areas near sources of food and/or water
Nests are typically located in inaccessible areas like wall voids, behind baseboards, furniture, under floors, and between linens
Ants are winged and have stingers
Odorous House Ant
Tiny in size, ranging from 1/16″ to 1/8″ long
Identifiable by strong, rotten coconut smell given off when the ant is crushed
Can contaminate food
Nest in exposed soil and wall cracks
Carpenter Ant
Ranging in size from 1/4″ for a worker up to 3/4″ for a queen
Black, sometimes red and black, in color
Rarely cause structural damage to buildings, but can cause significant damage over a period of years, and can also extensively damage foam insulation
Nest in live and dead trees, rotting logs, stumps, houses, telephone poles, and other wooden structures
Nests are commonly found in porch pillars and roofs, window sills, and wood that is in contact with the soil
Field Ant
Workers measure 1/8 inch” to 3/8″ in size
Brown, black, reddish, or a combination of these colors in appearance
Also commonly known as thatching ants
Can cause damage to masonry walls, concrete sidewalks, etc
Nest around small trees, shrubs, or rocks, or in cracks of sidewalks and along foundation walls
TOP →
Common Types of Spiders
Black Widow Spider
Around 3/4″ in length with a signature red hourglass shape on its black
A misconception is that female Black Widow spiders after mating devour their male
Spin their webs near ground level, near protected areas like piles of wood
Their venom is a neurotoxin used for self-defense
Only bite a human out of self-defense
Young children and the elderly are susceptible to a severe reaction to their bite
Wear gloves when moving objects that this spider might have used as a home, and check shoes for the spiders
Brown Recluse Spider
Light to dark brown with characteristic dark brown violin marking on its back
5/8″ in length
Active at night; eat other bugs like cockroaches and crickets
Often live outdoors in debris and wood piles, but can also be found in indoor storage areas and dark recesses
Only bite humans in self-defense
Bites can cause open, ulcerating sores
Avoid keeping clothing on the floor, store clothing and shoes in plastic containers, and shake out all clothing from hampers before washing or wearing
Hobo Spider
Colloquially known as funnel web spiders
One of the few North America spiders whose bites are considered medically significant
Lives within a funnel-shaped structure of webbing for prey to blunder into their web
Although known for its aggressiveness, the spider avoids contact with humans
Bites cause considerable pain and can cause tissue death (necrosis) near the bite
Wolf Spider
Around 1 & 1/2″ in length and have a leg span of 3”
One visual identifier are the spider’s 4 small eyes of equal size with two larger eyes above
Commonly feared due to its appearance and large size
They do not build webs, and do not enter structures unless venturing after food
These spiders are active hunters throughout both day and night
Woodlouse Spider
Colored dark cinnamon with an elongated abdomen with long fangs
The spider’s name comes from its primary prey, the woodlouse, also known as sow bugs or rolly-polley
Six small eyes scrunched serve a rudimentary function that likely detects only light from dark
The bite is highly benign to humans and only causes minor pain from penetration
This species is rarely found in abundance
Cellar Spider
One of the most common spiders found throughout North America
Commonly mistaken as granddaddy-long-legs
A darkened pattern around the eyes resembling a violin causes misidentification with the brown recluse
Commonly found in basements or other darkened recesses of the home
One sign of these spiders is their disorganized webbing that they create
TOP →
Common Types of Stinging Insects
Yellowjackets
Known for their black and yellow patterned abdomen
Length varies from 3/8″ to 5/8″, with queens being 25% larger
Found worldwide with about 16 species occuring in the United States
Social insects with colonies ranging in the thousands
Highly defensive of their colonies, often found on structures and vegetation
Their sting can be life-threatening to those sensitive to their toxin
Feeds on sweet materials, during fall can be aggressive while seeking food
Paper Wasp
Brown and black with a pair of orange to pale brown oval patches on their abdomen
Name is derived from the paper-like material of which they construct their nests
Usually unaggressive wasps that are a nuisance pests
Semi-social living within small colonies
Disturbance of their nest will likely lead to the individual being stung
Colonies often hang from the home exterior, i.e. porch ceilings, eaves, and deck floor joints
Honey Bee
Social insects that are important to the pollination of flowers and over 100 crops in the U.S
Produce honey which feeds their young in colder months
The only social insect whose colony can survive many years
Often build nests within trees, but occasionally build in attics or chimneys
Removal should be handled by professionals due to colony and nest size
Baldface Hornet
Baldfaced with largely black body and white face
Found throughout the United States
Fast, active predators of other insects
Build strong, round, gray nests that range from the size of a softball to a basketball
Nests are built in the open and can be found as high as 66 ft or even higher
The diameter of their nests can reach 24″ in length
Bumble Bee
Body is black with yellow stripes
A beneficial insect, as they pollinate crops and plants
Have stingers, and can sting more than once
Nests are typically in the ground, but can also be found around patios and decks or in attic soffits
Carpenter Bee
Look like typical Bumble Bees, but often lack yellow stripes
Can damage wood through their nest building
Prefer to bore through bare wood
Occasionally attacks stained or painted wood
Mud Dauber
Resembles the Wasp and has a dark abdomen
Their name derives from the fact that they construct nests from mud
Found throughout the United States and considered a nuisance
Solitary insects that do not live in colonies
Create nests both with mud nests or burrow into soft wood
TOP →
Roach Species
German Roach
Around 1/2″ to 1/8″ in length with two dark stripes behind the head
Prefers to live in kitchens and bathrooms of residential properties including homes, restaurants, supermarkets, and hospitals
Prefers cracks and crevices and harbors deep inside voids
Usually warm moist humid environments will allow populations to soar in great numbers quickly
Pennsylvania Roach
Adult males are approximately 1″ long; females grow to about 3/4″ long
Males are dark brown; the sides of the thorax and the front half of the wings are margined with yellow
Usually found outdoors beneath loose bark in woodpiles, stumps, and hollow trees
Attracted to lights at night and may gain entry indoors
Feeds primarily on decaying organic matter
Populations are expected to grow as sources of wood such as firewood, cedar shake shingles, and homes built in wooded areas grow
American Roach
Around 1 1/2″ in length, reddish brown with a pale yellow margin on the region behind the head
When disturbed, may run rapidly and adults may fly
Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are wingless
Prefer to live in moist areas and prefer warm temperatures of 84 degrees
Commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, cracks, and sewers
Oriental Roach
Nearly black shelled with males being 1″ in length and females 1 1/4″ in length
Survives on filth and enjoys temperatures from 64 to 84 degrees
Live in basements, crawl spaces, drains, leaf piles, and firewood outdoors
Sometimes called “water bugs” because they come out of drains
TOP →
Fleas
- Most common is the cat flea
- Approximately 1/8″ long
- Laterally flattened bodies
- Color is brownish black to black, but reddish black when full of blood
- The flea life cycle is Egg, Larvae, Pupae, Adult
- Females lay 4-8 eggs after each blood meal, laying some 400-500 during their lifetime
- Eggs are deposited on or between hairs, or in the nest or bedding material
- Eggs deposited on the animal either fall or are shaken off and are found in cracks and crevices where pets sleep or frequent
- Eggs are oval, whitish, and about 1/64″ long
- Eggs usually hatch in 1-12 days
- Once hatched larvae require relatively high humidity and 1-2 weeks up to several months to reach the pupal stage
- Pupal stage typically lasts 4-14 days but can be up to a year under harsh conditions
- Once in the Pupal stage pre-emerged adult fleas remain in a cocoon where they are protected from adverse conditions including pesticides
- Pupating fleas do not emerge in an unoccupied home. Emergence is triggered by a potential host entering the room. This is why many people discover fleas upon their return from vacation or other extended absences.
- CO2, body heat, footstep vibration, and footstep pressure are among the triggers
TOP →
Common Types of Flies
Phorid / Humpbacked / Scuttle Fly
Around 1/8” in size and tan to a dark brown in color
Similar to the fruit fly but is known for its humped back
Breeding sites found within moist, decaying organic matter i.e. sewers, trash, food beneath counters
Cluster Fly
Around 1/4″ in size, and dark gray in color with golden yellow hairs across the body
This species forms close-knit colonies that typically live in wall voids or attics
During cooler temperatures, the Cluster fly will go indoors to warmer temperatures
They do not multiply within indoor structures
They are sluggish in comparison to house flies
Around June or July is the best time to begin prevention
Fruit Fly
Oval-shaped with a tan colored body
Feeds on decaying fruits and vegetables
Commonly found in homes, restaurants and other facilities where food is processed
Found in unsanitary locations, they present a potential health concern
Remove kitchen trash daily, and keep counters clean
House Fly
House flies get their name from being the most common fly found in homes
They can only feed on liquids but have the ability to turn many solids into liquids for consumption
Known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease-causing germs
Proper sanitation is the best method to prevent the presence of house flies
Moth / Drain / Filter / Sewage Fly
- Around 1/8” in size and covered in black scale-like hairs
- Most common breeding site is within decaying organic matter such as drains or sewers
Blow / Bottle Fly
Medium-sized with a robust shape, and it is metallic-looking in appearance
It most often breeds in animal carcasses, garbage, animal manure, decaying vegetables, and decaying grass clippings and leaves
Darkwinged Fungus Gnat
Around 1/16” long with black long wings
Common breeding sites include fungus growing in moist soil and root hairs of plants
It takes 12 to 27 days to progress from egg to larvae to pupa to adult
TOP →
Common Types of Beetles
Powderpost Beetle
The name describes several species of small 1/8″ to 3/4″ long, wood-boring insects that reduce wood to a flour-like powder
Damage is done by the larvae as they create narrow, meandering tunnels in wood as they feed
Infestations are discovered after noticing round “shot holes” in the wood surface where they have chewed out of the wood after completing den work
Most are introduced into homes in lumber or finished wood products, however, they will only lay their eggs on bare, unfinished wood
Early detection is the best prevention, replacing damaged wood and applying finish to the replacement can stop the infestation
When replacing damaged wood is not practical, the professionals at Bug Zero can treat infested areas to eliminate this pest
Ground Beetle
Around 1/16″ to 1 & 3/8″ long, often black but come in a brilliant array of other colors
About 2,500 known species of Ground Beetles in North America
Many exude or expel foul-smelling secretions that are used to repel enemies
Some are attracted to lights and enter the home by crawling through small openings and cracks in windows, doors, foundations, etc
Normally live outdoors and do not establish themselves indoors
They are not dangerous to humans, domestic animals (pets), structures, or household items
Remove objects where they can hide such as leaf piles, old boards, stone piles, firewood piles, etc. around house entrances
When found indoors, collect by broom and dustpan to relocate outside of the house since these predators are helpful in agriculture
Ladybugs
The most commonly known of the beneficial insects
Red oval, dome shelled with black spots, often with signature black spots – though the presence of the color varies
In the autumn, adults hibernate, sometimes in large numbers, in plant refuse and crevices
Sometimes they become a nuisance by their presence when congregating in and around homes
Caulk and seal spaces and gaps to prevent them from coming inside
Physically remove Lady Beetles found indoors
Japanese Beetle
Introduced into New Jersey on nursery stock from Japan in 1913
Larvae feed on roots of grass, herbaceous plants and nursery stock, while adults feed on foliage and fruit
Adult feeding results in skeletonization on foliage and flowers
Grubs feed on roots of grasses causing damage to pasture, lawn, and golf courses
A targeted application of an appropriate pesticide, by a licensed applicator, is the best means of controlling this pest
Flour Beetle
Common household pest that originates from infested grain, particularly cereal products such as flour, cornmeal, crackers, dry pet food, etc.
Both adults and small, off-white larvae will be found in an infested food item
The adult beetles often wander away from the infested material and will be found inside cupboards or anywhere in the house
Control of any stored food pest requires locating and eliminating the infested item(s)
Infested items can be thrown away or salvaged by freezing for 1 week or heating in a 140-degree oven for 15 minutes
Store susceptible foods in sealable glass, heavy plastic containers, or in the refrigerator until you are sure the infestation is gone
TOP →
Common Types of Outdoor Pests
Boxelder Bug
Around 1/2” in length, is dark brown, and has three longitudinal red stripes on the thorax
Found throughout North America and Canada
Feeds on the Boxelder tree and other maples such as the Silver Maple
During winter these bugs will invade buildings and other structures
Camel / Cave / Stone Cricket
Size ranges from 1/2″ to 1 & 1/2″ and a humpbacked with brown in color
They do not make chirping sounds, and they are wingless
Prefer moist areas i.e. basements, crawl spaces, and garages
They possess a powerful jumping ability
Field Cricket
Around 1/2” to 1 & 1/4” in length and are typically black, but can also be mustard yellow
Produces a signature chirping sound
Found worldwide, commonly living in pastures and meadows
Occasionally they will damage field crops
Sowbug
Oval and round when rolled up, colored a dark brown to black
Also known as “Pillbugs”
Live in damp locations, i.e. damp objects or under vegetable debris
They do not spread disease or invade food products but are considered pests once inside the home
Once inside, they will commonly dry out and die
Clover Mite
Smaller than a pinhead, oval-shaped arachnids, reddish-brown to olive in color
Sometimes invade homes in enormous numbers in early spring and late autumn
A crushed Clover Mite leaves a reddish stain quite noticeable on linens, curtains, walls, and woodwork
They do not bite humans, nor transmit disease, nor feed on household furnishings or pantry supplies
Eggs remain dormant during the summer, hatching when temperatures fall below 85 F
Use a vacuum cleaner to effectively collect live mites without crushing them. Then burn vacuum bag or take to a garbage disposal far from the house
Earwigs
Long, narrow insects that are dark brown in color
Name is derived from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people’s ears and tunnel into their brains
The long cerci, or clippers, on their backsides easily identify an earwig
Hide during the day and feeds on vegetation, fruits, mold, and other insects
Commonly found beneath lawn debris, mulch, or in tree knots
They do not spread diseases
Springtails
About 700 species of Springtails occur in North America, and more than 6,000 worldwide
Move rapidly because of a “springing” device on their abdomen called a furcula
Their food includes decaying vegetation, fungi, bacteria, pollen, algae, lichens, and insect feces
Invade structures in search of moisture when their usual habitat becomes dry
They are attracted to light and can enter houses through cracks and crevices of homes
Bagworms
Adult bagworms differ in appearance depending on their gender. Males are black with clear wings while females are whitish in color and do not have wings, antennae, legs, or mouthparts
They form cone-shaped bags which are carefully interwoven using silk and bits of leaves and twigs from the host plant
They inhabit regions of the United States that are east of the Mississippi River
They live in trees and shrubs and prefer coniferous trees, arborvitae, juniper and cedar
Shrubs and trees can become stripped of their foliage and needles in a very short period of time, especially if there is a large infestation
Lone Star Tick
Recognizable by deep brown exterior, adult females have a prominent white dot on their backs
Known to spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and Lyme disease
Commonly found in south-central and southeastern regions of the US
Can be found indoors after attaching themselves to humans or their pets
Adults can be found on large animals i.e. cattle, deer, and horses
Mayfly
These aquatic insects are not “flies” at all, and are also called Shadflies or Lakeflies
Eggs are deposited in water and the nymphs live at the bottom of streams, pools, and lakes
Adults are attracted to light at night and often occur in tremendous numbers during the summer
A major source of inhalant allergy
Dead mayflies break into pieces and are carried by the wind, and can then be inhaled
TOP →
Rats, Mice and Wildlife Pests
Skunks
Member of the weasel family and is represented by four species in North America
Characterized by prominent, lateral white stripes that run down its back, otherwise the fur is jet-black
About the size of a house cat and weighing about 8 pounds
Has the ability to repeatedly discharge a nauseating musk from its anal glands
Inhabit clearings, pastures, and open lands bordering forests, and establish dens in hollow logs or trees
Burrow under porches or buildings, open garbage seeking food, destroy gardens eating both pants and digging soil for grubs
Primary carrier of rabies in the Midwest
Raccoons
Stocky mammals about 2 to 3 feet long, weighing 10 to 30 pounds
Known for its distinctive black “mask” over its eyes and heavily furred, ringed tail
Found in hardwood forests near water, living in hollow trees, ground burrows, desolate buildings, and rock crevices
Nuisance due to their habit of raiding garbage in search of food and destruction gaining entrance into homes for warmth
Reported rabies in both them and other wildlife has increased dramatically over the past 30 years
Squirrels
Measure 18” to 27” with a wide-variety of fur colors
In areas of 10% forest cover, fox and gray squirrel populations may be equal
In residential areas, they travel power lines and short out transformers
Remove food at feeders intended for birds
Occasionally enter birdhouses to devour the nestling songbirds
In gardens may eat planted seeds, mature fruits, or grains such as corn
Bats
The only mammal that can fly
Found worldwide and includes 900 species, second only to rodents among mammals
When congregating in groups are called colonial bats, and alone are known as solitary bats
Can be found above swimming pools from which they drink or catch insects
Enter buildings via cracks in roof edges, eaves, chimneys, vents, and walls
Norway Rat / Sewer Rat
Around 11” in length with thick fur of gray, brown, or black
Excellent climbers and often enter the home during the fall when food is scarce
Norway rats live in fields, farmlands, and in structures
Ability to chew through wiring, causing fires, and also spread numerous diseases
Armadillos
Has a protective armor that is divided into nine shields
It prefers sandy or loam soils that are loose and porous for its burrows
Most damage occurs as a result of their rooting in lawns, golf courses, vegetable gardens, and flower beds
Characteristic signs of activity are shallow holes, 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide, which are dug in search of food
Known to keep homeowners awake at night by rubbing their shells against houses or other structures
Opossums
White to gray mammal about the size of a house cat that can weigh as much as 14 pounds
Skull is usually 3″ to 4″ long and contains 50 teeth – more than any other North American mammal
Habitats are diverse, ranging from arid to moist, wooded to open fields
Occasionally den in attics and garages where they make a messy nest
Can be a nuisance when near the home where they disturb garbage, bird feeders, or pet food
House Mouse
Around 2” with light brown to black fur
The most common rodent pest in most of the world
Breeds year-round, and often living in structures but can live outside
Micro droplets of their urine can cause allergies in children
Carrier of fleas, mites, ticks, and lice
Prevention of mice begins with the sealing of all holes that are over the size of a nickel
Snakes
Only a handful of snakes are poisonous in the United States, this group is known as pit vipers
Pit vipers have a pit on each side of their head, midway between the eye and the nostril – nonpoisonous snakes do not have these pits
The underside of the tail of the pit vipers have scales go across in one row, nonpoisonous have two rows of scales beneath
The pupil of a pit viper is elliptical that in bright light displays an almost vertical line, nonpoisonous snake eyes are perfectly round
In general, they enjoy cool, damp, dark areas where they can find food
Woodchucks / Ground Hogs
Woodchucks burrows give shelter to amphibians, reptiles, smaller rodents, and even larger animals such as foxes
Female woodchucks have dependent young in the burrows from late winter until spring or early summer
Woodchucks like to navigate through fairly high vegetation
Keeping undergrowth and grass cover low will help deny woodchucks the security they seek before burrowing around buildings and homes
Woodchucks hibernate in early November through late February
TOP →
Mosquitoes
- Pale brown flying insects with milky stripes across abdomen
- Breed in stagnant water or soft soil, develops from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days
- Spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, malaria and dengue fever
- Reduce mosquito populations by emptying standing water at least once a week
- Place mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia and minnows to standing water
- Protect against with screen windows, doors, and other opening with mesh
- Avoid going outdoors when they are the most active: during dusk and dawn
- Use insect repellent containing DEET on skin to help prevent mosquito bite
Mosquito Treatment
If mosquitoes are ruining your outdoor summer activities, Bug Zero offers many options to suppress these outdoor pests. Whether for gated communities, campgrounds, golf courses, ball parks, stadiums, outdoor parties, weddings, homes, businesses, or any other outdoor area where mosquitoes are a problem, Bug Zero’s certified technicians have the necessary equipment and knowledge to address your mosquito control needs.
Bug Zero’s mosquito control services include site evaluation and recommendation, larval control in all types of water, long-lasting surface and foliar applications, and Thermal Fog applications with the “Skeeter Deleter.” Our technicians are Public Health Pest Control and Aquatic Pest Control certified and will help make your summer outdoor activities enjoyable once again.
TOP →