Have you ever found a pest in your home or business and wondered “What is this?” Are you worried about pests damaging your home or property? The identification of insects and other pests can be tricky. That’s why we have listed some pest and insect information here to help you figure out which ones are pestering you, then call us and we will solve your problem.

Ants
There are more than 700 ant species found in the U.S., although only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants are social insects that typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen. Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets. Ant identification is relatively simple due to their three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. Despite similar construction, ants vary in overall appearance. Small or large ants and brown or black ants are common nicknames for different species.

Bed Bugs
Bed bugs get their name from their habit of feeding on human hosts in bed. They are excellent hitchhikers, easily transported and are found in many different types of dwellings, which makes them difficult to control. It is crucial that bed bugs are identified. Bed bug infestations continue to plague most of the country.

Bees
Stinging insects like bees and hornets send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year. These pests are especially active during the second half of summer and early fall when the colonies forage for food that will sustain their queens during the winter. If you have a stinging insect nest on your property, contact us promptly. We will be able to inspect your home, confirm the type of stinging insect and recommend a course of pest control treatment.

Cockroaches
Cockroaches look creepy and are despised by homeowners. Cockroach pest control and management are important for health and safety reasons, because cockroaches are known to cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children. They also spread nearly 33 kinds of bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella.

Crickets
The most obvious sign of a house cricket infestation is the presence of crickets in the home. They are drawn to warm, moist environments. Another sign of a cricket infestation is the chirping noise the male house crickets often make, which is done when they rub their front wings together to attract females and, since they’re nocturnal, often occurs at night. If homeowners hear this chirping, it could be a sign of a house cricket infestation. Chewed fabric is also a sign of a house cricket infestation.

Fleas
Fleas are parasites. They feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. Cat fleas are the most common domestic flea, but dog fleas, human fleas and oriental rat fleas can also be found. Fleas do not fly. They use their powerful legs to jump onto a passing host. Controlling and/or exterminating fleas can eliminate an infestation. Flea bites can result in painful, itchy red bumps. Fleas are also the most common transmitter of the rare bubonic plague. Call us to find out more about flea extermination and control.

Flies
Houseflies are a nuisance. They have a relatively short lifespan, however, they can quickly reproduce in large numbers. They can also transmit diseases and contaminate food, which is one of the main reasons that fly pest control is so important. If you have a fly infestation in your home, contact us promptly. We will be able to inspect your home, confirm the species and recommend a course of pest control to get rid of the flies.

Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can carry many diseases. Using insect repellent that contains DEET or another EPA-registered ingredient is the best way to prevent mosquito bites. It’s also important to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding grounds around your home, since mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as a half an inch of water. If you are concerned about mosquito control on your property, contact us.

Silverfish
Silverfish have no wings and can run very fast. Adult silverfish are about 3/4” plus the tail. They have a flattened teardrop shaped body and generally have scales. Signs are irregular holes, notches along an edge, or surface etchings and yellow stains, scales and/or feces that look like tiny black pepper-like pellets. These pests can typically be found in humid, moist areas like basements, attics and bathrooms.

Spiders
Some types of spiders are Black Widow, Brown Recluse, Hobo, House, Jumping and Long-bodied Cellar spiders. There are about 3,000 species of spiders in the U.S., but only two can cause serious harm – the black widow spider and brown recluse spider. We will be able to inspect your home, confirm the species of spider and recommend a course of proper spider control.

Ticks
Most people think ticks are insects, but they’re actually arachnids. There are soft ticks and hard ticks. Soft ticks feed on bats and birds, while hard ticks feed on humans, pets and nuisance wildlife. We can help you in identifying the type of ticks you are dealing with and the safest and most efficient process for tick removal.

Rodents
Rodents are difficult to keep out of structures. Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime and rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter. We can identify the ways a rodent may be entering your home.