Library of Pests

Ants are one of the most common insects found in households, often living in and around kitchens and bathrooms. They are highly social pests and work as a colony in conjunction for their mutual benefit. Ants have an impressive ability to locate food resources, often trailing cracks in search of food sources. 

Aphids are a common garden pest and can be difficult to get rid of. They reproduce quickly, so early detection is important. Signs of aphid infestation include yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew deposits on the leaves or nearby objects. They are tiny and pear-shaped.

Boxelder bugs are often found in large numbers and can be a nuisance to homeowners since they can sometimes enter houses in search of food or shelter. These bugs feed on the female boxelder tree's seeds, as well as other plants such as ash trees and maple trees. Boxelder bugs are primarily black and outlined in an orange-red color. 

Earwigs may look intimidating due to their size and unique pincers, but they pose no real threat to humans. They do bite when disturbed, but the bites are not venomous and rarely cause any harm. While earwigs can live in a variety of environments, they prefer moist areas like gardens, mulch beds.

Mice are opportunistic creatures and can easily find the resources they need to survive inside a home. They need food, water, warmth, and shelter. Mice are often gray or light brown. Their size allows them to fit through an entry point as small as a dime. 

Fleas are a common and difficult problem to get rid of. They can cause discomfort and itching in both pets and people, leading to skin irritation and sometimes allergies. They are flat, small, and often dark colored. They typically become a nuisanse because of their desire to ingest blood. 

Voles are nocturnal animals, active during the night and preferring to hide during the day. They feed on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, clover, roots and bulbs. They look like short-tailed mice. They can be between 5-8 inches in size. 

Spiders are eight legged creatures. Tthey have what are called spinnerets which are used to produce silk (located on their abdomen). Spiders can be found in gardens and lawns as well as inside our homes. Some spider species pose no threat to humans while others may bite and produce harmful symptoms. 

Wasps are a major nuisance during the summer months, as they can gather in large numbers near homes and outdoor recreational areas and are stinging insects. Wasps often build paper nests in trees or shrubs that hang over your roof or other parts of your home, as these provide ideal nesting locations.

The caterpillar is made up of segments which are connected by flexible joints like hinges, allowing the caterpillar to move and contort in amazing ways. This segmented body helps it to crawl along leaves and twigs. 

Snail shells come in many different shapes and sizes depending on species, but often have a soft body and a hard shell. They commonly leave a silvery trail whereever they go. Found in dark areas with moisture and vegetation, snails can become a nuisance to most gardens. 

Spider mites are a common pest problem for many plants and can cause serious damage if left untreated. They feed by sucking the sap from leaves, which causes them to become dry and discolored. The most common signs of spider mite damage are yellow or brown spots on leaves and stems. These spots may also appear as small silken webs.

Weevil larvae are considered pests as they feed on the leaves, stems and roots of plants. They can cause significant damage to garden beds, vegetable patches and crops. Infestations of weevil larvae can be easily identified by their distinctive white appearance and small black heads. 

Centipedes are long, segmented arthropods that possess a pair of legs in each section of their body. Generally, they measure between 1 to 6 inches in length and have flat, elongated bodies that are typically reddish-brown or orange in color. 

Crickets are known for their hind legs that enable them to jump considerable distances due to their large size. This allows them to stay mobile and active. Crickets are memorable for their scratching sound, which is made by rubbing their front wings together. They are primarily found in areas with mulch, for example, in flower beds.

Pests found in areas with stored food, such as Moths, Carpet Beetles or Mites, make homes in dry goods found near kitchens or pantries. With their primary goal to obtain food, that is where you'll primarily find them.  

Silverfish are a nuisance pest that can cause damage to books, papers, wallpaper, and clothing. They have an affinity for damp areas in the home such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. Silverfish are tear-shaped with bristle-like appendages (3) on their back side.

German Roaches reproduce quickly and can create a large infestation in no time. These pests are often difficult to control, as they can hide in very small places, typically in kitchens or bathrooms. They have oval, brown bodies and located behind their heads are 2 dark stripes.  

Sowbugs are also known as pill bugs or woodlice and are part of the crustacean family. They have a hard, ovel-shaped body with appendages that hang off their back. They live in damp environments, such as gardens, leaf litter, compost piles, and areas around foundations of buildings. 

Oriental cockroaches are considered a nuisance pest due to their presence in homes and businesses. "Waterbugs" are another term for them due to their preference for moist areas. They can be found in garages or laundry rooms, typically. They primarily have a shiny black to dark reddish-brown color. 

Rats can enter homes through small cracks or holes, often living inside walls or attics. They can reach up to 17 inches long and have powerful jaws, causing significant damage, both indoors and outdoors. 

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are nocturnal creatures, usually hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed on their hosts.