- AntsAnts rank number one in inquiries at our Ohio State University Extension Entomology office over all other household/structural pests. It is very important to have an accurate ant identification in order to determine the best method of control if needed. When in doubt, collect several specimens in a watertight vial, add isopropyl or 70 percent alcohol (not water), and enclose in a crush proof box. Take to your county Extension office of Ohio State University Extension or mail to the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, 110 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1087, phone (614)292-5006. A nominal fee is charged for specimen identification. Some ants are so small and similar in appearance when viewed by the naked eye, that it takes trained specialists to tell the difference between species.
- Spiders
- TermitesSubterranean termites are the most common and economically important wood-destroying organisms in the United States. Termites feed on materials that contain cellulose, primarily dead wood and wood by-products. Subterranean termites are closely associated with the soil habitat where they excavate a network of tunnels through the soil to reach water and food. These termites need moisture to survive.
- Bed BugsBed bugs have been documented as pests since the 17th century. They were introduced into our country by the early colonists. Bed bugs were common in the United States prior to World War II, after which time widespread use of synthetic insecticides such as DDT greatly reduced their numbers. Improvements in household and personal cleanliness as well as increased regulation of the used furniture market also likely contributed to their reduced pest status.
- FleasThe Flea is black to brownish-black, about one-twelfth to one-sixteenth inch long; six legs, with many bristles on the body and legs flattened body. Fleas can be found on cats and dogs year-round, but are more common during warm and humid weather. They will readily attack and feed on humans and can jump as much as 8 inches vertically, and 14 to 16 inches horizontally.
- CockroachesThe American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting roaches. They are most commonly found in restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, breweries, pet shops and other establishments where food is prepared or stored. They are often found in damp sewers and basements, in heating ducts under hospitals, and on the first floors of buildings. They can be transported into homes and apartments in boxes from infested establishments. Roaches can foul food, damage wallpaper, books and clothing, and produce an unpleasant odor. Some home owners are allergic to roaches, and the pests can contaminate food with certain bacterial diseases that result in food poisoning, dysentery, or diarrhea. Cockroaches can cause childhood asthma.
- BeesDoctors believe that once systemic sensitivity occurs, it almost always increases in severity with each following sting (varies in individual persons). The more quickly symptoms appear after the sting, the more severe the reaction. (Some beekeepers can no longer keep honey bees after several years due to severe allergic reactions developing). The problem occurs when some individuals produce excessive quantities of antibodies in their immune system. The excess antibody production usually follows the initial sting to which there is no reaction. However, when the person is stung again, the insect venom entering the body combines with the antibody, produced by the first sting, which triggers a series of internal reactions, resulting in severe allergic symptoms.
- WaspsShould a bee or wasp fly near you, slowly raise your arms to protect your face and stand still or move slowly away through bushes or indoors to escape. Never move rapidly, which often provokes attack. Never strike or swing at a wasp or bee against your body since it may be trapped causing it to sting. If crushed, it could incite nearby yellowjackets into a frenzied attack. The wasp venom contains a chemical "alarm pheromone," released into the air, signaling guard wasps to come and sting whomever and whatever gets in their way.
- TicksNo real important diseases, though they do carry parasites, and thus are vectors for the diseases that fleas, ticks, etc can transmit. They also leave a lot of droppings, which pose the usual excrement health risks, such as leptospirosis or Salmonella.
- FliesHouse flies are generally found in greatest numbers during the hotter summer months. House flies are less than 3/8 inch in length and have four dark stripes down the back of their thorax. House flies have sponging mouthparts and eat solid food by first liquefying it with their saliva.
- BeetlesWild colonies can be treated with the same insecticides and methods as described for exposed or concealed wasp nests. Combs inside buildings should be removed and destroyed to avoid problems with honey-stained damage to walls and secondary pest problems, such as carpet beetles, and attracting bee swarms in the future. Never use honey or wax from colonies that have been treated with an insecticide. Control of honey bee nests can be challenging. Consider hiring an experienced pest control service if a honey bee job appears too difficult.
- HornetsHornet stings - protecting you and your family: Being stung by a hornet is a painful experience and can be life threatening to those who are allergic to stings and may suffer anaphylactic shock. It is possible to reduce the risk of being stung by taking sensible precautions and ensuring that a hornets nest is properly treated or removed. If you have been stung by a hornet, please refer to our guide to treating insect stings. This also has advice about how to avoid being stung when outdoors.
- Yellow JacketsVespula, get their name from their yellow and black bodies. They measure between 1/2-inch and one inch in length. Most yellow jackets are black and yellow, although some may exhibit white and black coloration. In contrast to the bee, the yellow jacket's waist is thin and defined. Their elongated wings are as long as the body and fold laterally when at rest.
- MothsWhile moths do not pose a health risk, they are a pest in homes because of the severe damage their larvae cause to clothes, fabrics, furs, leather and carpets.
- Pantry PestsThe Indian Meal Moth is the most common pantry pest found in homes and apartments. Found in a wide variety of food items including flour, cereal, nuts, grains, chocolate, birdseed and dried pet foods. This pest usually enters homes in boxes or bags of infested foods.
- Stinging InsectsAgain, it is always best, if allergic, to hire a professional exterminator to remove a nest. Never try to burn or flood a nest with water since this practice will only make these stinging insects angry and aggressive.
- MitesSanitation measures include frequently vacuuming the mattress and premises, laundering bedding and clothing in hot water, and cleaning and sanitizing dwellings. After vacuuming, immediately place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag, seal tightly, and discard in a container outdoors-this prevents captured bed bugs from escaping into the home. A stiff brush can be used to scrub the mattress seams to dislodge bed bugs and eggs. Discarding the mattress is another option, although a new mattress can quickly become infested if bed bugs are still on the premises. Steam cleaning of mattresses generally is not recommended because it is difficult to get rid of excess moisture, which can lead to problems with mold, mildew, house dust mites, etc.
- AphidsNests are very commonly found in fields, lawns, between bricks in the walk, beneath rocks, in pavement cracks, etc. Numerous mounds of its nests are commonly seen in the lawn. They invade the home for sweets. They live on nectar of flowers, live and dead insects and are very fond of honeydew. They collect the eggs of corn root aphids, storing them in burrows during the winter, then in the spring, carry young to the roots of corn. Yellowish, retarded corn and the presence of anthills around the injured corn plants are evidence of this dependent relation between the ant and aphids. They also transport strawberry root aphids to the crowns and roots of strawberries. Workers are about 1/10 to 1/4 inch long, light to dark brown, soft-bodied, robust, one node petiole (long pointed segment), 12-segmented antennae, without an antennal club, with the anal opening at the end of the abdomen, circular, and surrounded by a fringe of hairs. They have large eyes on the head and, when crushed, emit a strong odor of "formic acid."
- SlugsAdults are nearly 1 inch long and black with pale bluish, purplish, or violaceous reflections. Wing covers are striate and punctate. It is found in moist areas, under leaves, rocks and logs in forests and lowlands. They feed on snails and slugs at night.
- SnailsThere are about 2,500 known species of ground beetles in North America. These active insects are usually found on the ground under rocks, logs, leaves, bark, decomposing wood and other debris on the ground. When disturbed, beetles run rapidly but seldom fly. Most hide during the day and feed at night. Both adults and larvae are considered beneficial since they feed on larvae of many harmful insects. Some are considered pests when feeding on seedlings of crops planted in moist soil in early spring. Larvae usually are not seen whereas adults may be found on the ground underneath night lights. Eggs are normally laid singly in the soil and hatch into elongate larvae tapered toward the end. They have a large head directed forward. Pupation occurs in the soil. The life cycle of most species is usually completed within a year, although adults may live 2 to 3 years or longer. Some adults are attracted to lights and will feed on the crushed remains of their own kind that have been stepped on or run over. Many ground beetles exude or expel foul-smelling secretions that are used to repel their enemies. Some feed on snails and slugs.
- BatsBed bugs are parasites that preferentially feed on humans. If people aren't available, they instead will feed on other warm-blooded animals, including birds, rodents, bats, and pets.
- RaccoonsRaccoons are usually classified as a pest species due to their habits of living in human dwellings. The most common complaints include the following...
- Snakes
- Wildlife
- OpossumsOpossums are usually classified as a pest species due to their habits of scavenging and living in attics and under houses. The most common complaints include the following...
- BirdsFor these reasons, many people wish to have bird exclusion barriers installed or even have the birds removed.
- WoodpeckersSeveral different birds may pose a nuisance for several different reasons. Woodpeckers can be a problem when they decide to drum on and peck holes in a wooden house. Chimney Swifts can live down a chimney, and their young make a heck of a racket. Canada Geese can form very large flocks, and leave behind a ton of droppings on a property. Any type of bird could get stuck inside a building. However, I will address the most common pest bird that we deal with in the wildlife control industry: the pigeon.
- Pigeons(Columba livia), is about 12 inches and length and weighs about a pound. Although pigeons can exhibit a variety of colors, most are of the blue-gray variety. Males are more colorful than females. Pairs mate for life, and share in the nest building and parenting duties. They may lay a clutch of eggs at any time of the year. The young hatch 19 days later, and are cared for until they can make it on their own
- RodentsOur professionals are extensively trained to provide pest prevention, rodent-proofing and advanced treatment techniques to help virtually every industry, including...
- Mice
- RatsMice are more numerous than rats and are more widespread throughout urban and suburban communities. A mouse can be distinguished from a young rat since the rat's head and feet will be overly large in relation to its body.
- SquirrelsSquirrels are usually classified as a pest species due to their habits of living in houses. The most common complaints include the following...