Pest Library

Common Pests and Their Characteristics

Ants
Highly social insects that invade homes in search of food and water. Some species, such as carpenter ants, can cause structural damage, while others, like fire ants, deliver painful stings.
Boxelder Bugs
Small black and red insects that gather in large numbers on trees and buildings, especially in the fall. While not harmful, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes.
Centipedes
Fast-moving, multi-legged predators that feed on other insects. They thrive in dark, damp environments like basements and bathrooms but are generally harmless to humans.
Crickets
Nocturnal insects known for their distinctive chirping sounds. While generally harmless, they can become a nuisance indoors and may damage fabrics, paper, and plants.
Earwigs
Recognizable by their pincers, earwigs are nocturnal scavengers that feed on decaying organic matter. They may enter homes but are not harmful to humans.
Fleas
Small, jumping parasites that feed on the blood of pets and humans. They reproduce quickly, can spread diseases, and cause itching and irritation.
General Cockroaches (American and Oriental)
Disease-carrying pests that thrive in warm, moist environments. The American cockroach is large and reddish-brown, while the Oriental cockroach is darker and prefers damp areas, such as basements and drains.
Pillbugs/Sowbugs
Small, armored crustaceans that thrive in damp environments. Pillbugs (also known as roly-polies) can curl into a ball when threatened, whereas sowbugs remain flat.
Silverfish
Silvery, fast-moving insects that thrive in humid environments. They feed on starchy materials such as paper, glue, and fabric, making them a nuisance in homes.
Spiders
Predatory arachnids that help control insect populations. While most are harmless, some species, such as the black widow and brown recluse, can pose a medical risk with their venomous bites.
Ticks
Blood-feeding parasites that attach to humans and animals. Some species can transmit dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Wasps
Stinging insects that build nests in trees, attics, and wall voids. While beneficial for pollination and pest control, some species, such as yellow jackets, can be aggressive and pose a stinging threat.

Requires Our Outdoor Package

Mosquitoes

Blood-feeding insects are known for their itchy bites and ability to transmit diseases, such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and malaria. They breed in standing water and are most active during dawn and dusk.

Chiggers

Microscopic larvae of mites that latch onto humans and animals, causing intensely itchy bites. Found in tall grass, wooded areas, and gardens, they are a common outdoor nuisance.

Aphids (Requires Add-On for Guarantee)

Tiny, sap-sucking insects that damage plants by feeding on their juices. They reproduce quickly and can cause yellowing, curling leaves, and stunted growth in gardens and landscapes.

Scale Bugs (Requires Add-On for Guarantee)

Small, hard-shelled pests that attach to plants and suck out essential nutrients. Over time, they weaken the plants and can be challenging to control without targeted treatments.

Mites (Requires Add-On for Guarantee)

Tiny arachnids that impact both plants and animals. Some species harm vegetation, while others, such as bird or rodent mites, may bite humans when their hosts are displaced.

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