Centipedes Centipedes have elongated, flattened and many-segmented bodies with 1 pair of long legs which are alternately colored with light andcentipede-1024 dark bands. Most species of centipedes live outdoors, however the house centipede is the only species that can live and reproduce in homes. House centipedes have a hairier appearance than centipedes found outdoors. They…

Raccoons Raccoons are a medium sized mammals averaging 14 – 23 lbs. and 24 – 38” long. They are best recognized by their bandit’s mask of black fur that covers their eyes. One theory for their mask feature is that it helps reduce glare and enhance the nocturnal night vision. They have grayish brown fur…

Eastern yellowjackets Eastern yellowjackets are a social, stinging insects that live in nests constructed of layers of combs made of wood fibers chewed into a paper-like pulp. Preferred nesting sites include soil cavities, attics, eaves, porches, or sheds. Workers are about 1/2” long with distinct alternating black and yellow bands on their abdomen. They may…

CITRONELLA ANTS Citronella ants get their name from the distinct citronella like scent they emit when crushed. Workers are about 1/8 – 3/8” long and are yellowish to brown in color. Citronella ants do not live inside, but may forage indoors in search of food. Outside, they nest under slabs, walkways, and decaying wood. Swarmers…

Subterranean termites Subterranean termites are social insects that live in colonies and build their nests underground. They feed on wood and other materials containing cellulose fibers such as, paper, cardboard, burlap, etc. buried below or near the soil surface. Symbiotic microbes in their gut digest the cellulose in the wood and then share these nutrients…

Spiders Spiders are not insects but they are related as spiders and insects are both arthropods (animal having an exoskeleton and jointed legs).Giant house spider Tegenaria Gigantea Spiders are however closely related to mites, ticks, and scorpions which are known as arachnids. Unlike insects, spiders have eight legs rather than six. They have no antennae…

Norway rat The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat and sewer rat, are robust rodents with coarse brownish and scattered black hairs, gray torat yellowish-white under belly and a naked scaly tail. They weigh about 12 to 16 ounces and are 13” to 18” long as adults, including the tail. Rats typically breed…

Blow Flies Blow flies are about 1/4 – 1” long with hair-like bristles and vary in color. Blow flies are often shiny, metallic, blue, green or black. TheyAustralian_sheep_blowfly have large compound eyes, one set of wings and short antennae. Blow flies are attracted to recently deceased animals as well as animal feces where they lay…

American Roaches American roaches are the largest of the roach species and are also known as Palmetto bugs. Adults range from 1 1/2 – 2 inches long andcockroach-american-2 reddish brown to mahogany in color with faded yellow edges on their thorax. American roaches may be found in homes but are more commonly found in larger…

Fleas Fleas are a well-known problem of homeowner with pets especially from July through October. There are over 2,000 species of fleas flea worldwide, however the most common flea encountered in and around homes is the cat flea. The dog flea, while very similar to the cat flea, is not as commonly encountered. Most dogs…