ANTS

These are among the largest of ants and are vicious biters. Workers vary greatly in size from 1/4” to 3/4” in length. Usually they are black, but may have some brown coloration. They are long-legged and move swiftly.

HabitsThe natural food of the ants consists of honeydew from aphids, other insects and plant juices, but they will readily forage for water and food scraps within the house.

HabitatUnder natural conditions, carpenter ants nest in live and dead trees and in rotting logs and stumps. However, they will also construct their nests in houses, telephone poles and other man-made structures.

COCKROACHES

The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting cockroach.

HabitsAmerican cockroaches are found in food processing areas and food storage areas, as well as other types of buildings. They are active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, but they can survive lower temperatures with the right conditions.

HabitatAmerican cockroaches are often found in sewers and basements, particularly around pipes and drains.

ThreatsCockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.

YELLOWJACKETS

There are several species of yellowjackets. These fl ying insects typically have a yellow and black head/face and patterned abdomen.

HabitsYellowjackets nest in the ground or in cavernous areas such as eaves, attics, etc.... They feed on sweets and proteins and commonly invade outdoor activities.

HabitatYellowjackets can be found anyplace humans can be found. Check near recycling bins or other areas where sugars are common.Yellowjackets become more aggressive in autumn when the colony begins to die out except for the queen.

ThreatsYellowjackets pose signifi cant health threats to humans as they may sting repeatedly and can cause allergic reactions.

TERMITES

Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most voracious, aggressive and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science. Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite. These termites are about 1/2 inch in overall length, including their wings.

HabitsTermites are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure.

HabitatFormosan termites are the most aggressive subterranean termite species.

ThreatsBecause of their aggressive nature, formosan termites are diffi cult to control once they infest a structure.

SPIDERS

This is usually the spider most often encountered indoors. It is a nuisance pest, probably more because of its webs.

HabitsThe house spider randomly selects its web sites and creates a tangled web. If a web does not yield prey it is abandoned, another site is selected, and a new web is built. Survival is low in modern homes with low humidity and few insects, higher in garages, sheds, barns, warehouses, etc.

HabitatInside structures, house spiders are most likely to be found in upper corners, under furniture, in closets, angles of window frames, basements, garages, and crawl spaces.

ThreatsHouse spiders are nuisance pests but pose no threats to humans.