Other Types of Pest

Moths are insects which are most known for their fluffy appearing wings. The wings are actually covered with scales and if moths are handled, these scales will come off like dust. Moths are members of the order Lepidoptera which also includes butterflies.

Mayflies mature from an aquatic crawling to terrestrial flying insect. They emerge during May in impressive swarms from pollution-free waters. Their unique aspects have made them important parts of the aquatic food chain.

Dragonflies prey on mosquitoes and other bugs to help keep an area bug free. Their young develop in water and move to land once adults. They have large eyes and needle-like bodies. These insects can fly very fast.

Chinch bugs are tiny insects with small wings and black-and-white markings. These pests are particularly a problem in the southeast U.S. because of their pension for damaging grass and lawns.

Firebrats are small, flat insects found commonly in heat-concentrated areas like fireplaces and boiler rooms. They are quick runners that feed on books, papers, and various fibers.

Praying mantids are a large, predatory insect that can be bright green to brown in color. They sit on plants waiting for bugs like mosquitoes and moths to fly by before snatching them out of the air with their long arms.

Katydids are a nocturnal insect that look similar to crickets, but are a bright green color. They are known for their musical banter between males and females. They are local to the eastern U.S. and tropical regions.

Plaster bagworms can be a nuisance. They feed on silk and wool fibers which include clothing and spider webs. Larva build a protective case from silk and debris which is drug behind when looking to feed. Adults become moths.

The sod webworm feeds on multiple grass types which can damage lawns. They mature in three stages of larva, caterpillar, and moth. Their lives are spent in and around lawns. Dead spots can be the results of these pests.

Armyworms earned their name from militaristic style movement when in group. They are nocturnal and typically feed on grasses and grains. The armyworm moth lays eggs in areas of plentiful vegetation for hatched larvae to eat.

Grubs are white, c-shaped larvae of beetles. They like to feed on grass roots during warm months in areas of a lawn with sun. They are the prey of many animals including digger wasps which use them as hosts for their young.

Stink bugs are small, brownish insects known for their self-defense mechanism of emitting a nasty odor when threatened. They feed on fruit plants and various trees and are attracted to light.

Springtails are very small insects that can jump 3 to 4 inches with their spring-like tails. Springtails pose no threat to crops or plants but can infest homes in large numbers, always in damp or moisture-rich areas.

Earwigs are named from the myth that they crawled into peoples ear while they were asleep. They have two pincers at their base, are most active at night, and are renowned climbers.

Sowbugs are tiny crustaceans, closely related to pillbugs. They too roll up into a ball in self-defense. Sowbugs are mostly inactive during the day and live in moist environments like damp bark or mulch.

Slugs and snails are similar creatures with the major difference being that a snail has a shell for protection. Both are known for their slow movement and can be found in cool, moist areas.

Pscocids, also referred to as “booklice”, are common household pests that can be found in damp areas with high humidity. They primarily feed off mold and can be found in large numbers.

Pill bugs are very small crustaceans that roll up into a ball when threatened, thus the nickname “roly-polies”. They can oftentimes be found in cool areas where they feed on damp vegetation and mulch.

Leaf footed bugs are dark brown with a cream-colored stripe across the back. Their diet consists of fruit, cotton, and seeds and therefore can be responsible for severe crop damage in cases of infestation.

Kissing bugs do not routinely bite humans but can transmit disease. They prefer feeding on other vertebrates and insects. Their name results because bites usually happen around the mouth. These are nocturnal feeders.