Bug Identifier
Some interesting facts about the most common pests in our environment.
Ants
- Among the most prevalent indoor pests.
- Over 12,000 species worldwide.
- Effective management approaches vary depending on species.
Bees
- Over 20,000 species of bees worldwide.
- Do not attempt to remove nests on your own.
- Winged, flower feeding insect.
Beetles
- Feed on plants or decaying animal and plant matter.
- Insect with the largest number of known species between 5-8 million.
- Found in almost all habitats.
Crickets
- Feed on decaying organic materials and plant matter.
- Over 900 known species worldwide.
- Crickets can damage emerging seedlings.
Earwigs
- Feeds on other insects, plants, fruits and garbage.
- Over 1,800 known species worldwide.
- Generally found in homes where moisture is present.
Fleas
- Small (1/16 to 1/8 inch) blood sucking insects.
- Excellent jumpers they generally leap onto their prey.
- Prey on dogs, cats and humans.
Flies
- Common nuisance flies include house fly, face fly, stable fly and garbage fly.
- Feed on animal waste and decaying organic materials.
- Transmit bacteria and viruses to humans.
Grubs
- Range in length from 3/8-1 inch in length.
- Feed on plants in Spring and Summer months.
- C-Shaped larvae of beetles.
Lice
- Over 3,000 species of Lice worldwide.
- Three are classified as agents of human disease.
- Louse also known as Nit.
Mice
- Enter homes in search of food and shelter.
- Spread disease through parasites and feces.
- Belongs to the order of rodents.
Millipedes
- Feed on decaying leaves and other dead pant matter.
- Signs of damage include the stripping of the outer layers of the young plant.
- Common garden pest.
Mosquitoes
- Known vectors of infectious diseases, killing millions each year.
- Over 3,500 known species worldwide.
- To control eliminate standing water in areas around your home.
Moths
- Over 150,000 to 250,000 different species.
- Generally known as a pest given the damage caused to clothing.
- Feed on dead or decaying plant material, stored food products and fabrics.
Rats
- Contaminate food and spread diseases.
- Cause damage to structures and property.
- Do not attempt to touch or remove. Call a professional.
Roaches
- Prolific, roaches reproduce quickly out of sight behind walls.
- Cause Allergic Reaction and aggravate Asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Common household pest.
Scorpions
- Scorpions don't bite, they “sting”
- Over 1,500 species of scorpions worldwide.
- 60 species are unique to Arizona.
Silverfish
- Small wingless insect ½ inch-1 inch in length.
- Feeds on carbohydrates such as sugar and starches.
- Commonly found in homes where moisture is present including: sinks, showers or baths.
Spiders
- Presence is a sign of a more serious pest infestation.
- Predators, spiders feed on other pests.
- Over 40,000 spider species worldwide.
Termites
- Feed on dead plant material in the form of wood or leaf litter.
- 4,000 known species worldwide.
- Drywood and Subterranean most common types in Arizona.
Ticks
- Transmit diseases such as Lyme and HGE (Human Granulocytic Erlichiosus.
- Feed on the blood of mammals, birds and occasionally reptiles.
- Commonly found in tall grass and overgrown vegetation.
Wasps
- Predatory, flying, stinging insect.
- Over 75,000 known species of wasps.
- Nests can be found above or below ground.
Weevils
- Small beetle usually less than ¼ inch.
- Over 60,000 species of weevils found worldwide.
- Feed on dry foods, cereal and grain products. Can cause E. coli if ingested.
Worms
- Over 4,400 known species of worms worldwide.
- Feed on organic matter and live within the soil.
- Plow through soil allowing for oxygenation and deposit nitrogen.
