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.