Frequently Asked Questions

(1 1/2" - 2" long) Reddish-brown nocturnal pest; largest common household roach in the U.S. Found anywhere in a home, Pollutes foods and carries disease; damages books, fabric, wallpaper. Also called a "Palmetto bug."

(1/2" long) Prolific breeder, hard to control. Its allergens are a leading trigger of asthma. Ultra light brown; two dark stripes on its back. Usually found in kitchens, bathrooms. Pollutes food, causes foul odors, stains

(1" - 1 1/2" long) This black or brown roach seeks out dark, damp places like basements. Similar to American roach in food pollution and potential for damage. Can create a persistent odor. More common in the North.

(1/2" long) Called the "furniture roach." Identified by light and dark bands across back. Damages fabrics, books and wallpaper. Prefer a warm habitat; often found in electrical appliances and light switches.

(1/4" - 1/2" long) Solid black or black and red in color. Nests in damp places; causes damage to structures by hollowing out wood. Can be difficult to control.

(1/8" long) Can infest food. Nests in soil next to and under structures. Forages into kitchens, baths and other rooms. Will also nest in walls and is commonly seen outside on patios.

(1/4" - 1/2" long) Winged reproducer similar to termite swarmer. Identified by two sets of different sized wings, a pinched waist and elbow-shaped antennae.

(1/8" long) Tan-colored; covered in scales. Can cause irreparable damage to personal belongings. Feeds on almost any item made of natural fibers, especially wool and cashmere.

(1/8" - 1/4" long) Reddish-brown to black. Damages wood products. Flies into the home or is carried in with firewood. Piles of dust or small holes in wood are signs of its presence.

(1/8" - 3/16" long) This reddish-brown pest feeds on stored food products such as flour, birdseed, cereals, dog food, spices and nuts.

(1" - 1 1/2" long) Light brown; darker violin-shaped marking on back. Bite can cause a painful ulcerous sore, requiring medical attention. Found in dark areas, including closets and clothing.

(1" long) Shiny, black body; red markings underneath. The most poisonous spider in North America. Its painful bite is dangerous to children and the elderly. Hides in firewood, garages and under furniture.

(1/2" long) Brown or tan. Lives indoors and outdoors. Notable for multiple, annoying cobwebs near windows and doorways, in corners and in garages. Lives on a diet of other insects.

(3/16" - 1/4" long) Cream-colored. Can cause irreparable damage to wool and cashmere clothing. Also feeds on furs, skin, carpets and food products.

(1/2" long) Common food pest. Out wing halves copper-colored: cream-colored elsewhere. Larva ruin food with web cases or tunnels, then build cocoons in corners and crevices and on walls.

(1/4" - 3/8" long) Black in color. Clumsy, slow flier. A parasite of the earthworm. Can contaminate whatever it comes in contact with.

(1" - 2" long) Usually gray in color. Can carry parasites and diseases: can taint food with Salmonellosis. Can gnaw through electrical wires, creating a fire hazard. Reproduces quickly.

(6" - 1' long) A sophisticated pest. Can taint food and carry parasites and diseases. Color varies; may be grey, brown or black. Is an excellent climber and a fast reproducer.

(1/4" - 1" long) Active mostly at night, they ware found in dar, damp or warm areas of the home. They'll eat almost anything they can chew, from rugs to drapes, and even clothing.

(1/4" long) Increasingly common reddish-brown blood feeders are carried in on clothing and luggage to infest mattresses and bed frames. Not known to spread disease, but bites can cause itchy welts.

(3/4" - 1 1/2" long) Nests in large numbers, making it a serious garden pest and an annoying household pest. Feeds on vegetation, but does little harm indoors. Has a forceps-like tail appendage.

(1/32" - 1/16" long) Brown or black. This prolific breeder feeds on the blood of dogs, cats, birds and humans. Bites can cause itching, and even parasites like tapeworms. Can infest clothing and furniture.

(1/2" - 1" long) Common pest with long antennae and chiny silver scales. Feeds on anything that contains cellulose, starches or vegetable-based material. Damages foods, paper, books, wallpaper and fabrics.

(1/16" - 3/8" long) Dark or reddish-brown eight-legged parasite. Feeds on blood of dogs, cats, birds or humans. Carries diseases such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Typhis. Can cause serious infection.

(1/4" long) Winged reproductive termite. Black to brown in color with four wings of equal size, a broad waist and straight antennae. Flies from the colony to mate and start new infestations.

(1/8" long) Pale white insect that causes serious damage to structures. Feeds on almost anything containing cellulose. Travels from soil to wood supply via earthen tubes.

(3/16" long) Has specialized head used for fighting. Sole function is to protect the colony from other insect enemies.

(1/4" long) This rarely-seen creature increases the population of the termite colony by producing eggs.