Carpenter Ants

At one time or another, most homes probably have at least a casual infestation of carpenter ants. The most common species in our area, Camponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer), is a large black ant about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Carpenter ants excavate nest galleries with their enlarged, jaw like mandibles in live, dead, or seasoned wood. They are ecologically important in speeding up the decomposition of rotting wood and are also beneficial by feeding on many other insect pests. more...

Cockroach

There are over 3,500 species of cockroaches in the world! There are only four species that live and breed in our homes and work places. These four are the German, Brown – banded, Oriental and American cockroach. Cockroaches live in dwellings in all ethnic groups and all economic classes of people. Cockroaches are often brought into non-infested residences through hitchhiking , examples are: in egg cartons, soft drink cartons, bags of potatoes, beer cases, or even through used furniture or appliances. Once introduced into the home, these cockroaches generally start to populate in the kitchen and bathroom. more...

Birds

Considered by most people to be one of natures most beautiful creatures, birds can also be carriers of diseases that are responsible for respiratory ailments, viral infections, and food poisoning. But as serious as this may be, it seems to take a back seat to the physical damage caused by birds. Birds cause millions of dollars in property damage each year defacing buildings and structures with droppings, and nesting materials, that at first glance, give buildings an unsightly appearance. more...

Fleas

Fleas are one of the more important groups of insect pests because they not only cause discomfort by biting, but they can also transmit diseases. Some of the names for fleas are: Cat flea, Dog flea, Human flea and the Oriental Rat flea. Keep in mind that the names of these fleas do not have any correlation with the types of mammals that they can be found on. The common type of flea that plagues so many of our pets (both cats and dogs) as well as our dwellings is the CAT FLEA. more...

Bees, Wasps & Hornets

Bees, hornets and wasps are for the most part a very beneficial group of insects, being the major pollinators of flowering plants, helping to reduce the numbers of many insect pest species, etc.  However, of the 54 reported deaths each year from arthropod bites or stings, bees, hornets, and wasps account for about 30 percent. Bees, hornets, and wasps are categorized as being either solitary or social.  Solitary species are those whose members live independently of each other. 

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