Pest Library

House flies have an oval-shaped and somewhat hairy body and can grow to between 1/8th and ¼ of an inch in length. Female house flies are larger than male house flies. Adults have four distinctive black stripes on their thorax, with one gold stripe and one silver strip on their face. House flies have a single pair of wings and compound eyes, which provide them with a wide range of vision.

Causing more than $5 billion in damage to homes across the United States each year, termites are most common in the southern part of the nation, including the Carolinas. Since most homeowners’ insurance won't cover termite damage, professional help and prevention methods are often recommended.

Closely related to spiders, ticks also belong to the arachnid group. Relying on the blood of their hosts, ticks are likely to move from one mammal to another in order to survive. Due to their transient behavior, these pests are vectors of a number of diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease.

When you think of rodents, likely the first thing that comes to mind is mice and rats.  They are in fact rodents and the most commonly known ones but there are other animals that fit in this group.  They include squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs, voles, and even beavers.  One key feature all rodents share is front incisors that continuously grow. Here in Manatee County and surrounding areas, the rodents that frequently infest homes and businesses are Norway rats, roof rats, house mice, and tree squirrels.  Read on to discover more about these pests.

Wildlife critters can cause problems for Florida residents any time of year. Find out more about wildlife invaders and the problems they cause here!

The number one nuisance pest, ants make up the majority of local pest problems. Varying by species, the average colony is made up of anywhere between 300,000 to 500,000 ants. With the capability of surviving more than seven years, it’s no surprise that they are likely to take up residence in your home.

Closely related to moths, Plaster Bagworms are known for the protective case, or "bag," that they carry as they move around. The cases are made of silk, dirt, and other debris, often giving them a grayish or brownish appearance.

One of the most feared pest infestations, bed bugs are small, flat insects that tend to congregate in mattress folds, furniture, carpet, or wall folds. Bed bugs feed on blood obtained through biting their host. Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but their bites can result in red welts, rashes, and hives. They may cause allergic reactions and, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock.

Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing you to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.

Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing you to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.

Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing you to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.

Not only are mosquitoes known for disrupting outdoor activities, but they are also vectors for dangerous diseases. Drawn to standing water and capable of laying up to 3,000 eggs in a lifetime, it’s no wonder that mosquitoes are one of the top nuisance pests in the US!

Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing you to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.

Roaches travel through dirty areas, carrying germs from one place to another and contaminating food, surfaces, and other items they come in contact with. They spread more than 30 different types of bacteria, including salmonella, which can cause physical distress in humans.

Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing you to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.

Contrary to popular belief, spiders are not insects; they are actually arachnids, closely related to ticks and scorpions. Possessing the signature trait of eight legs and known to leave behind webs, spiders are notorious for spooking many homeowners.

Horse flies are a common occurrence that can result in painful bites if you're not careful. Learn more about these pests here and what you can do to avoid them!

There are a number of stinging insects common to North America, many of which pose a threat to your family’s well being. Insects like bees, wasps and hornets can cause painful, sometimes life-threatening stings! It’s important to understand the behaviors and characteristics of these pests, so you can stay safe.