Call
our Office435-673-8300
 Color:
Varies depending on species, from red to black or a
combination. Legs: Six Shape: Segmented; oval Size: 5/8" Antennae: Yes Flight: No Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. Their excavation results in tunnels inside wood structures. Carpenter ants range in size from one-quarter inch for a worker ant to up to three-quarters inch for a queen. Habits Carpenter ants are especially prone to wood that is or has been wet and damaged by mold. Even though these ants first take advantage of wet, decayed wood, they may soon begin excavating channels through dry, undamaged wood. These ants customarily enter buildings and structures through cracks around doors, windows, or through any gaps along exterior walls such as holes for wiring or plumbing. Any foliage or tree limbs touching a house provide bridges for carpenter ants to crawl along to reach areas above ground. Threats Carpenter ants infest wood sources of all kinds including woodpiles, old tree stumps, landscaping, decks, porches, and the framework of homes. Once a colony of carpenter ants has entered a structure, it often does not take long for them to damage wood through their nest building. Prevention Because carpenter ants require a water source, eliminate sources of moisture or standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks of wood. And of course, enlist a pest management professional to develop and manage the plan to eradicate any activity or colonies present on your property.
 Color:
Dark brown to blackishLegs: Six Shape: Segmented; oval Size: 1/8" Antennae: Yes Flight: No Pavement ants get their name because they make their nests in or under cracks in pavement. They can infest structures. Habits These ants will eat almost anything, including insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese. These ants live in or under pavement cracks on the outside of structures. On the inside of homes, pavement ants can nest in walls, in insulation, and under floors. The likely harborage area that we have observed is in ground-level masonry walls of the foundation, especially on the side of or near the main heating source in the home. Threats These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided. Pavement ants often use pipes coming from slabs for access to the inside of structures, through slab expansion joints, and natural openings. Prevention Most types of ants, are attracted to moisture, so elimination of any standing water is essential. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around your house. In addition, if build-up of food material such as grease, meat product, sweet substances, bread and other similar organic residue, these conditions need to be cleaned and removed. Witt technicians are highly skilled to treat for sources or potential sources of ant activity, including sealing/caulking small cracks that could be entry points for small household ants. WE will localize where nests are present and eliminate through comprehensive treatments designed for control and future prevention.
 Color:
Reddish brown, with a yellowish figure 8 pattern on the back
of the headLegs: Six Shape: Oval Size: 2" Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes The American cockroach is the largest of the “house-infesting” cockroach. This species of cockroach is commonly referred to as “waterbugs” or “Palmetto bugs.” Habits American cockroaches are found in food processing areas and food storage areas, as well as other types of buildings. They are active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, but they can survive lower temperatures with the right conditions. American cockroaches are often found in sewer systems and basements, particularly around pipes and drains. Threats Cockroaches have been reported to spread many kinds of bacteria, parasitic worms, and human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces. Recent medical studies have indicated cockroach allergens that can cause allergic reactions and can even be a cause of asthma in children. These allergens build up in deposits of droppings, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies of roaches. Prevention Good sanitation and habitat reduction, along with vacuuming, surveillance, a baiting program, and some sealing of cracks can usually quickly reduce or eliminate a cockroach population. A highly skilled pest management professional should be enlisted to evaluate the problem activity to generate a custom-tailored solution.
 Color:
Dark brown, almost blackLegs: Six Shape: Larger, Oval Size: 1" Antennae: Yes Flight: No Oriental Cockroaches are large and very dark (almost black, but sometimes dark reddish-brown), with a shiny coating. They tend to dwell in sewers and other wet environments that harbor decaying organic matter. They are also referred to as “water bugs” because they come out of drains. People may also confuse them as a black beetle because of their smooth, dark oval-shaped bodies. Habits This species of cockroach usually travels through sewer pipes, surviving on filth. They are usually observed in basements and crawl spaces where indoor harborage is found. Outside, they can be found in leaf piles, stones firewood, and other build-up of debris, where they can feed on decaying materials. Oriental cockroaches have a more pungent “roachy” odor because they feed on filth. Threats Like other types of cockroaches; this species has also been linked to spreading various types of bacteria, parasitic worms, and human pathogens. Other than sewer pipes, Oriental cockroaches can also enter structures under door thresholds, gaps in sliding doors, air ducts, etc. Prevention Good sanitation and habitat reduction, along with vacuuming, surveillance, a baiting program, and some sealing of cracks can usually quickly reduce or eliminate a cockroach population. Outside perimeter treatments by skilled professionals can also be very effective to prevent future infestation.
 Color:
Light brown to tan with two almost parallel, dark
longitudinal stripes, bars, or streaks on shield; female
darker than male.Legs: Six Shape: Larger, Oval Size: German cockroach adults are about 1/2-5/8 in (13-16 mm) long. Antennae: Yes Flight: No Habits German cockroaches may live throughout a building, but especially in warm and humid places, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms and dens where people eat casually. They spend about 75% of their time hidden away in cracks and crevices. Smallest nymphs only need about a millimeter of space, while adults need about 5 mm.Roaches eat all types of food, as well as things like soap, glue and toothpaste. Threats German cockroaches can come inside a structure with paper products and packaging, and used appliances. In summer they may move from one building to another. They can survive outdoors if it is warm, although this is uncommon. German cockroaches are the most common, and have the most impact as a nuisance. They are known to transmit disease organisms, and cause allergic reactions in some people. Prevention Because German cockroaches rapidly reproduce, a highly-skilled pest management professional is best suited to eliminate an infestation. Usually and initial “clean-out” service is needed consisting of an extensive, detailed treatment to all cracks and crevices, areas, etc, followed by a regular preventive maintenance program. Harborage and food source removal enhances the effectiveness of control through proactive IPM processes and communication.
 Color:
Dark grayLegs: Six Shape: Small oval Size: 1/4 of an inch Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes House flies get their name from being the most common fly found around homes and are also quite prevalent in food service-related establishments such as groceries and restaurants. Adult house flies can grow to one-quarter of an inch long and usually live between 15 and 25 days. Habits They are only able to feed on liquids but have the ability to turn many solid foods into a liquid for them to eat. House flies taste with their feet, which are 10 million times more sensitive to sugar than the human tongue. They tend to stay within 1-2 miles of where they were born; however, they have been known to migrate up to 20 miles to find food. Threats These insects have been known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease-causing germs. Prevention House flies can be controlled through vigilant sanitation. Remove trash regularly and use well-sealing garbage receptacles. Clean up pet waste immediately. Use fine mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent fly entry. It is essential to eliminate the sources of breeding activity for any species of fly, where the majority of the problem activity is almost always attributable to. Sanitation and habitat modification should be supervised by a skilled technician through the IPM process and recommending corrective actions on a proactive, regular basis.
 Color:
Tan/ light abdomenLegs: Six Shape: Small oval Size: 1/8 of an inch Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes Fruit flies feed on decaying matter, especially fruits and vegetables. There are numerous other types of small flies such as fungus gnats, phorid flies, drain flies, moth flies, and many more. Habits Fruit flies are small pests that are commonly found in homes, restaurants and other facilities where food is processed. They are found on moist, decaying matter that has been stationary for several days. Threats Fruit flies are found in unsanitary conditions, so they are a potential heath concern, especially when present in health facilities. Prevention Fruit flies are best prevented through vigilant sanitation practices. Remove kitchen trash daily, and keep counter surfaces clean. A skilled technician should be enlisted to identify the breeding sources of small fly activity and coordinate with customer the proper sanitary steps to eliminate the larvae and adults making up the existing population.
 Color:
Copper reddish coloring on outer part of wingsLegs: Six Shape: Elongated oval Size: 5/8" Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes The Indian Meal Moth was given its name after an insect scientist found it feeding on corn meal, also known as Indian meal. From wing tip to wing tip, adult moths measure from five-eighths of an inch to three-fourths of an inch long. Habits These moths feed on dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, candies, bird seed, dog food, powdered milk, dried red peppers and candy. They can infest food product in manufacturing sites, warehouses, grocery stores and homes where infested product is stored. Threats Indian Meal Moths infest foods and can contaminate food products. Their larvae can cause great damage to packaged and/or stored product. Prevention Dried food products should be inspected thoroughly for signs of moth infestations. Discard infested foods in outdoor trash bins. Clean infested cupboards thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water. Store food in sealed containers as much as feasible (also good practice for rodent prevention. Witt technicians are highly-skilled and trained to seek out the source of moth infestations, assist customers with proper disposal, and treat to eliminate any lingering activity and apply preventive treatments for future protection.
 Color:
Wings and body are uniformly buff/golden color except for
tufts of reddish hairs on top of headLegs: Six Shape: Long narrow body and wings Size: Adults measure about ½” from wing tip to wing tip.. Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes Clothing moths get their name because they’re larval produce silk webbing which covers over the area which the larva is feeding on, wools and other clothing materials, causing great damage to such items Habits These moths “attack” synthetic fibers only when they are interwoven with natural animal fiber material such as wool, hair, fur, etc. The larvae feed in hidden places of garments such as behind collars, on the underneath side of carpeting, etc. The adult moths do not feed, and are not attracted to lights like most other moth species. Female adults are poor fliers, but fast on their legs Threats The clothing moth larva cause great damage by burrowing through carpeting and clothing garments through their silken tunnels, causing great damage to expensive items such as wool sweaters and antique oriental rugs. Prevention The key to control of this pest is to find the primary source(s) of infestation and eliminate it/them. A pest management professional should be enlisted to help identify such source(s) that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Comprehensive treatment should also follow a thorough inspections.
 Color:
BrownLegs: Six Shape: Narrow oval Size: 1/10 Antennae: Yes Flight: No Merchant grain beetles are typically not found in grain products, but instead like to attack cereals, cake mixes, macaroni, cookies and chocolate. Merchant grain beetles are dark brown and have six saw-like teeth on each side of their bodies. Habits The merchant grain beetle's body shape allows it to crawl into packaging to eat, live and have babies. They’re commonly found in pantries or in food processing areas or warehouses. Threats Merchant grain beetles can infest stored food products and can contaminate food. This can be very alarming and upsetting for a homeowner or commercial establishment to discover. Prevention A skilled, pest management professional should assist the homeowner or facility contact with identifying the breeding/infested sources for them to discard infested packages/products. Any surfaces and areas that were infested should be thoroughly cleaned, spilled grain and food sources. Preventive applications and monitoring/trapping devices can be applied thereafter by professional.
Indoors: wall voids where other insects have lived, old rodent bait in attics and crawl spaces, wasp or hornet nests, places where dead insects and spiders have accumulated. Outdoors (May through July): flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar, and mate; bird, chipmunk and insect nests, and dead animals such as birds. Carpet beetles eat wool, hair, bristles, horn, feathers, silk, furs, insect collections; dried plants, rye flour, wheat; carpet, clothing, fabrics; pollen and nectar during mating season. Threats Adults fly during the day, and may come indoors on flowers. They find their way in to lay eggs. Carpet beetles damage carpets, fur, insect collections. Larval hairs have caused pulmonary irritation due to inhalation. Prevention The key to control of this pest is to find the primary source(s) of infestation and eliminate it/them. A pest management professional should be enlisted to help identify such source(s) that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Comprehensive treatment should also follow a thorough inspection.
 Color:
Light brown to blackLegs: Four Shape: Round Size: 2" Antennae: No Flight: No The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. It can breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Habits House mice breed throughout the year and can share nests. House mice live in structures, and also outdoors. Threats Micro droplets of mouse urine can cause allergies in children. Mice can also bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into your home. Signs of infestations can be gnaw marks, droppings, track/footprints, “rub marks,” burrows, runways, damaged goods. Prevention To keep mice and other rodents out, make sure all holes of larger diameter than a pencil are sealed. Mice can flatten themselves out and squeeze through spaces as small as a nickel. Seal any cracks and voids. Don't overlook proper drainage at the foundation and always install gutters or diverts which will channel water away from the building. Witt technicians are highly skilled and trained to seek out and eliminate the sources or potential sources of house mouse activity by inspecting the exterior grounds for rodent burrows, identifying any access points and perform any necessary exclusion work, strategically position monitoring and bait stations, all contributing to optimum protection.
 Color:
Gray, brown or blackLegs: Four Shape: Long Size: 10 to 12 inches (8" body plus 4" tail) Antennae: No Flight: No These rats have smaller eyes (poor vision) and ears and shorter tails, and are primarily nocturnal. Habits Rats are excellent climbers and often enter a home in the fall when outside food sources become scarce. Norway rats live in fields, farm lands and in structures. Rats are often found in woodpiles and can gain entry to a home through a hole the size of a quarter. Once established, Norway rats tend to follow the same route between harborage and food/water sources. They can also dig holes on the outside for nesting purposes, usually one main entrance hole and 1 or several “emergency exit” holes for escape purpose. Threats Rats can chew through wiring, causing fires and great nuisance for the occupant. They also spread numerous diseases Prevention Keep firewood stored well away from the structure. Remove debris piles. Seal any holes larger than 1/4 inch. Remove moisture and harborage sources, such as storage boxes and loose items that could be used for nesting materials. A pest management professional can set-up a baiting and monitoring program, incorporating habitat modification and exclusion techniques for optimum suppression of problem activity and future prevention.
 Color:
Blue-black, green or purple metallic sheen on abdomenLegs: Six Shape: Oval; bee shape Size: 1 Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes Carpenter bees look like typical bumblebees but often lack yellow stripes. Habits Unlike bumble bees, carpenter bees are solitary insects. Female carpenter bees will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. The bits of wood she chews and deposits outside the nest are called “frass.” The male carpenter bee guards the outside of the nest. He does not have a stinger, but his constant buzzing causes concern for some. The holes or nest gallery usually look like a perfect drill hole. When this is observed on wood structures such as eaves, overhangs, porches, etc, it is usually a good indication of carpenter bee galleries. Threats Carpenter bees bore through soft woods to lay eggs and protect their larvae as they develop. Carpenter bees do not pose a public health threat, but they can damage wood through their nest building. Prevention Carpenter bees prefer bare wood, so painting and staining wood can sometimes deter them. However, they will sometimes attack stained or painted wood. A skilled pest management professional can assess the specific conditions and apply the appropriate product inside any and all galleries. It is most important to seal these holes after any material has had a chance to be absorbed to prevent carpenter bees from returning to these galleries.
 Color:
Mostly black with a white pattern on most of its faceLegs: Six Shape: Triangular when laterally viewed, with bulbous parts. Size: Large. Baldfaced hornet workers are about 5/8-3/4+ in (15-20+ mm) or more long; queens are 3/4+ in (20+ mm) long. Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes Baldfaced hornets get their name because of the white pattern on its face.They build paper enclosed, gray, aerial nests. Habits Baldfaced hornets build gray, paper carton-type nests with many compartments, and a papery outer covering, which may hang near ground level or very high in trees, shrubs, vines, overhangs, sheds, utility poles. When mature, a nest may reach a diameter of 14 inches and a length of 24 inches. A baldfaced hornet nest is not reused the following year. Baldfaced hornets are social insects with queens that lay fertilized eggs, workers that are sterile females, and males that come from unfertilized eggs in late summer. Only queens overwinter. In spring a queen builds a nest from chewed up cellulose, and lays one egg in each compartment or cell as she builds it. She feeds the larvae protein from other insects, and flower nectar. When the first workers emerge a month later, they take over feeding and nest building, while she continues to lay eggs. Eventually there will be 3-5 combs or clusters (of several hundred cells each) which are attached one below the other. The nest will have 100-400 workers at its most active time. Later, when the colony is declining, larger cells are built to raise queens and males. Newly hatched queens and males leave the nest to mate. The queen that started this year's nest, the workers, and the males all die. Only the new queens survive the winter by hibernation in sheltered places. Threats Baldfaced hornets can actually be beneficial because they eat many pest insect species. However, a nest near a structure or close to the ground may be a nuisance and should be removed. Prevention A pest management specialist should be called to apply product at the entrance hole at the bottom of the nest. Nesting should be removed and discarded so that no emerging pupae cause problems later on.
 Color:
Brownish with yellow markings; some species with reddish
markings.Legs: Six Shape: Triangular when laterally viewed, with bulbous parts. Size: Paper wasp adults are about 5/8 to 3/4 in (16-20 mm) long. Paper wasps have long legs. The middle tibia has 2 apical spurs. Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes Paper wasps get their name because they make paper-like nests with an umbrella-like shape. Habits There is a single layer of comb with cells that open downward, hanging down by a single, narrow strand. There is no outer "envelope". The cells remain open. The thin strand may help keep ants and other intruders out. Nests are smaller than 6 by 8 inches, with about 150-250 cells. Paper wasps eat insects and nectar.A paper wasp queen that has overwintered begins to build a nest in the spring. This primary queen nest-builder may be joined by other, secondary, queens in building and maintaining the nest. A single egg is laid in each open cell and the larvae are fed protein from insects. Later the cells are capped when the larvae are ready to pupate. Threats Nests are hung from almost any protected structure-twigs and branches of trees and shrubs, porch ceilings, window and door frames, soffits and eaves, rafters, deck floor joists, railings. Paper wasps are beneficial insects, though if disturbed, they can and do sting, which can be a problem if a nest is touched by someone or if there is a lot of human activity near a nest. Prevention Professional pest control operator should be contacted to seek out the source, treat nesting and remove. Caution should be taken when trimming shrubs, picking fruit, etc., by checking for nests and activity that may be hidden.
 Color:
Abdomen usually has yellow and black bands, but some species
are white and black, and two northern species have red
markings.Legs: Six Shape: Triangular when laterally viewed, with bulbous parts. Size: Yellowjacket adult workers are 3/8-5/8 in (10-16 mm) long, depending on species; queens are 25% longer. Wings are folded lengthwise when the yellowjacket is at rest. Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes Habits A paper-carton nest which eventually has 30-55 compartments surrounded by a paper "envelope". It is made of chewed cellulose by a queen who has overwintered and is ready to lay her eggs, one in each compartment. Eventually there will be a number of paper-like combs attached one below the other, and covered with many layers of "paper".Yellowjackets are social insects that live in colonies. Each colony has a queen that lays the eggs, female workers that do not reproduce, and males that come forth in late summer, being reared in the same cells that were earlier used for the workers. Larger cells for rearing queens are built at the end of the season. Mating occurs in fall after newly emerged queens and males leave the nest. Only queens who have mated hibernate and live through the winter. The past season's queen who built the nest, as well as the workers and the males, all die. Threats Depending on the species, nests may be built on the ground, or in shrubs, trees, or buildings, such as houses, garages, and sheds.Yellowjackets are beneficial as they eat many pest species, however, they may sting when the nest entrance is approached, and can be aggressive, stinging several times. Prevention Professional pest control operator should be contacted to seek out the source, treat nesting and remove. Treatment to nest(s) should be performed when adults are surrounding or nearby. Nests quite often can be in wall voids, and other gaps and openings in a structure. Such void areas should be treated and cleaned out to prevent other insects from foraging to feed on dead pests in area.
 Color:
Creamy brownLegs: Six Shape: Long, narrow, oval Size: 1/8 Antennae: Yes Flight: Yes (swarmers) Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas above ground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive "mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Cream-colored Worker subterranean termites are 1/8 to 3/8's of an inch in length. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles. Solider termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately one inch long, and are winged, swarming usually in the early spring time to spawn additional colonies. Habits Subterranean termites live underground and build tunnels, referred to as mud tubes, to reach food sources. Termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks -- workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite's role in the colony. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring -- groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies. Subterranean termites need contact with the soil to survive and live underground. They can build tunnels through cracks in concrete. Threats Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species. They can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. Prevention Avoid water accumulation near your home's foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building. Of course, if any such termite activity is detected at a structure or preventive monitoring is simply desired, our Witt specialists and technicians are readily equipped to assess any particular situation and provide/install a custom-tailored system aimed at eliminating existing colonies and monitoring for any future activity for ongoing protection.
 Color:
Varies from pale brown with dark marks, to plain
reddish brown, to black with paler legs.Legs: 6 Shape: Flattened and elongated. Size: Earwigs in the adult stage are about 1/4 to 1 in (5-25 mm) long. Antennae: Yes Flight: No Earwigs get their names from an old European superstition that these insects enter the ears of sleeping people and bore into the brain. They are flat with a long body; front wings leathery, short, meeting in a straight line down the back; hind wings fan shaped, folded under front wings; rear with forceps-shaped appendage; antennae threadlike, about half the length of the body. Habits Earwigs overwinter outdoors, in pairs, beneath the soil surface in 1-1.5 inch cells or in burrows. Females lay and tend their eggs and newly hatched nymphs underground. They feed on dead plants, and insects. European earwigs have been observed feeding on honey in beehives. Earwigs are active at night, hiding during daylight hours in moist, shady places, under rocks and logs or in mulch. They cannot survive long periods of dryness. They have a bad odor when crushed, and some species can squirt a foul smelling liquid. The forceps may be used to hold prey and for defense. They have 4-5 nymphal instars. Females lay 30-55 eggs the first time, depending on the species. Sometimes later layings are much smaller in number. Earwigs typically occur in groups. Development takes between 40 and 80 days, depending on the species. Threats Earwigs are attracted to light, thus European and red-legged earwigs may invade homes, sometimes by the hundreds or event thousands. They sometimes damage cultivated plants, vegetables, flowers, fruits, and ornamental plantings. Red-legged earwigs have infested Irish and sweet potatoes in storage, roots of greenhouse vegetables, flour mills and breweries. Striped earwigs are not known to damage plants. Prevention The key to control is the removal of unessential mulch, plant debris, and objects such as stones and boards from around any structure. The creation of a “low-moisture zone” will be disagreeable to earwigs. Baits and other materials applied by professional pest management technician are very effective.
 Color:
Usually yellowish to dark brown, sometimes with
darker stripes or marks.Legs: 15-177 legs Shape: Long and flat, with worm-like bodies of many segments Size: Antennae: Yes Flight: No Centipedes are sometimes called “hundred-leggers” because of their many pairs of legs. They can be an extreme nuisance and some species can inflict a painful bite, but it is not lethal. Habits Centipedes live outdoors, but may come inside. They live in damp places, such as rotting logs, under stones, in trash, mulch, clippings. Indoors they may be found in moist basements or closets. Small insects, spiders, and sometimes plants. Most of the liquid they need comes from digestion of their prey. Females of one type of centipede produce 35 eggs over a period of days. Eggs are laid in or on the soil during the summer. Adults may live a year, and some up to 5-6 years. They are nocturnal, which means they're active at night. Threats All those feet are meant for walking, and they may wander into a damp bathroom, closet, basement, or potted plant.Outdoors centipedes are beneficial because they help control other insects that are their prey. However, when they come indoors they are considered a nuisance. Some can also give a painful, though not deadly, bite. Prevention Moist areas and harborage need to be reduced or eliminated for enhanced control. Removal of leaves, grass clippings, logs, stones, rocks, stored firewood etc. up off the ground, in addition to ventilation in crawl spaces are helpful in prevention. Application of residual materials by a pest management professional to support a solid IPM program is very effective, in addition to vacuuming with crevice tools of these pests.
 Color:
Usually yellowish brown, with abdomen dirty white,
a few dark spots.Legs: 8 Shape: Bulbous, 2 body regions: cephalothorax (head and thorax) and abdomen connected by a tiny waist line (pedicel). Size: Adult female body length about 3/16-5/16”, male body length about 1/8-3/16”. Antennae: No Flight: No House (or “Domestic” or “American) spiders are the most common type of spider found indoors. Other types of spiders include the wolf spider, brown-recluse spider, hobo spider and cellar spider (“daddy long leg”). It is a nuisance pest, more because of its webs not the spider itself which are thought to be beneficial because they feed on other insects. Habits The house spider randomly selects where to establish a web, and if it does not yield any prey, it will abandon the site. Webs are usually built where air currents bring in prey. Homes with higher humidity and insect activity are favorable conditions for spiders. Threats Spider webs are the main nuisance associated with house spiders, which can be constructed in upper corners, closets, window frames, furniture, basement and garage areas, crawlspaces, etc. Outside they usually can be found under eaves or around windows where light is present attracting prey. Prevention Vacuum can be used to remove adults, egg sacs, and webs. Exterior perimeter treatments by pest management professional are effective in preventing spiders from foraging into structures. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated ( Friday, 20 April 2007 ) |
Back
to Top