Mite

Discovered anywhere that the humidity permits, mites have successfully invaded a vast array of habitats, making it among the most diverse and successful, of all the invertebrate groups.

Mites can cause health concerns for homeowners, when their presence triggers an allergic reaction in some people, including hay fever, asthma and eczema.

Because this pest requires at least 60 percent humidity to survive, the best pest control strategy for controlling mites, is to manage the humidity in the home; and to eliminate any dust in the bedroom.

Learn more about mites.

Boxelder bugs

Also commonly known as the zug or maple bug, boxelder bugs are a North American species of true bug. Most often discovered on boxelder trees, as well as maple and ash trees, the adults are about a half an inch long; with a dark brown or black coloration, red wing veins and markings on the abdomen.

Although boxelder bugs may occasionally pierce plant tissues while feeding, they are not known to cause significant damage to gardens or crops, and therefore are not widely considered to be a significant agricultural pest control problem. However, during the cooler Fall months, boxelder bugs may invade homes and buildings; in search of a warm place to spend the Winter.

Pest management professionals warn that if disturbed, this unwanted houseguest will release a pungent and bad-tasting compound, creating a bug control problem for homeowners.

Learn more about the Boxelder bug.

Huntsman spiders

The huntsman spider is present in practically all warm temperate to tropical regions of the world, including much of the United States. They are most often discovered living under rocks and tree bark, as well as in sheds, garages and other quiet environments. Larger members of this spider species are sometimes called wood spiders, because of their preference for woody places, like forests, mines shafts, woodpiles, wooden out-buildings.

Although huntsman spiders have been known to occaisionally inflict defensive bites on people, they are not widely regarded as a pest control problem, or seen as a danger to healthy humans. In fact, because they provide free insect control for homeowners and gardeners when they feed on a variety of insect pests, many people consider them to be a beneficial insect.

Learn more about the Huntsman spider.

Camel spiders

 The camel spider is a large species of spider, that can grow up to a foot in length (including their legs). This frightening looking spider generally inhabits warm and arid habitats, including virtually all warm deserts and scrub-lands on all continents; with the exception of Antarctica and Australia. Camel spiders have also been known to inhabit grasslands or forests.

Although their appearance may say something to the contrary, the greatest threat these spiders pose to people, is a defensive bite which it may inflict; if handled improperly. Thankfully, the wound that results is not life-threatening and there is little or no chance of death, directly caused by a camel spider bite.

Other than their shocking appearance and defensive bite, camel spiders do not have venom, they do not spin webs and generally do not require advanced pest control strategies; to eliminate.

Learn more about the Camel spider.

Emerald Ash Borer

In North America the emerald ash borer is an invasive species of beetle, that is highly destructive to ash trees.

This dark metallic green, bullet-shaped beetle was accidentally introduced into the United States and Canada in the 1990s. Since that time, the emerald ash borer has become a major insect control problem in 14 U.S. states, and adjacent parts of Canada.

When the adult emerald ash borer emerges in May to July, the female members of the species lay their eggs in bark crevices, and between layers of bark. When the beetle eggs hatch, in approximately 7 to 10 days, the emerald ash borer larvae will bore into the tree.

Learn more about Emerald Ash Borers.

Kudzu Bug

Kudzu bugs are approximately 1/6 inch to 1/4 inch, slightly oblong in shape, olive-green in color and have brown speckles.

These bugs are known to feed on a variety of legumes, including soybeans and other bean species, as well as the kudzu they are named after. In the late summer, kudzu bugs will move into soybean fields, where they aggressively feed on the stems and foliage; and can have a significant impact on valuable crops. As such, for many gardeners and agriculturalists, these insects are a considered an aweful nuisance and serious agricultural pest control problem.

These pests are known to congregate on light-colored surfaces (such as siding, fascia boards, etc.) and then move their invasion underneath siding, into gaps around doors and windows, or through penetrations such as around air conditioning and water pipes. Residents that reside in areas near soybean fields or patches of kudzu, are more likely to require some form of insect control; to deal with kudzu bug invaders.

Learn more about Kudzu Bugs.

Bagrada Bug

The Bagrada bug is also known as the painted or harlequin bug. It was first discovered in June of 2008; in Los Angeles Co. California. Currently, the Bagrada bug enjoys wide distribution in southern California, and has become increasingly more common; in southern Arizona.

Many farmers and gardeners are see an increasing need to apply bug control treatments and strategies, to prevent Bagrada bugs from damaging important crops, like cabbage, kale, turnip, cauliflower, mustard, broccoli, and radish.

Because little or no pesticides are used, the heaviest infestations of Bagrada bugs are often seen in organic farms, community gardens, and residential vegetable gardens.

Learn more about Bagrada Bugs.