What are termites? Termites are destructive pests that strike fear in most homeowners. These insects consume wood and are one of the few organisms able to do so. When living outside, away from people, their feeding habits are helpful, breaking down decaying matter; when these wood-eating pests decide to nest on our properties and feed…
What are stinging insects? As their name suggests, stinging insects are pests that have a stinger they use to hunt and as a way to defend themselves. Stinging insects that live outside and away from people are beneficial, preying on and helping to control populations of nuisance insects. Many stinging insects also help to pollinate…
What are rodents? Rodents, such as mice and rats, are part of order Rodentia, which includes over 2,000 species; in fact, most non-flying mammals are rodents. All rodents, no matter their size or species, are characterized by two continuously growing front incisors in their upper and lower jaw. These front incisors are sharp and used…
What are nuisance wildlife? Wildlife are animals that live outside without the help of people but, as our habitats have overlapped, wild animals have become used to living close to people, sometimes relying on us for some of their food and shelter needs. Unfortunately, wildlife that have decided to turn our homes into their homes…
What are mosquitoes? Belonging to the order Diptera, mosquitoes are fly-like insects that are mostly gray, black, or brown, with some species having metallic scales on their bodies. Mosquitoes have a single pair of wings covered in scales, and long, thin legs. They also have a proboscis – a long, thin structure that they use…
What are fall invaders? Fall invaders are those pests that spend most of the year outside, but when the weather cools in the fall, they move inside to escape the upcoming cold weather or while chasing their prey. Unfortunately, fall invaders usually choose our homes as their overwintering spot. In New York, species of fall…
What are crawling insects? Crawling insects are those pests that can “crawl” into our homes in large numbers and, once inside, are difficult to eliminate. Crickets, pillbugs, centipedes, and millipedes are examples of crawling insects. In small populations living outside away from our home, crawling insects are harmless, and their feeding habits benefit the ecosystem.…
What are bed bugs? Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded mammals. People are their favorite hosts, although if we are not available, they may feed on our pets or other animals. Adult bed bugs are small insects that grow to about 1/4 of an inch in length. Their flat, oval-shaped…
What are ants? Ants are social insects, they live together in large colonies, with the members of their colony divided into three different castes: workers, queens, and reproductive males. Workers are the heart of the colony. They are sterile females and are responsible for maintaining and protecting the colony, caring for the developing ants, and…
What are cockroaches? There are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches living worldwide, all varying in color, size, and behavior, although they all have some of the same general characteristics. Cockroaches have oval-shaped bodies, six legs, and two long antennae. These nocturnal creatures are scavengers and feed on a variety of food and non-food items.…