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Crawling Insects and "Bugs"

Go to Cockroaches      Misc "Bugs" & Control

• Household Ants

Household Ants come in a variety of species.  Many small ants are simply considered nuisance pests; however, they can contaminate food and cause health problems.  Ants are divided into two groups defined as "wall-nesters" vs. "ground-nesters".  Ground nesters, such as pavement ants, can often be prevented by means of exterior "barrier" treatments.  Conversely, wall nesters are sometimes extremely difficult to eliminate.  Click Carpenter Ants for wood-destroying insect info.

Important Note:  Never spray liquid insecticide on ants (or trails) without knowing the species you're dealing with.  Some species (e.g. Pharaoh Ants) will split their colony making matters far worse.

• About Earwigs

Earwigs got their name from an old superstition that they crawl into the ears of sleeping persons and bore into their brain.  Fortunately, that doesn't happen  —  it's no more than superstitious nonsense!  Earwigs feed on leaves, flowers, fruits, fungi and aphids.  They also feed on insects, such as flies, which they capture with their pincer-like "forceps" (called cerci).  Earwigs begin invading homes and other structures in late June, and continue through July & August, and sometimes well into fall.

Tip:  Earwigs can be warded off with preventative exterior (barrier) treatments in late June and July.

• Cockroaches

Cockroaches are equal opportunity offenders.  German roaches are the most common in most areas of the USA, however, other species, such as American, Oriental, Brown-Banded and Wood roaches also pose problems.  Cockroaches are highly adaptable for survival.  It seems that no matter how many times they are "eliminated" from a structure, a few manage to survive and, in time, they somehow miraculously reappear and start reinfesting the building all over again!

Tip:  Roaches like warm environments (+80º).  They eat anything but prefer crumbs & garbage, etc.

• Spiders & Centipedes

Spiders and Centipedes are not insects.  Spiders are arachnids and centipedes are arthropods with long, flattened bodies.  Both are predators that feed mainly on insects and small arthropods.  Common house spiders & centipedes in northern states are non-poisonous and they prefer dark, damp areas out of the way of people, such as in basements & crawl spaces.  And while they're beneficial in helping to control insects, most people still consider them just "creepy" nusiance pests.

Northerner Tip:  You'd more likely to be killed by a flying champagne cork than a poisonous spider.

• Millipedes, Pillbugs & Sowbugs

Millipedes, Pillbugs and Sowbugs have high moisture needs.  These scavengers live in damp habitats where they feed primarily on decaying vegetation.  They're typically found under dead leaves, rocks, boards, mulch & grass clippings, and other objects on damp ground.  Pillbugs tend to roam inside in spring & summer while millipedes often show up on slabs & driveways after fall rain storms.

Tip:  Some millipedes give off a foul smelling odor so it's best not to pick them up with bare hands.

• Fleas, Ticks and Bedbugs

Fleas, Ticks and Bedbugs share one thing in common: They're all bloodsuckers!  Fleas & ticks are of great concern not only because of their painful bites, but because they can transmit several diseases, such as plaque and typhus, to both humans and domestic pets.  Flea problems are generally associated with pets, such as dogs & cats.  As for bedbugs, it is people that are largely responsible for bringing them into a new habitat.  Bedbugs seemed to have been virtually wiped out years ago but they're now making a comeback across the entire United States.

Tip:  Effective control of blood feeders usually requires the help of a reputable pest control firm.

• "Occasional Invaders"

"Occasional Invaders" is a term used by PCOs for the numerous variety of other insects and bugs that invade structures.  To name a few, these pests include many seasonal pests such as crickets, ground beetles, clover mites, strawberry root weevils and sprintails, etc.  Other pests that can become more permanent residents, such as silverfish, carpet beetles and clothes moths, are sometimes also lumped into this group.  Wil-Kil offers advice and/or service for all these pests.

Tip:  Exterior barrier treatments are very effective in warding off seasonal pests before they come in.

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• About Control & Prevention

For more information about structural pest invaders and custom-designed control programs for your home or business, contact a Wil-Kil Pest Specialist at (800) 236-8735.

Homeowner Note:  Ask about ENVIROGUARD™ programs to control or prevent all common pests.