Invaderproof Your Home From All Pests

(623) 435-0228 2 Contents

Bed Bugs 3 Oriental Cockroaches 25 Bald-Faced Hornets 47

Scorpions 5 Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs 27 Mosquitoes 49

Argentine Ants 7 Silverfish 29 Blacklegged “Deer” Ticks 51

Carpenter Ants 9 House Mice 31 Fleas 53

Odorus House Ants 11 Deer Mice 33 Yellowjackets 55

Pavement Ants 13 Norway Rats 35 Subterranean Termites 57

Red Imported Fire Ants 15 Roof Rats 37 Drywood Termites 59

Crazy Ants 17 Black Widow Spiders 39 Dampwood Termites 61

American Cockroaches 19 Brown Recluse Spiders 41

Brownbanded Cockroaches 21 Carpenter Bees 43

German Cockroaches 23 Africanized “Killer” Bees 45

www.invader.net 3 Bed Bugs Quick Stats: Color: Mahogany to red-brown

Shape: Flat, broad oval when unfed; swollen and elongated when fed

Size: 1/4 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S. and the world

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Cimex lectularius Linnaeus Overview: Prevention: Bed bugs get their name from their habit of hiding near beds, • Change your bed linens often. Inspect bedding for shed bed which allows them to feed on human hosts while they sleep. Bed bug skins and blood spots. bugs were mostly eradicated in the developed world for many • Inspect hotel rooms before you settle in. Set your luggage away years. Several factors led to their resurgence in the 1990s, including from walls and furniture, including the bed. increased international travel and a lack of public awareness about • When you get home from traveling, inspect your suitcase. prevention. Today, one out five Americans has had an infestation or Store clothes in a sealed plastic bag until they can be washed knows someone who has encountered bed bugs. and dried on high heat. Habits: • Examine secondhand furniture before bringing it home. Bed bugs get their name from their habit of hiding near beds, • If you suspect you have bed bugs, don’t just sleep in a different which allows them to feed on human hosts while they sleep. Bed room. This just expands their territory. bugs were mostly eradicated in the developed world for many • It is imperative to seek professional pest control to address a years. Several factors led to their resurgence in the 1990s, including bed bug infestation. increased international travel and a lack of public awareness about prevention. Today, one out five Americans has had an infestation or Did you know? Bed bugs… knows someone who has encountered bed bugs. • Lay 1-5 eggs in a day and up to 500 eggs in a lifetime. Threats: • Live for several months without eating. Bed bugs get their name from their habit of hiding near beds, • Withstand temperatures from nearly freezing to 122° F. which allows them to feed on human hosts while they sleep. Bed • Ingest seven times their weight in blood, equivalent to an bugs were mostly eradicated in the developed world for many average male drinking 120 gallons of liquid.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. 5 Scorpions Quick Stats: Color: Light Tan to dark brown Shape: Cephalothorax (fused head and thorax) elongate and dorsally shield-like, abdomen distinctly segmented, anteriorly elongate with last 5 segments tail-like, and ending in a sting. Size: 1 1/4 inch long Region: Found throughout U.S. desert Southwest

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Arachnida/Scorpiones/Various Overview: Prevention: Scorpions are nuisance pests, and are also of medical importance Control is a five-step process because of their stings. Their stings can result in a mild wasp-like • Identification. sting, which can be complicated by an allergic reaction, and can be • Harbor age elimination. fatal in rare instances. In Arizona, there are a number of species, however the Arizona Bark Scorpion is the one of most concern and • Food/prey reduction. the most dangerous in the U.S. • Exclusion. Habits: • Pesticide application if required. Scorpions are nocturnal feeders. They feed mostly on insects and A high quality pest control program will include the 5 steps listed spiders and when water is available they can survive for months above, however scorpions will travel quite some distance, so it is without food. During the day, scorpions usually hide either in imperative to get your neighbors involved for a successful control or beneath something. If door thresholds are missing and/or of scorpions. unscreened windows are left open, they may enter directly into the Did you know? Scorpions… living space. • Litter size averages 20 to 47 babies that look like miniatures of Threats: mom. Stings are often very painful and are usually followed by immediate • Can live for several months without eating. distress, including numbness around the wound, weakness or even • Withstand temperatures from nearly freezing to 122° F. paralysis of the injured part. Generally children and the elderly are • Can regenerate missing parts. at risk, especially if found to be allergic to their sting.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Argentine 7 Ants Quick Stats: Color: Light to dark brown and shiny

Shape: Segmented; oval

Size: 1/16 – 1/4 inch long

Region: Found mostly in the southern U.S., Arizona, California and Hawaii

www.invader.net Argentine Ants 8

Linepithema humile Overview: Prevention: Argentine ant colonies can grow to monumental size. A single • Eliminate any standing water on your property. Argentine ants colony can contain several hundred thousand workers, with are attracted to moisture. the colony borders sometimes covering entire habitats. Worker • Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Argentine ants are about ¹⁄₁₆ of an inch long. Queen Argentine ants These can provide “pest highways” into your home. are ¹⁄₈ of an inch to ¼ of an inch long. • Seal any cracks or openings around the exterior of your house, Habits: especially where utility pipes and electrical lines enter. Argentine ants prefer to eat sweets such as honeydew, but they • Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored will eat almost anything including meats, eggs, oils and fats. Their next to your home. Argentine ants like to build nests in moist colonies are usually found in wet environments near a food source. wood. Outdoors, they usually build shallow nests under boards or stones, • If you suspect you have an Argentine ant infestation, contact a beneath plants or alongside sidewalks. When conditions in their licensed pest professional. natural environment are either too wet or too dry, Argentine ants may seek shelter indoors, where they often nest near water pipes, Did you know? Argentine ants... sinks or potted plants. • Give off a greasy or musty odor when crushed. Threats: • Are one of the few ant species where queens assist with foraging for food. Argentine ants do not pose a health threat, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided. • Were probably introduced to the U.S. from their native Brazil via coffee ships arriving to New Orleans in the late 1800s. • Deposit trails continuously, instead of just from nest to food source. This habit ensures they do not waste time visiting the same area for food.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Carpenter 9 Ants Quick Stats: Color: Black, red or a combination

Shape: Segmented; oval

Size: 1/4 – 3/4 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S., especially in the North

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Camponotus species Overview: Prevention: Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order • Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water. Be especially to build their nests. Their excavation results in smooth tunnels vigilant in protecting crawl spaces, basements and attics. inside the wood. Carpenter ants range in size from ¼ of an inch for • Trim tree branches away from your home. a worker ant to up to ³⁄₄ of an inch for a queen. • Fill any gaps or cracks on the outside of your home with Habits: silicone caulk. Carpenter ants typically attack wood that is or has been wet. • Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored They usually come into buildings through cracks around doors next to your home. and windows, holes in a structure meant for wires, or through • Inspect wood on your property for signs of an infestation, wet, damaged wood. They will also crawl along overhead wires, such as the appearance of small openings on the surface of shrubs or tree limbs that touch the building far above the ground. wood. Carpenter ants build their nests in various wood sources including • If you suspect you have a carpenter ant infestation, contact a tree stumps, fence posts, firewood or landscaping. A colony can licensed pest professional. have multiple nests inside structures as well as outdoors. Carpenter ants need a constant water source to survive. Did you know? Carpenter ants… Threats: • Can live in mature colonies of more than 10,000 workers. Carpenter ants damage wood through their nest building. Over • First invade wet, decayed wood, but they may eventually build time, an infestation can cause serious structural damage to a paths through dry, undamaged wood. property. • Do not sting, but their bites can be quite painful.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Odorous 11 House Ants Quick Stats: Color: Brown to black

Shape: Segmented; oval

Size: 1/16 – 1/8 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

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Tapinoma sessile Overview: Prevention: This ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell • Clean up spills and crumbs on counter tops and kitchen floors. it gives off when crushed. These ants are one of the most common • Eliminate standing water. Pests, such as odorous house ants, pests in the United States! are attracted to moisture. Habits: • Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Odorous house ants like to eat sweets, especially honeydew. Indoors, they are likely to nest near moisture sources, such as in • Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around wall voids near hot water pipes, in heaters, beneath leaky fixtures the bottom of your house. Ants commonly use these to get in bathrooms, under kitchen or bathroom sinks and also in wood into your home. damaged by termites. Outside, they are often found in exposed soil • Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored or under stacks of firewood, lumber or bricks. next to your home. • If you suspect you have an odorous house ant infestation, Threats: contact a licensed pest professional. These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided. Did you know? Odorous house ants... • Are extremely fond of honeydew. • Move their nests every three months or so in response to rain. • Have been known to nest in honeybee hives, beneath the top and inner cover.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Pavement 13 Ants Quick Stats: Color: Dark brown to blackish

Shape: Segmented; oval

Size: 1/16 – 1/8 inch long

Region: Found throughout the eastern half of the U.S., California and Washington

www.invader.net Pavement Ants 14

Tetramorium caespitum Overview: Prevention: Pavement ants get their name because they make their nests in or • Keep kitchens and other dining areas clean and free of crumbs under cracks in pavement. However, they can also infest structures. and spills. Pavement ant colonies are moderately large, averaging around • Eliminate standing water. Moisture attracts many pests, 4,000 workers with several queens. including pavement ants. Habits: • Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pavement ants use these branches to get into your These ants will eat almost anything, including other insects, seeds, home. honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese. In buildings, they are most likely to be found in ground-level masonry walls • Seal any cracks or openings around the exterior of your house, of foundations, but they will occasionally nest in walls, insulation especially where utility pipes and lines enter. and under floors, and near heat sources in the winter. They enter • Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored buildings through cracks in the slab and walls, as well as through next to your home. natural openings. Outside, these ants typically nest under stones, • If you suspect you have a pavement ant infestation, contact a pavement cracks and next to buildings. licensed pest professional. Threats: Did you know? Pavement ants... These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can • Will eat almost anything, but prefer meats and greasy foods. contaminate food and should be avoided. • Are not usually aggressive, but they can bite and sting. • Forage in trails, for distances of up to 30 feet. • Are known to climb up masonry walls and emerge into false ceilings, and then come down into occupied areas.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Red Imported 15 Fire Ants Quick Stats: Color: Dark reddish-brown

Shape: Segmented; oval

Size: 1/16 – 1/4 inch long

Region: Found in the Southeastern U.S., from Virginia to Texas as well as California and New Mexico

www.invader.net Red Imported Fire Ants 16

Solenopsis invicta Overview: Prevention: Red imported fire ants (RiFa, for short) get their common name • Red imported fire ants and their telltale mound nests should from their ability to inflict painful bites and stings. Originally from be carefully avoided. Brazil, RIFAs were introduced to the U.S. in 1933 and are now • To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external found throughout the southern part of the country. cracks and crevices. Habits: • If you are stung by fire ants, seek medical attention promptly. Red imported fire ants usually nest in soil near structural • If you suspect you have a red imported fire ant nest on your foundations or in landscaping. They build large mound nests that property, contact a licensed pest professional. Do not attempt are flattened and irregular in shape, and between two and four to remove the nest on your own. square feet in size. Although these ants usually nest outdoors, they can gain access to buildings through HVac systems and ac units, Did you know? Red imported fire ants… and will nest in areas of exposed soil within buildings, such as bath • Have a unique way of dealing with floods. A displaced colony traps. RiFas are commonly introduced into new areas through will form a ball and raft flood rivers until it encounters dry potted plants, shrubs and trees. land. • Could send as many as one to two percent of the U.S. Threats: population into anaphylactic shock with their stings. Fire ants will sting humans who disturb a nest. The sting of a RiFa • Are attracted to electrical junction boxes of traffic signals, air is painful and often results in a raised welt that becomes a white conditioners, etc. They have been known to infest the boxes en pustule. Often, a person stung by a RiFa receives multiple painful masse, causing the equipment to malfunction. stings from more than one of the ants. Those with allergies to insect stings will react more severely.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. 17 Crazy Ants Quick Stats: Color: Dark brown to blackish gray sheen

Shape: Segmented; extremely long legs and antenna Size: 1/16 – 1/8 inch long

Region: Found throughout the USA

www.invader.net Crazy Ants 18

Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille) Overview: Prevention: Crazy ants get their common name from the workers’ habit of • Trim vegetation away from your home to prevent pathways running in an erratic, jerky manner when searching for food. inside. • Seal all cracks and crevices around the outside of your home, Habits: including around doors and windows. Crazy ants feed primarily on live and dead insects, seeds, fruits and • Food spills and other potential attractants should be cleaned honeydew. They enter homes in the autumn or after rainfall because up as soon as possible. both conditions reduce their supply of honeydew. Inside, crazy ants usually nest underneath floors or carpeting, in potted plants and in • If you suspect you have a crazy ant infestation, contact a wall voids. Outdoors, their nests are shallow and commonly found licensed pest professional. in soil under objects or next to foundations. Crazy ants are highly adaptable, nesting in both dry and moist habitats. Did you know? Crazy ants… • Are found throughout the U.S., but are confined to the indoors Threats: in the northern states because they cannot survive the winter Crazy ants do not pose a health threat, but if they gain entry to a outdoors. structure they can become a nuisance. • Are known to completely abandon one nesting site and move to another. • Usually live in small colonies, composed of up to 2,000 workers, but larger colonies of more than 10,000 ants have also been found in debris piles and mulch beds.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. American 19 Cockroaches Quick Stats: Color: Reddish-brown, with a yellowish figure 8 pattern on the back of the head

Shape: Oval

Size: 2 inches long

Region: Found throughout the U.S. and the world

www.invader.net American Cockroaches 20

Periplaneta americana (L.) Overview: Prevention: The American cockroach, also called a “waterbug,” is the largest of • Vacuum. Early and often is best for reducing harmful the house infesting cockroaches. Despite its name, the American cockroach allergens. cockroach is not native to North America, but was probably • Keep a spotless kitchen. To prevent infestations, keep all introduced via ships from Africa in the 1600s. your food and garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly. Clean behind and under appliances regularly, as Habits: these are favorite hiding spots for cockroaches. Although American cockroaches can be found in homes, they are • Ventilate. Air out basements and crawl spaces to prevent also common in larger commercial buildings such as restaurants, moisture buildup. grocery stores, food processing plants and hospitals. They are known to infest food storage and food preparation areas, as well as • Seal the entrances. Close off cracks and holes around utility basements, yards and alleys. They often enter structures through pipes that provide easy access to your home. drains and pipes. • Act quickly. If you find evidence of an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem. Threats: Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of Did you know? American cockroaches… bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds • Can lay 10 or more oothecae (egg cases), each containing 14- of human pathogens. Can pick up germs on the spines of their legs 16 eggs. and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and • Are more active when the temperature is above 70°. then carry these onto food or food surfaces. • Are the most common species found in city sewer systems.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Brownbanded 21 Cockroaches Quick Stats: Color: Brown, with pronounced banding across wings

Shape: Oval

Size: 1/2 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

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Supella longipalpa Overview: Prevention: Brownbanded cockroaches get their name from the two lighter • Properly ventilate basements to prevent moisture buildup. bands they have across their dark brown bodies. Males have full • Keep counters free of crumbs and debris reduce the wings, which reach beyond the tip of their pointed abdomens, accumulation of co but females have underdeveloped wings, much shorter than their • Keep garbage in a sealed containers to avoid attracting broad, rounded abdomens. cockroaches. Habits: • Pay extra attention to ceilings, wall moldings and high- Brownbanded cockroaches can be found throughout structures, hanging picture frames, as these areas are particularly but show a preference for drier locations and warmer areas over vulnerable to Brownbanded cockroach infestations. 80⁰. they also tend to prefer higher locations than most cockroach • If you find signs of a cockroach infestation, contact a licensed species and are often found in upper cabinets in kitchens and pest professional to inspect and treat the problem. bathrooms. Brownbanded cockroaches often hide their egg cases in or under furniture and glue the oothecae (egg cases) to surfaces. Did you know? Brownbanded cockroaches… • Can fly if they are males. Females cannot fly. Threats: • Grow from egg to adult in about 161 days. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds • Live about 206 days. of human pathogens. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens are a leading trigger of allergic reactions in inner city children. They have even been shown to cause asthma in children.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. German 23 Cockroaches Quick Stats: Color: Light brown to tan with two dark stripes

Shape: Oval

Size: 1/2 - 5/8 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S. and the world

www.invader.net German Cockroaches 24

Blattella germanica (Linnaeus) Overview: Prevention: The German cockroach is the most common species of cockroach, • Vacuum frequently and dispose of garbage regularly. found all over the world. German cockroaches prefer to live in • Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs that attract cracks and crevices near food and moisture sources, hence their pests. affinity for residential and commercial kitchen environments. • Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms especially Habits: under appliances and sinks as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations. German cockroaches are found throughout structures, but they prefer warm, humid places. They are commonly found in kitchens • If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest and bathrooms. They are good hitchhikers and often find their professional to recommend a course of treatment. way into new structures via grocery bags, cardboard boxes, drink cartons and secondhand appliances. Did you know? German cockroaches… • Can breed at a rate of up to six generations per year. Threats: • Will feed on almost anything, including soap, glue and In addition to being a nuisance, the German cockroach has been toothpaste. implicated in outbreaks of illness and allergic reactions in many • Can fit through an opening as small as ³⁄₁₆ inch in width. people. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause allergic reactions in children and can exacerbate asthma attacks.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Oriental 25 Cockroaches Quick Stats: Color: Shiny black

Shape: Oval

Size: 1 inch long

Region: Found in the northern parts of the U.S.

www.invader.net Oriental Cockroaches 26

Blatta orientalis Linnaeus Overview: Prevention: Oriental cockroaches live in sewers and in wet, decaying organic • Keep food sealed and stored properly, particularly in kitchens. matter. They are sometimes called “waterbugs” because they come • Clean kitchens daily, where crumbs and trash are more likely out of drains, and “black beetle cockroaches” because of their to build up. smooth, dark bodies. • Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers. Habits: • Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for Oriental cockroaches can survive quite well outdoors, where they utilities and pipes. can be found under debris, leaves, stones and porches or in wall • Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. voids. They can enter homes through door thresholds, under • Contact a qualified pest professional to treat any infestations. sliding glass doors, along utility pipes and air ducts and from floor drains. Inside homes, Oriental cockroaches tend to hide in crawl Did you know? Oriental cockroaches… spaces, basements and around utility pipes. Oriental cockroaches • Are believed to be of North African origin, despite their name. feed on all kinds of food, especially decaying organic matter and starchy foods. • Can survive outdoors in freezing temperatures for long periods of time. Threats: • Are known for their strong, unpleasant, “roachy” odor. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Oriental cockroaches’ habit of feeding on filth means that they are likely to pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these onto food or food surfaces.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Brown Marmorated 27 Stink Bugs Quick Stats: Color: Mottled grayish-brow

Shape: Triangular or shield

Size: 3/4 inch long

Region: Found in the eastern half of the U.S., as well as California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas

www.invader.net Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs 28

Halyomorpha halys Overview: Prevention: Brown marmorated stink bugs are an invasive species from Asia • Seal cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets ceiling that arrived in Pennsylvania in 1996 and can now be found from fans and light switches. South Carolina to New Hampshire and west to Indiana, as well • Replace outdoor lighting with yellow bulbs, which are less as in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and attractive to stink bugs. Texas. • Repair damaged window screens. Also, screen attic and Habits: crawlspace vents. Adult stink bugs enter homes and other structures in the late • Use a vacuum to eliminate stink bugs indoors. Seal vacuum’s fall to seek shelter from the winter weather. They reemerge from contents in a plastic bag and dispose of it immediately. overwintering sites in early spring and try to exit, but sometimes • If an infestation develops, contact a licensed pest professional enter living spaces instead. Like other overwintering insects, they promptly. often congregate en mases on the sides of buildings. • Remember that a licensed pest professional can pre-treat Threats: homes for stink bugs before they become a problem. Stink bugs have the potential to spread throughout the country, Did you know? Stink bugs… which could be harmful to the agricultural industry, as they destroy • Are named for the odor they emit as a defense against crops. Although these smelly pests do not pose serious property or predators. safety threats to homeowners, their tendency to invade homes in high numbers can be a nuisance. • Are not known to bite humans but caution should be used when handling them to avoid a release of their odor.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. 29 Silverfish Quick Stats: Color: Silver to brown

Shape: Oval; elongated

Size: 3/4 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S. and the world

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Lespisma sacchrina (Linnaeus) Overview: Prevention: This insect gets its name from its silvery, metallic appearance and • Consider a dehumidifier for your home to reduce humidity. fish-like shape and movements. Silverfish have no wings, but are • Repair leaky pipes and drains and eliminate or repair any able to run very fast. They tend to hide their presence, which means moldy or wet wood. any damage they cause could go unnoticed for long periods of time. • Don’t keep old books and magazines in areas where silverfish Habits: are usually found such as basements, attics and garages. Silverfish hide during the day, often in tight cracks or crevices. They • Keep food items such as flour and sugar in tightly sealed prefer humid, moist conditions, but can be found almost anywhere plastic containers. in a home, including living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, attics, • If you suspect you have a silverfish infestation, contact a basements and garages. Silverfish also infest commercial structures licensed pest professional. such as offices, stores and libraries. Silverfish infest paper, particularly wallpaper, book bindings and envelopes. They readily Did you know? Silverfish… eat linen, rayon and cotton fabrics as well. • Can survive for weeks without food or water. Threats: • Are excellent climbers and often breed in shake roofs. Silverfish do not pose a health threat, but they can cause damage • Are cannibalistic and will eat other dead or injured silverfish. to your home. Over time, they will cause yellow stains, small holes, notches or surface etchings along edges of infested materials.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. House 31 Mice Quick Stats: Color: Dusty gray with a cream belly

Shape: Round

Size: 2 1/2 - 3 3/4 inches long

Region: Found throughout the U.S. and the world

www.invader.net House Mice 32

Mus musculus Linnaeus Overview: Prevention: The house mouse is the most commonly encountered rodent in the • Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home. Pay special U.S. It can adapt quickly to changing conditions and breeds rapidly. attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. In fact, a female can give birth to a half dozen babies every three • Mice can hide in clutter, so keep areas clear and store boxes off weeks, and can produce up to 35 young per year. of the floor. Habits: • Keep food in sealed, rodent-proof containers. House mice usually live in structures, but they can survive • Regularly inspect your home for signs of mice, including outdoors, too. They prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas and often droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food goods. build nests out of paper products, cotton, packing materials, wall • If you suspect a rodent infestation, contact a licensed pest insulation and fabrics. They are excellent climbers and can jump up professional. to a foot high. House mice prefer to eat seeds and insects, but will eat many kinds of food. Did you know? House mice… • Cannot see clearly beyond six inches and are color blind. Threats: However, their other senses are very keen. House mice are not only a nuisance; they can also cause serious • Can swim, but prefer not to. property damage by chewing on materials. In fact, they have been known to spark electrical fires by gnawing on wires inside homes • Produce about 50 droppings a day, each. and behind walls. House mice can also eat and contaminate stored • Can fit through an opening as small as a dime. food, and are a vector of Salmonella, tapeworms, and the plague (via fleas), among other dangerous organisms.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Deer 33 Mice Quick Stats: Color: Brown with light feet and underbelly

Shape: Round

Size: 2 3/4 - 4 inches long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

www.invader.net Deer Mice 34

Peromyscus maniculatus Overview: Prevention: Deer mice prefer rural, outdoor areas. They are rarely a problem in • Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home to prevent urban or residential areas, but can be a common pest in farming mice from using easy entry ways. Pay special attention to areas areas, summer/vacation homes, outbuildings, sheds and suburban where utilities and pipes enter the home. Replace loose mortar homes near wooded areas. and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows. Habits: • Keep shrubs and tree branches cut back from the house. Deer mice often nest in old fence posts, tree hollows, log piles, • Mice can hide in clutter, so keep areas clear, and store boxes abandoned bird nests and beneath decks. During winter months, off of the floor. they may invade homes, garages, sheds or rarely used vehicles to seek shelter. Inside, they can make their nest in storage boxes, • Don’t store pet food or bird seed in garages or storage sheds, stuffed furniture, drawers, wall voids and tight areas in basements where it is especially attractive to deer mice. or attics. Deer mice feed at dusk and dawn, preferring insects, • Regularly inspect basements, attics, outbuildings and rarely seeds, nuts, berries and small fruits. used cars/RVs for signs of an infestation. • If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest Threats: professional. Deer mice are a medical concern because they are the common carrier of Hantavirus. This virus is transmitted primarily by the Did you know? Deer mice… inhalation of dust particles contaminated with the urine, feces or • Always have a bicolored tail, usually half brown, half white. saliva of infected deer mice. • Are nocturnal. • Are excellent climbers.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Norway 35 Rats Quick Stats: Color: Brown with scattered black hairs; gray to white underside

Shape: Long, heavily-bodied, blunt muzzle, small ears and eyes

Size: 7 - 9 1/2 inches long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

www.invader.net Norway Rats 36

Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout) Overview: Prevention: Norway rats can cause damage to property and structures • Eliminate sources of moisture, especially in crawl spaces and through their gnawing. They are also a vector of diseases and can basements. contaminate food. Believed to be of Asian origin, Norway rats are • Fill any gaps or cracks on the outside of your home with now found throughout the world. silicone caulk. Habits: • Store food in tightly sealed containers. Norway rats are primarily nocturnal. Outdoors, they burrow in • Keep kitchens tidy by sweeping crumbs off of floors and soil near stream/river banks, piles of garbage or under concrete wiping counters. slabs. Norway rats are social and often build burrows close to one • Remove clutter to reduce nesting spots. another. Indoors, they often nest in basements, piles of debris or • Inspect your home for signs of an infestation, including rodent undisturbed materials. They are known to gnaw through almost droppings, gnaw marks and damaged goods. Look for greasy anything – including plastic or lead pipes – to obtain food or water. rub marks caused by their oily fur. Threats: • If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional. Norway rats can cause damage to structures and personal property through their gnawing and eating. Can also spread diseases Did you know? Norway rats… including plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, trichinosis and salmonellosis. In addition, these rats can introduce fleas and • Tend to follow the same pathway from their nest to food and mites into a home. water. • Can gain entrance to a structure through any opening larger than ½ inch. • Usually have an “emergency exit” built into their burrows.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Roof 37 Rats Quick Stats: Color: Brown with black inter mixed; gray, white or black underside

Shape: Long and thin with scaly tail; large ears and eyes

Size: 6 – 8 inches not including the tail

Region: Coastal states and the southern third of the U.S.

www.invader.net Roof Rats 38

Rattus rattus Linnaeus Overview: Prevention: The roof rat – also called the black rat or ship rat – is smaller • Fill any gaps or cracks on the outside of your home with than the Norway rat but causes similar issues, including gnawing silicone caulk. Roof rats can fit through openings as small as ½ through materials, carrying diseases and contaminating food. The inch, or the size of a quarter. roof rat is thought to be of southeast Asian origin, but is now found • Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the building and throughout the world, especially in tropical regions. cut back limbs overhanging the roof. Habits: • Clean up fruit that may fall from trees in the yard. Roof rats are primarily nocturnal. They live in colonies and prefer • Keep garbage in tightly covered receptacles. to nest in upper parts of structures or in trees. They forage for food • Regularly inspect your home and property for signs of an in groups of up to ten and tend to return to the same food source infestation, including rodent droppings, gnaw marks and time after time. Roof rats follow the same pathway between their damaged goods. Look for greasy rub marks caused by their nest and food. Their runways will be free of debris and may also oily fur. have dark rub marks where their fur makes contact. • If you suspect a roof rat infestation, contact a licensed pest Threats: professional. Historically, roof rats and their fleas have been associated with Did you know? Roof rats… bubonic plague. Though transmission is rare today, there are still • Are good swimmers. a handful of cases in the U.S. each year. Roof rats can also spread typhus, jaundice, rat-bite fever, trichinosis and salmonellosis. They • Are cautious and shy away from new objects and changes. can also carry fleas and mites. • And other rats’ teeth continually grow. They gnaw to help file down their teeth.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Black Widow 39 Spiders Quick Stats: Color: Black abdomen with a red hourglass marking on back

Shape: Spherical

Size: 1 1/2 – 1 3/8 inches long

Region: Various species found throughout the U.S.

www.invader.net Black Widow Spiders 40

Latrodectus spp. Overview: Prevention: This spider gets its name from the popular belief that the female • Reduce clutter in basements and garages to eliminate hiding eats the male after mating, although this rarely happens in nature. spots. Black widow spiders are most recognized for the red hourglass • Wear heavy gloves when moving items that have been stored shape under their abdomen. for a long period of time. Habits: • Inspect shoes before wearing them, as they are a frequent spider hiding spot. Outside, black widows commonly live in protected areas such as under stones or decks and in firewood piles, tree stumps and • Store firewood at least twenty feet from the home and five shrubs. They are also commonly found in barns, outhouses, sheds inches off the ground. and barrels. Indoors, black widows prefer the undisturbed and • If you are bitten by a black widow, seek prompt medical cluttered areas of garages, basements and crawl spaces. Black attention. widows spin irregular webs, which they usually build at night. • If you suspect you have a black widow infestation, contact a Threats: licensed pest professional. The biggest threat posed by black widow spiders is their bite. Males Did you know? Black widow spiders… are not of concern as they lack potent venom and rarely bite, but • Hang upside-down in their webs. females are known to be especially aggressive after laying, and when guarding, eggs. Pain is usually immediate, but black widow • Are poisonous when ingested during the first 18 days of their bites are not always felt. In this case, the only reliable evidence is life. a slight swelling with two tiny fang marks. Symptoms of a black • Disperse from the egg sac by spinning silk threads and floating widow bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating and out on the breeze like kites, in a practice called “ballooning.” nausea.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Brown Recluse 41 Spiders Quick Stats: Color: Tan to dark brown

Shape: Round, usually with darker violin shaped marking on drsum

Size: 1/4 – 1/2 inch long

Region: Found in the central Midwest from Ohio to Nebraska and through Texas and Georgia

www.invader.net Brown Recluse Spiders 42

Loxosceles spp. Overview: Prevention: Brown recluse spiders get their common name from their • Store clothing and shoes inside plastic out all clothing that has coloration and reclusive habits. They typically run for cover when been in a hamper, on the floor or in storage before wearing. disturbed. • Pay special attention to items like boots, baseball mitts, skates Habits: and gloves that are used less often. • To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external Brown recluse spiders feed on small live prey such as insects. cracks and crevices. Outside, brown recluse spiders are typically found around rocks, utility boxes and woodpiles or under bark. Indoors, they can be • If you suspect you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, found in any undisturbed area, such as inside boxes, among papers, seek prompt medical attention. in seldom-used clothing and shoes, under furniture, or in crevices • If you suspect you have a brown recluse spider infestation, such as baseboards and window moldings. Closets, attics, crawl contact a licensed pest professional. spaces and basements are the most common hiding areas. Did you know? Brown recluse spiders… Threats: • Always have six eyes, arranged in a semicircle, in three groups Both female and male brown recluse spiders can bite and inject of two. venom, making them a danger to humans. The bite is usually not • Often infest cedar shake roofs. felt, but results in a stinging sensation followed by intense pain as long as six to eight hours later. A small blister usually develops at • Spin irregular webs, which are not used for catching prey but the bite location that can turn into an open ulcer. Restlessness, fever rather as a retreat. and difficulty sleeping are common symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Carpenter 43 Bees Quick Stats: Color: Yellow and black

Shape: Robust, oval

Size: 1/2 – 1 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

www.invader.net Carpenter Bees 44

Xylocopa spp Overview: Prevention: Carpenter bees get their common name from their habit of boring • Carpenter bees prefer bare wood, so painting and staining into wood to make galleries for rearing their young. Carpenter bees wood can sometimes deter them. resemble bumblebees but their abdomen is largely bare and shiny. • Routinely inspect wood on your property for signs of a Habits: carpenter bee infestation, including round, smooth holes. • In some cases, carpenter bees will attack stained or painted Carpenter bees are not social insects and do not live in nests or wood. If you suspect a carpenter bee infestation, contact a colonies. The adults over-winter, typically in abandoned nest licensed pest professional. tunnels. In the spring, they emerge and feed on nectar. To excavate galleries, female carpenter bees bore circular holes the same Did you know? Carpenter bees… diameter as their bodies straight into wood, and then turn to tunnel along the grain of the wood. • Will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. The bits of wood they chew and deposit outside the nest are Threats: called frass. Carpenter bees are a serious property threat, and can cause • Stingers are not barbed, so the female can sting over and over structural damage over time if left untreated. They prefer weathered again. and unpainted wood. Male carpenter bees can be territorial and • Tunnel openings usually look about one or two inches deep, may hover in front of one’s face aggressively, but they have no but they can be up to 10 feet long. stinger and these actions are merely for show. Female carpenter bees do have a potent sting, but it is rarely used.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Africanized 45 “Killer” Bees Quick Stats: Color: Golden-yellow with darker bands of brown

Shape: Oval

Size: 1/2 inch long

Region: Found in Arizona, California Florida, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma

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Apis mellifera scutellata Overview: Prevention: Africanized “killer” bees look so much like regular honeybees that • If you are chased by Africanized bees, run in a zigzag pattern the only way to tell the two apart is by measuring their bodies. A and seek shelter in a house or car. Do not jump in water. The dangerous stinging insect, Africanized bees have different wing bees will just wait around for you to come up for air. measurements than honeybees. • Use caution when handling items on your property that could house an Africanized bee nest. Inspect items carefully for signs Habits: of infestation before moving or otherwise disturbing. Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in • Because of the aggressive nature of these pests and the unique places. They have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes enormity of their nests, a pest control professional or and empty cars. Worker bees gather both pollen and nectar from beekeeper must address an Africanized bee infestation. flowers to feed to the larvae and other members of the colony. Threats: Did you know? Africanized “killer” bees… • Have been known to chase people for over a quarter of a mile These bees defend their colony and attack when threatened. once they get excited and aggressive. Africanized bee venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees. However, these bees tend to attack in greater numbers, • Can only sting once because their stingers are barbed and tear which poses a significantly greater danger to humans, especially off when they try to get away. those who are allergic to bee stings.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Bald-Faced 47 Hornets Quick Stats: Color: Black with white pattern on face

Shape: Long, wasp-like

Size: 1/2 - 5/8 inches long; queen 3/4 inches long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

www.invader.net Bald-Faced Hornets 48

Dolichovespula maculata Overview: Prevention: This large black-and-white relative of the yellowjacket gets its • Bald-faced hornets are beneficial insects that help to control common name from its largely black color but mostly white face. It many pest species. However, if a nest is close to the ground or is named a hornet because of its large size and aerial nest. near an occupied structure, control is warranted. • Routinely inspect the outside of your home and any Habits: outbuildings for stinging insect nests. Bald-faced hornets are social insects, although not true hornets. • If you find a bald-faced hornet nest on your home or They live in colonies that may contain between 100 and 400 property, do not attempt to remove it on your own as this can members at their peak. They usually appear in late summer when aggravate the colony and cause them to attack. A licensed pest populations are largest. Bald-faced hornets build paper nests at management professional about hornet removal to avoid the least three or more feet off of the ground, usually in trees, shrubs, risk of getting stung. on overhangs, utility poles, houses, sheds or other structures. Threats: Did you know? Bald-faced hornets… • Live in nests with as many as 400 workers. Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that invades their space. This makes bald-faced hornet • Do not reuse their nests season after season, as some stinging removal somewhat difficult. They have smooth stingers, so they can insects do. sting over and over again. Their stings also carry venom that makes • Can build nests as large as 14 inches in diameter and more the stings hurt, itch or swell for about 24 hours. Humans are at the than 24 inches in length. same risk of allergic reactions from a bald-faced hornet stings as with other insect stings.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. 49 Mosquitoes Quick Stats: Color: Mostly gray with white, silver, green or iridescent blue scales

Shape: Narrow, oval

Size: 1 / 4 – 3 /8 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

www.invader.net Mosquitoes 50

Culex species and others Overview: Prevention: One of the best-known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in • Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as stagnant water or soft soil. There are about 170 different kinds of flowerpots, birdbaths and baby pools. Mosquitoes only need mosquito species in North America alone. about ½ inch of water to breed. • Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or Habits: hole. Mosquitoes can breed in any form of stagnant water, including • Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when ponds, marshes, flood waters, woodland pools, drainage ditches, mosquitoes are most active. water in tree holes, leaves of plants and artificial containers. Mosquitoes regularly feed on nectar, although females require at • If you must spend time outdoors during peak mosquito least one blood meal before they can lay fertile eggs. They tend to times, wear long pants and sleeves, and use an insect repellent bite most often at dusk and dawn. containing DEET. • If you are concerned about mosquito activity on your Threats: property, contact a pest management company or your local Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases including West Nile mosquito abatement district. virus, malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and encephalitis. In recent years, West Nile virus has become a serious concern in the United Did you know? Mosquitoes… States. Signs of West Nile virus include flu-like symptoms. In • Can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days. extreme cases, it can be a potentially life threatening infection with • Will fly up to 14 miles for a blood meal. high fever, head and body aches, worsening weakness, confusion and even coma. • Hunt for food by detecting body heat and the carbon dioxide humans exhale.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Blacklegged 51 “Deer”Ticks Quick Stats: Color: Orange-brown with dark legs

Shape: Flat, broad oval

Size: 1/8 inch long

Region: Found primarily in the northeastern, mid-atlantic, southeastern and north central regions of the U.S.

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Ixodes scapularis Overview: Prevention: A notorious biting insect, the blacklegged tick is named for its dark • Wear light-colored long pants, long sleeve shirts and closed- legs, which are a contrast to its pale body. Blacklegged ticks are toe shoes when in wooded areas or tall grasses. sometimes called deer ticks. • Wear bug spray containing at least 20% DEET when outdoors. Habits: • When hiking, stay in the center of trails, away from vegetation. Blacklegged deer ticks climb grass and shrubs to wait for a passing • Inspect yourself carefully for ticks after being outdoors. If you host. Adult ticks feed primarily on the white-tailed deer during the find a tick, remove it with a slow, steady pull. winter. In the spring, the female drops off the host and deposits • Inspect your pets for ticks on a routine basis. about 3,000 eggs. Nymphs feed on mice, squirrels, raccoons, • Consult with your doctor immediately if you believe you have skunks, dogs, humans and birds. contracted Lyme disease. Threats: • If you find ticks in your home or on your property, contact a licensed pest professional. Blacklegged deer ticks are a vector of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Lyme disease is of primary concern in the Did you know? Blacklegged “deer” ticks… United States. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic bull’s eye shaped skin rash. Lyme disease can also • Do not jump or fly, but can drop from their perch and fall affect joints, the heart and the nervous system if left untreated. onto a host. Some species of ticks actually follow a host by foot until they can climb aboard. • Can live as long as 200 days without food or water.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. 53 Fleas Quick Stats: Color: Dark reddish-brown

Shape: Flattened side to side

Size: 1/12 - 1/6 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

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Siphonaptera Overview: Prevention: Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded • Clean and vacuum frequently to help remove flea populations host. The most common species is the cat flea, which often feasts on and prevent the laying of eggs. cats, dogs and humans. • Keep your lawn groomed to avoid rodent habitats. Habits: • Protect pets by practicing active flea management. Keep pets on a leash when outside, bathe and groom them regularly, visit Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals, a veterinarian annually and use a flea treatment according to and usually remain on their hosts at all times. They infest both directions. household pets and wild animals like opossums, raccoons and skunks. Fleas use their powerful legs to jump as high as 8 inches • If you suspect a flea infestation in your home, contact a vertically and 16 inches horizontally. They can also be found on licensed pest professional. shoes, pant legs or blankets, which can transfer the fleas to new environments. Did you know? Fleas… • Can live for about 100 days. Threats: • Do not fly. They jump from one place to another. Fleas are the most common transmitter of the rare bubonic • Can produce 400-500 offspring in their lifetime. plague. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva can cause serious flea • Can jump up to 8 inches high. That is 150 times their own allergy dermatitis in pets and their debris has been reported to height. If humans could do this, we would be able to leap over cause similar allergic reactions in humans. Fleas can also transfer skyscrapers. tapeworms and cause anemia in pets. Flea bites commonly cause painful, itchy red bumps.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. 55 Yellowjackets Quick Stats: Color: Abdomen usually black and yellow patterned similar to bands

Shape: Wasp-like

Size: 3/8 - 5/8 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

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Vespula spp. Overview: Prevention: There are several species of yellowjackets. These flying insects • Wear shoes, especially in grassy areas. typically have a yellow and black head/face and patterned abdomen. • Remove garbage frequently and keep trashcans covered. Many say that the pattern resembles stripes. The abdomen pattern • Do not swat at a yellow jackets, as it increases the likelihood of can help an entomologist or pest professional identify specific types an aggressive reaction of yellowjackets. • Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes Habits: • Ensure all doors and windows in your home have screens that Yellowjackets are social insects that live in nests or colonies. They are in good condition. usually nest in the ground or in cavernous areas such as eaves and • Seek immediate medical attention if stung, as reactions can be attics. Yellowjackets can be found anywhere humans can be found. severe. They feed on sweets and proteins and are commonly attracted to trash and recycling bins. Yellowjackets are most active in the late • If you find a yellowjacket nest on your home or in your summer and early autumn when a colony is at its peak. property, contact a licensed pest professional. Threats: Did you know? Yellowjackets… Yellowjackets’ stings pose significant health threats to humans. They • And other stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to are territorial and will sting if their nest is threatened. Yellowjackets the emergency room each year. may sting repeatedly and can cause allergic reactions. • Live in colonies with up to 4,000 workers. • Build paper carton nests out of chewed up cellulose.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Subterranean 57 Termites Quick Stats: Color: Creamy white to dark brown/black

Shape: Long, narrow and oval

Size: 1/4 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

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Family Rhinotermitidae Overview: Prevention: Subterranean termite colonies are organized into castes depending • Divert water away from your home’s foundation with properly on tasks – workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Repair of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite’s role in leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the the colony. Worker subterranean termites are ¹⁄₈ to ³⁄₈ inch long. home. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are • Reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with distinguished by their powerful mandibles and large brown heads. proper ventilation. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately ½ inch long. • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 Habits: inches off the ground. Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist • Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. secluded areas above ground. They build distinctive “mud tubes” • Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open mud tubes, cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds air. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing hollow when tapped. cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring when groups • If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies. professional right away. Threats: Did you know? Subterranean termites… Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive termite • Live in colonies with as many as two million members. species. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one • Use their scissor-like jaws to eat wood 24 hours a day, seven piece at a time. They can cause severe property damage. days a week. • And other termite species cause a collective $5 billion in property damage each year.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Drywood 59 Termites Quick Stats: Color: Creamy white to light brown

Shape: Long, narrow and oval

Size: 3/8 - 1 inch long

Region: Primarily found coastally from South Carolina Westward in Texas, Arizona and up the west coast of California

www.invader.net Drywood Termites 60

Family Kalotermitidae Overview: Prevention: Drywood termites are social insects. They infest dry wood, like • Avoid wood-to-ground contact around the perimeter of your that found in attic framing. Unlike most termite species, drywood home. termites do not require contact with the soil. Swarming drywood • Routinely inspect your home for signs of drywood termites. termites fly into structures and infest wood directly. • Pay special attention to window/door frames, trim, eaves, Habits: siding and attics. Drywood termites form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike • If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest subterranean termites, drywood termite colonies do not have a professional right away. worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood. Did you know? Drywood termites… • Can be transported to new locations via an infested piece of Threats: furniture, a picture frame, etc. Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant • Usually swarm on sunny, warm days after a sudden rise in structural damage. They can chew through support beams, floors temperature. and walls, causing expensive repairs. • And other termite species cause a collective $5 billion in property damage each year.

www.invader.net Click here to schedule a free pest inspection today. Dampwood 61 Termites Quick Stats: Color: Creamy white to brownish

Shape: Long, narrow and oval

Size: 1/2 - 5/8 inch long

Region: Found throughout the pacific coastal and adjacent states, the desert or semi-arid southwest, and southern Florida

www.invader.net Dampwood Termites 62

Family Hodotermitidae Overview: Prevention: As the name suggests, dampwood termites infest wood with a • Eliminate sources of moisture by diverting water away high moisture content. Dampwood termites are normally larger from your home’s foundation with properly functioning than other termite species. Bodies of king and queen dampwood downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Repair leaking faucets, termites range in size from ½ inch to ⁵⁄₈ inch long and have two water pipes and ac units on the outside of the home. pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape, extending beyond • Reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with their abdomen. Nymphs can be as long as ⁵⁄₈ inch and worker proper ventilation. dampwood termites are up to ¾ inch in size. • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 Habits: inches off the ground. Dampwood termite colonies, like drywood termites, have no • Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation and avoid worker caste. The nymph dampwood termites take care of the wood-to-ground contact. kings and queens of the colony and feed the soldier caste. Drywood • Replace any damp or damaged wood on your home’s exterior. termites are usually found in logs, stumps, dead trees, fence posts • If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest and utility poles. professional right away. Threats: Did you know? Dampwood termites… Because of their need for excessive moisture, dampwood termites • Eat wood across the grain. are not often found in structures. However, these termites will infest sound wood if moisture is maintained, especially where wood • Create a series of chambers in wood, which are connected by is in contact with the ground or there is a moisture supply such as tunnels with smooth walls, as if sandpapered. a leaky pipe. Care must be taken to avoid attracting dampwood • And other termite species cause a collective $5 billion in termites to a structure as they can cause serious property damage. property damage each year.

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“We live in the desert and had a “Very polite, courteous and serious scorpion problem. We tried professional. We haven’t had any numerous pest control firms before “Exceptionally thorough and problems, but have been assured we found Invader. Their skilled professional. Always go the extra that if we see something between technicians have eliminated our mile. I trust Invader.” treatments, they will come out and scorpion problem.” resolve it. I would recommend them – Curtis Sorenson to anyone.” – Andrew Greess – Sue Burrows

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