Appearance While all termites have long narrow bodies, they vary greatly in appearance depending on the termite’s role in the colony. Subterranean termite workers are pale cream-colored and 1/8-inch long; soldiers have elongated heads with pincer-like mandibles; and primary reproductives (commonly called “swarmers” and the termites most often seen in the open) are dark brown
Read the full articleAppearance Reddish brown, with long, narrow, flat bodies; 1/8- to 1/4-inch. Habitat Powderpost beetles live in hardwood floors, timbers, crates, antique furniture and other objects made from hardwoods. They lay their eggs in cracks in the wood and the larvae tunnel into the surface, filling it with a very fine powder-like dust. Powderpost beetles are
Read the full articleAppearance Long, thin antennae that are often as long (or longer) than the body of the beetle; 5/8- to 1-inch in length. The beetle’s body has a slightly flattened appearance, and its color may appear dark gray, but is usually brownish black to black. It is not often that a homeowner or pest control operator
Read the full articleAppearance Among the largest of ants, 1/4- to 3/8-inch long. Color varies depending on species, from red to black or a combination. The most common species is black. Habitat Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests, leaving hollowed-out tunnels. These colonies require a constant source of water
Read the full articleAppearance Small wasps with black and yellow stripes; 1/2- to 1 inch. Two sets of wings and a narrow waist. Habitat Yellow jackets live in trees, in houses or on the ground. This wasp also builds its nest inside the walls of buildings after entering through cracks in the outside walls. They live in colonies
Read the full articleAppearance Brownish with yellow markings; most species are about 1 inch. Habitat Paper wasps are easily identified by their nest; a round, upside-down paper cone that hangs from a horizontal surface in a protected location. Most paper wasp nests are located in exposed areas beneath soffits, in the corners of windows, under awnings, under porches
Read the full articleAppearance Golden brown with yellow abdominal stripes; 1- to 1-1/2 inches. Habitat European hornets are social wasps which form colonies that live for one year. European hornets like to build their paper nests in hollow trees, barns and out buildings. However, they will also nest inside the walls, attic or chimney of buildings. Nests may
Read the full articleAppearance In the mature brown recluse spider, there is a dark “violin” marking with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen. The abdomen is uniformly colored, although the coloration can range from light tan to dark brown, and is covered with numerous fine hairs that provide a velvety appearance. Adult brown recluse spiders
Read the full articleAppearance Glossy black, often with red “hourglass” on back. May also be dark or light brown. 3/4-inch length, 3/8-inch diameter. Habitat Contrary to legend, female black widow spiders rarely devour males after mating. They are found in all 50 states, often living around wood piles and gaining entry to a structure when firewood is carried
Read the full articleAppearance Black or brown, 7 to 10 inches long, with a long tail, large ears and eyes, and a pointed nose. Body is smaller and sleeker than Norway rat. Fur is smooth. Habitat Outside, rats live in fields, wooded areas, vacant lots, farms, and just about anywhere people have buildings. Nests inside and under buildings,
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