If you can't identify your pest from those pictured below, call 1-800-DAY-NITE or e-mail us for a positive identification.
   
   
   
HOUSE ANT
A wide variety of species are found throughout North America. Most feed on organic matter and are especially attracted by sweet foods. colonies hibernate in the soil or in garden trash.

    
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Although there are many different species of common house ants, most are black, brown or reddish in color. They range from 1/6" to 1/4" in length with an enlarged abdomen. May be winged or wingless.
    
   




   
   
   
CARPENTER ANT
Found throughout the United States in a variety of species. the tunnels they excavate in wood are clean, almost sandpaper in appearance, unlike termite tunnels.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
These are among the largest of ants and are vicious biters. Workers vary greatly in size from 1/2" to 3/8" in length. Usually they are black, but may have some brown coloration. They're long-legged and move swiftly.
    
   
   
   
   
CARPET BEETLE
Most common in northern states. This beetle infests carpets and feeds on the fabric. It also feeds on animal products that are left undisturbed such as wood, leather, furs, etc.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
These beetles are small and oval in shape. They're grayish black in color with a varied pattern of white and orange scales on the back. An orange-red band of scales runs down the middle of the back.
    
   

 

 

 
   
   
   
AMERICAN COCKROACH
Found in dark, moist areas such as around bathtubs, clothes hampers, sewers and basement corners. Also, wherever food is prepared and stored.

    
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The largest of the common species, growing to a length of 1-1/2" or more. Reddish-brown with a yellow border on the back of the pronotum. The wings of the male extend beyond the tip of the abdomen, while the female's wings are about the same length as the abdomen.
    
   
   
   
   
   
GERMAN COCKROACH
The most common roach in United States homes. Breeds throughout the year. Favors humid atmosphere and an average temperature of 70 degrees.
    
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Adults are about 1/2" long, brown with two dark streaks on the thorax. the female is darker in color with a broader, more rounded posterior. Both sexes have wings as long as their bodies.
    
   


 
   
   
   
ORIENTAL COCKROACH
Found in all parts of the United States. They're most common in high moisture situations, especially around decaying organic matter. Most common in late spring or early summer.

    
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Very dark brown or black. Male is about 1-1/4" long while the female reaches only 1" in length. The female has functionless stubs. The male's wings cover about 3/4 of the abdomen. Neither sex flies. Females are broader and heavier.
    
   
 
   
   
   
   
EARWIG
Earwigs are active at night and hide in cracks or underneath objects during the day. Most species scavenge on dead animal and plant material. Eggs are laid in underground burrows.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Earwigs are most readily recognized by the forceps at the end of the abdomen. Species range from 1/2" to 1" in length, and from light reddish-brown to jet black in color. Some species are marked with stripe or bands on body and legs.
    
   

 
   
   
   
FLEA
Most common during the summer, especially when homes are reoccupied after vacation. Most common hosts are cats, dogs, man and a wide variety of animals.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Fleas are extremely small, averaging 2 to 4 mm i length. The body is flattened vertically and is covered with spines which protect backward. They are wingless but have long, powerful legs for jumping great distances.
    
   
 
   
   
   
   
HOUSE MOUSE
Mice not only live inside, but outside near foundations; in shrubbery, weeds, crawl spaces, basements, or garages. They eat almost anything, but prefer cereal grains, seeds, or sweet material requiring very little water to survive. When the colder months hit they move inside nesting closer to a food supply. These nest are found in many places including: in walls, ceiling voids, storage boxes, drawers, under major appliances, or within the upholstery of furniture.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The adult house mouse is small and slender and about 1-2 inches long, excluding tail. It has large ears, pointed nose and small eyes. The tail is as long as the head and body combined. The fur color varies, but it is usually a light grey or brown, but could be darker shades.
    
   

 
   
   
   
ROOF RAT
The Roof Rat is a climber, commonly nesting in areas above the ground: trees, vines, attics, ceiling voids, or in voids along the roof line. These rats enter your home much like squirrels. As their population grows they will nest in underground burrows. They prefer seeds, nuts, fresh vegetables and fruits, but will eat meat and grain products. They become sexually mature in 2-3 months, with 4-6 litters per year, 4-8 pups per litter.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Adults weigh about 5-9 ounces,7-10 inches long. The tail is longer than the head and body combined. They have smooth (not shaggy) fur, large ears and a pointed nose.
    
   

 
   
   
   
   
SILVER FISH
Among the most common insects in the home. They eat paper, fabrics and get into cereals.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Bodies are long, slender and flattened; broad at the front and tapering to the rear. Antennae are long and slender. Three long, slender appendages protrude from the rear. They're wingless and the body is about 12" long.
   
   



 

 
   
   
   
SOWBUG or PILLBUG
They prefer moist locations and can be found under vegetable debris or any object on damp ground. Frequently invade damp basements, crawl spaces and may infest potted plants.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Oval bodies, convex above and flat or hollow underneath. Never over 3/4" long. Both have seven pairs of legs. The sowbug has two tail-like appendages that prevent it from rolling up in a ball. The Pillbug, however lacks these appendages and rolls itself into a tight ball.
    
   
 
   
   
   
   
SPIDER
Depending on the species, spiders can be found in both damp and warm, dry parts of buildings. Most species hide in cracks, darkened areas or in shelter they make from silk.

   
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Eight legs with no wings or antennae. Their bodies have only two sections - a fused head an thorax, and an abdomen. All spiders have a pair of jaw-like structures with a hollow, claw-like fang at the end.
    
   
 
   
   
   
BROWN DOG TICK
Found most often in the ears, between the toes and on the backs of dogs. After feeding they retire to baseboards, molding, around window-cord pulleys, any protected openings.

    
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Adults are flat, about 1/8" long and uniformly red-brown with tiny pits scattered over the back. Unlike the male, the female enlarges after feeding to about 1/2" long and 1/4" wide. The enlarged portion of the body becomes gray-blue to olive in color.
    
   
 
 

Home | Identify Your Pests | Receive a Free Quote | Schedule an Appointment | On-Line Coupon
© Day-N-Nite Pest Control