Other Pests

Mosquitoes & Other Pests

Mosquitoes belong to the same group as the true flies, Diptera. As such, they have a single pair of wings. They typically have long, thin legs and a head featuring a prominent proboscis. Mosquito bodies and wings most often are covered in tiny scales. Adult sizes may range from 3 to 9 mm.

Mosquitoes are known the world over for their itchy “bites.” But they’re also known for spreading some of the world’s worst diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and dengue.

Most female mosquitoes lay their eggs—up to 200 at a time, depending on the species—in water or near it, although not all species must hatch their eggs in water. Favorite places to lay eggs include any place that water pools, such as marshes and swamps, plus tree holes, discarded containers, and poorly maintained swimming pools. Transparent parts that cover the mosquito egg keep it from sinking. In warm weather, most eggs hatch within three days.

Crickets

• Generally nocturnal
• Live outside
• Enter homes seeking moisture
• Feed mainly on clothing and carpet
• Also eats papers, cotton, linen, and proteins
• Usually 3/4″-7/8″ long

Silverfish

• Feed primarily on starch found in paper
• Cause damage to clothing by feeding on cotton and linen
• wingless with flattened body
• Found almost everywhere

Earwigs

• Earwigs are primarily scavengers and feed on dead plant and animal material
• Most active at night
• During the day they seek shelter under stones, boards, and debris
• Readily recognizable by the forceps-like appendage at the end of the abdomen

Sow Bugs

• Sow bugs are closely related to shrimp and crayfish
• They feed on decaying vegetable matter
• They Frequently invade damp basement and crawlspace areas
• They are found under mulch and vegetable debris and may infest potted plants