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Species characteristics:Snakes are very specialized animals and have an important role in our environment.Most snakes are nonpoisonous and help control rodent and insect populations.Like other reptiles, snakes are cold-blooded animals; their body temperature is regulated by climatic conditions. Host /habitat:Snakes cannot tolerate extreme cold and will normally hibernate during the winter months, usually emerging from their dens in late February or early March.Snakes are most active at night and during early morning and late evening hours. Control:Removing their shelter is…

Species characteristics:Spiders are arachnids and are actually closely related to mites, ticks and scorpions.  Spiders have two body parts (cephalothorax and abdomen), eight legs and usually six to eight eyes. The average life span of a spider is usually one to two years, but some can live five years and up to 20 years. Two spiders that can be a health risk are the brown recluse and black widow. Life cycle:Spiders lay eggs within a silken egg sac that is often ball-shaped and either…

Drain flies (also known as moth flies) sometimes appear suddenly and mysteriously, becoming a nuisance in homes, rest rooms of commercial buildings, sewage disposal plants and agricultural facilities that handle moist animal waste. Adult flies may become so numerous indoors that they congregate at windows, darken lamp shades at night and fall into food. They may also accumulate around showers, bathtubs, sinks and floor drains, especially in the basement. Restaurants, schools and other public buildings may be avoided when drain…

Species characteristics:Adults: Globular head, a large part of the surfaceof which is taken up by the compound eyes; apair of antennae, Mouthparts form a long thin projecting proboscis which in the female are designed for piercing. Host/Habitat:Ubiquitous insects, they can be found breeding in all types of water; from small collections of water in tin cans, to pools or streams; such is their adaptability. They utilize humans as their primary host and are also willing to enter houses in their…

Species characteristics:Adults, 6-8mm long with 13-15mm wingspan; grey thorax with 4 longitudinal dark stripes. Life cycle:Forty-eight hours after emergence as an adult, the female commences egg laying. During her adult life of 1-3 months she is capable of producing 4-5 batches of 100-150 eggs (1mm in length).Those are laid in moist decaying matter such as household refuse, compost or dung. The eggs hatch in 8-48 giving larvae.In the summer larval development may be completed within a few days, but in…

Species characteristics:Two pairs of well-developed membranous wings, with few cross veins; clothed with broad scales; generally, suctorial mouthparts Life cycle: Warehouse Moth: Within 4 days of emergence, the female produces 100-150 eggs (cracks, crevices), hatch in 10-14 days to give larvae (penetrate food-webbing). Larvae (4-5 moults to be 12mm long) wander for 1-3 days, searching for a dark place throughout the winter and emerging as adults in late spring. Mediterranean flour moth: Mating takes place immediately after the adults emerge…

Species characteristics:Silverfish are about 1/2-inch-long, with a uniform silvery color over the top surface. Their bodies are long and slender. Silverfish are broad at their head with a gradual tapering toward their rear. Life cycle:Silverfish go through a three stage life cycle called gradual metamorphosis, whereas most insects have a four stage life cycle (complete metamorphosis). Silverfish can lay eggs at any time during the year. The eggs take 19-43 days to hatch. The life cycle from silverfish egg to…

Species characteristics:Adults, 5mm long, mouth parts piercing and sucking; reddish-brown in color, becoming purple after feeding. Life cycle:Adults live for 9-18 months, with egg incubation taking 10-20 days and the complete cycle 9-18 weeks. In temperate climates bed bugs reach their peak numbers towards early autumn. Host/habitat:The principal host is man, though other warm blooded animals (birds & bat nest) can be parasitized. Found in human habitations throughout the world Transportation:Bed bugs can be transported in clothing, or more probably…

Species characteristics:Adults 1-8mm long; brownish in color, body laterally compressed (streamlined) and covered with backward-directed bristles; reduction or loss of eyes; piercing mouth parts; no wings. Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis)Adults 2-3.25mm long; found particularly in host bedding. Many infestations in commercial and institutional premises derive from feral cats. Dog Flea (Ctenocephalides canis)Adults 2-3.25mm long; found particularly in host bedding. Human Flea (Pulex irritans)Adults 2-3.5mm long; especially man, but will also breed on pigs, hedgehogs, foxes and badgers; found in homes,…

Species characteristics: Argentina Ants (Hymenoptera) Brown; some light brown (3-3.5 mm long).They are social insects and live in colonies which are large to very large consisting of: workers (sterile females), fertile males and queens (fertile females). There are usually many queens in a colony (multiqueen colonies) and they co-exist amicably.Argentine ants prefer a sweet food source such as honeydew, fruit juices and plant secretions, but will also forage on proteins such as meat, insects, eggs and fat. They may even…