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#900
Hi! I live in the house
(Etobicoke-Ontario) that I moved into a few months ago and have been finding a
few of these bugs along base boards or
in the drawer below the bed. There haven't been many, but enough to be
concerned about. I'd appreciate any help with identifying them and safe ways of
getting rid of them. Thank you. Lubo
I cannot be certain
from the photograph, but this may be a larva of a dermestid beetle - see numbers
883 and 878. See
http://sgrl.csiro.au/storage/insects/insect_image/Insects_ID/Web scans
low/Attagenus_spp_larvae.jpg
for an image, and
http://pmo.umext.maine.edu/factsht/carpetbl.htm
for a fact sheet that includes control measures.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
#899 Hello, I live in Vancouver, B.C. and found this
bug in my silverware drawer in my kitchen. Over the past several months I've
seen 2 others that looked similar on my kitchen counter. This is the third and
I'm getting concerned. I captured this one so I could get a photo. Any help to
be offered on what it is and how to get rid of it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you! GINA
This is another dermestid beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus
Anthrenus; see
http://212.84.179.117/i/Anthrenus.jpg
for an image and numbers 892 and 886 for other examples. Although known
primarily as pests of woolen fabrics (especially carpeting), they can be pantry
pests as well, sometimes infesting cereals, red pepper, fishmeal, or any
processed animal or plant food. See
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7436.html
for a fact sheet that includes control measures.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
#898
Hello – I found this
spider in our home last evening. I live in New Mexico, just outside of
Albuquerque. The spider was clinging to the outside of a stereo speaker, which
has black acoustic fabric. The spider is brown and around 5-6 cm in length. It
has a interesting pattern. Does anyone know what it is? Thanks - Wayne
This is a wolf spider (family
Lycosidae); see number 768 for another example. They are general predators
on other small arthropods, using their excellent (for spiders) eyesight to
detect potential prey. They are not aggressive, but a large specimen could
deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 
#897 IS THIS A
HUMMINGBIRD??? Cassie.
This is a sphinx moth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae); some
larger species are called hummingbird moths, from their habit of hovering at
flowers as the feed on the nectar. This specimen appears to be a White-lined
Sphinx (Hyles lineata);
see
http://www.laspilitas.com/butterflies/Butterflies_and_Moths/white-lined_sphinx/white-lined_sphinx_getting_nectar_from_a_desert_bell.jpg
|
#896 Please help us identify this bug. It is a half-inch in
length, it has wings, is brown-black and has a pointed head with a snout. It has
six legs and two feelers on the nose. The body is rounded with a fairly hard
shell. It is not a fast mover. It has been found on the walls, across the floor
and in the bathrooms, mainly. Any help with this one? Thanks, Teddie
London, ON
This is a weevil (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae), but it does not appear to be a species known to be a household
pest. There are several species of plant-feeding weevils that may be found
indoors; see numbers 844 and 850 for other examples. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 #895
Hi, thanks for your great web site. I saw this spider come out of a shed near a
corn field in Southern Ontario. Can anyone identify it?
Although I cannot see
the pedipalps clearly, this may be a male orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae);
see
http://jorgenlissner.dk/Pictures%5CAraneus_alsine_han_942.jpg
for an image. As with most true spiders, the male tends to
be much smaller and with a more slender abdomen than the female; see
http://www.painetworks.com/photos/fn/fn0440.JPG
for a courting pair.
Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 #894
This got caught in my window. I wasn't about
to open it to get a better view. It appears to be some sort of wasp but it is
extremely large (about 1 inch total length). I live in Baltimore, MD. Any ideas?
Thanks. -Josh
This appears to be a paper wasp (Hymenoptera:
Vespidae) in the genus Polistes (see
http://entomology.unl.edu/images/paprwasps/polistes_blk.jpg
for an image). Their
nests tend to be relatively small and open (see
http://www.entomology.ucr.edu/ebeling/figures/fig237.jpg),
rather than being enclosed in a paper shell. Although
these wasps can deliver a painful sting, they do not tend to be very aggressive.
Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 #893
This was taken Thursday, August 25,
2005, 6:31:31 PM sitting relatively still, with the odd slight movement
around my balcony door in Toronto. It gave me a good scare, as it was in the
around an inch and a half long. It seemed quite unconcerned with me. It was
"probing" the wood with its abdomen constantly. Any Ideas? Thanks, -Joe.
This
appears to be a bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata,
Hymenoptera: Vespidae); see
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7436.html
for an image. This species constructs large nests (see
http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/ppdl/images/hornets_nest.jpeg)
from a paper-like substance they make by chewing up wood pulp - they often
can be seen scraping unfinished wood such as from fence posts, etc. Be
advised that they appear to have little or no sense of humour when their
nests are disturbed. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a bald-faced hornet. It's a species of large wasp that will sting
repeatedly if disturbed. They can build impressive nests, I would definitely
call a professional to get rid of a bald-faced hornet colony, it can be
quite dangerous. But you probably just encountered a "tourist" visiting your
balcony. -Oliver
|
 
#892 I live in Grand Junction, CO I found these two this
morning on a bedspread in the guest room. I had previously (about 10 days ago)
found two on the bedspread in my bedroom. They are tiny, about the size of a
pinhead or small nail head; top is black and dark rust brown, almost looks like
stripes. Underside is grayish. I think they have 6 legs and 2 small antennae.
They have wings, but scurried when I tried to pick them up, did not fly. I have
looked and have not found more in the beds, under the sheets or under the
mattress. Bette Morgan
This appears to be a
dermestid beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus; see
http://212.84.179.117/i/Anthrenus.jpg
for an image. This genus includes several species (carpet/furniture beetles)
that may be household pests, as their larvae feed on a wide variety of organic
material, including fabrics containing wool. If you have woolen carpeting, you
may wish to examine the edges for signs of the larvae.
(see
http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/diaglab/04images/504anthrenus-carpet-beetle.jpg
for an image) and/or damage. The adult beetles do no damage themselves, feeding
primarily on pollen. See
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7436.html
for a fact sheet
that includes control measures.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
#891 Please
help! I'm afraid we have termites! Last year I found these through out the
house (at peak time I found several a day) from April till october and then they
were gone but now I found one again and I don't know what they are. I think I
found some type of nest between the floor joists and last year I emailed you
folks thinking they might be earwig larvae but I know they aren't. Please advise
me what they are, if they are harmful, and what I can do to get rid of them. I
have small children and these are creeping me out. Thanks for your assistance.
Rosanne. Smithers, BC
The photo is too small
and blurry for a positive identification, but it could be a larva of a beetle
(especially if the dark tip of the abdomen are hardened structures called
urogomphi; see
http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0013011
for an example). It definitely is not a wood-boring
insect, and does not appear to be anything that would pose a health threat.
Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
#890 Hi, we live in Moose Jaw the bugs are mainly in the
basement. How do we get rid of them? Thanks, Ashley
This is a
crustacean in the order Isopoda (sowbugs, pillbugs, woodlice, etc.) They often
are found indoors in moist situations (usually basements). They primarily are
scavengers on decaying organic material; although some species are capable of
feeding on living vegetation, they seldom cause any real damage. The best
control is to eliminate unnecessary sources of moisture and high humidity, as
well as potential harborage. They breath through gills that must be kept moist,
and they cannot survive for long in a dry environment. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2072.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 #989
just wondering what kind of spider this is. I found it in my basement of my
Toronto home. it doesn't seem to be able to climb since it's trying desperately
to climb the container i have it, but can't. I'd appreciate some info, thanks.
Bryan
I cannot be certain, but
this spider might be in the family Amaurobiidae (hacklemesh weavers or night
spiders). Although they do spin webs, usually under cover of some kind, these
spiders will wander about as well. At any rate, this spider does not appear to
be of any concern as far as human health is concerned. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
#888 Please help! We live in Western Maryland USA and have
been finding these creatures in our house for about the last 2 weeks (late
March). We have lived in this house for 13 years and this is the first time I
have seen any thing like this. We have only seen them one at a time. Each time
we kill one another shows up a day or two later (maybe the same one is coming
back to haunt us repeatedly). It is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long and it can fly.
It is black and the markings are yellowish orange with a reddish tint on the
legs. It does not seem to mind the light so I don't think it is a roach. The
closest thing I could find on your site was the long-horned wood boring
beetle but the markings and antennae don't seem right. And although the cats and
the dog seem to think they make great toys, I just want to know what they are
and if they are a problem. Thank you. Michael
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae),
specifically, it appears to be a locust borer, Megacyllene robiniae; see
http://www.cirrusimage.com/beetles_locust_borer.htm
for images. They can harm locust trees both by the direct action of their larvae
boring in the trees, as well as by fungal pathogens that gain entry to the trees
through the larval burrows. The adults often are found on flowers, feeding on
pollen. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
#887 I found these spiders under fence posts in my backyard
(each one under a different post, but less than 6 feet from one another). I'm
confident they're black widow spiders, but my question is do they nest in
groups? I also found a small 'baby' sized spider and multiple suspicious webs
under other posts. Should I contact someone about this (a black widow
infestation?), or I am just worried given their reputation as deadly spiders? I
live in central Virginia, and have never seen these before in this area. Thanks,
Joe
These are indeed black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans). Although
considered dangerously venomous, they are not aggressive, and should pose little
threat if left undisturbed. If bitten, an effective antivenom ("Antivenin (Latrodectus
mactans) is available; see
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/a/antivenin/antivenin_pi.pdf .
See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2061A.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. You also may wish to
contact your county office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension service for
additional advice; see
http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices/
for contact information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 #886
I found this bug inside my house near Sacramento, Ca. Please help me identify
it. Thanks, Jeff
This appears to be
a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. If you
have carpets that contain wool, you may wish to examine the edges of these
closely for signs of the larvae of these beetles (see
http://insektenfotos.de/Anthrenus verbasci (Wollkraut-Bluetenkaefer),
Larve_003.jpg for an image). Also, they can be pantry pests as well,
sometimes infesting cereals, red pepper, fishmeal, or any processed animal or
plant food. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 #885
I've noticed these hairy, waspy-looking flying insects for years here in the
southern tip of Texas, always in hot weather (85 - 95 F). I've also seen them
around the Nueces River in north-central Texas during fishing trips in summer.
This picture was taken two days ago on April 2nd in my backyard in South Texas.
This one was about 2.5 cm long, which seems to be the average size of those I've
seen. I previously wondered if they were a threat to my small container garden
of chiles and tomatoes, but I saw this little bugger holding onto a captured
Honeybee. Although they may not be a direct danger to herbs and vegetables, I
still don't want them attacking the beneficial Honeybees that help pollinate
fruit and flower blooms. What is this insect, and does it pose any danger to
humans? If so, how can I prevent them from loitering around my garden? Thanks
so much. --Bryan
This is a robber fly (Diptera:
Asilidae). These flies are voracious predators on other insects (including
bees). They usually wait on a perch for something to fly within range, than
launching themselves at the intended prey. If successful at capture, they then
usually return to their perch to consume their victim. They basically are
harmless to humans, but a large specimen could give a painful ‘bite’ if
mishandled. See
http://www.hr-rna.com/RNA/Robber%20main%20page.htm
for links to many photos of these fascinating insects.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 #884
Pest Control
Experts… please help me to identify this insect so I can be sure that I don’t
have a larger problem than the one I am about to describe. I live in eastern
Pennsylvania and the climate has been slowly warming to a 40-60 degree (f) I
have found 3 of these larva/worms in my home in the last week. All three were
at the exact point in a room where the wall meets the ceiling. They’re about 1
inch long, pinkish orange in color, and have a darker spot on each end. I
removed two by digging under it with a stiff bit of paper, and they were
semi-adhered to the surface of my wall/ceiling. They’re alive, but they don’t
move. They were each in a different room, but not actually too far from each
other. So, if I have a nest/hive/infestation of something in between the walls
of my house, what could they be? If it’s just a coincidence and these guys were
just visitors to my home, where did they come from and what are they going to be
turning into? I’m going on the assumption that they’re the maggot larva of some
kind of fly-type insect but I don’t know of any insect whose larva doesn’t eat.
Worse, is it some kind of mutated termite thing that’s slowly eating my
drywall? (I don’t live over an Indian burial ground or near a nuclear facility
of any kind, but one never knows). Any advice/help would be appreciated. Greg
The photo is too fuzzy for a positive
identification, but there is a possibility that these are mature caterpillars of
Indian meal moths (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) looking
for a place to pupate. See
http://www.uark.edu/depts/entomolo/museum/Indlv72b.jpg
for images and
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2089.html
for a fact sheet that includes control measures. If after
reviewing this material you believe that you have something different, you might
try contacting your county office of the Pennsylvania State University
Cooperative Extension service for assistance in identification. See
http://www.extension.psu.edu/extmap.html
for contact information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
#883 I live in an apartment (in Winnipeg) that I moved into
a few months ago and have been finding a few of these bugs along base boards or
on the carpet in crevices every couple of days. There haven't been many, but
enough to be concerned about. They are 4-5 mm in length, do not appear to have
any hair on their bodies except for a tiny bit at their tail end (don't seem to
be furry enough along the body to be carpet beetle larvae). I have a cat who has
never had fleas but could this be an infestation of fleas from a previous
tenant? Could these be flea larvae? I am worried my cat will now be exposed to
these if they are in fact fleas. They are hard to squish but you can. When
touched they curl up or try to wiggle back into the carpet. Please help. Thank
you. Stephanie
Although not your
‘typical’ carpet beetle larva in appearance, this could be a larva of a carpet
beetle in the genus Attagenus (Coleoptera: Dermastidae). See number 878
for another example,
http://sgrl.csiro.au/storage/insects/insect_image/Insects_ID/Web scans
low/Attagenus_spp_larvae.jpg for
an image, and
http://pmo.umext.maine.edu/factsht/carpetbl.htm for a fact sheet that
includes control measures. Flea larvae lack legs, and are more lightly
sclerotized - see
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/kpn/flea2.jpg
for an image. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
#882 i found a half a dozen or so of these bugs on and
around our bed.
they look similar to beg bugs i think, but they are much smaller in size?
is that what they are? jenny.
|
 #881
Hello, I live in North Iowa and lately I've been finding more and more of these
things, almost as much as those japanese beetles it seems. Mostly in our
kitchen, sun room and bathroom. I'm thinking its because of the heating vents
along the floor or the presence of the sinks, shower and the basement door
in-between the two rooms. At first I only found one each night I got home from
work, but tonight I must have found 14 or so all various sizes. I also have
found a few in my upstairs bedroom, which also has a heat vent on the floor. I
would really, really appreciate any ideas on what they are and how to prevent
them from coming back. Thank you. Jason Clemens
The two appendages at the rear indicate this is a sow bug.
Pill bugs do not have these protrusions allowing them to roll up into a ball
(like a pill) More information about sow bugs
and pill bugs. |
 #880
Hello, We live in London, On. These started showing up in our living
room in February. I figure from the firewood but not sure.
It's middle
is red in colour with the same red on it's legs the rest of it is black. Thank
you. Cyndi.
This a
long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). I am uncertain as to
its precise identity, but it might be a tanbark borer, Phymatodes testaceous
(see http://www.wbrc.org.uk/WorcRecd/Issue11/Images/PHYMATODES%20TESTACEUS.jpg
and pest photo number 309 (genus misspelled as
Pymatodes). It likely did come in the house with firewood, and it poses no
danger to the house. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
|
 #879
The flying bugs in the
attached pictures started swarming on March 13th in my son's
bedroom. They are coming out of a hole in the track lighting on the ceiling.
They swarm during the day and are attracted to light. One exterminator says
they aren't carpenter ants, another exterminator says they are carpenter ants.
We just found the point of entry and have covered the hole. There are many
sites comparing carpenter ants and termites but none comparing carpenter ants
and other flying ants. Please help. Beth.
These are reproductive male carpenter ants. If you look
closely under a magnifying glass you will see a single node or spike between the
abdomen and the thorax. The thorax is also smoothly rounded. The tail is pointed
on males, round on females. Seeing reproductive ants in your home
indicates there is at least one satellite nest that has been established at
least three to five years in your home. Let a professional take care of them for
you. (not the one who could not identify them) |
#878 Hello,
I live in Toronto. During a vacuuming blitz in my room I found a few of these
bugs in the carpet. They like to live under cardboard boxes. This little guy is
smaller than the other ones, which are usually around 8 mm long. They are light
brown and squirm like crazy when you poke them. They are usually stretched out,
but when I was trying to pick up this guy, I squished him by accident and he
curled up. They have 6 legs on the belly really close to the head, and a bunch
of hairs sticking out of the tail end. I haven't seen these bugs anywhere else
in the house, just in my room in the carpet. I also have 2 bunnies living in my
room. I'd appreciate any help with identifying them and rabbit-safe ways of
getting rid of them. Thank you! Helen
|
 #877
On holiday in August
2005, in Vaison (France, ½ hour north of Avignon) these creatures were regular
visitors to our Gete. Conditions were extremely hot, dry and sunny – even for
August. The Gete was located in stony vineyards half way up a mountain –
therefore high above sea-level. They moved extremely fast and had the actions
and agility of a spider but look like some kind of centipede. Amazingly, they
could walk on the underside of an exterior wooden table as easily as across the
top. They came in varying sizes but all pretty big – 10 -15cm. The picture below
is near life size as I could make it. Unfortunately, this one met its death at
the hands of my daughter trying to catch it in a glass – and as you can see lost
two of its many legs in the process. Can anyone identify it as to date this
pest remains unknown. I have heard that some centipedes are poisonous – so could
this have also been dangerous? Thanks. Stephen
This is a house
centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), a general predator on other small
arthropods. They likely originated in the Mediterranean region, but now are
common throughout Europe, Asia, and much of North America, supposedly as a
consequence of inadvertent human introductions. They generally are considered
harmless, but a large specimen could give a painful nip if mishandled. See
http://www.uark.edu/depts/entomolo/museum/house_centipede.html for
more information and nos. 809, 787, and 679 for other examples. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 #876.
Could you please identify this insect. Carol
This is a nymph of a true bug
(Hemiptera/Heteroptera), but I cannot be certain of the family from the
photograph. If a specialist in this group were to view the image, they might be
able to make a determination. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
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#875 I know this photograph isn't the highest
quality, but the fact that I took the photo with a four year old digital camera
through the front-end of a microscope eyepiece is pretty impressive, no? I
was hoping the small size of this bug would give away its identity. I found
three of them; they were all crawling on the carpet and the wood-trim of a
changeroom at my workplace. They are tiny, to avoid killing them I had to
pick them up with the ends of straight-pins. I'd say they're about 0.2mm
long. They look somewhat like ants, they're definitely from the same family
(hymenoptera?) except they're lighter coloured. Matt.
The photo (in spite of the ingenuity used)
is too unclear to be certain, but the specimen looks more like a booklouse (Psocoptera:
Liposcelidae) than any hymenopteran. Booklice appear commoner in relatively
dusty areas having high relative humidity, such as old library stacks. They do
no real harm, feeding primarily on mold spores and the like. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2080.html
for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 #874
Hello
guys, just want to say I love this site, hope you can help. I live in Midwest
City, Oklahoma. Months back I had a really bad roach problem due to my
neighbors moving out, I got that all under control, My worst area was the
kitchen and bathroom. At the same time I noticed these little tiny bugs behind
my microwave. This is a pretty dry area but dark, they usually stay behind the
microwave but almost every morning when I turn the light on there one or two out
in the open on the counter. They don't move fast at all, I don't think they
have a very long life span there are alway a bunch of dead ones every time I
clean behind it. They are near my dry food pantry and don't seem to bother the
food. The boric acid I used to kill the roaches, doesn't seem to bother them at
all. Seems like there coming out of the wall through cracks. Almost like there
attracted to the glue or chaulk. They don't bite and die really quick with a
smush. But can't get rid of them, doesn't matter how hot or cold it been. Hope
you can tell by the photo I can try to scan a better one. I haven't had any luck
looking through others photos to find out what these are. Please Help Emy
Difficult to tell from the photo, but
these could be saw-toothed grain beetles (Oryzaephilus surinamensis;
Coleoptera: Silvanidae/Cucujidae) or a close relative - see no. 865 for an
example. As with other potential pantry pests, infestable foodstuffs (including
dry pet food) should be stored in sealable plastic/glass containers or kept
under refrigeration. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
#873 Thank you for you help in identifying this insect.
They are in my kitchen. They crawl slowly. They seem to be attracted to dog
biscuits, which I had stored in their manufacturer sealed plastic bags ( which
seem to have a few tiny holes). Since seeing these insects i have thrown away
the biscuits and bought new ones. I have sealed the new bag of biscuits in
additional tight plastic bags. The insects are mostly are on my floor near an
outside wall. My house is 100 years old. I have found several as they are
crawling up the side of the refrigerator or on top trying to get into the dog
biscuit bags. They squish very easily. Thank you so much for your help in
getting them identified. Also any advice on how to get rid of them would be
greatly appreciated. Your web site is wonderful. I found it while trying to
identify these pests. Hope
I cannot identify this beetle from the
photograph. See
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/pantrypests304.shtml
and
http://www.entomology.ucr.edu/ebeling/ebeling7.html
for guides on identifying various pantry pests. As a precaution, all infestable
foodstuffs (including dry pet food) should be stored in sealable plastic/glass
containers or kept under refrigeration.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
|
#872 Hi
I live in East Vancouver, Canada. These annoying flies showed up in Dec/05
and are still permanent residents of our home... We have tried a number of
different ways to figure out where they are coming from or what they are...
For the first couple of weeks there was a couple hundred a day!!! No
exaggeration. Now they are down to about 50... We had to vacuum them up
there were so many. They are not big about the size of a fruit fly,
although some can be alot smaller and some slightly bigger. They are not
interested in food, they stay on the ceiling and in the windows. At first
we thought they were cluster flies, but no. I saw a pic of a shore fly and they
look identical, but no spots that I can see. We can't figure out how they are
getting in he house. We actually think they are already in the house...but
where. Possibly from under the floor, there is a sub-floor, and our water
heater broke and flooded in Dec.... One person thinks they are fungus
gnats, but the pics I've seen don't look like them... We have a small
child and pets so chemicals are out of the question. Please help!
Thank you. Erin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a Lesser Dung Fly or Sphaeroceridae. They have a
long arista on their antenna and often an enlarged hind basitarsus (first
segment of hindfoot). They live in decaying organic matter like dead animals or
plants...There might be something laying around in your house....Dr. Martin
Hauser, Plant Pest Diagnostics, California Department of Food & Agriculture. |
 #871
HI, We live 40
km north of Toronto. We’ve been finding these bugs (6 so far) on the kitchen
counters and one at the other end of the house on the bathroom counter. They
measure 3/16 of an inch length wise, that’s why it’s so hard to get the
pictures. When they are put on their back they arch to turn back over. Great
site! Thanks, Michael
This appears to be another larva of
a Dermestid beetle. Although commonly referred to as carpet beetles, some
species can be pantry pests, attacking a wide variety of stored food products of
both animal and vegetable origin. See
http://extension.usu.edu/files/factsheets/carpetbe.pdf
for a fact sheet that includes control measures.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
|
 #870
Location: Bestwick Drive, Kamloops,
BC.
Detail: - Initially found in main dining room last fall by electrical outlet
under window.
- Removed outlet cover and sprayed area as well as along baseboards for that
outside wall
- Ants have returned in January(?) and are now found in many places throughout
the home, but no clear direction of nest site. - Ants range in size - Ring
on 'back', - do not seem odorous when crushed.
Additional Info:- Home checked for termites last May, none found, but did find
powder post beetle in basement sub floor which was professionally treated.
I cannot be certain from the photo, but if
it is a fairly large ant, it might be a carpenter ant (Camponotus spp.)
They do not eat wood, but will remove quantities of it to enlarge their nests.
Also, as a rule, they do not infest sound wood, but will attack wood (including
structures) that already has been damaged, such as by water leaks. See
http://urbanentomology.tamu.edu/ants.html
for a guide to identification of common household ant species in North America.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
|
#869 Hello ~
I live in Southern New Hampshire
and found this guy climbing the wall in my carpeted living room. I suspect it's
a carpet beetle larve but would appreciate confirmation. Also, what do you
recommend to eliminate them from the house? I have birds so am limited on pest
control. Linda
This appears to be a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html
for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Also, you might try
contacting your county office of the University of New Hampshire Cooperative
Extension for advise in this matter - see
http://extension.unh.edu/Counties/Counties.htm
for contact information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
#868
These have been appearing around our
kitchen window in western Pennsylvania for the last week or two. The larger
ones are about ¼ inch long, from front to the end of the rear antenna. Most are
much smaller. This is a picture of the largest one I’ve seen. I know the
picture’s not very helpful, but the things are so small that our cameras can’t
focus on them. To me, the pests look like a cross between a mayfly (with the
long curved rear antenna) and an ant (with an ant body). They look like they
have wings, but I usually only see them hopping, like fleas do, though
occasionally I’ll see one or two flying around the light above the sink. I hope
someone can tell me what they are so we can figure out how to take back our
kitchen. Many thanks. Mary
The image is too fuzzy to be
certain, but this could be a small parasitic wasp, such as a braconid. If you
cannot take a clearer photo, you might try contacting your county office of the
Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension service for assistance in
identification. See
http://www.extension.psu.edu/extmap.html
for contact information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 #867
I am from Nova Scotia and in the past few weeks this bug has been appearing in
our bathroom I have no idea what it is and have not been able to find any
pictures of it online. Just hoping someone here can tell me what they are.
Scott
This is a bark or engraver beetle (Coleoptera:
Scolytidae); likely in the genus Ips (see
www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/ips/ipsfidl.htm).
Several species can be pests on conifers, but none will infest wood in homes. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
#866 I live in
Florida, and found these on several milk-weed plants. I have looked everywhere
for information on this bug, but have found none. As far as I can tell, it is a
larva of some sort, and appears to eat only aphids. It has a 'tongue' that it
sticks into the aphid, and then slowly drains it. It gains the 'white' design on
it's back, after it has gotten to be about this size. Any information on this
would be greatly appreciated. Kevin
This appears to be the larva (maggot) of a
hover or flower fly (Diptera: Syrphidae). Larvae of several species are
voracious predators on aphids and other soft-bodied insects; many adults bear a
superficial resemblance to bees or wasps, but all are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
#865 I'm so impressed with this site and the experts who
provide such great information for the general public. I'm hoping you can help
me identify this pest, who has lately taken up residence in the pantry of my
Washington, DC apartment. I've looked and looked through the postings already
here and I can't seem to find this bug. I found a whole bunch of them in the
food cabinet and they occasionally appear in the sink and on the counter. They
are very tiny (I included a toothpick for size reference), pretty flat, dark
colored, and sort of scurry around. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you
for a great site, even if it will give me nightmares for a month! Colleen
This appears to be a
saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera:
Silvanidae/Cucujidae). They are common pantry pests, infesting a wide range of
cereal-based products, including flour, dry cereals, and baking mixes. See
http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/eiis/pdfs/hs46.pdf
for a fact sheet that includes control measures.
Prevention is the best measure; such as storing all infestable products in
sealed plastic/glass containers or in a refrigerator. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
#864 These white
larvae worms (with rings around them) measuring about 5 to 10 mm long are coming
from our attic , dropping down the stove fan vent onto the stove top and also
into the sunshine ceiling light. This is in South Surrey BC. What are they and
what would be causing them! Hope you can help, Thanks , Marg
The photo is too indistinct to be certain,
but if ‘worms’ are legless, they may be fly larvae (maggots) that have left
their food source in search of a pupation site. You might want to check the
space over the ceiling in the area that they appear to be dropping from to see
if you can find the source. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 #863
This bug has made it's appearance a couple of weeks ago and his exact friends
have been appearing ever since. We have found 6 of them so far. 4 downstairs and
2 upstairs. I put one in a glass of water overnight and it was still alive 14
hours later. The cat will not go near them which is very unusual to see her
(literally) turn her nose up on some wild protein - it must stink. I live in the
Vancouver region. Any help anyone can pass on would be appreciated. Calvin
This appears to be a Box Elder Bug. They feed on the seeds
of The Manitoba Maple, also Called Box Elder in certain areas. They are not
harmful but more a nuisance, if you squash one on a wall it will leave a stain,
also apparently it will smell badly. Ray |
 #862
Hi there, I found this beetle in my garden in Oakville, Ontario. There were
about 8 to 10 of them scattered around a small bed. It measures a bit less than
1/4". So far, I haven't been able to find one like it on the web. Perhaps
someone knows what it is, and if it's destructive to plants. It looks a bit like
#92, but it is a bright reddish brown, and it's antennae are different. Thanks,
David
This is a leaf beetle (Coleoptera:
Chrysomelidae); it bears a close resemblance to Lilioceris lilii, a species
sometimes a pest on lilies. See
http://gillesgonthier.com/Photos/Coleoptera/p_lilioceris04.jpg
for an image. It is a European species, but is found
widespread in North America. See
http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/lilyleafbeetle.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  #861
Hello. I have been finding these bugs for a month or so in my northern Ohio
home. They have been almost exclusively where my dog sleeps so I assumed they
were fleas. All the expensive flea control products have not done anything to
help the problem. I've tried my best to get a close up photo, and this is the
best I can get. Does anybody have any idea what these are? Robert
These are weevils (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae); bearing a close resemblance to pantry pest species in the genus
Sitophilus (granary and rice weevils; see
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/pantrypests304.shtml).
These beetles usually attack whole grain products; if you
have any such products in your house, you may wish to check them for the
presence of insects. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
#860
The pictures are kind of fuzzy…here
is the best description I can provide. Body: ~3/8”, Leg Span: ~3/4” – 1”,
Color: yellowish brown, Front and back legs longer, 3 joints within
legs, Black tips at feet and first joint, Fuzzy legs and body,
Two black eyes visible without magnification, Black tipped “fangs”.
Generally found at the ceiling corners in bedrooms and bathroom on second level
of house. Generally show up in pairs, but not necessarily in the same room.
Seem to show up more frequently during consequential temperature changes. Seem
to be more active at night. I kill about 4/week. Any suggestions on how to get
rid of them non-chemically preferably because I have a cat and dog in the
house? I am in lower Michigan, in a city neighborhood. Thanks. NICK
Although I suspect that this
could be a sac spider (family Clubionidae), the photo is too fuzzy for a
definitive identification. I suggest that you contact your county office of
the Michigan State University Extension Service for assistance in
identification as well as for any recommended control measures; go to
http://www.msue.msu.edu/portal/
and click on "Offices/Staff" on the left side of the
page. In the meantime, you could simply use a vacuum cleaner to capture any
spiders wandering about, or use other non-chemical control methods (see
http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/pdf/pnotes/spiders-e.pdf).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 
#859 These little ones are all over the window sills and baseboards of the
ground floor (the wall facing the exterior) of my home. Originally their numbers
were in the hundreds, but after days of persistent spraying and vacuuming, I see
about 10-20 new buggers per window per day. They're less than a millimeter in
size, reddish in color, and leave a streak when you kill them. I live in central
Virginia. Thanks! Joe
One of the pictures has already been 'zoomed' because these guys are so small,
and the other picture has lots of dead ones just to show you where they 'hang
out.'
Based on their behavior and
long front legs, these could be clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa Acarina:
Tetranychidae); see
http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/pests/g07358.htm
for a fact sheet that includes control measures. I have seen these mites
congregate in enormous numbers indoors, both in homes and offices. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
#858
Hi there, These large larvae were found on
alder trees, in mid-March, in the upper Fraser Valley of BC. They appeared to
be feeding, but we’re not sure if they are responsible for the extensive
tunneling or if that was caused by beetle larvae. Note the prolegs on these.
Wim vH
| |
