Submitting Insect Samples for Identification
The identification of an insect or related pest is the first step in determining whether it should be controlled and in obtaining recommended control measures. Clemson University provides...
Category: Entomology
How to Handle Pesticide Spills
Accidents happen. When an accident happens with a pesticide it is especially important to be prepared. Always read the label before buying and using a pesticide. Be prepared to handle a pesticide...
Seasonal Invaders
At different times of the year various insects which are not normally indoor pests may enter homes. These seasonal invaders are not usually serious pests and long term infestations rarely occur....
Pantry Pests
There are many types of insects that can infest food and other organic products stored in kitchen pantries. Infested products may include grains, dried dairy items, pet foods, bird seed, dried...
Nuisance Flies
There are several types of flies that may be a nuisance around your home. Flies may be more than just a bother, since many breed, feed, or live in our food or in unclean sites such as in manure,...
Chiggers
Chiggers are not insects. They are actually a larval, or immature, mite. Chiggers are commonly known as red bugs because of their bright color. They may be orange, yellow, or straw colored. They are...
Carpenter Ants
Many kinds of ants can become pests in and around a home or structure. One of the most common is the carpenter ant. Carpenter ants belong to the largest of all ant groups. Although carpenter ants...
Ticks Around Your Home
Ticks are closely related to scorpions, spiders and mites. They are not insects. They are external parasites that need a blood meal to survive and reproduce. Ticks can feed on humans and other...
Head Lice
Three kinds of lice can infest humans – head lice, body lice and crab (or pubic) lice. The head louse is closely related to the body louse, but their behavior is quite different. Experts...
Moth/Drain Flies
Moth flies have many names including drain flies, filter flies and sewage flies. They get these many names from their appearance and habits. Their fuzzy wings make them look like little moths and...
House and Field Crickets
The chirping songs of the crickets are among the most pleasant sounds of summer and fall. There are many different kinds of crickets. Not all of them can produce sound, but when they do, it is the...
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are beneficial around home gardens and commercially grown fruits and vegetables at certain times because they feed on caterpillars and harmful flies. When the populations peak in late...