Pest Identification

Is a mystery pest bugging your household or business?  Paske Pest Control & Wildlife Solutions has compiled a library of common pests found throughout Missouri and Illinois. Here, you will find helpful information detailing insects, their habits, characteristics, where they may be commonly found in or around your home or business, and the best pest control methods.

Not sure what kind of pest you have?

Ants

The number one nuisance pest in Missouri, ants make up the majority of local pest problems. Varying by species, the average colony is made up of anywhere between 300,000 to 500,000 ants. With the capability of surviving more than seven years, it’s no surprise that they are likely to take up residence in your home.

Roaches

Mostly nocturnal, cockroaches like to seek shelter from the outdoors. Likely to gravitate in dark, warm locations, many Missouri residents notice that cockroaches inhabit their bathrooms, closets, and kitchens. Ranging in color from light brown to black, the type of cockroach has much to do with the location they are likely to be found.

Spiders

Contrary to popular belief, spiders are not insects; they are actually arachnids, closely related to ticks and scorpions. Possessing the signature trait of eight legs and known to leave behind webs, spiders are notorious for spooking Missouri homeowners.

Rodents

Including mice and rats, rodents can present a number of threats to Missouri and Illinois homeowners. Known to chew through wires, causing electrical fires, transmit diseases, and even track in ticks, it’s always a good idea to prevent these pests before a problem occurs.

Termites

Causing more than $5 billion in damage to homes across the United States each year, termites are extremely common in the mid-west, including Missouri and Illinois. Since most homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, professional help is often recommended.

Bed Bugs

One of the most feared pest infestations, bed bugs are small, flat insects that tend to congregate in mattress folds, furniture, carpet, or wall folds. According to a 2015 study, both Missouri and Illinois are among the top 50 cities with reported bed bug problems.

Mosquitoes

Not only are mosquitoes known for disrupting outdoor activities, but they are also vectors for dangerous diseases. Drawn to standing water and capable of laying up to 3,000 eggs in a lifetime, it’s no wonder that mosquitoes are one of Missouri and Illinois nuisance pests!

Fleas

Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing Missouri and Illinois to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.

Ticks

Closely related to spiders, ticks also belong to the arachnid group. Relying on the blood of their hosts, ticks are likely to move from one mammal to another in order to survive. Due to their transient behavior, these pests are vectors of a number of diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease.

Bees and Hornets

There are a number of stinging insects common to Missouri and Illinois many of which pose a threat to your family’s well being. Insects like bees and hornets can cause painful, sometimes life-threatening stings! It’s important to understand the behaviors and characteristics of these pests, so you can stay safe.

Crickets

More of a nuisance than a threat, house crickets are omnivorous scavengers that feed on almost anything in sight. Known to destroy both vegetable gardens and clothing, all while producing a repetitious chirping sound, crickets cause quite the disturbance! You can typically find more of these creatures in heavily wooded areas.

Flies

Adapted for aerial movement, and streamlined for speed, flies are some of the most difficult pests to catch. In addition, they feed on rotting food and animal feces, making them highly resistant to many insecticides but also undesirable to have around your home. Sometimes it takes a professional pest control company to eliminate these 6-legged critters.

Earwigs

Appearing as more of a threat in comparison to other Missouri and Illinois pests, earwigs are more of an eyesore than a threat. Though they don’t pose much harm to humans, they are still extremely unwelcomed by Missouri and Illinois homeowners. And for good reason. These pests are most widely recognized for their menacing pincers and scorpion-like thorax.

Silverfish

Due to their high reproduction rate and elusive nature, silverfish are some of the most difficult pests to eliminate once they have invaded your home. For this reason, preventative pest control is extremely important. With their appearance matching their name, silverfish probably aren’t something you want to find lurking around your home!

Want to learn More about pest control?

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