Structual and Health Pests

Do not be alarmed if you learn or suspect that structural pests may be attacking your home; it will not collapse or be destroyed. Pest management should be considered merely as another repair that may be necessary to maintain your house in sound structural condition.

See:

Public health pests-Bed bug

Many species, including
Carpenter ant (Camponotus spp.)
Moisture ant/cornfield ant (Lasius spp.)
Odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile)

Pavement ant (Tetramorium immigrans)
Velvety tree ant (Liometopum spp.)
Thatching ant (Formica obscuripes)
Yellow ant (Acanthomyops spp.)

Order Psocodea (formerly Psocoptera)

Pest description and damage Booklice (Psocids) are brownish yellow insects about the size of a pinhead. They prefer moist, undisturbed conditions.

Management

Eliminate entry points with caulk. Reduce moisture and increase light and air circulation. Fans and dehumidifiers are recommended. Apply labelled pesticides to cracks and crevices where appropriate.

For further information:

Bruchus rufimanus

Pest description and damage Adult beetle is about 0.125 inch in length, dull, and grayish brown. Larval stage feeds in and destroys dry beans. Often first evidence of infestation is the appearance of exit holes in the stored beans. These weevils will not infest grains, cereals, or other stored products.

Management

Vespula spp.

Pest description and damage Bee-like insects with yellow and black, or white and black, bands on abdomen.

Management

Dermacentor spp.
Ixodes spp.
Ornithodoros spp.

Pest description and damage Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites. Some transmit disease to humans.

Management

Otiorhynchus ovatus

Pest description and damage They cause no damage in homes but are annoying when they migrate into dwellings.

Management

Remove from indoors using broom or vacuum cleaner. Make sure to empty vacuum cleaner and dispose of bag contents outdoors.

Collembola

Pest description and damage A small insect approximately 0.125 inch or less in length; can be gray, pink, blue, or black. They often are found in large numbers in moist situations.

Management

Pest description and damage Eight-legged animals of varying sizes and colors. Spiders are predators of insects: some spin webs but some-the hunters-chase and catch their prey. All spiders use venom to subdue their prey, but the effect of their venom on humans varies widely, from inconsequential to irritating to serious. Three spiders in the Pacific Northwest-the black widow and two species of sac spider-can inflict serious injury if trapped or disturbed. If bitten, seek professional medical attention promptly.