Structual and Health Pests

Drosophila spp.

Pest description and damage Small yellowish flies found around decaying vegetable matter.

Management

Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella)
Indian meal moth (Lodia interpunctella)
Mediterranean flour moth (Anagasta kueniella)

Includes

Confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum)
Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum)

Pest description and damage Small, dark to light brown or reddish brown, hard-shelled insects about 0.125 inch in length. They breed and feed in flour, cereals, and condiments.

Management

Includes

Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
Human flea (Pulex irritans)

Pyrrhalta luteola

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.

European earwig (Forficula auricularia)

Pest description and damage About 0.625 inch in length, light to dark brown, with light-color legs and a pair of pincers on the rear. They feed on young plants and decaying organic matter and occasionally damage clothing.

Management

Includes

Field cricket (Acheta assimilis)

Pest description and damage Dark brown to black jumping insect, 0.75 inch in length. Female has a spear-shape ovipositor. Occasionally, they contaminate food and damage clothing.

Management

Includes

American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Brownbanded cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
German cockroach (Blattella germanica)
Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

Pollenia rudis

Pest description and damage Resemble houseflies but with a hint of gold color behind the head. They enter houses in the fall and may congregate on the ceiling or at windows. Larvae of cluster flies are earthworm parasites. They do not reproduce inside structures and, if not controlled, will die on their own.

Management

Bryobia praetiosa

Pest description and damage One of the larger mites; usually rust-brown to dull green with long front legs. They migrate into dwellings and are most troublesome in late fall or spring.

Management

Use a vacuum cleaner; avoid crushing the mites. An outdoor perimeter foundation spray by a pest control operator may be necessary in extreme cases.