Pests in and around the Southern Home (SP486)

Urban Pests and Pest Management

P. G. Koehler and R. M. Pereira

A UF/IFAS numbered publication for General Public and Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Using Pesticides Safely in and around the Southern Home

P. G. Koehler

This document provides guidelines for the safe use of pesticides in and around homes in the southern United States. It covers various pesticide formulations, including liquids, gases, dusts, granules, and toxic baits, and their application methods. The document emphasizes the importance of following label instructions, protecting people and pets from exposure, and preventing environmental contamination. It also discusses the symptoms of pesticide poisoning, safety precautions for applicators, and special considerations for vulnerable populations such as infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with medical conditions.

Insecticides Used in the Urban Environment: Mode of Action

S. M. Valles and P. G. Koehler

This document explains the modes of action of various insecticides used in urban environments. It categorizes insecticides based on their effects on the nervous system, energy production, cuticle production, endocrine system, and water balance. The article details how different chemicals, such as pyrethroids, carbamates, and organophosphates, disrupt insect physiology, leading to toxicity and death. It also highlights the specific mechanisms through which these insecticides operate, providing a comprehensive understanding of their biological impacts. First publication date: September 1997.

How to Buy Pest Control Services

Phil Koehler and Roberto Pereira

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public and Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Insect Identification Service

Lyle J. Buss

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Insect Identification Form

Lyle J. Buss

If you find an insect you can't identify, you are welcome to collect a specimen and send it to the UF/IFAS Insect Identification Lab. All specimens must be accompanied by the Insect Identification Lab's Sample Submission Form. This publication includes a fillable pdf of that form. Diagnosis of submitted samples costs $15 per sample, which can be paid via an enclosed check or money order made payable to the University of Florida, or via credit card or Google Pay. Payment is required before a diagnostic report can be provided. The Insect Identification Lab website, https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/InsectID/, provides more information.

Bed Bugs and Blood-Sucking Conenose

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, M. P. Lehnert, and J. Hertz

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Fleas

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and J. W. Diclaro II

This document provides an overview of fleas, including their biology, life cycle, and the health issues they cause. Fleas are small, blood-sucking insects that can infest pets and homes, causing itching and irritation. The document details the flea’s life stages, from eggs to adults, and emphasizes the importance of treating both pets and their environments to control infestations. It also discusses various treatment methods, including on-animal treatments and premise treatments, to effectively manage and prevent flea problems. Date first printed July 1993.

Head Lice

R. W. Baldwin, P. G. Koehler, J. W. Diclaro II, and F. M. Oi

Body Lice and Pubic Lice

C. W. Scherer, P. G. Koehler, and J. W. Diclaro II

This document provides an overview of body lice and pubic lice, detailing their biology, transmission, symptoms, and treatment. Body lice, which can transmit diseases like typhus, are less common in the U.S., while pubic lice are a significant nuisance. Both types of lice are blood-sucking insects that cause itching and irritation. Treatment involves washing clothing and bedding in hot water and using medicated shampoos or creams. The document emphasizes the importance of hygiene and alerting sexual partners in cases of pubic lice infestation. 

Mites That Attack Humans

P. G. Koehler and A. Chaskopoulou

This document provides an overview of mites that attack humans, including household, bird, insect, rodent, scabies, and house dust mites. It details their biology, life cycles, and the health issues they cause, such as skin irritation and dermatitis. Control methods include eliminating nests, using space sprays, and maintaining hygiene. The document emphasizes the importance of consulting professionals for severe infestations and allergic reactions. Publication date: April 1993.

Chiggers

P. G. Koehler, F. M. Oi, and A. Chaskopoulou

This document provides an overview of chiggers, detailing their biology, life cycle, and the effects of their bites. Chiggers, or “red bugs,” are larvae of mites that cause intense itching and welts on human skin. They do not transmit diseases in Florida. The document explains their preferred habitats, methods for controlling infestations, and treatment options for bites, including the use of repellents and insecticides. Emphasis is placed on hygiene and protective measures to prevent chigger bites and manage affected areas. Publication date: May 1991.

Mosquito-Borne Dog Heartworm Disease

J. K. Nayar and C. R. Connelly

Each year thousands of dogs become disabled or die from lung, heart, or circulatory problems caused by heartworm disease. Heartworm disease in dogs and related canines is caused by a filarial nematode (a large thread-like round worm), Dirofilaria immitis. The adult worms live in the right side of the heart in the right ventricle and adjacent blood vessels (pulmonary arteries). Because of their location, they are commonly called "dog heartworms."

Use and Application of Insect Repellents

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and R. A. Allen

This document discusses the use and application of insect repellents, focusing on DEET and its alternatives. DEET has been effective for over 45 years but has potential adverse effects. New repellents like picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus offer similar protection with fewer side effects. The article provides guidelines for selecting and applying DEET products, minimizing exposure, and using repellents on children. It also highlights the importance of reading labels and following instructions to ensure safe and effective use. Publication date: March 1994. 

Biting Flies

J. B. Pitzer, P. G. Koehler and J. W. Diclaro II

This document provides an overview of various biting flies in Florida, including no-see’ums, black flies, stable flies, horse flies, and deer flies. It details their life cycles, habitats, and the impact of their bites on humans and animals. The document also discusses control measures, such as environmental management, protective clothing, and the use of repellents and insecticides, to mitigate the nuisance and health risks posed by these pests. Publication date: April 1991

American Dog Tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Arachnida: Ixodida: Ixodidae)

Wai-Han Chan and Phillip E. Kaufman

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Lyme Disease

P. E. Kaufman, P. G. Koehler, J. F. Butler, and A. Chaskopoulou

Mange

P. G. Koehler and A. Chaskopoulou

Stinging or Venomous Insects and Related Pests

P. G. Koehler and J. W. Diclaro II

This document provides an overview of stinging or venomous insects and related pests in Florida. It categorizes venoms into four types: vesicating, neurotoxic, cytolytic/hemolytic, and hemorrhagic. The article emphasizes the importance of allergic reactions, which are often more severe than the toxic effects. It outlines immediate actions to take following stings or bites and offers prevention tips. Additionally, it describes common venomous arthropods, including bees, wasps, scorpions, spiders, fire ants, velvet ants, wheel bugs, blister beetles, and stinging caterpillars, along with control measures for each. Publication date: October 1994.

Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars of the Southeast

Rebecca Perry and Adam Dale

Bee-Proofing for Florida Citizens

M. K. O'Malley, J. D. Ellis, and A. S. Neal

ENY-143 provides information about Africanized honey bees (AHB), precautions that can be taken by Florida residents to locate potential nesting sites, prevent nests from forming, and how to inspect one's property for nests.

Choosing the Right Pest Control Operator for Honey Bee Removal: A Consumer Guide

M. K. O'Malley and J. D. Ellis

Cockroaches and Their Management

P. G. Koehler, B. E. Bayer, and D. Branscome

This document provides a comprehensive guide on managing cockroaches in and around homes in Florida. It covers the identification of common species, their life cycles, and habitats. The document emphasizes integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including prevention, sanitation, exclusion, and chemical control. It highlights the importance of eliminating water and food sources, sealing entry points, and using baits, sprays, and dusts effectively. The guide also stresses the need for proper pesticide use and safety precautions to ensure effective and sustainable cockroach control. Publication Date: January 1994.

Nuisance Nonbiting Flies Such as Filth-Breeding Flies

P. G. Koehler and J. W. Diclaro II

This document provides an overview of filth-breeding flies, including house flies, greenbottle flies, bluebottle flies, secondary screwworm flies, vinegar flies, flesh flies, moth flies, eye gnats, humpbacked flies, and soldier flies. It details their biology, life cycles, and the diseases they can transmit. The document emphasizes the importance of hygiene and proper waste management to control infestations. It also discusses various control methods, including sanitation, exclusion, and the use of insecticides. Publication date: June 1991.

Pantry and Stored Food Pests

P. G. Koehler and W.-H. Chan

This document provides an overview of pantry and stored food pests, detailing their biology, common species, and control methods. These pests, including flour beetles, grain moths, and weevils, infest various food items and can cause significant economic losses. The document emphasizes the importance of proper storage, regular inspections, and hygiene to prevent infestations. Control methods include discarding infested items, using heat or cold treatments, and applying insecticides. It highlights the need for thorough cleaning and sealing of food containers to manage and prevent pest problems effectively.

Ants

P. G. Koehler, R. J. Vazquez, and R. M. Pereira

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Florida Carpenter Ants

R. J. Vazquez, P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, J. Warner, and R. H. Scheffrahn

A UF/IFAS numbered publication for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Tawny Crazy Ant

S. K. Hill, R. W. Baldwin, R. M. Pereira, and P. G. Koehler

As of 2012, tawny crazy ants have invaded 24 counties in Florida, parts of southeast Texas, and other areas of the southeastern U.S. The tawny crazy ant is considered a series pest. This species infests buildings and greenhouses, attacks crops, domestic animals, honeybee hives, displaces native ant species, and disrupts electrical equipment. This fact sheet covers the tawny crazy ant’s distribution, description, colonies, feeding habits, and pest status and control.

Carpet Beetles

P. G. Koehler, R. J. Vazquez, and R. M. Pereira

This document provides an overview of carpet beetles, including their biology, life cycle, and the damage they cause to fabrics and furnishings. Carpet beetles feed on natural animal fibers and can infest homes from bird, rodent, and insect nests. The document details the life stages of various carpet beetle species and emphasizes the importance of good housekeeping and proper storage to prevent infestations. Control methods include regular cleaning, inspection, and the use of insecticides and nonchemical treatments like cedar products and cold storage. Publication date: August 1991.

Clothes Moths

R. J. Vazquez, P. G. Koehler, and R. M. Pereira

This document provides an overview of clothes moths, including the webbing clothes moth and the case-making clothes moth. It details their biology, life cycle, and the damage they cause to fabrics and natural fibers. The document emphasizes the importance of good housekeeping, proper storage, and various control methods such as cleaning, using airtight containers, and applying insecticides. It also highlights the use of pheromone traps for monitoring and the need for professional pest control in severe infestations. Publication date: January 1994.

Household Casebearer, Phereoeca uterella (=dubitatrix) Walsingham (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

Juan A. Villanueva-Jimenez and Thomas R. Fasulo

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Subterranean Termites

Wai-Han Chan, P. G. Koehler, and C. L. Tucker

This document provides an overview of subterranean termites, detailing their biology, life cycle, and the damage they cause. It explains the different castes within a termite colony, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives. The document emphasizes the importance of detecting infestations early through signs like mud tubes, winged reproductives, and wood damage. It also outlines various prevention and control methods, including preconstruction and postconstruction treatments, the use of termiticides, and termite baits. Proper identification and professional pest control are recommended for effective management. First Published: April 1993.

Drywood and Dampwood Termites

W. H. Chan, R. M. Pereira, and P. G. Koehler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

Powderpost Beetles and Other Wood-Infesting Insects

P. G. Koehler, F. M. Oi, and C. A. Andrews

This document provides an overview of powderpost beetles and other wood-infesting insects, detailing their identification, life cycles, and the damage they cause to wooden structures. It covers the most common types, including anobiine, lyctine, and bostrichid beetles, as well as old house borers and carpenter bees. The article emphasizes the importance of early detection and control, outlining various prevention and treatment methods such as surface treatments, wood replacement, and fumigation. It also highlights the significance of proper wood inspection and finishing to prevent infestations. 

Pillbugs, Sowbugs, Centipedes, Millipedes, and Earwigs

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and R. A. Allen

This document provides an overview of pillbugs, sowbugs, centipedes, millipedes, and earwigs, detailing their biology, habits, and control methods. Pillbugs and sowbugs are crustaceans that feed on decaying organic matter. Centipedes are fast-moving predators with venomous bites, while millipedes feed on decaying vegetation and can secrete a foul-smelling fluid. Earwigs are scavengers with pincerlike appendages. The document emphasizes the importance of hygiene, proper waste management, and the use of insecticides for controlling these pests both indoors and outdoors. Publication date: July 1994

Booklice and Silverfish

F. M. Oi, P. G. Koehler, D. Branscome, and B. E. Bayer

This document provides an overview of booklice and silverfish, detailing their biology, life cycles, and control methods. Booklice, or psocids, feed on fungi and organic matter, thriving in warm, humid environments. Silverfish and firebrats, belonging to the Order Zygentoma, damage materials high in protein, sugar, or starch. Effective control includes reducing humidity, proper storage, and using insecticides. The document emphasizes the importance of hygiene and preventive measures to manage infestations. 

Spiders

P. G. Koehler and C. A. Andrews

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public and Homeowner audience(s).

Springtails

P. G. Koehler, M. L. Aparicio, and M. Pfiester

This document provides an overview of springtails, minute wingless insects in the Order Collembola. It describes their biology, appearance, and habits, highlighting their presence in moist environments and their role in decomposing organic material. The article outlines the problems springtails can cause, such as invading homes and damaging young seedlings. Control measures are discussed, including indoor and outdoor strategies like reducing moisture, sealing entry points, and using insecticides. This comprehensive guide aims to help homeowners manage springtail infestations effectively. Publication date: October 1994. 

Crickets

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and B. E. Bayer

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Invisible Itches: Insect and Non-insect Causes

M. F. Potter and P. G. Koehler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Lovebugs in Florida

J. Weston, D. E. Short, and M. Pfiester

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Rat and Mouse Control

P. G. Koehler and W. H. Kern Jr.

Control of Roof Rats in Fruit Trees

William H. Kern

Moles

William H. Kern, Jr.

The Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Joseph M. Schaefer and Mark E. Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Animal Systems

Northern Raccoon

William H. Kern Jr.

Dealing with Iguanas in the South Florida Landscape

W. H. Kern, Jr.

Pigeons

William H. Kern