Roberto M. Pereira

0000-0002-5618-7690

How to Make a Bed Bug Interceptor Trap out of Common Household Items

Benjamin A. Hottel, Rebecca W. Baldwin, Roberto M. Pereira, and Philip G. Koehler

Bed bugs have become an increasingly common pest problem throughout the United States. To discover whether bed bugs are present in a room or a piece of furniture, you can make interceptor traps out of commonly found household items and disposable plastic containers.

Sticktight Flea, Echidnophaga gallinacea

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and P. E. Kaufman

This document provides an overview of the sticktight flea, Echidnophaga gallinacea, which affects dogs, cats, poultry, and other animals. It describes the flea's biology, behavior, and appearance, noting its small size and lack of combs. The article highlights the health effects of flea infestations, including secondary infections and anemia in young animals. Control measures include manual removal, application of flea products, and environmental treatments to prevent reinfestation. The document emphasizes the importance of proper treatment to avoid further complications and ensure the well-being of affected animals. Publication date: October 1991.

Zika Vector Control for the Urban Pest Management Industry

Casey Parker, Roxanne Connelly, Roberto Pereira, and Philip Koehler

This document provides an overview of Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission, symptoms, and control measures. It details the history of ZIKV outbreaks, modes of transmission, and associated health risks, including microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The article emphasizes the importance of integrated vector management, including inspection, resident cooperation, larviciding, and adulticiding, to control mosquito populations. It also highlights the identification and biology of mosquito vectors, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, and discusses regulatory aspects of mosquito control in Florida.

Cómo hacer una trampa interceptora de chinches de cama de artículos comunes del hogar

Benjamin A. Hottel, Rebecca W. Baldwin, Roberto M. Pereira, y Philip G. Koehler

What is biting you?

E. E. Harlow, C. A. McNeill, R. W. Baldwin, R. M. Pereira, P. G. Koehler, and J. C. Medley

This document is part of the Entomology and Nematology Department series at UF/IFAS Extension. It was originally published in April 2011. The document helps identify various pests that might be causing itching or bites. It includes a handy poster for identification.

¿Qué te está picando?

E. E. Harlow, C. A. McNeill, R. W. Baldwin, R. M. Pereira, P. G. Koehler, y J. C. Medley

This document is part of a series from the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida's IFAS Extension. It was first published in April 2011. The publication is available in both Spanish and English, and can be viewed or printed in full size via PDF. This is the Spanish version. 

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.

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. 

Lesser Grain Borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae)

P. G. Koehler and R. M. Pereira

This document provides an overview of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, a serious pest of stored grains and cereal products. It describes the beetle’s appearance, habits, and biology, including its ability to infest a wide range of products. The article emphasizes the importance of inspection and sanitation in preventing infestations and outlines control measures, including the use of pheromone traps, insect-proof containers, and various pesticides. It also highlights the need for fumigation in cases of large infestations and provides a table of available pesticides for effective management. Publication date: March 1994.

Crickets

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

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

Ghost Ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

J. C. Nickerson, C. L. Bloomcamp, and R. M. Pereira

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

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.

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).

Ants

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

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

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

Pest Ants

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and J. L. Castner

This document provides a comprehensive overview of various ant species found in Florida, detailing their physical characteristics, nesting habits, and behaviors. It covers species such as the acrobat ant, Argentine ant, bigheaded ant, crazy ant, Florida carpenter ant, ghost ant, imported fire ant, little fire ant, native fire ant, pharaoh ant, and white-footed ant. Each section highlights unique features, such as nesting preferences, colony structure, and foraging behaviors, aiming to educate readers on identifying and managing these common pests. Date first printed: November 1992.

Furniture Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus flavipes (LeConte) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Jerry E. Gahlhoff

This document provides an overview of the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes, a common pest of upholstered furniture. It details the beetle's life cycle, including its egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, and describes its physical characteristics. The article highlights the beetle's ability to digest keratin, making it destructive to various household items. It also discusses the medical and economic significance of infestations and offers management strategies, including sanitation, inspection, and insecticide treatments, to control and prevent damage caused by these pests.  First published: December, 1997.

Black Carpet Beetle, Attagenus unicolor (Brahm) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Jerry E. Gahlhoff

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. This document provides an in-depth profile of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus unicolor (Brahm), the most destructive carpet beetle species in the United States. It details the beetle's life cycle, including its stages from egg to adult, and its distribution across North America. The article highlights the beetle's economic and medical significance, particularly its damage to household fabrics and stored products. Management strategies for controlling infestations, such as inspection, vacuuming, and insecticide treatments, are also discussed. First published: December, 1997.

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.

Common Florida Spiders

J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of common spiders found in Florida, detailing their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. It covers various species, including jumping spiders, crab spiders, golden silk spiders, spiny orb-weavers, black and yellow argiope spiders, green lynx spiders, wolf spiders, and long-jawed orb-weavers. Each section highlights unique features, such as the jumping spiders’ eye arrangement and hunting methods, the crab spiders’ camouflage, and the golden silk spiders’ large webs. The document aims to educate readers on identifying and understanding these arachnids. Date first printed: November 1992.

Wasps and Bees

P. G. Koehler and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of various wasps and bees, highlighting their behavior, nesting habits, and potential dangers. It covers species such as bumble bees, cicada killers, honey bees, mud daubers, paper wasps, and yellowjackets. The article emphasizes the aggressive nature of some species, the risks of stings, and the importance of proper nest management to prevent harm. It also includes detailed descriptions and images of each insect, their nests, and their interactions with humans. Date first printed: November 1992. 

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

Wood-Destroying Insects

P. G. Koehler and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of various wood-destroying insects, including Lyctid, Bostrichid, and Anobiid powderpost beetles, old house borers, Formosan termites, drywood termites, Eastern subterranean termites, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees. It describes their physical characteristics, life cycles, and the types of wood they infest. The publication emphasizes the importance of identifying these pests for effective management and control. Date first printed January 1996. 

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Filth-Breeding Flies

P. G. Koehler and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of filth-breeding flies in Florida, detailing their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. It covers species such as the house fly, greenbottle fly, bluebottle fly, secondary screwworm fly, vinegar fly, flesh fly, moth fly, eye gnat, humpbacked fly, and soldier fly. Each section highlights unique features, such as breeding preferences and identifying marks. The document aims to educate readers on recognizing and managing these common pests. Date first printed: November 1992. 

Rice Weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

P. G. Koehler

This document provides an overview of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, a significant pest of stored grains. It describes the weevil’s appearance, habits, and biology, highlighting its cosmopolitan distribution and impact on various grains. The article also outlines control measures, emphasizing the importance of locating infestation sources and using extreme temperatures or pest-proof containers. Additionally, it lists pesticides available for rice weevil control, detailing their application and safety guidelines. The document serves as a comprehensive guide for managing rice weevil infestations effectively. Publication date: March 1994. 

Invisible Itches: Insect and Non-insect Causes

M. F. Potter and P. G. Koehler

This document explores the various causes of itching and irritation, emphasizing that not all are due to insect bites. It identifies four main sources: obscure biting arthropods, personal-use products, environmental factors, and health-related conditions. The article provides detailed descriptions of common irritants, including fleas, lice, mites, and household products, and offers guidance on identifying and managing these issues. It underscores the importance of considering non-insect causes and suggests consulting professionals for persistent problems. Publication date: March 1995.

The German Cockroach

P.G. Koehler and J.L. Castner

This document provides an overview of the German cockroach, the most significant cockroach species in the United States. It details the life cycle from egg to adult, highlighting the differences between males and females, their reproductive habits, and the development of oothecae (egg capsules). The document also describes the various nymph stages and the conditions that favor cockroach infestations, such as the availability of food, water, and shelter. The publication emphasizes the importance of understanding these factors for effective pest management. Date first printed: January 1994. 

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.

Bloodsucking Insects

P. G. Koehler and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of bloodsucking insects in Florida, detailing their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. It covers mosquitoes, flies, lice, and true bugs, highlighting species such as the Asian tiger mosquito, stable fly, horse fly, deer fly, sand fly, head louse, pubic louse, bed bug, and bloodsucking conenose. Each section emphasizes unique features, such as the Asian tiger mosquito’s daytime biting habits and the stable fly’s bayonet-like proboscis. The document aims to educate readers on identifying and understanding these parasitic insects. Date first printed: November 1992. 

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. 

Managing Imported Fire Ants in Urban Areas

eXtension Imported Fire Ants community

This publication is updated quarterly. For the most current version of this document, refer to the version posted on the Imported Fire Ants site, https://ant-pests.extension.org/managing-imported-fire-ants-in-urban-areas/. This document provides comprehensive guidelines for managing imported fire ants in urban areas. It covers the identification of fire ant species, the impact of their stings, and various control methods including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. The article emphasizes the use of both non-chemical and chemical treatments, highlighting the importance of community-wide efforts for effective suppression. It also discusses the USDA quarantine program to prevent the spread of fire ants through regulated articles and offers detailed instructions for treating fire ant infestations in different environments, such as lawns, gardens, and electrical equipment. Original publication date February 1991.

Pests Associated with Mulch and Moisture

P. G. Koehler and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of pests associated with mulch and moisture, including booklice, plaster beetles, centipedes, amphipods, earwigs, millipedes, pillbugs, sowbugs, fungus gnats, and springtails. It describes their physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviors, emphasizing the conditions that lead to infestations. The publication highlights the importance of understanding these pests for effective management and control. Original publication date January 1994.

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

Spiders

P. G. Koehler and C. A. Andrews

This document provides an overview of spider species, their biology, and their role in controlling insect populations. It highlights the diversity of spiders, their predatory habits, and their adaptations to various environments, including human dwellings. The article also discusses nonchemical and chemical control methods for managing spider populations, emphasizing the importance of identifying venomous species like widow spiders and brown recluse spiders. Additionally, it covers the biology and behavior of tarantulas, including their use as pets and their unique defensive mechanisms. Publication date: January 1994.

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.

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.

Pests that Occasionally Invade Structures

P. G. Koehler and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of various pests that occasionally invade structures, including silverfish, ground beetles, scorpions, thrips, crickets, scarab beetles, bark beetles, ambrosia beetles, long-horned wood boring beetles, and plaster bagworms. It describes their physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviors, emphasizing the conditions that lead to infestations. The publication highlights the importance of understanding these pests for effective management and control. Original publication date January 1994. 

Asian Cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo (Insecta: Blattodea: Blattellidae)

Dina L. Richman

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.

Lovebugs in Florida

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

This document provides an overview of lovebugs in Florida, detailing their identification, life cycle, mating behavior, and impact on motorists. Lovebugs, native to the United States, are known for their nuisance to drivers due to their swarming near highways. Despite their drawbacks, they play a beneficial role in decomposing vegetation and pollination. The article also discusses methods to mitigate their impact on vehicles and highlights natural predators that help control their population. Date first printed: October 1993.

Stored Product Pests

P. G. Koehler, W. H. Kern, and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of common stored product pests, including beetles and moths, that infest food products. It details the characteristics, life cycles, and behaviors of pests such as the rice weevil, lesser grain borer, flour beetles, sawtoothed grain beetle, cigarette beetle, drugstore beetle, and various weevils and moths. The article emphasizes the importance of identifying these pests to manage and prevent infestations effectively. It also includes visual aids to help with identification and offers insights into the damage these pests can cause to stored food products. Date first printed: November 1992. 

Managing Pestiferous Freshwater Aquatic Midge Emergences from Storm Water Retention Ponds

Kenneth T. Gioeli, R. Leroy Creswell, Jeffrey P. Gellermann, Edward A. Skvarch, and Philip G. Koehler

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

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.