Managing Pests Around the Home - 2020 PB 1303 - University of Tennessee ...
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PB 1303 Managing Pests Around the Home 2020
Contents
What are household pests? .......................................................................................................................... 3
Where are these pests found? ...................................................................................................................... 3
What attracts them to your home? .............................................................................................................. 3
What can I do to prevent pest problems in my home? ................................................................................ 3
When should I contact a professional pest control company? .................................................................... 3
When should you ask for professional help? ................................................................................................ 4
Managing Pests and Reducing the Risk of Pesticide Exposure ..................................................................... 4
1. Inspecting and Monitoring .................................................................................................................... 4
2. Identification ......................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Modifying the Environment .................................................................................................................. 5
Remove Access to Food ........................................................................................................................ 5
Water and Moisture .............................................................................................................................. 5
Exclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Landscaping Practices ........................................................................................................................... 7
Lighting ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Household Pest Control Measures to Supplement Prevention Measures ................................................... 8
Vacuuming............................................................................................................................................. 8
Traps ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Pesticides .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Selecting the Best Formulation for a Site ........................................................................................... 10
Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices .......................................................................................................... 10
List of Products Sorted by Chemical Name Available to the General Public ............................................. 30
Further References for Household Pest Identification ............................................................................... 33
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 2
Pests are attracted by light, warm air, moisture and
Managing
food. Odors from a dead bird, rodent, dead insects
or nest in a wall, soured mop or spilled materials
can also be attractive. They seek protection and
Pests
shelter in dark cavities in walls or crawl spaces.
What can I do to prevent pest problems in
my home?
Around the Luckily, many pests are easily controlled. This
publication will explain how to manage the most
common household pests found in Tennessee. We
Home have placed special importance on controlling
pests by limiting their access to food, water and
shelter. Control devices such as vacuums and
traps are emphasized. Pesticides are used in a
Karen M. Vail, Professor manner to reduce exposure to you, your property
Jennifer Chandler, Research Specialist III and the environment. Always read the entire
Darrell Hensley, Extension Assistant Professor
pesticide label for directions on mixing, applying,
Harry Williams, Professor Emeritus (deceased),
safety precautions, storing and disposing of the
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
product before using it. If you are unsure about
how to control a household pest after reading this
What are household pests? publication, ask your county Extension agent for
Most household pests are insects and are additional assistance.
commonly called “bugs.” Other organisms such as
spiders, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, ticks, When should I contact a professional pest
sowbugs, pillbugs, mites, rats, mice, snakes, bats, control company?
squirrels, birds, molds and fungi may also enter Some pests, such as termites, require the use of
homes. In Tennessee, one or more of 40 common special equipment and knowledge to apply large
pests are found in every home at one time or volumes of insecticides to all possible entry points
another. Even the most conscientious person into the structure. Professionals have the proper
cannot always avoid an occasional pest equipment and the training, including safety
infestation. training, to apply the large volumes of pesticides
needed to rid your home of termites. Termites can
Where are these pests found? also be managed with baits, but professional
Under optimal conditions, large populations of an training in understanding the biology of the
insect, rodent or other pest can occur in your yard, termite is essential to obtain control.
home, farm or neighborhood. Large numbers of a
pest species can develop in trees, stumps, flower Quite often, professional pest control technicians
beds, mulch, leaf litter, garbage, wood piles, ditch have access to more effective active ingredients
banks, animal carcasses, stored products, spilled and formulations than the homeowner. The
materials, sewer lines and other sites. Pests enter professional is trained in the life cycle, habits and
homes through openings in the walls, floors, preferences of the pest, as well as the safest and
around pipes or cracks, and under doors or best techniques to control them. In Tennessee,
windows. Pests seeking shelter build nests or pest control technicians are required to pass a test
hibernate within the walls, attic or in before they can apply pesticides in your home.
living quarters. Technicians should carry a commercial pesticide
applicator certification card verifying they are
approved by the Tennessee Department of
What attracts them to your home?
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 3
Agriculture. They need to attend training sessions
Managing Pests and Reducing the
to obtain points to keep the card valid. If they do
Risk of Pesticide Exposure
not get enough points within three years, they
have to take another test. Also, they must work for 1. Scheduled monitoring and inspecting — not
a licensed operator if they are charging you a fee. scheduled sprays.
The charter number of their employer’s business 2. Identification of pest and damage.
must appear on their vehicle.
3. Removing pests’ access to food, water and
When should you ask for professional shelter through sanitation and exclusion.
help? 4. Use controls such as traps and vacuums.
Of course that is a decision you as a homeowner Reduce pesticide exposure to people and pets
must make for yourself. You may want to use a by using baits, insect growth regulators,
professional: dusts in voids and sprays in cracks and
crevices.
1) When treating for termites because special
equipment and training are needed, insects and rodents: warm temperatures (75-85 F),
2) When treating for other wood-destroying condensation, moist wood, humid atmosphere,
insects and organisms (especially if you are cracks or crevices where insects can hide,
concerned about reselling the home), plumbing leaks, spilled materials and food left
overnight in pet feeding dishes. Pest feces and
3) If the pest is found in difficult-to-reach
webbing are often found in infested areas. Inspect
locations and requires treatment with special
equipment, for signs of rodent activity: rodent hair, fecal
pellets, tracks, rub marks, and signs of gnawing
4) If you are concerned about pesticide and digging. Rodent urine will fluoresce under a
exposure during mixing and applying, blacklight. Monitoring devices such as glue
5) If there is not enough time to do it yourself, boards and pheromone traps can be useful to
or detect insects that may have been previously
6) If several attempts have failed to control the overlooked. Glue boards are very effective in
pest. Professionals need your help to detecting the presence of cockroaches. These
manage pests too. Please perform all the should be placed near edges of walls or cabinets
sanitation and exclusion practices they near possible shelter, food or water. Glue boards
recommend. can also be used for detection and control of
rodents. Pheromone traps are available for most
Managing Pests and Reducing pantry or stored products insects.
the Risk of Pesticide Exposure
2. Identification
1. Inspecting and Monitoring After the pest is caught, it must be identified. If
Household pests can be managed with a minimal you cannot identify the specimen yourself, take it
amount of pesticides by using an integrated pest to your local county Extension agent. After the
management (IPM) approach. In an IPM program, pest has been identified, you can determine where
regularly scheduled (monthly, quarterly, etc.) it lives, what it prefers to feed on, if it can cause
inspections are encouraged instead of regularly structural damage or is a health threat, or just a
scheduled pesticide applications. If pests are not nuisance. If it is determined that control is
present, in most cases, pesticide applications may necessary, several approaches may be used,
not be necessary. A flashlight and screwdriver are including sanitation and exclusion practices,
usually sufficient to inspect a structure. Look for vacuuming, trapping and the judicious use
insect pests, signs of insect activity, possible food of pesticides.
and water sources, as well as pest nesting or
resting sites. Inspect for conditions favorable to
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 4
3. Modifying the Environment garbage cans should be placed away from the
All pests need access to food, water, shelter and a structure. For a commercial account, we suggest
suitable environment. By removing their access to dumpsters be placed at least 50 feet, and
these necessities, you can prevent or decrease pest preferably 100 feet, from the structure. In a home,
populations dramatically. This can be achieved garbage cans should be placed as far away as is
through sanitation and exclusion practices, as well practical. If placed too far from the home,
as other modifications of the environment. residents may let garbage bags accumulate inside
rather than walk the long distance to the
Remove Access to Food Sanitation is outdoor receptacle.
Keep a building clean. Sweep
a key
or mop to remove spilled food Water and Moisture
and beverages. Clean soiled
factor in
Most pests can survive a long time without food,
wool fabrics, furs and feathers controlling but most need to drink water within a few days
before storing. Storage of items pests. or they will die (some exceptions include stored
can also affect their products insects and wood-boring insects).
vulnerability to pest attack. Date food packages Access to water can be limited by fixing leaking
being placed in storage. Use older food items first. plumbing or dripping faucets, sealing pipe
Remove broken packages and sweep up spills as penetrations or ventilating wet areas.
soon as possible. In storage areas, allow 18 inches
of clearance between stacks (or the wall) and Drainage
elevate items off the floor to permit inspection for Foundation drains should move water away from
pests, feces, broken packages, etc. foundations. Drains should be perforated, plastic
pipe embedded in coarse gravel at the footing
level around the outside perimeter. Drains should
empty into a solid pipe to carry water away from
the structure.
Crawl Space Ventilation
Dry wood (10-12 percent moisture) is less
susceptible to fungus infection, termites,
powderpost beetle and carpenter ant infestation.
When floor joists, subflooring and insulation are
wet with condensate, a fan can be installed in a
crawl space access opening as a temporary relief
measure. Ventilation openings in foundation
walls, beneath buildings with crawl spaces, should
Figure 1. Pet food can be a food source for many be large enough and equally distributed to prevent
pests. Train pets to eat food within 10 minutes of dead air pockets from forming. Such pockets can
placement and then remove the food bowl. give rise to humid conditions conducive to termite
Proper garbage disposal is also important to activity, powderpost beetles, carpenter ants and
reduce pest populations. Use garbage cans with wood decay. Openings placed within 3 to10 feet
tight-fitting lids. Dispose of contents often, at of corners of buildings usually give the best cross
least twice a week, to prevent fly larvae from ventilation. Depending on the building code,
crawling out of the can. Daily disposal of garbage suggestions for the number of vents in a crawl
would reduce the food available to many pests. space are 1 square foot of vent space per 300-
Clean garbage containers to remove any 1,500 square feet of crawl space if a polyethylene
remaining food materials. Although it is more vapor barrier is used. Vents are approximately 60
convenient to place the dumpster or garbage can square inches, so approximately 2.5 vents equals 1
just outside the kitchen door, dumpsters and square foot of vent space. Cover 80 percent of the
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 5
soil surface in the crawl space area with a 4-6 mil ventilation, there is still a need for vapor barriers
polyethylene (plastic) layer. One way to do this is in ceiling areas. This is especially true of a flat or
to cover all of the center of the crawl space area, low slope roof where only a 1- to 3-inch space
leaving a 1-foot wide strip of bare soil around the above the insulation might be available for
foundation. (A 100 percent crawl space cover ventilation. In houses with attic spaces, the use of
could dry hardwood flooring too much and lead to both inlet and outlet ventilation is recommended.
warping.) Moisture rising from the soil around the Place inlet ventilators in soffit or frieze board
perimeter will be exhausted through the areas of the cornice. Outlet ventilators should be
foundation vents. The plastic cover will prevent placed as near as possible or on the ridgeline. This
moisture rising from the soil from being absorbed placement of ventilators will assure air movement
by the floor joists, insulation and subfloor. The through a stack effect. A combination of attic
cross ventilation will lower the moisture content ventilators may be installed in the gables, soffits,
in the wood. If a plastic barrier is not used, it is roof or roof ridge line to maintain a flow of air
suggested that 1 square feet of vent space be through an attic. Manufacturers’ markings or
placed for every 150 square feet of crawl space. literature tell the number of square inches of attic
Because the plastic moisture barrier is vents needed per square foot of attic space.
inexpensive, it is more economical to use the It is important to place corrosion-resistant wire
plastic barrier than to install more vents for a mesh with openings not more than ¼ inch in
crawl space without a plastic barrier. any direction behind all vents to aid in
excluding pests.
Newer building codes allow for an unvented or
enclosed crawl space to control moisture. In this Exclusion
instance, the crawl space is not exposed to the
humid outdoor air. The earth is covered with a Exclusion is another way to prevent pest
continuous vapor barrier that overlaps by 6 inches populations with minimal pesticide use. Insect,
and is taped or otherwise sealed. Vapor barrier rodent, bird and reptile pests may walk, crawl or
edges extend up the stem wall at least 6 inches fly into your home. Pests are also carried in bags,
and should be attached and sealed to the wall. Air boxes or on clothing, so examine these items
is either mechanically vented out of or before bringing them into the structure. To
conditioned air supplied to the area under the prevent occasional invaders (lady beetles,
floor, and an air pathway to the common area boxelder bugs, centipedes, crickets, millipedes,
(duct or transfer grille) provided. The perimeter sowbugs, pillbugs, mites, rats, mice, snakes, bats,
walls are insulated but a 6-inch insulation-free squirrels and birds) from entering homes, use
zone is recommended at the top of the foundation exclusion practices. Walk around the perimeter of
wall to allow for termite inspections. Various your structure to determine possible pest entry
systems add other components such as points. Exclude pests with tight-fitting doors,
dehumidifiers or concrete slabs. Research data windows and sealed walls. This may involve
indicate a drop in moisture and dewpoint in the adding door sweeps, adding weather stripping to
crawl spaces using this system in the southern sliding glass doors and windows, caulking
U.S. One concern of the pest control industry is openings in window frames, repairing holes in
the reduction in visible termite entry routes. These screens, adding screens, etc. If you are unsure
systems have been in place for years now and if whether a door fits tightly, observe the door from
issues with termite inspections are to become a outside when it is dark and an interior light is on.
reality, they should be evident soon. If light is seen around the edges of the door, then
you don’t have a good seal. Mice can enter
Attic Ventilation openings about 1/4 inch, while rats need a 1/2-
Ventilation of attic spaces and roof areas is inch hole. Seal cracks, crevices and holes in the
important in minimizing water vapor or foundation. Screen vent openings in foundation
condensation to build up. Even with good walls and attic.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 6
structure. The bare zone reduces moisture around
the structure which many of these pests are
seeking.
Termites need cellulose materials to feed on.
Mulches placed over the termiticide-treated soil
next to the foundation can give termites access to
the structure without contacting the termiticide.
This is another reason to keep a 12-to 18-inch
bare zone next to the foundation. Landscape
timbers will often provide food for termites or
2A shelter for carpenter ants. Other landscaping
materials for borders, such as concrete or vinyl,
are available that will not degrade as quickly as
wood and will not provide food for termites and
shelter for other critters.
2B
Figures 2a and 2b. Gaps around doors should
be sealed.
Caulk or seal holes in outside walls, eaves and Figure 3. Holes in the foundation and around
other external surfaces. Many pests use wires, plumbing, conduit and wires should be sealed to
pipes, tree limbs and other guidelines to help them prevent pest entry.
move from one area to another. Voids around
pipes can be sealed with steel wool or copper Construction and maintenance practices also
gauze (which won’t rust) and expandable foam. affect a building’s susceptibility to termites. In the
Rodents will not chew the steel wool or mesh. If final grading, allow at least 6 inches of clearance
rats are entering the structure through the between the top of the soil and the top of the
commode, install a “Rat Guard®” (J.T. Eaton) on foundation. Foam board insulation and stucco that
sewer lines. extend below grade are especially troublesome.
When stucco separates from the foundation wall,
Landscaping Practices termites can tube between the wall and stucco and
Landscaping practices also influence pest enter the home undetected. If foam insulation is
populations. Trim branches away from buildings present below grade also, the termites chew
to prevent carpenter ants, roof rats and squirrels through the insulation.
from gaining access. One landscaping practice
that can dramatically reduce millipede, cricket, Moisture attracts termites to the home. The
sowbug, pillbug and clover mite populations is a finished grade outside the building should slope
12-to 18-inch bare zone around the base of the away from the foundation so water will not collect
under the house. Repair plumbing leaks and leaks
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 7
in roofs and around windows as quickly as Lighting
possible. Clean leaves and debris from gutters. Many insects are active at night and are attracted
Downspouts should empty into drain pipes to to lights. Sodium vapor lights are much less
conduct water away from structure. attractive to insects. Use yellow bug lights or
sodium vapor lights near doorways, driveways
and sidewalks. Use mercury vapor or
incandescent lights around the perimeter of the
property to lure insects away from buildings.
Exclusion practices are also important indoors.
Caulk or seal the edges of wall outlets, fuse boxes,
light switches, cabinet edges along walls, any
gaps between cabinets, voids below cabinets, the
linoleum/bathtub interface and plumbing
penetrations to prevent pests from moving along
guidelines (wires, pipes, edges of walls) from one
area to another. Cockroaches prefer to feel a
surface above and below them (space about 3/8
Figure 4. Leave a 12-18-inch bare zone (i.e., pull back
the mulch next to the foundation to prevent providing a inches high or smaller), so areas where floor tile is
bridge to subterranean termites over the termiticide- loose, wallpaper or other surface is peeling, or
treated zone). Formica is loose on counterparts, all need to be
resealed to reduce cockroach harborage.
Remove debris (firewood, boards and other
clutter) from the base of buildings to discourage 4. Household Pest Control Measures to
rodents from nesting; this in turn could reduce Supplement Prevention Measures
snake and tick problems. Firewood can also Sanitation and exclusion measures can be thought
harbor large cockroaches, carpenter ants, wood- of as prevention. Even though diligent efforts
boring beetles, termites and others. Reducing have been applied to reducing pests’ access to
insect populations around or under structures food, water and shelter, some pests may
should decrease their predators such as centipedes still occur.
and scorpions.
Vacuuming
There are alternative control measures to
pesticides. A vacuum can be used to remove
occasional invaders. If a pesticide was sprayed,
the dead pests would still need to be removed. A
wet/dry vac with a soapy water solution may be
more useful when pests are very abundant.
Vacuuming can also be used for initial control
(cleanout) of cockroach infestations and is
especially useful in sensitive environments such
as schools and health care facilities. A HEPA or
other filter that screens allergens should be used
on the vacuum to prevent the allergens from
becoming airborne. Vacuuming can also
supplement other pest control efforts. Vacuuming
Figure 5. Repair plumbing leaks as quickly as possible. areas frequented by pests prior to flea pesticide
Moisture attracts termites to the structure.
treatments can remove 60 percent of the flea eggs
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 8and about 27 percent of the larvae. It also removes used on a discretionary basis. The use of
organic matter and fecal blood the larvae need to “foggers” or space sprays should be discouraged.
feed on to mature. Stimulus provided by the
vacuum causes the adult to emerge from the Baits are available in tamper-resistant bait
cocoon, and, if not vacuumed, the adult which stations, gels, pastes and granular formulations.
was protected in the cocoon will now be exposed These are very effective in reducing risk of
to insecticide applications. It is important to exposure to pesticides for several reasons:
dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag immediately
after use in an outside garbage can with a tight- 1) They are premixed or packaged, reducing the
fitting lid to prevent reinfestation. Clean out threat of exposure during mixing;
bagless vacuums as instructed by the 2) They are usually formulated at low
manufacturer. concentrations;
3) Typically they contain slow-acting toxicants
with caution signal words;
4) They are placed in cracks and crevices or
other protected areas to increase exposure to
the pest and to limit exposure to children,
pets and other nontarget organisms; and
5) The toxicant is placed in a carrier that attracts
the pest and often the pest transfers this bait
to other members of a colony.
Figure 6. Use a knee-high stocking over the end of the
vacuum tube to catch bed bugs (and other pests) and
Why Isn’t More Better?
prevent them from infesting the vacuum. Over-applying pesticides can:
• Damage the plants in the lawn, garden or
Traps the treatment site.
Many different types of traps are available to • Increase the possibility of exposure.
control vertebrate pests ranging from snap traps to • Waste money.
multiple catch traps to other live traps (see • Hurt the environment.
Extension publication PB 1624). Mice and rats
typically use the edges of the wall as guidelines. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are chemicals that
The trigger of the snap traps should be placed near either mimic the hormones that occur in insects or
the wall. Mouse traps should be placed 10-12 feet prevent the formation of chitin used in the insect’s
apart. Glue boards can also be used to trap and exoskeleton (outer shell). Examples of IGRs are
control rodent populations. Fly light traps with hydroprene, methoprene and pyriproxyfen. Many
sticky boards placed 3-4 feet above corners or products containing pyriproxyfen or methoprene
along walls where they will not compete with have become available to consumers for
natural lighting are excellent monitoring tools and flea control.
may also provide control.
Dusts can be injected into walls and other closed
Pesticides spaces. It is important to apply only a light
Pesticides are often needed to supplement the dusting. Too many puffs can result in a thick layer
above procedures. To reduce the risk of exposure which could be repellent. Boric acid, silica
from pesticides use baits, insect growth aerogel and diatomaceous earth are examples of
regulators, dusts in voids, and spray formulations inorganic dusts. Other dusts include pyrethroids. It
in crack and crevices. Spot treatments should be is important to wear proper safety equipment
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 9when applying dusts. Always follow the label Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices
instructions for safety. Ultrasonic sound waves have been tested
extensively for pest control in the laboratory and
Microencapsulated or wettable powder field; most research results indicate these devices
formulations can be used in cracks and crevices. are not effective.
Crack-and-crevice applications can be performed
by using a sprayer or aerosol with a plastic tip that
fits on the end of the nozzle. Safety Precautions
Pesticides are poisons, but they are safe to use
Exposure can be further minimized if the crack when properly handled and applied.
and crevice is sealed after the pesticide
application. Many of the wettable powders and Protect yourself when applying and mixing
microencapsulated and newer formulations are pesticides.
available to professionals. Insecticides for
homeowners’ use are often available in other • Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants or
coveralls, unlined neoprene or rubber gloves
ready-to-use formulations such as aerosols (leather or cloth [including linings] absorb
and pumps. pesticides), socks and boots, especially in wet
grass, because of increased chance the
Selecting the Best Formulation for a Site pesticide will contaminate footwear.
Select pest control products that have detailed • Read label carefully to determine steps for
label directions and always follow label mixing, applying and storing pesticides and
directions. Select recommended pesticide to determine if other protective equipment
formulations and equipment to apply pesticide to such as goggles, rubber apron or a respirator
the infested area. Select products and methods is needed.
that are most closely tailored for the particular • Take extra precautions when mixing because
type of environment. For example, for long the pesticide is more concentrated.
residual activity in a dry situation, use a dust or • Mix outdoors in good lighting and fresh air.
bait; for residual treatments on a porous surface,
• Wash off at once any pesticide spilled on
spray a microencapsulated or wettable powder.
skin.
Use emulsifiable concentrates where appearance
is important. Emulsifiable concentrates tend to • Do not touch surfaces that have been sprayed
penetrate porous surfaces and therefore do not with insecticides until they are dry.
leave much pesticide at the surface. Spot test a • The pesticide label will recommend time to
small area before applying a pesticide to re-enter the treated site.
determine any adverse effects. For a surface • To determine if carpets are dry before
application of a residual insecticide where entering, place a paper towel on the carpet.
appearance is not too important, use a wettable With shoes on, step on the paper towel. If a
powder or microencapsulated spray. Wettable wet spot appears, carpet is not dry. Repeat
powders may leave a white residue on surfaces. procedure a few hours later.
Keep solutions and mists away from open flames • Keep emergency response numbers, such as
or sparks. Around electrical installation, use a dust the National Poison Control Centers (800-
or bait station. On or around plants, use a wettable 222-1222) and medical emergency (911),
powder or dust. Few wettable powders are nearby.
available to consumers. • Use protective gear when cleaning
equipment.
• Store all pesticides in a safe place out of
reach of children or irresponsible persons.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 10The following pages list recommended procedures and, if necessary, pesticides to use to control specific
pests. Remember to reduce the pest’s access to food, water and shelter. This may provide control by itself.
If pesticides are needed, they are more likely to provide control if access to these necessities are limited.
Pesticides to be used by professionals are printed in bold in this publication. They are not suggested for
homeowner use, but are to act as a guide when receiving professional services. More information on pests
can be found in the UT Extension publications (SPs, PBs, Ws) listed in the tables by visiting
extension.tennessee.edu/Pages/default.aspx and entering the publication number in the search box.
Click on insect name for recommended procedures.
Ants Chiggers Kissing Bugs Snails and Slugs
Fire Ants Clothes Moths Mice Snakes
Carpenter Ants Clover Mites Millipedes Sowbugs or Pillbugs
Bats Cockroaches Mites, Bird or Rodent Spiders or Scorpions
Bean Weevils Crickets Moles Springtails
Book Lice Elm Leaf Beetles Mosquitos Termites
Bed Bugs Earwigs Pantry Pests Ticks
Boxelder Bugs Fleas Powderpost beetles Wasps, Hornets,
Carpenter Bees Flies Rats Yellowjackets
Carpet Beetles Fungus Gnats Silverfish and Firebrats
Centipedes Head Lice Skunks
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 11CONTROL MATERIALS
PESTS DESCRIPTION AND METHODS REMARKS
ANTS Ants have elbowed antennae, a Do not spray near baits!! Baits Professionals have access to
PB 1629 thread-like waist with one or should contain slow-acting more baits and sprays than
two bumps. Unmated ingredients such as abamectin, homeowners and professionals
W 473 reproductives have wings, the hydramethylnon, dinotefuran, are trained to use them. Call a
front wings are larger than the fipronil, indoxacarb, disodium pest management professional if
hind wings. Workers ants are octaborate tetrahydrate, boric an ant problem persists.
wingless. Ants are social acids, and borax so they are
insects. Colonies are usually distributed well throughout
established by a queen. Workers the colony. Follow good sanitary and
feed the queen, care for the exclusion practices. Exploit the
Argentine ant
brood and defend the nest. Indoors: worker caste by using baits.
Workers travel along well- Baits: Find foragers and place bait
marked trails between the nest Most ants feed on sweets, but near the foraging trails. Workers
and food source. odorous house ants and Argentine then bring the bait back to the
ants don’t feed on oils very often, nest where it is distributed
so try Terro Ant Killer II among all members of the
Acrobat ant (odorous, Argentine), Combat colony. You must kill queen(s)
Ant Killing Gel (Argentine ants), (and all the immatures for
Hot Shot Ultra Liquid Ant Bait Pharaoh ants) to eliminate a
(odorous, Argentine), as well as colony.
other sweet and protein baits for
these ants.
Spraying for ants indoors often
Odorous house ant Myrmicine ants, such as Pharaoh worsens the problem by causing
ants, big-headed ants, little black the colony to split into many
ants and pavement ants feed on smaller colonies. Do NOT spray
sweet liquid and gel baits listed for Pharaoh ants. If ants are
above and other baits such as Hot foraging indoors from an
Shot Maxattrax Ant Bait2, Raid outdoor nest, bait outdoors,
Ant Baits, and Combat Ant exclude ants by sealing entry
Pavement ant Killing Bait Indoor and Outdoor points such as window sills and
Use bait stations. door steps, and/or spray entry
points (barrier spray) into the
Outdoors: structure.
Baits:
Spectracide Ant Shield Outdoor
Killing Stakes
Hot Shot Maxattrax Ant Bait2
Pharaoh ant
Barrier Sprays:
bifenthrin 0.05% & Zeta-
cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU
beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05%
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025%
ANTS-FIRE
SP 419, PB 1739, PB 1158, PB 1788
Fire ant infestations on home lawns are often managed with a two-step approach: 1. Broadcast a fire ant bait over the entire lawn or area
to be managed first. IGR baits are distributed especially well because they don’t affect the worker. 2. 7-10 days later, apply granules, a
drench, dust, or fast-acting bait (hydramethylnon, indoxacarb, abamectin, or spinosad), to the individual mounds that are likely to be
encountered by people. More thorough discussions of IFA management options are provided in the publications listed above. A list of
products labeled for fire ants are updated regularly and can be found at “Imported Fire Ants In Tennessee” (fireants.utk.edu) under
“Resources“ and “Updates” and W 649 and W 652.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 12ANTS - CARPENTER Large, black, red or red-and- Dusts: Because carpenter ants can
PB 1599 black ants that usually nest boric acid dusts cause structural damage,
in damp wood. deltamethrin 0.05% D infestations are best treated
Wingless workers 1/4 to 3/8 by a professional.
inch long. Winged male and Sprays: Professionals have the
female reproductives swarm beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05% knowledge, other pesticides
from a colony. Carpenter ant bifenthrin 0.05% & Zeta- and special equipment needed
cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU
workers (wingless ants in the to successfully treat carpenter
colony) do not eat wood, but ant infestations.
Baits:
excavate smooth galleries in
Apply indoors or outdoors,
the wood to raise their young. Correct moisture problems,
according to label, where ants are
Piles of coarse sawdust or seen. repair leaks and ventilate. Find
splintered wood indicate a and treat nests in wood parts.
carpenter ant nest nearby. Terro Ant Killer II Drilling into the wood may be
Dead insects falling from a Combat® Source Kill Max A2 necessary. Dust nests in wall
wooden porch may indicate a Raid® Ant Gel voids. Do not apply sprays near
carpenter ant nest above. Most electricity such as electrical
often carpenter ants are located outlets or fuse boxes.
outdoors and foragers are
entering the home in search of Some success has been found
water or food. Trim branches using ant baits for carpenter ant
away from structure. Seal control, but it is not always a
possible entry points successful technique at this
such as doors, windows and time. Professionals can place
areas where pipes and wires baits where ants are actively
enter the structure. If ants are foraging. Do not spray ants or
nesting outdoors and foraging trails with fast-acting sprays
indoors, potential entry points (pyrethoids or insecticides
can be sprayed. ending in “thrin”) if baiting
because it will prevent the bait
from being brought back to the
nest.
BATS Night-flying creatures invade Treat area with insecticides to Close entrance holes with wire
PB 1624 attics and similar areas. control external parasites, screening to exclude bats after
including bed bugs, bat bugs, they have left the resting area.
fleas, mites and lice after bats Seal opening with expandable
excluded. See flea, bed bug and foam.
mites section.
BEAN WEEVILS Small, gray beetles and white Non-chemical control: Either
worms cut round holes in destroy the infested products or
dried beans and peas. salvage them by super heating
May attack in field or in to 140 degrees F for 1/2 hour, or
storage. super cooling in a deep freeze at
0 degree F for at least 4 days.
Store insect-free beans in
containers with tight lids.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 13BED BUGS Flat, oval, reddish, Foggers are ineffective. Very difficult to control. Use
PB 1763 wingless insects. an experienced pest
Bloodsucking. Night Use a duster to lightly apply silicon management professional. If
SP 761 dioxide (diatomaceous earth) to
feeders. professional treatment is cost
cracks and crevices of bed frame prohibitive, residents can help
and bedroom. lower bed bug populations by
using diatomaceous earth and
Dust should not be present in
nonchemical controls. Most of
piles.
the insecticides available to
residents are pyrethroids and
Garden Safe Crawling Insect Killer
there is widespread bed bug
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Bed resistance to these chemicals.
Bug Powder Practice prevention. Launder
Hot Shot Bedbug Killer Dust with bedding and clothing (bed bugs
Diatomaceous Earth must experience 122 F; dry
clothing should reach these
temps in a dryer in ~ 20
minutes). Bag clothing in
sealed plastic bags after drying.
Cover mattresses and
boxsprings with bed bug proof
encasements (Protecta-Bed,
Mattress Safe, etc.). Vacuum
all cracks and crevices (use
knee-hi on end of tube prior to
attachment placement to catch
bugs, tie off knee-hi and
discard in outdoors trash). Use
bed bug monitors ClimbUp
Insect Interceptors, BlackOut
Bedbug Detectors, etc.) under
bed legs and other places.
Difficult-to-treat items
(appliances, lamps, etc.) can be
treated with Nuvan Prostrips
(amvac.com/products/nuvan-
prostrips)
in bags but may not kill all bed
bugs in protected locations.
Infested items that can’t be
heated or otherwise treated, can
be removed after wrapping in
plastic. Reduce clutter and seal
cracks and crevices to reduce
hiding places for the bugs.
BOOK LICE Small, soft-bodied, cream- Bengal Insecticide Concentrate Large numbers of book lice
colored to grayish or light develop under excessive humid
brown, wingless, fast conditions, moldy books,
moving. Feed on molds, papers, bags or cereals. Dry out
fungi. Found in books, infested areas. Destroy infested
cereals, wallpaper, boxes. material of little value.
May damage products
which contain starch.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 14BOXELDER BUGS Flat, 1/2-inch long, 1/3-inch bifenthrin 0.05% & zeta- These insects may be found on
SP 341-H wide, dark brownish-black, with cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU buildings in the spring and fall. Large
3 lengthwise red stripes behind beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05% numbers collect on siding, around
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% doors, sunny walls and attics. Use
the head. Wings leathery at base.
exclusion practices before pests
Membranous at tip with red become apparent. Inside, vacuum into
veins; abdomen is red. Nymphs a dry vac. Avoid use of spacesprays if
are smaller, wingless and bright bugs found in wall voids. Dead bugs
red. in wall voids could serve as carpet
beetle food. Eliminate female
(seedpod-bearing) boxelder trees.
Outside: vacuum the bugs into water
mixed with 1 teaspoon of a liquid
detergent per gallon of water in
wet/dry vacuum cleaner tank. Treat
listed sites on label when bugs are
first seen. Professionals have access to
insecticides with longer residuals.
BROWN An invasive pest that feeds If exclusion methods aren’t Pest-proof by late summer using
MARMORATED STINK on many crops and working completely, they may be techniques described in PB 1303.
BUG (BMSB) ornamental plants during the supplemented with outdoor If supplemental pesticide
treatments. If perimeter treatments applications are deemed
W 779 growing season and then
are applied, it is best to spray these necessary, make exterior spot,
continues its pest status as it crack and crevice and/or void
invades homes to overwinter. in the fall before the bugs start
aggregating on structures. applications where these pests
may harbor or hibernate, such as
Insecticides will have limited
BMSB adults are shield cracks and crevices, in weep
persistence outdoors in the sunlight
shape, about 5/8 inches long, holes, wall voids, around
and rain and may have limited window and door frames, attic
just about as long as wide, effectiveness against preventing the vents and behind siding, in late
mottled brownish-grey with brown marmorated stink bug from summer/early fall before the
black antennae marked with entering structures. pests arrive. Pyrethroid labels
a whitish band on the next to are more restrictive so read label
last segment, dark bands on Pyrethroid Perimeter Treatments carefully. Indoor light traps may
the membranous part of the help reduce populations inside
wings, and coppery or bluish BioAdvanced Home Pest Control and are most effective late
metallic punctures (small, Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer winter/early spring when the
round depressions) on the RTU bugs are leaving the structure.
head and pronotum). Vacuum bugs found inside into
Enforcer BugMax Home Pest knee-hi stocking placed on the
Abdominal segments end of the vacuum tube prior to
protruding from the wings Control
attachment placement. After
are marked with black-and- vacuuming, remove knee-hi, tie
Spectracide Bug Stop Home
white bands. off, place in a sealed bag and in
Barrier Indoor Plus Outdoor Insect
outside garbage can. If BMSB
Control
found on walls in large numbers,
See
they can be removed by
eddmaps.org/bmsb/distributio removing the top of a capless
n.cfm?map=distribution for plastic soda bottle at the widest
the latest brown marmorated part of the neck, inverting it and
stink bug distribution. placing back on the bottle to
create a funnel trap. When the
edge of the modified bottle is
moved up the wall towards a
BMSB aggregation, the bugs
will drop into the trap. Soda
bottles can be sealed in a plastic
bag and placed in the freezer for
a few days. Frozen or drown
bugs can be disposed of
outdoors in a garbage can or
compost pile. Flushing BMSB
down the toilet will waste water
and is not recommended.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 15CARPENTER BEES 1/2- to 4/5-inch long with a Apply dusts into the gallery Nonchemical or preventive
W 876 blue-black, green or purple openings: controls include painting or
metallic sheen. Color and Apicide (carbaryl 5%) varnishing wood surfaces. Use
size resemble a bumble bee, deltamethrin 0.05% D a straight wire to break up cells
but the top of the abdomen is in tunnels. Individual bees can
hairless. be killed with a badminton
Sprays: racquet. In the spring, puff
Bee/Wasp Killer Aerosols insecticidal dusts into nest
These bees chew a circular, beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05% holes in the evening when the
3/8-inch entrance hole into Ortho Home Defense Max carpenter bees are at rest.
wood and nesting gallery 4-6 Termite and Destructive Bug Allow bees access to the nest
inches long at a right angle to Killer Concentrate (bifenthrin) for at least 24 hours. Seal the
the entrance hole. Galleries hole with 3/8-inch diameter
used for several years may dowel or cork and wood glue to
Foam:
extend 10 feet. prevent reinfestation.
Spectracide Termite Killing
Foam 2
Carpenter bees overwinter in
previously used galleries, so
the structure should also be
inspected in the fall. Repaint
sealed area to possibly prevent
woodpecker damage.
CARPET BEETLES Apply spot treatments of Carpet beetles infest
SP 341-I insecticides to infested or suspect carpeting, clothing, fur,
areas, but not to clothing. See upholstered furniture, books,
precautionary statements about bird nests, milk powders,
Black Carpet Beetle Adult 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch in pesticides staining carpets. articles of animal products,
length; black; brown legs. feathers, wool, silk and other
Larva 3/8 inch in length; beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05%, materials of animal origin.
carrot-shaped; covered with bifenthrin 0.05% & Zeta- Locate food source and
short hair and has long cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU remove, if possible. Use good
terminal bristles. gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% housekeeping such as
cleaning floor and carpets
regularly. Dry clean clothes
Common; or Furniture; or regularly. Stored materials
Varied Carpet Beetles subject to damage should be
Adults 1/8 inch long with thoroughly cleaned and stored
white and orange; or yellow, in tight container with moth
white and black; or white, crystals. Caution: moth
brown and yellow spots; crystals may stain clothing.
larva with long black to Treat cracks, crevices and
brown hairs. hidden area of walls, closets
or stored materials, under
carpets, etc.
CENTIPEDES Many long, slim legs, long Indoors: Feed on insects. Can bite.
antennae and fast-moving. beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05%, Usually not numerous. Active
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% at night. Nonchemical control:
leave a 12-18-inch bare zone
Outside: next to foundation base. Move
beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05% wood piles and other clutter
bifenthrin 0.05% & Zeta- away from structure. Spot-
cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU treat cracks and crevices, door
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% thresholds and moldings where
pest may crawl or as directed
by label. Residuals may not
provide total control.
Treatments may need to come
into direct contact with pest.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 16CHIGGERS Very tiny mites that get on If needed, treat yard with a labeled Mow lawn regularly. Remove
insecticide every 4-6 weeks, and weeds and brambles from fence
people and cause blotches rows. Using commercial
and itching. Don’t invade according to label.
repellents around ankles and waist
homes, but get in yards and cyfluthrin Ready-to-spray may provide personal protection.
wooded areas. 0.75% Apply deet repellent to skin and
other synthetic pyrethroid G Permanone 0.5% spray to shoes,
cuffs and socks 2 hours before.
wearing
CLOTHES Brownish moths, wingspread Brush and clean susceptible items Adults are not attracted to light and
periodically. Sweep or vacuum to will fly to a dark corner when
MOTHS 1/2" long. Larvae are 1/16- disturbed. Usually found on
1/3" long. Gray silken cases remove dust or lint to prevent pests.
SP 341-J Also vacuum prior to treatment. Dry infested materials, wool, fur,
or webbing over surface of feathers, hair, upholstered furniture,
clean and moth proof clothing with
fabric. moth crystals in tight sealing
nonsynthetic carpets, dust and lint.
Apply sprays to cracks and crevices
container. Do not spray clothes.
in closets and spot-treat other
Any ready-to-use or concentrated infested areas. See precautions on
liquid spray labeled for this pest. moth crystals about staining
beta-cyfluthrin 0.05% clothing.
CLOVER MITES Tiny (1/30 inch) mites, Household sprays control by contact Invade homes from the yard in
in home: great numbers in fall and leave in
brown to olive green with spring. Stain walls or fabrics
pair of long front legs. bifenthrin 0.05% & & Zeta- reddish-brown when crushed.
cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU Keep grass and shrubs from direct
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% contact with house. Good weed
control in turf and a vegetation-free
Outdoors use: border of 12-18 inches around
bifenthrin 0.05% & Zeta- home will help.
cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU Apply sprays to points of entry
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% such as foundations, windows and
(perimeter treatment) doors.
COCKROACHES Baits in cracks and crevices: Prevent access to food, water and
German cockroach: About Combat Source Kill Max R3, Hot Shot shelter. Practice good sanitation
PB 1024
5/8" in length, pale brown or Ultra Clear Roach & Ant Gel Bait in food handling, storage and
eating areas. Control moisture,
German Cockroach tan with 2 parallel dark streaks
Baits for small roaches: Combat Max prevent leaks or condensation.
on pronotum. Usually most 12 month Roach Killing Bait for Small Seal off harborage sites such as
abundant in the kitchen and Roaches (bait stations), Combat Roach cracks and crevices with caulk,
bathrooms. Most common Killing Bait Strips, Raid Double etc. Also use exclusion practices
home-infesting cockroach. Control Small Roach Baits with Egg to prevent cockroach movement.
Stopper, HotShot Ultra Liquid Roach Use glue boards or sticky traps
Brownbanded Bait, BioAdvanced Home Pest Roach placed along edges in dark places
cockroach:1/2" to 5/8" in Killer Gel, others. to locate and monitor cockroach
populations.
length, dark brown with 2
Brown Banded or Furniture Do not spray or dust near baits because
pale bands traversing wings. cockroaches could be repelled. Baiting is the preferred method
Cockroach Widely distributed for cockroach control. Apply
throughout the house in Lightly dust voids with baits to cracks, crevices, pipes
walls, closets, furnishings insecticidal dusts containing boric opening into walls, joints of
and appliances, but abundant acids. furniture and cabinets, pipe
in kitchens. conduits, and elsewhere as
Sprays: indicated by glue board catches.
beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05%
Oriental cockroach: 1 1/4" in
Oriental Cockroach bifenthrin 0.05% & Zeta- If you choose to spray, use
length, dark reddish-brown to cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU precautions to keep chemicals out
black; wings do not surpass gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% of food, spices and off dishes or
end of abdomen. Usually Bengal Gold Roach Spray eating utensils. Do not apply
found in lower floors, outdoors sprays where electrical shorts
or in crawl space. Frequents may occur; use baits or dusts in
water meters, floor drains or these areas. Do not use sprays
moist, dark areas. when baiting because
cockroaches will be repelled from
American Cockroach the baits. Read label carefully;
American cockroach: 1 1/2" in some products may not be labeled
length, reddish-brown with for food handling areas.
pale yellow band around
pronotum. May be found
throughout house, outdoors,
in crawl spaces, sewers, water
meters and garbage cans.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 17CRICKETS Black or beige jumping insects Sprays May damage clothing. Repeat
with long antennae. Cave or treatment as needed. Spray entry
beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05% points into structure. Camel
camel crickets are humped and gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% crickets infest damp basements,
brown. under slabs and crawl spaces.
Ventilate or dry these areas. Active
at night. Apply sprays into cracks
and crevices where crickets dwell.
Use exclusion practices. Glue
boards can be used indoors around
entry points and other places in
basements, etc.
EARWIGS Easily identified by pair of Indoors: Earwigs are incidental invaders
"pinchers" at end of abdomen. bifenthrin 0.05% & Zeta- into houses. They usually dwell in
cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU leaf litter, mulch and woodpiles
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% and are common “hitchhikers” on
Outdoors: vegetables harvested from the
bifenthrin garden. Moving compost piles
0.05% & away from the house will aid pest
Zeta- control. Insecticidal control is
usually unnecessary for this insect.
cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU
If needed, spray possible entry
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% points and mulched area around
the house.
FLEAS Small, 1/16" long, reddish-brown, On pet: Step 1. With veterinarian supplied
wingless insect. Body compressed CATS, KITTENS, & PUPPIES ARE products that are currently
PB 1596 MORE SENSITIVE TO
laterally (from the sides), legs long available, control of fleas in small-
and adapted for jumping. INSECTICIDES!!!!!! to moderate-sized infestations is
Consult a veterinarian and always likely to occur by using those pet
read the label prior to treating a pet.
treatment products alone. May take
Adult fleas prefer to feed on dogs, Beware of imitation products.
2 months to completely break flea
cats, opossums, foxes and Veterinarian supplied products -
life cycle. If pet treatment alone
sometimes rats and other urban usually kill fleas within 12-36 hours or
does not provide sufficient control,
animals. When pets are not sooner and provides 90-95% control for
about 30 days: see flea control pesticide initiate a complete control program
available, humans are attacked.
recommendation at by April.
Larvae are worm-like and feed
extension.uga.edu/content/dam/extensi Step 2. Vacuum infested areas
on blood and organic matter in
on/programs-and-services/integrated- twice a week and prior to treatment
house or yard.
pest- to remove eggs, larvae, adults and
management/documents/handbooks/20 organic matter. Dispose of the
20-pmh-home- vacuum cleaner bag immediately
chapters/Animals%20(Pets%20and%20 after use in an outside garbage can
Honey%20Bee).pdf for a thorough with a tight-fitting lid to prevent
listing of veterinarian supplied on-pet reinfestation. Clean out bagless
products. vacuums as instructed by the
manufacturer. Steam-cleaning
Spot-treat infested areas and pet resting carpet may also reduce
areas inside populations. Eliminate fleas from
Insect Growth Regulators [and pets, bedding and premises before
adulticides]: departing on vacation.
pyriproxyfen [and pyrethroid] Step 3. Treat pet resting areas
Bengal Full Season Flea indoors and clean or remove pet
Killer Plus 2 bedding on the same day. Insect
Enforcer Flea Spray for growth regulators important to
Home break flea life cycle. A
Enforcer Flea Spray For combination of an insect growth
Carpets & Furniture XX regulator and an adulticide may be
the most efficient formulation to
methoprene [and pyrethroid] use.
Raid Flea Killer Plus Carpet and Room Step 4. Mow grass, keep weeds
Spray down and trim shrubs to expose
flea eggs and larvae to lethal
Adulticides: dessication. Irrigating areas
pyrethrins surrounding buildings, but not
bifenthrin 0.05% & Zeta- against building, may kill fleas by
cypermethrin 0.0125% RTU drowning. If fleas are surviving
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025% outdoors, apply insecticide to
labeled areas.
Outdoor Premise Treatment Keep pets and people out of
(when specified on label): treated area (indoors and
pyriproxyfen (Archer and outdoors) until surface sprays
others) dry.
2020 Managing Pests Around the Home 18FLIES Adult flies of these three species Exclude flies in the fall by sealing Cluster fly larvae are parasites
hibernate in attics and wall voids. entry points, screening behind all of earthworms.
Face flies, small cluster
Cluster flies about 1/3-inch long, vents, sealing holes in walls and attics
flies and blue bottle flies prior to pest entry in fall. Vacuum or
dark gray, with checkered black
use pyrethrin sprays to kill exposed Face fly larvae develop in cow
and silver abdomen, with gold
flies. Use black light trap with sticky patties. Adults hibernate in attics
hairs on thorax of newly
surface. and wall voids.
emerged adults. Face fly similar
in appearance to the house fly.
Adult blue bottle flies have a dull Blue bottle fly larvae develop in
gray thorax and a shiny blue garbage, decaying meat, dead
abdomen. animals, fish and excrement.
House Flies About 1/4" in length, dull Remove larval food sources. Larvae develop in warm
gray color with 4 organic matter of animal or
longitudinal dark stripes on For temporary relief of adult flies vegetable origin. Remove
the thorax. in homes trash at least twice a week to
Victor Fly Catcher Sticky Tape reduce fly populations in
Various light traps homes. Screen windows and
OrthoHome Defense Fly Bait doors. Garbage cans should
Decal for Windows have tight-fitting lids. Use
insect light traps indoors.
Use pyrethrin aerosol for
Sanitation is very important.
temporary relief inside home.
Apply residual sprays on outside
locations where flies rest.
beta-cyfluthrin RTU 0.05%
gamma-cyhalothrin RTU 0.025%
Bottle Flies 1/2" in length; green metallic Remove larval food sources. Bottle flies indoors often
Green Bottle Fly Blue Bottle color See house fly indicate a dead mouse or
Fly Bronze Bottle Fly Black 1/2" in length; blue metallic other animal in wall voids,
Bottle Fly color attic, basement, etc. Dispose
1/2" in length; bronze metallic of dead animal carcasses,
color animal excrement, etc.
1/3" in length; shiny grey Garbage cans should have
thorax and dull blue tight-fitting lids.
metallic abdomen.
Fruit Fly or Vinegar Fly 1/8 inch long, red eyes, tan head Remove larval food source. Egg to adult in 8-11 days.
and thorax, abdomen gray- Traps may aid control. Pyrethrin Larvae in decaying fruit,
black. aerosols for adults. vegetables and garbage cans.
Adults around larvae.
Moth Fly or Drain Fly Small, scaly or hairy, moth- Sanitation. Remove moist Adults rest on walls or foliage.
like flies. Wing veins parallel organic materials, clean drains 3-4 weeks from egg to adult.
with wire brush; and reduce Breed in drain pipes, sinks and
organic matter lining drains by very moist organic solids.
applying enzymatic or similar
cleaners monthly.
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