The pavement ant is a common household pest. Their name comes from the fact that they usually make their homes in pavement. They are distinguished by two spines on the back, two nodes on the petiole, and grooves on the head and thorax During early spring, colonies attempt to conquer new areas and often attack nearby enemy colonies. These result in huge sidewalk battles, sometimes leaving thousands of ants dead. Because of their aggressive nature, they often invade and colonize seemingly impenetrable areas. In summer time the ants dig out the sand in between the pavements to vent the nests.

Bats range in size from a wingspread of over 5 ft (150 cm) to a wingspread of less than 2 in. (5 cm). They are found in nearly all parts of the world but are most numerous in the tropics; there are about 39 species in the United States. Most bats are economically valuable because of the large number of insects they consume.

The body of the bat is mouselike and usually covered with fine fur. The face varies greatly from one species to another; many species have complex appendages on the snout and projections, or false ears, in front of the true ears; the ears themselves are often very large and elaborately convoluted. These facial structures are part of the sensory apparatus that emits and receives sound vibrations.

Some bats are solitary, living in caves, crevices, hollow trees, or attics; other species are communal, with thousands or even millions of bats roosting together in a cave or on branches in a section of forest. In some species of communal bats, the entire colony leaves the roost together in the evening and returns together in the morning; in others, individuals come and go at different times. Bats of northern regions migrate, hibernate, or both in winter.

Having a good night’s sleep could be next to impossible if your bed is infested with bed bugs. Suffering from a bed bug bite can be equal to a nightmare, as it can be very itchy and distressing. While bed bugs are surely a pest to life, it is good to know there is a plethora of solutions to the problems they present.

Scientifically known as “Cimes lectularius”, bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that can be found anywhere in the world. Bed bugs are mainly a nocturnal parasite which means they are active in finding human hosts for a feed during night time and stay dormant during the day. They live in mattresses, bedding and other crevices near a source of food.

The honey bee is about 12 mm (1/2 inch) long and usually yellow, with 3 or 5 dark brown abdominal bands. They carry two pairs of wings and lack the constricted abdomen (wasp waist) of the wasp and hornet. Honey bees can sting, but are much less aggressive than wasps and hornets.

Black flies have preferences for a wide range of individual host species. Adult females feed on the blood of humans, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, poultry, other livestock and wild mammals and birds. Each black fly species may prefer one type of host over another. The black fly common name sometimes indicates host specificity, for example the turkey gnat. Black flies are daytime biters preferring low wind conditions. They are not restricted to shaded or humid sites, and usually do not go indoors. They are attracted to hosts from a distance by smell, heat, and by sight. The female flies swarm around and crawl on the host preferring the head, hair, and ears as well as any skin that is exposed or that they can crawl onto. S. slossonae is primarily a bird feeder and probably preys on wild turkeys to some extent. It is the primary vector of the protozoan blood parasite, Leucocytozoon smithi, in Florida. This parasite is restricted only to birds, especially turkeys. S. slossonae will feed on domestic turkeys as well as chickens and other poultry. Several cases of chicken mortality attributed to black fly feeding were reported in Florida during the first three months of 1998.

The house centipede is distributed throughout the United States and Canada. It is found indoors and outdoors under logs and in other damp areas in warmer climates, but only indoors in colder climates. House centipedes are found in houses with damp sub-floor areas and in damp basements, and in the vicinity of sinks and drains. The house centipede is considered to be beneficial as it feeds mainly on insects and organic material. They rarely bite, causing pain no more severe than a bee sting. The house centipede is 2.5 to 4.0 cm long with very long antennae and 15 pairs of legs which enable it to run very fast. The last pair of legs are twice as long as the body, giving it a curious form and making it easy to identify. The legs are banded with white. When the larvae hatch from the eggs, they have 4 pairs of legs. Five more larval stages follow with 5, 7, 9, ll and 13 pairs of legs, respectively. This is followed by 4 adolescent stages, each with 15 pairs of legs.

The German cockroach is probably the most economically important pest. It is the most common cockroach you will find in a home or business. The German cockroach can be found in homes, apartments, hotels, motels, restaurants and other places throughout the United States and other countries. There are other cockroaches that might be found more in the southern areas of the country but the German cockroach is by far the most common species infesting homes and other areas.

The adults are about 1/2 to 5/8 inches long and have two dark stripes. Both sexes have wings but do not fly. Males can be distinguished from females by a tapering shape of the abdomen.

German cockroach babies, called nymphs, look like adults except they are smaller, have no wings and are darker in color, sometimes even black. One stripe running down the middle of the back is a prominent marking of the younger German cockroach nymph.

The female German cockroach carries the egg capsule protruding from her rear until the eggs are ready to hatch. The German cockroach is the only house-infesting species that carries the eggs capsule this long. This is what makes it the most presistant cockroach in the United States because they are less likely to be taken by predators.

The adult females can produce 4 to 8 egg capsules in their lifetime. Each capsule contains 30 to 48 eggs. It usually takes 20 to 30 days from the time of initial formation of the first egg capsule until it hatches. There are 6 to 7 nymphal stages, called instars, until they molt into the adult stage. The nymphs have habits as adults. They are mostly active at night and hide in cracks and crevices during the day. Seeing German cockroaches during the day is usually an indication of over population. All cracks and crevices are full or food is in short supply and they are stressed.

German cockroaches usually hide in areas where there is ample food and moisture such as kitchens and other food areas but they can be found in other areas if they are stressed and as a result of a repellant insecticide somewhere else in the building or home. German cockroaches are attracted to fermented foods and beverage residues. If water is present, adults can live about a month without food, but young nymphs will die of starvation within 10 days. Without food or water the adults will die in about 2 weeks.

In apartment complexes or duplexes sharing the same common plumbing lines, infestations can occur in both apartments or duplexes. Treating these areas is a must with insecticides or dust formulations injected into walls of adjoining apartments.

European Earwig - These earwigs are usually about 12 mm long and need to live in moist and humid conditions. The earwigs dig themselves into the soil in fall and hibernate under the ground. They can cause damage and eat mainly plants, leaves, and flowers. If you are suffering from a large group of these creatures you may well see your garden flowers begin to die.

Shore Earwig - The shore earwig is often confused with the large St. Helena earwig. Both are fairly large, around 80mm.

Ring Legged Earwig - This species is 12-15 mm long and l ives throughout the United States. It has yellowish legs with rings on them after which the animal has been named. The Ring Legged Earwig is a danger to produce of Irish and sweet potatoes when in storage.

Fleas are blood sucking insects that feed on warm blooded animals. They are between 1½ - 5 mm in length, oval in shape (when viewed from the side) and are very thin/flat, which enables them to move easily through the hairs of their host. Fleas are brown in colour and have extremely powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.

Female fleas lay eggs on their host or in animal nest/bedding. The eggs pass through normal insect stages of egg, larva and pupa. The adult flea only emerges when stimulated by vibration, such as an animal or human walking by.

Adults can stay in their pupal stage for long periods before emerging and both the pupae and the adults can survive 8 to 12 months without a host to feed on. This explains why houses that have been empty for long periods can harbour active fleas long after the host, such as a domestic cat, has left.

There are several species of flea including human, cat and dog fleas. Although each species has a preferred host, both cat and dog fleas can be found on other animals including humans. Of all the species the cat flea is probably the most commonly found in domestic situations - practically all cats will pick up fleas at some time so it is wise to take precautions, such as fitting with a flea collar.

Canada Geese are large birds, 20 to 50 inches long with a wingspan of 50-68 inches. Canada Geese are most easily identified by their long black neck, with a black head, crown and bill. They have a contrasting white cheek and throat area. Their undertail coverts are white. Their back, upper wings and flank are dark brown with a lighter brown (sometimes, nearly white) breast and belly. They have a short black tail and black legs with black webbed feet.

Canada Geese cover a wide range across North America. Canada Geese in different areas may be different sizes, have different vocalizations or have somewhat different coloring than those in other areas. All groups have the characteristic long black neck, head, crown and bill and the white cheeks.

The smallest Canada Geese (called "cackling geese" because of their high-pitched vocalizations) are only 1/4 the size of the largest Canada Geese (called "honkers").

Pigeon control is important due to the damage and disease problems these birds often create. The uric acid in pigeon feces is highly corrosive and can cause extensive damage to metals and other substrates it sits on for long periods. Debris from flocks of problem pigeons often build up, backing up gutters and drains which can cause flooding and roof damage. Nesting materials and other debris has caused failures in machinery, especially rooftop air conditioning units which are a prime nesting spot for pigeons. Other frequent pigeon problems include slip and fall liability from feces or debris, plus an unclean, dirty company image. The bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in pigeon droppings are responsible for a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more.

Pigeons also carry ectoparasites for example: fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and other biting pests. Many companies also retain significant clean up costs due to the pigeon problems they don't resolve. The pigeons that are located around airports threaten human safety due to a possible bird-aircraft collision. The U.S. Air Force considers pigeons as a "medium priority hazard" to jet aircrafts.

We also have two species of mice that cause problems in the Pacific Northwest. The House Mouse and the Deer Mouse.

House Mouse - The house mouse looks somewhat like a young roof rat, but smaller. It is approximately 5-1/2 to 7-1/2 inches total length. Like the roof rat, its tail is as long or longer than the head and body combined. However, mice have proportionately smaller heads and feet than those of a roof rat. The color of the house mouse depends upon its habitat; if it lives indoors it will usually be dark gray with a light gray stomach; outdoors it will usually be a sandy brown color. House mice do not pose as serious a problem to the householder as rats, but they can be quite a nuisance. They also eat and contaminate food with their urine and droppings; may gnaw on wiring creating a fire hazard, and they can transmit some diseases. Spread of diseases by mice, however, is not considered a serious health hazard.

Deer Mouse - This wide-spread, native rodent is another medium-size mouse, averaging 7 inches total length. The tail is longer than the head and body combined. Upper body is varying shades of brown with white sides and underparts (including chin and throat). Tail is strongly bi-colored. Deer mice have been identified as occasional vectors of Lyme Disease and Hanta Virus and should be controlled around human habitation where these diseases are prevalent

The size of an opossum’s head and body- 3-20 inches, tail- 4-20 inches. There are more than 65 kinds of opossums in North and South America. But only one kind plays possum, the Virginia, or common, opossum of North America. The phrase "playing possum" comes from this animal's ability to appear dead when an enemy approaches. The opossum will lie still as if it is dead, with its eyes closed or when opened, staring, and without blinking. Its tongue hangs from the side of its mouth and it will still play dead if moved by the animal or even tossed about.

Raccoon populations are very adaptable and can increase in cities and towns where mature trees, attics, sheds, and storm sewers are used as dens. Characteristic features include short pointed ears, a long pointed snout, and greyish-brown fur covering the body. The raccoon's most distinguishing features are the black mask around the eyes and the black rings circling the long bushy tail.

Adults grow to about 32 inches (81 cm) including the tail, and larger animals may reach weights of more than 30 pounds (13.6 kg). Raccoons are excellent climbers and are very dexterous. They are most active at night, seeking refuge during the daylights hours in hollow trees, dense vegetation, rock crevices, old buildings, barns, chimneys, or other cavity spaces. During the winter months raccoons usually "den-up" for the coldest periods; this is not a true hibernation and they often venture out during warm spells.

Raccoons eat a variety of foods including insects, frogs, bird eggs, fruit, and garden vegetables, especially corn. Because of their ability to live in association with humans and their varied food preferences and denning habits, people often consider raccoons to be a nuisance.

The main wild rabbit in North America is the cottontail. It grows from 14 to 18 inches and weighs from 2 to 3 pounds. They are brown with tan sides and white under parts. The jackrabbit is the largest of the American hares. They are more than 2 feet long and theri ears are from 5 to 6 inches long. Jackrabbits weigh 4 to 6 pounds.

Rabbits prefer regions where the soil is loose and dry and where there is brushwood for shelter. They may live in brushy woods and gardens of eastern North America, on the western plains and deserts, on mountains, and even in the Arctic snows. European rabbits live alone on about an acre of land. European rabbits live in groups in a burrow. The cottontail r abbit lives in the Western Hemisphere.

There are two primary species of rats present in the Pacific Northwest: The Norway rat and the roof rat. The Norway rat is both larger and heavier than the roof rat. It has a wider distribution and is usually more common, although the roof rat may be abundant in some localities, usually near coastal areas. Norway rats build their nests in burrows under buildings, low shrubs or ground cover, wood piles, yard accumulations of junk, and garbage dumps. The roof rat, on the other hand, is a better climber than the Norway rat and is more likely to build its nest in walls, attics, vines or trees.

Norway Rat - is 13-18 1/2 inches total length, with its tail being shorter than its head and body combined. An adult Norway rat weighs about 3/4 to 1-1/4 pounds. It is mostly brown, with a lighter colored stomach. The tail is semi-naked and darker above than below, giving it a two-toned effect.

Roof rat - is also 13-18 1/2 inches total length, with its tail being longer than its head and body combined. An adult roof rat weighs about 3/4 to 2/3 pound. It is mostly black with some gray below, although there are some variations. The tail is also semi-naked, but of one color.

The Gull or Seagull is a medium to large bird usually gray or white and often has black marking on its head and wings. It has a long bill and webbed feet. Gulls are ground nesting birds. They are found in coastal areas and rarely stray far from land. These highly intelligent birds have learned to co-exist successfully with humans. They eat live crabs and small fish and are often times scavengers.

Silverfish are always wingless and are silvery to brown in color because their bodies are covered with fine scales. They are generally soft bodied. Adults are up to 3/4 inch long, flattened from top to bottom, elongated and oval in shape, have three long tail projections and two long antennae.

Primarily a nuisance pest inside the home or buildings; can contaminate food, damage paper goods and stain clothing; medically harmless. Many of their habits are similar to cockroaches and they appear to be more common as household pests in drier parts of the state. Occasionally damage book bindings, curtains, wallpaper.

Skunk species vary in size from about 15.6 to 37 inches (40 to 70 cm) and in weight from about 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) (the spotted skunks) to 18 pounds (8.2 kg) (the hog-nosed skunks). They have a moderately elongated body with reasonably short, well-muscled legs, and long front claws for digging.

Although the most common fur color is black and white, some skunks are brown or gray, and a few are cream-colored. All skunks are striped, even from birth. They may have a single thick stripe across back and tail, two thinner stripes, or a series of white spots and broken stripes (in the case of the spotted skunk). Some also have stripes on their legs.

Squirrel The squirrel can become a nuisance when it chews through the facia board or roof and gains access into your soffit and attic. If you think you have a squirrel in your attic, think again. You have more than one, usually 4 or 5 or more. Squirrels are very social animals and will stay as a family unit. If you try and resolve the squirrel problem yourself, you may end up enclosing a squirrel or squirrels in your attic which will cause major damage as the enclosed squirrel or squirrels will chew a hole to get out. If one or more of the squirrel family members are outside, they will assist the enclosed squirrel or squirrels in chewing the hole.

It is best to leave the squirrel removal and exclusion to a professional in the animal control or wildlife control field. Most of the time the problem can be corrected in a short time with no more damage caused. A wildlife professional will also assist in preventitive measures which will deter future problems with squirrels. A squirrel can climb almost anything. If squirrels are determined to get somewhere, they will. There are devices that wildlife professionals use to help solve this problem and deter a squirrel or squirrels from climbing.

A typical yellowjacket worker is about 12 mm (0.5 inches) long, with alternating bands on the abdomen while the queen is larger, about 19 mm (0.75 inches) long (the different patterns on the abdomen help separate various species). Workers are sometimes confused with honey bees, especially when flying in and out of their nests. Yellowjackets, in contrast to honey bees, are not covered with tan-brown dense hair on their bodies and lack the flattened hairy hind legs used to carry pollen. Yellowjackets have a lance-like stinger with small barbs and typically sting repeatedly,[2] though occasionally the sting becomes lodged and pulls free of the wasp's body. All species have yellow or white on the face. Mouthparts are well-developed for capturing and chewing insects, with a proboscis for sucking nectar, fruit and other juices. Nests are built in trees, shrubs or in protected places such as inside human-made structures (attics, hollow walls or flooring, in sheds, under porches and eaves of houses), or in soil cavities, mouse burrows, etc. Nests are made from wood fiber chewed into a paper-like pulp.