Insect pests of stored products (2006)

Revised November 2006

Spiders (2003)

New 11/90, Revised 3/03/5M

Bees and wasps (2014)

The ability to sting, coupled with their great mobility, makes bees and wasps some of the most feared of all insects. Many species of bees and wasps are present in every geographic region of Missouri. These species vary in aggressiveness and other behaviors, however, and only a few need to be feared. Knowledge of their habits is the first step in reducing fear to a level of healthy respect and in deciding how to manage their presence around the home.New 9/91; Revised 10/14/500

Mosquitoes (2012)

If you mention mosquitoes, most people are concerned about the annoying buzzing sound they make while flying around looking for a place to land. People might also be concerned about their pesky bite or the irritating skin reaction that follows. However, another reason for concern about mosquitoes is their role in transmitting disease. Several mosquito species are capable of transmitting viruses or other organisms that cause diseases in humans and animals.New 5/98; Revised 5/03; Reviewed 1/12/1.5M

Ants (2008)

Ants are common throughout the world in many different ecosystems. More than 450 species of ants live in North America. They are also one of the most common pests in human environments and dwellings. In human environments, they build nests in soil, open lawns, under concrete slabs, stones or boards, adjacent to foundation walls, in the walls of houses, in decaying wood, or in cavity spaces associated with debris. Some nests are relatively permanent while others last for a short period of time. Less than 50 species have been known to invade homes across the United States, and only about 10 of these commonly enter homes in Missouri.New 7/88 Revised 11/08/3M

House-invading crickets (2015)

New 8/91; Revised 7/03; Reviewed 10/14/300

Wood-boring beetles (2012)

Several types of beetles damage wood used for construction. They are commonly placed into three main groups: powderpost beetles, round-headed borers and flat-headed borers. These three groups include beetles from five scientific families: Lyctidae, Bostrichidae, Anobiidae, Cerambycidae and Buprestidae (Figure 1). Most species are less than 6 mm (1/4 inch) long, but a few reach 25 mm (1 inch) in length.Revised 4/01; Reviewed 5/10; Reprinted 1/12/1M

Chiggers (2011)

A chigger is the parasitic larval stage of a common mite in the genus Trombicula. Several species of chiggers exist in the United States, but Trombicula alfreddugesi is most commonly encountered.New 6/95; Revised 5/10; Reviewed 5/11/3M

Carpenter ants (2002)

Carpenter ants get their name from their habit of building nests in wood. Unlike termites, they do not feed upon wood but merely use it as a place to nest. They will build their nests in human structures and may cause significant structural damage. Five species of carpenter ants occur in Missouri: Camponotus pennsylvanicus, Camponotus castaneus, Camponotus ferrugineus, Camponotus nearcticus and Camponotus sayi. Carpenter ants are recognized by their characteristic evenly rounded thorax when viewed from the side.Revised 12/02/5M

Household-invading beetles (2016)

Several species of beetles may invade homes. Because they rarely damage anything in the home, they generally are considered to be nuisance pests. These insects vary widely in size and habits. This publication describes some of the more common household-invading beetles found in Missouri