Pests in and around the Southern Home (SP486)

How to Buy Pest Control Services

Phil Koehler and Roberto Pereira

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

Insect Identification Service

Lyle J. Buss

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Insect Identification Form

Lyle J. Buss

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

Bed Bugs and Blood-Sucking Conenose

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

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

Fleas

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

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

Head Lice

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

Body Lice and Pubic Lice

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

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

Mites That Attack Humans

P. G. Koehler and A. Chaskopoulou

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

Chiggers

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

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

Mosquito-Borne Dog Heartworm Disease

J. K. Nayar and C. R. Connelly

This document provides an overview of mosquito-borne dog heartworm disease, caused by the filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis. It details the lifecycle of the parasite, which requires both dogs and mosquitoes to develop. The disease affects the heart and major blood vessels, leading to severe health issues in dogs. The document also covers the distribution of heartworm disease, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for dogs, as well as prevention strategies. Additionally, it discusses heartworm disease in cats and humans, highlighting differences in infection and clinical signs. Publication date: July 1990

Use and Application of Insect Repellents

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

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

Biting Flies

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

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

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

Wai-Han Chan and Phillip E. Kaufman

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

Stinging or Venomous Insects and Related Pests

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

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

Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars of the Southeast

Rebecca Perry and Adam Dale

Bee-Proofing for Florida Citizens

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

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

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

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

Cockroaches and Their Management

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

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

Pantry and Stored Food Pests

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

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

Ants

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

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