APM Pest ID

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These small, light brown cockroaches are common indoor pests. They prefer warm, moist environments like kitchens and bathrooms, and are often found hiding in cracks and crevices. German roaches reproduce quickly and can contaminate food and spread disease.  They are easily identified by two dark stripes or bars running lengthwise on the pronotum (the area behind the head).

These small, reddish-brown, wingless insects are nocturnal and feed on the blood of humans and animals. They hide in cracks and crevices of beds, mattresses, and furniture, often leaving behind small, dark droppings. Bed bug bites can cause itchy welts and skin irritation.

These creepy-crawlies have long, slender bodies with many pairs of legs, making them look like they're constantly running. They prefer damp, dark places like basements and bathrooms and are nocturnal hunters, feeding on other insects and spiders. While they might look scary, they're generally harmless to humans.

These shiny, dark brown or black cockroaches are larger than German roaches and prefer cool, damp environments.  They are often found in basements, drains, and around decaying organic matter.

These are the big guys of the cockroach world, reddish-brown and often over an inch long.  They prefer warm, damp places and are often found in sewers, basements, and around drains.  While they can fly short distances, they're not very graceful at it!

These small, dark-colored ticks are found in wooded areas and tall grassy areas. They're known for transmitting Lyme disease, a serious illness. In Southeast Indiana, be extra cautious in wooded areas and check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors. They have a characteristic reddish-brown body with a darker scutum (the shield-like area behind the head) and black legs.

These shiny black spiders are known for the distinctive red hourglass marking on their abdomen (though sometimes it can be an orange or yellow mark, and sometimes it's not visible at all).  They prefer secluded areas like woodpiles, sheds, and garages. While their venom is potent, bites are rarely fatal, though they can cause significant pain and other symptoms.

These long-legged, delicate spiders are common in homes, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp, dark areas. They build flimsy webs in corners and are generally harmless to humans.

These large, striking spiders are common in gardens and fields throughout much of North America, including Southeast Indiana. They're known for their beautiful, circular webs, often with a distinctive zigzag "stabilimentum" or "writing" in the center.  These spiders are generally harmless and are beneficial because they catch many insect pests.

These tan or brown spiders are known for the violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax (the combined head and thorax).  They prefer secluded areas like closets, storage boxes, and under rocks or debris.  While their bite can cause serious reactions, including necrotic lesions, they are not aggressive and typically only bite when threatened.

These small, creamy-white insects live in colonies underground and are major structural pests. They feed on wood and other cellulose materials, and can cause extensive damage to homes and buildings. In Southeast Indiana, the Eastern Subterranean Termite is the most common type. They build mud tubes to travel between their nests and food sources, and swarm in the spring to establish new colonies.

These are the winged, reproductive forms of subterranean termites. They emerge from the colony in large numbers, typically in the spring, to mate and establish new colonies. Swarmers are darker than worker termites and have two pairs of translucent wings. In Southeast Indiana, you'll most likely see them on warm, humid days, often after rain.

These black and red bugs are often found around boxelder trees, feeding on the seeds, leaves, and twigs.  They can become a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers, especially in the fall when they seek shelter for the winter, sometimes entering homes. While they don't cause significant structural damage, they can be a nuisance and emit a foul odor when crushed.

These small, wingless insects have a distinctive, fish-like shape and are covered in silvery scales. They prefer damp, dark places like basements, bathrooms, and attics, and are often found hiding in cracks and crevices. In Southeast Indiana, they're common in homes with moisture problems.

These small, wood-boring beetles can cause significant damage to wooden structures, furniture, and other wood products.  They get their name from the fine, powdery frass (sawdust-like droppings) they leave behind as they tunnel through the wood.

These slender, brown insects are easily recognized by the prominent pincers (cerci) at the end of their abdomen. They prefer damp, dark places like under rocks, logs, and in leaf litter. While they can look intimidating, they're mostly harmless to humans, though they can occasionally pinch if handled roughly.

These shield-shaped insects are known for the foul-smelling defensive spray they release when disturbed or crushed.  Several species of stink bugs can be found in Southeast Indiana, including the invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, which is a significant agricultural pest.  They feed on plants and can cause damage to fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

These striking insects are actually wingless wasps, not ants.  The females have a bright red and black coloration, hence the name "red velvet ant." They are known for their extremely painful sting, which has earned them the nickname "cow killer."  Males are winged. They are found in wooded areas and fields in Southeast Indiana.  They are solitary insects and are not aggressive unless disturbed.

These large, black or reddish-black ants excavate wood to build their nests, unlike termites which actually eat the wood.  They can cause significant structural damage to homes and other buildings.  In Southeast Indiana, they are a common pest, particularly in damp or decaying wood.  They often establish nests in structural timbers, decks, and landscaping timbers.

These are the winged, reproductive forms of carpenter ants. They emerge from the nest in large numbers, usually in the spring or early summer, to mate and establish new colonies.  Carpenter ant swarmers are black and have two pairs of translucent wings.

These small, dark brown or black ants are common household pests. They get their name from the foul, musty odor they release when crushed. They are attracted to sweets, meats, and other food sources and can establish nests in walls, under floors, and in other hidden areas. They often follow trails and can be difficult to eliminate completely.

These large, black bees resemble bumblebees but have a distinctive shiny, hairless abdomen.  They are known for their habit of drilling small, round holes in wood to create nests. While they are important pollinators, they can cause structural damage to decks, porches, and other wooden structures. In Southeast Indiana, you'll often see them buzzing around wooden structures in the spring.  

These small, black and white mosquitoes are aggressive biters and are known for their ability to transmit diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and dengue fever. They are active during the day, unlike many other mosquito species, and are often found near standing water. In Southeast Indiana, they are an increasing concern, especially in urban and suburban areas.

These small, grayish-brown moths are common pantry pests. Their larvae feed on stored grains, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and pet food. You might notice the adult moths flying around your kitchen, but the real problem is the larvae, which create webbing and contaminate food products. In Southeast Indiana, they are a frequent pantry pest.

These tiny, wingless insects live on the human scalp and feed on blood. They are spread through close head-to-head contact, and are common among school children.  Lice are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause itching and irritation. Nits (lice eggs) are small, white or translucent and are often attached to the hair shaft near the scalp.

These small, wingless insects are parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are known for their incredible jumping ability and can infest homes, causing itchy bites for both pets and humans. In Southeast Indiana, fleas are a common nuisance, especially for pet owners.  Regular flea treatment for pets is essential for prevention.

These slender wasps are known for building their umbrella-shaped nests, often found hanging from eaves, porches, or branches. They are generally less aggressive than other stinging insects but can sting if threatened. In Southeast Indiana, you'll see them actively foraging for insects and nectar. Their stings can be painful, but are usually not dangerous unless someone has an allergy.