Description: Amphipods are small, shrimp-like crustaceans often mistaken for insects. They play a crucial ecological role in aquatic environments but can be nuisances when they invade damp indoor spaces.

How to Identify: Look for their laterally compressed bodies, typically less than an inch in size, with a distinct side-to-side movement.

Habits: Amphipods thrive in moist environments and are often found near water sources, feeding on decaying organic material.

Control Methods:

• Reduce moisture in affected areas through dehumidifiers or ventilation.
• Seal cracks and crevices to prevent entry into the home.
• Insecticides can be effective in severe infestations, applied by professionals.

Prevention: Maintaining dry conditions and regularly inspecting for dampness can help prevent amphipod infestations.

Description: Ants are incredibly common and varied insects, known for their complex social structures and ability to adapt to different environments. Their presence can range from mildly inconvenient to harmful, depending on the species.

How to Identify: Ants are identified by their segmented bodies with a distinct narrow waist, varying in color from black to brown and red.

Habits: Ants are commonly found in a variety of habitats, from gardens to homes, often in search of food and water.

Control Methods:

• Regular cleaning to remove food residues and spills.
• Sealing entry points like cracks and crevices in walls and foundations.
• Use of ant baits and non-repellent insecticides for more persistent problems.

Prevention: Keeping a clean environment and storing food in sealed containers can help prevent ant invasions.

Description: Assassin bugs are predatory insects known for their painful bite. While beneficial in gardens for controlling pest populations, they can become a concern when they venture into homes.

How to Identify: These bugs have a long, narrow body, a curved beak, and vary in color. They can be recognized by their elongated head and the prominent proboscis used for piercing and sucking.

Habits: Assassin bugs typically prey on other insects and are often found in gardens or near vegetation. However, some species can venture indoors.

Control Methods:

• Maintain garden cleanliness to reduce habitat for these bugs.
• Use screens on windows and doors to prevent indoor entry.
• Insecticides may be considered for managing indoor infestations.

Prevention: Regularly inspecting and sealing potential entry points around the home can help keep assassin bugs outdoors.

Description: Bat bugs are blood-feeding insects closely related to bed bugs, often found in association with bats. They can become household pests when bats roost in buildings.

How to Identify: Bat bugs closely resemble bed bugs, with small, oval, reddish-brown bodies.

Habits: They primarily feed on bat blood and can become a nuisance when bats are present in a building. Bat bug infestations are usually linked to bat roosts.

Control Methods:

• Exclude bats from the building to eliminate the source of bat bugs.
• Seal entry points used by both bats and bat bugs.
• Use insecticides for severe infestations, targeting areas where bat bugs hide.

Prevention: Preventing access to bats and maintaining a bat-free environment is key to avoiding bat bug infestations. Regular inspection of buildings for signs of bats is essential.

Description: Beetles are a diverse group of insects known for their hard exoskeleton and two pairs of wings. They are found in various ecosystems and can be both beneficial and pests.

How to Identify: Beetles vary greatly in size, color, and shape, but all have a distinctive hardened front pair of wings called elytra.

Habits: Beetles are adaptable and can thrive in different environments. Some beetles are crop pests, while others play roles in pollination and decomposition.

Control Methods:

• Identify the specific beetle species to determine the most effective control methods.
• Implement habitat modifications to reduce infestations, such as removing breeding sites.
• Use targeted insecticides as a last resort for severe infestations.

Prevention: Preventing beetle infestations involves reducing conditions that attract beetle pests, such as proper storage of food and garden maintenance.

Description: Black flies are small, biting insects that can be a nuisance and health threat to humans and animals. They are known for their painful bites and often swarm in large numbers.

How to Identify: Black flies are small, dark flies with a humpbacked appearance. They are distinguishable by their size and tendency to swarm.

Habits: These flies breed in flowing water and are most active during the daytime, especially in spring and early summer. They are blood-feeding insects.

Control Methods:

• Avoidance during peak times of black fly activity, such as wearing protective clothing.
• Using insect repellents designed for black fly protection.
• Applying larvicides to breeding sites when necessary.

Prevention: Preventing black fly bites involves using protective measures like clothing and repellents during outdoor activities near black fly habitats.

Description: Boxelder bugs are nuisance pests that feed on boxelder trees. They often invade homes in large numbers during the fall as they seek shelter for overwintering.

How to Identify: Boxelder bugs are black with distinctive red or orange markings and are about half an inch long.

Habits: They congregate on the sunny sides of trees, rocks, and buildings and may enter homes through cracks and openings.

Control Methods:

• Sealing cracks and crevices in buildings to prevent entry.
• Removing boxelder trees if they are the primary food source.
• Using insecticides for severe infestations, targeting hiding spots.

Prevention: Preventing boxelder bug infestations involves sealing entry points and minimizing outdoor harborage sites, including boxelder trees, near homes.

Description: Caddisflies are aquatic insects known for their unique larval cases made of silk and various materials. They are an essential part of freshwater ecosystems.

How to Identify: Adult caddisflies resemble moths, while their larvae construct protective cases from debris.

Habits: Caddisflies are primarily aquatic and play crucial roles in aquatic food webs. Their larvae build cases to protect themselves while feeding on organic matter.

Control Methods:

• Monitoring and maintaining water quality in aquatic habitats.
• Implementing habitat restoration projects to support caddisfly populations.

Prevention: Promoting healthy aquatic ecosystems is key to preserving caddisfly populations. Avoiding pollution and habitat destruction is essential.

Description: Chinch bugs are tiny insects that feed on grasses and can damage lawns and turfgrass. They are common pests in North America.

How to Identify: Chinch bugs are small, black insects with distinctive white wings and can be identified by their feeding damage on grass blades.

Habits: They feed by piercing grass blades and extracting fluids, leading to yellow or brown patches in lawns. Chinch bugs thrive in hot, dry conditions.

Control Methods:

• Regularly inspect lawns for signs of chinch bug damage.
• Implement proper lawn care practices, including watering and mowing.
• Use insecticides for severe infestations, targeting affected areas.

Prevention: Maintaining a healthy lawn with proper irrigation and mowing practices can prevent chinch bug infestations.

Description: Cicadas are large, noisy insects known for their distinctive summer sounds. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs and emerge as adults for a short period.

How to Identify: Adult cicadas have transparent wings and are typically brown or green, depending on the species.

Habits: Cicadas are not harmful to humans or animals. They are known for their loud mating calls and play important roles in forest ecosystems.

Control Methods:

• Due to their short adult lifespan, cicadas do not typically require control measures.
• Protect valuable young trees from cicada egg-laying damage with netting or mesh.

Prevention: Prevention of cicada damage involves protecting young trees and shrubs during cicada emergence periods.

Description: Dobsonflies are large insects with distinctive mandibles. While intimidating in appearance, they are not harmful to humans and are found near freshwater habitats.

How to Identify: Dobsonflies have large, elongated bodies, and males have prominent mandibles. They are usually brown or black.

Habits: Dobsonflies are aquatic during their larval stage and become terrestrial as adults. They play roles in aquatic food webs.

Control Methods:

• Since dobsonflies are not harmful to humans, control measures are not typically necessary.
• Conservation of freshwater habitats supports dobsonfly populations.

Prevention: Preserving freshwater ecosystems and reducing pollution is crucial for dobsonfly conservation.

Description: Dragonflies are agile flying insects known for their unique body shape and vibrant colors. They are important predators in aquatic ecosystems.

How to Identify: Dragonflies have long bodies, large eyes, and transparent wings. Their coloration varies by species.

Habits: Dragonflies are skilled hunters, capturing other flying insects mid-air. They are often found near water bodies, where they lay eggs.

Control Methods:

• Dragonflies are beneficial insects and do not require control measures.
• Protecting their aquatic habitats from pollution is essential for dragonfly conservation.

Prevention: Preserving natural water bodies and minimizing pollution helps maintain dragonfly populations and their role in controlling insect pests.

Description: Firebrats are small, wingless insects that resemble silverfish. They are known for their preference for warm and humid environments.

How to Identify: Firebrats are elongated, flattened insects with a grayish-brown color and a mottled appearance.

Habits: They are commonly found in areas with high humidity, such as basements, kitchens, and boiler rooms. They feed on starchy materials and can damage books and papers.

Control Methods:

• Reduce humidity levels in infested areas through ventilation or dehumidifiers.
• Seal cracks and crevices to prevent their entry into buildings.
• Use insecticides if infestations are severe, targeting hiding spots.

Prevention: To prevent firebrat infestations, maintain a dry environment and store starchy items securely.

Description: Gophers are burrowing rodents known for creating tunnels and mounds in lawns and gardens. They primarily feed on underground plant parts.

How to Identify: Gophers have stout bodies, short legs, and large cheek pouches. They are usually brown or gray in color.

Habits: Gophers create extensive tunnel systems and feed on roots, causing damage to plants and lawns. They are active year-round.

Control Methods:

• Use traps or bait stations designed for gophers to reduce their populations.
• Install wire mesh barriers around plant roots to protect them from gopher damage.
• Regularly maintain lawns and gardens to discourage gopher infestations.

Prevention: Preventing gopher damage involves implementing protective measures in gardens and lawns.

Description: Horntails are large, wood-boring wasps known for their distinctive appearance. They are not harmful to humans but can damage trees.

How to Identify: Horntails have elongated bodies with a horn-like projection at the end, giving them their name. They are usually black or brown.

Habits: Female horntails lay eggs in trees, and their larvae bore into wood. They play roles in forest ecosystems by aiding in wood decomposition.

Control Methods:

• Control measures are usually unnecessary as horntails do not pose significant threats to trees.
• Preserving healthy forest ecosystems supports horntail populations and their ecological role.

Prevention: Preserving forests and maintaining tree health is essential for horntail conservation and preventing tree damage.

Description: Jerusalem crickets, also known as potato bugs, are large, nocturnal insects found in North America. They are known for their unique appearance and burrowing habits.

How to Identify: Jerusalem crickets have robust bodies, large heads, and strong jaws. They are brown or yellowish in color.

Habits: These insects are primarily burrowers, living underground. They are omnivorous and feed on organic matter, including plant roots.

Control Methods:

• Jerusalem crickets are not harmful to humans and rarely require control measures.
• Maintaining garden cleanliness and minimizing overwatering can discourage their presence.

Prevention: Preventing encounters with Jerusalem crickets involves maintaining a well-kept garden and avoiding overwatering.

Description: Kissing bugs, also known as assassin bugs, are blood-feeding insects that can transmit Chagas disease to humans. They are found in the Americas.

How to Identify: Kissing bugs have elongated bodies and are usually dark brown or black. They have a cone-shaped head and a proboscis for blood-feeding.

Habits: They feed on the blood of mammals, including humans, and are active at night. Kissing bugs are often found in cracks and crevices of homes.

Control Methods:

• Seal cracks and openings in homes to prevent entry.
• Use insecticides for infestations, targeting hiding places.
• Seek medical attention if bitten to rule out Chagas disease.

Prevention: Preventing kissing bug infestations involves maintaining a sealed home environment and taking precautions to avoid bites.

Description: Kudzu bugs are invasive pests that feed on kudzu plants, soybeans, and other crops. They are native to Asia but have become established in the United States.

How to Identify: Kudzu bugs are small, shield-shaped insects with a brownish coloration.

Habits: They can damage crops by feeding on plant juices. Kudzu bugs are known for their rapid reproduction and can be challenging to control.

Control Methods:

• Monitor crops for kudzu bug infestations.
• Use insecticides if necessary, following recommended guidelines.
• Implement cultural practices to reduce overwintering sites.

Prevention: Preventing kudzu bug infestations involves early detection and management in agricultural settings.

Description: Lace bugs are small insects known for the delicate lace-like patterns on their wings. They feed on the undersides of plant leaves, causing damage to ornamental plants.

How to Identify: Lace bugs have flattened bodies with lace-like wings. They are usually less than 1/4 inch in size.

Habits: These pests feed on plant sap by piercing leaf tissues. They are often found on shrubs and ornamental trees.

Control Methods:

• Regularly inspect plants for lace bug damage.
• Use insecticidal soaps or oils for control, targeting the undersides of leaves.
• Implement good garden hygiene practices to reduce overwintering sites.

Prevention: Preventing lace bug damage involves maintaining healthy plants and managing infestations promptly.

Description: Leaf miners are tiny insects, larvae, or maggots that tunnel and feed inside plant leaves. They leave distinctive trails or tunnels on leaves.

How to Identify: Leaf miners are challenging to spot but leave visible tunnels or serpentine paths on plant leaves.

Habits: These pests damage plants by tunneling through leaf tissues, affecting photosynthesis and plant health.

Control Methods:

• Prune and remove heavily infested leaves and destroy them.
• Use insecticidal sprays or neem oil to control leaf miners.
• Implement cultural practices to reduce infestations, such as cleaning up garden debris.

Prevention: Preventing leaf miner damage involves regular inspection and early intervention to limit infestations.

Description: Lice are small, parasitic insects that infest the hair and skin of humans and animals. They are known for causing itching and discomfort.

How to Identify: Lice are tiny, wingless insects that can be seen on the hair or feathers of their host.

Habits: They feed on blood and can spread through close contact. Lice infestations are common in schools and households.

Control Methods:

• Use medicated shampoos or treatments to eliminate lice.
• Wash and disinfect clothing, bedding, and personal items to prevent reinfestation.
• Educate on hygiene practices and encourage regular head checks, especially in children.

Prevention: Preventing lice infestations involves practicing good personal hygiene and avoiding close contact with infested individuals.

Description: Locusts are large, migratory grasshoppers known for their swarming behavior. They can devastate crops and vegetation during outbreaks.

How to Identify: Locusts resemble grasshoppers but are typically larger and exhibit gregarious behavior during swarming phases.

Habits: They feed voraciously on crops, leading to significant agricultural damage. Locust swarms can be destructive and widespread.

Control Methods:

• Early detection and monitoring of locust populations.
• Use of insecticides during swarming phases to reduce their numbers.
• Implementing measures to prevent crop damage, such as netting or barriers.

Prevention: Preventing locust outbreaks involves monitoring and early intervention to control their population growth.

Description: Mayflies are aquatic insects known for their short adult lifespan and unique mating behavior. They are important indicators of water quality.

How to Identify: Mayflies have delicate bodies, long antennae, and two or three tail filaments. They are often found near freshwater habitats.

Habits: Mayflies spend most of their lives as aquatic nymphs and emerge as adults for mating. They do not feed as adults and live only for a few days.

Control Methods:

• Mayflies are not considered pests, so control measures are unnecessary.
• The presence of mayflies indicates good water quality, and their conservation is essential.

Prevention: Protecting freshwater ecosystems and reducing pollution is crucial for mayfly conservation and water quality.

Description: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that infest a wide range of plants, damaging them by feeding on sap and secreting honeydew.

How to Identify: Mealybugs appear as tiny, oval-shaped insects covered in a waxy, white substance that resembles cotton or meal.

Habits: They feed by piercing plant tissues and extracting sap, weakening plants and causing yellowing and stunted growth.

Control Methods:

• Inspect plants regularly for mealybug infestations, especially in crevices and on the undersides of leaves.
• Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil for control, targeting affected areas.
• Introduce natural predators like ladybugs to manage mealybug populations.

Prevention: Preventing mealybug infestations involves good plant care practices and early intervention.

Description: Mice are small rodents commonly found in homes and structures. They are known for their rapid reproduction and ability to gnaw through materials.

How to Identify: Mice have small bodies with pointed noses and long tails. They come in various colors, including brown and gray.

Habits: Mice are prolific breeders and can cause damage by chewing on wires, insulation, and food packaging. They are nocturnal and often seek shelter indoors.

Control Methods:

• Use snap traps or glue traps to catch mice in infested areas.
• Seal entry points in buildings to prevent mice from entering.
• Practice good sanitation to remove food sources and nesting materials.

Prevention: Preventing mouse infestations involves sealing entry points and maintaining cleanliness in homes and structures.

Description: Norway rats, also known as brown rats, are common rodents that often inhabit urban areas. They are larger than house mice and can transmit diseases.

How to Identify: Norway rats are larger than mice, with stocky bodies, blunt noses, and scaly tails. They are typically brown or gray.

Habits: Norway rats are omnivorous and can feed on a wide range of foods. They can gnaw on structures and carry diseases, posing health risks.

Control Methods:

• Use rat traps or bait stations to capture and remove Norway rats.
• Seal entry points in buildings to prevent rat infestations.
• Maintain clean surroundings and eliminate food sources to deter rats.

Prevention: Preventing Norway rat infestations involves implementing measures to keep them out of homes and buildings.

Description: Praying mantises are predatory insects known for their distinctive appearance and hunting behavior. They are beneficial for controlling insect pests.

How to Identify: Praying mantises have elongated bodies, triangular heads, and strong forelimbs for capturing prey. They can be green or brown.

Habits: Mantises are voracious hunters, capturing a variety of insects. They are often found in gardens and other habitats with abundant prey.

Control Methods:

• Praying mantises should not be controlled as they are beneficial predators.
• Encourage mantis presence by providing suitable habitats and avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides.

Prevention: Promoting the presence of praying mantises can help naturally control insect pests in gardens and ecosystems.

Description: Psocids, commonly known as booklice, are tiny insects often found in damp environments. They feed on mold, fungi, and organic matter.

How to Identify: Psocids are small, soft-bodied insects with a light coloration. They have long antennae and are wingless.

Habits: These pests thrive in humid conditions and are often found in basements, kitchens, and libraries, where they feed on organic materials.

Control Methods:

• Reduce humidity levels in infested areas to discourage psocids.
• Dispose of infested materials and clean affected areas thoroughly.
• Use insecticides as a last resort for severe infestations.

Prevention: Preventing psocid infestations involves maintaining dry conditions and proper storage of organic materials.

Description: Scorpion flies are small, long-faced insects known for their scorpion-like tails. They feed on dead insects and plant material.

How to Identify: Scorpion flies have elongated bodies with a distinctive tail resembling a scorpion's stinger. They are usually brown or black.

Habits: They are scavengers, often found near decaying organic matter. Scorpion flies play a role in decomposition in natural ecosystems.

Control Methods:

• Scorpion flies are not harmful and do not require control measures.
• Preserving natural habitats and ecosystems supports their ecological role.

Prevention: Preventing scorpion fly encounters involves maintaining healthy natural environments and avoiding unnecessary pesticide use.

Description: Snails and slugs are mollusks known for their soft bodies and slime trails. They are herbivorous and can damage plants by feeding on them.

How to Identify: Snails have coiled shells, while slugs are shell-less but have a similar body shape. Both leave visible slime trails.

Habits: They are active at night and feed on a wide range of plants, causing holes and damage to leaves and fruits.

Control Methods:

• Handpick snails and slugs in gardens, especially during the evening.
• Use barriers like copper tape to deter them from plants.
• Apply organic or chemical slug and snail baits sparingly, following label instructions.

Prevention: Preventing snail and slug damage involves creating a less hospitable environment in gardens and using preventive measures.

Description: Sowbugs, also known as woodlice or pillbugs, are small crustaceans that resemble insects. They are often found in damp areas and feed on decaying organic matter.

How to Identify: Sowbugs have segmented bodies and numerous legs. They are grayish or brown and can roll into a ball when disturbed.

Habits: Sowbugs are scavengers, helping decompose dead plant material. They prefer moist environments and can occasionally enter homes.

Control Methods:

• Reduce moisture levels in and around homes to deter sowbugs.
• Seal cracks and gaps to prevent their entry indoors.
• Use insecticides as a last resort for severe infestations.

Prevention: Preventing sowbug infestations involves addressing moisture issues and sealing entry points in homes.

Description: Spotted lanternflies are invasive insects with colorful wings and distinctive spots. They feed on a variety of plants, including fruit trees and grapevines.

How to Identify: Adult spotted lanternflies have red wings with black spots, while nymphs are black with white spots. They leave behind a sticky residue.

Habits: They suck sap from plants, weakening them and excreting honeydew that attracts mold. Spotted lanternflies are a threat to agriculture.

Control Methods:

• Report sightings to local agricultural authorities to help with monitoring efforts.
• Use insecticidal sprays to control nymphs and adults in affected areas.
• Destroy egg masses found on surfaces to prevent further infestations.

Prevention: Preventing the spread of spotted lanternflies involves early detection and the destruction of egg masses.

Description: Springtails are tiny, wingless insects that can jump using a tail-like structure. They are commonly found in damp soil and leaf litter.

How to Identify: Springtails are small, elongated insects with a distinctive tail-like appendage. They are usually gray, black, or white.

Habits: Springtails play a role in soil decomposition and are harmless to plants. They thrive in moist environments.

Control Methods:

• Springtails do not require control measures as they are beneficial for soil health.
• Address moisture issues in homes to prevent indoor infestations.

Prevention: Preventing springtail infestations indoors involves maintaining dry conditions, while outdoors, they can be beneficial for gardens.

Description: Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents known for their agility and bushy tails. They are commonly found in urban and forested areas and are active during the day.

How to Identify: Squirrels have slender bodies with a long, fluffy tail. They come in various colors, including gray, red, and black, depending on the species.

Habits: Squirrels are omnivorous and feed on a wide range of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, and bird eggs. They are known for their tree-climbing and acrobatic abilities.

Control Methods:

• Use squirrel-proof bird feeders to prevent squirrels from raiding bird food.
• Seal entry points in buildings and attics to prevent squirrels from nesting indoors.
• Consider live trapping and relocating squirrels if they become a nuisance.

Prevention: Preventing squirrel-related issues involves securing food sources and blocking access to indoor spaces.

Description: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on plants by puncturing them and sucking out their contents. They can damage a wide range of crops.

How to Identify: Thrips are usually very small, ranging from pale yellow to dark brown. They have distinctive fringed wings when mature.

Habits: Thrips thrive in warm, dry conditions and reproduce rapidly. They damage plants by feeding on leaves, causing stippling and discoloration.

Control Methods:

• Prune and dispose of infested plant parts to reduce thrips populations.
• Use insecticidal soaps or oils to control thrips, targeting affected areas.
• Introduce natural predators like predatory mites to manage thrips populations.

Prevention: Preventing thrips infestations involves maintaining a clean garden environment and monitoring plants regularly.

Description: Voles, often called meadow mice, are small rodents that primarily inhabit grassy areas and gardens. They are herbivorous and can damage plants.

How to Identify: Voles have compact bodies, short tails, and small eyes and ears. They are typically brown or gray with a lighter belly.

Habits: Voles create runways through grass and can damage plants by feeding on roots and bark. They reproduce rapidly.

Control Methods:

• Use vole traps or bait stations to reduce vole populations in gardens.
• Install fencing around vulnerable plants to protect them from vole damage.
• Regularly mow grass and maintain garden cleanliness to deter voles.

Prevention: Preventing vole damage involves protective measures in gardens and grassy areas.

Description: Walking stick bugs, also known as stick insects, are masterful camouflagers. They resemble twigs or branches and are herbivorous.

How to Identify: Walking stick bugs have long, slender bodies and resemble twigs or branches, making them difficult to spot in their natural habitat.

Habits: They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves of various plants. Their unique appearance helps them avoid predators.

Control Methods:

• Walking stick bugs are harmless and can be observed but do not require control.
• Creating a suitable habitat with plants they feed on can attract these insects.

Prevention: Promoting the presence of walking stick bugs involves maintaining a garden with their preferred plant species.

Description: Weevils are a type of beetle known for their distinctive snout-like elongated heads. They can infest stored grains and pantry items.

How to Identify: Weevils have elongated heads with a downward-curving snout. They are usually small and brown or black.

Habits: Weevils infest stored grains, rice, flour, and other pantry items, causing contamination and damage.

Control Methods:

• Inspect and discard infested food items from pantries and storage areas.
• Store grains and pantry items in airtight containers to prevent infestations.
• Use pheromone traps to monitor and reduce weevil populations.

Prevention: Preventing weevil infestations involves proper storage and regular pantry maintenance.

Description: Whiteflies are small insects with white wings and a powdery appearance. They feed on plant sap and can damage crops and ornamental plants.

How to Identify: Whiteflies have white wings and a tiny size, often appearing as a cloud when disturbed from plants.

Habits: They feed on plant sap, excrete honeydew, and can transmit plant viruses. Whitefly infestations can lead to plant stress and decline.

Control Methods:

• Use insecticidal soaps or oils to control whiteflies on affected plants.
• Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps to manage whitefly populations.
• Implement reflective mulches to deter whiteflies from landing on plants.

Prevention: Preventing whitefly infestations involves regular monitoring, early intervention, and maintaining plant health.

Description: Yellow mealworms are darkling beetles in their larval stage. They are used as a food source for reptiles and birds and are not considered pests.

How to Identify: Yellow mealworms are elongated, segmented larvae with a golden-brown coloration.

Habits: In their larval stage, they feed on grain products and decaying plant material. They are often raised as a food source for pets.

Control Methods:

• Yellow mealworms are not pests in most situations and do not require control measures.
• They are commercially raised for use as reptile and bird food.

Prevention: Prevention of yellow mealworm issues involves proper storage of grain products and maintenance of pet diets.