Pharaoh ants are a cryptogenic species, introduced to virtually every area of the world, including Europe, the Americas, Australasia, and Southeast Asia. They thrive indoors, especially in heated buildings, where they find the warmth and moisture necessary for their survival. They are commonly found in hospitals, apartments, and commercial buildings.

The queen can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. Eggs hatch in 5 to 7 days, and the entire life cycle from egg to sexual maturity takes about 38 to 45 days. Mature colonies contain several queens, winged males, workers, and brood. Pharaoh ants are invasive and can infest various environments. They breed continuously throughout the year in heated buildings. Colonies can fragment into bud colonies quickly, making control difficult. These ants forage for food in wide-ranging areas and are known to contaminate food and spread pathogens.

Common house spiders are found throughout the world, thriving in a variety of environments. They are most commonly seen in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, but are also prevalent in Europe, Asia, and parts of South America. These spiders typically inhabit human dwellings, where they find ample food sources and shelter.

These spiders make their webs in corners and nooks of homes. They feed on small insects such as flies, mosquitoes, fleas, and ants. Although they have venom, their bite is considered harmless to both people and pets. The webs of common house spiders are irregularly shaped and often located in undisturbed areas, such as basements, attics, and garages. They are not aggressive and usually retreat when disturbed.

Deer mice are widely distributed across North America, from the Arctic regions of Alaska and northern Canada to the temperate and subtropical regions of the United States and Central America. They are highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and human habitations. Their extensive range and adaptability make them one of the most common rodent species in North America.

Deer mice are nocturnal but occasionally active in the early evening. They construct nests of plant material in burrows or trees. Agile climbers, they feed on a diverse diet, including plant products, fungi, invertebrates, and carrion. One well-known species is the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), which has an extensive geographic distribution across North America. It breeds readily in laboratory settings and is used for various scientific studies. Interestingly, it is the primary host of hantavirus and one of the hosts of plague in the United States.

House mice are one of the most widespread rodent species in the world. They are found in nearly every country and region, thriving in diverse environments such as urban areas, rural farmlands, and natural habitats. Their ability to adapt to various conditions has made them successful in cohabiting with humans in both temperate and tropical regions. House mice are particularly common in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa and Australia.

House mice thrive in a variety of conditions, including homes, commercial structures, open fields, and agricultural lands. They feed on insects (such as beetle larvae and caterpillars), carrion, vegetation, berries, nuts, and seeds. Their voice is a high-pitched squeak. You’ll know if they’re sharing your house with you due to their strong smell. House mice are nocturnal and build their nests in hidden areas close to food sources, using materials such as paper, cloth, and insulation. They are known for their prolific breeding, with females capable of producing multiple litters per year, each containing several offspring.

Norway rats are social pests, often building shelters close to one another. Where there’s one burrow, there are likely others nearby. They burrow in soil near riverbanks, garbage piles, woodpiles, under concrete slabs, and along railroad embankments. These nocturnal rodents enter homes in search of food and water. Once inside, they nest in basements, piles of debris, or undisturbed materials. Their diet is diverse, but they show a preference for meat, fish, and cereal. Dog food is also a favorite menu item for them. Norway rats are known for their destructive behavior, gnawing on wires, wood, and plastic, causing significant damage to properties.

Roof rats are adept climbers and prefer nesting in high areas like attics and roofs. They follow the same paths every night and have a varied diet. Signs of roof rat infestation include gnawed wires, insulation damage, musty odors, and droppings. These nocturnal rodents are known for their agility and can easily access food and water sources by climbing trees, walls, and utility lines. They feed on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and even small animals. Roof rats are social creatures, often nesting in colonies, which can lead to significant infestations if not controlled.

Silverfish are found worldwide, thriving in a variety of environments. They are particularly common in regions with high humidity. In the United States, they are prevalent in both coastal and inland areas, often infesting homes, libraries, and commercial buildings. Their ability to adapt to different climates makes them a widespread pest.

Silverfish prefer cool, damp environments. They hide during the day and come out at night. Common hiding spots include cracks, crevices, and areas with high moisture conditions within homes, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Silverfish feed on starchy materials, including paper, glue, and textiles, making them a common nuisance in libraries and storage areas. Their nocturnal nature and preference for dark, hidden places can make them difficult to detect.

Fleas are found worldwide, thriving in a variety of environments. They are particularly common in regions with warm and humid climates. In the United States, fleas are prevalent in both rural and urban areas, affecting pets and wildlife alike. Their widespread presence is due to their ability to adapt to different hosts and environments.

Carpet beetles feed on animal products like wool, skin, fur, hair, and even dead insects. They share nests with animals or fly indoors to find warmth and feed on natural fiber clothes and textiles. The larvae are especially destructive, as they consume a wide variety of materials containing keratin, which is found in animal products. They hide in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and under furniture, making infestations difficult to detect until significant damage has occurred. Regular cleaning and proper storage of susceptible items can help prevent infestations.

Wasps are found worldwide, thriving in various environments ranging from forests and fields to urban areas. They are particularly common in temperate regions during the warmer months, where they build nests in sheltered locations. In the United States, wasps are prevalent across all states, with specific species like the bald-faced hornet, yellowjackets, and paper wasps being common in many regions.

Wasps exhibit a range of behaviors depending on the species:

• Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata): This black and white wasp defends its nest aggressively. They build large, football-shaped nests typically found in trees or shrubs. Bald-faced hornets are known for their painful stings and will attack if their nest is disturbed.
• Yellowjackets (Vespula maculifrons): These aggressive wasps are known for their unprovoked stinging behavior. Yellowjackets build their nests in the ground, in wall cavities, or under eaves. They are attracted to food and sugary drinks, often becoming a nuisance at outdoor events.
• Black and Yellow Paper Wasp (Polistinae): Relatively docile and harmless compared to other wasp species, paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests that hang from structures like eaves, branches, and overhangs. They are less aggressive but will defend their nest if threatened.

Wasps are beneficial to the environment as they pollinate plants and control insect populations by feeding on other pests. However, their aggressive nature and painful stings can pose a threat, especially to individuals allergic to their venom. Proper management and removal of nests are crucial to prevent wasp-related problems.

Despite their name, American cockroaches are originally from Africa. They have now spread globally and are commonly found in urban areas, particularly in buildings with ample food and moisture. In the United States, they are prevalent in the South, but can also be found in northern cities with large, warm buildings such as hospitals, food processing plants, and grocery stores. They thrive in tropical and subtropical climates and are a common pest in cities around the world.

Smoky Brown cockroaches are primarily found in the Southern United States, Australia, and Japan. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are commonly encountered in these regions. In the U.S., they are most prevalent in the Gulf Coast states, from Texas to Florida, and can also be found in some parts of California. Their preference for warm climates limits their distribution in cooler regions.

These cockroaches are nocturnal and seek moisture indoors, often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Unlike some other cockroach species, Smoky Brown cockroaches cannot survive cold weather outdoors and will seek shelter indoors during cooler months. They are also capable of flying short distances, which aids in their movement between nesting sites. They prefer to nest in areas with high humidity and access to food and water, making urban environments ideal for their survival.

Smoky Brown cockroaches are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of organic matter, including decaying plant material, garbage, and pet food. They are known to enter homes through cracks, gaps, and vents, particularly during the night. Their presence can indicate issues with moisture and sanitation, and they can contaminate food and surfaces with pathogens, posing a health risk.