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Common St.Louis Metro-East Area Pests

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At Imel, we treat for a wide variety of pests that threaten your family, property and dwellings. Whether you want to avoid the onslaught of wasps and hornets when you work outside or you’ve noticed a colony of ants that have found easy access to your kitchen, it’s good to know that Imel is only a call away. Using the latest in detection, eco-friendly pest treatments and prevention technologies, know that a visit from Imel Pest Control will keep your home or business building and property safe and sound.

Illinois Pest Identification –
Scroll Down to View Common Pests We Exterminate Here in the Midwest

eastern subterranean termites edwardsville il
Eastern Subterranean Termite

Latin Name: Reticulitermes flavipes
Length: 3.2 mm long
Color: brown to reddish-brown

This is the most common type of termite found in this area. They often build mud-colored tubes to travel between colonies and food sources. Once inside a home, they can feed on the home’s structure, furniture, etc.

Carpenter Ant
Carpenter Ant

Latin Name: Camponotus
Length: 6.4 – 25.4 mm long
Color: brown, reddish-brown

This species of ant is dark to reddish-brown and usually makes its home in decaying wood. However, if you notice piles of sawdust and haven’t been sawing anything, you may have a carpenter ant problem.

pavement ants alton il
Pavement Ant

Latin Name: Tetramorium caespitum
Length: 2.5 – 4 mm long
Color: dark brown, blackish

The name for this species of ant is derived from where they live – in the pavement of sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. Ant treatments can prevent these little guys from damaging the pavement at your home.

house ant bethalto il
House Ant

Latin Name: Tapinoma sessile
Length: 1.6 – 3.2 mm long
Color: dark brown, black

These can be dark brown or black, and they like to hang around food and water. They may nest in walls, or crevices in your home.

pharaoh ants fairview heights il
Pharaoh Ant

Latin Name: Monomorium pharaonis
Length: 1.6 – 3.2 mm long
Color: brown, yellowish-brown

Yellowish-brown in color, these will make a nest pretty much anywhere, but prefer areas near food and water, and may use utility lines hidden in walls as a means of travel.

brown-banded cockroach bethalto illinois
Brown-Banded Cockroach

Latin Name: Supella longipalpa
Length: 12.7 – 38.1 mm long
Color: light brown

This species of cockroach is only found inside, and they prefer warm and dry places. They’ll feast on almost anything and are rarely seen during the day. Cabinets, closets, drawers, and other dry places may be a place for these cockroaches.

german cockroach bethalto il
German Cockroach

Latin Name: Blattella germanica
Length: 12.7 – 19 mm long
Color: tan, brown

In color it varies from tan to almost black and it has two dark, roughly parallel, streaks on the pronotum running from behind the head to the base of the wings. Although the German cockroach has wings, it can barely fly, although it may glide when disturbed.

oriental cockroach bethalto illinois
Oriental Cockroach

Latin Name: Blatta orientalis
Length: up to 25.4 mm long
Color: dark brown, black

Also known as the waterbug, this is a large species of cockroach. It is dark brown or black in color and has a glossy body. Even though this cockroach has wings,
it is flightless.

american cockroaches alton il
American Cockroach

Latin Name: Blattella germanica
Length: 12.7 – 19 mm long
Color: tan, brown

This cockroach is divided into three sections and, almost exclusively, active at night. One of the fastest insects, you may catch a quick glance when you turn on the lights to a dark room. These creatures move indoors when the weather gets cold in search of shelter and warmth.

honey bee bethalto illinois
Honey Bee

Latin Name: Blatta orientalis
Length: up to 25.4 mm long
Color: dark brown, black

The bodies of these bees may be light-brown to black with yellow striations. Honey bees are vital to healthy ecosystems and serve as pollinators for all sorts of flowers and plants, and they use pollen to make honey. Nests are often built in trees but may be found in chimneys or attics. WE DO NOT KILL OR TREAT FOR HONEY BEES!

hornet bethalto illinois
Hornet

Latin Name: Dolichovespula maculata
Length: up to 19 mm long
Color: black, white stripes

Mostly black with white or yellow markings depending on the species. Their large, tear-dropped shaped nests are made in trees, shrubs, or even attached to buildings.

yellow jackets troy il
Yellow Jacket

Latin Name: Vespula maculifrons
Length: 12.7 – 19 mm long
Color: black, yellow

Black and yellow banded flying insects that make their nests in many of the same places hornets do, which includes trees, shrubs, and human-made structures.

wasp bethalto il
Wasp

Latin Name: Polistes spp)
Length: up to 19 mm long
Color: black, yellow, brownish-red

These long and slender flying insects retain an orange to brownish color and build their nests on the underside of roofs and ledges. Nests are umbrella-shaped with a honeycomb pattern on the bottom.

bumblebee bethalto il
Bumblebee

Latin Name: Bombus
Length: 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: black, yellow stripes

Bumblebees are also beneficial due to their pollination of flowers and plants. However, this species of bees is known to be aggressive, with one of the most painful stings of any flying insect. Nests are many times found in soffit, fascia, attics, etc.

sweat bee bethalto illinois
Sweat Bee

Latin Name: Dialictus zephrum
Length: up to 12.7 mm long
Color: black, metallic green/blue

These long and slender flying insects retain an orange to brownish color and build their nests on the underside of roofs and ledges. Nests are umbrella-shaped with a honeycomb pattern on the bottom.

black and yellow mud dauber bethalto il
Black & Yellow Mud Dauber

Latin Name: Sceliphron caementarium
Length: 25.4 – 38.1 mm long
Color: black, yellow

Bumblebees are also beneficial due to their pollination of flowers and plants. However, this species of bees is known to be aggressive, with one of the most painful stings of any flying insect. Nests are many times found in soffit, fascia, attics, etc.

blue mud dauber fairview heights il
Blue Mud Dauber
Latin Name: Chalybion californicum
Length: 19 – 25.4 mm long
Color: blue, shiny black

These long and slender flying insects retain an orange to brownish color and build their nests on the underside of roofs and ledges. Nests are umbrella-shaped with a honeycomb pattern on the bottom.

cicada killer troy illinois
Cicada Killer

Latin Name: Sphecius speciosus
Length: 12.7 – 50.8 mm long
Color: black, yellow

Bumblebees are also beneficial due to their pollination of flowers and plants. However, this species of bees is known to be aggressive, with one of the most painful stings of any flying insect. Nests are many times found in soffit, fascia, attics, etc.

carpenter bees edwardsville illinois
Carpenter Bee

Latin Name: Xylocopa virginica
Length: 25.4 – 38.1 mm long
Color: black, yellow

These bees are yellow and black, with a fuzzy thorax, and will make their nests by boring holes into wooden structures. Pay attention for fresh sawdust around decks, carports, wood fascia, etc. Holes are about 1” deep and run 4-6 inches along the grain of the wood.

asian lady beetles collinsville il
Asian Lady Beetle

Latin Name: Harmonia axyridis
Length: 0.8 – 10 mm long
Color: yellow, red, orange, spotted

The Asian lady beetle is what is commonly known as the ladybug. Adorned with spots, this insect can devour and damage the leaves of many crops found throughout the Midwest.

Convergent Lady Beetle
Convergent Lady Beetle

Latin Name: Hippodamia convergens
Length: 4 – 7 mm long
Color: yellow, red, orange, spotted

These beetles are quite similar in coloring to the Asian Lady Beetle. However, Convergent Lady Beetles are much larger, comparatively speaking, and feature white markings behind the head.

spotted cucumber beetles granite city illinois
Spotted Cucumber Beetle

Latin Name: Diabrotica undecimpunctata
Length: .25 – .75 cm long
Color: greenish-yellow, spotted

This type of beetle is a pest throughout North America and feeds on many popular crops, damaging their stalks and leaves. They are notorious for infesting crops of soybeans, cucumbers, cotton, beans, and even corn.

false bombardier beetle bethalto il
False Bombardier Beetle

Latin Name: Galerita bicolor
Length: 17 – 25 mm long
Color: black, orange

These colorful beetles can be found a number of places including inside and outside the home. They usually wander inside during the cold months.

ground beetle bethalto illinois
Ground Beetle

Latin Name: Xylocopa virginica
Length: varies up to 25 mm long
Color: black, metallic

Ground beetles are black or dark brown in color, and they are attracted to bright lights and moist climates – they may enter your home during a hot, dry summer.

margined blister beetle bethalto il
Margined Blister Beetle

Latin Name: Epicauta funebris
Length: approx. 12.7 mm long
Color: black, gray

The blister beetle gets its name from a chemical that’s released when threatened – it can cause human skin to blister. Adults feed on plant-life including foliage and fruit.

japanese beetle bethalto illinois
Japanese Beetle

Latin Name: Polpillia japonica
Length: 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: copper, green, metallic

This beetle can be highly damaging to a wide variety of plants and foliage. They’re most active from midsummer to early fall, and they feed in groups, which can cause a considerable amount of damage.

big dipper firefly alton il
Big Dipper Firefly

Latin Name: Photinus pyralis
Length: approx. 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: black, yellowish areas

These bugs light up the night during the summer and are caught by children everywhere. This is the most common species of firefly in North America. The Big Dipper is a flying and light-producing beetle with a light organ on the underside of its abdomen.

black firefly bethalto il
Black Firefly

Latin Name: Lucidota atra
Length: approx. 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: black, yellowish, red

Black Fireflies are very similar and often mistaken for the Big Dipper Firefly. They have completely black wing coverings while other relatives have yellow edging on them. Additionally, the pronotum is round and yellow and extends over the head like a shield.

green june beetle fairview heights il
Green June Beetle

Latin Name: Cotinis nitida
Length: approx. 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: brown, green, orange, yellow, metallic

These beetles are attracted to overripe fruits and the sap of some trees. They have the ability to severely damage trees and plants and are found in gardens, orchards, and other wooded areas.

may beetle junebug bethalto il
May Beetle
Latin Name: Phyllophaga sp.
Length: approx. 12.7 – 38.1 mm long
Color: brown, reddish-brown
 

These beetles are commonly referred to as “junebugs” due to their high level of activity in the summer. Additionally, they’re attracted to light and are mostly active at night.

american oil beetle bethalto illinois
American Oil Beetle

Latin Name: Meloe americanus
Length: approx. 12 – 30 cm long
Color: bluish-black

This is another type of blister beetle that can be harmful when it comes into contact with humans. These beetles do not fly and feed on vegetation.

boxelder bug bethalto illinois
Boxelder Bug
Latin Name: Boisea trivittata
Length: approx. 12.7 mm long
Color: black, black and orange

Mostly black with white or yellow markings depending on the species. Their large, tear-dropped shaped nests are made in trees, shrubs, or even attached to buildings.

weevil bethalto illinois
Weevil

Latin Name: Curculionidae
Length: up to 6.4 mm long
Color: reddish-brown, black, reddish-yellow

These bugs can be identified by their snout, which is unique to these beetles. These small beetles are attracted to dry foods such as nuts, seeds, cereals, and grain.

human flea house flea bethalto il
Human Flea (house flea)
Latin Name: Pulex irritans
Length: 2.5 mm long
Color: brown to reddish-brown

These tiny insects feed on the blood of their host organism, which could be dogs, cats, humans, etc. Additionally, they carry disease and may cause disease.

dog flea bethalto illinois
Dog Flea

Latin Name: Ctenocephalides canis
Length: up to 1 mm
Color: brown

These tiny brown bugs are visible to the human eye and, many times, will enter the home on the back of a pet. These insects will manifest anywhere they can feed on a host.

cave crickets troy illinois
Camel Cricket (cave cricket)
Latin Name: Rhaphidophoridae
Length: 12.7 – 38.1 mm long
Color: light brown, dark brown, dark bands

These brownish creatures prefer dark, moist places and will find their way into your home when the weather becomes too hot and dry. Common places they’re found include basements, crawlspaces, plumbing, etc.

mole cricket bethalto illinois
Mole Cricket

Latin Name: Gryllotalpidae
Length: 25.4 – 50.8 mm long
Color: tan, brown, varies

These crickets may appear similar; however, mole crickets are larger, and they don’t hop like other species of crickets. These may be found around the outside of the home and prove a nuisance with their louder-than-normal chirping.

field crickets collinsville illinois
Field Cricket
Latin Name: Gryllinae
Length: 12.7 – 38.1 mm long
Color: black, red, brown

This species of cricket can range in color and only grows to about an inch in length. Additionally, they enter homes through cracks in doors, windows, and walls when outdoor conditions become unfavorable.

house cricket bethalto il
House Cricket

Latin Name: Acheta domesticus (Linnaeus)
Length: 19 – 25.4 mm long
Color: yellowish-brown, dark bands

While house crickets prefer moist, warm weather, and usually live outside; they venture inside when the weather changes and can feed on the fabric of furniture, clothing, etc.

common house spider bethalto illinois
Common House Spider
Latin Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Length: approx. 6.4 mm long
Color: brownish

Also known as the American House Spider, these creatures feed on small insects. They live in close proximity to humans and are not aggressive – you probably don’t even notice that they are there.

wolf spider bethalto illinois
Wolf Spider

Latin Name: Lycosidae
Length: 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: light to dark brown

Wolf spiders do not hunt with webs and stay on or below ground level when inside and outside the home. They can bite; however, these are not aggressive creatures unless provoked.

brown recluse spiders troy illinois
Brown Recluse Spider
Latin Name: Loxosceles reclusa
Length: 6.4 – 19 mm long
Color: brown, grayish-brown

This is the most deadly spider known to roam the Metro East area. They can be spotted by a brown, violin-shaped mark on their back and prefer cool dark areas of the home. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.

northern black widows edwardsville illinois
Northern Black Widow

Latin Name: Latrodectus various
Length: approx. 12.7 mm long
Color: black, red

These are distinguishable by a black body with an hourglass-shaped red spot on the abdomen. These reclusive creatures reside out of sight and only attack when provoked. However, the venom is highly toxic, meaning you should be vigilant when working around piles of brush, dead wood, attics, closets and other dark places.

daddy long legs collinsville il
Daddy Long Legs
Latin Name: Opiliones
Length: varies
Color: dark brown, light brown

These arachnids resemble, but are not, spiders. They’re not harmful and prefer dark, moist environments. They also are not known to have any major effect on crops or vegetation.

bed bugs alton illinois
Bed Bug

Latin Name: Cimex lectularius
Length: approx. 6.4 mm long
Color: reddish-brown

Bed bugs feed on blood and are found in furniture, mattresses, box springs, etc. Also, these creatures can travel in suitcases, duffel bags and live in small cracks and crevices that provide them access to humans.

brown marmorated stink bug granite city il
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Latin Name: Halyomorpha halys
Length: 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: brown

These bugs live in trees and feed on fruit and vegetable crops. They make it into homes via doors, windows, and other small crevices. Additionally, they emit an odor when threatened, which is an easy way to identify them.

centipedes fairview heights il
Centipede

Latin Name: Scutigera coleoptrata
Length: 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: yellowish-gray, brown

Centipedes typically live outside and feed on spiders, bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, ants, etc. They like cold, moist habitats and will find a way into your home via the plumbing when the weather dictates.

millipede bethalto illinois
Millipede
Latin Name: Diplopoda
Length: 2.5 – 4 cm long
Color: brownish

These creatures are similar to, and quite a bit larger than, centipedes. Millipedes bodies feature a long body with two pairs of legs for each segment. Most millipedes can’t survive inside for more than a few days, but give off a fluid that can cause blistering on human skin.

clover mite bethalto illinois
Clover Mite

Latin Name: Bryobia praetiosa
Length: .75 – .85 mm
Color: red, brown

These tiny bugs are brown as adults and red when they are young. They like to gather around mold and other fungi that occur in damp places.

silver fish collinsville illinois
Silverfish
Latin Name: Lepisma saccharina
Length: 12.7 – 25.4 mm long
Color: white, silver, gray, brownish gray

White to brownish-gray, these insects hang around in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, attics and basements and they prefer humid climates. They can be identified by three long bristles sticking out of the backend and two antennae.

sow bug alton il
Sow Bug

Latin Name: Armadillidium vulgare
Length: approx. 12.7 mm long
Color: brown

More commonly known as “rollie pollies,” these bugs are actually crustaceans that have adapted to live on land, which is why you’ll mostly find them outside in dark and damp areas.

fungus gnat bethatlto illinois
Fungus Gnat
Latin Name: Sciaridae
Length: approx. 3.2 mm long
Color: black

These gnats are small and black with tiny clear wings. Fungus Gnats feed on moist, decaying material, and they might be the most annoying insects out there.

drain flys fairview heights illinois
Drain Fly

Latin Name: Psychodidae
Length: 1.5 – 5 mm long
Color: light gray, tan

The body and wings of these flies are covered with hair, which gives them a fuzzy appearance. Similar to gnats, these are easily controlled with a fly swatter.

fruit flies troy il
Fruit Fly
Latin Name: Drosophilidae
Length: 3 – 4 mm long
Color: light gray, black, red

This is what you think of when you say “housefly.” Fruit flies are attracted to sugary materials, and they can breed just about anywhere, which makes them hard to eliminate from a home.

sand flies edwardsville illinois
Sand Fly

Latin Name: Phlebotamus
Length: approx. 3 mm long
Color: golden, brownish-gray

These tiny flies are often found outside in dark and moist places. Females use their mouth to feed on blood when producing eggs. This may be the culprit if you feel a biting sensation.

biting midge bethalto illinois
Biting Midge
Latin Name: Ceratopogonidae
Length: 1 – 2 mm long
Color: grayish, reddish when filled with blood

These tiny flies are often found outside in dark and moist places. Females use their mouth to feed on blood when producing eggs. This may be the culprit if you feel a biting sensation. Adults mostly emerge in the summer. Discomfort from a bit may persist for extended periods but is not severe.

horse flies alton il
Horse Fly

Latin Name: Tabanidae
Length: 10 – 30 mm long
Color: black, gray

These large flies are Found near bodies of water, you’ve seen a horse fly if you’ve been pestered by a loud-buzzing winged creature while enjoying the pool in the summertime. Bites can be incredibly painful.

deer fly bethalto illinois
Deer Fly
Latin Name: Chrysops
Length: 6.4 mm long
Color: black, grayish, light brown

These flies are similar in size and appearance to the housefly, and they prefer to live around water. These insects carry diseases and may bite humans to feed on blood for the production of eggs.

stable fly bethalto illinois
Stable Fly

Latin Name: Stomoxys calcitrans
Length: approx. 6.4 mm long
Color: grayish

Generally a lighter color than a housefly, these flies have elongated mouth parts that help deliver painful bites. Bites may occur around ankles, legs, etc.

black flies troy il
Black Fly
Latin Name: Simulium spp
Length: 1 – 5 mm long
Color: black, dark gray

These flies bite during the daytime and bites may be quite painful. Fortunately, you’ll only have to worry about black flies outside – they typically do not venture indoors.

cluster flies bethalto il
Cluster Fly

Latin Name: Pollenia rudis
Length: 8 – 10 mm
Color: black, light gray, dark gray

Cluster flies are larger than common houseflies, and they seek warm environments to live in during the cold winter months. Their size causes them to be slower than houseflies, which makes them easier to control.

inland floodwater mosquito bethalto il
Inland Floodwater Mosquito
Latin Name: Aedes vexans
Length: 6.4 – 12.7 mm long
Color: black, white

This species of mosquito lays its eggs offshore, and those eggs hatch when floodwater reaches them. They’ll feed on any large mammals and tend to spread diseases.

vector mosquito bethalto illinois
Vector Mosquito

Latin Name: Culicidae
Length: 6.4 – 12.7 mm long
Color: gray, white, silver, green, blue

These mosquitoes can breed in any form of stagnant water. Like any other species, the females feed on human blood for the production of eggs.

asian tiger mosquito bethalto il
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Latin Name: Aedes albopictus
Length: 2 – 10 mm long
Color: black, white, white stripe

These mosquitoes are easily recognizable by a white strep that runs down the abdomen and thorax. They usually feed during daylight hours when they are most active.

american dog tick bethalto il
American Dog Tick

Latin Name: Dermacentor variabilis
Length: 3/16 inch long
Color: silver spot, silver lines

The most common tick is called the “American Dog Tick.” This tick species is also known as the “wood tick” and feed on warm blooded animals such as mice and birds, as well as more domestic mammals such as dogs. In the state of Illinois, it is common for these ticks to appear in the early months of spring and summer (April -June).  These ticks are known to transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia and Ehrlichiosis in humans.

lone star tick bethalto il
Lone Star Tick
Latin Name: Amblyomma americanum
Length: 1/8 inch long
Color: brown

The lone star tick is primarily found in the southern areas of Illinois. These ticks are likely to feed on all warm-blooded hosts including domestic animals and humans. These ticks are most active April through July and are known to transmit the same diseases as the American Dog Tick.

blacklegged tick/deer tick bethalto il
Blacklegged Tick/Deer Tick

Latin Name: Ixodes scapularis
Length: 1/8 inch long
Color: reddish-brown

This tick feeds on a variety of hosts including people. They ticks are more common around fall and tend to feed off mostly deer, hence the name. They are known for transmitting Lyme disease, babesiosis and ehrlichiosis.

brown dog tick bethalto illinois
Brown Dog Tick
Latin Name: Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Length: 1/8 inch long
Color: reddish-brown

The brown dog tick is a tick that is most found on dogs but is known to bite humans. These ticks unlike others, can survive, develop and grow indoors. These ticks are typically found in kennels or homes where dogs tend to lay near open cracks or under furniture. The brown dog tick is not a carrier of any human disease and can be treated.

winter tick bethalto illinois
Winter Tick

Latin Name: Dermacentor albipictus
Length: 1/4 inch long
Color: reddish-brown

The winter tick is a tick that likes to feed on larger mammals such as deer, cattle, horses and some larger dogs. Winter ticks are hosts of larva allowing it to stick forever. They carry dangerous disease to animals but are not known to transmit any disease to humans. You’re most likely to see these while hiking or hunting.