6 Insect (Or Other Pest) Identification Steps from Our Pest Control Experts
The National Pest Management Association supports the practice of integrated pest management (IPM), a common-sense process for treating and controlling pests. IPM incorporates three basic techniques, the second of which is identification. Insect identification is a matter of knowing what to look for, where to find it, and being able to see it. There are about 90,000 arthropod pest species in the United States, many of which have similar characteristics, making it even more necessary to have a helpful pest identification guide.
Our pest identifier is a list of bugs, insects, rodents, and other pests that does just that. Below is a list of six steps to effectively identify what's in or around your home, using our pest and insect identification guides.
-
Note characteristics of the pest. This includes shape, size, color, number of legs, and whether it has wings and/or antennae. For rodents, consider size, color, length of nose, etc.
-
Click on the category that best resembles the pest characteristics you noted in step 1.
-
Compare the pest characteristics to the images of the various species, then click the species that most resembles the pest.
-
Read about the pest guide. Learn about the pest characteristics, habits, habitats, threats, signs of an infestation, and prevention and control measures. The pest photos serve as another method of pest, rodent, or insect identification.
-
Contact a licensed pest control professional. If you think you properly identified what kind of bug it is from our insect list, discuss eradication methods with a professional before trying to do it yourself. Some pest problems are better left to professional treatment.
-
If you are still unsure of the pest in question, visit additional bug identification guides in the same pest category. A pest control professional can also assist in identification. A pest control company will send out a technician who is equipped with the tools and resources to properly identify the pest.
Identifying Common House Insects
Typical household bugs can vary greatly depending on where you live, but some of the most common house pests include ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, and flies, not to mention rodents. To determine what kind of pests you are dealing with, we recommend using our bug identifier above, as well as hiring a pest control professional.
Depending on the common house bug infestation you have, a pest control professional (also known as an exterminator) can provide you with a plan to eradicate these pests from your home and prevent future infestations. Use the pest and insect identification guide above to get started.
Our Latest Bug Identifier Tips & Other Pest Advice
Read the latest bug and pest information and identification help and advice from the pest control experts at NPMA now.
Tick Pest Guides
Ticks are capable of spreading diseases to animals and humans. Find out which species you're likely to find in your backyard.
How-to: Prevent Rodents in Vehicles
Did you know rodents could seek shelter in your vehicle this winter? Find out why that is and how you can prevent them from causing costly damage.
What Attracts Stink Bugs?
Stink bugs are harmless, but you still do not want to find them in your home. Find out what attracts this pest in the first place