Interesting Insect Information  

Did you know that insects account for approximately 80% of all the species of animals on earth? Insects play a pivotal role in maintaining various ecosystems, but when they invade homes and businesses, these uninvited guests become a nuisance.  

Insects often move indoors when the conditions outside become either too hot or too cold for them to survive. They may also be attracted to interior lights and food sources indoors.  

Many insects don’t survive long when confined indoors. Even if they only live for a few days or weeks, these pests can create issues in homes and businesses. Common insects in New York and Western Massachusetts include boxelder beetles, ladybugs, silverfish, elm leaf beetles, millipedes, centipedes, earwigs, and pill bugs. 

Insect Facts 

Humans often look at insects as tiny creatures, but they are a fascinating group that often has incredible features. For example, houseflies use their sensitive feet to find sugar. Other fun facts include the following:  

  • Ants can carry weights 50 times heavier than their own bodies. 
  • Some termite queens can lay up to 40,000 eggs daily.  
  • Bees fly up to 60 miles daily to find food.  
  • One pound of honey requires honey bees to make approximately 10 million nectar collecting trips. 
  • Many insects replace their bodies’ water content with glycerol during winter to help them survive cold temperatures. 

Dangers and Damage Caused Insects

Some insects rarely bite humans and other animals. Others attack when they are threatened. Some, including the house centipede, is venomous to other insects. Most, however, do not bite and aren’t a threat to most house plants. Certain insects, including silverfish, eat fabrics such as silk, cotton, and even leather.  

Insect Infestations 

Most insects are drawn to moisture. You might find them near water sources or areas where water leaked. Many insects look for shelter inside attics, basements, crawlspaces, and walls. In particularly wet seasons, insect populations often increase. Insects like centipedes, which prey on smaller bugs, may be attracted to homes, businesses, and other properties with other pests already inside.  

Common Insect Information and Identification 

Various bugs may make their way indoors. In Western MA and NY, come of the most common invaders include boxelder beetles, centipedes and millipedes, earwigs, ladybugs, and pill bugs.  

Boxelder Beetle Facts 

These insects average 1/2 inch long and have black bodies with red or orange markings. They often gather in warm, sunny areas, including buildings, rocks, and trees. Their droppings leave reddish stains behind, but these insects are mostly harmless.  

Centipede and Millipede Facts 

Centipedes typically have multiple pairs of legs on each segment of their bodies. Millipedes only have one pair. Millipedes also have more of a worm-like appearance, while the long, feathery legs and fast running speeds set centipedes apart.  

Earwig Facts 

The pincers that these insects use to defend themselves and to catch prey are located at the end of their bodies, giving them a distinct look. Although earwigs may pinch people when handled, they are harmless to humans. Earwigs average 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in length, with reddish-brown or dark brown bodies. 

Ladybug Facts 

There are more than 400 different species of ladybugs, most of which eat harmful insects. Some species will bite and may release a foul-smelling yellow liquid that stains walls and fabrics. 

Pill Bugs 

These bugs are actually a type of crustacean. They have a gray, armor-like shell and range from 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch long. These nocturnal insects mainly live under rocks, leaf piles, and mulch.  

Other Common Insects 

Many different insects impact homes and businesses throughout the region. Common examples include: 

  • Stink Bugs: These brown or green insects have a shield-like shape and a foul odor they emanate as part of their defense mechanism. 
  • Crickets: Outdoors, these critters sing a sweet song. Inside, crickets can be a nuisance, particularly since many are most active at night. 
  • Silverfish: These pests often eat clothing, book pages, and other materials. Like their cousins, firebrats, silverfish have three tail appendages that look like whiskers. 
  • Mayflies: Mayflies start their lives underwater and only dry off to mate. During mating season, swarms may accumulate on roads and other surfaces. 
  • Bat Bugs: These reddish-brown parasites feed mainly on bats but may occasionally bite other hosts if their food supply is low. 
  • Clover Mites: This pest has a distinctive red color and looks like a small spider. They feed on plants like clover and grasses. They don’t bite humans but can trigger minor allergies. 
  • Springtails: These insects can jump as high as 4 inches in the air, thanks to the spring-like structure on their abdomens. 

Identification 

  • Class: Insecta 
  • Size: Varies  
  • Color: Varies
  • Legs: Varies 

Keeping Insects Out of Homes and Businesses 

Maintaining the exterior of buildings and other structures can help prevent insects from getting inside. Trim thick shrubbery and overhanging limbs, clear leaf debris, and avoid standing water near the exterior. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, around doors and windows, and other areas can also help.  

Ultimately, professional pest control, routine monitoring, and preventive measures are the most successful way to manage insects of all types. USX Pest has the experience, knowledge, and equipment needed to maintain pest-free residential and commercial properties. 

Schedule a Free Pest Inspection Today in New York and Massachusetts

Insect infestations can get out of hand quickly. Contact USX Pest online or by phone to schedule a free, detailed inspection and jumpstart the pest control process.