Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Sawtoothed Grain Beetles in North Carolina

The sawtoothed grain beetle is a common stored product pest found throughout the United States in homes, grocery stores, food warehouses, and grain storage facilities. Similar in appearance to the merchant grain beetle, the merchant grain beetle has the ability to fly, while the sawtoothed grain beetle does not. Adults find their way into stored grains, flour, sugar, nuts, and other dry material of plant origin through cracks and crevices of imperfectly sealed containers. They are incapable of attacking sound grain kernels and often occur in food previously infested by other stored product pests. Their flattened body allows them to easily penetrate broken kernels of grain and packaged materials. Not only do they contaminate food, they often cause mold problems due to moisture build-up.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Habitat

Sawtoothed grain beetles are commonly found in food manufacturing, storage, and retail facilities, as well as pantries in homes. This stored product pest feeds on bread, cereal, dry pasta, dried meats, candy, nuts, and other dry goods. A single female can lay up to 250 eggs within cracks of kernels of grain. As with other pantry insects, it is the larvae that do most of the damage, however, the adult is most commonly encountered. A typical discovery of a sawtoothed grain beetle infestation occurs when adult beetles are discovered crawling around a pantry area.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Sawtoothed grain beetles are not known to carry or transmit any diseases to humans and do not bite or sting. They are nuisance pests and will contaminate and damage food that is stored in the home. Adults can readily enter sealed cardboard boxes and soft plastic packaging. Sawtoothed grain beetles typically enter homes in products purchased from grocery stores that are already infested with larvae or adults. The primary infestation usually originates at the manufacturing facility where the product was produced.

If you have sawtoothed grain beetles in your North Carolina property, contact your local pantry pest control experts for help.

Need help with Sawtoothed Grain Beetle control?

Get a FREE Quote

Varied Carpet Beetle

Varied Carpet Beetles in North Carolina

The varied carpet beetle, which gets its name from the various colors on its back, is considered to be the most common carpet beetle in North Carolina. Carpet beetles are small insects that eat carpet and other natural fibers. Carpet beetle larvae are usually the first to catch a homeowner’s eye, as they are frequently striped and are covered in bristles, causing them to appear furry. As these larvae mature, they will shed their “shells,” which is another common way that carpet beetle infestations are identified.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Varied Carpet Beetle Habitat

Outdoors, female beetles search out spider webs, bees, wasps, or bird nests as locations to lay their eggs. These nests and webs contain dead insects, beeswax, pollen, feathers, or other debris that can serve as larval food. Varied carpet beetles are present in many homes without being noticed. In small numbers, they can actually be beneficial to your home in the sense that they are good at breaking down old organic matter and “cleaning up” after other insects. Adults usually appear in spring or early summer; indoors, you’ll often find them near windows.

What Causes Varied Carpet Beetles?

Varied Carpet Beetles enter homes through open doors and windows or on infested items. They are attracted to natural fibers and can be brought into homes on woolen fabrics, furs, or other items containing animal fibers.

Varied Carpet Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Carpet beetles are scavengers. In homes, particularly large, old homes, this species commonly becomes entrenched in attics feeding on dead insect remains; it then moves down into the home to infest Oriental rugs, wall hangings, and wood-based wall-to-wall carpeting. The varied carpet beetle has been recorded feeding on a great variety of animal and plant products such as carpets, woolen goods, skins, furs, stuffed animals, leather book bindings, and dead insects and spiders. If you believe that your home has fallen victim to a carpet beetle infestation, contact a beetle control expert.

Are Varied Carpet Beetles Harmful?

Varied carpet beetles themselves are not harmful to humans or pets, but their larvae can cause allergic reactions in some people. The larvae have bristly hairs that can irritate the skin, respiratory tract, and eyes.

How to Get Rid of Varied Carpet Beetles?

To get rid of Varied Carpet Beetles, it’s essential to clean and vacuum regularly, particularly in areas where the beetles are likely to feed. Infested items should be washed in hot water or disposed of. Insecticides can be used in severe infestations, but professional pest control services are often more effective.

Need help with Varied Carpet Beetle control?

Get a FREE Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why do Carpet Beetles Come into My House?

Carpet Beetles commonly enter homes in search of food. They are attracted to natural fibers found in carpets, clothing, upholstered furniture, and other household items. They can also enter through open windows or doors or be brought in on infested items.

How do I Get Rid of Carpet Beetles?

Getting rid of carpet beetles involves a thorough cleaning of your home, regular vacuuming, washing infested items in hot water, and properly storing clothing and fabrics. Insecticides can be used for severe infestations, but professional pest control is often the most effective method.

What do Varied Carpet Beetles Feed on?

Varied Carpet Beetle larvae feed on a variety of animal-based materials, including wool, silk, leather, fur, hair, and feathers. They can also feed on plant-based materials and are known to cause damage to carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, and other household textiles.

Stink Bugs

Stink Bugs in North Carolina

Stink bugs are large, oval, or shield-shaped insects found throughout the United States. They get their common name from the odor of the chemical that they produce in glands on their abdomen, possibly as a defense against predators. Stink bugs are primarily cropping pests, damaging fruit and fruit trees. They can become a nuisance pest for homeowners when they enter homes in the fall looking for warmth. Stink bugs are attracted to the south side of structures on warm fall days in search of protected, overwintering sites and can enter homes in large numbers.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Stink Bug Habitat

In the wild, stink bug adults spend the winter months in cracks or under the peeling bark of older or dead trees. In early autumn, stink bugs look for wintering sites. Outdoors, they can often be found on the outsides of buildings, in leaf litter and vegetation. When brown marmorated stink bugs enter homes, they congregate near doors, windows, and other entry points. They seek out narrow spaces to hide, preferring high and cool locations. Stink bugs can be found in cracks under or behind baseboards, around window and door trim, and around exhaust fans or lights in ceilings. In the spring, adults move from overwintering sites to host plants.

Stink Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Stink bugs do not bite or sting and are not harmful to people, houses, or pets. While the insects are not harmful, they are noisy and notorious for their pungent smell. Homeowners are sometimes alarmed when stink bugs enter homes in large numbers. Although stink bugs will not reproduce or cause damage inside structures, they will emit a pungent odor when crushed or disturbed and can stain surfaces.

If you have a stink bug problem in your North Carolina property, contact your local exterminators for help.

Stink Bug Bites

Stink bugs are not known for biting humans or animals. Their mouthparts are adapted for feeding on plant sap and are not designed for biting, stinging, or injecting venom. As such, Stink bugs are generally harmless to humans and pets in terms of physical harm.

Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?

Stink bugs are not considered dangerous to humans or pets in terms of transmitting diseases or causing physical harm. However, they are known for their defensive mechanism, which can be a source of discomfort.

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs?

If you find stink bugs in your home or garden and wish to control their population, there are several methods to consider:

  • Physical Removal: The most straightforward method is to physically remove Stink bugs from your home. You can use a gentle vacuum cleaner to collect them or catch them in a container and release them outdoors.
  • Sealing Entry Points: Preventing Stink bugs from entering your home is a key prevention strategy. Seal cracks, gaps, and openings in doors, windows, and foundations. Repair damaged screens and use weather stripping to ensure a tight seal.
  • Light Traps: Stink bugs are attracted to light sources at night. You can use light traps or sticky traps near windows to capture Stink bugs that are drawn to the light.
  • Professional Pest Control: In severe infestations, consider contacting our expert pest control professionals to get rid of Stink bugs.

Stink Bug Prevention Tips

Taking proactive measures to prevent a Stink bug infestation is crucial for protecting your property from pests:

  • Inspect Your Home: Regularly inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them to prevent stink bugs from getting inside.
  • Remove Attractants: Reduce outdoor lighting at night, as stink bugs are attracted to light sources. Additionally, remove vegetation that may attract them, such as fruit-bearing trees and plants near your home.
  • Harvest Crops Promptly: If you have a garden, harvest fruits and vegetables promptly to reduce the potential food source for Stink bugs.

Need help with Stink Bugs control?

Get a FREE Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Should you Kill Stink Bugs?

While Stink bugs can be a nuisance, it’s not necessary to kill them. Instead, consider using non-lethal methods to remove them from your home, such as vacuuming or capturing them and releasing them outdoors.

What are the Dangers of Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs are not physically harmful to humans or pets. However, they are known for emitting a foul-smelling odor when threatened, which can be unpleasant.

What Kills Stink Bugs Instantly?

To remove a Stink bug quickly, you can capture it in a container and release it outdoors. Avoid squishing them, as this can release their odor.

What Attracts Stink Bugs to my House?

Stink bugs are attracted to sources of warmth, light, and potential food. They may enter homes seeking shelter and warmth during the fall and winter months.

Springtails

Springtail Identification

 

What Do Springtails Look Like?

Springtails are tiny, wingless hexapods measuring about 4 to 10 millimeters in length. They vary in color, ranging from white, gray, or black to shades of brown. Springtails have elongated bodies with distinct heads and a forked appendage called a furcula, which they use to jump when disturbed. They have soft bodies and are often found in moist environments like soil, leaf litter, and decaying organic matter.

Signs of a Springtail Infestation

Signs of a springtail infestation include noticing small jumping insects around sinks, bathtubs, or damp areas inside the home. You may also see them congregating in large numbers on surfaces such as window sills or basement floors. In outdoor areas, springtails may be present in moist soil or leaf litter. Their presence indicates high moisture levels and potential structural issues.

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Bites

 

Where Do Springtails Live?

Springtails sometimes alarm homeowners by appearing in large numbers in moist indoor areas such as kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and in the soil of houseplants. They may also be found outdoors in swimming pools, moist landscaped areas or vegetable gardens, and on the surface of mud puddles. They usually appear in the spring and early summer, but can be found year-round in moist environments. Springtail infestations are usually associated with dampness, organic debris, and mold.

Diet of a Springtail

Springtails primarily feed on decaying organic matter such as fungi, algae, and bacteria found in soil, leaf litter, and other damp environments. They also consume plant matter, including roots and seedlings, and may feed on microorganisms such as protozoa and nematodes. Springtails play a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Life Cycle of a Springtail

The life cycle of a springtail consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Eggs are laid in soil or organic matter. Nymphs resemble adults but lack fully developed reproductive organs. They molt several times before reaching adulthood. Springtails reproduce sexually, and adults can live for several weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions.

Do Springtails Bite?

No, springtails do not bite humans or animals. They are harmless and do not possess mouthparts adapted for biting or piercing skin. Springtails primarily feed on decaying organic matter and microorganisms in soil and other moist environments, and they pose no threat to humans or pets.

 

Are Springtails Dangerous?

Since springtails jump when disturbed, they are sometimes confused with fleas. However, springtails do not bite humans or pets, nor do they spread disease or damage household furnishings. Mainly a nuisance pest, springtails can become a problem in newly constructed buildings because of damp building materials and wet plaster. As the building dries, the springtails will die off or leave. They can also be a nuisance around swimming pools when they fall in and drown in large numbers, often coating the pool surface. Although unsightly in the pool, they can be safely removed without cause for concern.

How to Get Rid of Springtails

To get rid of springtails, reduce moisture levels in and around the home. Vacuum up springtails and remove decaying organic matter. Need help getting rid of springtails? Contact our professional flea and tick exterminators today!

Springtail Prevention Tips

To prevent springtail infestations, maintain low moisture levels indoors by fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers, and ensuring proper ventilation. Remove decaying organic matter from around the home, such as leaf litter and mulch. Seal cracks and gaps in the foundation and around windows and doors to prevent entry. 

See our flea and tick prevention tips for more information on preventing fleas and ticks in your home.

Need help with Springtails control?

Get a FREE Quote

FAQs

 

Should I kill springtails?

Killing springtails is not usually necessary unless they become a nuisance indoors. Springtails are harmless and play beneficial roles in ecosystems, so it’s best to address underlying moisture issues instead.

Why are there springtails in my house?

Springtails may enter homes seeking moisture or shelter from outdoor conditions. High humidity levels indoors, water leaks, or damp areas such as basements or bathrooms can attract and sustain springtail populations.

Do I need to worry about springtails?

In most cases, no. Springtails are harmless and typically do not pose a threat to humans or property. However, if their presence becomes excessive or persistent, it may indicate underlying moisture issues that require attention – that’s where our expert team at Bug Out can help!

What is the purpose of springtails?

Springtails play important roles in ecosystems by aiding in decomposition and nutrient cycling. They help break down organic matter, such as leaf litter and dead plants, and contribute to soil health.

Smokybrown Cockroaches

Smokybrown Cockroaches in North Carolina

The smokybrown cockroach is a tropical urban pest in many parts of the United States and is common in Texas, the Gulf Coast, throughout North Carolina, and in some areas of California. This species is usually found outside in decorative plantings and planter boxes, woodpiles, garages, and water meter boxes; it may occasionally inhabit municipal sewers. They sometimes invade homes, spreading bacteria as they take refuge in areas such as attics, bathrooms, and kitchens. Adults can fly, especially on warm humid evenings.

Smokybrown Cockroach Habitat

Smokybrown cockroaches need moisture to survive, and outdoors they are found in mulch, woodpiles, leaf litter, and tree bark— locations used as protection against drying out. These roaches are occasionally found indoors preferring the upper parts of buildings; they also live under shingles or siding and sometimes get into trees, shrubs, and other vegetation during summer months. Smoky Brown roaches are sometimes found in kitchens, bathrooms, attics, and near points of entry such as garage and crawl space doors.

Smokybrown Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Though their preferred habitat is outdoors, smokybrown cockroaches can still cause problems for homeowners, especially in humid environments. They live in a variety of disgusting places, from piles of dead leaves to storm drains and sewers, and even eat bird droppings. When entering your home, they will bring dangerous bacteria with them, contaminating cooking and eating surfaces. Their skin may also trigger allergies in sensitive people. They rarely survive in dry indoor environments, though rare cases of indoor infestations can occur in moist, organic-rich conditions. They are often found dead indoors likely due to dehydration.

Do Smokybrown Cockroaches Bite?

While smoky brown cockroaches have the capability to bite, it is extremely rare for them to do so. They typically bite only when threatened or if they mistake a piece of food on the skin. Their bites can cause minor irritation but are generally not harmful.

If you suspect a smokybrown cockroach infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional cockroach exterminator.

What are Smokeybrown Roaches Attracted to?

Smokybrown cockroaches are attracted to moist environments and food sources, particularly those that are high in starches, sweets, and greasy substances. They are also drawn to decaying organic matter, which provides both food and habitat. Outdoor lights at night can attract these roaches, leading them to enter homes and buildings through small openings.

What is the Difference Between American Cockroaches and Smokybrown Cockroaches?

While both American and smoky brown cockroaches are large and can be found in similar environments, there are distinct differences between the two species:

  • Color: Smokybrown cockroaches are uniformly dark brown to black, whereas American cockroaches are reddish-brown with a distinctive yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of their heads.
  • Habitat Preference: American cockroaches are more commonly found in sewer systems, basements, and other dark, moist areas within buildings. In contrast, smoky brown cockroaches are more likely to be found outdoors, in attics, and in areas with high moisture content.
  • Behavior: Smokybrown cockroaches are strong fliers, especially attracted to lights at night, while American cockroaches, although capable of flight, do so less frequently.

Need help with Smokybrown Cockroaches control?

Get a FREE Quote

Yellowjackets

Yellowjacket Wasp Identification

 

What Do Yellowjacket Wasps Look Like?

Yellowjacket wasps are typically black with yellow markings, including bands around their abdomen and on their face. They have a sleek, slender body, about half an inch long. Their wings are translucent and their bodies are smooth.

Unsure whether you are dealing with a yellowjacket wasp? We can help you to identify common bee, wasp & hornet species.

Signs of a Yellowjacket Wasp Infestation

Found throughout the United States, yellowjackets are the most infamous wasps. These beneficial wasps live in colonies with thousands of individuals and would be a lesser threat to humans were it not for their opportunistic behavior of nesting in structural voids, attics, and cavities associated with landscaping features. Adult yellowjackets feed mainly on fruit juices and other sweet liquid materials, whereas their larvae are fed bits of soft-bodied insects like caterpillars and flies. These wasps are known to become more aggressive in the late fall and early fall months.

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Stings

 

Where Do Yellowjacket Wasps Live?

Yellowjackets can be divided into ground nesters, which frequently use old rodent burrows and aerial nesters. Above-ground nests are found among the leafy branches of trees and shrubs and also on structures. Occasionally, the nest may be constructed on the side of a building, in wall voids, under eaves, crawlspaces, and attics. The entrance of the nest is normally a hole located at the bottom. These aerial nesters don’t become scavengers in the fall and they are extremely defensive when their nests are disturbed. Locating the nest, through observing flight patterns, is essential to eliminate them.

Diet of a Yellowjacket Wasps

Yellowjacket wasps are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods. Their diet includes insects, particularly other small insects, and larvae, which they hunt and scavenge for. Additionally, yellowjackets are attracted to sugary substances like nectar, fruits, and sweet drinks, making them frequent visitors to picnics and outdoor gatherings. They scavenge proteins from sources such as meats and carrion. This diverse diet allows them to adapt to various environments and food sources, contributing to their ecological success.

Life Cycle of a Yellowjacket Wasps

The life cycle of a yellowjacket begins with a fertilized queen emerging from hibernation in spring. She builds a small nest and lays eggs, which hatch into larvae fed by the queen and later by worker wasps. The larvae pupate and emerge as sterile female workers, who expand the nest and care for new larvae. In late summer, the queen lays eggs that develop into fertile males and new queens. After mating, the males die, and the old queen and workers perish as winter approaches. The newly mated queens find shelter to hibernate, restarting the cycle in spring.

Do Yellowjacket Wasps Sting?

Yellowjackets are slow to sting unless their nest is threatened. However, yellowjacket stings pose a more serious threat to humans than bees, because a yellowjacket’s stinger is not barbed like a honey bee, allowing it to sting repeatedly. Some individuals are more sensitive than others due to allergic reactions and should seek medical attention when stung. Sometimes yellowjackets living in wall voids chew their way through the drywall and enter the structure’s living space. Naturally, the presence of large numbers of wasps flying around the room can be alarming to homeowners. If you spot a yellowjacket nest, always contact our professional wasp removal exterminator for help.

 

Are Yellowjacket Wasps Dangerous?

Yellowjacket wasps can threaten humans due to their aggressive nature when defending their nests. They can sting repeatedly, injecting venom that can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. They are beneficial as predators of pests like insects, but their presence near human habitation can lead to conflicts. It’s essential to exercise caution and seek out professional wasp & hornet control. 

Yellowjacket Wasp Prevention Tips

Prevent yellowjacket wasp infestations by keeping outdoor food and drinks covered, especially during picnics or outdoor gatherings. Regularly empty and clean garbage cans to remove attractants. Seal any openings in walls, roofs, or windows to prevent nest buildings and trim vegetation near buildings to discourage nest establishment. If you encounter a nest, avoid disturbing it and contact your local Bug Out team. 

Contact our professional wasp and bee pest control today!

Need help with Yellowjackets control?

Get a FREE Quote

FAQs

 

How Aggressive Are Yellow Jacket Wasps?

Yellowjacket wasps are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when defending their nests. They can sting repeatedly and release alarm pheromones to signal danger to others. Their aggression can escalate quickly in response to perceived threats, making them potentially dangerous, particularly in large numbers or near human activity.

What’s the Difference Between a Wasp and a Yellow Jacket Wasp?

The term “wasp” is a broad category that includes various species, while “yellowjacket” refers specifically to certain wasp species in the genus Vespula and Dolichovespula. Yellowjackets are typically characterized by their yellow and black markings and are known for their aggressive behavior.

How Poisonous is a Yellow Jacket Wasp?

Yellowjacket wasps inject venom when they sting, which can cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in humans. Their venom is not considered highly toxic to most people, multiple stings or allergic reactions can lead to severe health complications for sensitive individuals.