Earwigs

Earwigs in North Carolina

Earwigs owe their name to the superstition that they purposely crawl into the ears of sleeping people and bore into the brain. Even though earwigs prefer moist, dark places, they choose these places for daytime hiding, not at night when people are sleeping. Earwigs are mostly nocturnal, searching for and feeding on a wide variety of insects and plants after dark. They are more common in the southern and southwestern United States and tend to hibernate during the winter months. Earwigs may seek refuge in homes when conditions outside are too dry, hot, or cold.

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.

Earwig Habitat

The diet of earwigs consists of a wide variety of plant and animal matter. Earwigs feed on leaves, flowers, fruits, and fungi, as well as on aphids and larger insects such as flies, captured with their pincer-like cerci. Day-time hiding places include under logs, rocks, boards, or dense growth of vines or weeds. Around homes, they can be found in moisture-rich environments such as cracks near swimming pool areas, flower bed mulch, underneath outdoor potted plants, and leaf litter. Inside homes, they will congregate in flaps of cardboard boxes and inside kitchens and bathrooms.

Earwig Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

In gardens, earwigs can chew irregular holes in leaves and flower blossoms. Earwigs can enter homes through gaps and cracks of siding and foundations. They can also gain access when homeowners transfer items like potted plants, firewood, or cardboard boxes from outside to inside the home.

If you are dealing with excess earwigs on your property, contact a local pest control professional.

Signs of an Earwig Infestation

Identifying an earwig infestation involves recognizing both the insects themselves and the signs of their presence. Key indicators include:

  • Visible earwigs, especially in moist environments.
  • Damage to plant leaves, characterized by irregular holes and chew marks.
  • Accumulation of earwigs under pots, stones, and organic debris.

Earwig Bites

Earwigs don’t bite people or spread disease, but they can pinch.  Although their pincers are not likely to break the skin, a pinch from an earwig can hurt. For the most part, earwigs are considered a nuisance pest during spring and summer. While earwigs can use their pincers to pinch if handled or threatened, they do not bite humans and are not venomous. Any discomfort from a pinch is temporary and without lasting effects.

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Contrary to some myths, earwigs do not pose a danger to humans. They do not crawl into ears or spread diseases. The primary concern with earwigs is the potential damage to garden plants and unwelcome entry into homes.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs?

Managing an earwig population involves a combination of immediate actions and long-term strategies:

  • Immediate Removal: Collect and remove earwigs from indoor areas manually, using gloves to prevent pinching.
  • Reduce Moisture: Employ dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation in prone areas to make them less attractive to earwigs.
  • Physical Barriers: Seal cracks and openings around the home’s foundation to deter entry.

Long-Term Control

  • Garden Maintenance: Regularly clear away debris and excess mulch to minimize earwig hiding spots.
  • Diatomaceous Earth: Apply this natural powder around the home’s perimeter and garden areas to deter earwigs.
  • Encourage Predators: Birds and toads are natural predators of earwigs and can help control their population.

Earwig Prevention Tips

Prevention focuses on creating an environment less conducive to earwigs:

  • Moisture Control: Keep gardens well-drained and avoid overwatering.
  • Storage Practices: Store firewood and other materials away from the house to reduce harborage opportunities.
  • Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and clean basements and crawl spaces regularly to remove earwigs and their eggs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Should You Kill Earwigs?

While killing earwigs is not always necessary, managing their population can prevent damage to plants and reduce their presence indoors. Natural and physical control methods are often sufficient.

What Are the Problems with Earwigs?

The primary concerns with earwigs are their potential to damage garden plants and their unwanted presence in homes. They are, however, beneficial to the ecosystem, helping break down decaying matter.

Funnel Weaver Spiders

Funnel Weaver Spider Identification

 

What Do Funnel Weaver Spiders Look Like?

Funnel weaver spiders are a common spider species found in North Carolina and are often confused with wolf spiders or called ‘grass spiders’ because they construct their webs in tall grass, heavy ground cover, and the branches of thick shrubs. They are medium-sized, usually brown or gray, with striped patterns on their legs and a characteristic, elongated abdomen. They are known for the funnel-shaped webs they create.

Signs of a Funnel Weaver Spider Infestation

Indicators of a funnel weaver spider infestation include spotting their distinctive funnel-shaped webs, often found in grass, bushes, flower beds, woodpiles and secluded corners of buildings. Frequent sightings of the spiders near these webs, especially in dark undisturbed areas, can also signify an infestation.

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Bites

 

Where Do Funnel Weaver Spiders Live?

Funnel weaver spiders typically inhabit areas with ample vegetation, such as gardens and fields. They are also commonly found around homes, in window wells, basements, and walls where their funnel webs can be anchored.

Diet of a Funnel Weaver Spider

Their diet primarily consists of insects that wander into their webs, including flies, mosquitoes, ants, and small moths. They are sit-and-wait predators, capturing prey that enters their funnel-like webs.

Life Cycle of a Funnel Weaver Spider

The life cycle of funnel weaver spiders involves the female laying eggs in a silk sac, often hidden within her web. The spiderlings emerge and grow through several molts to reach maturity. These spiders can live for several years.

Funnel Weaver Spider Bites

Funnel weaver spiders, or ‘grass spiders’ are not poisonous, but are venomous. They contain venom, as all spiders do, but because of the small size of their fangs, they have difficulty penetrating human skin.

 

Are Funnel Weaver Spiders Dangerous?

Funnel weaver spiders are not dangerous to humans. While they can bite when threatened, their venom is not harmful to humans, and they are generally considered beneficial due to their insect control.

However they are more of a nuisance pest as they molt several times before becoming adults, leaving cast-off skins around the house.

How to Get Rid of Funnel Weaver Spiders?

To control funnel weaver spiders, reduce their habitat by keeping gardens, lawns, and the perimeters of buildings clean and free of debris. Regularly clearing out webs and inspecting corners and crevices can also help. Need assistance, contact our professional spider exterminators today.

Funnel Weaver Spider Prevention Tips

Prevent funnel weaver spiders by maintaining a tidy outdoor environment, reducing clutter where they might build webs. Ensure that windows, doors, and walls are sealed to prevent indoor intrusion.

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FAQs

 

Are Funnel Weaver Spider Bites Harmful to Humans?

Funnel weaver spider bites are not harmful to humans. They might cause minor irritation but are not medically significant.

Is a Funnel Weaver Spider Poisonous?

Funnel weaver spiders, part of the Agelenidae family, are not considered highly poisonous to humans. While they have venom for prey, their bites typically cause mild, localized reactions, rarely severe.

Are Funnel Weaver Spiders Aggressive? 

No, they are not typically aggressive towards humans.

Does the USA Have Funnel Web Spiders?

Yes, the United States has funnel weaver spiders, which are members of the family Agelenidae. However, it’s important to note that the term “funnel web spider” can be confusing, as it is often associated with the more venomous Australian funnel-web spiders (family Hexathelidae), which are not found in the United States. 

The Agelenidae family of spiders in the U.S. includes various species known as funnel weavers, but they are generally not considered dangerous to humans.

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Funnel Weavers? 

No, brown recluse spiders belong to a different family and have different web structures. 

Unsure about which spider you have found, see our common spider species list to assist in identifying the species.

Ground Beetle

Ground Beetles in North Carolina

Ground beetles make up one of the largest groups of beetles in North America, with more than 2600 species. Most ground beetles are shiny, black or brown and iridescent, and are sometimes confused with cockroaches. Both are dark in color and move quickly, however, ground beetles are harmless, while cockroaches may create larger issues. Ground beetles are very common outdoor insects that occasionally become pests by wandering into houses and buildings by mistake.

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.

Ground Beetle Habitat

Ground beetles are commonly found outdoors under objects such as wood, logs, rock, and other debris on the ground. During the summer, in many parts of the country, ground beetles appear in tremendous numbers. They feed mostly at night and are attracted to porch lights and other exterior lights. Ground beetles can become an annoyance by crawling into homes and buildings through small cracks or openings, or through open doorways and windows. Once inside, they can be found in hidden, damp areas in the basement or under boxes or other objects on the floor.

Why do Ground Beetles Come into Your House?

Ground Beetles may enter homes accidentally while searching for prey or shelter, especially during extreme weather conditions like heavy rains or drought. They are attracted to areas with ample food sources, such as other insects, and often wander into homes through cracks and gaps in the foundation or doors.

Ground Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Ground beetles do not damage household structures or furniture and are harmless to people and pets. When exposed, ground beetles move quickly to find shelter but rarely fly. Outdoors, are actually considered beneficial because they feed on insect larvae. However, during summer, ground beetle infestations inside a home or commercial building can be overwhelming for any property owner. Although certain species have been known to release odorous secretions when threatened, none will bite or attack humans.

If you are dealing with a ground beetle infestation, always contact your local beetle exterminators.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why Do Ground Beetles Come into the House?

Ground Beetles typically enter houses accidentally while searching for prey or due to changes in outdoor conditions. They might be driven inside by heavy rains, drought, or in search of food. These beetles often enter through small openings, cracks, or gaps in buildings.

Why Are Ground Beetles Good for the Garden?

Ground Beetles are beneficial in gardens due to their predatory nature. They feed on a variety of garden pests, including slugs, snails, cutworms, aphids, and caterpillars, helping to naturally control these populations without the need for chemical pesticides.

How Do I Attract Ground Beetles to My Garden?

To attract Ground Beetles to your garden, create a habitat they prefer. This includes having areas with moist soil, mulch, and leaving some leaf litter or logs where they can find shelter. Avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides will also help maintain a healthy population of these beneficial beetles.

What is the Most Common Ground Beetle?

One of the most common and widely recognized Ground Beetles is the genus Carabus. These beetles are known for their large size, metallic sheen, and voracious appetite for garden pests. Their presence is often a sign of a healthy, balanced garden ecosystem.

Huntsman Spiders

Huntsman Spider Identification

 

What Do Huntsman Spiders Look Like?

The huntsman spider is one of the largest spider species in the world and is sometimes referred to as the ‘giant crab spider’ or the ‘banana spider’. Huntsman spiders are known for their large size, with some species having a leg span of up to 6 inches. They have a flat body, allowing them to fit into small spaces, and are typically brown or gray with mottled markings. Their long legs are spread out sideways, giving them a crab-like appearance. Despite their intimidating size, they are fast and agile hunters. Unsure of which spider you are dealing with? See our common spider species to help you identify which eight legged pest you have spotted.

Signs of a Huntsman Spider Infestation

While huntsman spiders are solitary and infestations are rare, signs include frequent sightings of these large spiders in homes, particularly on walls and ceilings. They may also be found in garages, sheds, and under bark or rocks outdoors.

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Bites

 

Where Do Huntsman Spiders Live?

Huntsman Spiders are often found living under loose bark on trees, in crevices on rock walls and in logs, under rocks and slabs of bark on the ground, and on foliage.

They favor warm, sheltered environments where they can find food and remain hidden. Huntsman Spiders are adept climbers and can sometimes be found in homes, seeking shelter in dark, undisturbed areas like behind furniture or in ceiling corners.

Diet of a Huntsman Spider

Huntsman spiders are considered beneficial as they feed on a variety of insects, such as cockroaches, moths, and on occasion, small reptiles.

Life Cycle of a Huntsman Spider

The female huntsman spider lays her eggs in a flat, oval silk sac and guards them fiercely until they hatch. The spiderlings undergo several molts before reaching adulthood.

Huntsman Spider Bites

Huntsman spiders are not venomous enough to require hospitalization, but bites are very painful and may cause other side effects in sensitive individuals. While these arachnids are large, they are not generally aggressive and most huntsman spiders will likely try to run away rather than bite.

 

Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous?

Despite their large size and fearsome appearance, huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. 

How to Get Rid of Huntsman Spiders?

Removing huntsman spiders often involves gently capturing and releasing them outdoors. Keeping homes free of clutter, sealing cracks and crevices, and controlling insect populations can help prevent them from entering. Contact our professional spider removal team to provide safe effective spider removal methods. 

Huntsman Spider Prevention Tips

Preventing huntsman spiders involves maintaining a clean and tidy environment, both indoors and outdoors. Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed and use insect screens to prevent their entry.

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FAQs

 

Are Huntsman Spider Bites Poisonous?

While huntsman spider bites can be painful, they are not poisonous to humans and generally may cause side effects only in sensitive individuals. 

What Attracts Huntsman Spiders to Homes?

Huntsman spiders are often attracted to homes in search of prey or shelter. They prefer warm climates and can be found in natural and urban environments.

Are There Huntsman Spiders in the United States?

Yes, Huntsman spiders are found in the United States, particularly in the southern states.

Is It Safe To Pick Up a Huntsman Spider?

It’s generally not recommended to pick up a huntsman spider as they can be fast and might bite if threatened.

What States Do Huntsman Spiders Live In?

Huntsman spiders are commonly found in southern states in the U.S., including Florida, Texas, and California.

What Is The Difference Between Huntsman Spider Vs Brown Recluse?

Huntsman spiders are large, fast, and mostly harmless to humans, while brown recluse spiders are smaller, slower, and have a venomous bite that can cause serious health issues. Huntsman spiders prefer warm climates and are often found in houses, whereas brown recluses favor dark, undisturbed areas like basements and closets.

Millipedes

Millipedes in North Carolina

Millipedes, sometimes called “thousand leggers”, are household pests. These creatures normally live outdoors where they feed on damp and decaying wood and vegetable matter, as well as tender roots and green leaves on the ground. Many millipede species protect themselves by means of glands that secrete an unpleasant odor. Millipedes are found in every U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as in Puerto Rico.

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.

Millipede Habitat

In nature, millipedes are scavengers and feed mainly on decaying organic matter. They occasionally feed on young plants but the damage inflicted is seldom significant. Millipedes have high moisture requirements and tend to remain hidden under objects during the day. Millipedes often leave their natural habitats at night and crawl about over sidewalks, patios, and foundations. At certain times of the year, especially during autumn, they may migrate into buildings in great numbers.

Millipede Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

While millipedes sometimes enter structures in large numbers, they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases, nor do they infest food, clothing, or wood. Millipedes are simply a nuisance by their presence, often invading crawl spaces, damp basements, and first floors of structures at ground level. Frequent sightings of these pests indoors usually mean that there are large numbers breeding on the outside in the lawn, or beneath mulch, leaf litter, or debris close to the foundation. Because of their moisture requirement, millipedes do not survive indoors for more than a few days unless there are very moist or damp conditions.

If you are dealing with excess millipedes in your North Carolina property, contact your local exterminators.

Are Millipedes Dangerous?

For the most part, millipedes are not harmful to humans or pets. They lack venomous fangs or stingers and are not aggressive. However, their defensive secretions can cause mild skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.  It is essential to exercise caution when handling them.

How to Get Rid of Millipedes?

If you have a millipede infestation in your home or garden, there are several methods to control their population:

  • Manual Removal: You can manually pick up millipedes and relocate them to a more suitable outdoor habitat. Ensure that you wear gloves to avoid direct contact with their defensive secretions.
  • Reduce Moisture: Since millipedes thrive in damp environments, reducing moisture levels in and around your home can discourage their presence. Fix leaks, improve drainage, and use dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces.
  • Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and other entry points that millipedes may use to access your home.
  • Professional Pest Control: In severe infestations contact your local Bug Out team to provide professional pest control to get rid of millipedes.

Millipede Prevention Tips

Taking proactive measures to prevent millipede infestations can help protect your property:

  • Remove Debris: Regularly clean up leaf litter, decaying plant material, and debris in your garden or yard to eliminate potential millipede habitats.
  • Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation can help reduce humidity levels in your home, making it less attractive to millipedes.
  • Seal Cracks and Crevices: Seal any gaps or openings in your home’s foundation, walls, or doors to prevent millipedes from entering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Should you Kill Millipedes?

While Millipedes are generally harmless, it’s best to avoid killing them unless necessary. Instead, consider alternative methods for their removal.

What Attracts Millipedes in Your House?

Millipedes are attracted to moisture and decaying organic matter. A damp environment or a buildup of leaf litter and debris can attract them indoors.

Are Millipedes Poisonous?

Millipedes are not poisonous, but some species can release defensive secretions that may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It’s important to handle them with care.

Pillbugs

Pillbugs in North Carolina

As one of the only crustaceans adapted to live on land, pillbugs are common throughout the United States. Pillbugs and sowbugs are similar-looking pests that are more closely related to shrimp and crayfish than to insects. Often known as roly-polies, pillbugs are able to roll up into a tight ball when disturbed or threatened. They are easily recognized by their back, which is made up of seven hard individual plates. Since pillbugs require moisture, they do not survive indoors for more than a few days unless there are very moist or damp conditions.

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.

Pillbug Habitat

Pillbugs thrive in moist environments and can be found outdoors under mulch, fallen leaves, and rocks. Pillbugs are nocturnal and require humid conditions during the day. These crustaceans are generally found in moist soil along with sowbugs, millipedes, and earthworms. Pillbugs may leave their natural habitats at night and crawl about over sidewalks, patios, and foundations. They can become a nuisance as they often invade crawl spaces, damp basements, and first floors of structures at ground level.

Pillbug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Pillbugs do not bite or sting and are not known to pose any threats to humans. They do not contaminate food or spread diseases. Pillbugs are mainly a nuisance pest, especially when they venture indoors. They are capable of feeding on tender plant tissue and occasionally cause considerable damage to garden transplants and seedlings. Pillbugs typically enter buildings through door thresholds, especially homes with sliding glass doors on the ground level. Seeing a pillbug in the home usually means that there is a large population outdoors.

If you have a pillbug problem in your North Carolina property, contact your local exterminators.

Pillbug Bites

Pillbugs do not bite or sting – they lack the means to inject venom or cause any harm. They do not contaminate food or spread diseases. When threatened, they roll into a ball as a defensive mechanism, which provides protection from potential predators.

Are Pillbugs Dangerous?

Pillbugs are generally not considered dangerous to humans or animals. However, their attraction to moisture can sometimes lead them to invade homes or gardens in large numbers.

How to Get Rid of Pillbugs?

If you find an abundance of Pillbugs in your garden or home, there are several methods to manage their population:

  • Remove Hiding Places: Clear away debris, logs, rocks, and any other objects in your garden or yard where Pillbugs tend to hide. By doing so, you eliminate their preferred habitats and encourage them to seek shelter elsewhere.
  • Improve Drainage: Ensure that your garden or the area around your home has proper drainage to minimize moisture, which attracts Pillbugs. Fix any leaks or damp areas that may be inviting to them.
  • Natural Predators: Encourage natural predators like birds, toads, and ground beetles in your garden, as they may help keep the Pillbug population in check. These creatures view Pillbugs as a food source and can help control their numbers.
  • Professional Pest Control: In severe infestations, contact your local Bug Out pest control experts to get rid of Pillbugs.

Pillbug Prevention Tips

Taking proactive measures to prevent Pillbug infestations can help maintain protection from these pests:

  • Reduce Moisture: Since Pillbugs are attracted to damp environments, eliminating excess moisture in and around your home can deter them. Fix any leaks, improve ventilation, and ensure proper drainage.
  • Clean Up Garden Debris: Regularly clean up decaying plant material, leaf litter, and organic debris in your garden to minimize potential Pillbug habitats. Removing their food sources can discourage their presence.
  • Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings in your home’s foundation, walls, and doors to prevent Pillbugs from entering. This can be particularly important in older homes with more entry points.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are Pillbugs Attracted to?

Pillbugs are attracted to moisture and decaying organic matter. They seek out dark, damp places for shelter and food.

Are Pillbugs the Same as Rolly Pollies?

Yes, “pillbug” is a common name for these creatures, and they are also colloquially referred to as “rolly-pollies” due to their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed. These names are often used interchangeably.