Most occasional pests enter structures because outside weather conditions become too hostile for their survival, they generally enter by chance while the pests are looking for harborage, water, or food. Although they may enter in large numbers, they usually do little damage and are a nuisance because of their presence. These pests can be managed by taking some corrective actions like source reduction, environmental modifications and exterior treatments.

CRICKET

APPEARANCE 

Different Crickets species vary in size and appearance. Most crickets are however identifiable by their long thin antennae and large jumping hind legs. They are also a nuisance due to their loud chirping noises. 

HABITAT 

Crickets like damp and moist habitats. They are usually active at night and a few types are attracted to lights. 

DIET 

Crickets are not choosy eaters. They consume any organic material, that is, both plants and other insects.

CRICKET CONTROL 

To get rid of crickets the property must be kept free of moist areas, especially areas in and around the house. The next key step towards cricket control is to seal entry points including door and window frames, to ensure that crickets don’t get it. Dealing with a cricket infestation is best done by pest management professionals who have the knowledge and skills needed to eliminate these insects.

EARWIG

APPEARANCE 

Dark brown; about 1″ long, with forceps-like clippers extending from backside.

HABITAT 

Earwigs prefer areas that are dark and damp. They live in clusters outdoors in tree holes, under piles of lawn debris and mulch, and under objects lying on the ground. Earwigs also live in exterior cracks and crevices of buildings, which is how they access the interior of buildings. While they look dangerous, they can’t bore into human ears or eat eardrums, which is a commonly heard myth about the earwig.

DIET 

Omnivorous; earwigs feed at night on leaves, flowers, fruit, mold and other insects.

EARWIG CONTROL

The key to controlling earwigs is not only to reduce moisture on interior areas of your home, but also to find and treat the places where they congregate and live. Treatment may involve removing debris, mulch and other objects from your yard as well as a thorough investigation and treatment of cracks in your home’s exterior.

SILVERFISH

APPEARANCE 

Slender and shiny silver or gray, with long antennae and three tail-like appendages in back; 1/2- to 1 inch.

HABITAT 

Silverfish prefer warm, damp, undisturbed areas and may go undetected for years. They live in cracks and voids and are commonly found in attics, basements and crawl spaces. Because they feed on fungal molds and organic matter, they are also seen regularly in kitchens and bathrooms. They can damage fabrics, paper and book bindings.

DIET 

Molds and starchy materials like cereals, flour, sweet foods, paper, curtains and wallpaper.

SILVERFISH CONTROL

Silverfish are one of the hardest insects to control, especially in homes with wood shake (shingle) roofs. Anything that holds moisture and allows for mold to grow will serve as food for silverfish. Treatment of cracks and voids as well as attic and crawl spaces is necessary to minimize silverfish. Because they can live in hard-to-treat spaces such as wall voids, behind fascia boards and under shingles, professional treatment is a must when silverfish are a regular problem.

SOWBUG

APPEARANCE 

Sowbugs are crustaceans and are flat oval creatures, about 1/4" long. Their segmented bodies are convex above but flat or concave underneath. They possess seven pairs of legs and two pairs of antennae.

HABITAT 

Sowbugs and pillbugs thrive in areas of high moisture, and tend to remain hidden under objects during the day. Around buildings they are common under mulch, compost, boards, stones, flower pots, and other items resting on damp ground. Another frequent hiding place is behind the grass edge adjoining sidewalks and foundations.

DIET 

Sowbugs are scavengers and feed mainly on decaying organic matter.

SOWBUG CONTROL

The most effective, long-term measure for reducing indoor entry of these pests is to minimize moisture and hiding places near the foundation. Leaves, grass clippings, heavy accumulations of mulch, boards, stones, boxes, and similar items laying on the ground beside the foundation should be removed, since these often attract and harbor sowbugs and pillbugs. Sealing gaps and having snug doors and windows will keep these insects out. They can't survive long inside due to lack of moisture and inside treatments are usually not needed. Exterior treatments are very effective in eliminating these pests along with implementing the measures stated above.