Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Identify the German cockroach -- the most common roach in the United States-- by noting its elliptical shape, its shiny light to medium brown color and its small size -- about half an inch long. If the insect has two darker brown stripes on its thorax, or front section, it is even more likely that it is a German cockroach. These pests normally infest kitchens and food storage areas. The bad news is that for every roach you see, it is probable that there are many more hiding and multiplying behind the walls.
Distinguish the American cockroach -- also known as the palmetto bug and the water bug -- from the German cockroach by noting the larger size; at one and a half inches long, this insect is is twice the size of the German cockroach. The American cockroach is the largest structure-infesting cockroach in the country. It is also darker in color, and -- unlike the German cockroach -- has reddish-brown wings. This roach thrives on moisture, so if you encounter this bug under a sink or in a damp basement, this is another indication that it is an American cockroach.
Classify the bug as a millipede when you see a worm-like creature about an inch and a half long, with a blackish body and bronze underbelly. The body is divided into segments, with two pairs of legs attached to every segment. Technically arthropods -- not insects -- millipedes tend to enter houses during periods of abnormal moisture levels; either drought or extreme wet weather can bring them inside.
Distinguish the centipede from the millipede by noting that the centipede is usually lighter in color than the millipede, with darker bands of color running crosswise on the body. With only 15 pairs of long, thin legs, it has less appendages than the millipede. Approach the centipede with caution; it can deliver a painful sting, although it usually only does so in self-defense.
Identify the red flour beetle -- also known as the bran bug -- by observing that the insect is about 1/8 of an inch long, and shiny and reddish-brown in color. Red flour beetles infest not only flour but many types of food, including cereal, cornmeal, rice and dried fruits. When not infesting food, they can be found in crevices under cabinets and even in furniture.
Recognize the varied carpet beetle by noting the insect's tri-colored pattern of off-white, light brown and very dark brown. These small, round beetles feast on a wide variety of materials, including carpets, furniture, leather and lint. If you see little holes in fabrics after observing the beetles, this is another indication that the insect is a carpet beetle. You will find them in dark, secluded areas such as inside closets and under rugs and sofas.
Spot the pharaoh ant by noting a very tiny ant, no more than 1/16 of an inch long. Pharaoh ants are colored light yellow to red and are found not only in food, but also in gardens and lawns.
Identify the carpenter ant by noting a large ant that is almost half an inch long. Although carpenter ants are mostly black, some reddish or yellowish coloration is usually present. Little piles of sawdust in corners and along baseboards are another testament to the presence of carpenter ants, which tunnel through moist, decaying or hollow wood.
Recognize the bottle fly -- also called the blow fly -- by noting the insect's iridescent, greenish-blue body. Bottle flies, which feed on decomposing animal carcasses, actually play a useful role in the environment. They are usually drawn to enter a house by food odors. If dozens of them appear within a building, it is a sign that there is a dead rodent or bird in a crawl space, attic or wall.
Distinguish the house fly from the bottle fly by observing that the house fly is dark gray, with four dark stripes down the thorax. The eyes are often brick-colored, and sometimes the abdomen is a yellowish-tan. The house fly, which picks up disease organisms on its leg hairs, can carry typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery.