Pillbugs
What Are Pillbugs? Pillbugs (Armadillidium vulgare), commonly called roly-polies or potato bugs, are not actually insects—they are terrestrial crustaceans related to shrimp and crabs. They are oval, dark gray, about 10–15 mm long, and can roll into a tight ball when threatened, which distinguishes them from their close relatives, sowbugs. Habitat & Behavior Pillbugs require […]
Pill Millipede
What Are Pill Millipedes? Pill millipedes (order Glomerida) are small, dark-colored arthropods that curl into a tight ball when disturbed—a behavior that often gets them confused with pillbugs (roly-polies). However, pill millipedes have more legs, a smoother, shinier exoskeleton, and are less flattened than pillbugs. Habitat & Behavior In North Carolina, pill millipedes are found […]
Pharaoh Ants
What Are Pharaoh Ants? Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tiny (about 2 mm), yellow to light brown ants that are among the most difficult household pests to control in North Carolina. Despite their small size, they pose serious problems in homes, hospitals, and food establishments. Habitat & Behavior Pharaoh ants nest in warm, humid, hidden […]
Pavement Ants
What Are Pavement Ants? Pavement ants (Tetramorium immigrans) are one of the most common ant species in North Carolina. They are small (about 3 mm), dark brown to black, with parallel grooves on their head and thorax visible under magnification. They get their name from their habit of nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. […]
Oriental Rat Fleas
What Are Oriental Rat Fleas? The oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) is historically one of the most medically significant insects, having been the primary vector of bubonic plague (the “Black Death”). While plague is extremely rare in the eastern United States today, oriental rat fleas remain a concern in North Carolina wherever rats are present. […]
Oriental Cockroach
What Is the Oriental Cockroach? The oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis), sometimes called a “water bug,” is a large, dark cockroach species found in North Carolina. Adults are shiny black to dark reddish-brown and measure about 25–30 mm long. Males have shortened wings covering about three-quarters of their abdomen, while females have only small wing pads. […]
Odorous House Ants
What Are Odorous House Ants? Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) are one of the most common ant invaders in North Carolina homes. These small, dark brown to black ants (about 2.5–3 mm) get their name from the rotten coconut-like smell they produce when crushed. They form long trailing lines along baseboards, countertops, and cabinets. Habitat […]
Northern Mole Crickets
What Are Northern Mole Crickets? Northern mole crickets (Neocurtilla hexadactyla) are unusual-looking insects adapted for a subterranean lifestyle. They have stout, cylindrical bodies about 25–35 mm long, velvety brown coloring, and powerful, shovel-like front legs designed for digging through soil. Habitat & Behavior In North Carolina, mole crickets are most active from spring through fall. […]
Lone Star Tick
What Is the Lone Star Tick? The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is the most frequently encountered tick species in North Carolina. Females are easily identified by a single white spot or “lone star” on the center of their brown backs. Males have scattered white streaks along the edges of their bodies. Adults are about […]
Locust Borer Beetle
What Is the Locust Borer Beetle? The locust borer beetle (Megacyllene robiniae) is a striking wood-boring beetle found in North Carolina. Adults are about 20 mm long, black with bright yellow bands in a W-pattern across their wing covers, closely mimicking the appearance of a wasp. They are most commonly seen in late summer and […]