Cranefly
What Is the Cranefly? Craneflies (family Tipulidae) are delicate, long-legged flying insects often mistaken for giant mosquitoes. With wingspans up to 2.5 inches and dangling legs, they can look intimidating, but they are completely harmless—they do not bite, sting, or feed on blood. Habitat & Behavior Adult craneflies are commonly seen in North Carolina from […]
Convergent Lady Beetle
What Is the Convergent Lady Beetle? The convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) is a native North American species commonly found throughout North Carolina. They are distinguished by two white converging lines on their pronotum (the area behind the head) and typically have 13 black spots on their orange-red wing covers. Habitat & Behavior These beneficial […]
Common Termite
What Is the Common Termite? Termites are among the most destructive pests in North Carolina, causing billions of dollars in property damage nationwide each year. The most common species in our region is the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes), which lives in underground colonies and builds mud tubes to reach above-ground wood sources. Habitat & […]
Common Silverfish
What Is the Common Silverfish? Common silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are primitive, wingless insects easily recognized by their silvery-gray, fish-like appearance and wriggling movement. They have long antennae and three tail-like appendages, and adults measure about 12–19 mm in length. Habitat & Behavior Silverfish are nocturnal and prefer dark, humid environments. In North Carolina homes, they […]
Common Moth
What Is the Common Moth? Several moth species are common household pests in North Carolina, with clothes moths and pantry moths being the most problematic. The webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) is small and golden-colored, while the casemaking clothes moth has brownish wings with faint spots. Habitat & Behavior Clothes moths target natural fibers including […]
Common Bed Bug
What Is the Common Bed Bug? The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a small, flat, oval-shaped insect about the size of an apple seed. Unfed adults are mahogany brown, becoming swollen and reddish after feeding. They are wingless and cannot fly or jump, but are excellent hitchhikers that spread through luggage, furniture, and clothing. […]
Clover Mites
What Are Clover Mites? Clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa) are tiny, reddish-brown arachnids barely visible to the naked eye at about 0.75 mm long. They have distinctively long front legs that are often mistaken for antennae. Despite their small size, they can invade homes in enormous numbers. Habitat & Behavior In North Carolina, clover mites are […]
Citronella Ants
What Are Citronella Ants? Citronella ants (Lasius interjectus) are named for the strong lemon or citronella-like odor they produce when crushed. These ants are yellow to yellowish-brown and relatively large for ants, measuring about 4–5 mm. Workers are rarely seen above ground. Habitat & Behavior In North Carolina, citronella ants nest underground, often near foundations, […]
Centipedes and Millipedes
What Are Centipedes and Millipedes? Centipedes and millipedes are common arthropods in North Carolina that often find their way indoors, particularly during wet weather. Though frequently confused, they are quite different: centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment and are fast-moving predators, while millipedes have two pairs per segment and are slow-moving decomposers. […]
Cat Fleas
What Are Cat Fleas? The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the most common flea species in North Carolina and infests both cats and dogs despite its name. Adults are small (1–3 mm), dark reddish-brown, laterally flattened, and capable of jumping up to 150 times their body length. Habitat & Behavior Cat fleas thrive in North […]