Argentine Ants

What Are Argentine Ants? Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are an invasive species that have become increasingly common throughout North Carolina. These small, light to dark brown ants measure about 2–3 mm long and travel in wide, well-defined trails that can contain thousands of workers. Habitat & Behavior What makes Argentine ants particularly challenging is their […]

American Dog Tick

What Is the American Dog Tick? The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is one of the most commonly encountered ticks in North Carolina. Adults are brown with white or gray markings on their backs and can grow to about 5 mm unfed, swelling significantly after a blood meal. Habitat & Behavior These ticks are most […]

American Cockroach

What Is the American Cockroach? The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is the largest common cockroach species found in North Carolina homes, growing up to 2 inches long. These reddish-brown insects have a distinctive yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of their head and fully developed wings, though they prefer running to flying. Habitat & Behavior […]

Acrobat Ants

What Are Acrobat Ants? Acrobat ants (Crematogaster spp.) get their name from their habit of raising their heart-shaped abdomen above their head when disturbed, as if performing an acrobatic pose. These small ants are typically light brown to dark brown and measure about 2.5–3 mm long. Habitat & Behavior In North Carolina, acrobat ants commonly […]

7-Spotted Lady Beetle

What Is the 7-Spotted Lady Beetle? The 7-spotted lady beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) is one of the most recognizable insects in North Carolina. These small, dome-shaped beetles are typically red or orange with seven distinct black spots on their wing covers. Adults measure about 7–8 mm in length. Habitat & Behavior While lady beetles are generally […]