LEARNING CENTER

Your Informative Database of Common Pests

Is a mystery pest bugging your household? Natural Resources’ learning center is an informative database of common household pests found in Miami Dade and Broward Counties. Here, you will learn how to identify insects; understand their biology, diet, and habits; and find out what you can do to control them.

Not sure what pest you have? Use our pest identification form

Ants →

The number one nuisance pest in North America, ants make up the majority of local pest problems. Varying by species, the average colony is made up of anywhere between 300,000 to 500,000 ants. With the capability of surviving more than seven years, it’s no surprise that they are likely to take up residence in your home.

Acrobat Ants	Argentine Ants	Carpenter Ants
Little Black Ants	Odorous House Ants	Pavement Ants

Crickets →

More of a nuisance than a threat, house crickets are omnivorous scavengers that feed on almost anything in sight. Known to destroy both vegetable gardens and clothing, all while producing a repetitious chirping sound, crickets cause quite the disturbance! You can typically find more of these creatures in heavily wooded areas.

Fire Ants →

First introduced to the Southern United States in the 1920s, fire ants are characterized by their copper color and painful sting. Although commonly found inhabiting a sandy looking mound in your backyard, fire ants are also drawn into the comfort of your home by sugary and fatty foods. Regardless of whether you see them indoors or out, they are a threat to the safety of your loved ones.

Fleas →

Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing you to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.

Grasshoppers →

Grasshoppers are found on every continent but Antarctica. Here in the United States, grasshoppers typically inhabit dry open areas with grass and other low plants. They can typically be found in fields, meadows, and backyards. Grasshoppers seek out dry areas, so they do find their way inside houses from time to time.

Mosquitos →

Not only are mosquitoes known for disrupting outdoor activities, but they are also vectors for dangerous diseases. Drawn to standing water and capable of laying up to 3,000 eggs in a lifetime, it’s no wonder that mosquitoes are one of the top nuisance pests in the US!

Roaches →

Mostly nocturnal, cockroaches like to seek shelter from the outdoors. Likely to gravitate in dark, warm locations, many homeowners notice that cockroaches inhabit their bathrooms, closets, and kitchens. Ranging in color from light brown to black, the type of cockroach has much to do with the location they are likely to be found.

American Cockroaches	German Cockroaches	Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Oriental Cockroaches	Wood Cockroaches

Rodents →

Including mice and rats, rodents can present a number of threats to homeowners. Known to chew through wires, causing electrical fires, transmit diseases, and even track in ticks, it’s always a good idea to prevent these pests before a problem occurs.

House Mice

Norway Rats

Roof Rats

Spiders →

Contrary to popular belief, spiders are not insects; they are actually arachnids, closely related to ticks and scorpions. Possessing the signature trait of eight legs and known to leave behind webs, spiders are notorious for spooking many homeowners

Black Widow Spiders

Brown Recluse Spiders

House Spiders

Stinging Insects →

There are a number of stinging insects common to North America, many of which pose a threat to your family’s well being. Insects like bees, wasps and hornets can cause painful, sometimes life-threatening stings! It’s important to understand the behaviors and characteristics of these pests, so you can stay safe.

Carpenter Bees	Stinging Honeybees	Stinging Hornets
Stinging Yellow Jackets	Wasps

Pantry Pest →

Ever open up a box of pasta, a bag of rice, or some baking flour and find that some little beetle-like insects are having a party without you? Flour beetles, Mealworms, grain beetles, rice weevils, Indian meal moths, and drugstore beetles are a few of the “pantry pests” you purchase from the grocery store and bring home.