Flying & Stinging Insect Pests

Wasps, Bees & Hornets

There are over 4,000 types of wasps in the United States. They are known for their painful stings and some species can be extremely aggressive and should only be treated by a trained technician. There are some things that you can do to make your property less attractive to these stinging pests.

• Secure your trash. Ensure that outside bins have tight fitting lids and any loose garbage is cleaned up promptly.
• Take care with the disposal of food and drink in outdoor areas.
• Check your property in the early spring for nests. Look in lofts, garages, sheds, and under eaves.
• The earlier a problem is spotted, the easier the treatment of the infestation will be.

Flies, Fruit Flies & Gnats

There are more than 20,000 known species of flies and gnats that can be found in North America alone. An infestation in your home or business is a serious issue. The presence of flies in your business can be devastating to your reputation. Flies are known to spread a number of diseases such as salmonella and E. coli. Some of the more common species found to infest your property are:

• Fruit Flies (Drosophila species)
• Bluebottle Flies (Calliphora vomitoria)
• Drain Flies (Psychodidae family)
• Cluster Flies (Pollenia rudis)
• House Flies (Musca domestica)
• Flesh Flies (Sarcophagidae family)

Moths

Although related to butterflies, some pest moths can be very destructive around your home. During the larval stage they are known for devouring fabrics such as silk or wool as well as infesting stored grains and cereals. Airtight containers should be used to prevent re-infestation once eggs, larvae, and moths are killed. Common moths that invest homes and businesses are:

• Case-making Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella)
• Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella)
• Common Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella)
• White Shouldered House Moth (Endrosis sarcitrella)

Stink Bugs & Boxelder Bugs

Stink bugs or Shield bugs are an agricultural pest that can cause widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops. They also invade your home. These bugs often come inside to survive the winter, emerging in the early Spring and Summer. They are not poisonous, but can be a nuisance because of their numbers and characteristic smell. They'll get in through any gap or opening in the building during the fall, and an infestation can grow rapidly.

Ants

There are more than 12,000 species of ants. Ants are very common insects and often confused with termites, especially the winged ants. Call the D & H experts to identify and recommend the right treatment options for your particular ant infestation.

Scorpions, Centipedes & Millipedes

Centipedes are usually brownish, flattened, and elongated animals that have many body segments. They may bite although their bites are not usually serious. Infestations can be found around leaks or other sources of moisture.

To most people scorpions are assumed to live in deserts and stay away from humans. That is not the case for either of the species native to Georgia. They do prefer undisturbed habitats, but will make homes in quiet corners of homes and vacation cabins.

Millipedes typically live outdoors in damp places, but in the fall they sometimes find their way indoors as they migrate to prepare for winter. They have been found in all parts of the home, but prefer crawlspaces, basements and other dark areas. Although they do not bite, some millipedes defend themselves another way. They produce an unpleasant-smelling liquid from glands on their sides.