Bed bugs categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-22 04:22 Bed bugPhoto by: Roger Akre Biology Bed bugs are ectoparasites, which means that they feed on the outside of their host. They attack humans, bats, chickens, and occasionally other animals. Adult bed bugs are flat and small (around 1/4 inch long). They […]
Bird mites categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-11 12:07 Bird mitesPhoto by: M. Bush Biology Northern fowl mites and chicken mites are blood-sucking parasites of domestic poultry and wild birds throughout much of the United States. Both species can become a pest in the home when starlings, pigeons, sparrows, or other […]
Bot flies (warbles) categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-22 04:24 Adult Bot flyPhoto by: K. Grey/R. Akre Biology Bot flies are among the few true insect parasite (a parasite is an organism that lives in another (the host) without killing it). There are two families: The robust bot flies (Cuterebrids) which […]
European fire ant categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-15 03:22 European Fire Ant profilePhoto by: ww.antweb.org Biology The European fire ant (Myrmica rubra), sometimes known as the red ant or ruby ant, is a native of Europe and Asia. It has been present in the northeastern United States and neighboring Canadian […]
European paper wasp categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-08-27 03:41 Introduced European paper wasp, Polistes dominula (Vespidae) on RabbitbrushPhoto by: D.G. James Biology The European paper wasp was introduced into Washington in the late 1990’s. Although we have a native paper wasp, it is found mostly in eastern and central Washington. […]
Fleas categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-15 03:34 Flea under microscopePhoto by: CDC/Janice Carr Biology Fleas are “nest parasites”. They generally move between the host animal (cat or dog) and the bedding (nest). The typical flea population in a home is comprised of 50% eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae, and only […]
Hackled band weavers categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-22 01:07 An adult hacklemesh weaver spider, Callobius sp. Body length 3/8 inch.Photo by S. Collman, WSU Extension Biology These are robust spiders commonly found in crawl-spaces in western Washington. Hackled band weavers have grayish abdomens and chestnut colored legs and carapaces (exoskeleton […]
Head lice categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-15 10:25 Adult head lousePhoto by: J. Glass Biology The human head louse is a common pest, frequently found where large numbers of people are in close daily contact. It can be a significant pest in schools, particularly among preschool and elementary-age children. Head […]
Jumping spiders categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-22 03:49 Salticidae—another brightly-colored jumping spider, Phidippus carneus. Body length, 3/8 inch.Photo by D. Pehling, WSU Extension Biology Jumping spiders are compact, active, and usually colorful spiders that are found on window sills, ceilings, and on outside walls and foundations of homes. These spiders […]
Mosquitoes categories: Fact Sheet Stinging and Biting Pests revision date: 2025-12-31 01:11 Adult female mosquitoPhoto by: unknown Biology Mosquitoes are pests because they annoy and bite humans and animals. Also, they may transmit or vector organisms that cause diseases such as malaria and encephalitis. Mosquitoes go through four developmental lifestages – egg, larva, pupa and […]