Scorpions are predatory arachnids that can be found all over the world.  They are best known for their frightening physical appearance with a long tail and stinger at the ends of their tail like appendages. Although they are all “venomous,” only about 25 species are venomous enough to kill people. There are about 200 different species of these arthropods in North America.

Description & Habitat
Scorpions are segmented arachnids that vary in size and most species under 9 inches in length. They vary in color from light tan with black patterns to a dark brown to black. All scorpions have bodies that are divided into three different parts: the head, the abdomen, and the tail.  You may be able to identify them from their clawed appendages as well. These “claws” are used typically as a defense mechanism or for sense purposes. They are virtually harmless because they are without venom and do not possess a stinging apparatus on the claw. Keep Reading about Scorpions

Silverfish are insects that can be found all over the world in most areas that are moist and humid. Typically they will be seen in bathrooms, attics, basements, closets and etc.

Description
Silverfish actually are commonly mistaken for firebrats. They have close resemblances but they are not the same. They’re common names come from the color of their scales and also their movement. The movement resembles that of a fish as well as how their abdomens taper at the end like fish. Silverfish are flattened and elongated. They have long antennae and three long and thin appendages that seem like antennae at the rear end of the abdomen. Silverfish completely lack wings and instead use a squirming, wiggling motion to move. They are born creamy white in color and as they molt, they will change from a dark brown to black to silver with a metallic shine color. Keep Reading about Silverfish

SNAKES:

There are thousands of different species of snakes all over the world. In North America alone, there are over 300 different species.  Of these species, there are commonly seen venomous snakes such as: Copperheads, Rattle Snakes, Cottonmouths, Sea Snakes, and Coral Snakes.

Venomous VS Non-Venomous Snakes:

There are three ways to distinguish between pit vipers (Venomous) and non-venomous snakes:

1. Has a deep pit on each side of head (midway between eyes and nostrils)

• Pit Vipers (Venomous) – Yes
• Non-Venomous- No

1. Row(s) of scales on underside of tail

• Pit Vipers (Venomous) – 1 Row of scales (except on the very tip of the tail, which may have two rows in some cases)
• Non-Venomous- 2 Rows of scales

*The shed skin of the snake show the same characteristic.*

Keep Reading about Snakes

How to get rid of No See Ums

No see ums are a nuisance because of their tiny size. They can fit through spaces in typical window screens and so people who live near marshes or swampy environments may see No see ums enter the home frequently. True infestation indoors is impossible because they are unable to breed without a moisture source, nor can they develop without a moisture source. Therefore, the best ways to control infestations are to target nests that are located outdoor and close to your home.

Outdoor Control:

You can prevent No see ums from entering the home by creating a barrier around the perimeter of your home. Using a liquid concentrate insecticide like Onslaught Insecticide or Cynoff EC that is diluted with water and sprayed with the Chapin Gallon Sprayer around the perimeter of your house, will help prevent entry of the No see ums. Keep Reading

Ceratopogonidae, also commonly known as Biting Midges or No see ums, are a family of small flies that are considered nuisance because of their biting habits. Just like their common name suggests, they are so small that they are hard to see, hence, No see um. They are a small family of flies but are like mosquitoes in that they have similar behaviors and habitats. People who live near swampy habitats or marshlands may often see them swarming in a cloud-like manner, near bodies of water.

Life cycle and Physical Recognition

No see ums undergo a complete metamorphosis. They emerge from an egg, enter into the larval and pupa stages, and then finally mature into an adult insect. Females are typically ready to mate as soon as they emerge from the pupa stage and mating will usually occur in flight. Female No see ums must feed before mating though and so they will usually hold from entering male swarms until after they have fed. Keep Reading