top of page
Occasional Invaders
Asian Lady Beetles
Asian lady beetles are 1/4 inch, orange with black spots (variable), dome-shaped. They enter homes in the fall for warmth and may bite mildly. Seal cracks to prevent entry.
Centipedes
Centipedes are elongated (1- 6 inches), brownish, fast-moving, and have many legs (one pair per segment). They prey on insects but can bite painfully. Reduce moisture and seal entry points.
Crickets
Crickets are 1/2 to 1 inch, brown or black, with long antennae and jumping hind legs. Males chirp. They damage fabrics; keep them out with screens.
Millipedes
Millipedes are cylindrical, 1- 4 inches, dark brown, with two pairs of legs per segment. They curl when disturbed. Harmless but indicate dampness; improve drainage.
Spiders
Spiders vary widely, but common house spiders are 1/4 inch, brown with patterned abdomens and eight legs. They weave webs. Most are harmless and control pests; vacuum to remove.
Spotted Lanternflies
Spotted lanternflies are about 1 inch long, with gray forewings and black-and-red-spotted hindwings. Nymphs are black with white spots. They damage plants by feeding; report sightings in affected areas
Soldier Beetles
Soldier beetles are 1/2 inch long, elongated, and yellow-black, resembling fireflies without light. They eat aphids. Beneficial; no control needed.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are 1/2 inch, black with red markings and flat bodies. They cluster on sunny sides of homes. Harmless but nuisance; seal entries.
Western Conifer Seed Bugs
Western conifer seed bugs are 3/4 inch, brown with flattened hind legs. They enter homes in fall. Harmless; vacuum to remove.
Pill Bugs
Pill bugs are 1/2 inch, gray, oval, with seven leg pairs; they roll into balls. They decompose organic matter. Reduce mulch and moisture.
Sow Bugs
Sow bugs are similar to pill bugs: about 1/2 inch, gray, and cannot roll up, with two tail appendages. They prefer damp areas. Improve drainage to deter.
bottom of page