Pest Identification
AntsAn ant infestation is one of the most commonly reported pest problems. Ants are social insects and live in colonies containing at least one queen and her workers, usually in underground nests comprised of chambers and interconnecting tunnels where ants store food, lay eggs and maintain nurseries.
Bed BugsBed bugs are parasites that have existed since ancient times. For nearly 50 years, they have been dormant, but unfortunately we are now experiencing a widespread recurrence of bed bugs in Hawaii and all across the United States.
Bees and WaspsWasps and bees are beneficial insects, although they are generally considered to be pests because of their ability to sting people and pets. Wasps, in particular, can become a problem when they disrupt many outdoor activities.
Learn more bees, wasps and other stinging insects in Hawaii...
BeetlesBeetles make up the largest category of insects in the world, accounting for approximately 25% of all life forms on earth. In fact, there are more than 5 million different species of beetles.
Carpenter AntsHawaiian carpenter ants are social insects that use their strong mandibles to hollow out galleries in wood for nesting purposes. One of the obvious signs of this species of ant is the piles of sawdust found near their nests, commonly referred to as frass.
CentipedesEasily recognized by their many legs, these creatures are commonly found throughout most of the United States. Although their name means “100 legs”, centipedes have one set of legs per segment of their body and they really have somewhere between 15-177 legs total.
CockroachesThere are 19 species of cockroaches found in Hawaii; 3 of which are commonly associated with humans and are considered pests. The three main species in Hawaii are the American, German and Surinam or "burrowing" cockroach.
Coffee Berry BorerThe coffee berry borer is not native to Hawaii. It is an “introduced” small beetle that is native to Africa, though now a major coffee crop destroying beetle worldwide. Since September 2010, this beetle has been reported at 20 coffee farms throughout Hawaii.
Drywood TermitesDrywood termites typically nest and feed in wood with no decay, which has a very low moisture content. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require contact with the soil in order to live.
FliesTrue flies have only one set of wings and have a rapid rate of growth, going from egg to adult in about seven days. There are more than 240,000 different species of flies in the world. Approximately one third of them, including mosquitoes and gnats can be found throughout the United States.
Ground TermitesSubterranean termites are social insects that live in colonies consisting of many individuals. The colonies are composed of workers, soldiers and reproductives. The workers, which are about 1/8 inch long, have no wings, are white to cream colored and very numerous.
MillipedesMillipedes are not an insect, but actually an arthropod. Unlike centipedes, which they are often mistaken for, millipedes have two sets of legs for every segment of their body and when they move, their legs appear to be moving in a wave-like motion.
MosquitoesMosquitoes are a common fly that have a single pair of scaled wings, a pair of halteres, a slender body, and six long legs. Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes do not require blood to live, they actually feed on nectar.
MothsMoths are part of the insect group Lepidoptera. Like other insects, moths have a head, thorax, abdomen, two antennae and six legs. They also have four wings that are almost always covered by colored scales.
Other Pest BirdsOn Oahu, pest birds are a major problem for property owners as they are responsible for millions of dollars in damages each year. Pest birds in Hawaii including pigeons, doves, sparrows, mynah birds and chickens leave behind droppings that are highly caustic and can easily eat away at roofing and other structural surfaces.
Pigeons and DovesHawaii has three major species of doves that are considered pests. Commonly known as pigeons, all of these doves are invasive species to the Hawaiian Islands, causing competition with our native bird species.
RodentsThe class of creatures called "rodents" refers to any animal whose incisor teeth continue to grow, so they must continually gnaw in order to keep them operative. There are more than 2,200 different rodents. Together they make up more than 40% of all mammals.
SparrowsTwo species of sparrows are considered pests in Hawaii, although the two could not be more different from each other.
SpidersThere are around 3000 species of spiders that inhabit the United States. Spiders are often considered insects but are really arachnids, which are characterized by having 8 legs, no wings or antennae and feed on insects.
TicksTicks are external parasites that typically feed on the blood of wild animals, but unfortunately can also attach themselves to humans as well as our pets. In Hawaii, due to our warm climate, ticks can be a problem year round. These parasites are on a continual quest for a host.
WildlifeWild animals, including mongoose, feral chickens and feral hogs are a nuisance and can be potentially dangerous when they move into our homes or businesses. As rural areas are becoming more developed, these animals are more often moving into urban and suburban areas in search of food and shelter.
