Bugs, bugs, everywhere! Wherever you go, it’s likely that the moment you set your foot down, you’ll be surrounded by at least ten different insects. That’s the nature of these little creatures.
Some are small, some fly, and others can be downright annoying. In Pennsylvania alone, there are thousands of bugs in every nook and cranny of the state. While you can go your whole life without seeing some, there are plenty you will encounter every day.
Here are 25 of the most common bugs found in Pennsylvania.
1. Aphids
These tiny colorful insects are a bit of a pest for gardens since they suck the juice of plants. Some can even be toxic. Not to worry; as annoying as these insects can be, they are often prey for other insects like ladybugs and wasps.
2. Assassin Bugs
If you spot one of these insects, you best steer clear. They can be quite hostile. Assassin bugs are the violent type, and they can inflict painful bites on their unsuspecting victims. They move quickly, stabbing their victims to death with their beaks. As vicious as they are, they are remarkably effective at controlling the insect population in a garden.
3. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are common just about anywhere people are, and Pennsylvania is no exception. This pest can make its way inside your home by stowing away in your luggage or even on you. Once they are inside your home, they will multiply and use you for a blood feast, and you may be none-the-wiser. These little insects can be hard to detect and even more difficult to get rid of. Should you find one in your home, it might be time to consult a pest control expert.
4. Boxelder Bug
Boxelders are unique-looking insects, and while not harmful to humans or a threat to plant life, they can be annoying. These insects come in massive hordes and they dye things when crushed. However, since they are harmless, they are more of a nuisance than a danger.
5. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
This overwintering pest is known for its stink. The brown marmorated stink bug doesn’t just give off a smell, but it can also devalue produce by altering its look. Still, these annoying insects are more of a nuisance than anything, especially if they try to spend the winter in your home.
6. Giant Water Bug
If you’re taking to the water, you may want to avoid these bugs. Water bugs hang out in shallow water waiting to catch small fish, frogs, snails, and sometimes snakes for a meal. Identified with their foreleg pincers, they can often mistake a toe for prey; and they do have a strong bite.
7. Spotted Lanternfly
These flying insects aren’t from around here. In fact, this invasive species can be devastating to crops, plants, and trees. While they may have unique look, spotted lanternflies can suck plants dry, causing major harm to the ecosystem and our livelihood.
8. Squash Bug
Like the stink bug, the squash bug gives off a horrible odor when crushed. What sets them apart is their food; squash bugs feed on the juices of plants, stems, and fruit. Often, they will leave gaping wounds that will eventually kill them.
9. Water Strider
These insects may look like spiders, but they aren’t and pose no threat to humans. Water striders can glide across the water and use the surface to lay eggs.
10. Wheel Bug
Known for their painful bite, wheel bugs feed on slow-moving insects. Typically residing in leafy areas like forests, parks, or shrubs, you should steer clear if you don’t want a nasty wound.
11. Larder Beetles
These tiny household pests lay their eggs in dry foods, animal products, and dead insects. Not exactly the most pleasant thing to find when you open a box.
12. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are found almost anywhere they can find food and water. Usually, they hide away in kitchens or bathrooms, and they tend to stick where humans live. Unfortunately, these insects can contaminate surfaces and there are several different species.
13. Carpet Beetles
These beetles are tiny, about ¼ – ½ inch long, but they will eat anything from animal products to fibers and hair. They can be found around baseboards and other tight spots where they can easily grab some food.
14. Louse
An insect no parent wants to find on their kids, these pests are very small and are often found in areas with heavy population. Louse, or lice, can be picked up by sharing combs, hats, clothes, bedding, and even toilet seats.
15. Ticks
These tiny parasites can be found near any wooded area or even your own backyard. Ticks are dangerous little creatures, as they can carry Lyme and other diseases. They can hitch a ride on their host and feed off their blood.
16. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest creatures in the world. These tiny flying insects lay their eggs in still water using a blood meal to fertilize them. Unfortunately, they can spread devastating diseases such as Zika and yellow fever from one bite.
17. Horse Flies
These larger, more annoying versions of the house fly like to stick to sunny areas. While they do need off nectar, they often opt for blood meals too, and they have a rather nasty bite. Plus, they can be quite relentless.
18. Wasps
A stinging insect, wasps can be both a pest and a pest eliminator. While they can be useful for killing flies and other nuisance bugs in your garden, they can also be quite aggressive. If you get too close, wasp stings can be quite painful and even a threat if you are allergic.
19. House Centipede
These insects may be terrifying if one should pop up, but they are excellent pest control experts. Usually found in dark, cool areas, house centipedes feed on several household pests.
20. Termites
Termites can easily cause millions in damages should they make their way into a house. There are over 40 species in the United States, and these little wood eaters can quickly eat you out of house and home. Unfortunately, without the help of a pest control expert, they can be exceedingly difficult to spot.
21. Ants
These segmented little colony creatures can be quite a problem if they find a way into your home. There are several different species, some of which take over enemy colonies and make their captives slaves. They can be a pain, especially if they are building their colony in your yard or near your home.
22. Gnats
These annoying flying insects seem to know just how to aim for your mouth and eyes. Actually, it’s no coincidence as gnats are drawn to carbon dioxide. These insects breed near bodies of water and tend to search for warm, moist places such as drains, composts, and birdbaths.
23. Carpenter Bees
Don’t let these bees fool you; they are definitely not bumblebees. These solo fliers build nests into trees, frames, and other woodwork and can cause some real damage. And they don’t just do it once – carpenter bees will return over and again to nesting areas to lay their eggs again.
24. Ladybugs
If you spot these pretty little beetles in your garden, you’re in luck! Ladybugs are great at getting rid of garden pests. However, these can be a nuisance if they make their way inside your home as an overwintering pest.
25. Praying Mantis
These predators are often hard to spot, and they love making a meal out of all kinds of insects, including spiders, butterflies, beetles, and other mantises. In fact, they have been known to catch hummingbirds and mice as well. While too many can be a problem, these insects certainly can help keep your garden pest-free.
Concluding Thoughts
When it comes to insects in Pennsylvania, this is just the tip of the thorax. From sly predators to annoying pests, bugs make up a crucial part of the ecosystem. However, they don’t necessarily belong in your home. If you are struggling with a pest problem, seek out a pest control expert and keep your home safe today.
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