Mosquitoes are carriers of encephalitis, malaria, and dengue. For sensitive individuals, mosquito bites can produce an itchy and red welt that easily bleeds when scratched. Only requiring minute ounces of stagnant water for breeding, the metamorphosis of the insect takes only 7 to 10 days to complete from egg to adult. Property-owners can take preventive measures in mosquito population reduction by removing its conducive breeding ground and cutting back any insect-sustaining vegetation around the property.
Also known as fire ants, red ants can grow to an average of 6 mm. These omnivores are scavengers of greasy foods, sweet treats, and even dead meat. Capable of building humongous domiciles, mounds can house large colonies of up to 250,000 workers. Two of the most common signs of red ant infestation is their earthen mounds noticeable after a recent rainfall or complaints about their sting. An average human being normally feels pain after a sting, but there are also fatalities recorded. In worst case scenarios, their alkaloid venom can cause excessive itching, sweating, and nausea.
Able to adapt in most climatic conditions, silverfishes are tolerant to cold. They have an environmental preference to damp, dark places like bathrooms, attics, kitchens, and basements. These tough insects feed on any object or product laced with starch or sugar, such as linen, shampoos, silk, and books. The presence of silverfish is evident in the trail of pepper-like fecal matters they leave behind.
Considered as among the most fearsome arachnids, spiders are associated with more phobias than any other pest. A bite from a highly venomous kind - a brown recluse or black widow - can cause severe allergic reaction and even death. Attracted to dark, humid spaces, like air vents, corners, and wall cavities, the major nuisance of common spider infestation is their unsightly webs.
Lizards are opportunistic pests. Although generally harmless, they quench their dry spells by invading surrounding vegetations, streams, gardens, ponds, and any water source where their food, generally insects, also prospers. Some small lizards find solace beyond a home's foundation walls when they follow insects that are attracted to indoor lighting.