Nuisance-pest
Guides
Aedes vexans
inland floodwater mosquito, tomguito
Aedes vexans is a cosmopolitan floodwater mosquito native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is now established in Australia. It is frequently the most abundant mosquito species across much of its range, particularly in northern latitudes. Females are aggressive human biters active at dusk, while males feed exclusively on nectar. The species is a documented vector for multiple pathogens including dog heartworm, Tahyna virus, and West Nile virus, and has demonstrated laboratory competence for Zika virus transmission. Its eggs survive winter in dry flood-prone soils, hatching when inundated by rainfall.
Bibio femoratus
March fly, Lovebug
Bibio femoratus is a medium-sized fly in the family Bibionidae, commonly known as the March fly or lovebug in the southeastern United States. Adults are recognized by their black bodies with orange or red thorax and legs, and a diagnostic dark spot on the leading edge of the wing. The species forms conspicuous mating swarms in early spring, with pairs remaining coupled for extended periods. Larvae develop in soil and feed on decaying organic matter.
Boisea
Boxelder Bugs
Boisea is a small genus of soapberry bugs (family Rhopalidae) with a highly disjunct distribution across North America, India, and Africa. The genus contains at least three recognized species, including the well-known North American boxelder bugs: the eastern Boisea trivittata and western Boisea rubrolineata, plus the African Boisea fulcrata. The patchy, vicariant distribution pattern is considered relictual, suggesting a formerly more extensive continuous range. Members are seed-feeding specialists primarily associated with maple family trees.
Boisea rubrolineata
Western Boxelder Bug
Boisea rubrolineata, the western boxelder bug, is a scentless plant bug native to western North America, ranging west of the Continental Divide. This species is a specialist herbivore primarily associated with boxelder maple (Acer negundo), feeding on both pollen from staminate trees and seeds from pistillate trees. Distinguished from its eastern counterpart B. trivittata by prominent red veins on the corium, it exhibits complex semiochemical-mediated behaviors including aggregation and host foraging. The species undergoes incomplete metamorphosis and seeks sheltered overwintering sites in autumn, often becoming a nuisance pest when entering human structures.
Boisea trivittata
eastern boxelder bug, box bug, maple bug, adobe bug
Boisea trivittata, commonly known as the eastern boxelder bug, is a North American true bug in the family Rhopalidae. Despite being classified as 'scentless plant bugs,' this species produces defensive monoterpene hydrocarbons that deter predators. Adults are approximately 12-13 mm long with dark brown or black coloration marked by distinctive red wing veins and abdominal markings. The species undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, with bright red nymphs maturing to winged adults before winter. It is primarily associated with boxelder trees (Acer negundo), though it also occurs on other maples and ash trees.
Brachymyrmex patagonicus
Dark Rover Ant, Black Rover Ant
Brachymyrmex patagonicus is a small invasive ant native to South America that has established populations across the southern United States, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Workers are diminutive (1.0–2.0 mm), brown to black, with nine-segmented antennae and relatively large eyes compared to congeners. The species exhibits an unusual multicolonial social structure for an invasive ant, with most colonies consisting of a single nest headed by one queen, maintaining aggression toward non-nestmates rather than forming supercolonies. It is a significant nuisance pest of buildings but does not bite, sting, or vector disease.
Ceroxys
picture-winged flies
Ceroxys is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, comprising approximately 20 described species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are recognized by their distinctive patterned wings featuring dark spots, bars, or lines on a translucent background. The genus includes notable species such as Ceroxys latiusculus, which is common in western North America and frequently observed indoors during fall and winter. Larval development occurs in plant seed heads, particularly Senecio species.
Ceroxys latiusculus
narrow-banded picture-winged fly, picture-winged fly
Ceroxys latiusculus, commonly known as the narrow-banded picture-winged fly, is a species of ulidiid fly native to western North America. Adults measure 9–12 mm and are recognized by their grayish-brown bodies, black abdomen with gray bands, and distinctively patterned wings. The species is frequently encountered as a nuisance pest when adults enter buildings in autumn to seek winter shelter. Larvae develop within the seed heads of Senecio plants.
Chrysops divisus
deer fly
Chrysops divisus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. It was described by Walker in 1848. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it is a blood-feeding fly that is known to bite humans and other mammals. The species has been recorded in the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature.
Chrysops shermani
Sherman's Deer Fly
Chrysops shermani is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Hine in 1907. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it is a biting fly known for its painful bites to mammals, including humans. The species is found in the United States, with records from Vermont and other states.
Cimex lectularius
common bed bug, bed bug
Cimex lectularius is a hematophagous ectoparasite in the family Cimicidae, primarily associated with human dwellings. The species has undergone a global resurgence since the late 1990s following decades of suppression by DDT and other insecticides. Populations show documented resistance to multiple insecticide classes including pyrethroids and pyrroles. The species comprises at least two host-associated lineages: one feeding on humans and another on bats.
Clogmia
drain flies, moth flies, filter flies, bathroom flies
Clogmia is a genus of small, non-biting drain flies in the family Psychodidae. Adults are 3–5 mm long with fuzzy, moth-like appearance due to dense hairs on wings and body. The genus includes the cosmopolitan species C. albipunctata, commonly known as the filter fly or bathroom fly, which frequently inhabits human dwellings. These flies are primarily nuisance pests associated with moist, decaying organic matter. Larvae play a documented role in sewage treatment as decomposers.
Drosophilidae
Vinegar flies, Pomace flies, Fruit flies
Drosophilidae is a diverse, cosmopolitan family of small flies commonly known as vinegar or pomace flies, though often mislabeled 'fruit flies.' The family contains over 4,000 species across 75 genera, with Drosophila melanogaster serving as one of the most important model organisms in genetics, development, and behavioral research. Most species are associated with decomposing organic matter, particularly fermenting fruits and vegetables, though some have evolved specialized relationships with flowers, fungi, or living plant tissue.
Fannia fuscula
Fannia fuscula is a species of lesser house fly in the family Fanniidae. It is a small, grayish fly distributed across northern Europe and parts of North America. The species belongs to a genus commonly associated with decaying organic matter and synanthropic environments. Like other Fannia species, it is often found in and around human structures.
Forcipomyia
biting midges, no-see-ums, punkies
Forcipomyia is a large genus of biting midges comprising over 1,000 described species. The genus exhibits remarkable ecological diversity: species in the subgenus Lasiohelea are vertebrate blood-feeders, some species act as ectoparasites on larger insects, and others serve as the exclusive pollinators of cacao (Theobroma cacao), making them essential to chocolate production. This genus belongs to the family Ceratopogonidae and demonstrates one of the highest recorded wing-beat frequencies among insects.
Fucellia thinobia
Cormorant Fly, Kelp Fly
Fucellia thinobia is a small fly in the family Anthomyiidae known primarily from Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Despite being commonly called a "kelp fly," it has no association with kelp; rather, it develops in purge-soaked soil beneath dead cormorants in island rookeries. The species was the focus of intensive research by UC Davis forensic entomologist Robert Kimsey beginning in 2007, who demonstrated its strict dependence on cormorant carcass sites. Its localized distribution and specialized breeding habitat make it a notable example of island endemism among dipterans.
Halyomorpha halys
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, BMSB
Halyomorpha halys is an invasive shield bug native to East Asia that has become a major agricultural and nuisance pest across North America, Europe, and beyond. First detected in Pennsylvania in 1998, it has spread to at least 47 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, and numerous European countries. The species is highly polyphagous, feeding on over 300 plant species across 49 families, with particular preference for Rosaceae. Its invasion success is facilitated by high mobility, broad host range, and absence of natural enemies in invaded ranges. Natural control is emerging through adventive populations of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus and other native predators and pathogens.
Hippelates
eye gnats, eye flies
Hippelates is a genus of minute flies in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as eye gnats or eye flies. Adults measure 1.5–2.5 mm in length and frequently aggregate around the eyes of humans and animals to feed on lacrimal secretions. They do not bite. Several species have documented medical and veterinary significance, including transmission of bacterial pathogens causing bovine mastitis and human conjunctivitis.
Hypogastrura
snow fleas
Hypogastrura is a large genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, comprising at least 150 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes the well-known "snow fleas" such as Hypogastrura nivicola, which are conspicuous on snow surfaces in winter. Members are small, typically 1–3 mm, with the characteristic springtail body plan including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore. The genus occupies diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to caves and forest floors.
Jadera haematoloma
red-shouldered bug, goldenrain-tree bug, soapberry bug
Jadera haematoloma is a true bug in the family Rhopalidae, commonly known as the red-shouldered bug, goldenrain-tree bug, or soapberry bug. It feeds on seeds of plants in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae) and has become a classic model organism for studying rapid evolutionary adaptation to novel hosts. The species is notable for documented cases of contemporary evolution, including changes in beak length and life history traits following host shifts to introduced plants. It is frequently mistaken for boxelder bugs (Boisea spp.) due to similar coloration and habits.
Lasius interjectus
Larger Yellow Ant, Larger Citronella Ant, Citronella Ant
Lasius interjectus, commonly known as the larger yellow ant or larger citronella ant, is a North American ant species distinguished by its yellowish coloration and distinctive lemon-citronella scent. Formerly classified in the genus Acanthomyops (now a subgenus of Lasius), this species nests in soil, often along building foundations, and is known for producing alate swarms that sometimes emerge indoors. The species poses no structural threat to buildings and is recognized by its chemical defense using citronellal and formic acid.
Leptocera
Leptocera is a genus of small flies in the family Sphaeroceridae (Diptera), established by Olivier in 1813. The genus includes multiple subgenera with divergent ecological specializations: the nominate subgenus Leptocera contains species associated with decaying organic matter including sewage systems, while the subgenus Thoracochaeta is restricted to marine supralittoral habitats. Several species have been documented as pests in artificial environments. The genus is distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Nearctic, with some species recently introduced to North America.
Leptoconops
black gnat, no-see-um
Leptoconops is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) commonly known as black gnats or no-see-ums. The genus has a relictual distribution with predominantly tropical and subtropical range, though some species extend to temperate regions including Russia and Canada. Adults are small blood-feeding insects; females are diurnal feeders on vertebrate blood. The genus represents one of the earliest existing lineages of biting midges, with fossil records dating to Cretaceous amber.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLeptoglossus occidentalis
Western Conifer Seed Bug, WCSB
Leptoglossus occidentalis, commonly known as the Western Conifer Seed Bug, is a leaf-footed bug native to western North America that has undergone dramatic range expansion. Originally confined to the Pacific coast region from California to British Columbia, it began spreading eastward in the 1950s, reaching the Atlantic coast by the 1990s. The species has also become invasive in Europe (first detected in Italy in 1999), Asia, South America, and elsewhere. Adults are notable for their loud, droning flight and tendency to seek shelter indoors during autumn, where they become nuisance pests. They feed on conifer seeds and developing cones, particularly of pines, and can cause significant damage in seed orchards.
Liohippelates
Liohippelates Eye Gnats, eye gnats
Liohippelates is a genus of eye gnats (Diptera: Chloropidae) containing approximately 11 described species. These small flies are recognized for their persistent association with mammalian eyes and bodily secretions, causing significant nuisance to humans and livestock. Several species, notably L. pusio and L. collusor, have been extensively studied as agricultural and public health pests in the United States since the 1930s. The genus includes confirmed mechanical vectors of human pathogens, with L. peruanus documented carrying Haemophilus aegyptius associated with Brazilian purpuric fever.
Lipoptena
deer ked, louse fly, ked fly
Lipoptena is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising approximately 30 described species of obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites primarily associated with deer and other cervids. Adults are initially winged but shed their wings upon locating a host, becoming permanently attached and resembling ticks in appearance. Several species have expanded their ranges through human-mediated transport of hosts, with L. cervi (European deer ked) now invasive in northeastern North America. Members of this genus are increasingly recognized as nuisance pests for hunters and outdoor recreationists, and as potential vectors of bacterial pathogens including Bartonella species.
Litoprosopus
Palm Flower Moth, Palm Budworm
Litoprosopus is a genus of moths in the subfamily Dyopsinae of the family Erebidae, containing approximately seven described species. The genus is best known for Litoprosopus coachella, commonly called the palm flower moth or palm budworm, whose caterpillars feed on ornamental fan palms and frequently enter human dwellings to pupate. Adult moths are medium-sized with relatively dull coloration, while larvae are grub-like, nearly hairless, and possess powerful mandibles capable of delivering a noticeable bite.
Melacoryphus admirabilis
Admirable Seed Bug
Melacoryphus admirabilis is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, native to the Nearctic region of North America. The species is closely related to other soapberry bugs and shares ecological associations with plants in the family Sapindaceae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, typically in warm, arid habitats. Like other members of its genus, it feeds on seeds and plant fluids. The species is occasionally encountered in large aggregations.
Metopoplax ditomoides
Metopoplax ditomoides is a small ground bug in the family Oxycarenidae. It has been documented across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and has been introduced to Chile and Canada. The species is notable for forming large aggregations that migrate from marshy habitats and occasionally invade buildings near riparian zones.
Ochlerotatus cantator
brown saltmarsh mosquito
Ochlerotatus cantator, commonly known as the brown saltmarsh mosquito, is a floodplain mosquito species native to eastern North America. It was reclassified from Aedes cantator to Ochlerotatus cantator following taxonomic revision of the genus. The species is particularly abundant in coastal and inland salt marsh habitats, where it serves as a significant nuisance biter and potential disease vector.
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma
Hackberry Gemma Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma is a hackberry psyllid species that induces distinct galls on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). Adults are small, cicada-like insects measuring 3.5–4.5 mm, with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species produces "gemma galls"—irregular, wart-like growths on hackberry leaves that house developing nymphs. Like other hackberry psyllids, it has a single generation per year and overwinters as adults in concealed locations.
Pachypsylla celtidisvesicula
hackberry blistergall psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisvesicula, commonly called the hackberry blistergall psyllid, is a species of aphalarid psyllid native to North America. The nymphs induce distinctive blister-like galls on the leaves of various hackberry species (Celtis spp.), within which they develop through five instars before emerging as adults. Adults strongly resemble the related hackberry nipplegall psyllid (Pachypsylla celtidismamma) but can be distinguished by the gall type their nymphs produce. Like other hackberry psyllids, adults overwinter in concealed locations and can become a temporary nuisance when they aggregate on building exteriors in fall.
Pachypsylla cohabitans
Pachypsylla cohabitans is a species of hackberry psyllid described in 2001. Like other members of the genus Pachypsylla, it induces galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species name 'cohabitans' suggests an association with shared or communal gall structures, distinguishing it from other Pachypsylla species that typically form individual galls. It belongs to the family Aphalaridae, a group of sap-feeding insects commonly known as jumping plant lice.
Padaeus trivittatus
boxelder bug
Padaeus trivittatus, commonly known as the boxelder bug, is a true bug in the family Pentatomidae. Adults and nymphs feed primarily on seeds of boxelder, maples, and ash trees. The species is notable for aggregating in large numbers on sunny building exteriors in autumn and seeking winter shelter in homes and structures. It completes one to three generations per year depending on geographic location. Despite its nuisance status as a home invader, it does not bite, sting, or reproduce indoors.
Plecia
Lovebugs, March flies
Plecia is a genus of march flies in the family Bibionidae, commonly known as lovebugs. Several species, particularly Plecia nearctica, are notable for their distinctive mating behavior where males and females remain coupled in flight for hours or days. Adults are small flies, typically 6-9 mm long, with sexual dimorphism in head size—males possess large, bulbous compound eyes while females have relatively tiny heads. The genus includes both extant and fossil species, with fossil records dating from the Cretaceous through the Pleistocene. Some species have become significant nuisance pests due to their mass emergences and attraction to automobile exhaust.
Plecia americana
American Lovebug
Plecia americana, commonly known as the American Lovebug, is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae. This species is part of a genus known for conspicuous mating behavior where males and females remain conjoined in copula for extended periods, often flying together as a pair. Adults are small flies with distinctive sexual dimorphism in head morphology. The species is known from the southeastern United States, where adults emerge in seasonal swarms.
Plecia nearctica
lovebug, honeymoon fly, double-headed bug
Plecia nearctica, commonly known as the lovebug or honeymoon fly, is a march fly (family Bibionidae) native to parts of Central America and the southeastern United States. The species is renowned for its mass synchronous emergences of adults, which form conspicuous mating swarms along highways and roads. Males and females remain coupled in copula for 2–3 days, often flying while attached. Adults do not feed and rely entirely on fat reserves accumulated during larval development. The species has expanded its range northward since its original description from Louisiana and Mississippi in 1940.
Pollenia angustigena
Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly
Pollenia angustigena is a medium-sized cluster fly in the family Polleniidae, measuring 4.5–9.5 mm. Formerly classified in Calliphoridae, this species is now placed in Polleniidae based on morphological and molecular evidence. Adults display variable coloration with chequered abdominal dusting and distinctive golden crinkly thoracic hairs. The species is widely distributed in Britain and parts of continental Europe, with records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal (Madeira). Adults are active from March to October, though they may be recorded year-round indoors during winter. Like other Pollenia species, adults feed on flower nectar and may contribute to pollination, while larvae are parasitoids or predators of earthworms.
Pollenia griseotomentosa
cluster fly
Pollenia griseotomentosa is a Palaearctic cluster fly and the smallest British species in the genus Pollenia, measuring 4.5–8.0 mm in body length. It is distinguished from congeners by specific morphological characters including lack of pale wing tuft, yellow to pale brown posterior thoracic spiracle lappets, dark palpi and basicosta, and characteristic bristle patterns. Like other cluster flies, adults overwinter in sheltered locations including buildings, where they aggregate in large numbers and may become nuisance pests. The species has been introduced to North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
Pollenia labialis
cluster fly
Pollenia labialis is a species of cluster fly in the family Polleniidae. It is one of several Pollenia species introduced to North America from Europe, likely arriving in the 1950s or 1960s. Like other cluster flies, it is associated with earthworms as larval hosts. The species is distinguished from congeners by microscopic characters including the number, position, and length of setae on various body parts. It is considered a nuisance pest when adults enter buildings to overwinter.
Pollenia pediculata
Tufted Clusterfly, cluster fly
Pollenia pediculata is a species of cluster fly in the family Polleniidae, distinguished by golden crinkly hairs on the thorax and a tuft of pale hairs at the wing vein junction. The species is native to the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, South Africa, Australasia, and New Zealand. Adults are important pollinators that feed on flowers and are attracted to fish bait and carrion, though they do not breed in carrion. The species is notable for its winter aggregations indoors, earning the common name "cluster fly."
Pollenia rudis
common cluster fly, attic fly, loft fly, buckwheat fly
Pollenia rudis, the common cluster fly, is a medium-sized blow fly in the family Polleniidae. Adults are notable nuisance pests of buildings, overwintering in attics and wall voids in large aggregations during cold months. The species is an obligate parasite of earthworms in its larval stages, with well-documented host specificity to certain lumbricid species. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America and New Zealand, where it occurs wherever its earthworm hosts are present.
Prosimulium mixtum
Mixed-up Black Fly
Prosimulium mixtum is a species of black fly in the family Simuliidae, commonly known as the mixed-up black fly. It is native to North America and has been studied in the context of spring snowmelt environments and physiological responses to environmental stressors. The species is part of the Prosimulium fuscum/mixtum complex, which has historically caused taxonomic confusion. Adults are small blood-feeding flies, with females requiring blood meals for egg development.
Psychoda alternata
trickling filter fly, drain fly, moth fly
Psychoda alternata is a small moth fly (family Psychodidae) native to North America that has become cosmopolitan through human transport. Adults are about 4 mm long with broad, hairy wings held rooflike over the body. The species is strongly associated with wastewater treatment systems, where larvae feed on microbial biofilms in trickling filters and percolating beds. It has also been documented as an emerging nuisance pest in potted plants at commercial nurseries. Adults are short-lived, non-feeding, and primarily active in subdued light.
Psychodinae
Moth Flies, Drain Flies, Filter Flies, Sewer Flies
Psychodinae is the nominate subfamily of moth flies (Psychodidae), commonly known as drain flies or filter flies. Adults are small, hairy flies rarely exceeding 5–6 mm in length, with distinctive kidney-shaped eyes connected by an eye-bridge. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution, including subantarctic islands. Larvae are aquatic or semi-terrestrial, developing in diverse moist habitats ranging from natural springs and phytotelmata to artificial environments like drains and sewage systems.
Rhopalidae
Scentless Plant Bugs
Rhopalidae, commonly known as scentless plant bugs, is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera. The family comprises approximately 30 genera and over 240 species worldwide. Members are distinguished from related coreids by the absence of well-developed scent glands, and from similar lygaeids by the numerous veins in the hemelytral membrane. Most species feed on plants, with some exhibiting host specificity on particular plant families. The family includes several species that aggregate in large numbers and occasionally enter buildings, such as boxelder bugs (Boisea spp.) and red-shouldered bugs (Jadera haematoloma).
Serinethinae
soapberry bugs
Serinethinae is a subfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae) comprising approximately 65 species across three genera: Jadera, Leptocoris, and Boisea. These insects are seed specialists on plants in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), including maples, balloon vines, and soapberry trees. They have become a classic study system for rapid evolutionary adaptation, particularly documented in response to introduced host plants. The subfamily exhibits bright coloration and has undergone adaptive radiation correlated with their host plant relationships.
Tabanus pumilus
horse fly
Tabanus pumilus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Macquart in 1838. The specific epithet "pumilus" (Latin for "dwarf" or "small") suggests this species is relatively small compared to other horse flies in the genus. Like other Tabanus species, females are blood-feeding while males feed on nectar. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, with confirmed observations from Vermont.