Florida is abode to many coinage of hemipterous insect and insects . The year - long warm , humid climate in the Sunshine State means that insects like cockroach , flea , ticks , ants , weevils , and WASP can fly high throughout the class . In add-on , microbe and worm in Florida can often regain their way into homes , induce a pain in the neck for householder .
Knowing how to identify mutual insect and bugs in Florida is vital for residents and visitors to the southeastern United States . Some insects in Florida , like the calamitous widow spider , mosquito , bed bug , wasp , and chiggers , can cause a filthy pungency or sting and outspread disease . Other fly insect like white ant and flies can become a galling pain .
This clause is an identification guide for the most commonly interpret Florida bugs and insect . description and depiction of rough-cut Florida bugs will help you recognize these creepy crawlies in your place , yard , or parks .
Florida Bugs vs. Insects
Most citizenry refer to all pesky insects in Florida as bug . However , reliable bugs are insects that belong to the orderHemiptera . These small creatures have straw - alike mouthparts they use to suck juices from plants . On the other hand , the classification “ worm ” is more wide - ranging and includes all small wight with three consistence part and six wooden leg .
Therefore , all hemipterous insect are insects , but not all insects are classified as true microbe . It also arrive confusing because some insects that are not truthful bugs , like red bug ( chiggers ) or pillbugs , have “ bug ” in the coarse name . However , because masses unremarkably refer to all low annoying dirt ball as hemipteron , we will use the terms interchangeably in this clause .
Types of Florida Bugs
There are several case of insects in Florida that are in the orderHemiptera . Let ’s reckon in detail at a few of these pesky creepy crawlies .
Bed Bugs (Cimex spp.)
The tiny brown bed microbe have a flat body and can quickly infest houses in Florida
Bed hemipteran are some of the more common hemipteran in Florida . Thenuisance firm pestsare tiny Robert Brown , pear - forge dirt ball measuring 0.2 ” to 0.27 ” ( 5 – 7 mm ) long . These pesterer lurk in dark corner and crevices , behind baseboards , mattress seams , and box springs , making them difficult to bump .
Other sign of layer bugs include red , itchy mark and welts on the tegument . In addition , layer bug bite cause localized swelling and blisters . You might also notice dark-brown blood Simon Marks on bed linen paper . This is because they use their piercing mouthpart to puncture the pelt and suck bloodline .
Florida Bug designation : layer bugs aretiny reddish - browned insectsabout the size of an apple seed . They run to congregate in groups , pee-pee them easier to spot .
Stink Bugs (Pentatomidae)
Stink microbe are gray , ruddy - chocolate-brown , or black insects with classifiable shield - shaped body covered in mottled pattern . As their name suggests , these bugs emit a dirty stench when crushed . The six - legged glitch with their sucking mouthparts measure 0.67 ” ( 17 mm ) long and full . Stink bugs in Florida usually have identifiable red or orangeness bell ringer on their body .
Types of stink bugs vernacular in Florida are the following :
Florida predatory fetor hemipterous insect ( Euthyrhynchus floridanus )
southerly light-green stink microbe ( Nezara viridula )
Brown marmorated stink bug ( Halyomorpha halys )
Pillbugs (Armadillidium vulgare)
Pillbugs have dark hard segment shell and can range when they finger threatened and are common in Florida
Pillbugs are a group ofsmall , pesky insects commonly found in homesin Florida . The wingless , ellipse arthropod look like tiny dark greyish or black armadillo . The insect - like creatures quantify 0.33 ” to 0.70 ” ( 8.5 – 18 mm ) . The small dark - loving creatures do not sting or sting and are entirely harmless .
Also called woodlice , roly - polies , or sow bug , thesegrayish creaturesare neither insects nor true bugs . Instead , they are isopod touch to crabs and other crustaceans . They have a habit of roll into a ball when threatened .
Florida Bug recognition : Pillbugs have a barrel - mould dark gray to black casing , seven pair of legs , and a seven segmented physical structure protected by an armadillo - similar shell .
Types of Florida Insects
Insects are common throughout the southeastern United States , with many insects aboriginal to Florida . interpret on to regain out identification data on the Sunshine State ’s most common insects .
Palmetto Bug (Eurycotis floridana)
The palmetto bug is identified by its flattened non-white dark-brown body and can be found in humid warm climates such as in Florida
Also call the Florida Sir Henry Wood roach , the palmetto bug is a dark brown to blackish - dark-brown worm . The native Florida “ bug ” measures 1.2 ” to 1.6 ” ( 30 – 40 mm ) long . It has an oval , flattened consistency and two lithe antennae . You will find the worm in humid , warm climates , commonly in homes in subtropical clime .
The large forget me drug also goes by the names Florida skunk roach , stinkroach , and Florida cockroach . This refers to its habit of emitting a foul - smelling liquid to defend itself . It also look like the American roach — another plebeian Florida worm .
Florida Insect Identification : The palmetto hemipteran has a reddish - brown , flattened trunk , six setaceous stage , two foresightful antennae , and two protruding tail - like structures .
Red Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta)
The small red fire ant is normally foundthroughoutFlorida and has a painful bite
There d fire antis one of the bad biting louse in Florida . Of course , ants are vernacular throughout the country , but this tiny flushed worm can visit a painful bit — like being stung by a carmine - red-hot poker . The diminished , slim red emmet measure 0.09 ” to 0.23 ” ( 2.4 – 6 millimeter ) . They have a characteristic bulbous abdominal cavity and head with a thin waist .
Described as a serious stinging pest , the red imported fervour ant is commonly foundthroughoutFlorida . Due to the tropic mood , these stinging ants can be active throughout the year . In addition , declamatory colonies of ants can be a meaning nuisance , as nests under buildings can induce structural problems .
Florida Insect Identification : The red ardour ant is a pocket-sized , lithe , stinging worm with a relatively large head and venter . These non - native ants are red to reddish - brown in coloring .
Florida Carpenter Ants (Camponotus floridanusandCamponotus tortuganus)
Two of the most common carpenter ants in Florida are Camponotus floridanus ( left ) and Camponotus tortuganus ( right )
Two mutual species of carpenter ants are detect in Florida . These crimson and black ants range in size from 0.21 ” to 0.43 ” ( 5.5 – 11 millimeter ) long . The emmet are identified by their elbowed antenna , tear - shaped abdomen , large fore wing , and thin waist . The pismire can bite but are ordinarily more of a nuisance as they look for intellectual nourishment indoors .
Carpenter ants are some of the most coarse indoor pests in Florida . The foraging pismire emerge in the evenings and swarm between April and June . The annoying ant feed on sweet and sugary message and are common in kitchens and john .
Carpenter ants are often mistaken for fly termites in Florida . However , the emmet , unlike termites , do n’t cause any structural problem in wooden structures or buildings .
Florida Insect Identification : Carpenter ants have an ellipse to pear - shaped abdomen , a sparse waist , and two antennae that bend at right Angle . These red and black ant are common in Central and South Florida .
Mosquitoes (Culicidae)
Mosquitoes are bloodsucking flying insects , and Florida is a home for many mintage of them
Florida is domicile to more than 80 specie of mosquitoes . These notorious bitter worm thrust the hide to feed on line of descent from humans and animate being . The tiny fly insects are identify by a pair of wings , a long biting electronic organ ( proboscis ) , and dangling legs in flight . mosquito are dark gray to nigrify and measure 0.23 ” to 0.51 ” ( 6 – 13 mm ) long .
Mosquitoes tend to congregate near put up water and pond and are active throughout the year in the Sunshine State . However , they can benuisance plague in the homeas they buzz around dark way sucking blood from unsuspecting masses . In addition , some specie of Florida mosquitoes carry diseases , include the West Nile virus , dengue febrility , and Zika viruses .
Florida Insect Identification : A mosquito is key out as a sylphlike , long - legged dirt ball with a protruding biting organ it uses to have a blood meal .
related to reading : Plants that repel mosquito .
Fleas (Siphonaptera)
A close up picture of a flea ( 35x zoom visual microscope )
flea are a usual home bug in Florida that get into homes on the back of favorite true cat and click . These petite blood-red - brown line of descent - blow insects have an oval body , long spiny leg , and mouthparts they use to pierce the cutis of their host . The petite jumping insects measure around 0.12 ” ( 3 mm ) long .
Signs of fleas are usually due to the itching their bites make . Flea bites are minuscule , itchy red bumps that usually appear in groups of three or four bite . Your dearie may have flea if you notice them scratching excessively . Sometimes , you observe the small grain - same insects on white bed linen paper before they climb up away .
Florida Insect Identification : flea are tiny insects with a cherry-red - browned oval , flatten body and six branch . They are so petite you may need a magnifying lens to see their feature article up close .
Ticks (Ixodida)
The Gulf Coast tick ( Amblyomma maculatum ) is the most unwashed tick in Florida
check mark are tiny dark-brown or fatal bugs about the size of a sunflower seminal fluid . The minuscule worm measure 0.2 ” ( 5 mm ) long . The trouble ticks cause is when they forget into the cutis to take a bloodline repast . These engorged insects can swell to three times their size after feeding on lineage .
According to theFlorida Department of Health , ticks can spread several diseases in the state . These include Lyme disease , Rocky Mountain spotted fever , and Ehrlichiosis . The Gulf Coast tick ( Amblyomma maculatum ) is the most unwashed tick in Florida .
Therefore , if you notice a check buried in your skin or have a red target - corresponding lump , you should try prompt medical advice .
Florida Insect Identification : Identification feature article of ticks are their bust - work black or brown bodies and eight legs ( ticks are not louse ; instead , they are mites ) .
Chiggers (Trombiculidae)
A near up image of a chigger ( Trombicula autumnalis )
Like tick , chiggers are a eccentric of parasitic mite with eight legs and biting tendency . However , thetiny red bugshave a hopeful blood-red , oval organic structure and do n’t grow more than 0.01 ” ( 0.4 mm ) long . These foul little bugs cause intensely antsy welt that can take two weeks to bring around .
Florida Insect Identification : recognition feature of chiggers are typically their itchy blood-red bites as they are almost inconspicuous without depend through a magnifying methamphetamine . However , they have orange - red to red - brown oval body .
Deer Flies /Yellow Flies(Chrysops)
The scandalmongering and ignominious deer flies are blood sucking insect that are found around lactating area in Florida
Deer flies can be major pests when spending time outside in Florida . The blood - sucking flies are common around swimming pools and pond and favour sunny touch . The small yellowish flies measure 0.27 ” to 0.39 ” ( 7 – 10 mm ) . The yellow-bellied and black striped flies have black bands across their wings .
Florida Insect Identification : Deer fly ball are identified by their black and yellow abdominal cavity and wings with obscure patches . They look similar to yellowed fly and are more or less smaller than clegg .
Termites (Isoptera)
Termites can infest Florida homes and induce extensive harm to wood
Florida is one of the worst United States Department of State in the US for termite activity , with Tampa , Orlando , and Miami reporting the highest identification number of termites . Termites aresmall white bugswith bellied heads , wing , and six legs . The flying ant - like insects give on cellulose fiber in wooden structures . The destructive pests measure 0.15 ” to 0.6 ” ( 4 to 15 mm ) long .
Termites thrive in warm , humid surroundings like the Florida clime . Species of white ant common to the Sunshine State include the chase :
count on the coinage , termites can swarm in Florida during most times of the twelvemonth .
Florida Insect Identification : recognition features of termites include a thick waist , a creamy - white color with often a brownish headland , two clubbed antennae , and a pair of backstage the same sizing .
Fruit Flies (Drosophila)
yield flies are tiny brownish menage pest in Florida that specially like sweet rotten yield
Fruit flies are annoying pests in Florida homes throughout the yr . Native Florida yield flies are xanthous - chocolate-brown and have reddish optic and a black rings in their abdomens . They measure 0.1 ” ( 2.5 mm ) long and normally hover around icky fruit , garbage fundament , and decaying meat .
The best way of life to get disembarrass of these tiny fly insects is to remove their food for thought source .
Florida Insect Identification : yield fly sheet look like tiny gnats that hover near ferment fruit or sugary substances .
Spiders
Florida has several species of native spiders , some of which can give a nasty pungency . The way to identifyspecies of Florida spidersis to note their sizing , specific marking , and whether they have hairy bodies . Here are a few examples of how to place common Florida wanderer :
Brown recluse spider ( Loxosceles reclusa )
dark-brown widow spider ( Latrodectus geometricus )
domesticated star sign spider ( Tegenaria domestica )
Common house spider ( Parasteatoda tepidariorum )
Eastern Bark Centipede (Hemiscolopendra marginata)
The eastern bark centipede is native to South Florida and is identify by a long bluish body with numerous creamy leg
Also call up the Florida blue centipede , this enceinte multi - legged , worm - like louse is aboriginal to southern Florida . The wriggling creature has a blue body with cream - colored leg running down either side . As with all centipede , they are carnivorous insect that hunt and fair game on other invertebrates like earthworms , snails , slugs , insects , and spiders .
The entrancing centipede grow up to 4 ” ( 100 mm ) long .
Florida Insect Identification : The aboriginal Florida centipede has a classifiable bluish body with pair of unaccented - colour legs along its side .
Flies
Small flies are vernacular pests in many homesin Florida . The small-scale nettlesome quick insects have a pair of wing , six legs , and bombastic compound oculus . Types of fly vernacular in Florida include the following :
vulgar Musca domestica ( Musca domestica )
Drain rainfly ( Psychodidae )
Fungus Gnat
Silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum)
Silverfish is a creepy-crawly gray bug commonly found in damp places in Florida menage
Silverfish are identified by their tear - shape gray physical structure , prospicient antennae , and metallic scales . Thesegrayish bugsare often found in damp , drab places . They have a characteristic habit of slide across floor with fish - like drift . Silverfish are not dangerous and do n’t bite . They measure out 0.33 ” ( 8.5 mm ) long .
Florida Insect Identification : Silverfish are easy to identify due to their tapered body with a argent sheen , wrestle movements , and a pair of farseeing feeler .
Pantry Weevils
buttery weevil are tiny black or dreary browned bug in Florida that can infest kitchen and stack away dry out foodstuff . buttery weevils are bantam beetle with typical snouts , oval bodies , six leg , and two club aerial . These vexing pestis contaminate grains , cereals , dried attic , nuts , and Sir Tim Rice . Types of pantry weevils include the pursuit :
Maize weevil ( Sitophilus zeamais )
Rice Weevil ( Sitophilus oryzae )
Granary weevil ( Sitophilus granarius )
Florida Insect Identification : To identifypantry hemipteron , depend at their body form , color , and typical rule . Many type of weevil have ridge markings on their back .
Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus)
A icon of cicada killer white Anglo-Saxon Protestant ( Sphecius speciosus ) with a cicala
The easterly cicada killer wasp is a large calamitous wasp with broken yellow bands on its abdominal cavity . This Brobdingnagian white Anglo-Saxon Protestant ’s other identify feature are its rusty - orange legs and wing , black patch on its thorax , and black antennae . These magnanimous colorful wasps are some of the largest stinging worm in Florida .
Black and yellow cicada Orcinus orca wasps rise to 2 ” ( 5 cm ) long . As the name suggest , the wasps feed on cicadas in the Sunshine State .
Florida Insect Identification : They measure 0.5 ” to 0.75 ” ( 13 – 19 mm ) long .
Yellowjackets (VespulaorDolichovespula)
A close up picture of Vespula germanica ( European wasp , German white Anglo-Saxon Protestant , or German yellowjacket )
Yellowjackets are the mostcommon eccentric of waspin Florida . These black and yellow stripy wasps are easy to fox for hornets and paper wasps — also comparatively common Florida flying insects . Additionally , yellowjacket wasp have fishgig - like stingers and can give you a smutty sting . Yellowjackets measure 0.5 ” ( 1.2 cm ) long .
Florida Insect Identification : Yellowjackets are identified by their chicken and black stripe , pointed abdomens , and large hundred - shaped compound eyes .
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