The Norway Rat
The Norway Rat: The Norway rat is the largest of the commensal rodents. It carries many transmittable diseases. They are primarily ground nesters and are most active at night. Pregnancy lasts 23 days and produces 7 to 8 young. They reach sexual maturity in 2-5 months and live up to 1 year. Have poor vision but excellent hearing, smell, touch and taste. Will travel up to 150 feet for food and water. An opening of ½ inch will allow entry into a structure.
Read MoreSpiders
Spiders: Spiders are not insects they are arachnids. There are many species. Over 3000 in the U.S. In New England there are no native poisonous spiders. The yellow sac spider can give a nasty bite. As the weather cools spiders will enter the structure for warmth.
Read MoreGerman Cockroach
German Cockroach: German cockroaches are the most common of all cockroaches. Female will produce about 5 egg cases in her lifetime each holding 30-40 eggs. Egg to adult averages about 103 days. They prefer warm and humid places They spend about 75% of their time hiding in cracks and crevices. They are most active at night. They carry a variety of pathogenic organisms and cause allergic reactions.
Read MoreWood Cockroach
Wood Cockroach: Often confused with the German cockroach. Lives outdoors and cannot survive indoors. Males are good fliers and are attracted to light.
Read MoreFleas
Fleas: Fleas can transmit diseases such as plague and murine typhus. Under right conditions Fleas can go from egg to adult in 2 weeks. Adults can live for up to one year. A female flea can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. Fleas can jump about 6” vertically.
Read MoreBed Bugs
Bed Bugs: Females lay up to 12 eggs per day with over 500 in their lifetime. Egg to adult can take as little as 21 days. Individuals can live up to 316 days. Humans are the preferred host but will also feed on any warm blooded animal. About 80% of people develop an allergic reaction to their bite from feeding.
Read More