Pest Control Glossary

Non-living environmental factors (temperature, humidity, soil chemistry) that affect pest populations and pesticide performance.

A pesticide specifically formulated to kill mites and ticks (members of the order Acari). Examples: bifenthrin, permethrin, abamectin.

An organophosphate systemic insecticide used primarily for ant control and agricultural pests. Trade name: Orthene.

The chemical component in a pesticide product responsible for killing or repelling the target pest. Listed as a percentage on the product label.

A winged reproductive form of a termite or ant. Alates (swarmers) leave the colony to mate and establish new colonies — their presence inside a structure is a strong infestation indicator.

A pesticide that kills arachnids, including spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites.

A pesticide formulation that combines an attractant (food, pheromone, or aggregation chemical) with a toxicant to lure and kill pests.

A pesticide or repellent used to manage bird populations. Common examples: Avitrol, bird gel repellents.

The natural shedding of a body part by an insect, such as a leg or antenna, as a defense mechanism. Can complicate treatment of crawling insects.

A chemical signal released by insects to attract other members of the same species to a location — used in monitoring traps to detect population levels.

An agent that kills bacteria. Relevant in pest control when considering secondary infections from pest bites or contamination.

A tamper-resistant enclosure containing pesticide bait, designed to allow target pests access while excluding non-target animals and children. Essential for rodenticide programs.

A pesticide application method where product is applied in a strip or band — commonly used for ant control along foundation perimeters or around tree bases.

A pesticide application around the exterior perimeter of a structure, typically 2-4 feet up the wall and 2-4 feet out from the foundation, designed to intercept entering pests.

A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide with long residual activity. One of the most widely used active ingredients in residential pest control. Trade names: Talstar, Bifen IT.

The use of living organisms — parasites, predators, or pathogens — to suppress pest populations. Examples: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillars, Steinernema nematodes for grubs.

A pesticide derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and minerals. Examples: neem oil, spinosad, Bt, diatomaceous earth.

The insect order containing cockroaches and termites. Approximately 4,600 species worldwide, of which 30 are considered pest species.

Pediculus humanus corporis — a louse that lives in clothing and feeds on human blood. Different from head lice; associated with poor sanitary conditions.

A boron-based compound (boric acid, disodium octaborate) used as both a wood preservative against termites and fungi and as an insecticidal dust for cockroaches and silverfish.

The collective term for immature insects (eggs, larvae, pupae, nymphs) being cared for within a social insect colony.

A naturally occurring soil bacterium whose protein crystals are toxic to specific insect larvae. Bt israelensis (Bti) kills mosquito and fungus gnat larvae; Bt kurstaki kills caterpillars.

A colony expansion strategy used by some ant species (especially pharaoh ants) where a fragment of the colony — workers plus one or more queens — splits off to form a new nest. Spraying often triggers budding, spreading infestations.

A class of insecticides that work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase in insect nervous systems. Examples: carbaryl (Sevin), bendiocarb. Generally more toxic to mammals than pyrethroids.

An inert substance (clay, talc, water) used to dilute or deliver an active ingredient in a pesticide formulation.

A specialized group within a social insect colony (termites, ants, bees) with distinct physical form and behavioral role. Castes include workers, soldiers, reproductives (alates), and queens.

The tough polysaccharide that forms the primary structural component of insect exoskeletons. Chitin inhibitors (insect growth regulators) disrupt its synthesis, preventing normal molting.

A type of insect growth regulator (IGR) that prevents insects from forming chitin correctly during molting. Affected insects cannot shed their old exoskeleton and die. Example: diflubenzuron (Dimilin).

A pyrrole insecticide that disrupts mitochondrial function in insects. Used for bed bugs (Phantom) and termites; effective against pyrethroid-resistant populations.

A warning agent (tear-gas compound) added to fumigants like Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride) to alert occupants of fumigant presence.

Any of approximately 4,600 species in order Blattodea, of which 30 are structural pests. German, American, Oriental, brown-banded, and smoky brown cockroaches are the primary US pest species.

A social group of insects (ants, termites, bees, wasps) living and working together. Colony size ranges from dozens (paper wasps) to millions (Formosan termites).

Growing specific plants near structures or crops to repel or confuse pest insects. A low-efficacy preventive strategy in IPM programs.

Development through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult (holometabolism). Includes beetles, flies, moths, butterflies, fleas, and wasps. The pupal stage is often the hardest to kill with pesticides.

The percentage or amount of active ingredient in a pesticide product. Professional concentrates require dilution; ready-to-use (RTU) products are pre-diluted.

A pesticide that kills insects by direct contact — either through touching the wet spray or walking over a dried residue. Contrasted with systemic insecticides.

The unfinished area between the ground and first floor of a building. A high-moisture crawl space is one of the primary entry and harborage points for subterranean termites and rodents.

Orthopteran insects (family Gryllidae) that enter homes in fall. House crickets can cause fabric damage; field crickets are occasional invaders. Controlled with perimeter sprays and gel baits.

The outermost layer of an insect's exoskeleton, composed of chitin and protein. Desiccant insecticides (diatomaceous earth, silica gel) work by abrading and absorbing the cuticle's waxy layer.

Able to survive in a dormant state under extreme environmental conditions. Relevant to bed bug resilience — bed bugs can survive without feeding for 12-18 months under cool conditions.

A synthetic organochlorine insecticide banned in the US in 1972 due to environmental persistence and wildlife toxicity. Its agricultural and structural use eliminated bedbugs from most US homes by the 1950s; its ban is partially responsible for the modern bed bug resurgence.

An area of a structure (inside walls, under slabs, in ceiling voids) inaccessible to standard pesticide application. Dead zones require specialized treatment: dust injection, foam application, or fumigation.

A property of some bait insecticides where the active ingredient acts slowly enough that foraging insects return to the nest and share the bait with other colony members before dying. Critical for effectiveness of ant and cockroach gel baits.

A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide with high insecticidal potency at low concentrations. Trade names: Delta Dust (dust formulation), Suspend SC (liquid). Widely used in commercial pest control.

The number of individuals of a pest species per unit area. Pest control decisions are often based on reaching an economic or action threshold — the density at which control becomes warranted.

A substance that kills insects by absorbing or abrading the waxy layer of their cuticle, causing lethal dehydration. Examples: diatomaceous earth (DE), silica gel (CimeXa). No resistance possible.

A naturally occurring sedimentary rock composed of fossilized diatom shells. Food-grade DE kills insects by mechanical abrasion of the cuticle. Pool-grade DE (crystalline silica) is hazardous to inhale and should never be used for pest control.

The insect order containing true flies — characterized by a single pair of wings. Includes house flies, mosquitoes, gnats, midges, blow flies, and phorid flies. Major disease vectors.

An agent that destroys pathogens on surfaces. Relevant post-pest-treatment for rodent cleanup (hantavirus) and cockroach-contaminated areas.

The movement of insects from their origin point to new locations. Understanding dispersal patterns is essential for multi-unit pest management (bed bugs spreading between apartments, termites moving to adjacent structures).

Referring to the back or upper surface of an insect. Used in pest identification: 'two dorsal stripes on the pronotum' (German cockroach identifying characteristic).

Small moth-like flies (Psychodidae family) that breed in the organic biofilm inside drains and pipes. Controlled by enzyme drain treatments that destroy the breeding medium, not by spraying adults.

A pesticide in dry powder form designed to be applied in thin layers in cracks, voids, and other harborage areas. Dust formulations (Delta Dust, CimeXa, diatomaceous earth) provide excellent coverage in areas inaccessible to sprays.

The application of pesticide in powder/dust form using a bellows duster, puffer bottle, or mechanical duster. Proper dusting applies a thin, barely-visible layer — heavy application repels rather than kills insects.

The process of molting — an insect shedding its old exoskeleton to allow growth. Insects are most vulnerable to desiccants and some insecticides during ecdysis.

A parasite that lives on the outside of its host. In pest control: fleas, lice, ticks, and mites are ectoparasites of mammals. Management requires treating both the host animal and the environment.

See: Ootheca.

The hardened front wings of beetles (order Coleoptera) that protect the membranous flying wings underneath. Used in beetle identification.

The process of an adult insect leaving its pupal case or egg. Understanding emergence timing is critical for preventive treatments — treating before emergence is more effective than treating adults.

A liquid pesticide formulation containing active ingredient dissolved in petroleum solvent, which can be mixed with water to form an emulsion. Common professional formulation type.

A mattress or box spring cover designed to trap bed bugs inside and prevent new bugs from establishing harborage in mattress seams and tufts. An essential component of bed bug management programs.

The scientific study of insects. Board Certified Entomologists (BCE) hold the highest professional certification in the pest management industry.

Physical pest management — sealing, screening, and blocking pest entry points rather than using pesticides. The most permanent and environmentally sound form of pest control.

The rigid external structure of insects that provides support, protection, and prevents water loss. Unlike mammals, insects grow by periodically shedding (molting) their exoskeleton.

The shed exoskeleton left behind after an insect molts. Finding exuviae (molted bed bug skins, cockroach molts) confirms an active infestation.

A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used for mosquito control, agricultural applications, and some structural pest treatments.

A phenylpyrazole insecticide that disrupts GABA-gated chloride channels in insects. Active ingredient in Termidor (termite treatment), Frontline (flea control), and many ant baits. Highly effective at low concentrations.

A pesticide (typically a pyrethroid aerosol) used to drive hidden insects out of cracks so they can be identified or counted. Used for monitoring, not as a primary treatment.

The specific physical form of a pesticide product: liquid concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate, wettable powder, granule, dust, aerosol, gel bait, etc. The same active ingredient may come in multiple formulations with different application characteristics.

Insect excrement and debris. Cockroach frass resembles ground black pepper. Termite frass (drywood termite pellets) looks like tiny sand grains. Carpenter ant frass resembles sawdust. Frass patterns are key diagnostic indicators.

A pesticide applied as a gas to penetrate all areas of a structure. Sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) is the primary structural fumigant, used for drywood termites and some stored product pest infestations. Requires evacuation and licensed applicator.

The process of filling a sealed structure with fumigant gas at lethal concentrations for a specified period. Effective against all pest species and life stages. Leaves no residual protection after aeration.

Small flies (Bradysia spp.) that breed in the moist potting soil of houseplants. Adults are nuisance only; larvae can damage plant roots. Controlled with Bti drenches, sticky traps, and reducing soil moisture.

A pesticide formulation combining a food attractant, water, and active ingredient in a gel matrix. Applied in small amounts (pea-sized dots) in pest harborage areas. The most effective treatment for German cockroaches and many ant species because it exploits natural foraging behavior.

A pesticide formulation in solid particle form, designed for broadcast application to lawns, gardens, or soil. Common for fire ant control (Amdro, Extinguish Plus) and lawn pest management.

See: Insect Growth Regulator (IGR).

Any location where pests rest, hide, or nest. Cockroach harborage includes motor cavities of appliances, wall voids, and cardboard boxes. Eliminating harborage is a critical component of any pest management program.

A pest control method that raises the temperature of a space to lethal levels for insects (typically 120-140°F / 49-60°C for at least 60 minutes). Kills all life stages of bed bugs, cockroaches, and stored product pests without chemicals. No residual protection.

Undergoing incomplete metamorphosis: egg → nymph → adult, with no pupal stage. Includes cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, grasshoppers, and true bugs (Hemiptera). Nymphs resemble miniature adults.

The insect order of 'true bugs,' characterized by partially hardened front wings and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Pest species include stink bugs, bed bugs, assassin bugs, and aphids.

A pesticide that kills or inhibits plant growth. Relevant in pest management because weed control reduces pest harborage around structures.

Undergoing complete metamorphosis: egg → larva → pupa → adult. Includes beetles, flies, moths, butterflies, bees, wasps, and fleas. The dramatic biological changes between stages make management more complex.

An organism on which a parasite lives and feeds. In pest control: humans and pets are hosts for fleas, ticks, lice, and bed bugs.

The moisture content of air. Relative humidity above 60% creates favorable conditions for cockroaches, silverfish, psocids (booklice), and mold mites. Dehumidification is a key pest prevention strategy.

The insect order containing ants, bees, and wasps. Characterized by two pairs of wings (workers are often wingless) and — in many species — a stinging apparatus modified from an ovipositor.

The adult, sexually mature stage of an insect after metamorphosis is complete. The final instar.

A neonicotinoid systemic insecticide widely used in termite control (Premise), flea treatments (Advantage), and some ant baits. Works by blocking nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the insect nervous system.

See: Hemimetabolous.

An oxadiazine insecticide that blocks sodium channels in insect nerve cells. Active ingredient in Advion cockroach gel bait — considered one of the most effective cockroach treatments available. Also used in some ant baits.

A pest population established in a location at numbers sufficient to cause damage, health risk, or significant nuisance. The threshold for 'infestation' varies by pest and context.

An organism that shares the nest of another species. Some pest species exploit termite or ant colonies for shelter or food.

A developmental stage between molts in hemimetabolous insects (those with incomplete metamorphosis). German cockroaches have 5-6 nymphal instars before reaching adulthood. Bed bugs have 5 nymphal instars.

A comprehensive approach to pest control that uses multiple strategies — inspection, monitoring, sanitation, exclusion, biological controls, and targeted pesticide application — to manage pests with minimum environmental and health impact. The industry and regulatory gold standard.

The scientific study of how non-native species establish and spread in new environments. Highly relevant for understanding spotted lanternfly, Formosan termites, red imported fire ants, and other invasive pest species.

A hormone that prevents insects from maturing to the adult stage. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) like methoprene and pyriproxyfen mimic juvenile hormone, preventing larvae and nymphs from developing into reproductive adults.

The rapid paralytic effect of some insecticides (particularly pyrethrins and pyrethroids) on insects — causing immediate inability to move. Knockdown does not always result in death; some insects recover.

The legal document attached to or printed on a pesticide container. The pesticide label is a federal legal document — it is illegal to use a pesticide in any manner inconsistent with its label instructions.

A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used in professional pest control. Active ingredient in Demand CS and some Spectracide products. Provides 30-90 day residual on treated surfaces.

The immature, worm-like feeding stage of holometabolous insects (beetles, flies, moths, bees, wasps). Larvae often look completely different from adults and may have entirely different food sources.

A pesticide specifically targeting insect larvae. Examples: Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) for mosquito larvae, methoprene for flea larvae, diflubenzuron for stored product pest larvae.

Lethal Dose 50 — the dose of a chemical required to kill 50% of a test population. Used to compare relative toxicity of pesticides. Lower LD50 = more toxic per unit weight.

An attractant used in pest monitoring traps. Types include: food lures (protein, sugar), pheromone lures (sex or aggregation chemicals), and visual lures (color, light).

The biological transformation an insect undergoes from immature to adult stages. Can be complete (holometabolous: egg-larva-pupa-adult) or incomplete (hemimetabolous: egg-nymph-adult).

An insect growth regulator (IGR) that mimics juvenile hormone, preventing flea larvae from developing to the pupal stage. Active ingredient in Precor, Nylar, and many flea control products.

A pesticide formulation where active ingredient particles are encased in microscopic polymer capsules that release the chemical slowly. Provides extended residual control and reduced exposure risk. Example: Demand CS.

The process by which insects shed their exoskeleton to grow. Insects are vulnerable during and immediately after molting.

The systematic inspection and use of traps to determine whether pests are present, their distribution, and their population levels. The foundation of IPM — you can't manage what you don't measure.

A shelter tunnel constructed by subterranean termites from soil particles, wood fragments, and saliva. Termites use mud tubes to travel from soil to wood without exposure. Finding mud tubes on a foundation is the most reliable visible sign of subterranean termite activity.

A class of systemic insecticides modeled on nicotine that act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Highly effective, widely used in agriculture and pest control. Examples: imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, dinotefuran. Subject to regulatory scrutiny due to bee toxicity.

A substance that disrupts nervous system function. Most insecticides (pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, neonicotinoids) are neurotoxins — they kill insects by causing nerve overactivation or paralysis.

A pesticide that insects cannot detect and will walk through, picking up a lethal dose unknowingly. Non-repellent products (Termidor, Phantom) are highly effective for termite and cockroach control because pests don't avoid treated zones and can transfer the chemical to nestmates.

The immature stage of a hemimetabolous insect (incomplete metamorphosis). Nymphs resemble adults but lack functional wings and reproductive capability. German cockroach nymphs have 5-6 instars; bed bug nymphs have 5.

The sense of smell in insects. Pest insects use olfaction to locate food, mates, harborage, and avoid enemies. Pheromone traps and gel baits exploit olfactory behavior.

The egg case produced by cockroaches and mantids. A single German cockroach ootheca contains 30-48 eggs. American cockroach oothecae contain 14-16 eggs. Finding oothecae confirms active breeding.

A class of insecticides that kill by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, causing continuous nerve firing. Highly effective but more toxic to mammals than pyrethroids. Examples: chlorpyrifos, malathion, acephate. Many have been restricted due to human health concerns.

The act of egg-laying by an insect. Understanding oviposition sites (where pests lay eggs) is critical for effective treatment — applying pesticides to egg-laying sites eliminates the next generation.

The egg-laying organ of female insects. In wasps, bees, and ants, the ovipositor has been modified into a stinging apparatus.

An organism that lives on or in another organism (the host) and benefits at the host's expense. In pest control: fleas, lice, and ticks are parasites. Parasitoid wasps are used as biological controls.

A disease-causing organism. Many pest insects are vectors (carriers) of human pathogens: mosquitoes carry West Nile, Zika, and dengue; ticks carry Lyme disease and RMSF; cockroaches carry Salmonella and E. coli.

A licensed professional who applies pesticides for hire. State licensing requirements vary; most states require a written examination, documented training hours, and continuing education. Ask to see your PCO's current state license.

A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide with broad-spectrum activity. Widely used in lawn care, clothing treatment (Sawyer), and dog flea products. HIGHLY TOXIC to cats — cats lack the liver enzyme to metabolize pyrethroids safely.

Any substance used to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate a pest. Includes insecticides (insects), rodenticides (rodents), herbicides (plants), fungicides (fungi), and bactericides (bacteria).

A chemical signal produced by an organism to communicate with other members of its species. Sex pheromones are used in pest monitoring traps; aggregation pheromones attract conspecifics to a location; trail pheromones guide ant foragers.

The shield-like plate covering the first segment of an insect's thorax. The two dark parallel stripes on the pronotum of a German cockroach are the primary visual identification characteristic.

The non-feeding, metamorphic stage of holometabolous insects between larva and adult. The pupal stage is often enclosed in a cocoon or puparium. Most contact insecticides are ineffective against pupae — a key reason flea and stored product pest treatments require multiple applications to catch hatching adults.

Natural insecticides extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. Rapid knockdown of insects; low mammalian toxicity; no residual activity. The basis for synthetic pyrethroids.

Synthetic insecticides modeled on pyrethrins with enhanced stability, residual activity, and pest spectrum. The most widely used class of insecticides worldwide. Widespread resistance in German cockroaches and bed bugs limits their effectiveness against these pests.

An insect growth regulator (IGR) that mimics juvenile hormone. More stable and longer-lasting than methoprene. Trade name: Nylar. Used in flea programs and for stored product pests.

The primary reproductive female in a social insect colony (ants, termites, bees, wasps). A colony typically has one or a few queens. Eliminating the queen is the only way to permanently eliminate a social insect colony — this is why bait approaches (which kill the queen via transfer) are more effective than contact sprays.

A certification program administered by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) for pest control companies that meet standards for business practices, safety, and environmental stewardship.

A substance that causes pests to move away from a treated area without necessarily killing them. Repellents can cause pests to relocate to untreated areas — a significant problem when using repellent sprays in one room of an infested home.

The persistence of a pesticide's effectiveness over time on a treated surface. A 30-day residual means treated surfaces remain lethal to walking insects for 30 days after application.

The genetically based ability of a pest population to survive exposure to a pesticide that previously killed that species. Resistance develops through natural selection — resistant individuals survive and reproduce, passing resistance traits to offspring.

A pesticide designed to kill rodents. Types: anticoagulants (first-generation: warfarin; second-generation: brodifacoum, bromadiolone), acute toxicants (zinc phosphide), and non-anticoagulants (bromethalin). Second-generation anticoagulants are highly restricted due to raptor toxicity.

The removal of food, water, and harborage that sustains pest populations. Sanitation is the most cost-effective pest management strategy — no pesticide program succeeds long-term without addressing the conditions that attract and sustain pests.

A termite bait system (Corteva Agriscience) using hexaflumuron or noviflumuron as the active ingredient in cellulose bait matrices. Stations are installed around the building perimeter; termites consume bait and share it with the colony. Considered the gold standard for subterranean termite management.

An amorphous silicon dioxide desiccant used as an insecticidal dust (CimeXa). Works by absorbing the waxy layer of insect cuticles, causing lethal dehydration. No insect resistance possible. Highly effective for bed bugs, cockroaches, and stored product pests.

The horizontal lumber member at the base of a wall frame, resting on the foundation. The most common location for subterranean termite damage in framed structures.

The insect order containing fleas — approximately 2,500 species of wingless, laterally flattened ectoparasites. Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is responsible for 95%+ of household flea infestations despite its name.

A caste in termite and some ant colonies specialized for colony defense. Termite soldiers have enlarged heads with powerful mandibles or chemical-spraying nozzles (nasutitermes).

Pesticide application to a specific, limited area where pests are known or suspected to occur. Contrasted with broadcast treatment. Spot treatments reduce environmental exposure and are the IPM-preferred approach for most indoor situations.

A biopesticide derived from the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Activates nicotinic and GABA receptors in insects. Considered low-risk to mammals. Used for ants, caterpillars, fire ants (Conserve), and pet flea treatments (Comfortis, Capstar).

Living or occurring underground. Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes, Coptotermes) nest in soil and travel to wood — they never expose themselves to air, always maintaining contact with soil through mud tubes or wood.

The mass flight of winged reproductive insects (alates) from a colony to mate and establish new colonies. Termite swarms in spring (usually after rain) are the most common reason homeowners call pest control companies.

A chemical added to a pesticide formulation that enhances the effectiveness of the active ingredient without being pesticidal itself. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is the most common insecticide synergist, used with pyrethrins and pyrethroids.

A pesticide absorbed by a plant or animal and transported through its system, making the organism toxic to feeding insects throughout. Imidacloprid soil drenches make tree sap lethal to wood-boring insects.

A pest application method where a pesticide is heated to produce a dense fog of tiny droplets that penetrate dense vegetation or structures. Used for mosquito control.

The ability of a pest to withstand a pesticide dose that would kill susceptible individuals — an early stage of resistance development. Distinguished from resistance by not being genetically heritable.

The transfer of food or fluid from one insect to another through mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-anus contact. Used in social insects to distribute food and pheromones throughout the colony. The mechanism by which delayed-action bait toxicants spread through ant and cockroach colonies.

A spray application technique that produces very small droplets at very low volume, creating a fine mist that drifts through vegetation or structures. Used for mosquito and flying insect control. Most mosquito truck applications are ULV.

An organism that transmits a disease pathogen from one host to another. Major insect disease vectors: mosquitoes (malaria, West Nile, Zika), ticks (Lyme disease, RMSF), fleas (bubonic plague, murine typhus), cockroaches (Salmonella, E. coli).

Referring to the bottom or underside of an insect. Used in pest identification: 'ventral abdominal segments are pale' is a characteristic used to distinguish certain spider species.

Readily evaporating at room temperature. Highly volatile pesticides have short residual activity and are more likely to cause inhalation exposure. Low-volatility formulations are preferred for indoor use.

A pesticide formulation in dry powder form that can be mixed with water to create a sprayable suspension. Often leaves a visible residue on treated surfaces. Common professional formulation.

The non-reproductive caste in social insect colonies (ants, termites, bees, wasps) that performs nest maintenance, foraging, and brood care. Workers are typically the life stage encountered by homeowners.

A chemical foreign to the biological system — includes all pesticides in relation to living organisms. Insects have evolved xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes that can break down pesticides, contributing to resistance.

Common name for several species of social wasps in genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. The most aggressive stinging insect encountered by homeowners. Colonies peak in late summer with 3,000-5,000 workers.

A disease transmissible from animals to humans. Pest-associated zoonoses include: Lyme disease (ticks), hantavirus (deer mice), plague (fleas/rodents), rabies (bats/raccoons), leptospirosis (rodents), and rat-bite fever.