
Named after their somewhat metallic “finish,” silverfish are common pests in the State of Washington. Their tastes are eclectic – eating everything from fabric to book bindings to different kinds of adhesives. However, in some cases, they pick up after themselves, eating the very exoskeleton they just molted. Considerate! Which can keep them busy.
Full Answer
Are there a lot of bugs in Washington State?
We’re pretty fortunate in the state of Washington. You won’t find many of the terrifying insects you might see in other parts of the country. That being said, we’re not without our creepy bugs.
Are there dragonflies in Washington State?
In Washington, there are many local species of dragonflies in many different colors, including red, brown, blue, green, black, and yellow. As juveniles, dragonflies are entirely aquatic. They hunt other aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, and even small fish!
How do I find insects in my area?
Insects are typically drawn to a given area by available food supply, weather, environmental factors (pollution, etc...), water supply, mating patterns, etc... and can be territorial. Therefore consider the list below as a general indicator of the insects, bugs and spiders that may be found in a given state or province.

What kind of bugs are in Washington?
Request Your Consultation Today!Ants. Washington state is home to many different types of ants. ... Bats. ... Bed Bugs. ... Black Widow Spiders. ... Cellar Spiders. ... Centipedes. ... Brownbanded Cockroaches. ... Carpenter Ants.More items...
What bugs are common in Seattle?
Common Pests in the Pacific Northwest Common bug species found in the Pacific Northwest include bed bugs, beetles, cockroaches, firebrats, fleas, flies, moths, silverfish and springtails.
Are there Assassin bugs in Washington state?
They are commonly found in Washington and often — in the fall — inside your house. While they are nearly an inch long and might be considered kind of creepy by some people, these insects are merely trying to find a comfortable place to shelter for the winter.
Does the Pacific Northwest have bugs?
In the often wet climate of the Pacific Northwest, moisture-loving insects abound. The following pests feast on tender foliage and vegetables during the summer months.
Are bed bugs common in Washington state?
Bed bugs have been found in homes, apartments, rental units, and even hotels throughout Washington with increasing frequency. Cimex lectularius is the most common species that feed on humans.
Does Seattle have bed bugs?
Seattle, Washington and its surrounding areas including Tacoma and Everett are no exception to the national bed bug re-infestation. These blood-sucking pests have received increasing media attention over the past several months, and bed bug pest control reports in the Northwest have tripled over the past few years.
What do you do if you get bit by a kissing bug?
Since kissing bug bites don't cause any pain, most people won't need treatment. If you experience a mild skin reaction, an anti-itch cream, such as calamine lotion, can help. A severe localized allergic reaction should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, who may treat it with antihistamines and corticosteroids.
Where are kissing bugs found in US?
Most of the world's kissing bugs are in Central and South America and Mexico. They've also been found in the United States in the lower 28 states, with higher concentrations in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Kissing bugs have been spotted a far north as Delaware, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
What do kissing bugs do?
Kissing bugs are a 'vector' because they can carry a parasite that can make people and animal sick. The parasite is Trypanosoma cruzi, and it causes Chagas disease. The number of infected kissing bugs varies from location to location.
What do cockroaches look like in Washington state?
Common Cockroaches in Washington Usually reddish-brown, they are capable of flying and do regularly. American cockroaches also have a light-colored band behind their heads. They typically stick to cluttered areas and feed off paper goods, garbage, and other waste materials.
Are there mosquitoes in Washington state?
Over 40 different mosquito species can be found in Washington, and many are vectors for diseases, such as West Nile virus, western equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis. In the past, sporadic outbreaks of western equine encephalitis and St.
Are there flies in Seattle?
There are many different types of flies that create problems for homeowners in Seattle. Each fly will have unique characteristics and create different control issues. Critter Control of Seattle has experience dealing with a variety of flies and making sure they do not bother you in the future.
Why are there less bugs in Seattle?
In Seattle, we don't have the high temperatures to quickly pump out those generations, Collman said. Stagnant water – the swampier and steamier the better – also helps mosquitos thrive. In Seattle, waters moves through locks and canals, not soggy wetlands.
How do I identify a bug I found?
To be sure you're really looking at an insect, ask yourself these four questions:Does it have six legs? All insects do.Are there three distinct body regions—head, thorax, and abdomen? If not, it's not a true insect.Do you see a pair of antennae? Antennae are a necessary insect feature.Does it have a pair of wings?
Does Seattle have a lot of roaches?
As it turns out, among the 50 largest U.S. metros, the Seattle area ranks 9th from the bottom with just 5.4 percent of households using pest control services. And since roaches are only one type of pest, the percentage who use those services for a roach problem would be lower still.
Are there a lot of cockroaches in Seattle?
While not as overtly prevalent as in warmer, more humid regions, cockroaches are still a pest that plagues the Seattle-Puget Sound area. While they don't cause structural damage to your home or business, they are a significant bio-hazard that can contaminate food sources and leave a mess.
What do Washington bugs do?
They pollinate flowers, decompose organic material into soil, and provide food to many other species. The next time you’re out on the trails; try to spot one of these ten common Washington insects. We've included links to possible areas where these little critters might be lurking. Remember, insects are fragile.
How to tell if a hoverfly is a wasp?
To tell the difference between a hoverfly and a wasp, look at the antennae, abdomen, and wings. Hoverflies have much shorter antennae, rounder abdomens, and only two wings instead of four. Another great clue is in the name, “Hover”-fly. Unlike bees and wasps, hoverflies spend much of their time hovering in midair.
What wasps lay eggs in wood?
Stump Stabber Wasp. The stump-stabber was p is well-camouflaged to blend into a woody area. Photo by Bruce Marlin. This wasp gets its name from the long ovipositor found on the females. They use this appendage to “stab” into stumps and lay eggs upon insect larvae within the wood.
How long have dragonflies been around?
They hunt other aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, and even small fish! Dragonflies have been around for over 350 million years, existing well before dinosaurs. Paleontologists have found fossil dragonflies with 2-foot wingspans.
What do butterflies smell like?
Butterflies smell with their antennae and taste with their feet, and the “tails” on the bottom wings can break off, allowing the butterfly to escape from a predator. > Search for swallowtails on one of these trails. 2.
How to observe insects?
Remember, insects are fragile. Observe them by netting them or trapping them in a jar (then freeing them back to their homes).
How do you know if you have seen an insect?
How do you know you’re looking at an insect? Look for six legs, three body segments: head, thorax, abdomen, and (usually) one or two pairs of wings.
What are the two snails that live in Washington State?
Terrestrial Snails. Two exotic snails have recently been found in Washington State. The vineyard snail (Cernuella virgata) and the wrinkled dune snail (Candidula intersecta) both pose a risk to the state's agricultural industry. These snails consume pests of agricultural importance, as well as make harvesting difficult.
Where do Asian longhorned beetles live?
Asian Long-Horned Beetle. Asian long-horned beetles (Anoplophora glabripennis) are native to Asia and have been found in the eastern United States. Their larvae feed on the wood of trees, weakening them.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on our blood, typically at night, while we are sleeping. Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 of an inch long, have flat, rusty-red-colored oval bodies, and look like an apple seed. They feed for about 3-10 minutes and their bodies swell and become bright red. During the bed bug life cycle, a female can lay 200-400 eggs depending on food supply and temperature. Bed bugs don't fly, but can quickly walk across floors, walls, and other surfaces.
What do bites from bed bugs look like?
Bites may go unnoticed or may be mistaken for flea or mosquito bites or other skin conditions. The most common skin reaction to bed bug bites are itchy red bite marks that appear clustered or in a straight line, often along the edge of clothing or where sheets were pulled up to a person's skin. Small swollen red bumps are also common. In rare cases, people may develop large, often itchy, red welts. A single bed bug bite is similar to a flea bite, except that a red area does not occur in the center. Flea bites tend to be found around the ankles while bed bugs tend to bite any exposed area of the body while a person is sleeping, such as the face, neck, arms, hands, or legs.
How do I know if my home has bed bugs?
Bed bugs typically infest mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and couches. You may be able to find them hiding within the cracks and crevices of beds, furniture , floors, and walls. Bed bugs often leave evidence of small dark stains (fecal droppings) and rusty red spots (bloodstains) on bedding sheets, mattresses, and other areas they hide in or travel along. Heavy bed bug infestations can cause a sweet, musty smell.
Can I get a disease from bed bugs?
No, there are no known cases of infectious disease transmitted by bed bug bites. However, some people are more sensitive to the bites and develop itchy, red welts. Scratching the bites can lead to infection. Bed bugs may also affect a person's mental health. Anxiety, insomnia, and irritability have been reported in some people.
