The following publications cover topics related to Urban Entomology. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Scorpions
Revised
Scorpions make up a small order of arthropods closely related to spiders. Visit our website to learn more about scorpions.
Millipedes and centipedes
New
Millipedes and centipedes are harmless but may enter homes seeking moisture. Learn how to manage them by reducing humidity and sealing entry points.
Sowbugs and pillbugs
Revised
Learn about sowbugs and pillbugs, their biology, habitats, and effective management strategies to prevent home infestations.
Spiders
Reviewed
Spiders belong to the order Araneae of the class Arachnida. More than 300 different spiders occur in Missouri.
Boxelder Bug
Reviewed
Boxelder bugs are black and red insects that may enter homes in fall. They don't cause damage but can be a nuisance. Control includes sealing entry points and removing host trees.
Bees and Wasps
Reviewed
Learn to identify common bees and wasps in Missouri, understand their nesting habits, and get tips on managing their presence safely.
Silverfish and Firebrats
Reviewed
Control silverfish and firebrats by lowering humidity, sealing entry points, and removing starchy materials they feed on.
House-Invading Crickets
Reviewed
Crickets can enter homes through gaps and cracks, causing damage to fabrics and becoming a nuisance.
Carpenter Bees
Reviewed
Learn how to use cover crops for grazing in Missouri, including species selection, management tips, and economic considerations.
Fleas
Reviewed
There are about 30 species of fleas in Missouri and many pose a health risk to pets and humans. Visit our site today to learn more about fleas.
Springtails
Revised
Springtails are tiny, wingless creatures that thrive in moist environments, feeding on decaying matter and indicating healthy soil.
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
New
Ticks are vectors of disease in domestic and wild animals throughout the world. Visit our site to learn about Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases.
Mosquitoes
Reviewed
Learn how mosquitoes live, breed, and spread disease, plus safe methods for controlling them around your home and environment.
Clover Mites
Revised
Clover mites invade homes in spring and fall, feeding on plants. They don’t bite but can stain surfaces. Seal cracks to prevent infestations.
Chiggers
Reviewed
Wood-Boring Beetles
Reviewed
Learn to identify and manage wood-boring beetles that damage wooden structures. This guide covers beetle types, damage signs, and control methods.
Elm Leaf Beetle
Revised
The publication provides comprehensive information on managing elm leaf beetles, including their life cycle, symptoms of infestation, and effective control measures.
Household Flies
Reviewed
Household flies can pose health risks. Identifying and controlling species like house, fruit, and phorid flies helps reduce infestations.
Ants
Revised
Learn about common ants in Missouri, their nesting habits, and how to manage infestations in homes and outdoor spaces.
Insect Pests of Stored Products
Revised
This guide identifies common pantry pests, their habits, and control methods to protect stored foods from infestation.
Subterranean Termites
Revised
Occasional Biting Pests
Revised
Learn about various insects and mites that occasionally bite humans, including bed bugs, bat bugs, bird and rodent mites, and their control methods.
Carpenter Ants
Revised
Winged female
Ticks
Revised
Learn what ticks live in the Midwest, diseases they carry, and how to prevent them.