Pest and Termite Control in Rolla, MO Pest Control Resource Library | Central Missouri | Plank

Hobo spiders are often misidentified, and older accounts overstated their bite risk. A brown spider indoors should not automatically be called a hobo spider.

“Garden spider” is a broad common name. This profile describes the cross orbweaver, Araneus diadematus; other garden spiders need their own identification.

The domestic house spider, Tegenaria domestica, is also called the barn funnel weaver. A clear identification is more useful than the general label “house spider.”

Cellar spiders are delicate, long-legged spiders often seen in sheltered corners. They are generally nuisance web-makers rather than a significant danger to people.

Brown recluse spiders occur in Missouri. Identification should be based on the spider, not a skin mark or color alone.

Black widows occur in Missouri and should be observed without handling. A suspected bite needs medical attention.

House flies are a sanitation concern around food and waste. Prevention focuses on reducing breeding sources and limiting entry.

Small flies around fruit or drink residue may be fruit flies, but several other tiny flies occur indoors. Identification helps locate the right source.

Flesh flies are larger gray flies that may occasionally appear indoors. Recurring numbers should prompt identification and a search for the source.

Cluster flies may gather in sheltered building spaces for winter and later appear near windows. Their presence calls for a different approach from flies breeding in food waste.

Crane flies can resemble oversized mosquitoes, but they do not bite people. An occasional adult usually does not call for pest treatment.

A sudden group of metallic-looking flies indoors can warrant a search for the source. Identification helps distinguish bottle flies from other household flies.

Pavement ants often nest around paving and can forage into buildings. Identification helps distinguish them from other small dark ants.

Odorous house ants can forage indoors for food and moisture. Recurring trails deserve identification and a look at nesting conditions.

The little black ant is a named species, Monomorium minimum. Not every small dark ant belongs to this species.

Field ants are outdoor ants in the genus Formica. Their soil nests and mounds can become a concern in lawns or other frequently used areas.