Part 1 - Cultural Pest Management

Part 2 - 2009 - 2010 Pesticide Guidelines

New York State Pesticide Labels

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NYSIPM

Pest Control in the house

5. Management Practices for Household Pests

Contents

Table 5. Annoying pests inside the home Also see Chapter 4 in Part I: Cultural Methods, of Pest Management Around the Home.
Ants 3/16 to 5/16 inch	Ant baits are the best management tactic for many ants - they control entire colony. Baits for home use come prepackaged, contain an insecticide and food attractant, and should be in plastic child-resistant containers. Some brands include Terro, Combat, Raid, Pic, Drax and Maxforce. Do not use other insecticides or cleaners with baits. Baits may take a little longer to work, but are the best choice. Baits do not work for winged swarmers. Spot treatment with an insecticide where ants enter may be helpful. Registered pesticides include: boric acid, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, dinotefuran, fipronil, d-limonene, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, and propoxur (Baygon). Sometimes ants nest in wall voids. If the problem persists, you may want to consult a Pest Management Professional. See also Carpenter ants (below).
Bed bug 3/8 inch	Management should focus on non-pesticide methods first, including vacuuming, sealing cracks and crevices (hiding places), using zippered mattress covers (after thorough clean-up), and keeping beds from touching walls. If the problem persists, you may want to consult a Pest Management Professional. Pesticides should never be used on a mattress unless the product label specifically states that it can. For indoor treatment, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, or permethrin, are labeled to treat hiding places around baseboards, moldings, and floorboards.
Booklice and Paperlice 1/16 inch	Eliminating moisture and humidity usually eliminates booklice. If needed, treat with deltamethrin. Do not treat books directly with pesticides.
Boxelder bug 5/8 inch	The first defense should be to vacuum up or sweep up and discard live boxelder bugs. Close and/or seal openings where bugs are entering. If necessary, pesticides labeled for indoor use on boxelder bug include diatomaceous earth, deltamethrin, or lambda-cyhalothrin. If needed, for treatment of nuisance pests outdoors, spot treat accumulations of the insects using bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, or lambda-cyhalothrin. For treatment of host trees see “Boxelder” in Chapter 10 of this publication (Tree and Shrub Pest Management).
Carpenter ants 1/2 to 1 inch	Baits are often the best choice. Terro Ant Killer II, a liquid borax bait, has shown good results in research trials. Other baits specifically for carpenter ants are also available, including Maxforce, Combat, or Raid. Use as manufacturer directs. Alternatively, treat the nest site with boric acid, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin. If you cannot locate or treat the colony yourself, you may want to enlist the services of a Pest Management Professional.
Carpet beetles 3/8 inch	Vacuum regularly to prevent wool lint, pet hair, or dead insects from accumulating. If needed, treat infested areas with bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin. To avoid carpet damage, test a small area first. Where heavy infestation occurs, you may need to enlist the services of a Pest Management Professional.
Clothes moths 1/2 inch	Vacuum to prevent wool lint, pet hair, or organic matter from accumulating. Use pheromone baited sticky traps. If needed, treat infested areas with cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or permethrin plus trans-allethrin. To avoid damaging fabric, test a small area first, if using a product labeled for use on fabrics. For a severe infestation, you may want to consult a Pest Management Professional.
Clover mites 1/16 inch	Caulk or weather strip areas where mites enter. Clean up with warm soapy water. If needed, use lambda-cyhalothrin or permethrin. Treat around window casings, door frames, and other areas where mites occur.
Cluster flies 5/16 inch	Vacuum up flies and seal openings they use to enter. Products for fly control registered for homeowner use include ones containing some combination of PPB, pyrethrins, permethrin, or tetramethrin. For outdoor application only, cyfluthrin. Note: flying insect sprays will give only temporary relief. Dispose of dead flies to avoid infestations of carpet beetles and other insects that feed on dead insects. For flies coming indoors, a “Cluster Buster” trap can be used, which contains an extruded eggshell product (like a quicksand for flies) enclosed in a small plastic container that mounts to the window. Flies that get in cannot get back out. A Pest Management Professional may apply a registered pesticide to the entire outer vertical surface of the building to prevent flies from entering. The insecticide should be applied in late summer.
Cockroaches 5/8 to 1 1/2 inches	Bait traps with boric acid are considered least toxic products. The insect growth regulator Hydroprene is available for cockroaches. For the German cockroach, traps containing an aggregation pheromone are available. They give better results than sticky traps without the pheromone. Boric acid dust may also be applied to wall voids that are sealed during initial construction of buildings. It remains effective for years if it does not get wet. Entire apartment buildings may need to be treated by a Pest Management Professional. Choose those using least toxic methods. If insecticides are used, make limited applications in areas where roaches hide. To find hiding places, enter a dark room quietly, turn on the lights and watch where roaches run. They typically hide beneath kitchen sinks and under and behind appliances. Insecticides labeled for consumer use include boric acid, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, hydroprene, lambda-cyhalothrin, d-limonene, and permethrin.
Crickets 7/8 inch	Repair cracks or holes through which crickets may enter. Keep storage areas clean and dry, and keep vegetation, paper, and cardboard off the floor. Sticky traps can help catch crickets. If needed, use boric acid powder, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin. Apply in areas where crickets may hide. Treat areas around basement doors and windows where crickets enter.
Drain flies 1/4 inch	See Moth flies.
Drosophila (Fruit flies) 1/8 inch	Use traps first; baited and sticky traps are available..Home remedy: make a trap by putting a funnel into the opening of a jar, and put a bit of ripe banana sprinkled with yeast in the bottom of the jar – use about 10 days, then replace. If needed, some products with a combination of pyrethrins, PPB, pemethrin, or tetramethrin are labeled for home use to kill adult fruit flies.
Earwigs 1 1/16 inch	Keep storage areas clean and dry, and keep vegetation, paper, and cardboard off the floor. If needed, use boric acid powder, diatomaceous earth, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or d-limonene. Outdoor perimeter treatment: if needed use bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, diatomaceous earth, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, or s-bioallethrin.
Elm leaf beetles 3/8 inch	These enter homes to spend the winter from nearby infested elm trees. For treatment on elm trees, see Chapter 10 of this publication (Tree and Shrub Pest Management). Vacuum or sweep up beetles and discard. Repair or caulk openings through which they gain entry. If necessary, products containing deltamethrin + s-bioallethrin are labeled for use indoors.
Fleas 1/8 inch	Management of fleas should begin with the pet. Check with your veterinarian - topical flea and tick treatments may be an option. Registered insecticides for indoor use include bifenthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, d-limonene lambda-cyhalothrin, and permethrin. Follow label directions. For persistent problems you may wish to consult a Pest Management Professional. The insect growth regulator Hydroprene, which prevents fleas from maturing to the adult stage, is one of the products available for use by a professional. For outdoor flea treatment options see “Fleas” in Chapter 7 of this publication (Management of Annoying Pests Outside the Home).
Flour and grain beetles 1/8 inch	A thorough clean up – discarding any infested stored products, vacuuming, washing shelves, putting new shelf paper down – with follow-up a month or two later usually is sufficient. In extreme cases, if needed, treat corners of storage areas with cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or pyrethrins. When material is dry, put down fresh shelf paper. Never place food or dishes back in the closet until material is entirely dry
Flour and grain moths 1/2 to 1 inch	Thorough clean-up is essential for managing these insects. Removal of infested products, and thoroughly vacuuming storage closets, and areas where wall and ceiling meet (for Indian Meal Moth especially) are effective. Pesticides are usually not necessary. Use pheromone traps to monitor and catch male insects. In extreme cases, if needed, treat corners of storage areas with cyfluthrin, or prallethrin plus other ingredients. When material is dry, put down fresh shelf paper. Never place food or dishes back in the closet until material is entirely dry.
Fungus gnats 1/8 inch	Frequently the source of infestation is moist houseplant potting soil where fungus gnat larvae can grow. Allow plants to drain and dry between waterings, if possible. Larvae may be controlled using B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis), or beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae). Try yellow sticky traps first, in areas where fungus gnats are seen. If needed, to control flying insects use beta-cyfluthrin, permethrin, tetramethrin, or pyrethrins plus other ingredients. Insecticides provide temporary knock-down, but the source must be addressed for permanent control.
Grain mites/cheese mites Size of a period: .	Moisture reduction is key to long-term control. If found on food preparation surfaces, wash off with warm soapy water. A dehumidifier or a fan during humid periods will help reduce moisture. Labeled insecticides include deltamethrin, permethrin, or pyrethrins. These materials provide temporary control only. When treating in cabinets, wait until material is dry then put down fresh shelf paper.
Head lice 1/8 inch	Treatment of premises is not recommended. Treatment of the person must be recommended by a physician.
House flies 3/8 inch	Physically exclude with good screening on windows and doors. Use mechanical means such as a fly swatter. If needed, deltamethrin, permethrin, pyrethrins, or tetramethrin (with other ingredients), can be used as directed on product label. Pesticides provide only temporary control. For long term management, correct conditions that allow flies to get in.
Lady beetles (Ladybugs) 1/4 to 3/8 inch	Prevent (physically block) entry into the building where possible, or physically remove insects that get inside -- sweep up and place out of doors or vacuum. Some products with deltamethrin, pyrethrins plus permethrin, or esfenvalerate plus other ingredients are labeled for Asian lady beetle control indoors. Keep in mind that these insects are beneficials, controlling aphids and other plant pests outdoors.
Millipedes 1 1/2 inches	Prevent (physically block) entry into home where possible. Sweep up and dispose of or use a shop vac to clean up. Millipedes prefer moist habitats, so try to keep rooms and floors dry. If needed, boric acid powder or diatomaceous earth are least toxic options. Some products with cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin (with other ingredients) are labeled for millipede control indoors. Also see “Millipedes” in Chapter 7 of this publication (Management of Annoying Pests Outside the Home).
Mosquitoes 3/8 inch	Physically exclude with good screening on windows and doors. Use mechanical means such as a fly swatter. If necessary, beta-cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, pyrethrins (with other ingredients), or tetramethrin (with other ingredients) are available for use indoors. Outdoor or community control may be necessary.
Moth flies (Drain flies) 1/4 inch	Use fly swatter for adults. Flies breed in organic matter that collects in drains. Use drain gels to help remove accumulations of organic matter, the breeding sites inside the drain where larvae develop. Household insecticide sprays labeled for ﬂies may be used to control the adult ﬂies, but they only provide temporary control. Adult moth flies in the home can be controlled with some products containing beta-cyfluthrin.
Powderpost beetles 1/4 inch	Sometimes associated with wood that has absorbed moisture. Keep wood dry; keep moisture and humidity levels low wherever possible. Beta-cyfluthrin, or tetramethrin plus permethrin, may be used for spot treatment. Borates (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) may be used by a pest management professional to treat structural wood.
Silverfish and Firebrats 9/16 inch	Silverfish like cool moist environments; firebrats like warm moist. Decrease moisture and humidity where possible. Caulk openings around pipes and baseboards to prevent entry. Insecticides labeled include: boric acid, diatomaceous earth, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, d-limonene, permethrin, prallethrin (with other ingredients), or tetramethrin (with other ingredients). Apply the product in cracks and crevices, places where pipes go through walls, along baseboards, and in corners of cabinets and closets.
Sowbugs and Pillbugs 1/2 inch	Prevent (physically block) entry into home where possible. If needed, use a product labeled for indoor use for sowbugs, such as one containing cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin.
Spiders 5/8 inch	Keep spiders out with proper screening and weather stripping. Remove indoor webs and spiders with a broom. Over time these methods greatly reduce spiders in the home. Only if needed, use a pesticide such as bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, pyrethrins (with other ingredients), prallethrin plus esfenvalerate. Spray in corners of rooms, at both floor and ceiling levels.
Springtails 1/16 inch	These need moist environments to live. Control by reducing moisture. Wet houseplant potting media may also be a source. No pesticides are recommended.
Strawberry root weevil and Black vine weevil 1/2 inch	Physically remove when found. If necessary, treat infested plantings outdoors before insects hibernate. See Taxus in Chapter 10 (Tree and Shrub Pest Management), and Strawberry in Chapter 12 (Small Fruit Pest Management).
Subterranean Termites 5/16 inch	Effective insecticides for soil treatment are restricted for application by certified applicators only. Borates (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) can be used by a professional to treat infested wood. Homeowner formulations of sulfluramid (bait stations) are available – be sure to understand and follow instructions for the use of baits. Products with boric acid, beta-cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or tetramethrin (with other ingredients), are available for homeowner use. However, professional treatment is best.
Ticks: Brown dog tick 5/16 inch or less	Control treatment should begin with the pet; check with your local veterinarian. Topical flea and tick products may be an option for your pet. Brown dog tick is the only tick that can breed and survive indoors. If homes are infested, treat cracks and crevices with household formulations of deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, pyrethrins (with other ingredients), or tetramethrin (with other ingredients). Check label carefully before using on rugs or carpets. Some products can cause damage.
Ticks, other species including the deer tick 5/16 inch or less	Species other than the brown dog tick only breed outdoors. For outdoor treatment options, see “Ticks” in Chapter 7 of this publication (Management of Annoying Pests Outside the Home). Control treatment should begin with the pet; check with your local veterinarian. Topical flea and tick products may be an option for your pet.
Wasps and hornets 15/16 inch	If large numbers enter, a commercial wasp and hornet spray or a spray for indoor flying insects may be used, such as permethrin or pyrethrins (with other ingredients). Caution: insects trapped indoors may be irritated and can sting. For outdoor treatment options, see “Wasps and Hornets” in Chapter 7 of this publication (Management of Annoying Pests Outside the Home).
Western conifer seed bug 3/4 inch	No pesticides are registered. Remove insects by hand, broom, or vacuum, and then discard. Avoid squashing insects against walls or other surfaces, as they can leave a stain.

Bed bug

3/8 inch

Management should focus on non-pesticide methods first, including vacuuming, sealing cracks and crevices (hiding places), using zippered mattress covers (after thorough clean-up), and keeping beds from touching walls. If the problem persists, you may want to consult a Pest Management Professional. Pesticides should never be used on a mattress unless the product label specifically states that it can. For indoor treatment, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, or permethrin, are labeled to treat hiding places around baseboards, moldings, and floorboards.

Booklice and Paperlice

1/16 inch

Eliminating moisture and humidity usually eliminates booklice. If needed, treat with deltamethrin. Do not treat books directly with pesticides.

Boxelder bug

boxelder

5/8 inch

The first defense should be to vacuum up or sweep up and discard live boxelder bugs. Close and/or seal openings where bugs are entering. If necessary, pesticides labeled for indoor use on boxelder bug include diatomaceous earth, deltamethrin, or lambda-cyhalothrin.

If needed, for treatment of nuisance pests outdoors, spot treat accumulations of the insects using bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, or lambda-cyhalothrin.

For treatment of host trees see “Boxelder” in Chapter 10 of this publication (Tree and Shrub Pest Management).

Carpenter ants

carpenter ants

1/2 to 1 inch

Baits are often the best choice. Terro Ant Killer II, a liquid borax bait, has shown good results in research trials. Other baits specifically for carpenter ants are also available, including Maxforce, Combat, or Raid. Use as manufacturer directs.

Alternatively, treat the nest site with boric acid, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin. If you cannot locate or treat the colony yourself, you may want to enlist the services of a Pest Management Professional.

Carpet beetles

carpet beetles

3/8 inch

Vacuum regularly to prevent wool lint, pet hair, or dead insects from accumulating. If needed, treat infested areas with bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin. To avoid carpet damage, test a small area first.

Where heavy infestation occurs, you may need to enlist the services of a Pest Management Professional.

Clothes moths

clothes moths

1/2 inch

Vacuum to prevent wool lint, pet hair, or organic matter from accumulating. Use pheromone baited sticky traps.

If needed, treat infested areas with cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or permethrin plus trans-allethrin. To avoid damaging fabric, test a small area first, if using a product labeled for use on fabrics. For a severe infestation, you may want to consult a Pest Management Professional.

Clover mites

clover mites

1/16 inch

Caulk or weather strip areas where mites enter. Clean up with warm soapy water. If needed, use lambda-cyhalothrin or permethrin. Treat around window casings, door frames, and other areas where mites occur.

Cluster flies

cluster flies

5/16 inch

Vacuum up flies and seal openings they use to enter. Products for fly control registered for homeowner use include ones containing some combination of PPB, pyrethrins, permethrin, or tetramethrin. For outdoor application only, cyfluthrin. Note: flying insect sprays will give only temporary relief. Dispose of dead flies to avoid infestations of carpet beetles and other insects that feed on dead insects.

For flies coming indoors, a “Cluster Buster” trap can be used, which contains an extruded eggshell product (like a quicksand for flies) enclosed in a small plastic container that mounts to the window. Flies that get in cannot get back out.

A Pest Management Professional may apply a registered pesticide to the entire outer vertical surface of the building to prevent flies from entering. The insecticide should be applied in late summer.

Cockroaches

cockroach

5/8 to 1 1/2 inches

Bait traps with boric acid are considered least toxic products. The insect growth regulator Hydroprene is available for cockroaches. For the German cockroach, traps containing an aggregation pheromone are available. They give better results than sticky traps without the pheromone.

Boric acid dust may also be applied to wall voids that are sealed during initial construction of buildings. It remains effective for years if it does not get wet.

Entire apartment buildings may need to be treated by a Pest Management Professional. Choose those using least toxic methods.

If insecticides are used, make limited applications in areas where roaches hide. To find hiding places, enter a dark room quietly, turn on the lights and watch where roaches run. They typically hide beneath kitchen sinks and under and behind appliances. Insecticides labeled for consumer use include boric acid, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, hydroprene, lambda-cyhalothrin, d-limonene, and permethrin.

Crickets

crickets

7/8 inch

Repair cracks or holes through which crickets may enter. Keep storage areas clean and dry, and keep vegetation, paper, and cardboard off the floor. Sticky traps can help catch crickets. If needed, use boric acid powder, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin. Apply in areas where crickets may hide. Treat areas around basement doors and windows where crickets enter.

Drain flies

1/4 inch

See Moth flies.

Drosophila (Fruit flies)

1/8 inch

Use traps first; baited and sticky traps are available..Home remedy: make a trap by putting a funnel into the opening of a jar, and put a bit of ripe banana sprinkled with yeast in the bottom of the jar – use about 10 days, then replace.

If needed, some products with a combination of pyrethrins, PPB, pemethrin, or tetramethrin are labeled for home use to kill adult fruit flies.

Earwigs

1 1/16 inch

Keep storage areas clean and dry, and keep vegetation, paper, and cardboard off the floor. If needed, use boric acid powder, diatomaceous earth, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or d-limonene.

Outdoor perimeter treatment: if needed use bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, diatomaceous earth, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, or s-bioallethrin.

Elm leaf beetles

3/8 inch

These enter homes to spend the winter from nearby infested elm trees. For treatment on elm trees, see Chapter 10 of this publication (Tree and Shrub Pest Management).

Vacuum or sweep up beetles and discard. Repair or caulk openings through which they gain entry.

If necessary, products containing deltamethrin + s-bioallethrin are labeled for use indoors.

Fleas

1/8 inch

Management of fleas should begin with the pet. Check with your veterinarian - topical flea and tick treatments may be an option.

Registered insecticides for indoor use include bifenthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, d-limonene lambda-cyhalothrin, and permethrin. Follow label directions. For persistent problems you may wish to consult a Pest Management Professional. The insect growth regulator Hydroprene, which prevents fleas from maturing to the adult stage, is one of the products available for use by a professional.

For outdoor flea treatment options see “Fleas” in Chapter 7 of this publication (Management of Annoying Pests Outside the Home).

Flour and grain beetles

flour beetles

1/8 inch

A thorough clean up – discarding any infested stored products, vacuuming, washing shelves, putting new shelf paper down – with follow-up a month or two later usually is sufficient.

In extreme cases, if needed, treat corners of storage areas with cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or pyrethrins. When material is dry, put down fresh shelf paper. Never place food or dishes back in the closet until material is entirely dry

Flour and grain moths

flour moths

1/2 to 1 inch

Thorough clean-up is essential for managing these insects. Removal of infested products, and thoroughly vacuuming storage closets, and areas where wall and ceiling meet (for Indian Meal Moth especially) are effective. Pesticides are usually not necessary. Use pheromone traps to monitor and catch male insects.

In extreme cases, if needed, treat corners of storage areas with cyfluthrin, or prallethrin plus other ingredients. When material is dry, put down fresh shelf paper. Never place food or dishes back in the closet until material is entirely dry.

Fungus gnats

1/8 inch

Frequently the source of infestation is moist houseplant potting soil where fungus gnat larvae can grow. Allow plants to drain and dry between waterings, if possible. Larvae may be controlled using B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis), or beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae).

Try yellow sticky traps first, in areas where fungus gnats are seen. If needed, to control flying insects use beta-cyfluthrin, permethrin, tetramethrin, or pyrethrins plus other ingredients. Insecticides provide temporary knock-down, but the source must be addressed for permanent control.

Grain mites/cheese mites

Size of a period: .

Moisture reduction is key to long-term control. If found on food preparation surfaces, wash off with warm soapy water. A dehumidifier or a fan during humid periods will help reduce moisture.

Labeled insecticides include deltamethrin, permethrin, or pyrethrins. These materials provide temporary control only. When treating in cabinets, wait until material is dry then put down fresh shelf paper.

Head lice

1/8 inch

Treatment of premises is not recommended. Treatment of the person must be recommended by a physician.

House flies

flies

3/8 inch

Physically exclude with good screening on windows and doors. Use mechanical means such as a fly swatter.

If needed, deltamethrin, permethrin, pyrethrins, or tetramethrin (with other ingredients), can be used as directed on product label. Pesticides provide only temporary control. For long term management, correct conditions that allow flies to get in.

Lady beetles (Ladybugs)

1/4 to 3/8 inch

Prevent (physically block) entry into the building where possible, or physically remove insects that get inside -- sweep up and place out of doors or vacuum.

Some products with deltamethrin, pyrethrins plus permethrin, or esfenvalerate plus other ingredients are labeled for Asian lady beetle control indoors. Keep in mind that these insects are beneficials, controlling aphids and other plant pests outdoors.

Millipedes

millipedes

1 1/2 inches

Prevent (physically block) entry into home where possible. Sweep up and dispose of or use a shop vac to clean up. Millipedes prefer moist habitats, so try to keep rooms and floors dry. If needed, boric acid powder or diatomaceous earth are least toxic options. Some products with cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin (with other ingredients) are labeled for millipede control indoors.

Also see “Millipedes” in Chapter 7 of this publication (Management of Annoying Pests Outside the Home).

Mosquitoes

mosquitoes

3/8 inch

Physically exclude with good screening on windows and doors. Use mechanical means such as a fly swatter.

If necessary, beta-cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, pyrethrins (with other ingredients), or tetramethrin (with other ingredients) are available for use indoors.

Outdoor or community control may be necessary.

Moth flies (Drain flies)

1/4 inch

Use fly swatter for adults. Flies breed in organic matter that collects in drains. Use drain gels to help remove accumulations of organic matter, the breeding sites inside the drain where larvae develop.

Household insecticide sprays labeled for ﬂies may be used to control the adult ﬂies, but they only provide temporary control. Adult moth flies in the home can be controlled with some products containing beta-cyfluthrin.

Powderpost beetles

1/4 inch

Sometimes associated with wood that has absorbed moisture. Keep wood dry; keep moisture and humidity levels low wherever possible. Beta-cyfluthrin, or tetramethrin plus permethrin, may be used for spot treatment. Borates (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) may be used by a pest management professional to treat structural wood.

Silverfish and Firebrats

silverfish

9/16 inch

Silverfish like cool moist environments; firebrats like warm moist. Decrease moisture and humidity where possible. Caulk openings around pipes and baseboards to prevent entry. Insecticides labeled include: boric acid, diatomaceous earth, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, d-limonene, permethrin, prallethrin (with other ingredients), or tetramethrin (with other ingredients). Apply the product in cracks and crevices, places where pipes go through walls, along baseboards, and in corners of cabinets and closets.

Sowbugs and Pillbugs

sowbugs

1/2 inch

Prevent (physically block) entry into home where possible.

If needed, use a product labeled for indoor use for sowbugs, such as one containing cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diatomaceous earth, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin.

Spiders

spiders

5/8 inch

Keep spiders out with proper screening and weather stripping. Remove indoor webs and spiders with a broom. Over time these methods greatly reduce spiders in the home. Only if needed, use a pesticide such as bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, pyrethrins (with other ingredients), prallethrin plus esfenvalerate. Spray in corners of rooms, at both floor and ceiling levels.

Springtails

springtails

1/16 inch

These need moist environments to live. Control by reducing moisture. Wet houseplant potting media may also be a source.

No pesticides are recommended.

Strawberry root weevil and Black vine weevil

black vine weevil

1/2 inch

Physically remove when found.

If necessary, treat infested plantings outdoors before insects hibernate. See Taxus in Chapter 10 (Tree and Shrub Pest Management), and Strawberry in Chapter 12 (Small Fruit Pest Management).

Subterranean Termites

subt

5/16 inch

Effective insecticides for soil treatment are restricted for application by certified applicators only. Borates (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) can be used by a professional to treat infested wood.

Homeowner formulations of sulfluramid (bait stations) are available – be sure to understand and follow instructions for the use of baits. Products with boric acid, beta-cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or tetramethrin (with other ingredients), are available for homeowner use. However, professional treatment is best.

Ticks: Brown dog tick

5/16 inch or less

Control treatment should begin with the pet; check with your local veterinarian. Topical flea and tick products may be an option for your pet.

Brown dog tick is the only tick that can breed and survive indoors. If homes are infested, treat cracks and crevices with household formulations of deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, pyrethrins (with other ingredients), or tetramethrin (with other ingredients). Check label carefully before using on rugs or carpets. Some products can cause damage.

Ticks, other species including the deer tick

ticks

5/16 inch or less

Species other than the brown dog tick only breed outdoors. For outdoor treatment options, see “Ticks” in Chapter 7 of this publication (Management of Annoying Pests Outside the Home).

Control treatment should begin with the pet; check with your local veterinarian. Topical flea and tick products may be an option for your pet.

Wasps and hornets

wasps

15/16 inch

If large numbers enter, a commercial wasp and hornet spray or a spray for indoor flying insects may be used, such as permethrin or pyrethrins (with other ingredients). Caution: insects trapped indoors may be irritated and can sting.

For outdoor treatment options, see “Wasps and Hornets” in Chapter 7 of this publication (Management of Annoying Pests Outside the Home).

Western conifer seed bug

P28Western ConiferSeedBug

3/4 inch

No pesticides are registered. Remove insects by hand, broom, or vacuum, and then discard. Avoid squashing insects against walls or other surfaces, as they can leave a stain.

Pest Management Guidelines A Cornell Cooperative Extension Publication	New York Pest Management Guidelines
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