Pest Identifier Library
Not sure what kind of pest you’re dealing with?
COMMON PEST CATEGORIES
Pest Identification & Recognition Guide
Browse our Meagher Pest Control Pest Identifier Library — covering dozens of common pests across Southern Illinois, including ants, roaches, rodents, spiders, stinging insects, termites, bed bugs, and more.
Ant Identification
Tiny, shiny black ants that form trails inside kitchens and bathrooms. Often nest in masonry cracks and wall voids — very common around older homes in Belleville, O’Fallon, and Mascoutah.
Medium-sized reddish to black ants that build mound nests in lawns. They don’t invade structures as aggressively but swarm during summer and can bite.
Light brown to yellowish ants often mistaken for moisture ants. Common in rural Southern Illinois — frequently seen around barns and agricultural properties.
Very small pale yellow/brown ants known for stealing from larger ant nests. They contaminate food and are difficult to track due to tiny size.
Large ants found in logs, tree stumps, decks, and wall voids. Active at night; their excavation can weaken structural wood over time.
Cockroach Identification
Top kitchen and apartment infester — common in multi-unit housing across Belleville and O’Fallon. Reproduces quickly and resists DIY sprays.
Large reddish roaches that move indoors from storm drains, sewers, and irrigation systems — common in basements and boiler rooms.
Smaller roach with light bands across wings. Prefers warm, high locations — ceilings, cabinets, electronics.
Dark, glossy roaches that live in cool, damp areas: crawlspaces, restaurant basements, utility rooms.
Spider Identification
Large, fast-moving spiders commonly seen in garages, basements, and grassy yards. Not dangerous but intimidating.
Brightly colored outdoor web-builders common around patios, porches, and agricultural areas — harmless but messy webs.
Small compact spider with white markings; active hunter — commonly found on siding, windowsills, and gardens.
Large black-and-yellow spider that builds iconic zig-zag web. Harmless, often mistaken for something dangerous.
Fast, beige spiders found along baseboards and window trim. Not aggressive but common indoors.
Rodent Identification
Small gray/brown mice found in basements, wall voids, pantries, and garages. Chew wiring and contaminate food.
Less widespread than SE U.S. but present — commonly entering attics and stored agricultural structures.
Large destructive rats often found under sheds, barns, crawlspaces, and foundations — common near older neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Common in rural Illinois — known carrier of hantavirus via droppings. Often enters sheds and outbuildings.
Stinging Insects
Umbrella-shaped nests around eaves and decks. Territorial and aggressive if disturbed.
Ground-nesting and wall-void nesting species — highly aggressive in late summer.
Large, black-and-white hornets that build football-shaped nests in trees and under roofs — painful stings, must be removed professionally.
Solitary wasps that build mud tubes on siding and garage walls. Non-aggressive but messy.
Drills perfect round holes in decks, pergolas, fascia boards — common structural nuisance.
Tiny metallic bees that hover around humans outdoors — harmless but irritating in summer.
Beetles, Pantry Pests & Seasonal Bugs
Swarms in homes during fall when temperatures drop — stains surfaces and emits odor.
Invades homes in fall/winter seeking warmth — foul odor when crushed.
Pantry pests typically introduced through stored grain and flour — common in kitchens and farm areas.
Congregates on sunny siding in fall — nuisance invader, especially near Boxelder trees.
Wildlife & Nuisance Species
Common attic invaders — tear insulation, topple garbage cans, and carry diseases.
Often roost in attics, barns, and soffits — protected species requiring humane exclusion.
Frequent crawlspace and porch visitors; low threat but carry fleas/ticks.
Burrow under sheds and decks — spraying risk makes professional control important.
Flies & Biting Insects
Overwintering fly found in walls and attics — emerges indoors during winter warmups.
Painful biting flies in wooded and rural areas — commonly around ponds, lakes, and farmland.
Responsible for local biting issues, especially near agricultural drainage.
Termites & Wood Destroyers
Most destructive termite in Illinois homes — enters from soil, hidden activity until damage is severe.
Infests unfinished wood, barn beams, and hardwood structures — leaves fine powder as evidence.
Other Seasonal Nuisance Pests
Common entry through foundation cracks — harmless but alarming.
Enter homes after rains — common basement visitors.
Seen near moisture, drains, and basements — harmless but numerous.
Mistaken for giant mosquitoes — harmless but common in spring/fall.