Whether you recently moved to Alabama or have resided in the southern state for years, there are various insects to contend with. And, while some of these insects are harmless to humans, others bite and cause some other problems both indoors and outdoors. Help your residential pest control efforts by learning about some of the most common nuisance insects in the Heart of Dixie.

5 Alabama Pest Insects to Be Aware Of

1. Baldfaced Hornet

The baldfaced hornet is not as common in Alabama as the yellowjacket, but its sting is significantly more painful. Like the yellowjacket, this white and black-striped hornet’s sting causes adverse reactions in allergic individuals, including mouth and throat swelling, vomiting, dizziness and fainting, and fever. Anaphylactic shock is also a possibility if you are allergic. And because these hornets have smooth stingers, they can injure their victims multiple times.

2. Ailanthus Webworm Moth

A long, thin orange insect with distinctive black-edged white strips up and down its body, the ailanthus webworm moth does not cause many problems unless it enters a plant nursery setting. The insect’s web holds growing larvae and is widely regarded as unsightly.

3. Tick

Ticks are found in many areas of the country, including Alabama. They are technically arachnids rather than insects, and those in the Yellowhammer State carry Lyme disease as well as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Ticks range in size depending on the species; however, most have roundish bodies. Some have a more spider-like appearance.

4. Conenose

Known as “kissing bugs” because they bite humans and animals around the mouth, Conenose insects are similar to bedbugs in they hide in bedding and prey on sleeping victims. And while their bites do not cause red, itchy welts like bedbugs, these insects can carry the Chagas disease.

5. Longhorn Beetle

Longhorn beetles bite as well as sting. A type of black beetle with unusually-long “horns” or antennas, this insect chews through tree bark to lay eggs, resulting in dark wounds among other damage without residential pest control services.

Create a residential pest control plan with Pest-Ex in Dothan, AL, to enjoy a healthier home. A local, family-owned business for almost 60 years, this company provides commercial as well as residential pest control services for bedbugs, ants, rats, and other “unwelcome visitors.” Call (334) 794-5903 to learn about specials such as senior discounts or visit the website for additional service information.