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Frequently asked questions
Bats
What is the life cycle of bats?
Bats in Indiana typically form maternity colonies in spring. Females give birth in late spring to early summer, usually to one pup per year. Young bats begin flying by mid-to-late summer. Colonies often return to the same structure annually.
What health risks do bats pose?
Bat guano (droppings) can carry fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness. Bats can also carry rabies, though transmission is rare. Accumulated guano can contaminate insulation and create strong odors that attract other pests.
Raccoons
What is the life cycle of raccoons?
Raccoons breed in late winter, with babies (kits) born in spring. Mothers frequently seek attics and chimneys for nesting. Young raccoons stay with their mother for several months before dispersing.
What health risks do raccoons pose?
Raccoon droppings may contain roundworm (Baylisascaris), which can be harmful to humans and pets. They can also carry rabies and cause structural damage that leads to mold, water intrusion, and secondary pest infestations.
Squirrels
What is the life cycle of squirrels?
Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons per year — late winter and mid-summer. They often chew their way into attics to build nests and raise young.
What health risks do squirrels pose?
Squirrels can chew electrical wiring, increasing fire risk. Their droppings contaminate insulation, and nesting materials can block ventilation. They may also carry parasites like fleas and ticks.
Yellow Jackets
What is the life cycle of yellow jackets?
Queens emerge in spring and build nests that grow throughout summer. By late summer, colonies can contain thousands of aggressive workers. Nests die off in winter, but new queens overwinter and restart the cycle.
What health risks do yellow jackets pose?
Yellow jackets are highly aggressive and can sting multiple times. Stings can trigger allergic reactions and pose serious risk to children, pets, and anyone sensitive to venom.
Hornets
What is the life cycle of hornets?
Hornets follow a similar seasonal pattern to yellow jackets, building large paper nests in trees, eaves, or wall cavities during warmer months.
What health risks do hornets pose?
Hornet stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions. Colonies become more defensive as they grow, increasing the likelihood of attacks near homes.
Wasps
What is the life cycle of wasps?
Wasps build smaller nests in early spring that expand through summer. Like hornets and yellow jackets, new queens survive winter to establish new colonies the following year.
What health risks do wasps pose?
Wasps defend nests aggressively. Multiple stings are common when disturbed, and allergic reactions can be life-threatening in sensitive individuals.
Mice
What is the life cycle of mice?
Mice reproduce rapidly year-round indoors. A single female can produce multiple litters annually, leading to fast-growing infestations.
What health risks do mice pose?
Mice contaminate surfaces with droppings and urine, potentially spreading salmonella and hantavirus. They also chew wires and insulation, increasing fire hazards.
Rats
What is the life cycle of rats?
Rats mature quickly and reproduce several times per year. They often nest in crawl spaces, basements, and wall voids.
What health risks do rats pose?
Rats can spread leptospirosis, salmonella, and other diseases. Their gnawing damages structures and utilities, and infestations escalate quickly if untreated.
ANTS
What is the life cycle of ANTS?
Ant colonies begin with a queen who lays eggs that develop into workers. Colonies can expand rapidly, especially during warm Indiana summers.
What health risks do ANTS pose?
While many ants are nuisance pests, some species contaminate food and surfaces. Carpenter ants can damage wood structures over time.
SPIDERS
What is the life cycle of SPIDERS?
Spiders lay egg sacs that hatch into spiderlings. Indoor spider populations often increase when other insects are present as a food source.
What health risks do SPIDERS pose?
Most spiders are harmless, but some species can deliver painful bites. Increased spider presence often signals a larger insect infestation.
BEETLES
What is the life cycle of BEETLES?
Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis — egg, larva, pupa, adult. Certain species invade pantries, attics, or stored products.
What health risks do BEETLES pose?
Beetles contaminate stored food products and can damage fabrics, wood, or insulation depending on species.
Centipedes
What is the life cycle of Centipedes?
Centipedes lay eggs in damp environments. They thrive in moist crawl spaces, basements, and bathrooms.
What health risks do CENTIPEDES pose?
Centipedes are generally nuisance pests but can bite if handled. Their presence often indicates moisture issues or other insect populations.
EARWIGS
What is the life cycle of EARWIGS?
Earwigs lay eggs in soil and thrive in damp areas. They often enter homes during wet weather or seasonal shifts.
What health risks do EARWIGS pose?
Earwigs are nuisance pests that can contaminate surfaces and damage plants. Large indoor numbers usually indicate exterior moisture or entry-point issues.