During the warmer months of the year numerous insects that normally stay outdoors will be observed in and around your home or business.  When it becomes to hot, or to wet insects living outside seek better conditions inside any structures near their habitat. 

The following are some of the most common occasional invaders found in the Chicagoland Area.

PILLBUG/SOWBUG  
These crustaceans are often described as a “tiny armadillo”.  The Pillbug will roll up in a ball when touched.  The Sowbug will not.  Both of these crustaceans feed on decaying organic matter and thrive under rocks, in mulch piles, under logs etc. outdoors.  Neither one will cause any structual damage. Once entrance to the home/business is made they are found along foundation walls in damp basements in large numbers, usually dead.  It is to dry inside most structures to sustain this pest.  Finding them inside is an indicator of a heavy infestation immediately outside the structure.

EARWIGS
The Earwig common to the Chicago area is the European Earwig. This dark reddish brown bug is about 5/8 inch long with pale yellow-brown legs.  Adult males are strikingly different in size.  This insect has two forceps protruding from the end of its abdomen.  The size of the forceps depends on the size of the adult insect.  The Earwig is an omnivorous feeder, but prefers plants.  The Earwig will be found anywhere there is an abundance of moisture such as under rocks boards etc outside, or under a damp towel left on the floor inside the home.  This insect is a poor flier and is mostly transported around in potted plants etc.  The Earwig lays its eggs in burrows in the soil. Excessive heat or rain will drive this insect inside but due to the dry air inside they can only survive for two or three days unless they locate a continual source of moisture such as large potted plants

MILLIPEDES
These pests are occasional invaders into the living space of man; entering from the soil adjacent to foundations, and usually dying within a few hours of entering the structure.  They are wormlike in appearance but actually have two pair of legs per body segment, are brown in color and feed upon damp and decaying wood and other vegetable matter.  Their most effective defensive weapon is the odor they emit when threatened.  Millipedes roll up into a tight circle when they die inside the home. They are most active during the fall, although they will infest at almost any time of year.   A recent application of mulch around your home or business may result in an outbreak of this insect.  In addition to their ranking as a pest from a nuisance standpoint they can also become pests to vegetation.  A large number of Millipedes inside is an indicator of heavy populations along exterior walls.

CENTIPEDES
The most common centipede in the Chicagoland area is the House Centipede.  This insect is between 5/8” and 1 1/8” long.  The body is wormlike with a pair of long slender antenna spring from its head.  There are 15 pair of legs protruding from the sides of its body.  The last pair of legs is almost twice as long as the rest.  This insect is grayish yellow in color, with three dark strips running the length of its body.  Centipedes will be described as large eyelashes by people who have observed them running across the floor. The centipede lives outdoors as well as indoors.  Indoors it lives in areas of high moisture such as damp basements, crawlspaces etc.  Outdoors it is found under lawn debris, rocks, logs etc.  Insects and spiders are its main food source.