Pests Beginning with A

This index features various insects, arachnids, and animals commonly considered pests, whose common names begin with the letter A. Click on a pest name to view detailed identification and control information.

A detailed list and link to more information on them is at bottom of the page

Household & Structural Pests (A)

Ants: The most common ‘A’ pest, found globally, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants.
American Cockroach: The largest house-infesting cockroach species in the United States.
Attic Rats: Rodents that often take up residence in upper levels of homes, causing noise and structural damage.
Acrobat Ants: Small ants known for raising their abdomen over their head when disturbed.

Garden & Agricultural Pests (A)

Aphids: Tiny, soft-bodied plant-sucking insects that can rapidly destroy crops and ornamental plants.
Armyworms: Larvae of a moth species that chew on leaves and stems, often moving in large “armies.”
Apple Maggots: Fly larvae that infest apples and other fruits, leading to premature fruit drop.

Arachnids & Others (A)

Anchor Ticks: A species of tick found in regional areas known to transmit diseases.

Quick Tip: The most frequent structural pest starting with ‘A’ is the Ant. Identification is key to successful treatment, as carpenter ants require different methods than pavement ants.