Arachnids & Insects

---

28 species of Arachnids exist across Colorado. Less than half of these species are found throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. They may look scary, but many species pose little threat to humans.

These stinging insects are broken up into two categories. Social species such as: bald-faced hornets, and western yellow jackets. The solitary species are comprised of European paper wasps, and mud daubers. 

There are over 700 species of ants found in Colorado. The main five species of ants found near humans are: carpenter ants, harvester ants, crazy ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants.

An immense number of 950 species of bees call their Colorado home. The four most common bees you will encounter are: carpenter bees, sweat bees, honeybees, and bumble bees.

One of the largest insect orders in the world with 120,000+ species makes this one of the most common nuisance pests across Colorado. Generally, we encounter 9 species regularly.

Where there are unsanitary conditions, roaches can thrive. The four main species of cockroaches Colorado faces are: German, Brown-banded, American, and Oriental cockroach.

These parasitic pests have been making a comeback in recent years. Feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep but are not uncommon to be seen during the daytime as well.

Otherwise known as dermestid beetles. Often misdiagnosed as bed bugs. 7+ species are known throughout Colorado but the most common two are: black carpet beetle, and varied carpet beetle.

Cause distress for homeowners due to their sheer population size. Elm seed bugs cause nuisance problems by moving into buildings in summer and early autumn. When crushed they release an unpleasant odor.

Boxelder bugs feed on a variety of plants, but their favorite food is boxelder seed pods, which are found only on the female boxelder tree, and occasionally maple seeds. 

Home to 5,000 species of moths. Colorado has three major nuisance species from that vast category such as: the miller moth, clothes moth, and Indian meal moth.