Bay Area Critters

California has the largest insect diversity in North America due to its varied microclimates and floral makeup. The Bay Area is also highly diverse, but some insects are encountered more frequently than others. Below are some of the insects, spiders and other arthropods most often encountered by people in their homes and gardens. Click on an image to find out more about them.

Pillbugs & Sowbugs
Pillbugs & Sowbugs

House Centipedes
House Centipedes

Daddy Long Legs
Daddy Long Legs

Black-legged Ticks
Black-legged Ticks

European Garden Spiders
European Garden Spiders

Earwigs
Earwigs

Jerusalem Crickets
Jerusalem Crickets

Katydids
Katydids

Aphids
Aphids

Soldier Beetles
Soldier Beetles

Spotted Cucumber Beetles
Spotted Cucumber Beetles

Hover Flies
Hover Flies

Crane Flies
Crane Flies

Carpenter Bees
Carpenter Bees

Yellow Jackets
Yellow Jackets

Termite or Ant?
Termite or Ant?