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11/27/2013

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KEEP HOLIDAY TREATS PEST-FREE

When cooking this holiday season, be wary of pantry pests like beetles and moths - they often hide in the cupboards, especially in baking ingredients.

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Bed Bug Prevention When Traveling

If you stay in a hotel or motel, keep these bed bug travel tips in mind. it is important that you take some precautions to ensure that your room is bed-bug free before you settle in. In a recent survey by the NPMA, 75% of pest control professionals indicated that they have encountered infestations of bed bugs in hotels and motels. The NPMA recommends the following tips for bed bug prevention when traveling:At hotels, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains or spots. If you see anything suspect, notify management and change rooms/establishments immediately.Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas/chairs. If any pests are spotted, change rooms/establishments immediately.If you do need to change rooms, be sure that you do not move to a room adjacent and/or directly above/below the suspected infestation. Bed bugs can easily hitchhike via housekeeping carts, luggage and even through wall sockets. If an infestation is spreading, it typically does so in the rooms closest to the origin.Consider placing your suitcase in a plastic trash bag or protective cover during the duration of your trip to ensure that bed bugs cannot take up residence there prior to departure.Remember: bed bugs travel by hitching rides. After your trip, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into the house. Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly before storing away. Consider using a garment hand steamer to steam your luggage, which will kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have hitched a ride home.Wash all of your clothes - even those that have not been worn - in hot water to ensure that any bed bugs that may have made it that far are not placed into your drawers/closet.More Sharing ServicesShare|Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on linkedin

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10/25/2013

Everything You Need to Know About This Venomous Species



Black Widow Spider PinBlack widow spiders are the creatures of scary stories told on Halloween night – deadly females that kill and eat the males and who are poisonous to anyone that dares come near.

While there are elements of truth to these stories, the habits of black widow spiders aren’t any different than the habits of other species of spiders. However, of the spiders that interact with humans, the black widow’s characteristics coupled with its health risk make it one of the most dangerous spiders that can be found in or around the home. Being aware of where to find these spiders and the risks they pose can help protect you and your family from being bitten.

How dangerous are they?

Black widow spiders are one of a small number of structure-invading spiders that have both fangs big enough to pierce human skin and venom potent enough to cause severe side effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the black widow is the most venomous spider in North America. However, bites are very rarely fatal as the amount of venom injected is so small, and very few people have interactions with black widows in which they are bitten.

In the case of a black widow bite, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does produce an antivenin that can be used to counteract the effects of the venom, reducing the side effects and possibility of death in bite victims.

What do they look like?

The good thing about black widows is that they have a very unique appearance. They can be recognized by most people and are easily identified by an expert. Their characteristic all black body is very round and there is a red hourglass or split-hourglass shape under their abdomen. Females can be 3/4 of an inch long with legs over one inch long. Males are about half the size of females.

Where are you likely to find them?

Black widows can be found both inside structures and outdoors. They prefer sheltered and protected areas where potential prey has the opportunity to be caught in their webs. Widows are most active during the night when they spend time spinning webs. These webs are very irregular and can be about one foot in diameter.

Outside, they are usually found under stones, in woodpiles or around decks. Occasionally they might live on low tree branches or in shrubs. However, being partial to protected areas makes man-made structures ideal places for black widows to seek shelter. Common places in the home for these spiders to live are in cluttered or seldom-used areas in the garage, basement or a crawl space.

How do you prevent a black widow spider infestation?

The best techniques for preventing black widow spiders are keeping the home free of clutter and sealing possible entry points.

Standard pest-proofing steps such as installing screens and weather stripping are effective at keeping black widows from getting into your home. Removing old boxes and other unwanted items from dark corners will reduce the number of places for the spiders to hide.

When cleaning out these areas of the home, be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves to avoid bites from a black widow or other spider that may already be hiding there. If a spider web is visible, use caution before putting hands or feet in that area. It is also good practice to shake out clothing and check in shoes that have been stored in a basement or garage before wearing them.

How can I recognize a black widow spider bite?

A bite from a black widow spider feels like a pinprick. Pain is usually immediate, but bites are not always felt. If it is not felt, the only evidence will be a slight swelling with two tiny fang marks.

According to Dr. Jorge Parada, medical advisor for the National Pest Management Association, symptoms of a bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating and nausea. The main component in black widow venom is a neurotoxin, which causes pain at the bite site and then spreads to other areas of the body such as the chest and the abdomen. Severe reactions could result in muscle cramping.

For most healthy people, symptoms of a black widow bite will dissipate within a few days. However, young children and the elderly may be susceptible to severe reactions, Parada warns.

Are all black widows bad?

Most bites from black widow spiders occur when a spider’s hiding place is discovered or a female is protecting her egg sac. Although they are dangerous, these spiders use their bite as a defense. Black widow spiders do not bite humans instinctively.

If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional immediately. This is the safest way to get rid of black widow spiders in your home and keep your family safe.

08/28/2013

Dr. Jorge Parada - National Pest Management Association
Monday, August 26, 2013

Bee StingsThe summer months, while the most enjoyable time of the year for many people, also bring the risk of painful insect stings from bees, wasps and yellowjackets as humans and insects spend more time together in the great outdoors. The most serious sting-related reactions come from insects that belong to the Apidae family (honey bees and bumble bees) or Vespidae family (yellowjackets, yellow hornets, white faced hornets, and paper wasps).

In general, these insects tend to sting people or animals when they feel threatened or perceive a threat to their nests or hives. Regardless of the circumstances, people who get stung will immediately feel a sharp, burning pain, rapidly followed by a red welt at the sting site, with a small, white spot at the center marking where the stinger punctured the skin. In most cases, the swelling and pain resolves within a few hours, however, as many as 10 percent of individuals develop a large local reaction experiencing exaggerated redness and swelling at the sting site that continues to gradually enlarge to around four-inches in diameter. After peaking around the second day, these reactions resolve over a period of five to 10 days.

In rare cases, approximately 3 percent of the public, individuals experience an extreme allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. These reactions may be life threatening and require immediate medical treatment. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include generalized itching, rashes or hives, tightness or swelling in the throat, upset stomach, including pain, nausea and vomiting, as well as dizziness. In one percent of anaphylaxis cases, people may experience severe shortness of breath, a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and shock. While there are other causes of anaphylaxis, stinging insects are the leading cause of anaphylaxis-related deaths in the United States. Each year, stinging insects send approximately half a million people to the emergency room.

Preventing the Sting

The best way to avoid the sting is to avoid attracting stinging insects in the first place.
•Trim vegetation near your home, as thick vegetation may provide nesting places for wasps and bees. Yellowjackets and wasps often nest in ground under porches. If you, or a family member, are allergic to bee stings, it’s best to keep flowering plants to a minimum on the property.
•Overseed grassy areas to get better coverage, as this will deter ground-nesting insects.
•Keep garbage in sealed receptacles and thoroughly rinse soda cans and other containers before placing them in recycling or garbage receptacles.
•Do not leave sweet drinks or meats in accessible areas and serve drinks in clear cups so you can easily spot an insect before you sip. Keep food covered in outdoor areas and be sure to remove food and trash after picnics and outdoor events.
•Note that DEET and other insect repellents are not effective against bees, wasps and hornets.
•Do not swat at stinging insects as it may provoke them. Instead gently blow on it from a distance.
•If you suspect an infestation or notice a hive or nest on your property, contact a licensed pest professional to safely remove the threat. Do not try to do it yourself.

Treating the Sting

While yellowjackets, hornets and wasps tend to sting repeatedly during an attack, bees are equipped with barbed stingers that typically become lodged in the skin and rip away, along with the venom sac, from the insect's body at the time of the sting. Therefore, if stung, it is important to remove the stinger as rapidly as possible by any means possible, because venom can continue to be released for several seconds. All stingers should be removed because if left in place they may cause a foreign body reaction or become infected. Symptoms of an infection include increased redness, swelling, and pain three to five days after the sting, or development of fever and chills.

If stung, it is important to immediately clean the area with soap and cold water and to use a cold compression such as ice or an ice pack. If the sting is on an extremity, it is helpful to elevate the limb. If needed, over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain, while an antihistamine and hydrocortisone ointment can help calm the local reaction. In case the local reaction worsens, healthcare providers may prescribe an oral steroid or antihistamine to help calm the swelling or itching.

People should seek out emergency medical assistance or call 911 if they experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness, shortness of breath or drop in blood pressure. Anyone allergic to stinging insects or a parent of a child who is allergic, should learn how to use and equip themselves with an epinephrine kit and carry it with them at all times.

08/01/2013

Ants are very common almost anywhere you live but certain species of ants are truly unique and can provide insight on a range of topics from social behavior to traffic patterns. Check out some of the interesting ant facts below:

1. Colonies are bigger than the average ant farm.

Ant colonies come in literally all shapes and sizes. A few species live in colonies of only a few dozen ants; however, the average ant colony contains thousands of individual ants. Smaller colonies live in natural crevices or openings while larger colonies create vast nests and forage for supplies and food. There are also super colonies around the world that can contain more than 300 million individuals. These super colonies have been identified in Japan, Australia, the United States, and southern Europe.

2. They have specific jobs.

Ants are very social insects, and they divide jobs among different types of ants in each colony. The queen or queens have only one job - to lay eggs. All other female ants are workers; they feed the larvae, take out the colony’s trash, forage for food and supplies, or defend the nest. Male ants’ only job is to mate with the queen.

3. They don’t have ears.

Instead of hearing through auditory canals, ants “hear” by feeling vibrations in the ground. Special sensors on their feet and on their knees help ants interpret signals from their surroundings. They also use their antennae and the hairs on their body to feel around while foraging for food.

4. One species is exclusively female.

Researchers have yet to find a male of the species M. smithii. The queen ant reproduces asexually, so all offspring are clones of the queen. This species is found in several countries of Central America and most countries of South America.

5. They can become zombies.

There is a species of fungus that infects ants and takes control of their bodies. The fungus finds its way underneath the ant’s exoskeleton and begins to consume soft tissue. Shortly after, by unknown mechanisms, it causes the ant to leave its colony. The ant then finds a leaf, bites it with a “death grip,” and dies. A few days later, the fungus releases spores to infect more ants. Some ant species have learned to recognize infected colony mates and will carry them far away to protect the rest of the colony.

6. They can lift 10-50 times their body weight.

Because ants are so small, their muscles are thicker relative to their body mass than in larger animals. This allows ants to carry objects much heavier and bigger than them. To put it into perspective, if humans could lift 10 times their weight, a 200-pound man could lift a small car above his head.

7. Some are homeless.

Not all ant species build nests. A group of about 200 species known as army ants have two phases of their life: nomad and stationary. During the colony’s nomad phase, the ants travel all day, attacking other colonies and insects they encounter for food. At night, they build a temporary nest and keep moving the next morning. The only time they stop traveling is during the stationary phase when the queen lays eggs and the colony waits for them to hatch. During this time, the worker ants make a nest out of their own bodies to protect the queen, the food, and the eggs.

8. They are found (almost) everywhere on Earth.

Ants are found on every continent on Earth except Antarctica. A few islands such as Greenland do not have any native ant species, but individual ants have been brought in through human travel. The vast distribution of ants is rivaled only by that of

03/05/2013

In the 400 million years they have been around, cockroaches have proven to be a gregarious pest that poses multiple health risks and will feed on practically anything of nutritive value. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that practicing good sanitation is the first critical step toward preventing a cockroach infestation.

Cockroaches create habitats in damp and dirty places and any area that is close to a source of food. American cockroaches, in particular, prefer living in food-storage areas, basements, steam tunnels and sewers, and favor fermented foods.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 78 to 98 percent of urban homes have cockroaches. Once cockroaches take up residence, they can spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six types of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. In addition, cockroach allergens can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.

“Practicing good sanitation is a crucial first step when it comes to preventing a cockroach infestation,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs, NPMA. “These pests are known to spend 75 percent of their time near food sources, so homeowners must take the necessary steps to make their homes clean and inhospitable for these disease-carrying pests.”

Cockroach control is a five-step IPM, or integrated pest management, process that includes prevention, good sanitation, inspection, application and follow-up maintenance. In addition, the NPMA recommends the following simple steps to help keep cockroaches out:

Seal cracks and holes around the outside of the home, including utility pipes.
Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
Keep garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms — especially under appliances and sinks — as these areas are particularly attractive to cockroaches.
If you suspect a cockroach infestation in your home, contact a pest professional.

02/22/2013

Most homeowners are familiar with the most common household pests — your cockroaches, ants, rodents and such. However, there is an exclusive group of insect intruders the professional pest management industry refers to as occasional invaders. Think of these pests as the drop-in guests.

And just like many of their insect brethren, these pests come with their own set of bizarre but true facts. Here is a quick guide:

Boxelder bugs

Boxelder bugs get their common name from the fact that they are often found on and around boxelder trees. This species is native to the western states, but can be found from eastern Canada throughout the eastern United States, and west to eastern Nevada, wherever boxelder trees are found. These bugs are nuisance pests in and around homes from fall through early spring.

Weird but true: Entomologists have observed that these bugs prefer to develop on and feed on the leaves, flowers and seeds of female boxelder trees. Although these bugs tend to enter homes in droves and can be alarming to homeowners, rest assured they do not reproduce while they over-winter in your home!

House centipedes

Many homeowners have undoubtedly seen these scurrying in and out of shower and bathroom sink drains, their numerous legs making them look more menacing than they are. Centipedes are sometimes called "hundred-leggers" because of their many pairs of legs, but they can actually have anywhere from 15-177 pairs of legs, depending on the species. Interestingly, centipedes always have an odd number of pairs of legs.

Weird but true: A centipede’s front legs aren’t made for walking, instead they actually form into venomous fangs, which they then use to inject venom and paralyze their prey. These specialized “leg fangs,” or forcipules are unique to centipedes.

Earwigs

Earwigs got their name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people's ears and tunnel into their brains; a myth that is still sometimes perpetuated today. Earwigs are not dangerous to humans, but their appearance can be alarming. These pests mainly live off dead plant and animal matter while some species will eat living plants and fruit. There are 25 types of earwig species in the U.S.

Weird but true: Male earwigs find mates using their sense of smell. Once coupled with a female, the male uses their long cerci, which look like pincers, on their backsides to attach himself to her. Undisturbed, the earwigs can stay in this mating position for hours.

House crickets

House crickets are active at night and usually hide in dark warm places during the day. If homeowners don’t see them, they will definitely hear their loud chirping, which is caused by rubbing their front wings together to attract females. Clothing and carpets can become damaged when house crickets enter homes. They typically feed on the surface, leaving the area roughened from pulling the fibers loose while eating.

Weird but true: Many cultures have incorporated crickets into their folklore and mythology. For example, Brazilians believe that cricket songs are signs of impending rains, while some Asian countries believe crickets bring good luck and are kept as house pets in cages.

Ladybugs

Many ladybug species are considered important beneficial insects because they voraciously consume plant-feeding insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale insects, which harm crops and plants in gardens. Only three out of 475 ladybug species in the U.S. are not beneficial and are considered destructive because they feed on plants.

Weird but true: They may look cute, but ladybugs can become vicious if food is scarce resorting to cannibalism. If stronger, a hungry ladybug may turn on weaker (soft-bodied) members of its species. Newly emerged adults or recently molted larvae are most at risk.

Millipedes

Millipedes are sometimes called "thousand-leggers" because of their many pairs of legs, but they can actually have anywhere from 30-90+ pairs of legs, depending on the species. The leggiest species boasts 333 pairs of legs. Some millipedes excrete a smelly fluid that can be toxic to small animals and pets and can cause blistering on humans. They can’t survive indoors for long, but are found under trash, in piles of grass clippings, flower-bed mulches, piles of leaves, etc.

Weird but true: According to fossil evidence, millipedes may have been the first animals to breathe air and make the move from water to land. In fact a fossil of a millipede found in Scotland dates back 428 million years!

Pillbugs and Sowbugs

Commonly referred to as “rollie-pollies,” these nuisance pests are the only crustaceans that have become completely adapted to living on land. Pillbugs prefer moist locations, eat decaying vegetable material and are most active at night.

Weird but true: As moisture is very important to a pillbug’s survival, Mother Nature has ensured that the bug can take in water from both ends. Although they tend to drink water through their mouthparts, pillbugs can also drink through their rear ends using special tube-shaped structures called uropods. (Source: Colorado State University Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management)

Silverfish

Silverfish are so named due to its silvery, metallic appearance and fish-like shape and quick movements. They tend to hide their presence from humans, which means any damage they have caused could go unnoticed as well. Silverfish tend to feed on paper items, glue, clothing and food items, such as flour and rolled oats, which make them more than a mere nuisance pest.

Weird but true: The courting and mating ritual of the silverfish is quite prolonged as it consists of three phases. During phase one, the male and female face each other, touch antennae, back off and repeat. During phase two, the male runs away while the female chases him. Finally, during the third and final phase, they line up side-by-side, head to tail and complete their mating ritual.

Springtails

These pests common name comes from the fact that most species have a spring-like structure that allows them to jump several inches. Springtails are nuisance pests that are attracted to areas of high moisture. Springtails are found year round, but because of a special protein that acts like anti-freeze, most springtails are able to survive in cold winter temperatures.

Weird but true: Springtails are very dependent on temperatures and moisture and may experience periodic population explosions, alarming anyone who sees a large swarm of these pests. Sometimes springtails may be seen on the surface of puddled water in such large numbers resembling a raft of floating bug bodies.

Stink bugs

This insect, notorious for its "smelly" reputation, earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed. Stinkbugs pose no threats to humans, although their presence in the home can be unnerving. These pests are mostly problematic for farmers as they attack a variety of crops.

Weird but true: The brown marmorated stink bug, native to Japan, China, Taiwan and South Korea, was first discovered in the U.S. in eastern Pennsylvania in 1998. It’s believed these invasive species smuggled themselves into the country in shipping crates.

02/15/2013

Occasional Pests & Invaders

Boxelder Bug
Boxelder bugs get their common name from the fact that they are often found on and around boxelder trees. This species is native to the western states, but can be found from eastern Canada throughout the eastern United States, and west to eastern Nevada wherever boxelder trees are found.



Centipedes
Centipedes are sometimes called "hundred-leggers" because of their many pairs of legs, but they can actually have anywhere from 15-177 pairs of legs, depending on the species. Interestingly, centipedes always have an odd number of pairs of legs.



Earwigs
Earwigs got their name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people's ears and tunnel into their brains. The long cerci, or clippers, on their backsides easily identify an earwig.



House Crickets
House crickets get their common name from the fact that they often enter houses where they can survive indefinitely. Interestingly, they are known for their loud chirping which is caused by rubbing their front wings together to attract females.



Ladybug
Ladybugs are also known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles. Most species of this beetle family are highly beneficial insects, but some have a habit of overwintering in structures, leading them to become nuisance pests. Ladybugs are found worldwide with about 475 species located in the Unites States and Canada.



Millipedes
Millipedes are sometimes called "thousand-leggers" because of their many pairs of legs, but they can actually have anywhere from 30-90+ pairs of legs, depending on the species. The leggiest is Illacme plenipes, which can have more than 333 pairs of legs.



Pillbugs (Rollie Pollies)
This pest is the only crustacean that has become completely adapted to spending its life on land. Pillbugs have oval bodies and seven pairs of legs. They are easily recognized by their back, which is made up of seven hard individual plates. Pillbugs are sometimes referred to as rollie-pollies.



Silverfish
This insect gets its name from its silvery, metallic appearance and fish-like shape and movements. Silverfish have no wings, but are able to run very fast. They tend to hide their presence from humans which means any damage they have caused could go unnoticed as well.



Springtails (Snow Fleas)
Certain species of springtails are referred to as "snow fleas" when found in winter, but they are not fleas at all. Springtails are found year round, but because of a special protein that acts like anti-freeze, this type of springtail is able to survive in cold winter temperatures. Springtails don't have wings, instead they get around by jumping, using a unique catapult system. Their jumping is especially noticeable in winter when they are contrasted against white snow.



Stink Bugs
This insect, notorious for its "smelly" reputation, earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed. Many other insects have these same characteristics, including some species of ants, beetles and other bugs. Most stink bugs are herbivorous and use their piercing and sucking mouthparts to feed on plant juices. A few common species of stink bugs are predatory and use their mouthparts to drain fluids from caterpillars and other pest insects.

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