Pest Of The Week: Bagrada Bugs

Bagrada bugs, sometimes called painted bugs, harlequin bugs, or cabbage bugs, can commonly cause pest control problems in select areas of the United States. They are very common in Southern California, where they were first discovered in 2008. Since then they have migrated to parts of Southern Arizona.

Bagrada bugs measure about 6 mm in length, and have a very recognizable shield shaped body. Their orange, black, and white markings also make the insects very recognizable. Those not familiar with bagrada bugs, sometimes mistake them for ladybugs; even though they are orange (not red) and are a different shape.

Bagrada bugs commonly harm garden plants like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnip, and radish. When one of these garden plants are attacked by bagrada bugs, they can sustain significant damage. Bagrada bugs will destroy their plant host by inserting their needle-like mouth parts, and suck out the vital juices the plants need to survive.

Pest Control Links Round-Up For May 17, 2013

Glow In The Dark Scorpions At Neon Splash Dash

Bulwark Exterminating was a big hit with their scorpion trucks and glow-in-the dark scorpions at the Neon Splash Dash 5K in Scottsdale, AZ. More…

Beware of Cockroaches

Roach droppings can be dangerous, but the worst part of it is that the legs and feet can track germs throughout a home very quickly. This easily spreads very dangerous diseases. More…

The Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

Wood roaches are common to wooded areas (not just in Pennsylvania), from late spring through summer, and live in hollow trees and stumps. Do not to store firewood indoors or against the side of your home as it can attract these roaches. More…

Controlling Mosquitoes That Find Their Way in Your Home

Rest Easy Pest Control offers these preventative measures this summer to ensure your home remains mosquito free. More…

North Carolina Braces For Cicada Invasion

The east coast is bracing for the 17 year cicadas, and the residents of North Carolina are no different. Here’s an informative Q & A article about the noisy cicada’s invasion of the Tarheel state. More…

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Anthony Ball

 Pest Of The Week: The Asian Cockroach

In most of the southeast United States, the Asian cockroach is commonly considered a considerable pest control problem. In highly infested areas of North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia; some 250,000 cockroaches per acre have been discovered. These cockroaches are not as common in urban areas, but can frequently be found in and around suburban and rural properties. They are excellent fliers, and are abundant outdoors.

Many homeowners confuse the Asian cockroach with the German cockroach. It is argued if these two species of cockroach are related, but there are a few many similarities. There are also a few differences between the Asian and German cockroaches. The wings of the Asian cockroach are usually longer and narrower, and they are also lighter in color than most German cockroaches.

No matter the type of cockroach that’s invading your South-Eastern property, you just don’t want any of these pests inside your home. They will eat your food and spread disease. Appropriate roach control measures must be taken to eliminate Asian cockroaches.

5 For Friday: Pest Control Link Round-Up

North Carolina Carpenter Ant Prevention

Black Carpenter ants are common ant pests in throughout much of the eastern United States; and in the Charlotte, NC area. These ants can be very destructive if left untreated, but there are a few things you can do to prevent these malevolent pests. More…

Deer Ticks And Lyme Disease In New England

Deer ticks, also referred to as blacklegged ticks, are largely responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. You New Englanders, watch out for this blood-sucking pest this spring. Here are a few preventive tips. More…

Bed Bugs Found in William Paterson University in New Jersey

Bedbugs are becoming more and more common in the dorms of Universities and Colleges across the United States. Looks like William Paterson University in New Jersey was the bedbugs’ most recent victim. More…

Freakish Football Sized Snails Invade Houston

You have to see these African land snails! They’re huge, they’re destructive, and they’re deadly! More…

Top 10 Tips for Landlords to Keep Bed Bugs Away

The bedbug battle rages on and tenants and landlords alike are looking for answers. If you are a landlord who doesn’t want their property infested with these tiny blood-suckers; read these 10 tips. More…

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Anthony Ball

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

Desert Hairy Scorpion (Photo credit: lilspikey)

Pest Of The Week: Desert Hairy Scorpion

Found in the rocky desert regions of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah; the Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion is quite an intimidating pest. Reaching lengths of almost six inches, it is the biggest scorpion that is naturally found in the U.S. Their huge size allows Desert Hairy Scorpions to feed on smaller scorpions like Arizona Bark Scorpions. They will also eat snakes, lizards, spiders, large insects, and small vertebrates like mice.

The Desert Hairy Scorpion is a dark gold in color with a dark top. Like all other scorpions, the Desert Hairy scorpion has lobster-like pincers or claws. It received the name “Hairy” because of the fine brown hairs that cover its body, which detect vibration in the soil. While the Arizona Desert Hairy scorpion is very intimidating looking, its venom is not very potent. A sting will fill very much like a bee sting.

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

Earwig-Scorpion-Grasshopper-Dragonfly Discovered In Brazil

You have to see the pictures of this newly discovered insect. It has wings like a dragonfly and pinchers like a scorpion or earwig. More…

Bed Bug Prevention Tips

Our summer vacations are almost here, and there are a few things we can do to prevent bringing bedbugs back home with us. More…

Landscaping Tip: Garter Snake Pest Control

Garter snakes are common garden pests, and there are things that can be done to prevent them from slithering their way onto your property; without having to kill them. More…

West Nile Already Confirmed In Maricopa County

Oh man. Here we go again… And so early this year. The West Nile Virus has already been discovered in Arizona’s Maricopa County. Cities like Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and Queen Creek will bee a mosquito hot-bed again this year. More…

Deal With Potential Ant Problems Before They Happen

Take a few preventative measures this spring to ensure you home remains free from ants. More…

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Anthony Ball

Pest Of The Week: The Brown Recluse Spider

English: Adult male brown recluse spider dorsal view. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Brown Recluse spider is also known as a Violin spider because of the violin markings found on it’s back. Because of its extremely venomous and deadly bite, the Brown Recluse is one of worst spider pests. These bites are extremely dangerous. There have been reports of lost appendages and even death because of these painful bites. Spider control efforts must be taken to keep these spiders out of your basements, attics, and garages.

While the Brown recluse is dangerous, it’s a rather shy spider that will only bite when it feels threatened. Bites occur when a hand is placed unknowingly on a spider while moving boxes for instance; or when a spider is inadvertently trapped against a person’s body while getting dressed or crawling in bed.

The Brown Recluse spider is tan in color. Adult spiders are about the size of a U.S. Quarter. The spider has a violin marking on its back, long legs, and is covered with short hairs. They are common in the lower Midwest and the Southeast U.S. They are nighttime hunters that do not use webs to catch insects.

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

Cluster Flies are a Real Pest to Deal With

Have you ever been enjoying the outdoors, when suddenly you’ve been swarmed by a hoard of tiny flies? More often than not, those are cluster flies and they can be more than a simple annoyance for some homeowners. More…

Buying Property? Approach With Eyes Wide Open

If you are in the market to buy a home, make sure pests haven’t moved in first. Here’s what you need to know. More…

Introducing the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly

Spiraling whiteflies are a landscaping nightmare. The pesky flies chew their way though trees and plants, leaving them yellow and wilted. For a free download about this relatively new pest, click here.

Bulwark Exterminating & Earth Day

Monday was Earth Day! Bulwark Exterminating has made efforts go green by going paperless. More…

Take Back Your Yard With Mosquito Control

With the warmer summer months almost upon us, mosquitoes will be out in full force. While they can be annoying, they can also be dangerous. Take back your backyard with these mosquito tips. More…

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Anthony Ball

Pest Control Links Round-Up: 5 For Friday

Atlanta Millipede Infestations Common

So what exactly are millipedes? Are they dangerous? Are they even considered pests? How do you get rid of them? Here’s what you need to know. More…

5 Fun Facts About Ants

Think you know all there is to know about ants? Think again! Here’s a comical view, with some amazing ant facts. Who knew ants are feminists? More…

How German Cockroaches Easily Infest Homes – And Effective Techniques To Stop Them

German cockroaches are considered one of the most challenging pest infestations to eliminate – even with professional treatment. Learn how to implement a successful prevention strategy, here.

CAUTION: Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars

The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar. These caterpillars have tiny hairs or spines that release a toxin. Contact may require hospitalization. More…

Carpenter Ants: Preventing Them Before They Become a Problem

Our pest of the week, the Carpenter ant can be quite the destructive pest. There are a few steps you can take before they become a serious problem. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Carpenter Ant

The Carpenter ant (Camponotus vicinus) makes it’s nest inside wood; dead trees or stumps, wood piles, rotten home structures, and old cracking furniture to be exact. It because of this, many home owners confuse the Carpenter ant for the termite.

Carpenter ants have black bodies, with a dark red thorax. Their abdomen is covered with a fine hair that forms a ring around the ant. They measure in length somewhere between ¼ of an inch to ½ of an inch. Note, Carpenter ants do not eat wood. They do eat food debris, like crumbs and sweets. It’s this food that foraging ants are looking for when they enter your home.

If you see sawdust piles around your home or property, you may have Carpenter ants. If this is the case, seek the services of a licensed ant control professional.

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Anthony Ball

Links Round-Up: 5 For Friday

Rasberry Ants Spreading Through Texas

The Rasberry ant (not raspberry) was first discovered in Houston, TX in 2002, but has now spread to 24 different counties in the state of Texas. They are now also found in North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. More…

NPMA Legislative Day in Washington – Clark Pest Control

Clark Pest Control participated in NPMA Legislative Day sending two executives, Here’s what they learned. More…

Bulwark Scorpion Control Makes The Evening News

With the scorpions making an earlier than usual appearance in Arizona this spring, residents were in need of some answers. CBS 5 News in Phoenix called Bulwark Exterminating for some those answers. Watch the video here.

Wolf Spiders: Pests or Diamonds

We’ve all had an experience with a wolf spider at least once in our lives. Here’s EnviroTech’s experience with the hairy looking spider. More…

Spring is Bee Season

Aww, spring is finally here… For some of the country anyway. Be on the lookout for hives popping up on your property. Here are a few tips on what to do, and what not to do, if you have a bee hive(s). More…

Pest Of The Week: Black Widow Spider

Female black widow spider guarding an egg case – Species Latrodectus mactans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the most recognizable, and perhaps the most feared, spiders in the United States is the Black Widow spider. This distinction comes from the female’s notoriously venomous bite. While the female Black Widow spider is generally shy in nature, she can become aggressive and bite when she is provoked, or when she is protecting her young. Her venom is one of the most potent venoms found on the planet. Only female Black Widows will bite humans. The males, who are brown and white in color, cannot bite because of their size.

The female Black Widow spider measures about 1/2 inch in length, with a shiny black body, long thin legs and large oval abdomen with a red “hourglass” pattern on the underside. Black Widows make their webs wherever there is water or other insects. They are common among the garages, patios, sheds, and storage areas of a home. Professional spider control methods are successfully used to eliminate them from around the home.

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Anthony Ball

Western Carpenter Ant, Camponotus modoc (Photo credit: ArranET)

Pest Of The Week: The Western Carpenter Ant

One of the most common types of Carpenter ants is the Western Carpenter ant; which are located west of the Mississippi River. They are easy to differentiate, because of the gold hairs on their abdomens that circle the ant like a ring. Like other Carpenter ants, the Western Carpenter ant has a dull black body with reddish legs. They can bite, but do not sting.

Western Carpenter ants eat the honeydew from plants, as well as other insects, and even people food. They like the same food as we do… Meat, sweets, and anything greasy. One misconception about the Western Carpenter ant is that they eat wood. The truth is, these ants only build their nests in rotting, dead wood; they do not actually eat the wood they remove during nest-building activities. Instead, they deposit it in piles just outside the entrances to the colony. The wood is used solely as a nesting site. Western Carpenter ants nests require professional pest control to eliminate.

Friday Links Round-Up of Pest Control Articles

Report: Microscopic Scorpions Crawl On You While You Sleep

Learn the horrifying truth about these near microscopic scorpions, here.

Would You Eat Bugs?

Mmmmm! Ant lollipops and chocolate covered grasshoppers. More…

Gearing Up For Termite Season In New England

Know the signs of a termite infestation. More…

Don’t Let Carpenter Ants Munch Away On Your Biggest Investment

Carpenter ants, like our pest of the week the Western Carpenter ant, can compromise the integrity of your home. These ant pests are often times confused with termites because they destroy wood. More…

Fire Ant Stings

Here’s some information on fire ant stings, including common reactions, treatment, and a disturbing picture. More…

The Truth About Ticks

For a few unpleasant facts about ticks, and some steps to take about preventing them, click here.

Termite and Ant Swarmers in Springfield Joplin and Branson Missouri

Here’s an excellent article on how to tell the difference between swarming termites and swarming ants. More…

Gallinippers – Monster Mosquitoes That Pack A Mean Bite!

“ I’ve just been stabbed! No wait…it was just a mosquito bite.” More great info on the Gallinipper. More…

Garden/Black Ants

Everything you need to know about black ants, including: habitat, breeding, behavior, and control. More…

Bulwark Paintball Summit 2013

Bulwark Pest Control had a fun time taking a break from exterminating bugs, and instead exterminated each other in competitive matches of paintball.

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Anthony Ball

Weekly Pest Control Links Round-Up

Top 10 Ways To Kill A Spider

When you see a disgusting spider in your home, you better have a sure-fire action plan to get rid of it! Thanks to Bulwark Exterminating, we can all be prepared with these ten ways to kill a spider. More…

Are Mosquitoes Becoming Immune To DEET?

Interesting stuff here. A new study on mosquitoes and DEET revealed that exposed mosquitoes were mostly immune to the smell of DEET after briefly being exposed to the chemical. Three hours later, the previously exposed mosquitoes were attracted to human skin which contained DEET. More…

Nevada Bedbug Laws

Many tourists and residents alike worry about Las Vegas bedbugs. Here are Nevada’s bedbug laws, just in case you experience the misfortune of a bedbug infestation. More… 

Pest Control Tip: Beware of Mites!

There are several different kinds of mites… the most notorious is the House Dust Mite. Mites can cause mild to severe skin irritation on you and your pets. More…

Protect Yourself From Ticks This Spring

Like many other pests, ticks will be re-emerging this spring; sucking the blood of unsuspecting victims. Know how to protect yourself. More…

Cockroach Sensitivity

Does the cockroach have a sixth sense? The answer might surprise you. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Gallinipper

Gallinipper – Psorophora ciliata (Photo credit: Lynette S.)

Believed to have gotten its name from its ability to drink a gallon of blood, the gallinipper (Psorophora ciliata) is the largest bloodsucking mosquito in the US. These mosquitoes are about the size of a quarter, and are almost twenty times larger than the average mosquito. The have hairy legs marked with a zebra-like pattern.

Gallinippers can inflict very painful bites that can even pierce the skin through clothing. The female gallinippers feed on human and animal blood; and are even known to eat fish. Unlike common mosquitoes, gallinippers will feed all day long—not just during the dawn and dusk hours. The good news is these gallinippers do not spread diseases like West Nile Virus.

During the very wet rainy seasons, Gallinippers can be found in areas of Central and South Florida. Gallinipper eggs lay dormant in the Florida soil, until heavy rains will cause the eggs to hatch. After hatching, gallinippers will survive about a week. Just like the common everyday mosquito, gallinippers require pest control strategies to control.

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Anthony Ball

Links Round-Up: Pest Control Links For The Week

Spiderman Can’t Fight Spiders, Man

Although spiders can assist in keeping our homes free from pest control issues with other insects, they do in themselves pose a creepy and unnerving feeling in home owners and their guests. More…

Cockroach Control Tips for Maryland Homeowners – Inside, Outside – Where To Start

Here’s an excellent checklist of things to do to keep cockroaches out of the home. More…

Ants Are A Potential Danger To Your Home

Carpenter ants are a serious danger to a house, and, if these are found, a professional ant control company should be called. Learn more about these dangers by clicking here.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Alarmed By Daddy Long Legs Spiders

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about the daddy long leg spider. Some of the most common myths are that the spider is deadly, dangerous, poisonous, but can’t puncture your skin with its short fangs. Do you really need to be afraid of this spider? More…

Atlanta Yellow Jackets Exposed

With spring finally here, now is the time to start treating yellow jacket nests. If you wait until summer, the problem will have escalated, and you will get stung. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Crazy Rasberry Ant

Also called the Crazy Hairy ant or Tawny ant, the Crazy Rasberry ant is a common ant invader in states like North Carolina, Florida, and Texas. The Rasberry ant (not to be confused with raspberry) was discovered in 2002 by Tom Rasberry in Houston, TX. Currently, the State of Texas is dealing with Rasberry ant infestations in some 20 different counties.

Crazy Rasberry ants are described as “crazy,” because of the rapid and random ways in which they move. The almost look like they are confused or lost. These ants are also hairy. Their bodies are covered with fine fuzz. They have slender bodies, and are reddish-brown in color.

Rasberry ants are hazardous, to electrical equipment; and to homeowners. They are also difficult to control. I you kill a Rasberry ant, a pheromone be released that summons other Rasberry ants to attack. In fact, it has been demonstrated that if you kill a hundred thousand Rasberry ants, millions of others will show up to their funeral. Scary! This characteristic makes Rasberry ants dangerous, and a serious pest control problem.

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Anthony Ball

Links Roundup: Pest Control News For The Week

Insects That Look Worse Than They Are

Bugs like the praying mantis, dragonfly, spider, and scarab beetle all look menacing. These insects’ bark is worse then their bite. They are actually quite beneficial. More…

Beware The Bug: Fire Ants – The Dangerous Home Invader

Fire ants pose a serious health risk, particularly to small children or family pets. They are known to have a strong, painful and persistent sting that often leaves a pustule on the skin. Left untreated, fire ant bites can become infected and in a few extreme cases, have been reported fatal. More…

Pest Control Tip: Beware Of Mites!

The microscopic mite can be found almost anywhere, just not outdoors. The house dust mite is the most common, but there are several other types of mites that can cause itchiness and skin irritation. More…

Pest Control: Mosquitoes

With the warmer weather just around the corner, the West Nile carrying mosquito will be making it’s dreaded appearance  Here are some tips for dealing with the annoying pests. More…

Pest Control Tip: De-Grub Your Lawn

It is estimated that grubs cause more than $234 million in property damages every year. Grubs are the offspring of Japanese beetles. Before they set up shop in your trees, they lay their eggs underground. The white c-shaped larvae hatch and immediately begin feeding upon the root system of your turf. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Wolf Spider

Burrowing wolf spider defending its egg sac. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the more common spider pests in the United States is the wolf spider. These spiders garnered their nickname not because of their large, hairy, wolf like appearance, but because they were once thought to hunt in packs like wolves. Wolf spiders are excellent hunters. They do not build webs, but patiently wait in underground burrows for an unsuspecting cricket or cockroach.

Wolf spiders are brown in color, and can reach lengths of well over an inch. Their appearance is well known because of the Union Jack (British flag) impression on their backs. Although intimidating in appearance, wolf spiders don’t usually bite unless they are in danger or provoked. Wolf spiders are venomous.

Homeowners will frequently see these wolf spiders in their homes during the cooler months of the year. They enter homes looking for other insects to eat, and refuge from the elements. Even though the wolf spider’s venom is not lethal, their bites can cause health concerns. Traditional spider control methods are need for wolf spider elimination.

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Anthony Ball