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Posts Tagged ‘ants’

5 For Friday: This Week’s Links Round-Up

May 24th, 2013 No comments

5 For Friday: This Week’s Links Round-Up 

 

Rasberry_AntClearwater Crazy Ants 

Crazy Rasberry ants are becoming more and more of an invasive pest throughout much of the south and in Texas. They are even driving out the much dreaded fire ants. These ants go everywhere, invading homes and nesting in walls and crawlspaces, even damaging electrical equipment by swarming inside appliances. More…

Mobile Pest Control Software 

With a huge demand for pest control software right now, here is mobile pest app by Beevio that is worth looking into. More…

The History of Pest Control 

Here is an interesting read about the history of pest control; from the 1800’s until today. More…

Gear Up For A Busy Tick Season In Maine 

Ticks will be in full force this summer throughout much of New England. Here are a few deer tick prevention tips from the pest control professionals at Modern Pest Services. More…

Bugs are Pretty Too! 

Not all bugs are creepy, crawly, ugly, and slimy. They can be beautiful creatures. They can be works of art. More…

 

Pest Of The Week: The Soldier Beetle 

A soldier beetle (Cantharis livida). The soldi...

Extremely sought after by gardeners as a natural pest exterminator, adult Soldier beetles are an effective natural predator of garden pest insects; like aphids.

The Soldier beetle is sometimes referred to as a leatherwing, and is found worldwide. The insect got it’s name from it’s resemblance to a British soldier or “red coat.” Species in Britain are bright red. Typically, soldier beetles are black in color with orange highlights.

This beneficial insect will also eat nectar and pollen, along with it’s diet of aphids. If homeowners would like a healthy population of Soldier beetles to feed on aphids, just plant some nectar and pollen producing plants into your garden.

 

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Are Insects Paleo?

May 20th, 2013 No comments
Beijing Snack....Scorpions on a stick

Scorpions on a stick (Photo credit: ming1967)

How do you know if somebody is doing CrossFit?

They will be sure to tell you all about it!

The CrossFit community is a passionate group to say the least. With all seriousness, you can definitely tell if somebody is avid about CrossFit, and has been doing it for awhile… Their muscles will be bulging out of their shirt.

With this growing nationwide Crossfit trend, many CrossFit enthusiasts are practicing the accompanying Paleo diet.

As a bug guy, this Paleo lifestyle struck my curiosity… “Are insects Paleo?”

What Is Paleo?

You’ve heard it called the caveman diet. Others call it the ancestral, primal, real-food, or nutrient-dense diet. Whatever you call it, the Paleo way of eating mimics the eating habits of our ancient ancestors.

Paleo (short for Paleolithic) is about eating the foods that were prevalent during the Paleolithic era. Sorry, jelly-filled powdered donuts where not available back then. Needless to say, eating Paleo is very challenging for most. In terms of weight loss, and changing your body shape; results can be amazing.

Paleo foods include lean meats, seafood, grass-fed beef, veggies, roots, berries, various nuts, and eggs. Pasteurized dairy products, grains, legumes, and refined foods are strictly off limits. So where do insects fit in on the spectrum?

eating scorpions

Eating Scorpions (Photo credit: istolethetv)

Are Insects Paleo?

While the thought of eating bugs is repulsive to some; insects are a healthy, protein packed, meat alternative food option.

So is this healthy meat alternative Paleo? Short answer… Yes.

According to Paleo traditionalists, anything with a face is Paleo; and that includes insects. With this definition, apparently cannibalism is also Paleo.

A Paleo diet is less about avoiding grains, legumes, pasteurized dairy and refined foods; and is more about eating nutrient rich foods that work well with your body. Insects like crickets, scorpions, grubs, and grasshoppers are packed with protein and are actually very healthy when prepared correctly.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, some insects contain twice the protein of raw meat and fish, while others, particularly in their larval stage, are also rich in fat, vitamins and minerals. Now that’s Paleo!

 

Paleo Flow Chart

CrossFit Flow Chart

 

Insects food stall in Bangkok, Thailand

Entomophagy- The Practice Of Eating Insects

Eating insects might seem like a gross act, better left for ‘Bizarre Foods’ host Andrew Zimmern. The truth is Entomophagy, or the act of eating insects, is a way of life for millions of people worldwide. People in less developed countries rely on insects for protein and other nutrients needed for survival. Scientists have long been touting insects as a protein-packed meat alternative that could help meet the world’s growing food demand.

While the practice of eating insects, may be unsettling for some people’s palates, different species of beetles, ants, bees, grasshoppers and crickets are eaten in 23 countries in the Americas, 29 countries across Asia, and 36 countries in Africa. In Thailand alone, 200 different insect species are consumed and are commonly sold as street snacks throughout the country.

Learn more about different country’s insect cuisine by clicking here.

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5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

May 3rd, 2013 No comments

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

 

Desert Hairy Scorpion

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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Live Roach Cam

May 1st, 2013 2 comments

Live Roach Cam

 


Live video by Animal Planet L!ve

 

Have you ever wondered what pests like scorpions, ants, spiders, and roaches do when we’re not watching them? Well, wonder no more! I bring you the live roach cam. It’s a 24-7-365 live feed of cockroaches living in a miniature apartment, aka a dollhouse.

Watch the roaches eat, mate, crawl around, and just hang out.

It’s like watching an episode of The Jersey Shore, except more exciting and with less disease.

The window in the apartment looks to be a green screen that’s playing something on a loop. Today it happens to be the Ellen DeGeneres Show; yesterday it was cars driving by. Watch closely, and you can see the roaches crawling around on top of the furniture and under the fridge… Much like a roach would do in a standard apartment.

What’s next, a live feed of penguins, sea nettles, or leafcutter ants?

Yup! You guessed it!

You can watch about any critter you want on a live cam nowadays. All of these live feeds of living creatures, including the live roach cam, come to you via Animal Planet, and their new website APL.TV.

If you’re interested in watching something with a few less legs, check out the live kitten or puppy cams… You won’t feel quite as itchy afterward.

There are also live feeds for Beluga whales, calves, osprey, chicks, wild birds, and the Pacific Reef.

Roach

Roach (Photo credit: Are W)

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of this country’s most hardy pests, and maybe the most disgusting. They come into our homes in search of food and water, spreading disease as they go. Cockroaches will eat almost anything. In fact, cockroaches have been known to eat blood, hair, wood, glue, leather, and fecal matter.

Cockroaches in the home spread diseases like: polio, typhoid fever, leprosy, and bubonic plaque. They have also been shown to cause allergic reactions in humans, and are linked to asthma. Other unpleasant side effects roaches can cause are food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, parasitic worms, and urinary track infections. In addition to all of those, cockroaches also carry over 40 different types of bacteria.

Did I mention cockroaches are disgusting insects? Roaches are better left to watch on a live roach cam, and are definitely not something you want in your home. If you do have them in your home, get Bulwark Cockroach Control.

 

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Carpenter Ants Versus Termites: Tips For Identifying Winged Pests

April 29th, 2013 No comments

Do you have a swarm of pests outside your home? Chances are, you are dealing with either termites or carpenter ants; both of these bugs swarm during spring, which is their mating season. It is important to figure out exactly which pest you have, however, because termites can be very destructive and require treatment from professionals. Luckily, there are ways that you can determine the difference between these two bugs.

Examine Their Bodies

Do your best to capture one of the bugs, and examine it closely. If the body does not appear to be segmented, you probably have a termite. If, however, you notice a distinct waist, it is more likely to be a carpenter ant. In addition, the antennae of carpenter ants are bent rather than straight like a termite’s antennae. Finally, all of the termite’s wings are the same shape, but a carpenter ant’s hind wings are smaller than its front wings. An ant is generally darker than a termite as well; termites tend to be light or white whereas ants are reddish.

Observe Their Habits

If you can’t capture a bug, try observing its habits to gain clues instead. Carpenter ants don’t mind going out during the daytime, because it gives them an opportunity to look for food. Termites do not like the sunlight, though, so you are less likely to see them in the sun except under rare circumstances. In addition, termite’s wings are very fragile, so you make see some start to gather near the nesting site.

Carpenter ants and termites can both make a mess of your wood, but they are different in one very major way; termites eat the wood, but carpenter ants simply make holes in it. Because of this, you will often notice wood shavings near the holes if you have carpenter ants, because as they dig, they push the wood out to make their tunnel. In addition, a mud tube is a clear indication that you have termites. You might see one of these on the exterior of a wall or between the wood and the soil in areas where the termites frequent.

English: Termites which seems like Ants. So, i...

Take Care Of The Problem

Regardless of which pest you are dealing with, you must take immediate steps to correct the problem. For termites, calling in a pest control company is your best option. For carpenter ants, you may be able to get rid of them yourself if you can make your home less attractive to them. However, remember that they can still cause damage to your wood, so you still need to take them seriously. If, after reading the information above, you still aren’t sure if the winged bug is a termite or a carpenter ant, bring a sample to a pest control company. They will help you identify it and explain your treatment options.

Termites cause millions of dollars in damage for homeowners every year. If you have a winged bug flying around your home, take steps to identify it and then treat the problem. Quick action could save you a lot of money.

Featured images:

Morgan is a proud mother, who enjoys spending her days discovering fun and interesting things to do with her young son. At night, she is an avid writer and solves all her pest problems with the help of a Jersey City pest control company.

Guest Post Published By Thomas Ballantyne

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Pest Control Links Round-Up: 5 For Friday

April 19th, 2013 No comments

Pest Control Links Round-Up: 5 For Friday

 

Weekly Links RoundupAtlanta 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

 

Description: This image shows a 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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Pest Control For Carpenter Ants

April 17th, 2013 No comments
Head of a Black Carpenter Ant (Camponotus penn...

Head of a Black Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) (Photo credit: Thomas Shahan)

There is much confusion out there when it comes to Carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are frequently confused with termites, because they both nest in wood. The following article is intended for pest control professionals and homeowners alike, who are in need of some answers when it comes to identifying, and treating Carpenter ants. 

Knowing a little more about these Carpenter ants can help homeowners and pest management professionals take some preventative measures to minimize damage to homes. If it’s too late, and you fear that you may have a Carpenter ant infestation, please enlist the help of a licensed ant control professional who can administer the proper insecticides. 

The 3 Most Common Types of Carpenter Ants 

Across the lower 48 states, some 14 different species of Carpenter ant can be found in all their variety. Most share similar characteristics, like nesting in wood, but there are a few slight differences in appearance, geography, and habits. Here are the three most common species that threaten US homes: 

Carpenter Ant

Description: This image shows a Carpenter ant ...

Simply called the Carpenter ant (Camponotus vicinus), it is found primarily in the Pacific Northwest; but is also found in California, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, and Oklahoma. These ants have a black head, red thorax, and black abdomen. Like other Carpenter ants, this ant can be a serious structural pest. 

Western Carpenter Ant 

Western Carpenter Ant, Camponotus modoc

 

The Western Carpenter ant (Camponotus modoc) is a foraging ant that is commonly found in the states west of the Mississippi River. They have a dull black body with reddish legs. One easy way to distinguish the Western Carpenter ant from other ant pests is that this ant has a circular ring of gold colored hairs on its abdomen. 

Black Carpenter Ant 

Black Carpenter Ant: Camponotus pennsylvanicus...

The Black Carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus), is the most common Carpenter ant pest in the United States. Found primarily in the Eastern United States, the ant is sometimes referred to as the Pennsylvania Carpenter ant. The Black Carpenter ant is distinguishable from other Carpenter ant species by the dull black color of the head and body; as well as white-yellow hairs on the abdomen. 

 

Pest Control For Carpenter Ants: 5 Steps 

When it comes to eliminating Carpenter ants, it’s not as easy as spraying them with a can of over-the-counter insecticide. These ants are tremendously resilient. While you may kill a few of the surface ants, a hundred thousand more may be hiding deep inside the nest. There are five basic steps that need to be taken to successfully eliminate Carpenter ants. 

carpenter ant damage under the front window sill

Carpenter ant damage under the front window sill (Photo credit: 123yvo)

Step 1: Inspection. The first step in controlling a Carpenter ant infestation is to thoroughly inspect the suspect property. It is best to determine the nest’s location as specifically as possible. Look for the signs of Carpenter ants, including sawdust piles around dead or rotting wood. The nest may be located by careful and patient observations of worker ants, especially between sunset and midnight during spring and summer months when carpenter ants are most active. You can increase your chances of following workers to their nest by setting out cat food that is attractive to carpenter ants. Place the food in areas where you find workers. Sometimes sound detection methods are equally as effective. Listen for the chewing of wood. Carpenter ants tend to be noisy within their nest, so listening devices may be needed to help pinpoint the exact location of the colony. 

Step 2: Identification. Once you have discovered the ants, and/or the nest, you can now determine what type of ant is infesting your property. Different species of ant may require different treatment techniques. Specimens may need to be taken for positive identification. If the ants are found nesting in wood, you almost certainly have a Carpenter ant problem. 

Step 3: Recommendation. After inspecting your property, and identifying the type of ant pest, you will need a plan of action. Multiple treatments may be necessary to completely control or eliminate a Carpenter ant colony. Sometimes, Carpenter ant nests are hidden in wall voids, ceilings, attics, or hollow doors. It is usually necessary for an ant control professional to drill small holes inside your home to apply insecticide into the nest area. Occasionally, the answer may be as simple as removing a nest that is found in some decaying wood around the property. Another common recommendation is to remove conditions that are supporting the Carpenter ants (i.e. unused wood, tree stumps, etc.) 

carpenter ant damage

Carpenter ant damage (Photo credit: Dave Bonta)

Step 4: Treatment. Treat Carpenter ant nests with a residual insecticide applied either as a dust or spray. You may need to drill small holes into wall voids, window and door sills, baseboards and other areas to reach the nest or major part of the colony. Pesticide dusts are particularly effective, as ant activity tends to spread the dust throughout the colony. For colonies in wall voids, inject an insecticide dust, such as Drione or Tempo, or inject voids with Premise Foam. 

When choosing an insecticide, opt for those containing active ingredients like chlorfenapyr, fipronil, or any of the pyrethroids (permethrin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin). For effective perimeter treatments, apply Temprid SC, Tempo, Suspend or DeltaGard G. 

Baits with active ingredients such as hydramethylnon, fipronil, and abamectin, are labeled for Carpenter ants. The colony can be controlled successfully if foraging ants take the bait to the queen. Place Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel on foraging trails, near suspected nest locations. 

Step 5: Evaluation. The key to long-term success in controlling and eliminating Carpenter ants is to follow up and assess the effectiveness of the measures taken. Additional treatments may be necessary to ensure the ants never come back. 

Ant Control 

As previously mentioned; if you are a property owner who is battling Carpenter ants, please seek the assistance of an ant control professional before attempting to exterminate these dangerous ants. 

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Celebrities In Need Of Pest Control

April 15th, 2013 No comments

Pests love celebrities too.

Halle Berry, Howard Stern, Queen Elizabeth, Renee Zellweger, Bradley Cooper, Maya Rudoplh….

What do these famous people have in common aside from money, fame and paparazzi camped outside their homes?

They have been overrun with bugs!

The only advantage a celebrity might have in conquering bugs is that instead of cleaning and treating everything, they just replace it!

English: Actress Halle Berry at the 2010 New Y...

Halle Berry Forced Out Of Home By Spiders

Halle Berry, who is deathly afraid of bugs, was forced to evacuate her Hollywood home a few months back when her gardener uncovered a nest of Black Widow spiders. The deadly spiders where living underneath a lawn chair near the actress’ pool. The Academy Award winning actress and expectant mother said:

“There were hundreds under this lawn chair that we would all sit on around the pool every other day.

“We found out there was a whole village, a colony of black widows… One of the gardeners decided he should clean it and when he looked under it it was like, ‘Argh!’

“I just left… I said, ‘I’m gonna leave and you’re gonna have to handle that because I can’t stand spiders…’ I don’t even like Daddy Long Legs.” 

 

Black Widow Spiders

The Black Widow spider is the most dangerous North American spider. They inject a neurotoxin when they bite which can be serious and even fatal. A bite results in extreme pain and cramping that can take several days to diminish.

Queen of United Kingdom (as well as Canada, Au...

Queen Elizabeth Overrun With Silverfish

Even the Queen of England must deal with pest infestations. It was well reported last year that the Queen’s Scottish home was overrun with “embarrassing swarms of wingless insects.”

Those wingless insects just happened to be silverfish, which commonly feed on discarded food, human hair, wallpaper, and clothing fabric. Silverfish thrive in humid or damp conditions. The only way to completely eliminate them is to remove the source of the problem.

Pest control professionals in Scotland helped advise the Queen’s staff, and ended up removing all the wood surrounding the pipes which were causing the damp conditions the silverfish love.

Silverfish

Silverfish are flat, gray, scaly insects that have the ability to squeeze into tiny cracks. They have an uncanny ability to hide or to gain entry into homes. They are extremely quick, and will dart away when you turn on the lights. Silverfish prefer to live in damp, cool places such as bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms.

Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky Stern

Howard Stern Battling Multiple Bug Infestations 

 

Ants 

The popular shock jock Howard Stern has had the misfortune of battling pest infestations multiple times. Over the holiday, Howard Stern and his wife Beth Ostrosky were forced to flee their luxury resort vacation in Turks and Caicos when the villa they rented became infested with ants.

Stern paid $5800 a night for a little time away with his wife, in a private 3 bedroom villa with ocean access. It wasn’t long into his vacation before they found themselves itching to get back home. A few minutes after they settled in to relax with some transcendental meditation, they found themselves covered with ants.

Howard Stern reported:

“We’re talking covered in ants. They’re swimming over you-in a sea of ants–encapsulating you. They’re not even looking like normal ants. If they were normal ants I could handle it. They looked like flying fish.” 

Multiple pest control fumigation efforts were performed on the property, in hopes the famous couple would stay, but new ant infestations continued to swarm.

Beetles 

Upon returning home from their unfortunate vacation, the couple found their Manhattan penthouse apartment infested with beetles. A colony of dead beetles was found in their oatmeal, while other containers in his pantry had been overrun with live beetles.

Bedbugs 

Howard Stern has also reported on his Sirius XM Radio show that he has been “scratching every minute,” since his New York apartment and limousine have been infested with tiny, bloodsucking bedbugs.

 

bedbug (Cimex sp.)

Celebrities Attacked By Blood Sucking Bedbugs 

In addition to Howard Stern; celebrities like Renee Zellweger, Bradley Cooper, Maya Rudoplh, Aubrey Plaza, Lauren Hildebrandt, and President Bill Clinton have dealt with bedbugs.

Bedbugs can be a common occurrence for celebrities, who do a lot of world traveling for both work and leisure.

President Clinton’s bedbug infestation may be more of a case of having too many guests in his bed.

To read more about celebrities being attacked by bloodsucking bedbugs, click here.

Pests Don’t Play Favorites 

It goes to show you that bugs play no favorites. Even famous celebrities, with lots of money, are susceptible to their malevolence. Black Widow spiders, beetles, silverfish, bedbugs, and ants can affect anybody. Get pest control!

 

 

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Friday Links Round-Up of Pest Control Articles

April 5th, 2013 No comments
Western Carpenter Ant, Camponotus modoc

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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Links Round-Up: Pest Control Links For The Week

March 22nd, 2013 No comments

Links Round-Up: Pest Control Links For The Week

 

Weekly Links RoundupSpiderman 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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