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

Pest Of The Week: The Wheat Weevil

 Wheat Weevils

Also known as the grain weevil, wheat weevils occur all over the world, and are considered a common pest in many places. This species of weevil is approximately 3 to 5mm in length, with an elongated snout and chewing mouthparts.

Female wheat weevils can cause problems for farmers, when they lay their (between 36 and 254) eggs in wheat, oats, rye, barley, rice or corn. In most instances, the female will only deposit one egg, in each grain kernel and seal the hole with a gelatinous secretion. However once inside, the wheat weevil’s larvae will feed on the grain until pupation, and then bore a hole out of the grain, and emerge.

Researchers estimate that a single pair of wheat weevils can produce up to 6,000 offspring per year, creating a serious pest control problem for farmers. This often results in significant damage to harvested grains; and drastically reduced yields.

How To Get Rid Of Wheat Weevils

There are many ways to attempt to get rid of the wheat weevil. There are pesticides, different methods of masking the odor of the grain with unpleasant scents, and introducing other organisms that are predators of the weevils.

Inspection and sanitation are the two solutions to stop wheat weevil infestations. Grains need to be kept in containers with secure fitting lids, inside your fridge or freezer. For best results, buy grains in smaller quantities. If you suspect you have wheat weevils, cautiously inspect your grain for the adult insects (or holes in the grain kernels). You can also submerge your grain in water. If you notice any insects floating to the surface, you obviously have an infestation. Even if you identify an infestation early, disposal is the safest and most effective solution.

All stages of the wheat weevils can be killed by either super heating or cooling. Heat your dry grain in the microwave for 5 minutes, or freeze at 0 °F for 4 days to get rid of them.

Weekly Pest Control Round-Up: December 21, 2012 

Pest Control Tips for Fall and Winter 

Here is an excellent PowerPoint slideshow about keeping pests away during those fall and winter months. Click here to watch the slideshow.

Warning: Bugs Hiding Inside Your Christmas Tree 

Christmas tree bugs may be an unforeseen present waiting for you underneath your tree this Holiday, and this present could be a nightmare. More…

Don’t Yelp Unless You Mean It 

Managing your customer review sites is a daily responsibility for pest control operators. What do you do if you get a bad review? If the review is fictitious, you can sue… You just may be awarded $750,000. More…

California Bed Bug Control 

Here are the three keys to a successful heat treatment for bed bugs, complete with informative infographics.

Your Guide to Common Lawn Pests 

When it comes to pest control, most homeowners concern themselves first and foremost with pests that invade their home. While bugs and mice can cause damage and pose health concerns inside the home, there is a host of pests that can wreak havoc on your lawn as well. More…

Should I Be Worried About Chinch Bugs? 

What’s a Chinch bug? Where do they live? Are they dangerous? Chinch bugs can be better understood by clicking here.

Professional Pest Control Among Fastest Growing Occupations, NPMA Reports 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects the number of pest control workers to increase by 26.1 percent from 2010 to 2020. Read more…

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Anthony Ball