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

basti (Photo credit: krischall)

I was driving my daughter home from dance class the other day when we passed a dread-locked transient waiting at a bus stop. As we were waiting for the stoplight to turn green, we watched as this destitute looking individual furiously scratched the back of his neck.

My daughter asked, “what’s wrong with him daddy?”

I jokingly responded, “Maybe he has fleas… Just like our cat Cosmo did that one time.”

While my snide comment to my daughter was tongue-in-cheek, more of a reflection of the hippie’s appearance, it did get me thinking:

“Can people catch fleas just like a common house cat?”

“If so, can those fleas be spread to the other people on the bus that this guy was about to board?”

Do Fleas Bite People?

English: Cat flea (Ctenocephalides canis) Magyar: Macskabolha (Ctenocephalides canis) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Technically, Fleas Don’t Bite

First off, it’s important to note, that technically fleas do not bite. The mouth parts of fleas are tube like, adopted for piercing skin and sucking blood—Kind of like a mosquito. There is no easy or familiar colloquial term that describes flea or mosquito feeding as “stabbing” or “piercing,” so we just use the term bite.

Do Fleas Bite People?

The short answer is yes. Any mammal is a food source. Most types of fleas, with the exception of the human flea (Pulex irritans) prefer the taste of animal blood over human blood. Even then, human fleas will still dine on multiple species of animals from monkey to chicken; and they are extremely rare in North America.

The most common domestic flea pest is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). The cat flea is the predominant flea on both dogs and cats, and readily bites humans in the home. Most flea species have a preferred host, but will bite and feed any mammal if they are hungry enough. If there are no pets around for a flea to dine on, then a human may be their only option for a blood meal.

Can People Catch Fleas?

Can people catch fleas like a common house cat can? Another short answer here… Yes! Just like pet fleas enjoy animal hair, they enjoy human hair as well. Hair provides warmth, comfort, food, and protection for the flea. The good news is that fleas can be washed out of hair with a warm shower, and a little extra shampoo. Sometimes, more extensive measures are needed to completely solve the problem.

How Fleas Are Spread

Cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) (Photo credit: Armed Forces Pest Management Board)

Fleas are most commonly spread from your pets. While cats and dogs are primarily the hosts, fleas will also feed on rats, mice, chickens, rabbits, etc. When a pet owner is treating a flea infestation, the fleas may jump onto someone/something else to avoid the treatment or pesticide.

When it comes to people being bitten by fleas, one of the most common scenarios that us pest control professionals hear about is when the victim moves into an apartment or house that had once had a pet with a flea infestation; and where the pet is now gone. Like I mentioned before, if there are no pets around for a flea to dine on, then a human may be their only option for a blood meal. The new tenants are now the flea’s new meal source.

In general, fleas will not spread as frequently or easily as a bedbug. If you were to share a bus or a bed with an animal or even a person that has fleas; you can catch them too. Nothing a little hygiene (shower) can’t fix though. Remember, fleas prefer animal blood to human blood.

Flea Bite Warning Signs & Symptoms

Flea bite reactions vary in humans from very extreme to totally non-existent, depending on immune reaction to the flea’s saliva. Most people will not notice the actual flea bite. This is because fleas inject a natural numbing agent into a victim’s skin when they bite.

Flea bite on the waist of a human with no reaction (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Symptoms

Most people that are bitten by fleas will experience small red bumps that rise above the skin—Kind of like a mosquito bite. Just like mosquito bites, these red bumps will itch. If a victim’s skin is sensitive, these bites can quickly turn into a rash. If a flea bite victim has insect allergies, they may experience addition swelling, tingling, numbness, and difficulty breathing. In such cases, medical attention is a must.

Diseases Spread By Fleas

Pet fleas rarely carry dangerous diseases, but they can spread bacteria that will make you very sick. One disease that has been transmitted by fleas is endemic typhus (Rickettsia typhi). Human infection occurs because of flea-fecal contamination of the bites on human skin. This infection is commonly treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of endemic typhus include headache, fever, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea and vomiting. Additionally, 40–50% of patients will develop a discrete rash six days after the onset of signs. Up to 45% of victims will develop neurological signs such as confusion, stupor, seizures or imbalance.

Tapeworm (Photo credit: Nathan Reading)

Tapeworms

Fleas can also cause tapeworms. People don’t get tapeworms from the actual flea bite; they have to eat the fleas themselves to get infected with tapeworms. This isn’t an appetizing thought, but someone has to actually eat an infected flea.

In Conclusion

After doing a little research I can now answer the question that my daughter inspired: “Do Fleas Bite People?”

• Yes, that dread-locked transient that we saw boarding the bus may have fleas.
• Yes, those fleas can spread to others.
• Yes, those fleas can feed on his blood.
• Those fleas can cause disease or tapeworms, although it’s rare.
• If he does have fleas, a hot shower will go a long way in solving the 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

Links Roundup- Pest Control Articles For The Week 

Squirrel Gets a Jolt, Leaves 4,500 in Dark

It wasn’t a big storm with hurricane-force winds that knocked out power for thousands. More…

Natural Methods to Eliminate Lice from Hair

Lets hope you never need this advice; but just in case, McDonald Pest Control offers advice on getting rid of a hair lice infestation. More…

Termite Season Is Here & So Are Termite Swarmers

Is it possible to see termites on your property and not have a termite infestation? With spring almost upon us, and termite swarmers resurging, you better be well informed. Walker Pest Management of South Carolina has some advice on termites. More…

Ants: There’s Never Just One

In addition to the painful ant bites that go along with certain kinds of ants, there are some ants that can also destroy your property. More…

Bed Bugs Spreading to Theaters, Schools and Office Buildings

Bedbugs are not just hiding in the mattresses and bedding of dilapidated trailer parks, but can be found in schools, theaters, nursing homes, dormitories, and office buildings. Learn more about bedbugs from Accuracy Pest Control by clicking here.

Understanding Silverfish and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

You can find silverfish anywhere in your home or office, but they particularly love dark, damp places such as attics, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and more.

Pest Of The Week: The Red Imported Fire Ant

Making their way into the United States in the late 1930’s, the malicious Red imported Fire ant has spread to most of the southern states. Because of their impact on properties, on human health, and their environmental impact; Red Imported Fire ants easily take the cake for the worst ant pest. They build huge mounds, reaching nearly eight feet deep. These mounds can easily destroy the trees and plants on your property. On top of their damaging effects, they can also sting and bite. Red Imported Fire ant stings are very painful, and have even lead to death in rare cases.

Red Imported Fire ants have dark red bodies, with black abdomens. They can reach lengths of almost 1/4 of an inch, and are notorious for their very aggressive nature. When bothered, fire ants will pour out of their mounds and assault any impostor by stinging them numerous times. if you are having problems with fire ants, get ant control!

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Anthony Ball

I recently had a lot of fun putting together a Spotify playlist of popular bug songs. While putting it together, I found several bands that also shared their names with pests. Here is my top ten bands named after bugs or pests:

10. Katydids

The Katydids reached stardom briefly in the early 90’s before guitarist Adam Seymour left the bad to play with The Pretenders. Before splitting, The Katydids released two moderately successful albums entitled Katydids (1991) and Shangri-la (1991).

Katydids, also known as long-horned grasshoppers, are best known for their appearance that mimics that of a leaf.

9. Adam and the Ants

Adam and the Ants, led by singer Adam Ant, became notable as a British cult band during the late-1970s punk rock era. Adam and the Ants have had a major influence on artists like Nine Inch Nails and Fat Boy Slim during the band’s short career.

The lineup for Adam and the Ants in 1981. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ants are one of the most successful groups of insects, and a common pest. They are social insects that live in underground colonies, but many enter buildings looking for food.

8. Iron Butterfly

Cover of Iron Butterfly

Iron Butterfly rose to fame in the late 1960’s. They were even booked to play at Woodstock, but were unable to after getting stranded at the airport. Their album, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is one of the world’s 40 top-selling albums, selling more than 30 million copies.

While Butterflies are generally not considered pests, some species can damage domestic crops or trees in their larval stages. Traditionally, butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts across many different cultures.

7. Papa Roach

Papa Roach has sold more than 18 million album copies worldwide, and are best known for their songs “Last Resort”, and “…To Be Loved.” Their music is best described as rap metal. Their first album, Infest, reached triple platinum in 2000.

Time and Time Again (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Roaches are one of the most common and hardy household pests in the United States. They invade our homes looking for their favorite foods like sugary sweets, salty snacks, and even hair or fingernails.

6. Alien Ant Farm

Alien Ant Farm got their name from a dream guitarist Terry Corso had about aliens cultivating the human race, like we were all in an ant farm. The band has had four successful albums, and has contributed to several Hollywood movie soundtracks; including 2002’s Spiderman. Their most popular song is “Smooth Criminal.”

Alien Ant Farm (Photo credit: woohoo_megoo)

The United States hosts almost 1,000 different species of ants. While they are considered one of the most common household pests, only 25 species commonly infest homes.

5. Ratt

One of the biggest bands in the early 80’s glam metal scene was Ratt. Their songs “Round and Round,” “Lay It Down,” and “Wanted Man” helped to launch the band into superstardom.

Lay It Down (Ratt song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rats are very common household pests during the colder winter months. If you are seeing droppings, fresh gnawing, or tracks near your property; chances are you might have a serious rat infestation.

4. Buddy Holly and The Crickets

Even though Buddy Holly and The Crickets’ success was short lived because of an unfortunate plane crash, they may be one of the single most influential creative forces in early rock and roll. “That’ll be the Day” is the group’s most popular recording; and in 2011 Buddy Holly was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

01 – Buddy Holly & The Crickets (Photo credit: Bradford Timeline)

Crickets are best known for their characteristic chirping noise, used by males to attract female crickets. As the temperatures rises, their songs become louder and faster.

3. Scorpions

Just by listening to “Rock You Like a Hurricane” before any football game, one comes to the realization that Scorpions are one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. In case you need any more proof, the band has sold over 150 million records, released 23 albums over the last 40 years, and played around 5,000 concerts in over 80 countries.

Ralph Rieckermann of Scorpions. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Much like the band, scorpions have been around a long time and are incredibly resilient. They require a focused pest control strategy. A testament to their durability was proven when lab experiments froze scorpions for weeks, leaving them unharmed when they were thawed. On top of that, after U.S. nuclear testing scorpions were discovered near ground zero with no adverse side effects.

2. Bee Gees

The Bee Gees, made up of brothers Robin, Maurice, and Barry Gibb were one of the biggest recording artists during the late 60’s to early 70’s. During the group’s 45 years of stardom, only Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks and Paul McCartney have outsold them.

Publicity photo of the Bee Gees. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While bees are considered beneficial insects by pollinating plants, they earn the title of pest by stinging and contributing to several deaths a year; common when a sting victim has a severe allergic reaction.

1. The Beatles

The Beatles are the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr have sold 177 million albums in the US, more than any other artist.

I’m Happy Just to Dance with You (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Beetles constitute almost 25 percent of all known life-forms; more than any other order in the animal kingdom. There are some species of Beetle that have been awarded the distinction of pest. A few include: the Colorado potato beetle, the boll weevil and the Carpet beetle. They repeatedly create insect control problems when they invade and destroy household items and agricultural crops.

I hope you enjoyed my list. Did I miss any?

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Anthony Ball

This Week’s Pest Control Videos & Links

Harlem Shake ( bed bug inspection edition)

Harlem shake videos have been the craze as of late, and even bed bug inspectors have caught on. See for yourself:

Winning the Roach & Ant Battle

We all know how much of a nightmare dealing with ants and cockroaches can be. Here are a few tips on winning that battle from Suburban Exterminating in Long Island, NY. More…

Liquid vs. Bait Termite Treatment

Termites are one of the leading causes of damage to your home. Dealing with them can be tricky at times, but fortunately there is help. Here is a good discussion on bait and liquid treatments. More…

Bats, Leave It To The Professionals

Although beneficial to the environment, bats can be a serious pest control problem that needs to be left to the professionals. More…

Cooler Weather Brings Mice & Rats Inside

With this recent cold spell much of the country is experiencing this week, it’s a sure bet that rodents like mice and rats will be headed indoors looking for warmth and shelter. More…

Pest Of The Week: House Dust Mite

House dust mites (Photo credit: Gilles San Martin)

One of the leading causes of asthma and other respiratory allergic symptoms is the house dust mite. These teeny, tiny mites are so small that they are best seen through a microscope; although they can sometimes be seen by the naked eye, in large numbers, if they are placed on a dark background. House dust mites are rectangular in shape, and are a creamy blue color. House dust mites are most commonly found in the carpets, furniture, mattresses and bedding of your home.

Since house dust mites reproduce and multiply so rapidly, pest control professionals, and health officials warn of serious health problems that they can cause. Typical symptoms of house dust mite allergies include itchiness, sneezing, inflamed or infected eczema, watering/reddening eyes, or sneezing repeatedly and frequently.

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Anthony Ball

Mutant super rats is not the title of the next straight to DVD Hollywood horror flick; but rather a real problem plaguing cities in Britain and much of Europe.

A Plague Of Mutant Super Rats

Researchers claim in a recent study that a new breed of super rats are invading English cities, like Henley, and are completely resistant to pesticides because of years of genetic mutation. Authorities have adequately labeled theses rats as “mutant super rats.”

Spotting A Mutant Super Rat

Unfortunately, there are no discernable features that allow us to distinguish the super mutant rats from their brown rat non-mutant counterparts, despite the freaky picture below. The only way to tell if a rat is “super mutant,” is by testing the rat’s tails with new DNA techniques.

Controlling The Mutant Super Rats

Pest control professionals are having a difficult time controlling the disease carrying pests because the rats are immune to common poisons. As the rat’s numbers grow, pest control professionals are beginning to look for stronger pesticides to help eliminate the mutant super rats. At this time, the government’s regulatory body is worried about stronger poison’s effect on other local wildlife so no such pesticides are legally available for use in combating the rats. Until then, the millions of mutant super rats are left to run amuck.

Huge Numbers of Mutant Super Rats

Out of the 10.5 million rats in Britain, three out of every four rats carry the pesticide resistant gene. That’s almost 8 Million mutant super rats roaming the city, spreading disease. The rats are being found in both urban and rural areas of Britain.

Rats Carrying Disease

The reason the super mutant rats need to be eliminated, is because the transmit diseases to both humans and animals that can be life threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these diseases can include: Hantavirus, Plague, Rat-Bite fever, Lassa fever, Hemorrhagic fever, and Leptospirosis.

Rats

Rats are infamous for demolishing a property by gnawing on wood, plants and trees. They also destroy properties with their nesting habits, making their homes in trees and underground. Rat’s success as a pest is mostly due to their small size, their hardiness, their short breeding cycles, and their capability to eat a very wide variety of foods.

Rats are prominent wherever you see fresh gnawing, rat droppings, and/or rat tracks. Their nests are made from shredded paper or other material and are often found in sheltered locations. Most rats have an unpleasant, musky odor that identifies their presence. They are excellent climbers and can scale any rough vertical surface.

A Look At The Future

All this talk about mutant super rats has got me wondering… Are we really that far off from seeing walking, talking rodents like Splinter from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Sources:

www.geog.ucsb.edu
www.thesun.co.uk
www.telegraph.co.uk

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Anthony Ball

Here’s Your Weekly Pest Control News & Links

Tackling NJ Bed Bugs Is No Easy Task

Battling bedbugs is no easy task, but Heritage Pest Control in New Jersey will be able to properly identify the locations of the bed bug infestations and develop a safe plan of attack against the pests. More…

Bulwark Exterminating Makes Best Of Yelp

Each year yelp.com, a customer review site, recognizes a few select businesses with a “Best Of” distinction. Bulwark Exterminating in Austin, TX was recently recognized as “Best Pest Control in Austin.” More…

Avoiding Springtime Pests in Portland, Oregon

Springtime in Portland, Oregon is beautiful; but one thing that can put a damper on that beauty is a pest infestations. Be on the lookout for Carpenter ants, bedbugs, and rodents this spring in Portland. More…

Brown Widows Moving in on Southern California Territory

Brown Widows have begun to take over the Black Widow spider’s territory in many areas of this country, including Los Angeles. These spiders can potentially be very dangerous. More…

A Texas Sized Stink Bug Invasion

Brown marmorated stink bugs are invading many parts of the Country, including Texas, and are keeping pest professionals busy. More…

Pest Of The Week: Pavement Ant

The shiny black Pavement ant ranges in size from 1/10 to 1/8 inch. Pavement ants move in an intentionally slow motion, and are typically difficult to disturb. These ants are notorious for creating problems under asphalt, or concrete slabs. As they build their shallow nests, they push small mounds of soil out through the cracks; and expansion joints. Nests may also be discovered under debris or objects on the ground, as well as near heat sources in structures; during the colder winter months.

These ant pests are attracted to lights, and as such may find their way indoors; at night. Once inside, worker ants cause a pest control problem, by foraging for food, and feeding upon grease, pet food and any sweet substances; they happen to discover. Outdoors, Pavement ants feed on fruits and the sweet honeydew, produced by common garden pests; like aphids and mealy bugs.

In spring, adjacent colonies fight, producing spectacular sidewalk ant battles.

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• Pests

Anthony Ball

This Week’s Pest Control Links

Winter Pest Control Tips

Following these seven simple tips can go along way to ensure your winter is pest free. More…

Greenville / Spartanburg Falls Into The Top 50 Cities With Bed Bug Activity

The top ten list of most bedbug infested cities is out, and very few states are devoid of the blood-sucking pests. South Carolina is no different. More…

The Importance of Having a Board Certified Entomologist on Staff

Fundamental knowledge of entomology and insect behavior is an essential part of being a pest control provider. More…

Tips to Halt Spring Termite Infestations

Spring is rapidly approaching and there are some steps you can take now to help prevent possible termite infestations. More…

The Importance of Moisture Control

Moisture and pests go hand and hand, but what can you do about it? Here are some pointers. More…

Bulwark Exterminating Featured On Flipping Vegas

Bulwark Exterminating recently got a call came from the producers of A&E’s hit show “Flipping Vegas,” and were happy to help out with a very dangerous scorpion problem. See the pictures here.

Pest Of The Week: Yellowjackets

English: Yellowjacket by the pool (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the most common types of predatory wasps in North American is the yellowjacket. These wasps, often times confused with bees, are given the nickname yellowjacket because of the black and yellow stripes on their abdomens. All female members of the species are able to sting multiple times, causing incredible pain to anyone, who has been stung.

Yellowjackets build nests in trees, shrubs, or in protected places such as inside human-made structures (attics, hollow walls or flooring, in sheds, under porches, and eaves of houses), or in soil cavities, mouse burrows, etc. These nests can provide dangerous conditions for homeowners; conditions that need to be treated with pest control.

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Anthony Ball

 Friday Link Round-Up

Interview with Clark Pest Control’s Coach Robert Sperling 

Many pest control operators wear multiple hats. This happens to be the case for Clark Pest Control’s Robert Sperling, who also serves as a high school football coach. Read his compelling interview here.

Watch Out For Brown Recluse Spiders When Unpacking Winter Clothes 

Brown recluse spiders are notorious for hiding out in stored boots, coats, and sweaters packed away in your basement or attic. While these spiders are not aggressive, they can be very dangerous if accidentally encountered. More…

Bulwark Pest Control Receives Prestigious Angie’s List Award 

Bulwark Exterminating recently received the prestigious Angie’s List Super Service award for eight of their branches. They award is only given to the top five percent of companies reviewed on Angie’s List. Impressive! More…

Why Termite Inspections Are an Essential Part of Real Estate Transactions 

No one wants to end up with buyer’s remorse, especially when a home is at stake. Before you finalize your closing paperwork, it’s important that the building you are buying is inspected for termites. Current or past termite infestation can affect property value, future expenses, and even safety. More…

Opossum Removal in Baton Rouge 

For some information of why opossums are considered pests, how you identify them, and what to do if they get inside your home, click here.

Pest Of The Week: Armyworms 

Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Armyworms are the caterpillar life stage of a moth. Also called Fall Armyworms, these pests have been discovered in most regions of the United States, and have increased in severity; over the past few years. These species of caterpillars are approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length, dull yellow to gray, with stripes running down the length of their body.

The Armyworm’s name is derived from its feeding habits. Quite simply, this pest will eat everything in an area, and once the food supply is exhausted; the entire “army” moves to the next available food source. If left to multiply, Armyworms can cause widespread damage to agricultural grass crops, such as small grains and corn, and because of this; are regarded as a serious agricultural pest control problem.

Populations of armyworms are typically kept in check by natural means, though population booms can occur, generally after a drought. The best way to avoid lawn pests is to keep grass healthy Grass that is dense and deep-rooted will shrug off a bit of nibbling.

Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth (Photo credit: Dendroica cerulea)

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Anthony Ball