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

 

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.

Related articles

• Seven Black Widow Spiders
• The Rasberry Ant: A Houston Original
• Close Encounters With The 8-Legged Kind

Anthony Ball

Our Bulwark headquarters may be in Mesa, AZ, but we have a vested interest in the stories and happenings in all the cities across the country that we service. Earlier this week the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released its Spring Allergy Capitals list. All cities are ranked across America, but only the top 100 are published. Cities are ranked using factors such as pollen ratios, medication consumption and certified allergists per capita.

According to the results, Jackson, MS will be the most challenging city to live with allergies this spring season. Fortunately, we don’t service in Mississippi.

However, we do service #2 and #3, Knoxville and Chattanooga, respectively. The report indicates that Red Cedar, Hackberry, Elm and Willow trees are major contributing factors to nearby pollination. These two cities are new to the Bulwark family as we officially began servicing customers in those areas as of April 1, 2013. Just in time for the allergy season!

From there, we jump to #21 with Tulsa, OK. And next is San Antonio at #24.

Rounding out the top 50 are both Charlotte and Greensboro, NC at #40 and #42, respectively.

At #55, we come back across the country to our most westward branch in the company, Las Vegas, NV. Houston follows close behind at #58 before we hop back across the state of Texas to Austin at #64.

Our Atlanta family ranks in at #72, just ahead of our mother-ship branch in Phoenix. Bulwark World Headquarters no-so-proudly comes across the line at #75. Yeah us!

Our last representing city is Raleigh, NC, who ranks in at #87.

The Top 10 Cities With Allergies

 

1. Jackson, MS

2. Knoxville, TN

3. Chattanooga, TN

4. McAllen, TX

5. Louisville, KY

6. Wichita, KS

7. Dayton, OH

8. Memphis, TN

9. Oklahoma City, OK

10. Baton Rouge, LA

There are lots of contributing ingredients that mix together for a wonderful serving of allergy season. The reports put out by the AAFA strongly suggests that local vegetation is the main reason these cities suffer the allergenic seasons that they do. That may in large part be true, but there are steps that you, the resident, can take to lower your own risk in your home to reduce the chance of suffering a sniffling and sneezy Spring.

Keep your filters up to date. And that means all the air filters that you come across during the day. Even the best air filters for the home only last up to three months, so make sure you are setting a reminder on your calendar to change them on time. Also, the air filters in your vehicles should be changed regularly according to the manufacturers recommendation.

It’s also worthy to note that spending just a few more dollars on any of those filters mentioned above greatly increases the quality, so if you have a few extra bucks, it might be worth spending.

Keep your carpets clean. Carpets are the #1 favorite resting spot for dust, pollen and other airborne imperfections. Set up a schedule to vacuum your home every so many days, and stick to it.

We’re obviously bias, but having regular pest control treatments will also help to lower the pollen and bacteria that enter the home. Insects such as crickets and roaches leave behind their droppings just about everywhere they go. Most insects also leave behind the shell of their exoskeletons during a process knowing as molting. The presence of bio-matter around the home will surely increase the allergen count.

 

To see the list of the Top 100 Cities With Allergies, click here.

Related articles

• Charlotte region ranked among worst in country for allergies
• Okla. makes top 10 worst allergy cities list
• Which cities are the worst for people with allergies?
• Southeast Worst Place for Allergy Sufferers

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.

Related articles

• cockroach exterminator
• bee pest control
• bee hive removal

Anthony Ball

Bedbug Laws By State

 

With the serious increase of bedbug infestations over the past decade, many victims of such infestations are wondering what the bedbug laws are in their state. Currently, twenty-two states have bedbug laws in the books. Several other states have bedbug legislation, or yet to be passed bedbug laws. Here is a compiled list:

*** Disclaimer*** The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only, and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. These are the bedbug laws as of March 11, 2013, and can change. If  you feel that you have been a bedbug victim; whether landlord, tenant, or otherwise, please contact a licensed attorney who specializes in bedbug cases.

Alabama

Law	Definition
Alabama Administrative Code 420-3-11-.12 Insect And Rodent Control: Section 2	Guest rooms and other areas of a hotel found to be infested with bed bugs shall be subject to immediate closure until effective treatment, eliminating pests, has been administered. A State health official shall declare the problem abated before the room or area is reopened to guests.

Read more: http://www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us/

 

Arizona

Law	Definition
Arizona Revised Code 36-601 – Public Nuisances Dangerous to Public Health.	Any place that offers sleeping accommodations, and has bedbugs, is a public nuisance and dangerous to human health.
Arizona Revised Code 9-500.31 Prohibition on adopting landlord tenant bedbug control requirements.	Arizona cities/town cannot regulate landlord-tenant bedbug controls. They can regulate disposal of bedbug infested materials.
Arizona Revised Code 11-269.11 Prohibition on adopting landlord tenant bedbug control requirements.	Boards of Supervisors cannot regulate landlord-tenant bedbug controls. They can regulate disposal of bedbug infested materials.
Arizona Revised Code 33-1319 Bedbug control; landlord and tenant obligations; definitions.	A landlord cannot knowingly rent a bedbug infested property to a tenant, and must provide tenants with bedbug literature.

Read more: http://www.azleg.gov/ars/36/00601.htm

 

California

Law	Definition
California Code Of Regulations 40- Bedding	Hotels, apartments, and linen supply companies must ensure all materials are bedbug free.

Source: https://law.resource.org/pub/us/ccr/gov.ca.oal.title25.html

 

Connecticut

Law

Definition

Sec. 22a-46. Short title: Connecticut Pesticide Control Act

In Connecticut, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) classifies each registered pesticide as either acceptable for general use or restricted use. Restricted use pesticides are recognized in the industry to generally cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment. Restricted use pesticides may be applied only by a certified applicator or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.

Read more: http://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap441.htm

 

Florida

Law	Definition
Florida Revised Code/Title VI/Civil Practice and Procedure/Chapter 83- Landlord and Tenant	The extermination bedbugs. When vacation of the premises is required for such extermination, the landlord shall not be liable for damages but shall abate the rent. The tenant shall be required to temporarily vacate the premises for a period of time not to exceed 4 days, on 7 days’ written notice, if necessary, for extermination.

Read more: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&Sub

 

Illinois

The State of Illinois and the City of Chicago is in the process of drafting bedbug laws. The city of Chicago was recently labeled the #1 infested bedbug city in the U.S. The new laws are expected to be voted on March 13, 2013.

Illinois Proposed Bedbug Laws

The presence of bedbugs is a public nuisance.

Bedbugs require pest control management done by a pest control professional.

Bedbug infestations require records to be kept on infestations and actions taken.

City and State employees will be granted access to the above mentioned reports.

Requires each condo and co-op to develop a plan for detection, inspection and eradication of bed bugs.

Regulates disposal of contaminated materials and sale of used mattresses and beds.

A sample plan for detection, inspection, and eradication of bedbugs will be posted on the State’s Department of Public Health website.

Laws will spell out both landlord and tenant responsibilities when it comes to bedbugs.

The Commissioner of Public Health has the power to enforce these laws.

Iowa

Law	Definition
Iowa Administrative Rule 138.13 Conditions For Migrant Labor Camps Permits	A migrant labor camp must have bedbug controls in place; and take effective pest control measures against any bedbug infestations.

Read more: http://law.justia.com/codes/iowa/2013/titleiv/subtitle2/chapter138/138-13/

 

Kansas

Law	Definition
Kansas Administrative Regulations Article 36 /28-36-77.—Food Service Establishments, Vending machines, and Lodging	The presence of bed bugs, which is indicated by observation of a living or dead bed bug, bed bug carapace, eggs or egg casings, or the typical brownish or blood spotting on linens, mattresses, or furniture, shall be considered an infestation. The presence of bed bugs shall be reported to the regulatory authority within one business day upon discovery or upon receipt of a guest complaint. All infestations must be treated by licensed pest control operator.
Kansas Administrative Regulations Article 4-27-9 Bedbugs Imminent Health Hazard	Bedbugs are considered a health hazard, which must be reported to authorities within 12 hours of detection.

 

 

Maine

Law

Definition

Maine Revised Statutes-Title 14: 6021-A. Treatment of Bedbug Infestation

Landlord must: Inspect the unit for bed bugs within five days of being notified by tenant of infestation, contact pest control agent within 10 days of determining there is an infestation, take reasonable measures to effectively identify and treat bed bug infestation as determined by pest control agent. The pest control agent must carry current liability insurance. Before renting a dwelling unit, a landlord must disclose to a prospective tenant if an adjacent unit is currently infested with or being treated for bed bugs; including the last time the property was inspected and labeled bedbug free. Landlord may not offer for rent a dwelling unit the landlord knows or suspects is infested with bed bugs.Tenants must: Promptly notify a landlord when they know of or suspects an infestation of bedbugs in their unit, and then grant the landlord and pest control agent access to the unit. Tenant must comply with reasonable measures to eliminate and control a bed bug infestation as set forth by the landlord and pest control agent or risk being financially responsible for all pest control treatments of dwelling unit arising from the tenant’s failure to comply.Law also provides bedbug remedies.

Read more: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/14/title14ch0sec0.html

 

Michigan

Law	Definition
Michigan Administrative Code 400.57 Care Of Residents	Requires county infirmaries to implement procedures to prevent bedbug infestations and to take proper steps to eradicate existing infestations.

Source: http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/env-res/state-bedbug-laws.aspx

 

Minnesota

Law	Definition
Minnesota Administrative Code 4625.1700 INSECT AND RODENT CONTROL	Every hotel, motel, lodging house, and resort shall be so constructed and equipped as to prevent the entrance, harborage, or breeding of bedbugs, and specific means necessary, for the elimination of such pests such as cleaning, renovation, or fumigation shall be used. The commissioner may order the facility to hire an exterminator licensed by the state to exterminate pests when:A. The infestation is so extensive that it is unlikely that a nonprofessional can eradicate the pests effectively; orB. The extermination method of choice can only be carried out by a licensed exterminatorC. Upon re-inspection, it is found that an establishment has not been brought into compliance with a prior order to rid the establishment of pests.
Minnesota Administrative Code 4665.2300 INSECT AND RODENT CONTROL	Every supervised living facility shall be so constructed or equipped as to prevent the entrance, harborage, or breeding of bedbugs. Cleaning, renovation, or fumigation by licensed pest control operators for the elimination of such pests shall be used when necessary.

Read more: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=4625.1700&keyword_type=al

 

Nebraska

Law	Definition
Nebraska Administration of Rules & Regulations Title 175, Ch. 2, 004 SANITATION	Boarding homes must be built to prevent the infestation of bedbugs, and pest control operators can be used to treat infestations.
Nebraska Administration of Rules & Regulations Title 175, Ch. 3, 004 HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS – GENERAL	Health care facilities must be built to prevent the infestation of bedbugs, and pest control operators can be used to treat infestations.

Nevada

Law	Definition
Nevada Revised Code 447.030 Extermination	Any room in any hotel in Nevada that is infested with bedbugs shall be thoroughly fumigated, disinfected and renovated until such bedbugs are entirely exterminated.
Nevada Revised Code 444 Sanitation	In a camp, proper bedbug prevention measures must be taken.

Read more: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/Division/Legal/LawLibrary/NRS/NRS-447.html

 

New York

Law	Definition
Revised Statute New York City Administrative Code 27-2018.1 Notice of Bedbug Infestation History	A property’s bedbug infestation history for the previous year, regarding the premises rented by the tenant, and the building in which the premises are located, shall be furnished to each tenant.
New York Education Code/Article 19 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE 920. Public Schools	Public schools; infestation of bedbugs1. In a city school district having a population of one million or more inhabitants, the principal of each public school shall provide immediate notification to parents, persons in parental relation or guardians of potentially affected students attending the school, disclosing a findingrelating to the infestation of bedbugs in such school; provided, however, that if pursuant to regulations of the commissioner it is determined that any infestation is contained within a discrete area, the principal may limit such notification to parents, persons in parental relationship or guardians of all potentially affected students within such area, and shall advise the parents’ association of the scope of such notification.2. Along with the notification required pursuant to subdivision one of this section, the principal of such public school shall also include information regarding proper procedures to prevent further infestationsat the school and to prevent the transfer of bedbugs. Such information shall be developed by the board of education in consultation with other city agencies and shall be available in various languages as deemed necessary.3. The principal shall ensure that the bedbug infestation at the school is properly addressed in the most effective and safe manner.

 

Ohio

Law	Definition
Ohio Revised Code 3731.13 Bedding, floors, and carpets must be kept sanitary	Hotel bedding must be kept sanitary and bedbug free.

Read more: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3731.13

 

Pennsylvania

Law	Definition
Pennsylvania Code 82.15 Insect Control	Measures must be taken and in place to eliminate and prevent bedbug infestations at farm labor camps.

 

Rhode Island

Law	Definition
Rhode Island Administrative Code 25-3-24:7 Rules & Regulations Relating To Pesticides	Certain restricted bedbug pesticides must be certified for commercial use.

Read more: http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/agric/pestrg06.pdf

 

South Dakota

Law	Definition
South Dakota Administrative Code/44:02:08-Vacation Homes	A vacation home establishment must be constructed, equipped, and maintained to prevent the entrance, harborage, or breeding of bed bugs. Specific means necessary for the elimination of such pests, such as cleaning, renovation, or fumigation, must be used. The department may require the facility to hire a professional exterminator to exterminate pests.

Read more: http://legis.state.sd.us/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=44:02:08:05

 

Texas

Law	Definition
Texas Revised Code Sec. 341.011. NUISANCE	Bedbugs are a public health nuisance.
Texas Revised Code Sec. 341.012. ABATEMENT OF NUISANCE	(a) A person shall abate a public health nuisance existing in or on a place the person possesses as soon as the person knows that the nuisance exists.(b) A local health authority who receives information and proof that a public health nuisance exists in the local health authority’s jurisdiction shall issue a written notice ordering the abatement of the nuisance to any person responsible for the nuisance. The local health authority shall at the same time send a copy of the notice to the local municipal, county, or district attorney.(c) The notice must specify the nature of the public health nuisance and designate a reasonable time within which the nuisance must be abated.(d) If the public health nuisance is not abated within the time specified by the notice, the local health authority shall notify the prosecuting attorney who received the copy of the original notice. The prosecuting attorney: (1) shall immediately institute proceedings to abate the public health nuisance; or (2) request the attorney general to institute the proceedings or provide assistance in the prosecution of the proceedings, including participation as an assistant prosecutor when appointed by the prosecuting attorney.

Utah

Law	Definition
Utah Administrative Code Rule R392-200. Design, Construction, Operation, Sanitation, and Safety of Schools.	Effective measures intended to minimize the presence of bedbugs on the premises shall be utilized. The premises shall be maintained so that propagation, harborage, or feeding of is prevented.

Read more: http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r392/r392-200.htm

 

West Virginia

Law	Definition
West Virginia Revised Code 16-6-16 Bedbugs	In every hotel, any room infected with vermin or bedbugs shall be fumigated, disinfected and renovated until said vermin or bedbugs are extirpated.

 

Wisconsin

Law

Definition

Wisconsin Administrative Code Department Health Services 190.08

(5) PEST CONTROL(a) Screens. All windows and doors used for ventilation purposes shall be provided with wire screening of not less than number 16 mesh or its equivalent and shall be properly maintained to prevent entry of insects. Screens for windows shall cover at least one third of the window area. Screen doors shall be self closing.(b) Eradication. All means necessary for the elimination of rodents, flies, roaches, bedbugs, fleas, lice and other householdpests shall be used. Extreme care shall be taken in the use of poison to prevent accidental poisoning of domestic animals and people.(c) Labeling and storage of poisonous compounds. Containers of all poisonous compounds used in the extermination of rodents or insects shall be prominently and distinctly labeled for easy identification of contents. Poisonous compounds shall be stored independently and separately from food and kitchenware.

Read more: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/dhs/190.pdf

 

*** Disclaimer*** The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only, and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. These are the bedbug laws as of March 11, 2013, and can change. If feel that you have been a bedbug victim; whether landlord, tenant, or otherwise, please contact a licensed attorney who specializes in bedbug cases.

Other Sources:

http://www.pestworld.org/media/3309/statebedbuglawsasofaug262011_2_.pdf

http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/env-res/state-bedbug-laws.aspx

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ppdc/bedbug-summit/2011/2-gh-summittalk.pdf

Related articles

• Iowa Supreme Court hears lawsuit over bedbugs
• U.S. cities with the worst bedbug problem
• Bedbugs: Easy to Attract, Hard to Eliminate

Anthony Ball

The following article is intended for pest control professionals and homeowners alike, who are in need of some answers when it comes to dealing with fire ants. If you are a homeowner who is battling fire ants on your property, please seek the assistance of an ant control professional before attempting to exterminate these dangerous ants.

Fire Ants

The Red Imported Fire ant is one of the worst ant pests in the Southern United States in terms of human health, property damage, and environmental damage. If you are a pest control professional in states like: Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and North Carolina; you likely take frequent calls from homeowners that are battling these nasty pests.

Pest Control For Fire Ants

Unfortunately, treating fire ants isn’t as easy as heading to your local hardware store and picking up an aerosol pesticide to spray on a mound. Over-the-counter sprays will only kill a few of the ants. The remaining ants will leave the nest and return when the pesticide dissipates.

Some pest control operators will only sprinkle an insecticide over a mound. This is ineffective in controlling the whole colony because most fire ant mounds have multiple queens; and colonies may be spread over unseen areas and across multiple properties.

Texas A&M University has developed a couple of effective fire ant control strategies, developed through years of research. They include a one step wide area treatment or two step bait and mound treatment. The two step method works best in fully infested areas (five or more mounds per quarter-acre of yard).

One Step Wide Area Treatment

If a homeowner is only dealing with a few fire ants, this wide area treatment is effective. It may require cooperation from other homeowners, as the infesting ants may be coming from multiple properties.

Using this method, a pest control professional distributes a granular product containing Fipronil over a property once a year, preferably in the early spring. Spread two pounds of Fipronil per 1000 square feet. Fipronil granular products, like TopChoice and Taurus G, are slow-acting but have season-long control. Best results will not be seen for six weeks after application. Treat a property evenly, and lightly water after the granules have been applied.

If the Fipronil granules are distributed after April, an additional application of fast acting fire ant baits may be necessary to reduce the fire ant population. The fire ants will be very active long before the Fipronil ever kicks in.

It’s important to note that this fire ant extermination method is ineffective a controlling other species of foraging ants, as it’s not a barrier treatment.

Two Step Bait & Mound Treatment

The two step bait and mound treatment approach has been proven effective at controlling fire ants, and is ideal for highly infested areas. During the first step of treatment, a pest control professional will distribute a fire ant bait insecticide over a property in the early spring or late fall. A few weeks after the baits have been applied to a property; the pest professional will treat each mound with an approved mound drench, granule, or dust pesticide.

Baits

One of the more environmentally sound ways to treat fire ants, is with baits. These baits are a combination of insecticide and corn. A fire ant worker will find the bait, bring it back to the nest, and share it with his friends and the queen. After ingesting the poisoned food, the ants will die.

Look for fire ant bait with one or more of the following active ingredients: indoxacarb, abamectin, s-methoprene, hydromethylnon, or pyriproxyfen. Put these baits down evenly throughout the property, when the ground is dry, and when you’re not expecting rain for the next 48 hours. Late afternoons and evening work best for baiting, as that’s when fire ants are actively foraging. Make sure the bait is fresh, and do not mix it with other substances like fertilizer.

Mound Treatments

A week or two after the application of fire ant bait, a pest control professional must chemically treat each individual ant mound with dusts, drenches, or granules.

Liquid drenches generally eliminate ants in mounds within a few hours and leave little surface residue after application. Use a long injection probe to apply Temprid SC, Tempo or Suspend under high pressure into mounds.

Granular products are rather fast acting. They require putting granules on and around the mound and then sprinkling one to two gallons of water on without alarming the fire ants inside the mound. Maxforce Complete Granular Insect Bait provides fast knockdown and long-term control.

Ant Control

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

Read more about fire ant control methods at: http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/

Related articles

• Red Fire Ant Social Structure Associated With Newly Discovered ‘Social Chromosome”
• dear ant family from the colony outside my house
• Dealing With Biting and Stinging Insects by K.F.

Anthony Ball

 Top 10 Sports Teams Named After Bugs

Last week the sports world was shocked to hear that the New Orleans Hornets will be changing their name to the New Orleans Pelicans. The name, logo, and mascot change will be official when the NBA kicks off season. This name change also means that there are no more professional sports teams left with an insect as their name, logo, or mascot. Sad day!

This name change by the New Orleans hornets got me thinking… What other sports teams are named after insects or pests? Here is my top ten list; from ten to one:

10. University of Richmond Spiders

 

 University of Richmond Logo

The University of Richmond adopted the name “Spiders” in 1894, after an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch used the term to refer to pitcher Puss Ellyson’s lanky arms and stretching kick. To this day, Richmond is the only university in the United States with the spider as its official nickname.

The Richmond Spiders play in the Atlantic 10 Conference, and their men’s basketball team recently made the sweet 16 in 2011.

9. Salt Lake Bees

 

 

Bees have long been a symbol of the state of Utah. In fact, a beehive appears on the Utah state flag; the state motto is “Industry” (for which bees are known); and Utah is widely known as the “Beehive State.” It makes sense that the State’s only minor league baseball team be named the Bees. The Salt Lake Bees are currently an affiliate for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

8. Greensboro Grasshoppers

 

 

The Greensboro Grasshoppers, who play in Greensboro, North Carolina, changed their name to the Grasshoppers from the Bats in 2005. The Grasshoppers are a minor league Class A baseball team, who play in NewBridge Bank Park. They are the farm team for the Miami Marlins.

7. Sugar Land Skeeters

 

 

The Sugar Land “Skeeters” play professional baseball (not MLB) in Sugar Land, TX. The name “Skeeter was given to the team after the results of a fan poll. The name Skeeter is southern slang for mosquito. Mosquitoes are very common during the warm, muggy summer nights in Texas.

6. Fort Wayne Mad Ants

 

 

The Fort Wayne Mad Ants are an NBA D-League team located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The term “Mad,” as in Mad Ants, was used to describe General “Mad” Anthony Wayne who the city was named after. The Mad Ants are a developmental team for the Pistons, Bobcats, Bucks and Pacers of the NBA.

5. University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils

 

 

Some Universities opt for a ferocious jungle cat for their mascot in the hopes of provoking fear in their opponents. Other universities choose a powerful symbol of power and status, like a king or knight. Not the University of Arkansas Monticello… They chose a Boll Weevil, an irritating insect known for damaging gardens and crops.

According to the school’s athletic website, the mascot was chosen because the pest was admired for its toughness and the terror it could strike to the farmers. Maybe the Boll Weevils are not such an easy opponent after all.

4. San Antonio Scorpions

 

 

The San Antonio Scorpions are a professional soccer team that joined the North American Soccer league in 2012. The Scorpions are excited to kick off their 2013 season at Toyota Field in San Antonio, TX on April 13th.

3. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

 

 

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are probably the most high profile team left, that’s named after an insect, now that the New Orleans Hornets have changed their name. The football team is one of the top 20 winningest Division I-A programs of all time.

2. University of South Carolina Sumter Fire Ants

 

 

University of South Carolina Sumter sponsors four collegiate teams; baseball men’s and women’s soccer, and softball. They are known as the Fire Ants, the most diabolical of all ant pests found in The United States. Sting victims rarely receive a single sting; instead, a person typically receives many hundred stings simultaneously.

1. UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs

 

 

The Banana Slugs of UCSC are given my #1 ranking because their mascot is local to the University, unique, and of course a bug. A banana slug is a slimy yellow mollusk that slides across the ground, leaving an oily residue wherever it goes. They are native to the forest floors along North America’s Pacific coastal states, stretching from Southeastern Alaska to Santa Cruz, California. In February 2008, ESPN Sports named the UCSC Banana Slug as one of the ten best nicknames in college basketball; as have Reader’s Digest and Sport’s Illustrated.

 

California Banana Slug 

Did I Miss Any?

 

Related articles

• 20 Sports Team Nicknames That are Worse Than the New Orleans Pelicans
• Hornets announce name change to Pelicans
• The New Orleans Pelicans? Seriously?
• What is mascot?
• Worst Mascots EVER

 

Anthony Ball

by Thomas B.

Have a pest free holiday!

While I am sure that there are pest control guys out there that are reminiscing about blowing up little bugs with fireworks, I have never done so myself. Most firework damage that I have caused was inflicted upon myself. And as entertaining as it may seem to stick a M80 into a volcanic Texas fire ant mound, I wouldn’t advise it. Where do think all those flying red ants are going to end up? And do you think they are going to be kind to your arms and legs when they land there? No there are much better ways to get rid of fire ants.

On a more serious note, Independence Day.

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty…” That liberty began with the words of the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” That day, that document, those words, are believed to be the most impactful words of American history. Adam’s said, “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” Our legacy today isn’t just to acknowledge and celebrate our gratitude for the hard fought freedoms we enjoy, but to stir up a remembrance of our civic duty. We are to remember our responsibility as the governed to uphold those truths of freedom. May we enjoy this holiday. May we sing, to those author’s of liberty,

“Long may our land be bright,

With freedom’s holy light.”

“Let Freedom ring.”

 

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These tiny ant pests are called “crazy,” because they scramble randomly, at speeds much greater than the average house ant. They are called “hairy,” because of the tiny fuzz that covers their body, making their abdomen look less glossy; than other ant species. Regardless, neither of the two designations (crazy or hairy), paint a comforting picture for residents at risk; of a Crazy Hairy ant invasion.

 

Already well-established and constantly on the move, these ant pests have disable huge industrial plants and invaded homes, urban centers and rural areas in Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana; and now North Carolina. Although the cost of Charlotte ant control treatments can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year, damaged equipment and related costs associated with production loss; can quickly exceed those modest figures.

Making matters worse, if one Crazy Hairy ant gets electrocuted, its death releases a chemical, that summons other Crazy Hairy ants to attack the threat. In fact, one exterminator said “…  if a hundred-thousand are killed, millions more will follow.” Tom Rasberry, who found the first Texas specimens of the Crazy Hairy ant species (in the Houston area in 2002), conducted a remarkable test site with an experimental ant control product. In thirty days he observed and recorded two inches of dead ants, covering an entire half an acre. “It looked like the top of the dead ants was just total movement from all the live ants on top of the dead ants.”

As these ants travel from state to state in cargo containers, hay bales, potted plants, motorcycles and moving vans, officials are eager to discover new treatment solutions; to battle the “crazy” invaders. In Texas, state officials have temporarily approved two effective chemicals, to help control the ant invaders. Other states, like Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and North Carolina, are also actively searching for new pest control methods, to prevent the spread of the Crazy Hairy ant invaders.

Related articles

• Crazy, Hairy Ants Attack! (weeklyworldnews.com)
• Here Are the ‘Hairy Crazy Ants’ Invading the South [Video] (gawker.com)
• Hairy, crazy ants invade from Texas to Miss. (gunnyg.wordpress.com)
• Crazy Rasberry Ants now called Crazy Hairy Ants

It was a typical hot, humid Texas Summer day.  I had completed most of my schedule and I was getting into the stretch where every customer is home and needs just a little special attention to feel comfortable that their bugs will be gone.  I pulled up to the next house on my schedule at the end of a cul-de-sac.  I rang the doorbell.  No answer.  I knocked.  No answer.  I then went to the gate on the side of the home; I knocked loudly on the gate and began whistling hoping to attract the attention of any dog that may be in the back yard.  I have not proven this, but I theorize that a dogs lack of colored sight cause them to view Pest Control Technicians as chew toys that must be gnawed on.  No dogs came barking at the fence, or wagging a tale.  I now felt safe to service the home.

I power sprayed the front exterior of the home and entered the back yard.  As I came near the rear corner of the home I heard music from a radio.  I came around the corner and found our customers kneeling on their back deck.  I quickly put on a huge smile, raised my arm and announced myself to my customers, saying “Hi I’m the Bugguy”.  In the next moment I understood why the customers where kneeling down.  I was confronted with one of the most terrifying situations I have ever been in.  No less than 6 small black puppies sprinted off the deck of the home and charged in my direction at what seemed to be 200miles per hour.  I HAD LEFT THE GATE OPEN and the puppies where headed for it and me.  I dropped my equipment and ran towards the gate hoping to close it before the puppies could escape.  I was successful and hours of dog catching had been prevented.

As I came back around the corner of the home with the puppies nipping at every inch of me from the knees down, the customer’s were doubled over in laughter at the sight of a grown man fleeing for his life from a group of puppies with the largest weighing at about 6lbs.  I didn’t try to explain.  I only joined in the laughter and completed the service.

Wayne Bryant

Las Vegas

Snakes are a real problem.  Most pest control companies can do nothing to prevent snakes from entering your home.  There are a few precautions a pest control company can take.  Pest Control Traps is one of those, although customers should understand that snake control and capture is not guaranteed. And remember, it is still best to call a wildlife company or rodent removal company if you have a serious snake problem.  Water Moccasins are deadly and they can be found frequently in Texas.    There are several other states that must deal with Water Moccasins and in the southern US, rattle snakes are a common concern among homeowners.

In general, stay away from snakes.  They typically only strike when they feel threatened.  If you are bitten by a poisonous snake then seek professional help immediately. Do not try to suck the poisons out. You can often make a snake bite worse by adding other germs and filth to the wound. It is also advised not to cinch the limb. This can result in the loss of a limb when not necessary. Most snake bites are treatable within the first 3 hours. However, each individual reacts differently so if signs of cardiac arrest or abnormal breathing occur then cinching or removing a limb may be the best option.

Again the first step is to call your local emergency help lines or Dial 911.