Your Pest Control Links For The Week

Ridding Your Pantry of Pests

If you’ve ever poured yourself a bowl of cereal in the morning; and found beetles, weevils or other pantry pests crawling around in your Cheerios; you know it can be quite a disturbing experience. Here’s some advice on getting rid of the uninvited guests. More…

Millipede Menace

This article offers some good advice on preventing millipedes. These pests smell awful, are dirty, leave stains, and can even disrupt electrical equipment. More…

Difference Between Waterbugs and Cockroach Infestations

For some insight on cockroaches and waterbugs, including what they look like, where they live, what they eat, and how to get rid of them, click here.

Proper Identification is the Key to Controlling Ants Populations in Louisiana

Louisiana has some 131 different species of ant, including the Raspberry Crazy ant. The key to controlling these ants is identifying the species. Different species of ant require different types of treatment form a pest control professional. More…

Pesticides Over the Years

Pesticides have evolved over the years. To read more about this evolution, click here.

There is a Wasp’s Nest Outside My Door! Now What?

If you ever have the misfortune of having a wasp or hornet nest in or around your home, take these steps before you get stung. More…

Pest Of The Week: Argentine Ant

Linepithema humilis, Argentine ant (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Routinely found underneath the moist areas of your property, Argentine ants build their nests under rocks and other debris. They can also build nests inside your home, as they enter looking for their favorite sweets. Argentine ants are located in the Southeast U.S., Washington, Oregon, and California.

Argentine ants are a grayish-brown in color, and are approximately 1/8 inch long. Colonies can have multiple queens, and tens of thousands of worker ants, as different colonies join forces. These ants are notorious for driving out other ant species.

Argentine ants love anything sugary and sweet. These ant pests will commonly eat the nectar that plant aphids provide for them In exchange; Argentine ants will protect the aphids from other predators.

One of the most effective pest control approaches to exterminating the Argentine worker ants and queens is to actively bait this pest with poison; concealed in sugar. Once the Argentine ants have returned the bait to the nest, the remaining colony will soon die off.

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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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Weekly Links For Pest Control News

What To Do If You Are Stung By A Wasp

One of our biggest fears as pest control operators is being stung by a yellow jacket or wasp while on a service call. If such a thing happens, there are some steps that can be taken to help with any the affects. Be careful about possible allergic reactions. More…

Hurricane Sandy And Its Aftermath

Many Americans have been affected by hurricane Sandy, and the aftermath is leaving residents with pest and mold problems. More…

Pest Control Tips for Checking Signs of Termite Damage

Many houses are at risk of getting damaged by a variety of pests. There are many kinds of pests that are possible hazards at home. One of them is the termite. Here’s how you need to check for signs of termites on your property. More…

Can You Kill Bed Bugs on Your Own?

With the severity of bedbugs these last few years, and many of us traveling during the holiday season, the likelihood of bringing these blood-sucking pests home is high. So. What do you do if you do? More…

Pest Control Bombs Cause House Fire

Want more proof that bug bombs are a bad idea, and that pest control is better left to the professionals? A woman setting off bug bombs in her basement has burned down her own house. See the picture here.

Pest Of The Week: The Brown Rat

Brown Rat – Rattus norvegicus 1a (Photo credit: Dluogs)

The Brown rat, also known as the Common rat, Sewer rat or Wharf rat, is one of the best known; and most common of the rat species.

The Brown rat’s fur is coarse, and usually brown or dark grey; while the underside is a lighter shade of grey or brown. The length of this rodent can reach 10 inches, with the tail measuring an additional 10 inches; or roughly the same length as the body. The adult Brown rat’s average body weight, can be 12 oz (females) to 19 oz (males).

Likely originating from the plains of Asia, Northern China and Mongolia, the Brown rat was introduced to other parts of the world; sometime in the Middle Ages. Today, the Brown rat has spread to all continents; with the exception of the Arctic, Antarctica, isolated islands and Calgary AB Canada. This rodent species is considered the dominant rat in Europe and much of North America, as it is often discovered living wherever humans reside; especially in urban areas.

Brown rats that do find shelter in human habitations, will not wander about. Instead, these rodents will (most often) remain within 20 meters of their nesting area, if a suitable supply of food is readily available.

It has been said that there are as many rats in cities as people, but this notion varies from area to area; depending on climate, living conditions, etc. In New York City there is great debate over the size of the rat population, with estimates from nearly 100 million rats; to as few as 250,000. Experts suggest that NYC’s aging infrastructure, high moisture and poverty rates; will continue to contribute to the city’s rodent pest control problem.

Brown Rat (Photo credit: Nikon Ranger)

Brown rats are most often active at night, and considered excellent swimmers (surface and underwater). As well, Brown rats are great excavators, and will construct elaborate burrow systems; to provide safety and shelter. However, unlike the related Black Rat (commonly referred to as Roof rat), the Brown rat is a very poor climber.

Similar to other rodents, Brown rats may carry a number of pathogens; which can result in the spread of disease. This is something that causes major concern, in many tenants and home owners. As such, the first sign of a rodent invasion often prompts an immediate pest control response.

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Tiny Dive-Bombing Parasitic Wasps

How cool is this?

A teeny, tiny wasp hunts it’s unsuspecting prey by hovering half an inch above the ground; and attacks by diving-bombing into it’s target.

This newly discovered species of parasitic wasp, Kollasmosoma sentum, is a natural born assassin in the insect world. The tiny wasp will cruise along looking for an ant to assault and deposit an egg into.

When a poor unsuspecting ant is located by the miniature wasp, it will quickly dive and inject an egg into the ant. The ant’s only defense when it realizes it’s being attacked, is to roll over and try to fight back with it’s mandibles and legs. The entire egg laying process only takes a mere 0.052 seconds, and is deadly to the ant. Once attacked by the parasitic wasp, an ant will house the wasp’s larvae and provide the unborn with food until they hatch.

The wasp’s impressive attacks have been filmed and can bee seen below.

Watch Them Attack!

Parasitic Wasp Makes The List of Top 10 New Species 2012

Every year, the International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) puts together a list of the top 10 newly discovered species. This year, the parasitic dive-bombing wasp (Kollasmosoma sentum) makes the top 10 list according to Arizona State University.

The top 10 species are chosen from a committee of experts, entomologists, and scientific journal editors that evaluate hundreds of entries every year.

Oh, and if you are having problems with wasps of any kind, contact Bulwark Exterminating!

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Pest of the Week: Emerald Cockroach

Wasp

The Emerald Cockroach wasp has a metallic blue-green body, with the thighs of the second and third pair of legs being red. The female is approximately 22 mm long. The male of this species is smaller, and does not have a stinger.

Also known as a jewel wasp, the Emerald Cockroach wasp is best known for its unusual reproductive behavior, which involves stinging the cockroach; and then using the body as a living-host for its larvae.

The female Emerald Cockroach wasp will sting the cockroach twice, paralyze the front legs of the victim; and disable the escape reflex. Then the wasp leads the cockroach to a burrow, by pulling one of the roach’s antennae; similar to a leash. Once they reach the burrow, the Emerald Cockroach wasp lays a white egg, on the cockroach’s abdomen.

Adults live for several months. Mating takes about one minute, and only one mating session is necessary, for a female wasp to successfully parasitize several dozen cockroaches; making them an unlikely source for natural roach control.

Friday Links Roundup

Rodent Control Tips

For a few tips on keeping mice, rats, and other rodents out of your house check out:

http://www.bugs.com/blog/index.php/2012/10/rodent-control-tips/

Squirrel Goes Nuts – Attacks Woman

A Florence, South Carolina woman was attacked in her yard by a squirrel last Saturday. Joyce Linton was in her front yard, minding her own business, when a squirrel ran up her leg and bit her. More…

The Invasion of the Stinkbugs

For most homeowners, stinkbugs are merely a nuisance. They don’t bite or sting, and they’re not known to carry any disease. Their worst offense is the foul odor they emit when killed. We all run for a shoe or newspaper when we see a bug in our house; but for stinkbugs, that’s not such a good idea. Many people resort to vacuums or homemade traps, but these pose risks of leaving the lingering odor behind, as well. The best way to deal with stinkbugs is to somehow shoo them out of your home or prevent them from ever entering in the first place. More…

Boxelder Bug Control Home Remedy

To get rid of this home pest, don’t squash them this only releases their odor, which will in turn attract more stink bugs. Instead, knock them into soapy water, where they’ll drown. Another option is using EcoSMART’s organic pesticides, which will kill stink bugs on contact safely and naturally without releasing their smell. Watch the how-to video here.

Creatures of the night: Bats!

So why do people fear bats so greatly? While only a small percentage of bats carry it, rabies is a very serious disease, and could be fatal. Bats can also carry insect parasites, which can be left behind in their nests and could pass on to human hosts. More…

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Roaches Eat Toothpaste! Do You Share Your Toothpaste With a Roach? 

For a Good Laugh Check Out This Video:

Are You Feeling Itchy? Fleas Are Back

Flea control needs to be an integrated program that includes customer cooperation, veterinary treatment of pets and treatment of infested premises by pest management professionals.

Fleas are very vital pests in the ecosystem. They can flourish on pets, especially cats and dogs, and they can be very annoying to humans. Some flea infestations are brutal, to the point that they can cause anemia.

Common Pests by Their Season

Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, fall, or year round, pests are a part of our daily lives. For a breakdown of each season’s common pests check out: http://joshuaspestcontrol.com/season-common-pest/

A Few Not-So-Fun Wasp Facts

Wasp season is in full swing this summer. Whether you have a full fledged wasp infestation, or they are just ruining your summer barbecues, a pest control professional can help. For a few not so fun wasp facts check out: The Not-Fun Facts about Wasps | Long Island Pest Control Blog

Bed Bugs: What You Need To Know

Hotels are still in the news for bed bug infestations, and the public has become more conscious of all the troubles that these tiny blood-suckers can create.  While the term “bed bug” may give the notion that they are sleepy, relaxed little creatures that somehow winds up in the sheets, the reality is way more frightening.

Biting Spiders

Watch this video for some great information on biting spiders:

http://davespestcontrol.blogspot.com/2012/08/biting-spiders.html

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