Pest Control Links- Weekly Links Round-Up

Pest Test

The pest professionals at Bulwark Exterminating put together this fun Pest Test. Test your eyes. What is the first pest you see? Is this pest the one you fear the most? Have you ever been bitten or stung by this pest? How many pests can you find?

Carpet Beetles

The pest professionals give us some useful information about carpet beetles, including: description, control, controlling larvae, and other characteristics. More…

Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus

Yup, it’s that time of year again. All of us must endure those blood-sucking mosquitoes. Here’s a little information as to why they bite. More…

Keeping The Bugs Away: Pest Control Tips Anyone Can Use

Here are a few simple tips anyone can do to help ensure the home and property remain pest free. More…

Carpenter Bees Can Cause A Lot Of Damage! What Can You Do?

They look like small bumble bees, but these flying pests are nothing like regular bees… Especially with their destructive nesting habits. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Hobo Spider

Grayish brown in color, with dark zigzag stripes, the Hobo spider is an aggressive spider found in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Idaho, and British Colombia). It is suggested that these spiders are so aggressive because they have such poor eyesight. They have to attack things that move, or else they would starve.

With their impressive leg span, these spiders can reach a diameter of 1 ½ inches. They build funnel shaped webs, with oval openings, near the foundation of your home; and will aggressively attack anything that disturbs its web.

Although Hobo spiders aggressively bite, their bites are not as dangerous as once believed. There are many misconceptions out there regarding the lethality of the Hobo spider; comparing it to the more dangerous Black Widow spider and Brown Recluse spider. These rumors have recently been debunked.

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

Pest Control Links Round-Up

One Bald Face You Don’t Want at Your BBQ

Bald Face Hornets are notorious for ruining summer barbeques, and such was the case at a neighborhood Memorial Day BBQ recently in Columbus, OH. Read all about it, and what can be done to prevent/remove these hornets and their paper nests. More..

Debunking Home Pest Control Myths

Here are three common pest control misconceptions, debunked by a pest control professional. More…

What Works & What Doesn’t When It Comes To Mosquito Pest Control

Mosquito season is in full swing, and all of us are clamoring for the best mosquito control methods and products as to not contract the deadly West Nile Virus. What works? What doesn’t? More…

When Ants Come Marching In

Ants first send out scouts, looking for discarded food, soda, etc around your home. Once found, the rest of the colony will invade. They are very persistent pests, and will keep coming to your home or yard as long as there is a reason too. More…

Bionic Rats?

Did you know rats have pretty remarkable senses which make them almost seem bionic?! Check out these remarkable rodent traits. More…

Pest Of the Week: Cryptotermes Drywood Termites

Drywood Termite Droppings

Drywood termites are often times referred to as furniture termites because they frequently gorge on wood or timber furniture. After doing so, it is common for homeowners to see small piles of termite droppings (fecal matter). The wood that these termites attack has to have less than 12 percent moisture content. In this perfect Drywood termite environment, huge numbers of termites chew across the wood grain, constructing elaborate tunnels, and chambers in which they live.

Colonies of Drywood Termites are fewer in numbers then other species of termites, with one colony reaching about 1000 strong. Since colonies are fewer in number, it is common to see multiple colonies in one large piece of dry timber.

Cryptotermes Drywood Termites are common throughout all of the Southern United States, but are most prevalent in dry desert areas of the Southwest. Drywood termite infestations need to be addressed with professional termite control, as they can be very damaging to a home or property.

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Anthony Ball

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

Desert Hairy Scorpion (Photo credit: lilspikey)

Pest Of The Week: Desert Hairy Scorpion

Found in the rocky desert regions of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah; the Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion is quite an intimidating pest. Reaching lengths of almost six inches, it is the biggest scorpion that is naturally found in the U.S. Their huge size allows Desert Hairy Scorpions to feed on smaller scorpions like Arizona Bark Scorpions. They will also eat snakes, lizards, spiders, large insects, and small vertebrates like mice.

The Desert Hairy Scorpion is a dark gold in color with a dark top. Like all other scorpions, the Desert Hairy scorpion has lobster-like pincers or claws. It received the name “Hairy” because of the fine brown hairs that cover its body, which detect vibration in the soil. While the Arizona Desert Hairy scorpion is very intimidating looking, its venom is not very potent. A sting will fill very much like a bee sting.

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

Earwig-Scorpion-Grasshopper-Dragonfly Discovered In Brazil

You have to see the pictures of this newly discovered insect. It has wings like a dragonfly and pinchers like a scorpion or earwig. More…

Bed Bug Prevention Tips

Our summer vacations are almost here, and there are a few things we can do to prevent bringing bedbugs back home with us. More…

Landscaping Tip: Garter Snake Pest Control

Garter snakes are common garden pests, and there are things that can be done to prevent them from slithering their way onto your property; without having to kill them. More…

West Nile Already Confirmed In Maricopa County

Oh man. Here we go again… And so early this year. The West Nile Virus has already been discovered in Arizona’s Maricopa County. Cities like Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and Queen Creek will bee a mosquito hot-bed again this year. More…

Deal With Potential Ant Problems Before They Happen

Take a few preventative measures this spring to ensure you home remains free from ants. More…

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Gallinipper

If a regular mosquito was a smart car, than the gallinipper would be a Mack truck.

It’s the goliath of all mosquitoes. A biting bug that is so terrifying that it has emptied entire schoolyards of screaming children.

They are called gallinippers because it is believed they can nip a gallon of your blood. The worst part is that they are expected to invade South Florida in big numbers this mosquito season.

What Is A Gallinipper? 

We are headed to rainy season, and we all know that that means mosquitoes; and the largest blood sucking mosquito in the U.S. is the ‘Shaggy-Legged’ Gallinipper. The gallinipper, properly known as Psorophora ciliata, is easy to identify by its large size and the zebra-like pattern it has on it’s hairy legs.

Gallinippers favor cool shady areas with lots of standing water. These mosquitoes will lay their eggs in the soil, where they can remain dormant for several years before a heavy rain finally releases them. Adult gallinippers can fly upwards of two miles in search of a blood meal. Only female gallinippers bite, feeding on human or animal blood. They are also known to go after pets, wild animals and even fish. The voracious pests feed day and night–unlike everyday mosquitoes, which generally feed only at dawn and dusk.

The Gallinipper’s Bite 

The most notorious characteristic of the gallinipper is it’s extremely painful bite. When it bites you, you know it! One bite victim likens a bite to that of a tiny drill; another victim referred to a gallinipper bite as a stabbing knife. The gallinipper’s bite is strong enough to bite through clothing. Since the mosquito is so big, you’ll likely feel the gallinipper land on you before it is able to pierce your skin with it’s massive proboscis.

The mosquito got it’s name because of the amount of blood it can drink at any one time–gallinipper because it can nip a gallon of blood. The truth is gallinippers drink nowhere near a gallon of blood at one time. A victim would have to be attacked multiple times, by a huge swarm of gallinippers, before you would lose a gallon of blood.

Gillinipper’s Size

How Big Is The Gallinipper? 

The gallinipper is twenty times bigger then the average mosquito; about the size of a quarter.

Palm Beach County Mosquito Control expert Gary Goode says “it really lets you know when it lands on you… It practically breaks your arm. It’s almost impossible for the gallinipper to sneak up on you.

Gallinippers Invading Florida 

Every summer, depending on the rainfall, the Sunshine state braces for the swarms of mosquitoes that plague the state… including the gallinipper. The mosquito’s eggs that were laid last year could produce a bumper crop of the blood-sucking bugs this summer if Florida sees a soggy rainy season.

When the live gallinippers swarm, the phones start ringing off the hook at Palm Beach County Mosquito Control.

The gallinipper is found in the western most; flood prone, parts of Palm Beach County during the rainy season.

The Bad News About The Gallinipper 

• Are huge and intimidating—20x larger than regular mosquito

• Feed on human and animal blood

• Painful bites

• Frequently emerge after rain—which Florida gets a lot of

• Mosquito repellent does little to ward off the gallinipper, mostly because you’d have to use an entire can of DEET bases repellent before the massive mosquito would ever notice it.

The Good News About The Gallinipper 

• Don’t occur in great numbers in Central or South Florida

• Because of it’s size, it’s almost impossible for the gallinipper to sneak up on you

• Are not known to spread diseases like West Nile Virus

• Lifespan is only about a week

• Eat the larvae of their smaller mosquito cousins

• Continually sprayed by Florida mosquito control professionals to reduce numbers

The Truth About The Gallinipper 

The reports by the local media have made it sound like swarms of gallinippers are attacking Florida residents, drinking gallons of blood, slaughtering people by the thousands. These reports sound like something out of a made for TV movie on the Syfy Channel.

Gallinippers do exist. They have painful bites. Florida residents might see one or two this rainy season. Like all other mosquitoes, they do require a consistent pest control strategy to control their populations.

The real truth is that gallinippers will not break your arm when they land on you, and they won’t drink a gallon of your blood. The term “gallinipper” isn’t recognized by most entomologists, but over the past century, the word — and the insect — entered popular legend through Southern folktales, minstrel shows and blues songs, according to a report from the University of Florida.

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Anthony Ball

Weekly Pest Control Links Round-Up

Top 10 Ways To Kill A Spider

When you see a disgusting spider in your home, you better have a sure-fire action plan to get rid of it! Thanks to Bulwark Exterminating, we can all be prepared with these ten ways to kill a spider. More…

Are Mosquitoes Becoming Immune To DEET?

Interesting stuff here. A new study on mosquitoes and DEET revealed that exposed mosquitoes were mostly immune to the smell of DEET after briefly being exposed to the chemical. Three hours later, the previously exposed mosquitoes were attracted to human skin which contained DEET. More…

Nevada Bedbug Laws

Many tourists and residents alike worry about Las Vegas bedbugs. Here are Nevada’s bedbug laws, just in case you experience the misfortune of a bedbug infestation. More… 

Pest Control Tip: Beware of Mites!

There are several different kinds of mites… the most notorious is the House Dust Mite. Mites can cause mild to severe skin irritation on you and your pets. More…

Protect Yourself From Ticks This Spring

Like many other pests, ticks will be re-emerging this spring; sucking the blood of unsuspecting victims. Know how to protect yourself. More…

Cockroach Sensitivity

Does the cockroach have a sixth sense? The answer might surprise you. More…

Pest Of The Week: The Gallinipper

Gallinipper – Psorophora ciliata (Photo credit: Lynette S.)

Believed to have gotten its name from its ability to drink a gallon of blood, the gallinipper (Psorophora ciliata) is the largest bloodsucking mosquito in the US. These mosquitoes are about the size of a quarter, and are almost twenty times larger than the average mosquito. The have hairy legs marked with a zebra-like pattern.

Gallinippers can inflict very painful bites that can even pierce the skin through clothing. The female gallinippers feed on human and animal blood; and are even known to eat fish. Unlike common mosquitoes, gallinippers will feed all day long—not just during the dawn and dusk hours. The good news is these gallinippers do not spread diseases like West Nile Virus.

During the very wet rainy seasons, Gallinippers can be found in areas of Central and South Florida. Gallinipper eggs lay dormant in the Florida soil, until heavy rains will cause the eggs to hatch. After hatching, gallinippers will survive about a week. Just like the common everyday mosquito, gallinippers require pest control strategies to control.

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This Week’s Pest Of  The Week: The Acrobat Ant

_Acrobat Ant top 4816.JPG.xcf (Photo credit: Norm Townsend)

This species of ant is named the “Acrobat,” because of the manner in which the worker ants carry their abdomens above the rest of the body, as if performing a balancing act. They vary in color from yellowish brown to dark brown, and the heart-shaped abdomen is usually darker than the rest of the body. Acrobat ants may produce winged, reproductive individuals (males and females) called swarmers. Although the swarmers are harmless, they may be the first sign of ants invading.

Acrobat ants feed on a variety of foods, including other garden insects and sweets, particularly the honeydew produced by aphids, scales and mealybugs. Their outdoor nests are commonly discovered in dead or decaying wood, such as logs, stumps and trees limbs, firewood and hollow tree cavities. They may also nest in the damp soil, found underneath leaf  litter or rocks.

Small worker ants may cause pest control problems, when they enter buildings through cracks, found around windows and doors and other openings. Indoors they can be found in wood or cavities that are kept moist with water; from leaks. They may also nest in foam insulating board or sheathing. As they excavate larger galleries, to be used as nest sites, sawdust may be deposited near the nest area.

Friday Links Round-Up

It Pay’s To Work For A Profit

I realize this question may vary due to location and product pricing, but how do you determine a fair price for pest control? Here’s the answer.

Tips On How To Tell That A Spider Is NOT A Brown Recluse

Here are some more brown recluse tips from Heritage Pest Control in New Jersey:

http://www.heritagepestcontrolnj.com/blog/2012/09/28/tips-on-how-to-tell-that-a-spider-is-not-a-brown-recluse-part-2-of-2/

Tulsa Man Shares His West Nile Virus Survival Story

The West Nile Virus continues to be a serious problem in Oklahoma with some 123 confirmed cases this year that have resulted in seven deaths. Of those 123 statewide West Nile cases, 29 have been from the city of Tulsa which has caused two deaths. Tulsa resident, Jim Schmidt, was one of the fortunate people who contracted the deadly West Nile but survived. More…

Common Household Items That Help Get Rid Of Ants

Here are a few pointers on how to eliminate ant infestations. Severe infestations should be examined by a pest management professional and treated accordingly. Professional pest control service is the only way to eliminate persistent pest problems.

http://www.propacificpestcontrol.com/2012/ants/common-household-items-that-help-get-rid-of-ants-%E2%80%93-organic-method/

Infected Mosquitoes Spread West Nile Virus

West Nile virus has been getting a lot of media attention lately as several states have been affected by the virus. In fact, as of September 18, 2012, the CDC reports that 48 states have reported the virus infection in people, birds, or mosquitoes. They’ve also identified 3,142 cases of the West Nile virus disease in people, including 134 deaths. More…

Rodent-Proof Your Home Before It’s Too Late!

Rodents are some of the most destructive and bacteria-infested creatures that can get into our homes. Not only do they spread disease by simply trotting along inside our homes or attics, but they often leave behind material that could be fatal to many of us. Rodent droppings present the threat of e-coli and as it dries and turns to dust, also puts us at risk for the Hantavirus. More…

Remember, contact Bulwark Exterminating for all of your pest control needs!

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news (Photo credit: JSF539)

Fruit fly sex lives impact effectiveness of pest control strategies

Scientists in Australia have been hard at work watching fruit flies mate to figure out how fly sex is affecting your food. During this process they are discovering more effective pest control strategies. For a great read, check out:

http://nittygrittyscience.com/2012/09/06/fruit-fly-sex-lives-impact-effectiveness-of-pest-control-strategies/

Mosquitoes Plague the Northwest as West Nile Cases Increase

Recent rains, warm weather, and high humidity have made mosquito control in the Northwest challenging. The number of foreclosed properties in the area, with their sometimes un-kept swimming pools and scattered backyard debris that’s collecting water, is making mosquito control more difficult.

http://blog.pestcontrolceus.com/mosquitoes-plague-canyon-hills-neighborhood-as-west-nile-cases-increase/

New Kind of Ant Discovered in New York City

We can now add one more type of ant to the 13,000 plus known breeds in the world. A new type of ant was discovered by a biologist earlier this week near 63^rd and Broadway in New York City.

http://www.longislandpestcontrolblog.com/2012/09/06/new-type-of-new-york-ant/

Scorpion Sting Leaves Arizona Woman With Massive $83,000 Bill

Our friends at Pest Control Mesa AZ bring us this unfortunate story coming out of Phoenix. Imagine being in your garage, opening a box of air conditioner filters, when you are suddenly stung by a scorpion—and that’s not even the worst part! Read all about it at:

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/scorpion-sting-leaves-arizona-woman-with-massive-83000-bill/

Top 10 Considerations when Hiring Pest Control Companies

Here are ten criteria our customers are taking into consideration when they are looking to hire a pest control professional. As a pest control operator, look to align yourself with most of these demands to be successful in the industry.

http://xtremeartandentertaiment.blogspot.com/2012/09/top-10-considerations-for-pest-control.html

The Basics of Dust Mites

For all the ins and outs about dust might behavior, including: where they like to hide, how they get into your home, and the health concerns they can cause, check out:

http://www.richterslawncare.com/detroit-pest/the-basics-of-dust-mites/

Mosquito Alert (Photo credit: Travis S.)

The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) is growing more and more concerned about the level of mosquito control as state budgets shrink. Cash-strapped states face financial hardships due to the extensive wildfires this summer, leaving many mosquito control districts with a bigger job to do and fewer financial resources.

Mosquito Control Districts

Mosquito Control Districts are government agencies that promote health and well being by protecting the public from disease and annoyance caused by mosquitoes. Districts are governed by a Board of Trustees, each representing one of the incorporated cities or counties within the District’s boundaries. Each Trustee is appointed by a City Council Member or by a County Board of Supervisors.

West Nile Virus

The frightening increase of West Nile cases across the country is major reason the AMCA is alarmed about the lack of state’s financial resources for mosquito control. West Nile Virus cases are at their highest levels since 2004, with 241 documented cases across the country. Of the 241 cases, 26 people have died as a direct result of their West Nile infection.

“It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years,” said Marc Fischer, a CDC medical epidemiologist. “Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nilevirus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family.”

 

For more on The West Nile Virus spikes: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/15/dallas-mayor-declares-emergency-as-west-nile-virus-spreads/

What it means for the Pest Control Industry

With the increase of West Nile activity, and the lack of funding for government sponsored mosquito control districts, the general public must rely on the pest control industry to help with the crisis. Marketing efforts must increase in the 42 states West Nile cases have been documented, along with educating the public about the dangers of the deadly virus.

Help get the word out!

For more information visit Mosquito.org

West Nile Virus at Highest Level Since 2004 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that more then 240 people have been infected with the West Nile Virus so far this year.  This is the highest number since 2004. Almost 80 percent of the reported cases are from Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.

To help keep mosquitoes off your property, contact your local pest control company.

West Nile Virus Found in New York

The Oswego County (NY) Health Department has confirmed the diagnosis of two more cases of West Nile Virus. The dangerous virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be mistaken for the flu. Symptoms include fever, headaches, rashes, and body aches.

Pest control professionals urge the use of repellents containing DEET, and to also limit your outdoor activity between dusk and dawn. Make sure to eliminate any stagnant water around your property because that’s where mosquitoes will often lay their eggs.

Record Heat Kicks Insects into High Gear 

It’s been no secret that this year has been this country’s hottest year on record, and don’t think the bugs haven’t noticed. Grasshoppers, ants, bees, and crickets are thriving– doing a number on this country’s crops and gardens.

To find out why check out: http://servallpestcontrol.blogspot.com/2012/08/bugs-like-it-hot-record-heat-kicks.html

Clothing Moth Capabilities  

Clothing moths are notorious for chewing holes in your clothing. These moths are particularly attracted to dirty, sweaty, or otherwise moist fabrics. They prefer low light conditions unlike many other moths which are drawn to light.

For some of these moth’s capabilities check out: http://brownpestcontrol.com/aug-7-2012-clothes-moth-capabilities/

Lone Star Tick Bites can lead to a Red Meat Allergy 

It’s well known that tick bites can cause Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but did you know that they can give you an allergy to red meat?

Check out: http://www.holidaypestcontrol.com/blog/tick-bites-and-red-meat-allergy/

Lone-star (Photo credit: joshuallen)

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