In North America the emerald ash borer is an invasive species of beetle, that is highly destructive to ash trees.
This dark metallic green, bullet-shaped beetle was accidentally introduced into the United States and Canada in the 1990s. Since that time, the emerald ash borer has become a major insect control problem in 14 U.S. states, and adjacent parts of Canada.
When the adult emerald ash borer emerges in May to July, the female members of the species lay their eggs in bark crevices, and between layers of bark. When the beetle eggs hatch, in approximately 7 to 10 days, the emerald ash borer larvae will bore into the tree.
Learn more about Emerald Ash Borers.
Showing posts with label insects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insects. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Kudzu Bug
Kudzu bugs are approximately 1/6 inch to 1/4 inch, slightly oblong in shape, olive-green in color and have brown speckles.
These bugs are known to feed on a variety of legumes, including soybeans and other bean species, as well as the kudzu they are named after. In the late summer, kudzu bugs will move into soybean fields, where they aggressively feed on the stems and foliage; and can have a significant impact on valuable crops. As such, for many gardeners and agriculturalists, these insects are a considered an aweful nuisance and serious agricultural pest control problem.
These pests are known to congregate on light-colored surfaces (such as siding, fascia boards, etc.) and then move their invasion underneath siding, into gaps around doors and windows, or through penetrations such as around air conditioning and water pipes. Residents that reside in areas near soybean fields or patches of kudzu, are more likely to require some form of insect control; to deal with kudzu bug invaders.
Learn more about Kudzu Bugs.
These bugs are known to feed on a variety of legumes, including soybeans and other bean species, as well as the kudzu they are named after. In the late summer, kudzu bugs will move into soybean fields, where they aggressively feed on the stems and foliage; and can have a significant impact on valuable crops. As such, for many gardeners and agriculturalists, these insects are a considered an aweful nuisance and serious agricultural pest control problem.
These pests are known to congregate on light-colored surfaces (such as siding, fascia boards, etc.) and then move their invasion underneath siding, into gaps around doors and windows, or through penetrations such as around air conditioning and water pipes. Residents that reside in areas near soybean fields or patches of kudzu, are more likely to require some form of insect control; to deal with kudzu bug invaders.
Learn more about Kudzu Bugs.
Bagrada Bug
The Bagrada bug is also known as the painted or harlequin bug. It was first discovered in June of 2008; in Los Angeles Co. California. Currently, the Bagrada bug enjoys wide distribution in southern California, and has become increasingly more common; in southern Arizona.
Many farmers and gardeners are see an increasing need to apply bug control treatments and strategies, to prevent Bagrada bugs from damaging important crops, like cabbage, kale, turnip, cauliflower, mustard, broccoli, and radish.
Because little or no pesticides are used, the heaviest infestations of Bagrada bugs are often seen in organic farms, community gardens, and residential vegetable gardens.
Learn more about Bagrada Bugs.
Many farmers and gardeners are see an increasing need to apply bug control treatments and strategies, to prevent Bagrada bugs from damaging important crops, like cabbage, kale, turnip, cauliflower, mustard, broccoli, and radish.
Because little or no pesticides are used, the heaviest infestations of Bagrada bugs are often seen in organic farms, community gardens, and residential vegetable gardens.
Learn more about Bagrada Bugs.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Yellowjacket
Yellowjacket is a common name, for a North American species of predatory wasp. Although most of these wasps are black and yellow, or black and white, others may have a red abdomen color mixed with yellow; instead of black.
Yellowjackets build wasp nests in trees, shrubs, or protected areas, such as inside attics, hollow walls/flooring, in sheds, under porches, and the eavestroughs of houses; and other human-made structures. Once established, the wasp colony expands very quickly, reaching a maximum size of 4,000 to 5,000 workers.
Yellowjackets are important predators and providers of effective natural pest control services. Their mouthparts are well-developed, with strong mandibles for capturing and chewing insects, which they then feed to the larvae.
Read more about yellowjacket wasps.
Yellowjackets build wasp nests in trees, shrubs, or protected areas, such as inside attics, hollow walls/flooring, in sheds, under porches, and the eavestroughs of houses; and other human-made structures. Once established, the wasp colony expands very quickly, reaching a maximum size of 4,000 to 5,000 workers.
Yellowjackets are important predators and providers of effective natural pest control services. Their mouthparts are well-developed, with strong mandibles for capturing and chewing insects, which they then feed to the larvae.
Read more about yellowjacket wasps.
Whitefly
The whitefly’s ability to carry and spread disease is what can cause their devastating impact, on global food production. In fact, some areas have experienced economic losses, that are estimated to be in the hundreds of millions; of dollars.
For gardeners and professionals, whitefly control can be difficult and complex. This is because whiteflies can quickly develop a resistance, to chemical pesticides and treatments. Therefore, as a natural pest control method, there are several predators and beneficial insects that can be extremely effective; in controlling whitefly infestations.
Read more about whiteflies.
For gardeners and professionals, whitefly control can be difficult and complex. This is because whiteflies can quickly develop a resistance, to chemical pesticides and treatments. Therefore, as a natural pest control method, there are several predators and beneficial insects that can be extremely effective; in controlling whitefly infestations.
Read more about whiteflies.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wasps
The term wasp is often defined, as any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita, that is neither a bee; nor an ant. In fact, it is not uncommon for wasps to be mistaken for bees, and vice-versa. In a similar respect, an insect known as the Velvet ant, is technically a wasp.
The various species of wasps, are a member of one of the following (2) main categories: solitary wasps and social wasps.
Read more about the wasp.
The various species of wasps, are a member of one of the following (2) main categories: solitary wasps and social wasps.
- Adult solitary wasps live and operate alone. Most do not construct nests and in contrast to some social wasps, all adult solitary wasps are fertile.
- Most social wasps build nests and live in colonies, that can number in the thousands. In some species, the majority of the colony is made up of sterile female workers. In this case, only the queen wasp and male wasps, are able to mate. Unlike honey bees, wasps have no wax producing glands.
Read more about the wasp.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Mosquitoes
The name Mosquito, comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word for “little fly.” A very common insect, there are about 3,500 species of mosquitoes, found throughout the world.
Most mosquito species are dawn or dusk feeders. While males typically feed on nectar and plant juices, the female must obtain protein and iron from a “blood meal”, in order to produce her eggs. In some species of mosquito, the female members feed on humans, causing concern for homeowners and health officials. Because this insect is known to transport disease-causing viruses and parasites from person to person, potentially infecting millions of people each year; they are often considered a very serious insect control problem.
In some instances, a large bat and/or Purple Martin population can be very efficient consumers of insect pests. However with that being said, typically less than one percent of their diet, actually consists of mosquitoes. As such, neither bats nor Purple Martins have the resources make a meaningful natural pest control contribution, that would significantly reduce a mosquito population.
Read more about the mosquito.
Most mosquito species are dawn or dusk feeders. While males typically feed on nectar and plant juices, the female must obtain protein and iron from a “blood meal”, in order to produce her eggs. In some species of mosquito, the female members feed on humans, causing concern for homeowners and health officials. Because this insect is known to transport disease-causing viruses and parasites from person to person, potentially infecting millions of people each year; they are often considered a very serious insect control problem.
In some instances, a large bat and/or Purple Martin population can be very efficient consumers of insect pests. However with that being said, typically less than one percent of their diet, actually consists of mosquitoes. As such, neither bats nor Purple Martins have the resources make a meaningful natural pest control contribution, that would significantly reduce a mosquito population.
Read more about the mosquito.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers have been reported worldwide, and with at least 20,000 described species, they constituting the second largest hemipteran family.
This tiny pest has piercing-sucking mouthparts, which enables it to efficiently feed on the plant sap, from a variety of plants. Nevertheless, some species of leafhopper, choose to be more host-specific, and feed from a single plant. Remarkably, although leafhoppers are well-known herbivores, some species have been reported to consume smaller insects; such as aphids.
Because leafhoppers transmit plant pathogens, such as viruses, phytoplasmas and bacteria, they are often a concern for gardeners, farmers and agriculturalists. The species that are known to cause significant agricultural pest control problems, include the beet leafhopper, potato leafhopper, two-spotted leafhopper, glassy-winged sharpshooter, the common brown leafhopper and white apple leafhopper.
Read more about the leafhopper.
This tiny pest has piercing-sucking mouthparts, which enables it to efficiently feed on the plant sap, from a variety of plants. Nevertheless, some species of leafhopper, choose to be more host-specific, and feed from a single plant. Remarkably, although leafhoppers are well-known herbivores, some species have been reported to consume smaller insects; such as aphids.
Because leafhoppers transmit plant pathogens, such as viruses, phytoplasmas and bacteria, they are often a concern for gardeners, farmers and agriculturalists. The species that are known to cause significant agricultural pest control problems, include the beet leafhopper, potato leafhopper, two-spotted leafhopper, glassy-winged sharpshooter, the common brown leafhopper and white apple leafhopper.
Read more about the leafhopper.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Kissing Bugs
Adult Kissing bugs are flattened insects, approximately 6/8 of an inch long. They have an elongated, cone-shaped head, bearing a pair of five to six-segmented, elbowed antennae, and a prominent "beak". They are a often considered a common pest, and are found throughout the Americas, with a few species present in Asia, Africa and Australia.
These bugs often share shelter with nesting vertebrates, which they suck blood from. Infestations of this pest are especially common, in unkempt dwellings. An experienced exterminator can recognize a Kissing bug invasion in homes and buildings, by the presence of feces, eggs; and the bugs themselves.
Most Kissing bugs take refuge during day, and search for blood during night, when the host is asleep; and the air is cooler. Odors, as well as heat, guide these insects; to their victims. Because Kissing bugs are considered important vectors of the Chagas disease, they inspire insect control concerns, in many homeowners.
Read more about the kissing bug.
These bugs often share shelter with nesting vertebrates, which they suck blood from. Infestations of this pest are especially common, in unkempt dwellings. An experienced exterminator can recognize a Kissing bug invasion in homes and buildings, by the presence of feces, eggs; and the bugs themselves.
Most Kissing bugs take refuge during day, and search for blood during night, when the host is asleep; and the air is cooler. Odors, as well as heat, guide these insects; to their victims. Because Kissing bugs are considered important vectors of the Chagas disease, they inspire insect control concerns, in many homeowners.
Read more about the kissing bug.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are often confused with crickets and locusts, but are different in many aspects. Locusts for example, are a species of short-horned grasshoppers that sometimes create swarms, and can exhibit highly destructive behavior; resulting in massive damage to crops.
Grasshoppers will also create insect control problems when they consume grasses, leaves and cereal crops. Although some members of the species will only feed from a single plant, others may consume from a variety of food sources, creating widespread damage.
The most common species of grasshoppers that cause pest control problems for homeowners and agriculturalists, are the ones that create an annoying and undesirable noise, by rubbing their hind femurs against the forewings or abdomen; or by snapping their wings in flight.
Read more about the grasshopper.
Grasshoppers will also create insect control problems when they consume grasses, leaves and cereal crops. Although some members of the species will only feed from a single plant, others may consume from a variety of food sources, creating widespread damage.
The most common species of grasshoppers that cause pest control problems for homeowners and agriculturalists, are the ones that create an annoying and undesirable noise, by rubbing their hind femurs against the forewings or abdomen; or by snapping their wings in flight.
Read more about the grasshopper.
Flesh Flies
Flesh flies are similar in appearance to the house fly, but are characterized by black-ish stripes on the gray region behind the head, and a checkered pattern of light and dark gray; on the abdomen.
Although most flesh flies enjoy tropical regions, their species is generally widespread. Although a majority of members are scavengers and breed in carrion, dung, or decaying material, a few species of these flies will lay their eggs in the open wounds of mammals; hence their popular name. In fact, the specific preferences and predictable life cycle timings of the flesh fly, allows forensic entomologists to understand the progress of decomposition; enabling the calculation of the time of death by back extrapolation. Such valuable evidence has been used, to help identify murderers and victims.
Flesh flies are often considered a pest control problem, because they can carry leprosy bacilli and transmit intestinal pseudomyiasis, to people who happen to consume; the flesh fly's larvae. As well, Flesh flies, have been known to cause myiasis in animals (predominately sheep), causing blood poisoning, or asymptomatic leprosy infections.
Read more about the Flesh fly.
Although most flesh flies enjoy tropical regions, their species is generally widespread. Although a majority of members are scavengers and breed in carrion, dung, or decaying material, a few species of these flies will lay their eggs in the open wounds of mammals; hence their popular name. In fact, the specific preferences and predictable life cycle timings of the flesh fly, allows forensic entomologists to understand the progress of decomposition; enabling the calculation of the time of death by back extrapolation. Such valuable evidence has been used, to help identify murderers and victims.
Flesh flies are often considered a pest control problem, because they can carry leprosy bacilli and transmit intestinal pseudomyiasis, to people who happen to consume; the flesh fly's larvae. As well, Flesh flies, have been known to cause myiasis in animals (predominately sheep), causing blood poisoning, or asymptomatic leprosy infections.
Read more about the Flesh fly.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Flies
Flies typically have short and streamline bodies, which makes them well-adapted for aerial movement. The first segment of the fly is the head, which consists of the antennae, compound eyes, and the mouth. Because flies do not have teeth, or any other method to eat solid foods, they consume only liquids.
It is the presence of a single pair of wings, that distinguishes true flies from other insects, with "fly" found in their name; such as the dragonfly, damselfly, whitefly, firefly, and butterfly.
In terms of ecological, medical and economic importance, true flies are one of the major insect orders, containing (an estimated) 240,000 species. The mosquito in particular, is of great significance to researchers and pest control professionals, for it's continued role in transmitting infectious diseases, such as malaria, the West Nile virus and yellow fever.
Read more about the fly.
It is the presence of a single pair of wings, that distinguishes true flies from other insects, with "fly" found in their name; such as the dragonfly, damselfly, whitefly, firefly, and butterfly.
In terms of ecological, medical and economic importance, true flies are one of the major insect orders, containing (an estimated) 240,000 species. The mosquito in particular, is of great significance to researchers and pest control professionals, for it's continued role in transmitting infectious diseases, such as malaria, the West Nile virus and yellow fever.
Read more about the fly.
Fleas
Fleas are wingless insects with mouth-parts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Fleas are external parasites, and survive predominately off the blood of mammals (including bats and humans) and birds. They are often discovered indoors in floor cracks & crevices, along baseboards, under rug edges and in furniture or beds.
Fleas are small, approximately 1/16 to 1/8-inch long, agile, and very often dark in color. The flea body is hard, polished, and covered with many hairs and short spines, directed backward. The tough body is able to withstand great pressure. Their legs are long, and the hind pair are well adapted for jumping. In fact, this common pest control problem can jump vertically up to 7 inches, and horizontally up to 13 inches. This is around 200 times their own body length, making the flea one of the best jumpers of all known animals (relative to body size), second only to the froghopper.
Fleas not only cause an insect control problem for people and pets, they also act as a vector for disease. Fleas can cause severe medical problems, which include flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), secondary skin irritations and, in extreme cases, anemia, tapeworms, and stomach flu. As well, fleas can transmit the bubonic plague and many other diseases, from humans to rodents, rodents to humans; and from animals to humans.
Read more about the flea.
Fleas are small, approximately 1/16 to 1/8-inch long, agile, and very often dark in color. The flea body is hard, polished, and covered with many hairs and short spines, directed backward. The tough body is able to withstand great pressure. Their legs are long, and the hind pair are well adapted for jumping. In fact, this common pest control problem can jump vertically up to 7 inches, and horizontally up to 13 inches. This is around 200 times their own body length, making the flea one of the best jumpers of all known animals (relative to body size), second only to the froghopper.
Fleas not only cause an insect control problem for people and pets, they also act as a vector for disease. Fleas can cause severe medical problems, which include flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), secondary skin irritations and, in extreme cases, anemia, tapeworms, and stomach flu. As well, fleas can transmit the bubonic plague and many other diseases, from humans to rodents, rodents to humans; and from animals to humans.
Read more about the flea.
Earwigs
An earwig can be described as an elongated, flat insect. They are most commonly reddish-brown to black in color, and measure 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches, in length. The earwig is easily identified by the forceps-like appendages, found at the base of the abdomen. These forceps are used primarily for defense, and during courtship.
Earwigs are most common in the summer and most active at night. During the day they seek shelter in dark, moist places, like the underneath of stones, boards, sidewalks, debris and soil. Since this intruder can multiply quickly, an infestation can rapidly number in the thousands of invaders. In most cases, earwigs become an insect control problem for gardeners, when they feed on the roots and leaves of flowers (marigolds, roses), vegetables (lettuce, strawberries) and shrubs.
The name "earwig" originated from the widespread superstition, that these insects crawled into the ears of sleeping people, and bore into their brains. The fact is that, with the exception of an occasional pinch, earwigs cannot harm people. Earwigs are primarily scavengers of dead insects and rotted plant materials, but occaisionally feed on live plants; and are a natural exterminator of some mites and aphids.
Read more about the earwig.
Earwigs are most common in the summer and most active at night. During the day they seek shelter in dark, moist places, like the underneath of stones, boards, sidewalks, debris and soil. Since this intruder can multiply quickly, an infestation can rapidly number in the thousands of invaders. In most cases, earwigs become an insect control problem for gardeners, when they feed on the roots and leaves of flowers (marigolds, roses), vegetables (lettuce, strawberries) and shrubs.
The name "earwig" originated from the widespread superstition, that these insects crawled into the ears of sleeping people, and bore into their brains. The fact is that, with the exception of an occasional pinch, earwigs cannot harm people. Earwigs are primarily scavengers of dead insects and rotted plant materials, but occaisionally feed on live plants; and are a natural exterminator of some mites and aphids.
Read more about the earwig.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are various shades of brown, on both the top and undersides, with gray, off-white, black, copper, and blueish markings. The stink glands are located on the underside of the thorax, between the first and second pair of legs, and on the dorsal surface of the abdomen. Their infamous ability to emit an odor through holes in the abdomen, is a defense mechanism meant to prevent it from being eaten by birds and lizards. However, simply handling the bug, injuring it, or attempting to move it, can trigger a release of a pungent odor; described as similar to cilantro.
Native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, the brown marmorated stink bug is considered to be an agricultural bug control problem, that can cause widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops. In the United States, the brown marmorated stink bug begins feeding in late May or early June, on a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other plants; including peaches, apples, green beans, soybeans, cherry, raspberries, and pears. Recently it has become a season-long pest in U.S. orchards.
The brown marmorated stink bug is more likely to create pest control problems for homeowners in the Fall, when they will begin to invade homes and buildings, seeking warmth and shelter for winter months. They will enter under siding, into soffits, around window and door frames, or any space which has openings big enough to fit through. Once inside the house, they will go into a state of hibernation, and are able to survive from several months; to a year.
Read more about the brown marmorated stink bug.
Native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, the brown marmorated stink bug is considered to be an agricultural bug control problem, that can cause widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops. In the United States, the brown marmorated stink bug begins feeding in late May or early June, on a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other plants; including peaches, apples, green beans, soybeans, cherry, raspberries, and pears. Recently it has become a season-long pest in U.S. orchards.
The brown marmorated stink bug is more likely to create pest control problems for homeowners in the Fall, when they will begin to invade homes and buildings, seeking warmth and shelter for winter months. They will enter under siding, into soffits, around window and door frames, or any space which has openings big enough to fit through. Once inside the house, they will go into a state of hibernation, and are able to survive from several months; to a year.
Read more about the brown marmorated stink bug.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Predatory Stink Bugs
Although some species of stink bug may be considered harmful, many are predaceous and considered a beneficial insect, mainly because they attack over 100 types of insects; including plant-damaging bugs, beetles, and caterpillars.
Although they are often seen as beneficial, the stink bug seldom plays more than a minor role in the natural pest control, of unwanted garden insect pests.
The predatory stink bug is neo-tropical and as such, more more likely to be encountered in the south-eastern quarter; of the United States. For example, there is a very common predatory species in Florida, that is dark blue and orange in color.
Read more about Predatory Stink bugs.
Although they are often seen as beneficial, the stink bug seldom plays more than a minor role in the natural pest control, of unwanted garden insect pests.
The predatory stink bug is neo-tropical and as such, more more likely to be encountered in the south-eastern quarter; of the United States. For example, there is a very common predatory species in Florida, that is dark blue and orange in color.
Read more about Predatory Stink bugs.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Springtail
Also called Snow fleas, Springtails are tiny insects (often less than 1/8 of an inch in length), that thrive in damp locations; such as moist soil, leaf mold, underneath bark, inside decaying logs and on the surface of pools.
The Springtail's color ranges from black to silver-gray. The most distinctive characteristic of the Springtail, is "tail-like" mechanism that is attached to their abdomen. When the Springtail snaps it down on to a surface, it springs the insect into the air.
If a routine pest control inspection uncovers the presence of Springtails, it may indicate excessive moisture conditions; inside walls or crawl spaces, under sinks, or around indoor plants. Aside from allergies and dermatitis in a small percentage of people, Springtails are harmless to humans and pose no additional risk; to homeowners or tenants.
Read more about Springtails.
The Springtail's color ranges from black to silver-gray. The most distinctive characteristic of the Springtail, is "tail-like" mechanism that is attached to their abdomen. When the Springtail snaps it down on to a surface, it springs the insect into the air.
If a routine pest control inspection uncovers the presence of Springtails, it may indicate excessive moisture conditions; inside walls or crawl spaces, under sinks, or around indoor plants. Aside from allergies and dermatitis in a small percentage of people, Springtails are harmless to humans and pose no additional risk; to homeowners or tenants.
Read more about Springtails.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Emerald Cockroach wasp
The Emerald Cockroach wasp (or Jewel wasp) is metallic blue-green body, with red thighs on the second and third pair of legs. The male of this species is smaller, and does not have a stinger.
Best known for their unusual reproductive behavior, the female Emerald Cockroach wasp will disable and paralyze the cockroach, and then use it's body as a live host; making it a cockroach's worst nightmare.
Mating takes about one minute, and only one mating session is necessary, for a female wasp to successfully eliminate several dozen cockroaches. This makes the Emerald Cockroach wasp, a welcome source of natural pest control services, for homeowners and gardeners.
Read more about Emerald Cockroach wasps.
Best known for their unusual reproductive behavior, the female Emerald Cockroach wasp will disable and paralyze the cockroach, and then use it's body as a live host; making it a cockroach's worst nightmare.
Mating takes about one minute, and only one mating session is necessary, for a female wasp to successfully eliminate several dozen cockroaches. This makes the Emerald Cockroach wasp, a welcome source of natural pest control services, for homeowners and gardeners.
Read more about Emerald Cockroach wasps.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Green lacewings
Green lacewings are usually bright green to greenish-brown, with conspicuously golden compound eyes (in many species), and translucent or slight iridescence wings. Some may have green wing veins, or a cloudy brownish wing pattern.
This beneficial insect is a very effective natural exterminator, that provides homeowners and gardeners with a safe, non-chemical alternative, for naturally controlling common pests; like aphids and lace bugs.
Gardeners can attract lacewings, and ensure a steady supply of natural pest control services, by introducing companion plants; and tolerating some beneficial weeds. The Green lacewing are attracted mainly by sunflowers, dandelions and dill.
Read more about the Green lacewing.
This beneficial insect is a very effective natural exterminator, that provides homeowners and gardeners with a safe, non-chemical alternative, for naturally controlling common pests; like aphids and lace bugs.
Gardeners can attract lacewings, and ensure a steady supply of natural pest control services, by introducing companion plants; and tolerating some beneficial weeds. The Green lacewing are attracted mainly by sunflowers, dandelions and dill.
Read more about the Green lacewing.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
True Chinch Bug
The body color in adults, ranges from dark red to brown. As well, this common lawn pest has white wings, and red legs.
This insect becomes a pest control problem for unsuspecting homeowners, when the True Chinch bug devours the stems, of delicate turf-grass.
Read more about True Chinch bugs.
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