Citrus Pests Costing Taxpayers Millions

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In California, citrus pests are a real problem. The Asian citrus psyllid insect, in particular, causes millions of dollars in damage to the fragile trees around Ventura County and nearby areas. These pests carry disease, diseases that kill citrus plants such as lemon trees, orange trees, and lime trees. Trees found infected by these bugs must be carefully removed from the grove to avoid infecting nearby plants.

Industry group the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program is dedicated to figuring out a way to deal with this massive insect problem. The state of California became involved in 2009 after it was determined the state’s citrus crops would be vastly depleted, but to no avail. While the psyllid insect hasn’t completely taken over CA’s citrus groves, its invasiveness should not be underestimated. Continue reading →

The 4 Most Disease-Spreading Insects

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Some insects are good for the environment; they eat other nuisance bugs and do helpful things like pollinate plants and fertilize soil. But other bugs seem to do more harm than good, spreading dangerous diseases to animals and humans alike. So which bugs are notorious disease-spreaders? We’ve put together a short list of the four most frequent offenders when it comes to nasty insects… Continue reading →

Asian Needle Ant vs. Argentinian Ant: Face-off on US Soil

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Ants are one of the most common complaints of homeowners facing an infestation, but in recent years more and more species have turned up around the US. Pest control professionals generally don’t have a difficult time eradicating ant colonies in and around homes but some of the newer species are proving to be heartier than their peers.

The southern US, in particular, is a very hospitable climate for aggressive ant species. In the past decade, an explosion of Argentinian ants, one of the world’s “100 Worst Invaders” has been detected in the south and all across the US and many are scrambling to eradicate them. Continue reading →

Fiji Plagued by Taro Beetle Infestation

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Taro is a root that grows in warm, humid climates, made popular by the American islands of Hawaii. It’s a primary source of food around many underdeveloped nations and is edible in many forms (but must be cooked first.) People often grind it into a powder to use as a starch, make it into a paste, or simply roast the taro with seasonings like a potato. Continue reading →

3 Bugs (Probably) Living in Your Home RIGHT NOW

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We have bad news. You have a bug problem. Surprised? You shouldn’t be.

There are a few common household pests that are almost guaranteed to plague your home, particularly if you live in an area with a warm climate which, given the time of year, is about to comprise most of the continental US. But don’t worry – these three common household pests are relatively easy to get rid of with the assistance of a trained pest control professional in your area.

FRUIT FLIES

Fruit Flies are one of the most persistent bugs on the planet. The problem is the little critters only live about a week – great for killing them off quickly but terrible for teaching them to stay away. The average fruit fly can lay over 500 eggs in their lifetime, which again, is one week. Fruit flies multiply like crazy and once you’ve got them, they’re tough to get rid of. They breed and feed anywhere moist, organic material is found, primarily kitchens. As their name suggests, they prefer to feed on produce but they’re not too picky. Everything from coffee grounds to leftovers can attract an infestation. Home improvement stores sell fruit fly traps and baiting systems but without eliminating the source of the infestation it’s hard to get rid of all these tiny bugs.

SPIDERS

Spiders are pretty terrifying to most homeowner, yes, but they can sometimes do more harm than good. Most varieties eat other pesky insects and generally stay out of the way of humans. If you find yourself staring down a poisonous spider like a Black Widow or a Brown Recluse, however, you should immediately contact a pest professional. When you see one spider you can almost count on the fact that dozens more are lurking somewhere hidden.

ANTS

Did you know there are over ten varieties of ants commonly known to infest American homes? From carpenter ants to black ants, all come with an obnoxious sting and some can actually be poisonous to humans and pets. Ants are a tricky bug – if you see a small trail you can bet there are literally thousands more in places you can’t see, and the best effective treatment is boric acid, applied by a professional. Keeping ants out is nearly impossible but you can help by making sure food is off the ground and covered where it’s stored.

If you’ve noticed any of these three common household pests in your home, call a pest control expert today. Your home doesn’t have to be a breeding ground – take action now to eradicate a budding infestation.

Gigantic Mosquitoes Invading Florida

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Mosquitoes are bad enough. They come in droves this time of year, invading picnics and camping trips and generally just being a nuisance. Common mosquitoes feed on blood of animals (both humans and pets) and are becoming more brazen and less deterred by pesticides and citronella candles. But the insect community has yet to see mosquitoes like the ones set to invade Florida later this year.

Florida has a reputation for large, unusual fauna, bugs being one of the favorites of tourists. But larger-than-life mosquitoes, by all accounts a distinct species, are set to take flight all around The Sunshine State in a matter of weeks…and residents are worried. The so-called “Gallnippers,” massive mosquitoes measuring the size of a quarter, have a ferocious sting and are impossible to miss. They’re stronger than their common mosquito counterparts and feed all day and night – most mosquitoes only feed a couple hours a day. Known for biting anything from wild animals to fish, Galnippers are revving up to wreak havoc in Florida. Continue reading →

Mild Winter Means More Bugs Come Spring

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Many parts of the country have experienced a milder than normal winter with less snowfall and shorter freeze seasons than in years past. From Texas to Chicago, some of the country’s most unpredictable climates have recorded warm, unseasonal winter months. What could be bad about that?

Unfortunately, milder winters often lead to particularly bug-heavy springs and summers, specifically in warmer regions of the country. Without hard freezes to kill off colonies and with flora opening up earlier than normal, bugs have a plethora of places to live and eat. Continue reading →

Eating Insects: More than Just a Trend?

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People have been eating bugs for centuries but in the last few decades the Western world has seen dining on pests as a novelty, something to squeal about at a dinner party. But on many parts of the globe people eat bugs for nutrition when they lack better options…everything from grasshoppers to roaches can be prepared to be edible by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Homeowners in America spend billions of dollars annually to keep their homes free from pests and there are hundreds of pest control companies across the country. Across the pond however, Britains are learning a thing or two about using pesky bugs to their advantage and noted chefs and home cooks alike are figuring out ways to make insects delicious. Continue reading →

Is Insect Repellent Losing its Effectiveness?

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For decades people have relied on various forms of insect repellent to keep clear of bugs and enjoy the outdoors unbitten. From citronella candles to lotions to aerosol sprays, bug repellents come in many different forms and are designed to keep all types of species at bay. One of the more controversial insect repellents of the last 40 years is DEET, a colorless, oily concoction used to keep bugs away.

DEET has been around since the 1950s and scientists continue to question whether or not it’s safe for human use. While the EPA’s official stance on DEET is that it’s fine when used in moderation they remain concerned about traces of the chemical found in some water sources as DEET can be harmful to fish and wildlife. One thing no one questions, however, is DEET’s place as the most effective insect repellent on the market. That is, until now. Continue reading →

Beetle Invasion Leads to Massachusetts Quarrantine

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A potentially economically challenging situation has recently presented itself in the westernmost counties of Massachusetts. Set to impact nearby cities like Boston and the whole of the Northeast, officials have made the decision to enforce a wood-transporting ban on all Ash wood coming from the affected counties. The reason? The dreaded Emerald Ash Borer beetle has been detected in small quantities among the western counties of Mass. and a state-wide quarantine seems to be the only hope at keeping the bug from spreading. Continue reading →