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Mystery Bugs "Mite" Bite

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:53:23 +0000

True or False? Paper mites bite.

If there were such things as paper mites, the answer may be true. But since "paper mites," according to the Illinois Pest Control Association, "are almost always tiny, irritating particles like paper shards that constitute a cleaning or indoor air pollution problem," they can't bite. So the answer is False.

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Winged Ants Are Swarming Ants

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:48:08 +0000

It's that time of year -- you walk outside only to run into a swarm of flying insects. Not flies, not gnats, but ... ants? Ants have wings?

Yep, this time of year, and into summer for some species, male drone and female queen ants have wings and are flying voraciously in pursuit of a mate. They won't last long however, as they have a very short lifespan -- few of these winged ants will make it beyond a week or two, and an extremely low percentage actually make it all the way to mate -- most are eaten by birds or other predators who love this annual snack. And it's even worse for the males, because once they finally find a female with which to mate, they die.

For the females, it's their one chance to mate then breed to start a new colony and become its queen. In some species, they will share the rule, but whether a colonies lone or multiple queen, once she breeds, she will be waited on hand and foot, and fed by the ant workers.

Not all ant species fly to mate however. Some simply mate within the nest then walk with their brood to a new location to start a new colony.

So next time you walk - or run - into a swarm of flying ants, you'll know ... the rest of the story.

Photo by Luís Flávio Loureiro dos Santos

Spring Brings Stinky Bugs

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:55:20 +0000

The presence of stink bugs has increased dramatically since the Asian brown marmorated stink bug was first brought into the U.S. in the 1990s on imported goods.

And now, according to the Washington Examiner, not only have these stinky bugs established a presence in 39 states, but also, a new species, the Italian stink bug, has been discovered by U.S. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

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Have the Cicadas Come to Your Neighborhood?

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:42:05 +0000

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Have the Cicadas Come to Your Neighborhood? originally appeared on About.com Pest Control on Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 at 13:42:05.

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Help Track the 2013 17-Year Cicada

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:27:21 +0000

This spring, the 17-year cicada is expected to cover areas from Connecticut to Georgia, and a number of organizations are working to track and trace their emergence.

Two of these, to which you can provide input to help with the projects are:

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A Fire Ant Raft

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:37:09 +0000

April showers not only bring May flowers, they often cause ants and other insects to seek shelter indoors. While the stinging fire ant of the southern U.S. also tends to seek shelter from the rains, it has another defense against water that is not only unique, but also quite impressive.

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Do Fire Ants "Talk" Before They Bite?

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:21:32 +0000

When working outdoors, particularly in the spring and summer in the southern U.S., it is important to scout the area for ants and wildlife before starting to work. Otherwise you may inadvertently be sprayed by a skunk or step on or near a fire ant mound and end up with the colony climbing your leg and taking a bite all at the same time - before you even know they are there.

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Skunk Rabies Cases on the Rise

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:13:59 +0000

In many areas, skunks are just beginning to emerge, yet cities across the U.S. are already reporting positive incidents of rabid skunks. In the news in March were three skunks that tested positive for rabies in Denver, two confirmed cases on the Dallas area, and four in Fulton County, Ark.

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Raccoon Feeding Controversial in Oregon

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:48:12 +0000

The Oregon Senate recently passed a bill that would outlaw the feeding of raccoons and other wildlife.

Passed on March 5, the bill states, in part, "A person who places, deposits, distributes, stores or scatters food, garbage or any other attractant so as to knowingly constitute a lure, attraction or enticement for potentially habituated wildlife may be issued a written notification by an officer requiring the person to remove the food, garbage or other attractant within two days of notification. ... A person who receives a written notification under subsection (2) of this section shall remove the food, garbage or other attractant as directed."

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Pet Mice Can Cause Disease

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:00:49 +0000

Earlier this month, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of England issued new guidance for owners of pet rodents following two cases of hantavirus contracted by people who kept rodents as pets. One case was a man from who kept pet rats and got a kidney infection; the other was a rat breeder's spouse who was admitted to hospital with viral illness resulting in renal impairment.

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