Residential Services

ASSASSIN BUG

The Assassin Bug is a true bug and sometimes known as "kissing bugs". They can be found in the home (bathtubs, sinks, drains, etc.) and if handled carelessly, can inflict a very painful bite, causing a severe reaction in some people. Some are attracted to lights and require blood meals to complete their development. Many are bloodsucking parasites on mammals, including humans. Others are predators, feeding on bed bugs, flies, caterpillars and other insects. Most are found in late June to early August.

These bugs have a long narrow head, short beak, long slender antennae and an abdomen often widened at the middle exposing margins of the segments beyond the wings. They become a nuisance around structures when they attempt to enter to find overwintering sites. Their migration begins in the autumn when they congregate on the south side of structures, rocks, and trees in areas warmed by the sun. The most effective way to control these bugs, is to prevent their entry into structures.

BOXELDER BUG

The Boxelder Bug is a true bug. Adult boxelder bugs are 1/2 inch long and brown-black with three red stripes on the thorax (segments with the legs attached) and red veins in the wings. The nymphs are smaller and are bright red. The adults overwinter in dry, protected locations in homes and buildings.

Boxelder bugs prefer to feed on leaves, twigs, and seeds of female boxelder trees and also on maple, ash and young fruit of grapes, apples and plums. They do little damage to the boxelder tree. They become a nuisance around structures when they attempt to enter to find overwintering sites. Their migration begins in the autumn when they congregate on the south side of structures, rocks and trees in areas warmed by the sun. Subsequently, they may fly to an adjacent building, enter it and hibernate for the winter. If boxelder bugs are handled, they can bite, and when crushed, they emit a strong disagreeable odor. The most effective control of boxelder bugs is to prevent their entry into structures.

COMMON BLACK GROUND BEETLE

There are more beetles on earth than any other animal. (Approximately 500,000 species) This beetle is just one of many which get the name "Common Black Ground Beetle" Many of the different species are very similar. This ground beetle can grow a little over half an inch long. It is nearly all black with some dark reddish-brown coloring on antennae and legs. many grooves run lengthwise down the beetle's wings.

Black ground beetles live under leaves, old logs and stones. They are usually searching for prey, which includes caterpillars, grubs, other species of beetles, fly maggots and pupae, aphids, weevils, earthworms, slugs, snails and other soft-bodied creatures. For the most part, theses beetles are helpful to people. They do not fly.

Common Black Ground Beetles breed in late Summer. The female lays eggs just below the soil surface. Larvae hatch and spend the winter in the soil. In early Spring the larvae begin feeding and turn into pupae. They come out as adult beetles in the Summer.

TICK

There are two main species of ticks that are common in our area. They are: the American Dog Tick, Deer tick. The adult American dog tick is a hard tick, 1/8 to 3/16 inch long, and red-brown with white marking on the back. The body is flattened and shaped like a tear drop. It can double in size when engored with blood. Unfed adults can live for two to three years.

It is a very common pest of dogs and readily feeds on a variety of other animals, including humans. Larval and nymphal activity begins in March and continues until mid-July. Nymphs are more abundant during the summer period. Adults are active in the spring when they are found in "waiting positions" on vegetation along paths and trails. They attach to passing animals, begin to feed, and mate.

DEER TICK

The tick that primarily carries the Lyme disease is the Black Legged tick or as it is commonly called, the Deer Tick. The Deer Tick is very, very, tiny, approximately the size of a fleck of black pepper. They are nearly impossible to see even when engored with blood. The Deer Tick is dependent on the white-tailed deer for successful reproduction. The Deer Tick can transmit the "Lyme disease", a potentially serious bacterial infection to humans and animals through their bite. Lyme disease can become very debilitating and should be addressed as soon as possible.

CIGARETTE / DRUGSTORE
BEETLE

Both Cigarette and Drugstore Beetles infest a wide variety of foods, especially dried plant and animal products. In addition to being common stored-product pests, these beetles also become a homeowner nuisance by flying on windows and doors in heavy populations. Cigarette beetles may feed on pyrethrum powder strong enough to kill cockroaches, and Drugstore beetles often feed on poisonous rodent baits. They both may chew through furniture fabric, books, manuscripts, and similar materials. They do not bite or sting humans or pets, spread disease, or feed on or damage the house.

The Drugstore Beetleis one of the very common stored product pests. The adults, the ones you will usually see, are small, about an eighth of an inch long, reddish-brown and some-what elongated. The head is deflexed, but does not result in a distinct humpbacked appearance. The wing covers of the Drugstore beetle have distinctive grooves running from front to back. The antennae have three enlarged segments at the tip. Drugstore beetles feed on all kinds of food and spices, including leather and furs, hair, drugs, books, etc. Infested products should be discarded.

Adult Cigarette Beetles are yellowish-brown, oval shaped, and about 1/10 inch long. The head is bent down sharply, nearly at right angles to the body, giving a humpback appearance when viewed from the side. The wing covers are smooth, and the antennal segments are uniform and saw-like (serrate). Adults are strong fliers. As it implies, the adult cigarette beetle is a pest of dried tobacco. The larval stages of the cigarette beetle can feed on a variety of stored products including grain, cereal products, pet foods, rodent baits, almonds, peanuts, paprika, red pepper, cornmeal, flour, wheat, bran, dry pet food, bread, birdseed, coffee beans, powdered milk, museum specimens, pasta, ginger, raisins, rice, dates, pepper, dried fish, drugs, dried flowers, and seeds. The larva have been known to feed on upholstered furniture, particularly stuffing.

The simplest and most effective control measure for both the Cigarette and Drugstore Beetle is to locate the source of infestation and quickly get rid of it.

CLOVER MITES

Clover mites sometimes invade homes in enormous numbers in early spring and late autumn, overrunning floors, walls, drapes, window sills and furniture, even occasionally getting into beds and clothing. They may become troublesome in hospitals, nursing homes, apartments, food processing facilities, etc. If crushed, clover mites leave a reddish stain quite noticeable on linens, curtains, walls and woodwork. Clover mites appear to be much more dangerous than they really are. They are a nuisance by their presence, but do not bite humans or animals, transmit disease nor feed on household furnishings or pantry supplies. Skin irritation may be caused in sensitive persons. They live outdoors feeding on various plants.

Clover mites are about 1/30 inch long (smaller than a pin head), oval-shaped arachnids, reddish brown to olive to pale orange or sometimes green-brown after feeding. The young are smaller and bright red. The eggs are also bright red. Crawling mites are sluggish, slow-moving and normally invade the home where the sun is warmest at south, southwest and east side of the house.

STINK BUG

The Stink Bug is relatively new to our area. This true bug came to the United States from either China, Japan, Korea, or Taiwan. It becomes a nuisance pest both indoors and out when it is attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days in search of protected, overwintering sites. It occasionally reappears during warmer sunny periods throughout the winter, and again as it emerges in the spring.

Adults are approximately one inch long and are shades of brown on both the upper and lower body surfaces. They are typical "shield" shaped, as are most stink bugs. Even though these insects do not harm humans and do not reproduce inside structures such as houses, they cause concern when they become active and conspicuous in fall and spring. If many of them are squashed or pulled into a vacuum cleaner, their smell can be quite apparent.

VARIED CARPET BEETLE

There are a few species of Carpet Beetles we experience. The are the Varied Carpet Beetle, the Black Carpet Beetle. Adult Varied Carpet beetles are about an eighth of an inch long, and round in appearance. The backs of the insects have much the same color scheme as the larvae. The color of the tops of the varied carpet beetle is a combination of wavy white and brown or black markings. The larvae have small, hairy, soft bodies about a quarter inch long. The larvae feed on a wide variety of foods, including carpets, furs, woolens, skins, stuffed animals, leather, feathers, silk and many plant products. The adults feed on nothing except pollen and nectar from flowers outside. They also prefer clothes or fabrics soiled with perspiration, body oils and urine.

EARWIG

Earwigs are beetle-like, short-winged, fast moving insects about one-half to one inch in length. they are usually dark brown and have a pair of pincher-like appendages at the tip of the abdomen. They have s-chewing-type mouth-parts and slow development. Earwigs are active at night. They usually hide in cracks, crevices, under bark or in similar places during the day. They are scavengers in their feeding habits, but occasionally feed on plants. The name "earwig" is derived from an old superstition that these insects enter people's ears. The idea is entirely unfounded because earwigs are harmless to man. Some species have scent glands from which they can squirt a foul-smelling liquid. This is probably used for protection; however, it makes them very unpleasant when accidentally or purposely mashed. Earwigs cause no damage to your home.

PILL BUGS / SOW BUGS

Pillbugs and Sow Bugs are common crustacea. They are wingless, oval or slightly elongated arthropods about half and inch in length and slate-gray in color with body segments resembling armored plates. They feed on decaying organic matter although occasionally they may damage the roots of green plants. Their normal habitat is outdoors, but they sometimeswander inside where they do no damage.

Sow Bugs are often called woodlice and possess two tail-like appendages, seven pairs of legs, and well developed eyes. They are incapable of rolling into a tight ball. Pill Bugs or "rolly-pollies" lack the tail-like appendages and can roll into a tight ball.

Both animals are slow-moving, crawling arthopodos. They require high moisture and are most active at night. When resting during the day, they may be found under rocks, trash, boards, decayinf vegetation or just beneath the soil surface. A heavy infestation indoors usually indicates a large population outdoors. Mulches, grass clippings, and leaf litter often provide the decaying organic matter they need to survive.

SILVERFISH / FIREBRATS

So called because of its shiny gray appearance. Most of us see silverfish at one time or another. These are one of the insects that can damage natural materials, cloth, paper, or book bindings. These soft-bodied, wingless insects scurry about at night. They are nocturnal and you won't see them in the daytime unless there's a heavy population or they're disturbed. They can easily climb rough surfaces, but not slippery surfaces, such as your bathtub or sink. Torpedo-shaped, with three long bristles at the rear, they subsist quite happily in your attic, feeding mostly on starchy materials, book bindings, wall paper, cotton cloth and linens. While not a serious pest, they can dispense with some of your stored treasures. They are quite long-lived, often living more than three years.

The Firebrat is quite similar in habits but generally darker in color. The Firebrat prefers temperatures over 90 degrees F but has a similar high humidity requirement. It is common near heating pipes, fire places, ovens, boilers or furnaces and other heat sources. They feed on a wide variety of carbohydrates and starches that are also protein sources such as flour and book bindings, and can go for as much as a year without eating. They are primarily a nuisance inside the home or buildings, as they don't cause major damage, though they can contaminate food, damage paper goods, and stain clothing. Otherwise they are mostly harmless.

SAWTOOTHED GRAIN BEETLES

The adults, (usually the ones you see) are small, thin dark brown insects less than a quarter inch long. Sawtoothed Grain Beetles are major pests in factories, homes, and granaries. They feed on a wide variety of products, flour, bread and cereal products, macaroni, dried fruits, nuts, sugar, dried pet foods and even improperly cured meats. They are named primarily because of the six sawtooth-like teeth found on the two sides of the first segment behind the head, the pronotum.

Sawtooth Grain Beetles are very small, flat insects that easily hide in the cracks and crevices of food packages and can penitrate the packaging and infest the product inside. These beetles can develop into very large populations in stored food products, and the first sign you usually see, are the adults crawling all over your cabinets. adults feed on the same materials as the larvae, so they can keep on going, right there in your pantry.

HOUSE CENTIPEDES

Centipedes and millipedes are commonly seen in yards and occasionally enter homes. Neither centipedes nor millipedes damage furniture, homes or food. Their only importance is that of annoying or frightening individuals. Centipedes are many-legged animals. They are usually brownish, flattened animals with many body segments. Most of the body segments have one pair of legs. Centipedes are fast runners and vary in length of up to one to two inches. Centipedes are most active at night. They are active predators and feed on insects and spiders. Centipedes are usually associated with damp, dark places such as under stones, leaf litter, logs, bark, or soil crevices. Indoors they may be found in closets and bathrooms and basements, where there is high humidity.

MILLIPEDES

Millipedes are commonly known as "thousand leggers". Millipedes are worm-like, cylindrical animals with many body segments. Most of the body segments bear two pairs of legs. Millipedes tend to coil up tightly when disturbed and some species can secrete a foul smelling fluid. Millipedes feed on decaying vegetable matter and are often found under stones, flower pots, boards or similar debris where there is and abundance of moisture. Occasionally after rains or during cold weather, large numbers of millipedes may migrate into buildings. They can climb foundation walls and enter homes through any small openings.

SPRINGTAIL

Springtails are very small, whitish-gray or light colored insects, measuring 1/32 to 1/8 inch long. They have a "humpback" body and a distinctive head and long antennae. Springtails get their name from a forked appendage attached the the end of the abdomen which can be bent under the body and when released, helps the insect to "spring" forward, much like a flea.

Springtails are always found in very moist situations. Their population outdoors can reach 50,000 per cubic foot of soil. They are typically associated with leaf litter, mulch, firewood, landscape timbers, potted plants, railroad ties, etc. They are small enough to enter through window screens. They can be found in sinks and basins, floor drains, around sweating pipes, in moist basements or crawl spaces, on moldy furniture, and in the soil of potted plants. The insects feed on decaying organic matter.

The best control for springtales is to eliminate the source of moisture that sustains them.

FLEAS

Cat and Dog Fleas can be found in the same area. They are very similar in appearance. They are small, 1/8 inch long, wingless, laterally flattened, and have piercing-sucking mouth-parts. The flea has well-developed legs allowing it to jump at least six inches straight up. They are black to reddish brown.

Adult fleas feed on blood with their piercing-sucking mouth-parts. They typically seek a blood meal within two days of becoming an adult. Cat and dog fleas prefer these two animals but readily feed on other animals, e.g., raccoons, opossums, rats, and humans. Adult fleas remain on the host animal throughout their lifetime but are sometimes knocked off the animal by scratching. Occasionally, they can be found in the pet bedding and resting areas. Wild animals nesting in structures can initiate flea populations. Larvae typically are found in areas where pets spend most of the time as well as in animal areas.

Effective flea control requires customer cooperation and involves three major steps: sanitation, insecticide application, and on-animal flea control.

INDIAN MEAL MOTH

By far the most recognizable in our food supplies, the adult moth can have a wingspread almost five eights of an inch wide, are copper-brown and grey, are folded backwards in a resting position, showing copper and grey bands of color. Adults do not feed on stored products, but the larvae will feed on any coarse flour, processed foods, whole seeds, dog food and even red peppers and spices. Adult moths lay their eggs directly on the material, usually at night, and over a two or three week period, will lay more than 400 eggs.

Indian Meal Moth larvae feed not only on coarse ground flour products, but also seeds, and whole grain products, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, beans and most products manufactured from these ingredients. Indian Meal Moths are serious pests in both homes and other areas where food is prepared, stored, or produced.

Homeowners often discover these infestations when great numbers of larvae are seen moving away from the infested materials, sometimes dispersing over the entire room. Because of their habit of moving some distance from infested products, an intensive cleaning routine is necessary to find and eliminate Indian Meal Moths, especially in a commercial setting

LADY BEETLE (BUG)

Ladybugs (beetles) are hemispherical in shape and area 1/16 to 1/4 inch long. They are brightly colored. Most are red, brown, or tan with black spots. These insects are beneficial because the larvae and the adults eat a variety of outdoor ornamental pests, such as: aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, scale, and other soft bodied insects and their eggs.

In the fall, the adults seek out protected areas to overwinter, preferring areas beneath rocks, bark, leaves, and landscape timbers: however, occupied structures are also suitable. Adults are attracted to light and often are seen in window sills and light fixtures.

Because Ladybugs are beneficial insects and pose no threat to health or property, no direct control methods are recommended. Educating the customer and preventing entry into the structures by sealing up all external cracks, gaps in the siding, and openings around doors and window frames are the best solution.

Once the beetles are inside, the best course of action is to use a vacuum cleaner for removal, and the remove, tape and discard the vacuum bag, or release the beetles outside, away from the structure. Light traps can be used effectively in some situations to reduce the indoor infestations. Spraying indoors for the beetles is of no value and provides little relief from the problem. Avoid spraying if any of the beetle life stages are present. The beetles are often as effective in controlling the ornamental pests as are insecticides.

BLACK CARPET BEETLE

The Black Carpet Beetle is a common pest in our area. The larvae eat almost any type of animal product such as leather, wool, silk, feathers, hair, dried meats, dead insects, and even dried plant material. The Black Carpet Beetle is a pest in kitchen cupboards as well as in woollen carpets or clothes or clothes storage areas.

The adult is 2.8 to 5mm long, black to reddish brown. Adults may live from two weeks to several months. They never damage household goods. Unlike their larvae, they are attracted to light. They are active and often can be found around windows and outdoors on flowers, eating pollen. The adults are attracted to flowers, and in the spring of the year they may fly into the house.

The larvae of the Black carpet Beetle may reach 12.7 mm in length. They are very different that other carpet beetles' larvae. They are elongated, "carrot-shaped", golden to chocolate brown, and have a tuft of very long curled, golden-brown hair at the tail end of their body. The larvae scavenge for food (they will eat dander, hair, and other small bits of food high in protein), avoid light and move slowly as to appear they are gliding. The larvae may wander from the nest in the attic and other parts of the house. At times, birds and other animals die in chimneys and elsewhere in the house and their carcasses become a source of food for the larvae. Very often, the black carpet beetles are brought into the house with old woolens and carpeting. Sometimes the Black Carpet Beetles are introduced into a dwelling in stored products such as dried dog food.

It is not uncommon to find one or two black carpet beetles in a house. An occasional black carpet beetle larva probably is not an indication of a serious problem. However, if you regularly encounter large numbers of adults, find the source of the infestation and institute control measures.

COMMON CLOTHES MOTH

First of all, the adult stage (the moth) does no damage to fabrics or any other materials. In fact, during its adult stage, it eats or consumed no food, living on what it consumes during the larval stage. It is this larval stage that this insect causes any damage by feeding on natural material, wrapping itself in an open and chaotic web-mat of silk. Larvae are not normally visible or oblivious in their day to day activities.

The clothes moth, in the larval stage, is the most important pest of man's natural materials, far more than the "Case-bearing" clothes moth which looks quite like the clothes moth. The larva of the Case-Bearing moth is much more easily identified because of their cases, open on one end, and dragged about, where ever they go. The case-Bearing moth is usually found around carpets and heavy woolen draperies.

To minimize the chance of either of these pests, have your natural material (wool, linens, etc.) dry cleaned after each use. DO NOT PUT THEM AWAY "DIRTY"! Clothes Moths prefer to dine on materials with traces of body oils, perspiration and urine. If your items are absolutely clean, you'll worry less. Larvae can leave large holes in natural material.

SPIDERS

Many people are afraid of spiders. The fear is partly due to myths and to the notoriety of harmful species such as the Black Widow Spider and the Brown Recluse Spider. Both of these species are very rare in our area and need not be of concern. All spiders can bite, however, the vast majority of spiders are harmless to humans. Although spiders are often unpopular, the venom of most species is not very toxic to humans, usually resulting in no more that a slight swelling, inflammation, or itchy sensation. Most spiders' fangs are too small or weak to puncture human skin. Spiders usually will not attempt to bite unless accidentally trapped against the skin or grasped, although some species actively guard their egg sacs or young.

House spiders randomly select web locations, and if the web fails to capture prey, it is abandoned and another is built. They survive better in areas with high humidity, such as garages, sheds, warehouses, etc. The lower humidity in modern structures is not conducive to their survival. However, in structures with higher humidity, webs are constructed in upper corners, under furniture, around window and door frames, basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Outdoors, webs are built around window and door frames, near lights, and under eaves. House spiders feed on a variety of insects but especially flies.

Spiders are beneficial predators that reduce pest populations (flies, crickets, mites, etc.) in and around homes, yards, gardens, and crops. Wholesale destruction of spiders should be avoided.

HOUSE CRICKET

The common house cricket, (they're big, they're black, and they jump) is a familiar invader for most of us. It enters structures through the many cracks and crevices that occur in all buildings. House crickets will damage natural fabrics and materials placed in their environment.

House crickets can be as big as an inch. They can last, almost indefinitely, in your house or basement, or in any building. In the summer, they do prefer the outside, but when populations are high on the outside, you will get them inside. In cold snaps, they often move indoors if they can find their way in. And since they can complete their life cycle inside a structure, you can have the all year long. The adults produce a regular, irritating chirp with their wings, and as you get close to their location. All stages of crickets are harmless to humans.

CAMELBACK CRICKET

Also known as the Cave Cricket, the Camelback Cricket lives in the dark, damp corners of basements, sheds, crawl spaces, garbage bins, etc. They also tend to favor rotten logs, damp leaves and sometimes even in the first floor of your house. They are not the luck chirpers you keep in a cage. They are practically wingless, but man alive, can they jump!

These crickets can live in homes for long periods of time without residents knowing. As their population increases, some will get into the living areas. However, they prefer the dark damp areas like under porches, sheds, basements and crawl spaces. Such areas produce fungus and mold - both of which can feed this species of cricket. In addition to mold and fungus, camelback crickets will feed on fabric. They love to eat both synthetic and man made material including rugs, furniture, books, canvas, clothing, boxes, linen, drapery, and just about anything we have in our living area. This can lead to damage which looks like some type of moth damage. Because this cricket is rather large and meaty, mice and rats are fond of them. This could lead to a rat and/or mouse infestation as well and require even more pest control.

Keep in mind, they cannot bite or sting. Even still, having a large unusual insect jumping at you will probably feel disconcerning.

FLOUR BEETLES

Flour beetles, most notably the Confused Flour Beetle and the Red Flour Beetle look very much alike. A ten power glass is needed to tell the difference. They are slender, beetle-looking insects, reddish-brown and about an eighth of an inch long - about the size of a grain of rice. Both are major pests of flour and flour products. They cannot penetrate nor feed on whole grains, but can be found in virtually any other processed food product. This includes anything manufactures with flour products, dried fruits, cereals, spices, bird seed, chocolate products and even tobacco products. This is the pest you find most often on those too-old cake mix boxes. And they can reproduce inside your cabinets.

Both adults and small, off white larvae will be found in infested food items. the adult beetles often wander away from the infested material and will be found inside cupboards or anywhere in the house. Any product infested with these pests acquires a rather distinct odor (and flavor) as a result of secretions from their very active scent glands. These two flour beetles are quite common. Most homeowners see this problem happen every once and awhile.

Control of any stored food pest requires locating and eliminating infested items. All potentially infested foods should be checked. The insects may be in unopened boxes, bags or containers. Infested items can be thrown away or salvaged by freezing for 1 week or heating in 140 degree oven for 15 minutes.

As a precaution against re-infestation, you may want to store susceptible foods in sealable glass, metal or heavy plastic containers or in the refrigerator or freezer.

WEEVILS

Weevils are small beetles that posses conspicuous snouts. They are often light-bulb or pear-shaped. When immature, the legless, grub-like larvae feed on plants. After developing into adults, some weevil species are attracted to buildings. It appear they do this to seek shelter from unfavorable weather conditions, especially when it is hot and dry. These weevils enter buildings by crawling through cracks or openings around foundations, doors, and windows. They do not harm people or pets, or damage buildings or property.

There are a variety of different weevils in our area. However, they can be classified into two general types. Grain Weevils, which attack almost any kind of whole grains, as well as nuts, beans, and even some fruits. They are strong, accomplished fliers, and will fly from one field to another, infesting grains before the actual harvest. The female bores a hole in the kernel and deposits an egg. she seals the egg inside the kernel. The larva hatches within 72 hours, and then starts feeding within the kernel.

The other is the Root/Foliage Weevil. The larvae feed on the roots of the plants such as strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and other plants. The adults feed on the edges of foliage, leaving a characteristic notched appearance. Depending on the species they can attack spruce, evergreens, maples, birches, hazel, willow, apple. Some adults chew on leaves of a variety of annuals and perennials as well as roots of aster, clover, and turf-grass.

Homeowners experience problems with weevils in the summer months. They are attracted to moisture and are often found in sinks, bathtubs, water basins and similar places. T

Exclusion is an important step in reducing the number of weevils that enter homes. Caulk cracks and ensure snug-fitting screens and doors to reduce the number of weevils that may enter the building.

MOSQUITO

The mosquito is a common flying insect that is found around the world. There are about 2,700 species of mosquitoes. Both male and female mosquitoes are nectar feeders. Females do not require blood for survival, but they do need supplemental substances (like protein and iron) found in blood to develop their eggs. This is why the females of most mosquito species suck blood from other animals, which has made them the most deadly disease vectors known, killing millions of people over thousands of years and continuing to kill millions per year by the spread of diseases.

Mosquitoes hunt their host by detecting CO2 being breathed out from a distance. When they get closer they can also pick up on the infrared heat being emitted which identifies the host as a warm blooded animal. During the heat of the day, most mosquitoes rest in a cool place and wait for the evenings. They may still bite however, if disturbed.

Mosquitoes are a vector agent that carries disease-causing viruses and parasites from person to person without catching the disease themselves. In our area, the West Nile Virus is the major concern. Mosquitoes have transmitted this disease to humans, horses, and some birds. Because of the high mortality rate, this is the most serious mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to encephalitis, coma and death. The West Nile virus was accidentally introduced into the United States in 1999 and by 2003 had spread to almost every state with over 3,000 cases in 2006.

There are two kinds of mosquito control: Large, organized programs to reduce mosquito populations over a wide area, and actions individuals can take to control or exclude mosquitoes with respect to themselves and their property.

The single most important factor in reducing mosquitoes around homes is to "remove mosquito breeding habitats".

NOTE: Dragonflies eat mosquitoes at all stages of development and are quite effective in controlling populations. Bats also help in controlling flying insect populations around homes.

CICADA

Periodical Cicada adults are spectacular in appearance. The body is mostly black on top. The head is broad, and the abdomen tapers to the rear. Eyes are very red. Their legs and wing veins are reddish orange, and their wings are nearly transparent with an orange tint. Despite their fearsome appearance, with bulging, bright red eyes, cicadas are harmless to animal life and all trees except young saplings.

There are two main kinds of periodical cicadas in the United States. One kind spends 17 years as a nymph feeding on tree roots while living below ground, and the other lives underground for 13 years! Then each type, as if on some signal, emerges at the same time from the ground. They change into adults, lay eggs, and after a few weeks, they die. We don't see the next generation until 13 to 17 years later.

After mating, adult female cicadas deposits her eggs in openings in new growth sections of tree branches. The eggs take six to eight weeks to mature - after which the nymphs drop to the ground and immediately begin their decent into an underground world. Their long nymphal stage is unmatched within the animal kingdom and continues to draw interest of scientists.

Amazingly all the cicadas seem to come out of the ground at the same time in enormous numbers. The nymphs leave the ground and begin to climb trees and poles. As they climb, they molt, or grow out of their exoskeleton. (see molting picture) They split open the back of their brown and brittle exoskeletons, wiggle out, and abandon them, empty and still clinging to the trees. They continue to climb to the tree tops to begin their constant buzzing calls, trying to attract a mate.

The adult male cicada makes the loudest sound in the insect world. By vibrating the ribbed plates in a pair of amplifying cavities at the base of the abdomen, the mating sound of the cicada can be heard as far as 440 yards! These insect noisemakers rarely ever stop calling for a mate. The noise from large groups of cicadas can often drown out even the noisiest lawnmower. If they are successful, mating occurs, eggs are laid and the cycle begins again.

The cicada has a natural predator, the Cicada Killer Wasp. This predator injects it's venom into the much larger cicada to paralyze it, and then transports the cicada (see picture) to the new underground nest to be use as a food supply for the eggs of the wasp to feed on as they go through their life cycle.