Last week we visited spotted lanternflies as they continued their march through the DMV and other states in the eastern half of the United States. These killers of grape vines are a major nuisance in residential and commercial landscapes by virtue of their creep-me-out vast numbers and the prodigious amounts of honeydew they excrete as they feed. Honeydew is the sticky sweet waste product squirted from the rear-end of the lanternfly as it sucks nutrient rich phloem sap from a plant. Honeydew rains down on objects below, fouling fruit, foliage, lawn furniture and slow-moving humans that linger too long beneath trees. This carbohydrate rich liquid provides a substrate for a fungus called sooty mold, a black cloak that coats and disfigures underlying objects. Although sooty mold is not pathogenic, it diminishes the plant’s ability to capture energy from sunlight thereby reducing photosynthesis and impairing growth. As we learned in a previous episode, lanternfly honeydew is a favored food source for many kinds of stinging insects including bees and wasps. Recently, a large landscape maintenance firm in the DMV made an unprecedented purchase of cans of wasp and hornet sprays at a local hardware store. When asked “why so many”, the landscaper replied something like “the landscaping crews are running into unreasonable numbers of yellowjackets and various wasps as they clean up landscapes.”

On tree of heaven coated with sugary honeydew excreted by lanternflies and cloaked in black sooty mold, yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets forage. Along the edge and within a forest conservation area loaded with tree of heaven, several eastern yellowjackets have set up shop. Lanternflies nearby provide a ready source of food. Work and studies within the site have become spicy this summer due to the presence of stinging insects. Could recent reports of elevated numbers of wasp nests be linked to increasing numbers of lanternflies in areas infested with this invader? Only Mother Nature and the wasps really know.

Unlike the nests of bees, the nests of yellowjackets contain no honey or pollen. Yellowjacket larvae eat meat and carbohydrate rich foods gathered by the workers. In this regard, yellowjackets are beneficial because they kill many caterpillars and beetles that are pests in our gardens. By late summer and early autumn, colonies may contain thousands of workers and are often about the size of a football. Under extraordinary circumstances, some nests may persist for more than one year and reach gigantic proportions. There are reports of monster yellowjacket nests in southern states reaching the size of a “Volkswagen Beetle”. Yikes! I sure wouldn’t want to bump into one of those with the lawn mower. Well, as summer wanes towards autumn, colonies of many social wasps including yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets, and paper wasps will operate at a fevered pitch as they try to feed massive numbers of brood in their nests. As we learned in previous episodes, nests are aggressively defended and intruders are attacked with extreme prejudice.

Lil’ Rover demonstrates what happens when you sit on a nest of yellowjackets, but don’t worry, Lil’ Rover has thick fur and was not harmed in the making of this video.

The venom of yellowjackets and their kin has evolved to bring maximum pain to vertebrates like skunks that pillage their nests. Encounters with these fierce ladies confirm that their venom brings agony to humans as well. Yellowjackets are capable of multiple stings, but only to a limited extent. Contrary to common belief, they have small barbs on their stingers and some may lose their stingers after an attack. If you are stung, apply ice to the site of the sting to reduce some of the damage and pain. Sting relieving ointments and creams are available in pharmacies and sporting goods stores and may help reduce the pain and itching. If you know that you are allergic and are stung, seek medical attention immediately. If you are stung and experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives on your body, disorientation, lightheadedness or other unusual symptoms, call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately. Desensitization therapy has proven very helpful to many people with allergies to stings of bees and wasps.

At Bug of the Week’s five-acre SLF tracking site, prior to the arrival of SLF a single eastern yellowjacket nest was discovered in the ground in 2021. With the arrival of lanternflies at the site in 2022, two yellowjacket nests were discovered near groves of tree of heaven, and with thousands of lanternflies spewing honeydew in 2023, five colonies of eastern yellowjackets have been discovered at the site to date. Adding even more moments of shock and awe to work at our study site are bald-faced hornets, which constructed an additional nest in a pile of brush. It could be coincidental that both lanternflies and stinging wasps are on the uptick due to some other environmental circumstance rather than being linked. At this point in time, we simply do not know. If you encounter a yellowjacket or bald-faced hornet nest and the nest is unlikely to be encountered by humans or pets, you may simply leave it alone. As mentioned before, these wasps help reduce populations of pests. If the nest is in a place that threatens you, children, or pets, you may consider eliminating it. Commercial pest control operators can assist you in this. I have purchased aerosol sprays, applied them according to instructions on the label, usually at night or in the evening, and had excellent success. Please be careful around these fierce ladies or you might feel their wrath.

Acknowledgements

Bug of the Week thanks Dr. Nancy Breisch for sharing her expertise and knowledge about stinging insects. We thank bold landscape managers and arborists for providing inspiration for this episode and Randy Taylor for sharing his pretty yellowjacket nest with us.

This post appeared first on Bug of the Week

For every human on this planet, there are approximately 2.5 million ants. Recent research revealed that the global ant population is 20 quadrillion — possibly more.  

With that kind of number, it’s little wonder that these small, industrious, important members of the ecosystem also routinely top lists of common household pests. The National Pest Management Association reports that infestations of carpenter, odorous house, and pavement ants are among the most common. Infestations occur everywhere, including single-family homes, apartments, office buildings, restaurants, hospitals, and more.  

Dealing with ants can be very frustrating, and it’s essential to approach ant control with care and caution. Although it’s natural to consider DIY ant control for a fast fix, these methods often open the door to more problems while failing to eliminate the ants.  

Let’s explore ant removal and control methods to better understand all the available options and the pros and cons of each one.  

The Risks of DIY Ant Control 

On the plus side, DIY ant control methods like ant baits and insect sprays are readily available and relatively inexpensive. However, although these methods may appear to be a cost-effective and easy solution to the problem at hand, DIY ant control is rarely effective. Not only will you most likely not eliminate the infestation, but you will expose yourself, family members, and pets to potentially dangerous chemicals.  

DIY Methods Rarely Solve the Problem 

You may see short-term ant control after spraying an insecticide, but once the product wears off, the pests often return. Chemical products can be too weak or too harsh to safely eliminate the problem. You could still have an ant infestation, even after risking poisoning people or pets with the chemicals in DIY pest control products.  

When you try to deal with an ant infestation on your own, you are only addressing the ants you see. These options do little to get to the root of the infestation, which can eventually lead to large, expanding colonies and property damage. 

Ant Bait Must Be Carefully Tailored to the Ant Species 

Additionally, it’s important to note that different ants require different treatments. For example, if you are using ant baits, odorous house ants prefer baits that are sweet, while other ants prefer protein or grease-based baits. Likewise, fast-killing baits may work too quickly to eradicate the entire colony. Not using enough bait is equally problematic because it only kills a portion of the ants, allowing the rest of the colony to continue to grow.  

DIY Ant Control Relies on Harsh Chemicals 

Even if you are not using bait stations, you are likely turning to cans of ant-killing sprays that contain potentially hazardous chemicals. These products can cause irritation of the skin and eyes, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions. Inadvertently swallowing or inhaling these chemicals can be harmful, which is why following label directions is essential. Trusting the application process to licensed professionals helps ensure that it is done safely and effectively. 

Benefits of Professional Ant Control  

Using DIY ant control methods rarely eliminates ant infestations at the source and poses potential hazards to people and property. That’s why Catseye Pest Control recommends leaving ant control to the professionals. Licensed, trained technicians can mitigate the risks while providing thorough, effective ant removal and preventing future infestations.  

Experts Can Tailor the Treatment to the Species of Ant Invading Your Space  

Not every treatment option works for every type of ant. That’s one of the major failings of DIY options. Professionals, on the other hand, have the education and expertise to identify the ant species infesting your home or business and provide appropriate treatments.  

Professionals Safeguard Your Health and Well-Being 

Catseye’s technicians are highly trained and educated on safety and the proper use of all pesticides and other ant control strategies. Pros can advise you on if and how long you and any other people and pets should avoid treatment areas, and they use commercial-grade equipment to eradicate infestations safely.  

You Will Save Money in the Long Run 

At first glance, DIY products seem like the most budget-friendly option — until you factor in the ineffective performance and possible health risks. Many people use sprays, baits, and natural DIY treatments first, only to end up calling for professional help anyway. By that point, the infestation has often grown significantly, requiring more extensive services.  

Catseye Pest Control’s Approach to Ant Control  

At Catseye, we do things a little bit differently. We are dedicated to not only meeting, but exceeding our customers’ expectations, starting with our free inspections and customized treatment plans. Our approach to ant control starts with a thorough inspection to locate the colony, identify the ants, and decide on the optimal treatment strategy. We inject the nests to flush them out, add bait treatments when appropriate, provide spot treatments, and repair damage as needed.  

When to Call a Professional  

Ideally, you should call a professional as soon as you realize you have an infestation. If you try DIY methods and don’t get results within a week or you notice ants returning, it’s time to call a pro. So much more goes into eradicating and controlling ant colonies than simply spraying the ants you see. A professional will provide safe, effective treatment that gets lasting results.  

Don’t Risk DIY Ant Control, Contact Catseye to Get Rid of Ants Permanently 

DIY methods for ant removal and control may seem like they are inexpensive and easy, but they don’t get to the source of the infestation, allowing the colony to continue growing. When you work with Catseye, you will enjoy long-term results and cost savings. You also enjoy the peace of mind that only comes from knowing your home is protected from ants and other pests, including rodents and nuisance wildlife.  

Contact us today to learn more about our ant control services or to schedule your free inspection.  

The post Should I Treat for Ants Myself?   appeared first on Catseye Pest Control.

This article appeared first on Catseye Pest

 

 

This week we turn to the Bug of the Week mailbag to explore why some folks are seeing more spotted lanternflies (SLF) around their homes and in their landscapes.

Reason 1. Since first detected in the US almost a decade ago, SLF has made an astounding range expansion from their entry point in Berks County, Pennsylvania to Huntington County, Indiana more than 580 miles away. This feat was not accomplished on their own. SLF are believed to move only a matter of several miles by walking, hopping, and flying. Nope, these vagabonds are super stowaways and heinous hitch hikers, moving as eggs, nymphs, and adults on vehicles, lawn furniture, plants, and other natural and human-made objects. Here in the DMV and adjacent states like Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, they made beachheads and rapidly colonized several counties. All counties in New Jersey and Delaware house breeding populations, with Maryland not far behind. Larger states like Pennsylvania and Virginia still have uninfested counties but one look at Figure 1 suggests that these states are trending toward full saturation. Bug of the Week’s outdoor SLF tracking site near Antietam Battlefield in Maryland discovered a couple dozen SLF adults in 2022. Last week hundreds of adults festooned branches and trunks of trees. Dramatic population explosions are underway in several landscapes in the DMV and in some 14 states in eastern North America with new detections of infestations being reported on a weekly basis. So yes, due to range expansion there are indeed more lanternflies to be seen today in the US than there were just a few years ago.

Reason 2. The second and perhaps more salient reason why there seem to be more SLF has to do with their seasonal phenology, that is the regular progression of development, survival, and activity throughout the year. In a previous episode in early May, we met tiny SLF nymphs as they hatched from eggs that survived winter’s onslaughts. Shortly after hatch, active feeding stages of spotted lanternfly were at their peak. Since early May, local populations of SLF dramatically declined as lethal weather events like cold and rain, murderous predators like spiders, mantises, and assassin bugs, diseases caused by fungi, and pesticide applications have taken their toll. The illusion that there are now more SLF than there were a few months ago has two explanations. First and foremost is the fact that adult SLF are roughly 10 times larger in size than tiny hatchling nymphs. Bigger bugs are easier to see. Second, these adult rascals are on the move, taking wing and winding up on the side of a house, on a sidewalk, lawn chair, or favored tree. While young, SLF nymphs feed on a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, more than 70 species of host plants are known. Nymphs are widely distributed in the landscape. Adults are most frequently found on a smaller sample of trees with invasive tree of heaven high on the list, and maples, walnuts, and a few others also commonly mobbed. Highly mobile adults and hordes of sap-sucking adults create a mien of many more lanternflies.

As we enter the period of adult migration, feeding, honeydew production, grape vine ravaging, and general annoyance, people will be wondering what to do. One popular and highly touted tactic is to do a little tap dance on SLF adults stranded on sidewalks or on the ground. The logic here is that every other SLF killed will be one less to lay eggs. Oh, every other bug because only females lay eggs and the sex ratio is likely 50:50, get it? Unfortunately, in the early stages of the SLF invasion, some 1.5 million SLF were killed by noble volunteers in Berks and nearby counties, yet these scoundrels managed to spread to surrounding counties and states more than 500 miles away. The contribution of stomping and squishing to reductions in SLF populations remains a mystery. Nonetheless, as Sheryl Crow opined, “if it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad”, so squish away if it makes you happy.

In April and May when millions of spotted lanternflies hatched, this year’s crop of lanternflies was at its zenith. As tiny black and white nymphs dispersed, they fed on myriad herbaceous and woody plants. Their colors changed from black and white to red, black, and white as they developed. Their numbers dramatically declined as weather, beneficial insects and diseases, and human interventions took their toll. Although fewer survived, when large adults gather to feed on favored trees or land on humans and buildings, their presence will be observed by more people. Many will perish on sidewalks and roads beneath the tires of vehicles and feet of humans.

What’s the bright spot here? Well, my tree care guys, certified arborists near ground zero in Pennsylvania, report that SLF populations have declined noticeably since the early years of the invasion in the late 20-teens. How so? Well, the aforementioned push-back by Mother Nature’s hit squad of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens coupled with host plant removal and highly efficacious and well-timed insecticide applications all help mitigate problems created by SLF. Quarantines enacted by several states appear to be slowing the spread of SLF on a regional scale. Let’s hope that the combined efforts of Mother Nature and clever humans can help keep this nocent invader at bay.

Acknowledgements

Bug of the Week thanks members of the Penn-Dell and Mid-Atlantic chapters of the International Society of Arboriculture for providing the inspiration for this episode and Dr. Shrewsbury for spotting and wrangling spotted lanternflies. We acknowledge the great work of scientists contributing to our knowledge of this pest with particular thanks to authors of articles and aforementioned websites used as references, including “Perspective: shedding light on spotted lanternfly impacts in the USA” by Julie M. Urban, “Dispersal of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Nymphs Through Contiguous, Deciduous Forest” by Joseph A. Keller, Anne E. Johnson, Osariyekemwen Uyi, Sarah Wurzbacher, David Long, and Kelli Hoover, “The Establishment Risk of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in the United States and Globally” by Tewodros T. Wakie, Lisa G. Neven, Wee L. Yee, and Zhaozhi Lu, and “Applications of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) to Control Populations of Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in Semi-Natural Landscapes and on Grapevines” by Eric H. Clifton, Ann E. Hajek, Nina E. Jenkins, Richard T. Roush, John P. Rost, and David J. Biddinger. Thanks to Brian Eshenaur and the entire team at the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program of Cornell University for providing the updated maps of spotted lanternfly in the US.

This post appeared first on Bug of the Week

 

 

A few years ago, we met the remarkable caterpillar of the Imperial moth as it meandered along the scenic C & O canal trail near Sharpsburg, Maryland. We learned about the dramatic, disturbing decline of Imperial moths and other members of the silk moth clan including Royal Walnut moths and Cecropia moths in New England where populations of these gorgeous giants have been extirpated in several locations. There is growing evidence from around the world that several human related activities, including habitat destruction, agricultural intensification, pesticides, invasive alien species, climate change, and other factors acting independently and in concert contribute to these declines. Disappearances of several species of moths in New England are linked to parasitoid flies imported decades ago to help control dastardly gypsy moth caterpillars. Sadly, they also attack and kill several species of native moths, including some of our giants.

In late summer and early autumn, Imperial moth caterpillars depart their lofty feeding grounds in the canopies of trees. After a perilous journey across human-made structures like pathways and roads, they reach the safety of soil where they will disappear underground to form pupal chambers. With the return of warm weather and foliage on trees, beautiful adult moths will emerge from the earth to mate and deposit eggs on leaves.

Another factor linked to the decline of large, nocturnally active moths is sky brightness caused by artificial lights. High intensity street lamps and security lights on the outside of buildings are extremely attractive to night-flying moths. Many insects use distant light sources such as the moon and stars to navigate the nighttime skies. “Near” light sources, lights illuminating buildings and streets, disrupt the ancient navigation systems evolved over eons by nocturnal flyers. Rather than flying in one direction, they spiral inward to near light sources. As insects collect around these artificial illuminators, they may be exposed to predators, which pick-off moths and other night fliers. Next time you visit a nighttime sporting event in the summertime at a field illuminated by high intensity lights, check out the massive swarms of insects attracted to the lights. Don’t be surprised to see bats swooping in and out of the milieu for easy meals. Artificial lights also may disrupt other vital activities of nocturnal insects such as locating mates and finding correct places to deposit eggs.

Circling back to the raison d’etre for this episode was an encounter with a lovely but imperiled Imperial moth.  While stopping at a local coffee shop on a recent trip to Selbyville, Delaware, I spied a very cool Imperial moth woefully out of place. Beneath a high intensity light, clinging to the leg of a black plastic chair, an Imperial moth (gender undetermined) quaked in a morning breeze. While photographing the moth, a pair of caffeinated tourists stopped to see what all the fuss was about. Having pointed out the moth, out came the iPhones for a photoshoot and moth love fest. After agreeing on the moth’s beauty, they departed with the comment of how lucky they were to have seen the moth. Well, perhaps bringing nature to a parking lot where it can by witnessed by humans is reason enough for high intensity lights on buildings, but maybe this is not so good for moths.

High intensity security lights like one above this door attract many night-flying insects. Beneath the light, on the leg of a plastic lawn chair, a beautiful Imperial moth quivered in the morning breeze. Is it likely that a mate will be found in this alien environment? Not so much, but an inattentive footfall could bring an end to this pretty creature. The moth was rescued and released in a sweet gum grove far from artificial lights.  

How can we reduce problems associated with artificial light pollution? Scientists list a few things we all can do to help. Use motion detectors to activate outdoor lights whenever possible, instead of using lights that burn all night. Use directional covers above or around lights to illuminate only places that need light. Yellow colored lights attract fewer moths than white or blue lights (other species of insects may differ in their responses), so use longer wavelengths if you can. Scientists also recommend reducing the amount of artificial light in rural areas to help reverse losses of night-flying moths in these less human-altered landscapes. But the best piece of advice is to simply shut off lights at times and in places when they are not necessary.

What of the Imperial moth marooned on a chair near a coffee shop? Well, the chance of finding a mate on the leg of a plastic chair seemed infinitesimally smaller than that of being inadvertently trampled by a caffeinated tourist. Yes, we did violate the Non-Interference Directive of Starfleet. The moth was gently collected, placed in an elegant bug cage, one fit for royalty, transported to a grove of sweet gum trees far, far from a streetlight, and released. Good luck majestic moth.

Acknowledgements

Bug of the Week thanks Peter and Whitney of the Moth Project for inspiring this episode and Dr. Shrewsbury for photographing and wrangling the star of this story. Several great reads on giant silk moths and artificial light pollution include the following: “Light pollution is a driver of insect declines” by Avalon C.S. Owens,  Précillia Cochard, Joanna Durrant, Bridgette Farnworth, Elizabeth K. Perkin, and Brett Seymoure, “A window to the world of global insect declines: Moth biodiversity trends are complex and heterogeneous” by David L. Wagner, Richard Fox, Danielle M. Salcido, and Lee A. Dyer, “Declines in moth populations stress the need for conserving dark nights” by Frank van Langevelde, Marijke Braamburg-Annegarn, Martinus E. Huigens, Rob Groendijk, Olivier Poitevin, Jurriën R. van Deijk, Willem N. Ellis, Roy H. A. van Grunsven, Rob de Vos, Rutger A. Vos, Markus Franzén, and Michiel F. Wallis DeVries, and “The Devastating Role of Light Pollution in the ‘Insect Apocalypse’” by Jason Daley.

This post appeared first on Bug of the Week

Are you considering joining the 400,000 American households that have pet rodents? Perhaps you’re concerned that having a pet rat might attract unwanted wild rats or that having pet mice could lead to a rodent infestation.  

The good news is the assertion that pet rodents will attract other rodents into your home is a myth, with no scientific studies backing up this suggestion. In fact, the American Veterinary Medicine Association points out that rodents can make excellent pets. Some are solitary, while others are social. Some are calm, while others enjoy much more activity, making it easy to find a pet rodent that matches your lifestyle.  

Having a pet rodent doesn’t attract other rodents from outdoors or increase the risk of an infestation. However, if you don’t clean up after yourself and your pet, it can open your home up to the risk of an invasion of other rodents and pests.  

Will My Pet Rat Attract Rodents?  

Research suggests that mice and rats leave scent trails, which are pheromone-laden scents that provide a path for others to follow. At first, you might think that this suggests rodents will be attracted to the scent of your pet and find their way indoors. However, when you consider typical rodent behavior, it becomes apparent that the risk of this happening is quite low. Rodents tend to be social but only within their social circles.  

So, the risk of your pet rat attracting other rodents to enter is minimal based on scent alone. However, scavenging rodents can easily be attracted to the food inside your pet’s cage and all the other typical things that attract them. It’s critical to keep the cage and your home clean at all times to ensure crumbs and other matter left by your pet don’t serve as a lure.  

Keep in mind that mice, rats, and other rodents can squeeze into tiny openings and are often searching for items to satisfy their needs, such as: 

• Shelter: Wild rodents often come into human spaces in search of warm, safe places to nest. They often gnaw through insulation, wood, and wires along the way. 
• Food and water: Mice and rats aren’t picky about what they eat. Crumbs, unsecured garbage, pet food, birdseed, and easy sources of water like pet water bowls and dripping pipes can draw their attention.  
• Compost: Your compost pile and even waste from other pets can attract rodents to your home or garden.  
• Plants: Indoor plants, particularly fruit trees that provide a food source, can also attract rodents. Additionally, large potted plants may offer an easy source of shelter.  
• Access: Rodents can squeeze through small cracks and openings. If they find access along the foundation, roof soffits, vents, and other spots, they will enter. 

What Can I Do to Keep Other Rodents Out? 

Pet rodents can create an environment that is conducive to attracting other rodents. Like wild rodents, pets can be quite messy, littering whatever space is available to them with crumbs and food waste. Keeping your pet’s cage clean is essential, but it’s not the only way to protect your home.  

Secure All Food Sources  

Rats and mice can chew right through cardboard and thin plastic wrappers. They also are known to scavenge in pet food bowls, bird feeders, and anywhere with crumbs. Storing all your food items in plastic, glass, or metal containers can help keep rodents out. Likewise, ensure all garbage is securely bagged and kept in receptacles with tight-fitting lids to keep hungry wild rodents out. 

Clean, Sanitize, and Check for Leaks 

Although rodents can also infest clean spaces, decluttering, keeping surfaces clear of crumbs, and regularly cleaning indoor spaces can help minimize the risk. Additionally, routinely checking indoor and outdoor areas for leaks can help avoid further damage while preventing wild rodents from finding a water source.  

Keep Outdoor Spaces Mowed and Tidy 

What you do outside can make a significant impact on whether rodents infest indoor spaces. Keep the lawn neatly mowed, trim all overgrown vegetation, and remove debris. Additionally, avoid storing firewood against the house. Clean up after all pets and keep compost in secure containers to reduce the temptation for rodents and other pests. 

Seal Off Openings 

Perhaps the most critical thing you can do to keep other rodents out of your home and prevent infestations is sealing openings. Mice and rats can enter gaps as small as the width of a pencil. Inspect the interior and exterior of the home to seal off potential entryways. Examples include spaces around pipes, dryer and air vents, floor drains, utility lines, fireplaces, and roof lines.  

Likewise, look for gaps and cracks around doors and windows, behind appliances, and in crawlspaces and attics. Fill holes with steel wool and caulk over them. Other materials you could use include cement, metal sheeting, and lath screens.  

Better yet, invest in an exclusion system. Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems provide a safe, humane, permanent barrier for targeted protection. These three chemical-free systems can be used singularly or together to keep rodents and nuisance wildlife from entering vulnerable areas.  

Keep Your Home Safe and Free of Other Rodents with Catseye Pest Control 

Even after taking careful precautions, it’s possible for wild rodents to enter your home. When rodents invade, turn to the professionals at Catseye for prompt removal and preventive measures. Our trained technicians will help keep you, your family, and your pet rodents safe and healthy while eliminating the infestation. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a free inspection.  

The post Do Pet Rodents Attract Other Rodents?  appeared first on Catseye Pest Control.

This article appeared first on Catseye Pest

 

 

This week we leave the world of worms and return to the realm of six-legged creatures. Back in mid-July, an inquisitive mathematics teacher shared an image of a striking large green scarab beetle groveling in a bare patch of soil. On recon to the property, I was amazed to see scores of large bumble bee–like fliers zooming just above the surface of the turf. Occasionally one of the fliers would dive-bomb into the grass. After examining one such crash site, I realized these were not demented bumble bees, rather they were very large scarab beetles known as Green June Beetles. The flight patterns and buzzing sounds of Green June Beetle adults are strongly reminiscent of large bumble bees. Perhaps, these behaviors are a clever way to ward off would-be predators that learned not to mess with large buzzing, stinging insects. 

At first glance, this backyard appears perilously infested with large swarming insects that just might sting. On closer inspection, these aerial acrobats turned out to be harmless Green June Beetles. They love to eat fresh fruit. This one took a break from its antics to enjoy a sweet cherry I placed in the lawn.

While most beetles spread their hard outer wings to fly, Green June beetle and their kin simply lift their hardened outer wings, expand membranous hind wings, and take off. Male beetles zoom in the morning as they search for mates. Females also fly low as they search for suitable places to deposit eggs in the soil. Once the female locates a favorable spot, she burrows several inches into the earth, makes a large sticky ball of soil and proteinaceous goop (technical term), and deposits eggs in it. Eggs hatch in a few days into small C-shaped white grubs. During the day the white grubs rest in a burrow underground, but at night they move to the surface of the earth to eat decaying organic matter. 

Watch as green June beetles take flight first at full speed and then slowed by 95%. See the unusual position of the wings where hard outer wings remain closed and membranous hind wings extend outward and are used for flight.

These unusually large grubs have an equally unusual mode of getting from place to place. Although Green June Beetle grubs have well developed legs on their thorax, legs are not the primary mode of locomotion when they rise from the earth. These wiggly critters have a series of stout hairs on the upper surface of their back. To move above ground, the grub rolls on its back and with peristaltic motions it wriggles across the surface of the ground. The stout dorsal hairs contact the substrate and provide ample traction for surprisingly rapid movement. 

Using a backstroke even Michael Phelps would admire, a Green June Beetle larva races across my patio.

Soils with organic mulches and farm fields that receive applications of manure are highly attractive to the egg-laying females and may be loaded with grubs. The lawn which inspired this episode receives liberal nutrient subsidies from the household pooch and trespassing deer. Unlike their more destructive relatives, Japanese beetles, Asiatic Garden Beetles, and Oriental Beetles, Green June Beetles are not serious pests of roses, lindens, or other plants. The burrowing activity of grubs causes problems on highly managed turf in golf courses. Their primary foods are thin-skinned fruits such as berries and grapes. I have also observed several adults congregating on a wounded tree to slurp fermenting exudates. Fresh fruit and fermenting beverages sound just fine on a hot summer’s day. These Green June Beetles just may be a bit smarter than we think. 

Acknowledgements 

We thank Chris Millward for sharing the image of the Green June Beetle that inspired this episode. Information for this Bug of the Week came from Daniel Potter’s excellent reference book “Destructive Turfgrass Pests”, and the interesting article “Mimicry of Hymenoptera by Beetles with Unconventional Flight” by R.E. Silberglied and T. Eisner.

This post appeared first on Bug of the Week