Month: January 2024

 

 

This week we interrupt our six-legged adventures in Borneo and return to North America, to learn about all the hubbub surrounding the emergence of periodical cicadas. Last week Bug of the Week was bombarded with fearful and hopeful questions about the appearance of periodical cicadas here in the DMV. Cicadaphiles are eagerly anticipating an emergence, but irate entomophobes have called me out like this, “… but back in 2021 you told us they only come out every 17 years! Now, I have to get out of town again.” People have also heard that there is a “double brood” occurring this year. Does twice as much anguish or joy loom ahead for us in the DMV? Not so much, here is what will happen.

2024 is the year that the ginormous Great Southern Brood, Brood 19, will emerge from extreme Southern Maryland in a broad swath that ranges south to Mississippi, west to Texas, and north to the central U.S. This is arguably the largest brood of periodical cicadas in the U.S., right up there with Brood 10 which we enjoyed in our region in 2021. Brood 19, The Great Southern Brood, is fascinating and is comprised of four species of periodical cicadas which emerge every thirteen years. Also this year, the Northern Illinois Brood, Brood 13, will appear in a handful of midwestern states. Brood 13 is comprised of three species that emerge every 17 years. In a few locations in Illinois, Brood 19 and Brood 13 are expected to emerge simultaneously with seven species in total, producing one heck of a cicadapalooza and a fascinating biological event. The last time this happened with Broods 13 and 19 was 13 X 17 = 221 years ago, way back when the Louisiana Purchase brought a whole bunch of new territory to our growing nation.

What does the co-emergence of two broods in the same location mean? Will there be double the number of cicadas causing joy and terror? Will egg-laying damage in orchards, tree nurseries, and landscapes be dreadful and elevated? Will birds and small insectivorous mammals feast and enjoy greater survival and reproduction and will regular food items like caterpillars get a real break from beaks and toothy jaws? And will cicadas from Broods 13 and 19 mate and hybridize, resulting in who knows what? A fantastic ecological and evolutionary experiment brought to us by periodical cicadas and Mother Nature awaits us, if, indeed, there is significant overlap of the two broods. But let’s circle back to Brood 19 and cicadas in the DMV. Back in 2011, the last time Brood 19 visited our region way down in St. Mary’s County, Bug of the Week went on a quest to commune with periodical cicadas. The following is an excerpt from that episode posted in the spring of 2011 when the emergence of Brood 19 was underway.

“As a cicada lover, I was more than a little jealous of our neighbors in southern and central states that were able to witness this amazing event. Fortunately, a couple of weeks ago, I began hearing reports of cicadas emerging in St. Mary’s County here in Maryland. These reports were confirmed last week when intriguing images of periodical cicadas arrived in my email. Upon closer examination of the distribution map of Brood XIX, one remarkable location was an outlier to the other populations of the Great Southern Brood, a tiny speck in St. Mary’s County. One major concern and oft discussed aspect of periodical cicada lore is their declining range. During the history of human occupation of North America, several localized broods of cicadas have disappeared, gone extinct. In his classic treatise on the biology and ecology of periodical cicadas, C. L. Marlatt mentioned the disappearance and shrinking distributions of several cicada broods in the United States. Experts suggest that fragmentation and elimination of cicada habitat due to farming and urbanization may be linked to vanishing cicadas in some locations. So, to witness this brood of magnificent creatures that may someday wink out of existence in Maryland, I loaded up my car with camera gear and set off in search of Maryland’s Brood XIX – the St. Mary’s survivors. After a disappointing search that consumed most of one day and yielded a single sighting, I was richly rewarded two days later with the otherworldly songs of thousands of cicadas in treetops festooned with egg-laying females and courting males near the small hamlet of Dameron in southern St. Mary’s County. 

The life of a cicada is mysterious and precarious. When their development is nearly complete in spring, they construct an escape tunnel to the surface of the earth. Soil temperatures in the middle sixties seem to be a signal that the world above ground is warm enough to support flight and reproduction. Many nymphs emerge at night and make a mad dash for vertical structures such as trees and shrubs, however, lampposts, street signs, and slowly moving people seem to work just as well. After climbing up and away from the soil, they attach to a firm object to begin the process of molting. Their outer skin or exoskeleton splits along a predetermined line on their back and the beautiful adult cicada wiggles free from the shell. The freshly molted adult is almost pure white except for bright red eyes and patches of black behind the head. Before its skin hardens, the cicada must expand its wings or it will be unable to fly and seek a mate. After wings and legs have hardened, cicadas scurry or fly to the treetops. Emergence from the earth and the final molt are perilous times for cicadas. Many cicadas survive interment underground for thirteen years only to perish attempting to molt or while trying to reach the safety of the trees.

During winter, periodical cicadas are still deep underground where they feed on plant roots. In late winter and early spring, their presence will be marked by exit holes beneath trees. Fully developed nymphs will take a peek at the world above ground before emerging when soil temperatures are in the mid-sixties. They will ascend vertical structures like trees and shed their exoskeletons to become adults. To the treetops they climb to chorus and mate during May and June. After mating, females deposit eggs in small branches. Eggs hatch into the next generation of cicadas destined to emerge with their brood-mates in 13 or 17 years.

Male cicadas have evolved a unique structure called a tymbal. These paired organs are located on the sides of their bodies just beneath the wings. The tymbal is vibrated much like a drumhead to produce sound. Males produce a variety of calls for different purposes. If threatened by a predator such as a bird or a squirrel, a loud squawking noise is made in an attempt to startle the predator and make an escape. The principal function of the tymbal is to produce calls that assist in finding a mate and winning her affection. One type of call attracts both males and females to a common assembly place such as a large tree. When guys and gals get eye to eye, the male will use three distinct and different courtship songs to try and convince the gal that he should be the father of her nymphs. If the lady likes his advances, she will signal her approval by flicking her wings with an audible click.

After mating, the female cicada will move to tender young branches to lay eggs. Using a saber-like structure on her abdomen called an ovipositor, the female gouges groves into the woody tissue and lays 20 to 30 eggs in an egg nest. This process is repeated on one or more plants. Females lay as many as 600 eggs. After incubating for more than a month, eggs hatch and tiny nymphs a few millimeters long dive to the earth beneath the tree. In a matter of minutes, they burrow into the soil, find roots, and insert a small straw-like proboscis into the roots. Cicada nymphs hunker down underground sipping sap and slowly growing larger. Despite what you might have heard, cicadas are not blind. Their red eyes see fine. They do not bite, although, if very thirsty, one may probe you a bit with its tiny beak in search of moisture.

Cicadas have survived in North America for millions of years. Early records of cicadas date back to colonial times. A report from the April 3, 1751 edition of the Maryland Gazette noted that “We are informed from many Places, that the Caterpillars appear already in vast numbers, and in some Places the Locusts have been found in great plenty, just under the surface of the Earth, almost at their full growth: May God avert our impending Calamities.”  Well, we all know that locusts are not really found “just under the surface of the earth,” but in April cicadas ready to emerge would be found in droves. If you do the math, it is most likely that the locusts in this report were really the fully developed nymphs of Brood XIX cicadas ready to make their appearance. How marvelous! So, let’s hope that 2011 is another successful season for St. Mary’s survivors and, that in 260 years after another 20 broods, these wonders of nature will still be with us. Fingers crossed that a return to St. Mary’s County this spring will find Brood 19 alive and well having survived another 13 years.

Acknowledgements

Bug of the week thanks our friends at the Weather Channel for providing the inspiration for this episode. Paula Shrewsbury helped hunt and wrangle cicadas and provided images. The marvelous references “The periodical cicada” by C. L. Marlatt,  “Reproductive character displacement and speciation in periodical cicadas, with description of a new species, 13-year Magicicada neotredecim” by D. C. Marshall and J. R. Cooley, and “Advances in the Evolution and Ecology of 13- and 17-Year Periodical Cicadas” by  Chris Simon, John R. Cooley, Richard Karban, and Teiji Sota were used to prepare this episode. To learn more about these really cool insects, please visit the following websites:

https://www.cicadamania.com/

https://cicadas.uconn.edu/

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Is your home prepared for winter? In the right conditions, as little as one inch of snow could lead to the formation of ice dams. Common in northern climates, these natural phenomena can pose a nightmare for homeowners. Winter ice dams on roofs can cause structural damage and create ideal conditions for potential pest infestations.  

Don’t wait for the next snowstorm. Take proactive steps now to safeguard your home, preventing ice dams and removing them promptly as needed to avoid damage and associated pest problems.  

What Is an Ice Dam 

More than just icicles, ice dams are large portions of ice that form along rooftop edges. In addition to creating stress on gutters and roofing materials, ice dams can prevent melting snow from draining adequately from the roof. As moisture accumulates behind the ice dam, it can seep under roof shingles and lead to leaks inside your home. As a result, walls, insulation, ceilings, and floors can sustain damage. Additionally, mold and mildew can grow, further damaging the building’s structure and your indoor air quality. 

What Causes Winter Ice Dams? 

When snow accumulation on the roof melts during the warmer daytime temperatures and refreezes at night, it can become trapped. Eventually, after 24 hours to several days, melted water and ice can infiltrate between and under roofing materials.  

Although it can happen with minimal snow, ice dam formation is more common with accumulations of six inches of snow or more. Ice dams can weigh hundreds of pounds or more, depending on their size. This underscores the potential stress that the ice alone creates on your home’s building structure. Add water infiltration to the mix, and you can see why prevention and prompt ice dam removal are critical.  

The Ice Dam-Pest Connection 

Ice dams can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your roof and home. But why does it put you at increased risk of pest infestations?  

Warmth and Shelter 

Rodents and other pests typically enter homes and other buildings to find relief from the winter wonderland outdoors. As snow and ice accumulate outdoors, pests actively look for cracks and openings to get out of the elements. Ice dams can cause damage to the foundation and other areas, creating new gaps and cracks around pipes, vents, and other areas. These openings provide entry points that you might not realize are present.  

Moisture 

Some pests are drawn to moisture-rich environments, particularly carpenter ants and termites — both of which can cause further structural damage. Cockroaches and other insects are also attracted to the moisture-damaged areas affected by winter ice dams.  

Easy Entry 

Damaged roof shingles and the havoc caused by ice dams increase access points, giving pests easy entry to the interior of your home. Mice and rats can squeeze through the tiniest openings, and insects will exploit the easy entry provided by ice dams.  

Preventing Ice Dams 

Before you can effectively prevent winter ice dams, it’s helpful to understand the root cause. Snow accumulation is only one part of the problem. Uneven surface temperatures on the roof and heat loss from your home contribute to the formation of ice dams. Addressing the causes of uneven roof temperatures and removing snow accumulations can go a long way to protecting your home from the ravages of winter. 

Proper Insulation 

Heat loss from the attic and roof can exacerbate the natural freeze-thaw cycle and increase the likelihood of ice dam formation. Upgrading insulation can help minimize heat transfer and reduce the risk of ice dams while providing opportunities to save money on energy costs.  

Adequate Ventilation 

Adding adequate ventilation between your living spaces, attic, and the outdoors is another essential step for homeowners. Ample airflow under soffits and eaves will even out the temperatures between the attic and roof. This helps minimize the freeze-thaw cycle and its negative effects. If a homeowner notices ice dams or dark discoloration to the underside of the roof from inside their attic, it is recommended to consult a specialist to address potentially poor ventilation. 

Roof Maintenance 

Cleaning out debris from gutters and downspouts before winter and keeping them clear throughout the season can help reduce the odds of an ice dam forming. Additionally, it’s helpful to use a roof rake to clear snow accumulation from the eaves. It’s also a prudent practice to keep up with regular roof inspections and promptly repair damaged shingles.  

Treating Ice Dams 

What should you do once ice starts accumulating? It’s possible to avoid ice dam infestations with prompt treatment, including the following:  

Snow Removal 

Try to keep snow accumulation on the roof to a minimum when possible. Using roof rakes, which are long-handled devices that let you remove snow from ground level, can help. Removing snow from the roof prior to the snow freezing and hardening can help prevent winter ice dams from ever forming. Additionally, breaking up ice accumulations with a mallet can enhance drainage to prevent ice accumulation.  

Ice Melt Products 

Once ice has formed, you can minimize the damage with de-icing methods. Ice melting products like calcium chloride, which is commonly used for melting ice on sidewalks, can also help remove and reduce ice dams. To avoid damaging shingles, siding, and vegetation, fill the leg of a knee-high pantyhose or sock with ice melt and position it over the ice dam.  

Professional Assistance 

Safety is paramount, particularly when dealing with matters pertaining to your home’s roof. Professionals can safely remove ice dams and make preventative recommendations that are specific to your home and roof configuration. Professionals can also provide attic cleanup and repair to fix any of the damage you have sustained and minimize the risk of ending up with ice dam infestations.  

Contact Catseye Pest Control for Professional Help You Can Count On 

Not only can Catseye provide attic abatement, clean-out, and restoration, but we can also address ventilation issues and install new insulation. We can assess your property to determine if installing Cat-Guard Exclusion systems would be beneficial and help treat any pest problems you may have. For the ultimate peace of mind in your home this winter and in every season. Schedule a free inspection today. 

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This week we return to the rainforests of Borneo in the spectacular Tabin Wildlife Reserve where we met millipedes, stingless bees, and lanternflies in previous episodes. Here on the rainforest floor several hundred species of ants can be found, but one of the most ferocious members of the ant clan are the predatory ants in the genus Leptogenys. Although Leptogenys share many characteristics with their army ant cousins which we met in the rainforests of Costa Rica, they are members of a different subfamily of ants known as the Ponerinae. They contrast to the true army ants that are members of the subfamily Dorylinae. Despite their taxonomic distinction, they share many attributes in common with true army ants, not the least of which is their ability to conduct massive swarm raids to plunder an impressive variety of prey as food for their colony. Their smorgasbord includes a wide variety of prey – small invertebrates like spiders, centipedes, millipedes, earth worms, flatworms, and many insects, and some vertebrates including frogs and snakes.

Life and death in Tabin Wildlife Reserve includes fierce Leptogenys ants that plunder several kinds of prey on the rainforest floor. A slow-motion video clip of the frenetic column reveals several workers with unidentified insects clamped tightly in their jaws. Are these other ants, termites, or some tasty insect morsal? The lens fails to reveal. Moments later along the same column, the band of sisters transport a tattered moth back to the nest to fill the hungry mouths of waiting ant larvae and the queen mother.

Leptogenys colonies can be massive with more than 50,000 workers attending the colony and its queen. Swarm raids to capture food for the colony may consist of tens of thousands of workers. The raid begins at dusk when workers leave the nest to forage during the night. The raiding column begins as a single line of workers which then bifurcates repeatedly to form a massive fan-shaped front of terror that may span as much as 300 square meters of rainforest floor. When a worker encounters potential prey, a massive attack ensues as scores of workers rapidly respond to subdue the prey. The bites and wicked stings of hundreds of nestmates immobilize the victim. Using sharp, powerful jaws, workers dismember the prey and transport the pieces of meat back to the nest to feed the queen and developing brood. Less savory body parts such as wings and legs may be discarded.

As prey are expunged from one part of the rainforest, the colony is regularly relocated and remains in the same location for only a few days. The emigration from an old site to a new one is an orderly process where helpless pupae and larvae are the first to be carried to the new nest site by workers. Young workers bring up the rear. The queen is also part of the entourage, while a picket line of wary workers guards the route as the colony moves to its new location. Famed entomologist and sociobiologist E. O. Wilson once remarked “ants have the most complicated social organization on earth next to humans.” We could learn something about cooperation by watching Leptogenys at work.  Stay tuned for more ant stories from Borneo at Bug of the Week.

Acknowledgements

Several great articles including “A South East Asian Ponerine of the Genus Leptogenys (Hym., Form.) with Army Ant Life Habits” by U. Maschwitz, S. Steghaus-Kovac, R. Gaube and H. Hänel, and “Topology of the foraging trails of Leptogenys processionalis – Why are they branched?” by K.N. Ganeshaiah and T. Veena provided insight into Leptogenys, as did “The Ants” by Bert Hölldoppler and Edward O. Wilson.  We thank Oliver at Tabin Wildlife Reserve for braving rainforest trails to help us find insects and the keen eyes of Dan, Kristie, Bob, Pat, and Paula for spotting insects. Special thanks to Chien C. Lee at Wild Borneo Photography for help in identifying the star of this episode.

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Sprawling sandy beaches, gentle rolling hills, and expansive forests — Connecticut’s natural beauty encompasses ecosystems of varying types. The gorgeous surroundings are a source of pride for the state’s 3.6 million residents and are also a big part of what attracts the growing number of visitors who generate billions in revenue.  

What the Constitution State lacks in square mileage, it more than makes up for in expansive, beautiful ecosystems. From its more than 175,000 acres of protected forests to 618 miles of coastline, the natural landscape is one of Connecticut’s vital resources. 

Invasive pests are one of the serious threats that Connecticut’s thriving ecosystems face today. As leaders in the pest control industry, Catseye Pest Control thoroughly understands the threat of invasive pests and the potential impact to the area’s ecosystems and beyond.  

Invasive Pest Species in Connecticut 

Invasive pests include various insects, invertebrates, and other animals that aren’t native to the area. Because these species are alien to Connecticut’s natural ecosystem, they can create widespread harm to the environment. Five primary invasive pests in Connecticut include the following:   

Spotted Lanternfly 

An adult spotted lanternfly has colorful wings with black, red, tan, and white markings with black spots toward the center. Young nymphs have black bodies with white spots, while older adolescents develop red patches. The spotted lanternfly feeds on the sap of trees, and roughly 47% of Connecticut’s forest trees are vulnerable to these creatures. Agricultural damage can be extensive, and fruit trees, grapes, and hops are particularly vulnerable. Home landscaping is also susceptible to spotted lanternflies.  

Emerald Ash Borer 

This green beetle can appear glossy or iridescent and typically reaches no longer than 0.55 inches as an adult. These insects feed on ash trees, both as larvae and as adults. Because they aren’t native to the area, Connecticut’s ash trees don’t have natural protection to guard against these destructive insects.  

Spongy Moth 

The spongy moth, formerly named “gypsy moth,” has been in North America since the late 1800s. Larvae may grow up to two inches long with multiple pairs of red and blue spots. Adult females are cream-colored with dark markings, while males are grayish-brown with dark markings and feathered antennae. This moth can damage forests and landscape trees of all varieties, although oak typically is its preferred food source. 

Asian Longhorned Beetle 

The Asian longhorned beetle could devastate Connecticut’s trees. This large, black, shiny insect often has white spots and long, striped antennae. One of the most challenging aspects of controlling this pest is its ability to go undetected for long periods, during which time they can wreak havoc on Connecticut’s trees. 

Jumping Worms 

Jumping worms look a lot like standard earthworms, but they have muscular bodies with a milky white, flat, smooth band at one end. These worms move quickly and are active climbers that can often be found in mulch and leaf debris. The threat to Connecticut’s ecosystem includes displacement of native earthworms, nutrient depletion in the soil, and destruction of various plants. 

The Cost of Invasive Pest Species 

Globally, invasive pests cost upward of $420 billion every year. They destroy crops, forests, landscaping and more, creating a ripple effect that impacts the economy, environment, and even human health.  

Decline of Native Species 

Invasive species in Connecticut can affect natural insects and animals in various ways. For example, aggressive insects without natural predators can quickly spread and push native species out of the area. Invasive pests may outcompete native insects and animals for resources or even prey directly on them. Additionally, invasive threats can alter the ecosystem and replace or destroy native species’ natural sources. 

Economic Impact 

The damage to nature, food systems, and threats to human health add up to staggering amounts of money. Invasive species can impact water facilities and natural waterways and create adverse effects to fisheries and farms. Connecticut’s tourism industry is also heavily tied to its vibrant ecosystems, which means that threats to the ecosystem could eventually decimate tourism. The state’s tourism industry brings in billions of dollars every year.  

Altered Ecosystem 

Invasive species are linked to 60% of extinction events for species worldwide. Loss of biodiversity can also set off a chain reaction that could potentially end in disaster. For example, the spread of invasive plants fueled the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires. In short, altering ecosystems can lead to the death of native species and permanently alter habitats. 

Human Health Risks 

As pests spread, they bring increased risk of introducing new pathogens into the population. Case in point — the spread of mosquitoes into new areas brings the threat of dengue, West Nile virus, and other illnesses. Infecting humans with new diseases, spreading existing ones, triggering allergic responses, and causing painful or itchy bits are other risks associated with many invasive pests.  

Causes – Human Activities and Environmental Factors 

Human activity is among the biggest factors in spreading invasive species. Globalization and improved travel methods make it easy for people and goods to inadvertently introduce foreign species into various ecosystems. Intentionally released pets, like the Everglades’ Burmese pythons, can become a significant issue.  

Additionally, climate change creates new ways for species to travel. For example, as sea ice melts, shipping routes open to new areas, potentially bringing new pests along with them. Likewise, warming temperatures may expand the range of warm-weather insects into areas previously considered too cool. 

Mitigation and Solutions 

As with so many other problems, prevention is one of the very best ways to stop invasive pests. Early detection helps avoid unintentional spread and stop the population from spreading out of control. Everyone can play a part in mitigating the spread of invasive pests in Connecticut and beyond.  

Examples of some preventive solutions you could put into practice include the following: 

• Learn: Get information about invasive species threatening your local area and learn how to identify them. If you see evidence of invasive pests, report them to your county extension agent or local government authorities.  
• Act: When you travel, hike, or boat, clean your items, including your boots, boat, and luggage to avoid inadvertently packing pests and transporting them from place to place.  
• Avoid: Don’t release fish from your aquarium into waterways or exotic pets you no longer want into the wilderness. Doing so introduces potentially invasive species into the environment.  

Control Pests on Your Property with Services from Catseye 

Preserving Connecticut’s natural beauty is essential. You can play your part while keeping your home or business pest-free with effective prevention and control. Cat-Guard Residential Exclusion Systems offer a permanent, chemical-free, humane option that prevents pests from entering protected areas.  

Catseye’s trained, licensed technicians will inspect your property, assess its vulnerabilities, and devise a solution tailored to your unique needs. Learn more about this long-term barrier and the solution it offers for residential and commercial properties online or by calling 888-298-2173. 

[Schedule a Visit] 

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In recent weeks we visited the magnificent millipedes and elegant sap-sucking lanternflies in the Bornean rainforests. This week let’s meet stingless bees, pollinators helping to sustain biodiversity in the plant world. Here in the US our notion of bees is usually western honeybee-centric, visions of rectangular white boxes packed with racks of honeycomb, busy workers gathering pollen and nectar, and a queen producing legions of brood all guarded by fearless female warriors capable of a delivering a fierce sting. Although they are closely related to western honeybees, tropical stingless bees, which in Borneo and other parts of Malaysia are known as kelulut, are quite a bit different. In the natural world, they typically nest in tree hollows and earthen crevices, but with invasion of their realm by modern man cracks and crevices in wooden, cinder block, and masonry walls have become popular nesting sites. Often these hollows have rather large openings and to limit access to the colony and facilitate defense, voids are narrowed to trumpet-shaped entrances constructed with a sticky substance called propolis, a mixture of wax and other materials. This defensible portico may be help stingless bees repel ants and other creatures that would love to raid the colony and plunder honey, pollen, and baby bees inside.  

Honey produced by western honeybees, Apis mellifera, is an important commercial enterprise in many parts of the world. Honey produced by solitary bees has been described as sour or bitter sweet. It is valued as much for its medicinal properties that sources claim include anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogen and anti-oxidant properties, as it is for its flavor. The domestication of stingless bees is known as meliponiculture. The value of locally produced kelulut honey is so great that in 2019 the Malaysian government launched a National Kelulut Honey Industry Plan to assist beekeepers to supply stingless bee honey to a world market, hopefully at a hefty profit. 

An excited tourist reported swarms of unidentified insects outside his cabin at Tabin Wildlife Reserve. At first glance, these appeared to be tiny flies, but on closer inspection the frenetic horde proved to be a species of small stingless bees that built their colony in the wall void of the cabin. In a more natural setting on an ancient tree in the Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok, Malaysia, a trumpet shaped cone of propolis marked the entryway to a colony of mellow stingless bees. Nearby, stingless bees provided the vital service of pollination to a passiflora blossom while gathering nectar and pollen for their colony.

Although stingless bees lack the ability to sting, they are by no means defenseless. In past encounters with solitary bees in the tropical rainforests of Belize, they proved otherwise. In a previous episode we reported on a large dark Belizean bee that employed a highly effective defense. The nest entrance of this species was guarded by several workers carefully watching the movements of people nearby. When one person ventured a little too close to the colony, bees mounted a surprising attack. The assault consisted of dozens of workers flying into faces and hair of nearby humans. Bees paid special attention to eyes, noses, and ears where, despite the absence of stings, their annoying bites were unpleasant and persistent, forcing the intruders to vacate the premises near the hive. 

Recently, scientists have discovered that stingless bee soldiers are a unique caste, some 30% heavier than their nest-mates. Their job is to guard the colony against marauding enemies, including species of robber bees that commonly raid stingless bee colonies. Their coup de main involves grabbing an invader by antenna or wing and refusing to let go, thereby thwarting an attack. In his book, The Insect Societies, E.O. Wilson describes accounts of stingless bees attacking human intruders. Some species eject an irritating liquid that causes a burning sensation to skin. This trick has earned them the local name of cagafogos or “fire defecators” in Brazil. So potent is this defense that it may dissuade very aggressive attackers like army ants from entering nests. In Bornean rainforests and nearby open areas stingless bees were common visitors to many kinds of flowering plants, gathering nectar and pollen. Although past encounters with stingless bees in Central America were spicy, we were able to observe and enjoy mellow Bornean stingless bees without drama. Lucky us. 

Acknowledgements

References used in this episode include the following: “A morphologically specialized soldier caste improves colony defense in a neotropical eusocial bee” by Christoph Grütera, Cristiano Menezesb, Vera L. Imperatriz-Fonsecab, and Francis L. W. Ratnieksa, and the fascinating “The Insect Societies” by E.O. Wilson. Once again, we thank our rainforest guides, Leo on the Kinabatangan River, Larry at Mulu National Park, and Oliver at Tabin Wildlife Reserve for helping us find insects, and adventurers Dan, Kristie, Bob, Pat, and Paula for spotting insects and providing ideas about creatures featured in these episodes. 

To learn more about stingless bee farming in Borneo, please visit this website: https://www.mysabah.com/wordpress/stingless-bee-kelulut-farming-sabah/

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When the temperature starts falling, do you cozy up indoors and delay lawn care until spring? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. As winter approaches, many homeowners believe that it’s the ideal time to relax their approach to pest control.  

Even though you may be walking in a winter wonderland, that doesn’t mean pests are a distant memory. Pest activity may lessen during the colder months, but many pests remain an active threat to your outdoor spaces. Join Catseye Pest Control in examining winter pest control tips to learn how to protect your yard from pests year-round.  

Strategies to Protect Your Garden and Yard from Winter Pests 

Many pests don’t die off in winter. Pests like grubs, stink bugs, fleas, and ticks can survive the cold weather, with many taking up residence under the soil and in brush piles. As a result, winter lawn preparation can set the tone for the health of your outdoor spaces in the spring.  

The following eight strategies will help you provide pest and rodent control, which, in turn, supports healthy lawn growth in spring, reduces your garden’s vulnerability to cold weather damage, and protects against yard and garden diseases. Let’s look at some proactive measures you can take in the winter. 

Clean Up the Yard 

Fall and spring aren’t the only seasons to consider doing outdoor cleanup. Removing debris, brush piles, and dead leaves helps eliminate hiding spots for rodents, ticks, and other pests. Other precautionary measures include: 

• Leaving the grass at a height of approximately 2 to 3 inches to help protect the lawn from cold temperatures after the last mowing 
• Removing any dead or damaged plants  
• Transferring container plants indoors or to protected areas 
• Cutting back ornamental grasses and removing garden annuals that have died 

Prune Your Plants 

Winter is a great time to remove dead trees and prune the rest. Pruning shrubs and trees once they are dormant, a state typically marked by a loss of leaves, offers multiple benefits. Once the leaves are gone, you can easily assess the plant’s structure and look for dead or damaged limbs and branches. Winter pruning can also encourage healthy spring growth and avoid the spread of pests and diseases. Additionally, it also reduces levels of a pheromone that can attract insects, helping to reduce the potential for infestations. 

Use Pest-Resistant Plant Varieties 

Borrow a strategy from Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by choosing plants that are not only suitable for the soil, climate, and light, but also capable of resisting infestations. For example, catmint blooms with aromatic lavender flowers resist both pests and diseases, as do spring-blooming trilliums and hummingbird-attracting bee balm.  

Install Physical Barriers 

Fencing off the garden in spring can help prevent rabbits, deer, and other crop-munching wildlife from destroying the garden during the growing season. Physical barriers can also protect your property in winter by keeping all types of wildlife out of the yard.  

Replacing weatherstripping around windows and doors and sealing off potential entryways that pests can use to move indoors can reduce the risk of infestations. For example, Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems offer long-term, chemical-free barriers that target specific areas of homes, businesses, and other structures. 

Inspect and Repair Structures 

Check gutters and downspouts for clogs, cracks, splits, and sagging and inspect the roof for any loose or missing shingles. Left unaddressed, these issues can pose a safety risk and create an environment that is ideal for pests to nest. Likewise, repairing any damage to outbuildings, fences, and other structures can help prevent wood-eating insects from moving in. 

Apply Horticultural Oils 

Horticultural oils are designed for pest control. These plant-based or petroleum products undergo filtration processes to remove any compounds that could harm the plants. They typically don’t harm wildlife or beneficial insects but essentially smother overwintering pests, resulting in reduced pest activity in spring.  

Monitor and Trap Pests 

Regularly inspecting your yard and garden to watch for potential pests can help stop future infestations before they start. Many people overlook the potential for evergreens, conifers, and other plants to host pests during winter. However, defoliating insects like gypsy moths deposit their egg masses on limbs and branches.  

By pruning them or removing them, it not only reduces the spring population. It also alerts you to areas in need of spring treatment. In addition to pests, keep a watchful eye out for rodents and nuisance wildlife, which can damage structures and introduce pests like mites into the area. 

Consult with a Professional 

You know your property, but it can be easy to potentially overlook potential hazards. Professionals have the expertise to spot pests and overwintering insects and develop strategies to best protect your garden and yard. Additionally, when you need wildlife cleanup and waste removal, professionals have the training and equipment to accomplish it safely, humanely, and effectively.  

Contact Catseye for Professional Winter Pest Control  

You may know how to protect your yard from pests and still require professional assistance. Year-round pest control ensures that people, pets, and properties remain safe and free of pesky insects, rodents, and wildlife. For winter pest control, removal, cleanup, and exclusion services you can rely on, turn to the professionals at Catseye.  

We have decades of experience, a solid commitment to each of our clients, and a tailored approach that begins with a detailed inspection to assess your unique situation.  

[Schedule a Visit] 

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Over the past several years, we learned much about the mischief caused by the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, as it spreads, continuing its depredations of vineyards, and creating problems such as fouling plants with honeydew, attracting stinging insects, and generally freaking-out humans with its vast numbers and bumbling behaviors. To see another side of lanternflies, we return to Borneo, a biodiversity hotspot where last week we met a fascinating collection of millipedes and centipedes.  

Lanternflies belong to a group of insects known as the Hemiptera. Unlike caterpillars or beetles that munch leaves with jaws, Hemiptera use soda-straw-like sucking mouthparts to remove sweet phloem sap from plants. Immature feeding stages of Hemiptera are called nymphs, rather than larvae. Within the taxonomic order Hemiptera, lanternflies belong to a family called Fulgoridae. How do fulgorids come by the name lanternfly? One account has it that famed German naturalist and illustrator Maria Sibylla Merian coined the moniker “lanternfly” after encountering these strange insects with bizarre ornamentation on their heads while on an expedition to Surinam in the early 1700s. She mistakenly believed these adornments could produce light at night, perhaps for the purpose of mating. If you look at the images herein, it certainly looks like those horns could light up, right? Alas, they don’t emit light, but the name lanternfly has stuck to this day.

A nighttime walk in the rainforest provides an exciting chance to search for lanternflies. A pair of ghost-like Pyrops sultanus rest on the trunk of a tree. In the morning light their magnificent head decoration is revealed. One look at the bulb on the tip of Pyrops intricatus’ headgear explains why they were believed to be luminescent. A bright blue horn decorates the head of Pyrops whiteheadi and for obvious reasons some call Zanna nobilis the crocodile lanternfly. A pretty Penthicodes lanternfly rests on reed near the riverbank. Nothing goes to waste in the rainforest. Once their time in the rainforest is through, ants quickly recycle the remains of lanternflies.

As we learned with spotted lanternfly, these sap-feeders excrete vast quantities of the carbohydrate rich waste product known as honeydew. We also learned that several stinging insects, hornets, yellow jackets, paper wasps, and even honeybees are attracted to trees infested with lanternflies to gather honeydew, a food for themselves and their brood. Do Bornean lanternflies produce honeydew attractive to other creatures? You bet they do. Some of the species depicted in this episode in the genus Pyrops participate in an ecological association known as trophobiosis, a deal between different organisms where one produces food for another. The species providing food is called a trophobiont. Observations by naturalists and researchers revealed that lanternflies are attended by geckos and cockroaches. Assuming a post near the derriere of lanternflies, they collect sweet honeydew as it Is produced. Clever beasts. Scientists today still remark that little is known about the biology and ecology of lanternflies. Hopefully, enough unique rainforest habitats can be saved to prevent the loss of these gorgeous creatures and their compatriots in Bornean rainforests and other biodiversity hotspots around the world.

Acknowledgements

We thank our dauntless guides, Leo on the Kinabatangan River, Larry at Mulu National Park and Oliver at Tabin Wildlife Reserve for braving the rivers and rainforest trails to help us find insects. The keen eyes of Dan, Kristie, Bob, Pat, and Paula helped spot lanternflies featured in this episode. The interesting articles “Review of the effusus group of the Lanternfly genus Pyrops Spinola, 1839, with one new species and notes on trophobiosis (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae) by Jérôme Constant, and “The Beauty of Life – Lantern Flies” by Aub Podlich contributed greatly to this article, as did images provided by Chien C. Lee at Wild Borneo Photography.

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With terrestrial insect life in the wild mostly battened down for winter in much of North America, it’s time to get out of town to warmer places. We head to the tropics to meet some of the most fascinating arthropods on the planet. First stop, Borneo, the third largest island on earth where we visit Gunung Mulu National Park and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. At some 130 million years of age, the Bornean rainforest is one of the oldest and most diverse places on the planet. Populated by some 10,000 species of plants that provide food and homes for an estimated 3,000 species of arthropods, Mulu and Tabin are ideal locations to discover insects and their allies.

Year-round warmth and stupendous rainfall make tropical rainforests one of the most productive ecosystems on earth and this phenomenal bounty of plant material provides untold opportunities for many of Mother Nature’s most important recyclers. Premier amongst the arthropod recyclers are millipedes, a coterie some 400 million years old. These detritivores shred and consume organic matter including mosses, algae, fallen trees, and decaying vegetation that carpet the forest floor.

Millipedes belong to the subphylum of the arthropods called Myriapoda, those with “many feet.” Do they really have a thousand feet? Nah, they don’t really have feet, but they do have legs and the record number of legs for a millipede is somewhere north of 700. However, most millipedes have fewer than 400 legs. As millipedes molt and grow, body segments with two pairs of legs are added.

Millipedes live many years and can produce hundreds of offspring during their lifetime. Millipedes do not bite or sting, but several species such as those we met in a previous episode secrete noxious chemicals from glands lining the margins of their body. Noxious chemicals are not the sole defense of these rainforest recyclers. Some like the giant pill millipedes can curl into a ball, tucking their head and vulnerable underbelly beneath a sphere of hard armored plates impenetrable to many rainforest predators.

But danger prowls the rainforest floor in another member of the myriapod clan, Pacific giant centipedes. These fierce predators bear but one pair of legs on each body segment. Two highly modified legs just beneath the head called toxicognaths are poison claws which deliver a highly toxic, lethal bite to hapless prey, including many arthropods and some small vertebrates. In addition to millipedes, spiders, scorpions, mice and lizards may be on menu.

Centipedes locate prey by sensing vibrations in the surrounding substrate. Once detected, a vicious assault ensues. First, a potential meal is snared by legs near the head of the centipede and then embraced with several sets of legs while the toxicognaths inject venom into the prey. While the venom takes effect, the perfidious embrace prevents the prey’s escape. Once subdued, the prey is chopped into small pieces by two pairs of jaws and the tasty meal enters the centipede’s maw. Pacific giant centipedes now occupy several continents and dozens of islands around the world.

Should you have the good fortune to encounter one of these carnivorous creatures, use caution. The poison-claw-pinch of the centipede is extremely painful and is potentially lethal, so if you encounter one, please avoid the urge to cuddle it. Next week, we return to the rainforest to meet more six-legged wonders.

A walk in the Bornean rainforest reveals strange serenades and a rich assortment of millipedes, key recyclers of organic matter. Along a shady boardwalk a pair of red millipedes (Trachelomegalus) get romantic and glam for the camera. Nearby, “noodle” millipedes (Pseudodesmus) cluster on a decaying log. Romance is also afoot on the forest floor where tractor millipedes (Stenoniodes) get it on. When harassed by a predator or bug geek, giant pill millipedes (Sphaerotheriida) go armadillo and curl into a defensive ball. But danger awaits these recyclers and other small animals in the form of giant predacious centipedes (Scolopendra). The underslung venomous claw of centipedes delivers a lethal puncture to prey or fiercely painful and potentially life-threatening wound to humans.   

Acknowledgements

Several offerings by iNaturalist and Wikipedia were used to prepare this episode as were “An Introduction to Insects” by D. J. Borer, D. M. DeLong, and C. A. Triplehorn, and “Secret Weapons” by T. Eisner, M. Eisner, and M. Siegler.  We thank our intrepid guides, Larry at Mulu National Park and Oliver at Tabin Wildlife Reserve for braving the rainforest after dark and Dan, Kristie, Bob, Pat, and Paula for spotting, wrangling, and documenting creatures featured in this episode.   

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