A pair of glow-worms team up to enjoy a tasty earthworm meal.
Earlier this year we met fantastic fireflies. They appeared to enjoy a very good year in many parts of the DMV, including my yard in Columbia, MD. In addition to serving as a way to find a mate, the bioluminescence of fireflies also serves as a warning signal to predators. Attacking this tempting, flashy meal could turn out to be a nasty surprise. You see, many species of fireflies are chemically protected and rendered unpalatable by noxious chemicals known as lucibufagins. Last week while enjoying a moonlit stroll along the towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal which boarders the mighty Potomac River, eerie green lights winked on and off amongst the vegetation. Upon closer inspection, the source of this spectral display turned out to be generated by the immature stages of fireflies, larvae called glow-worms. Unlike the vivid light produced by adult fireflies, the C&O glow-worms produced an intermittent spark of soft, greenish light. Judging by their size, these largish larvae were likely the offspring of fireflies that deposited eggs in the soil during the summer of 2023. Many glow-worms in our region require two summers to develop.
Along a towpath bordering the banks of the mighty Potomac River, eerie green lights on the ground mark the location of glow-worms. The red dot is produced by the video camera. Light is produced by white luminescent organs beneath the abdomen of the larva. Daylight gives us a better look at the fast-moving glow-worm. Watch as a pair of glow-worms feast on an earthworm. Neurotoxins injected into the worm through sharp hollow jaws immobilize the prey. Digestive enzymes secreted by the larva liquify the worm’s tissues, and then the glow-worms slurp their liquid feast. Glow-worms help rid our gardens of pests like slugs, snails, and other soil-dwelling insect pests.
Glow-worms produce their eerie lights with paired luminescent organs on the underside of their abdomen.
We all have heard the tales of fireflies using distinct patterns and colors of luminescent flashes to recognize and find mates. But why would juvenile beetle larvae engage in flashy displays? These youngsters were obviously too young for the adult firefly mating game. Scientists discovered that immature stages of fireflies, glow-worms, like their adult counterparts, are also distasteful to many kinds of predators including ants, birds, rodents and amphibians. Their eerie flashing lights serve as a warning to hungry would-be predators not to attempt an attack unless they desire nasty tasting meal. Paired luminescent organs on the underside of the glow-worm’s abdomen produce the green light, which serves as a warning.
In addition to being a little creepy and pretty cool, glow-worms are highly beneficial in your garden and in crops where they eat many soft-bodied invertebrates including slugs, snails, and other soil-dwelling insect pests. I invited a pair of glow-worms into my home to spend a little time with me. Over the course of several days, they consumed many types of prey, including maggots and earthworms. Some of the earthworms were quite large and I wondered how they wrangled large prey. It turns out that glow-worms use sharp hollow jaws to inject prey with paralyzing neurotoxins. Once immobilized, digestive enzymes are secreted via their mouthparts into the victim to help liquify its body tissues. The resulting nutrient rich broth is then slurped up into the larva’s digestive tract. Yum!
If you enjoyed fireflies in your landscape this summer, consider taking a walk outdoors on a starlit night and maybe you will be treated to the ethereal light of the glow-worms in your lawn or flower bed.
Acknowledgements
Bug of the Week thanks Dr. Shrewsbury for providing text used in this episode and wrangling glow-worms featured herein. The fascinating writings “Bioluminescence in Firefly Larvae: A Test of the Aposematic Display Hypothesis (Coleoptera:Lampyridae)” by Todd J. Underwood, Douglas W. Tallamy, and John D. Pesek, and “ Glow-worm larvae bioluminescence (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) operates as an aposematic signal upon toads (Bufo bufo)” by Raphael De Cock and Erik Matthysen, “Flash Signal Evolution, Mate Choice, and Predation in Fireflies” by Sara M. Lewis and Christopher K. Cratsley, “How to Overcome a Snail? Identification of Putative Neurotoxins of Snail-Feeding Firefly Larvae (Coleoptera: Lampyridae, Lampyris noctiluca)” by Jonas Krämer, Patrick Hölker, and Reinhard Predel, and “For the love of insects” by Thomas Eisner served as resources for this Bug of the Week.
Health code violations can really make you lose your appetite. Restaurant owners and food service operators have a hefty responsibility that goes beyond serving delicious food. They also bear the burden of protecting public health and preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses.
That’s why dealing with mice infestations in restaurants is such a serious proposition. Not only can a restaurant get shut down for mice and other serious health violations, but it can also suffer lasting damage to its reputation.
Introduction to Mice Infestations in Restaurants
Mice are so much more than their beady, inquisitive eyes and curious, adaptable outlooks. These pests are a true public health hazard. In addition to posing a serious risk of contamination, mice also breed quickly. A single house mouse, one of the most common species, can have up to 48 babies per year. This means that a relatively small infestation can quickly grow into a large-scale problem that puts your employees, customers, and business in danger.
Overview of the Risks Posed by Mice in Food Establishments
Mice are sometimes called “commensal rodents,” a term that means “sharing one’s table.” And that’s the last place you want to catch sight of these critters in a restaurant setting. Still, restaurants offer the ideal environment for scavenging critters searching for food and water. One of the most problematic concerns is the potential for mice to contaminate foods and surfaces. Although they are relatively small, these pests can create a big mess, leaving droppings everywhere they go.
Potential Legal and Health Implications
Lawsuits, legal fees, and fines — oh my. The ramifications of a mouse infestation can add up quickly. Sickened patrons may choose to bring legal action against the establishment. If they don’t, city inspectors may levy substantial fines. If the infestation is widespread and accompanied by other violations like a lack of sanitation, the restaurant could be temporarily shut down.
Health Risks Associated with Mice Infestations
The presence of mice is a major food safety issue. They often chew on all types of materials, including insulation, structural elements, and even wiring. As problematic as that is, it still doesn’t dim the spotlight on food safety issues and public health concerns.
Diseases and Contaminants Spread by Mice
Mouse droppings, urine, and saliva can spread dozens of dangerous pathogens and contaminants on surfaces and food itself. The health risks of mice in food establishments include the risk of spreading diseases such as:
Salmonella, a bacterial illness that affects more than 1.35 million Americans every year, and causes symptoms like fever, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Hantavirus, a virus that can affect the lungs and become severe if left untreated
Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that can cause fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and stomach problems like diarrhea and pain
Hemorrhagic fever, a virus caused by hantavirus that can have severe effects on the kidneys
Tularemia, a bacterial illness that can cause skin ulcers, swelling of the glands, sore throats, and fevers
Impact on Food Safety and Public Health
Did you know that mice and their larger rodent relatives, rats, spoil tons of food every year? In fact, they destroy enough to feed at least 200 million people annually. Mice can squeeze through tiny openings, making it likely that they will scamper throughout all areas of the restaurant. They may break into the pantry and rifle through dry goods. They may also contaminate other food items, prep areas, and dining spaces.
Health Inspection Criteria and Mice
The responsibility of maintaining safe, pest-free conditions rests on the shoulders of restaurant owners and staff. Customers put their trust in eateries’ abilities to do their due diligence in preventing spoilage and contamination. The health inspection process is essential for local health departments to ensure restaurants follow best practices in food handling, storage, and maintaining safe, sanitary conditions.
That includes keeping the restaurant — both front and back of house — pest-free and following necessary preventive measures.
What Inspectors Look for During Evaluations
Some of the primary areas health inspectors look for include proper food storage at optimal temperatures, personal hygiene of the staff, and cross-contamination prevention. Inspectors will walk through the premises and assess various aspects of food service, the cooking environment and practices, and sanitation.
Specific to mice and other rodents, inspectors typically look for:
Doors propped open and other entry points mice can slip through
Signs of mice, including droppings and gnaw marks on packaging or food items
Live or dead mice
Protocols in place to reduce risks of infestations (i.e., proper food storage, regular cleaning, pest inspection/treatment records)
Criteria That Could Lead to Restaurant Closure
Evidence of mice or other pests is typically considered a critical violation. These violations represent a high risk of foodborne illnesses. Any presence of pests will cost a restaurant points, which can impact their grade and the frequency of future inspections.
However, a major infestation could lead to the restaurant’s immediate closure due to mice (and any other pests infesting the premises.
Consequences of Failing a Health Inspection
Failing an inspection can lead to immediate problems, including fines and loss of revenue. In the long-term, it can also cost restaurants customers and trust among potential patrons.
Immediate and Long-Term Consequences
Fines can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the nature of the violations, the extent of the infestation, and the number of offenses. Other potential ramifications include:
Lost revenue due to closure, which will last until the issue is remedied
Corrective expenses
Permit fees and fees for follow-up health inspections
Increased inspection frequency
Negative impact on the brand and its reputation
Negative publicity and bad reviews can lead to long-term customer losses
Examples of Restaurants Affected by Mice
Mice are a nationwide issue for restaurants. A few recent headlines underscore the seriousness with which food establishments everywhere must approach pest management and prevention.
In June 2024, CBS News reported a horrifying instance of mice in a restaurant. A woman eating in a Pennsylvania restaurant videoed more than a dozen mice falling first on her and then in a bathroom sink. The restaurant immediately began working with pest management professionals and local health inspectors to correct the issue. As a result, they passed a subsequent inspection and did not get shut down due to mice. However, the impact on the eatery’s reputation will likely take time to correct.
A year prior, Baltimore’s health department shut down a downtown restaurant because of mice. A food blogger recorded their experience visiting the eatery. Within minutes of being seated, they saw several live mice. After uploading the video onto a popular social media platform, the city’s health department noticed and took action. The restaurant was immediately shut down and tasked with correcting violations and passing a re-inspection.
Effective Strategies to Manage and Prevent Mice Infestations
A proactive approach is critical. Focusing on prevention and taking all necessary steps to remain compliant with health codes requires an investment of time and money. It’s essential to train staff and potentially invest in commercial exclusion systems, which provide a long-term, chemical-free barrier to protect vulnerable areas.
In contrast, a reactive strategy is like taking a “wait and see” approach. The danger of this is once restaurant owners and staff see a mouse, the likelihood of customers seeing one is significant.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approaches
Integrated pest management (IPM) focuses on prevention, maintenance, and effective treatments with minimal impact on human and environmental health. It is vital to make the area unattractive to mice by following strict sanitation protocols. Other important steps include storing food properly and promptly making repairs. IPM takes a multi-faceted approach, which includes:
Cultural control (making the area less attractive to pests)
Physical control (sealing entry points and physically removing them)
Chemical control (administering treatments; used typically as a “last resort”)
Professional Pest Control Solutions
Partnering with seasoned professionals with expertise in commercial services and restaurant pest control can make all the difference. Working with the right company can help ensure restaurants prevent infestations and catch potential problems early thanks to regular inspections. It’s also an effective strategy to remain compliant with health codes and maintain a healthy, thriving restaurant business.
Maintaining Compliance and Preventing Future Infestations
Correcting the issues and putting measures in place to prevent any future infestations or health code violations is an excellent starting point. Recovery hinges on the restaurant’s ability to pass re-inspection and begin rebuilding its image.
Regular Inspections and Staff Training
Read up on all the health inspection criteria for restaurants and create a checklist to ensure every point is accounted for on a go-forth basis. Likewise, implement routine inspections to catch any potential areas the restaurant may need to address before it becomes a widespread issue.
Staff training regarding personal hygiene (handwashing, etc.), food storage, sanitation, and restaurant operating procedures is crucial. New hires should receive thorough training, and all staff should receive periodic refreshers. Consider investing in ServSafe training and certification to maintain the highest-level standards possible.
Creating a Pest Control Plan
The goal is no more mice, rats, or other pests. Your restaurant may not recover from a second health department shutdown.
Having a comprehensive pest control plan in place is important. It not only ensures you are taking all preventative steps possible, but also ensures regular monitoring and inspections to catch issues before they become violations.
Recovery and Rebuilding Trust After an Infestation
An industry survey revealed that restaurants with pests, including mice, will likely lose some loyal and potential customers. More than half of diners will report the experience on the internet. Additionally, 76 percent of survey respondents indicated they would never return. Rebuilding trust with customers and the community is essential to moving forward and becoming a flourishing business again.
Steps to Reopen After Closure
Dealing with mice infestations in restaurants can be serious, and how you respond can make or break the future of the establishment. Some steps to take include:
Review the inspector’s report and create an action plan
Address the violations immediately to eliminate mice and any other issues inspectors uncovered
Train (and periodically retrain) staff to ensure everyone understands standard operating procedures
Implement best practices to prevent future infestations and begin rebuilding employee and customer trust
Rebuilding Customer Trust
Rebuilding trust takes time. It begins by taking accountability, being honest and forthright, and letting customers know about the restaurant’s steps to fix the problem. Continue working toward staying inspection-ready, including working with a professional pest control company.
Contact Catseye Pest Control to Help Your Restaurant Stay Mice Free
Can a restaurant get shut down for mice? The short answer is yes. Restaurants have a heavy responsibility to maintain a safe environment that reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. Protect your customers, employees, and business by partnering with industry-leading experts. Catseye Pest Control has decades of experience and expertise in commercial pest control and using IPM to keep restaurants pest-free. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a free inspection to get started.
While some home invaders are unwelcomed guests, the annual visit by field crickets always provides a bit of alright for me.
Melodious male crickets bear a multi-ridged structure called the file on one forewing. The opposite forewing bears a hardened structure called the scraper. As wings open and close, the file moves across the scraper creating vibrations, or chirps, that resonate from the cricket’s wings.
Despite my profound fondness for almost all things six-legged, a 4:30 am wake-up call courtesy of a field cricket in the bathroom did make me a bit peevish. It also heralded the vanguard of the usual annual invasion of arthropods that assault my home each autumn. With sleep seriously disturbed, I seized the opportunity to see how well chirps of this diminutive troubadour tracked ambient temperature. Here’s the backstory of how it works. As you know, insects are cold blooded. Their body temperature is more or less the same as the environment that surrounds them unless the insect is basking in the sun or using muscles to elevate its temperature like the dobsonfly we met in a previous episode. Many years ago, a noted entomologist, Richard Alexander, demonstrated a simple relationship between ambient temperature and the how often a field cricket chirped. Simply count the number of chirps in 15 seconds, add 37, and you will approximate the ambient temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Although I tracked down the diminutive troubadour behind the toilet, he developed a severe case of stage-fright when he saw the camera and refused to perform. Undeterred from my quest, I slipped on a pair of crocs and went outside where a complete ensemble of field crickets chirped away in the flower bed. Darkness prevented visual contact with the crickets but their songs were loud and easily recorded. I selected two singers and recorded each 20 times at intervals of 15 seconds. A rather warm-blooded cricket averaged 34 chirps per 15 seconds which estimated the temperature to be 71 degrees (34 + 37 = 71). Nearby a cooler cat reported in with 28 chirps per 15 seconds, estimating the temperature to be 65 (28 + 37 = 65). A digital thermometer placed on the ground in the flower bed showed an ambient temperature of 69 degrees. One cricket too warm, one cricket too cool, but when you take the average, just as like in Goldilocks and the three bears, the average cricket estimate of 68 was just about right.
While my sleep-interrupted cricket failed to perform, on another occasion a less shy field cricket was happy to tell me the temperature inside my home. Watch the accompanying video to see how well he estimated the temperature on my kitchen counter.
This little field cricket demonstrates his skill at helping humans estimate ambient temperatures. Counting the number of chirps in 15 seconds and adding 37 provides an estimate of ambient temperature. Let’s see how well this works: 32 chirps plus 37 equals 69 degrees Fahrenheit. My digital thermometer read 73 degrees above the kitchen counter. Maybe this little guy was just a cool customer.
Although some might think so, helping humans figure out ambient temperature is unlikely the reason why crickets chirp. A few years ago, I tracked two male crickets, one of which was missing a hind leg, and a nearby female cricket. Never one to stand in the way of romance, I captured the trio and placed them in a small terrarium. Within moments the smaller male, the five-legged fellow named Pete, challenged his cohabitant, Bud, to a duel that resulted in boisterous chirping, snapping of jaws, and grappling with forelegs. The more aggressive Bud soon vanquished his challenger and Pete retreated to a quiet corner of the terrarium. Crickets battle for food and mates and chirping is a part of this. For centuries Chinese gamblers have wagered high stakes on the outcome of cricket fights. An interesting trick used by the cricket handlers to resuscitate losers of bouts is to shake the defeated warriors and toss them in the air several times. This dramatically reduces the recovery time and allows the small combatants to return to the arena in minutes rather than the regular convalescent period of hours or days. A study published in Nature confirmed the success of this therapy in helping defeated crickets regain their fighting spirit.
In addition to wooing mates, some cricket chirps warn interlopers to get lost!
Rather than interrupt Nature’s course, I allowed Pete to sulk in the corner. Shortly after his victory, Bud initiated a series of soft chirps and his efforts were soon rewarded by a visit from Wendy, the demure female cricket. What useful information is carried in the male cricket’s song other than the typical male plea for female attention? A fascinating study by two Finnish scientists of the Mediterranean field cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus, found a link between the male cricket’s song and his immune response. Troubadours with a highly attractive song also had superior immune systems. If the ability to ward off diseases due to superior immune function is passed along to progeny, then females that choose a mate with an enhanced immune system may ensure better survival of their offspring. By demonstrating his superior immune system with a song, the male cricket may win the lady.
One last thought about the cricket and his song relates to Old Man Winter, whose return brings much insect activity to a grinding halt. Once winter’s chill arrives and temperatures plummet, crickets will not be chirping at all. So, now is a great time to enjoy songs of crickets, day and night, maybe even those reverberating from troubadours in the bathroom.
Acknowledgements
The following articles were used in preparation for this Bug of the Week: “Courtship song and immune function in the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus” by Markus Rantala and Raine Kortet, “Aggressiveness recovers much faster in male crickets forced to fly after a defeat” by Hans A. Hofmann and Paul A. Stevenson, and “Seasonal and daily chirping cycles in the northern spring and fall field crickets Gryllus veletis and Gryllus pennsylvanicus”by Richard Alexander and Gerald Meral.
Termites are destructive little beasts. These tiny insects rack up approximately $5 billion in damages for homeowners every year — and it doesn’t stop there. Termites also wreak havoc on the agricultural industry by munching their way through about $40 billion in damage to lumber and other agricultural resources.
Although most people automatically think about damage to walls, floors, and support beams in homes when they think about termites, homes aren’t the only places where termites set up their colonies and start munching down. Although these insects often feed on dead wood found in structures, some termites will also feed on live plants, including tree roots and live trees. Termites in trees pose a unique problem, one that could wreak havoc on your property if the insects remain unchecked.
Introduction to Termites in Trees
For many people, the thought of termites conjures up visions of costly damage to homes and other buildings and structures. However, when they aren’t eating their way through structural elements, termites can also play a beneficial role in the environment. Because many species prefer eating dead wood, they act as a living recycling service. They can also play a helpful part in improving soil structure, aiding in thriving forests.
However, not all termites restrict their diets to dead wood. In these instances, termites can create major problems in many ways. In particular, termite damage in trees represents a hazard that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late to stop the destruction.
Overview of the Threat Posed by Termites
Weakening structures, including limbs and branches, is the primary threat that termites pose to trees. In turn, these issues could lead to significant property damage if trees fall or limbs break. Termites consume up to one pound of wood per day. Imagine the damage they can do to trees. Although subterranean termites often tunnel up trees, beginning at the roots, drywood termites can tunnel in through any area.
It’s also notable that Formosan termites, which are among one of the more aggressive species, are renowned for their preference for live plants. In southern states, seeing Formosan termite tunnels running through tree trunks isn’t entirely uncommon, but it’s still cause for concern. Although the Formosan termite is more prevalent in the South, changing climate conditions can increase the odds of them moving north.
Why Trees? Understanding Termite Attraction to Trees
Termites love cellulose. That’s why many prefer dead, decaying wood — the cellulose is easy to access. All trees can be like an all-you-can-eat buffet if the right termites and the right conditions come along. Subterranean termites may attack any tree that comes in contact with soil. Additionally, trees offer ample shelter to create a termite habitat.
Identifying Signs of Termites in Trees
Because termites are such silent destroyers, knowing what to look for is half the battle. Identifying termites as early as possible can help control the infestation. It can also help prevent termite colonies and the related destruction from spreading.
Visual Indicators of Termite Presence
If you think you might have termites, try gently knocking on an area of the tree. If it sounds hollow, you could have termites slowly eating the innermost layers. A few visual signs to look for include:
Wilted or discolored tree foliage
Reduced tree growth
Mud tubes, typically beginning at ground level and running up the trunk
Tiny holes around the base or wood shavings near the tree base
Frass, termite droppings that look like sawdust, around the tree base
Sizable pile of dirt at the tree’s base, which may contain dead termites
Behavioral Signs of Termite Infestation
One of the surest signs of termites is when you actually see them flying around the tree. At certain times of year, mature termites grow wings and exhibit what is known as “swarming behavior.” This occurs as these termites leave the existing colony in search of mates to establish new colonies. If you see what looks a lot like flying ants or piles of wings near a tree, you likely have an active termite infestation.
Assessing the Risk and Impact
The risks associated with termites infesting a tree are numerous. It could result in damage to the tree itself and the risk of the tree dying, falling, or causing property damage from falling limbs. You also have to consider the possibility of the infestation spreading, both to other trees and to other structures on the property.
Consequences of Termite Infestation in Trees
Tree death, falling limbs, and upended trees are among the potentially serious hazards that could occur due to termite infestations. As the termites eat their way through the live wood and potentially the tree’s roots, it weakens the structure. Early action is needed to save the tree and prevent what could end up being costly consequences.
Implications for the Broader Ecosystem
Termites swarm and fly away when they are mature enough to start their own colonies. However, that doesn’t mean they will fly far away. A termite infestation in one tree could quickly spread to many nearby trees. It could also spread to nearby homes, commercial buildings, and other manmade structures, causing destruction and costly damage within each new area of invasion.
Effective Treatment Options
So, you’ve got termites. Now what? Beginning treatment as soon as possible can help save the tree and avoid allowing the infestation to grow. Some termite control options to consider include both chemical and non-chemical approaches.
Chemical Treatments
Applying a chemical treatment designated for killing termites (a termiticide) can reduce and help eliminate the colony. Termite bait stations placed near and around the tree base may also be beneficial.
Natural and Non-Chemical Methods
Chemicals are only one of the available options. Using biological methods, like introducing termites’ natural predators into the environment, can also be effective. Nematodes, for example, are microscopic parasites that produce bacteria that is lethal to termites. Likewise, pruning dead and damaged limbs can help reduce infestations while also lowering the stress on the trees. Remove any infested wood piles to avoid the risk that an infestation could begin and grow.
Preventing Future Termite Infestations in Trees
Proactive measures can save you time and money while preventing future issues. Maintaining healthy trees can help minimize the risk of infestation, and making smart landscaping decisions can also provide peace of mind.
Termite Prevention Practices
Maintaining healthy trees and shrubs reduces the chances of an infestation. Some of the steps you can take to enhance tree health and prevent future damage include the following:
Addressing any moisture issues, such as improper drainage, near the tree
Properly caring for the tree, adding fertilizer and regularly pruning it as necessary
Routinely removing dead or damaged limbs and branches to avoid attracting termites that are seeking dead wood
Landscaping and Design Choices
When you remove trees on the property, make sure you also remove the stumps. When stumps are left in place, the decaying wood process can be like a neon “welcome” sign to termites in search of a delicious meal. Other helpful landscaping strategies to incorporate include:
Choose mulch without cellulose, such as gravel, pine straw, or rubber
Keep trees and shrubs pruned away from buildings to prevent the potential spread of insects
Grade the terrain or install moisture-control options like a French drain to prevent moisture accumulation
Store firewood and any wood-based items up off the ground and away from buildings
Monitoring and Long-Term Management
Termite management isn’t a once-and-done solution to the problem. These tiny destroyers cause billions of dollars in damage every year, and it requires careful vigilance to achieve long-term success.
Regular Inspections and Early Detection Techniques
Routinely inspecting trees and buildings for signs of termites can help you catch a termite infestation before the damage becomes widespread. Ongoing monitoring is one of the most effective measures for preventing termites in your garden or other areas of the property. Inspecting trees and keeping a watchful eye out for mud tubes are two early detection techniques commonly recommended for homeowners and commercial property owners alike.
Creating a Termite Management Plan
A termite management plan offers an ongoing framework you can use. It may include filling cracks and crevices you find during routine inspections and installing exclusion systems and barriers to protect vulnerable areas. This plan will help make the property less attractive to termites by controlling moisture, eliminating their food sources, and detecting their presence as early as possible.15 Early detection is essential for minimizing damage.
Professional Help and Resources
You can try to eliminate termites on your own. There are DIY options and plenty of termiticides on store shelves. However, it’s essential to note that termites are notoriously challenging to eliminate effectively. Additionally, you may need a professional to assess the health and safety of the affected tree.
When to Consult a Professional Arborist or Pest Control Expert
If you suspect you have a termite problem, you should consult with professionals as soon as possible. Pros have the expertise needed to assess the health of the trees involved and determine if they pose a safety risk. They can also make recommendations to avoid further damage.
Resources and Support for Homeowners and Gardeners
Professional pest control companies can assess the extent of the damage, identify the type of termites infesting the area, and provide lasting, effective elimination. Professionals can also help you craft a long-term termite management plan for ongoing prevention.
Contact Catseye Pest Control for Help with Termites
Catseye has decades of experience dealing with termites and effectively eliminating them from properties of all types. Our expert team partners with homeowners and property owners to knock out infestations and achieve lasting control. We start with a thorough inspection to customize a plan for each unique situation. Our tailored approach preserves trees and protects other structures in the yard while helping to safeguard your home. Contact us today to learn more about our termite control services or to schedule a free inspection.
An almost fully developed dogwood sawfly larva checks out a deck to find the perfect spot to construct its winter refuge in wood. Image credit: Bob Causer
Several small pock marks reveal locations where dogwood sawflies attempted to construct overwintering galleries in a deck. Image: Bob Causer
Herbivorous insects are full of surprises. Who would have guessed that a leaf munching larva spends another part of its life cycle boring in wood to build a place to hang out in winter? Not me, but this is how the dogwood sawfly rolls. A few weeks ago, I received great images of a dogwood sawfly larva and a report that it was gnawing holes in a deck and generating piles of sawdust. Other encounters with sawflies here at Bug of the Week include ones with sawfly larvae munching on mallows, crushing columbines, and ravaging roses.
Sawflies are primitive members of the bee and wasp order of insects known as the Hymenoptera. Unlike their kin, who feast on the flesh of other arthropods or dine on the nectar and pollen of plants, several families of sawflies feed on leaves. One of the favored hosts of dogwood sawfly is grey dogwood, Cornus racemosa, but silky dogwood, Cornus amomum, and flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, are also on the menu. Dogwood sawfly larvae spend their summer devouring dogwood leaves, initially in chummy groups that skeletonize leaves, but as they grow larger, they may eat the entire leaf with the exception of the midvein. Winter is spent as a larva ensconced in a chamber, or “cell”, built in rotting wood or sometimes structural wood including siding, or as in the case of this week’s star, decks.
Early in their development dogwood sawflies like the one on the right are cloaked in white wax. Later they lose their wax. Watch as these snaky sawflies practice their curls beneath a leaf. An almost fully developed larva waves to the camera while searching for another meal. In autumn before leaf-fall, they build galleries in wood to spend the winter. Notches in this deck bear witness to their attempts.
An easy way to tell the difference between caterpillars (the larvae of moths and butterflies) and sawfly larvae, is to count the pairs of appendages called prolegs on their abdominal segments. Caterpillars like the larva on top have five or fewer pairs of prolegs. Sawfly larvae like the one below usually have six or more pairs of prolegs.
In spring, the larvae pupate and adults, resembling small wasp-like insects, emerge to fly and find mates from May through July. Females insert their eggs in the undersurface of dogwood leaves in batches numbering 100 or more. Eggs hatch and larvae consume leaf tissue and develop through several growth stages, or instars, over the summer. With the approach of autumn and imminent leaf drop, large mature sawfly larvae wander from dogwood trees to construct overwintering redoubts in wood. Although many sawfly larvae bear a striking resemblance to caterpillars, larvae of moths and butterflies, most can be distinguished from Lepidoptera larvae by the number of pairs of appendages called prolegs found on abdominal body segments. In addition to three pairs of jointed walking legs on the thorax, most caterpillars have five or fewer pairs of fleshy prolegs on their abdominal segments. By contrast, in addition to the requisite three pairs of thoracic legs, most sawflies bear six or more pairs of prolegs.
Beautiful dogwood sawfly caterpillars assume their characteristic curly pose between bouts of defoliating dogwoods.
As larvae, dogwood sawflies have, quite literally, a colorful juvenile history. After hatching from eggs, larvae are rather translucent yellowish creatures resembling gummy worms. As they develop and molt, specialized glands produce a snowy-white cloak of wax. Fully developed larvae shed the white waxy cloak and assume a dashing color scheme of yellow, white, and black. Why the chameleon routine? Well, some scientists have speculated that the brilliant white coloration and elongated body of young larvae may mimic a bird dropping and reduce the chance of predation. What self-respecting bird eats bird droppings, right? Another hypothesis suggests predators and small parasitic wasps may be unable or unwilling to effectively attack sawfly larvae through their cloak of wax. As dogwoods get ready to shed their leaves in the next few weeks, keep an eye out for these beautiful and interesting creatures.
Acknowledgements
Bug of the week thanks Bob Causer and Virginia Brace for providing images and inspiration for this episode. Thanks also to our friend Jimmy who shared his dogwood and its sawflies. The interesting articles “Be Alert for Dogwood Sawfly” by Joe Boggs, and “Insects that feed on trees and shrubs” by Warren Johnson and Howard Lyon were used as sources of information for this story.
In short, cockroaches will eat just about anything. These opportunistic eaters will munch on any items that are derived from living things. Not only are plants and animals common food sources for cockroaches, but they also love to eat glue, cardboard, garbage, hair, and feces. These pests are also known to eat other cockroaches, dead or alive, which makes properly discarding the insects an important step to the removal process.
Understanding the typical cockroach diet makes it clear why these insects pose such a serious health risk from contamination. It also is essential for figuring out how to prevent infestations by avoiding inadvertently attracting cockroaches to your home or business. Avoidance is a key component in achieving optimal control.
Introduction to Cockroach Dietary Habits
Cockroaches are known as omnivores, meaning they eat plants and animals. Beyond that, they are not picky eaters and have been known to chow down on many unsavory foods like garbage and waste materials.
Overview of Cockroach Species and Their Environments
Although more than 4,000 species are skittering across the earth, only a handful are common in the Northeastern region.
Among them, German cockroaches account for most infestations both in this region and worldwide. These cockroaches have two dark stripes down their backs, which helps identify them. They love warm, humid areas, which is why kitchens and bathrooms are frequently their chosen hiding spots.
The American cockroach is one of the largest of the species and has a reddish-brown body. These cockroaches love hiding in unsanitary spots, including drains and sewers, and they enjoy eating garbage and waste. Their diet and dwelling spots contribute to their ability to contaminate surfaces and potentially spread digestive diseases.
Another pervasive problem, the brownbanded cockroach is among the smallest of the species. They grow no larger than 1/2 inch and scavenge for food just about anywhere. Brownbanded cockroaches can transmit as many as 33 (or more) types of bacteria.
Why Understanding Their Diet Is Crucial for Pest Control
A solid understanding of what cockroaches like to eat and what attracts them allows you to take proactive steps to create a less inviting environment. In turn, it enhances your ability to achieve lasting cockroach control.
What Cockroaches Eat
As mentioned, cockroaches eat plants, animals, and other organic materials. They enjoy a diverse diet, which can make it tricky to identify and eliminate their food sources.
Broad Range of Cockroach Diets
Cockroaches’ favorite foods include starchy, greasy, and meaty options. Although all species will generally eat anything, some are more notorious than others for their unconventional food choices.
For example, German cockroaches love sweets and greasy eats, but they also will eat toothpaste and other organic matter. American cockroaches eat anything, including other insects and plant materials. Brownbanded cockroaches love non-traditional starchy items like book bindings and wallpaper paste.
Common Food Sources in Human Habitats
Given their diverse diet, it’s easy to see why cockroaches tend to hang out in and near kitchens. Some popular food sources include:
Pantry items
Food left out on counters
Dirty dishes
Pet food
Crumbs and spills
Garbage, composts, and refuse materials
Cardboard, newspapers, magazines, piles of paper bags
Factors That Attract Cockroaches to Homes and Businesses
What attracts cockroaches? Like many pests, these insects seek out three main elements: food, water, and shelter. That makes human spaces particularly appealing because they often provide easy access to all three. To make matters worse, some cockroaches are attracted by the pheromones secreted by other cockroaches, which can quickly increase their numbers in a particular area.
Accessibility to Food
Food is largely the biggest attraction for cockroaches. Eliminating access to food in all its forms can make your home or business a less inviting place for cockroaches to call home.
Water and Moisture Sources
Many species of cockroach love moisture-rich environments. Eliminating access to water, such as leaky pipes, saturated plants, and moisture in walls around sinks and tubs, can help reduce infestation risk.
Preventing Infestations Through Proper Sanitation
Although sanitation isn’t an absolute guarantee, it can make a tremendous difference in reducing the risk of infestation. It’s also essential for enhancing any pest control measures you may implement. Cockroaches will be more attracted to bait if they don’t have access to other foods.
Daily Cleaning Practices to Reduce Attraction
Eliminating as many food particles as possible, reducing moisture, and sealing cracks and crevices can make the premises inhospitable for six-legged pests. An excellent daily routine could include activities such as:
Vacuum floors, cracks, and crevices to eliminate crumbs and debris.
Wipe down counters and floors.
Don’t let dirty dishes sit on counters or in sinks.
Clean appliances and periodically clean under them.
Check drawers for any food debris or crumbs.
Promptly clean up any spills.
Use pest-proof garbage and waste receptacles and remove garbage regularly.
Eliminate clutter, such as piles of mail or boxes.
Inspect food deliveries and other items coming into the home to ensure they are cockroach free.
Secure Food Storage Solutions
Food, including pet food, should be placed in airtight, lidded containers. Glass jars, metal containers, and other rigid receptacles offer protection that prevent pests from getting inside. When possible, recycle cardboard boxes and remove them because they are a potential food source.
Advanced Strategies to Deter Cockroach Infestations
Regular cleaning and sanitation are excellent initial steps to preventing cockroaches. However, if you want to increase the effectiveness of these measures, it’s helpful to implement a couple of additional strategies.
Structural Fixes to Deny Access
Seal up cracks, crevices, gaps, and holes in walls, foundations, and other areas to prevent cockroaches and other pests from walking right in from outside. Add weather stripping around windows and doors and inspect all deliveries before bringing them inside. Consider installing an exclusion system, which provides a rigid, permanent barrier to protect vulnerable areas from pests and nuisance wildlife.
Regular Inspections and Early Intervention
Cockroaches often hide around water heaters, inside kitchen cabinets, under appliances, around sinks and bath fixtures, and in crawl spaces. Performing routine inspections can help you spot potential issues early and allow you to gain control before the infestation becomes widespread.
Professional Pest Control Solutions
Cockroaches can be notoriously difficult to eliminate on your own. Partnering with a reputable professional early can help you assess the species causing a problem. Experts can also determine how and why they are coming inside, which can aid you in crafting a thorough plan to eliminate them now and prevent them in the future.
When to Call in Experts
Sure, you can try DIY cockroach control. Many baits and other forms of chemical control are widely available. However, chemical control alone won’t solve the issue. Many of the chemicals that are sold at stores are considered to be repellants, that may only force the cockroaches to other areas of the property. Worse, if you don’t get to the root of the problem, the cockroaches may continue breeding and expanding their reach throughout the property.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approaches
Professional cockroach control requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes prevention and monitoring. IPM checks all the boxes. It allows homeowners and businesses to achieve effective control by implementing preventative measures that create an environment where pests won’t thrive. It includes attention to sanitation and sealing off entry points, identifying the pests and how they are getting inside, and applying appropriate treatment measures.
Contact Catseye Pest Control to Help You Get Rid of Cockroaches
Catseye has decades of expertise and experience in eliminating cockroaches from homes and businesses. We rely on innovative pest control techniques and take an IPM approach that includes customized treatment plans and ongoing monitoring. You don’t have to struggle with cockroaches alone. Rely on Catseye to keep your property pest free. Contact us today for more details or to schedule an inspection.
Encounters with humans often result in lanternflies feeling a little flat. Image: Paula Shrewsbury, UMD
Last week Bug of the Week received a text regarding swarms of spotted lanternflies visiting children and adults at a public park in Carroll County, Maryland. Sure enough, a trip to the park revealed squealing kids, nervous parents, and scores of spotted lanternfly adults flitting about and landing on slides, swings, play sets, and people. While some children screeched and ran, others delighted in the heavily promoted and much-heralded sport of chasing down lanternflies and squashing them. What fun! Ah, but not all children embraced an ant-bully mien. While recording a lanternfly climbing up my leg, a youngster nearby asked if he could have one on his leg, too. Nice to meet a budding entomologist!
As one youngster said, “there’s a thousand of them….” Lanternflies take flight in late summer and autumn. When lanternflies invaded a playground in Maryland some children shrieked and ran while others laughed and tried to catch some. What strange attraction brought lanternflies to playsets, slides, and people remains a mystery. A memorable time was had by all, fearful and fun-loving alike, except perhaps, the lanternflies flattened by sneakers, flipflops, and baseball caps.
Why spotted lanternflies invaded this playground in Maryland remains a mystery. Image: Paula Shrewsbury, UMD
What causes spotted lanternflies to abandon a site and engage in flight, swarming to new locations? Fascinating studies by scientists in Pennsylvania reveal some of the secrets to the autumnal movements of adult spotted lanternflies. Thomas Baker and his colleagues at Penn State discovered that the long-distance airborne lanternflies were primarily slim unmated females. These fliers were capable of flights ranging from roughly 30 to 150 feet. Their spontaneous flights were believed to be quests to find suitable hosts, plants that could supply sufficient nutrients for them to fatten up and deposit a complete complement of eggs before cold weather put an end to their mischief. The Penn State team also assessed the flight worthiness of plump yellow-bellied lanternflies. These females were full of developing eggs. A vast majority of these heavy females had successfully mated but their ability to fly was weak and limited to only about 12 feet when launched into the air. According to lanternfly expert, Dr. Kelly Hoover, spotted lanternflies may undertake long-distance flights when their sustained feeding has depleted resources in trees and they fly to find better quality food resources in trees elsewhere.
On a sunny late summer afternoon in a restaurant park in scenic Rohrerstown, PA, spotted lanternflies were on the wing. They crashed into windows, wandered on sidewalks, and met gruesome ends beneath human feet and tires of vehicles. Wanderers displayed their impressive jumping skills when harassed by a giant finger and one contemplated a trip to New Jersey on the rear bumper of my car.
Since its discovery in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014, spotted lanternfly has established populations in locations more than 600 miles away. New York State Integrated Pest Management Program of Cornell University.
While autumnal spontaneous flights have been witnessed on a regular basis, these relatively short distance flights of hundreds of feet likely account for only a minor component of the spotted lanternflies’ spread through the United States. From their initial discovery point in Berks County, PA in 2014, isolated spotted lanternflies infestations have popped up in midwestern and southern states more than 600 miles away. The most likely explanation for these long-distance peregrinations lies in human-assisted transport of lanternfly eggs. Unlike many herbivorous insects that lay eggs on food plants for their young, spotted lanternfly mothers deposit egg masses on non-host objects including stones, cinder blocks, lawn furniture and vehicles, in addition to trees. These nondescript masses of eggs are easily overlooked on natural and human-made items and easily transported inadvertently by road or rail. Recently, a metal sculpture festooned with spotted lanternfly eggs being shipped from New York to Sonoma, California was intercepted at the border before entering our leading wine producing state. Great work by the California Department of Food and Agriculture at the Truckee Border Station.
Why this particular playground attracted hordes of flying lanternflies remains a mystery. A similar play area less than 300 yards way was devoid of these critters and also devoid of children. Maybe lanternflies just saw the kids having a good time and wanted to join in the fun. Who knows?
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Brian and Jackie for providing the inspiration for this episode and to the children playing at the park who shared their excitement and trepidation. Thanks to Dr. Paula Shrewsbury for providing images of lanternflies. The fascinating articles “Flight Dispersal Capabilities of Female Spotted Lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) Related to Size and Mating Status” by Michael S. Wolfin, Muhammad Binyameen, Yanchen Wang, Julie M. Urban, Dana C. Roberts, and Thomas C. Baker, and “Spotted lanternfly collective flights in late summer not dangerous to public” by Amy Duke were used to prepare this story. 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 and to the Entomological Society of America for providing the map of the potential distribution of spotted lanternfly in the US.
Hungry Northern House mosquitoes, vectors of West Nile virus, are thriving and on the hunt for blood.
At only a few millimeters in length, tiny no-see-um midges can carry serious human viruses including the strange sloth fever virus.
Last week news agencies carried warnings about an uptick in mosquito borne diseases following reports that famed immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci recently contracted and survived a bout of West Nile virus. As of August 27, 2024, 289 cases of West Nile virus in 31 states had been reported with Texas, Mississippi, and Nebraska leading the way. Even more disturbing was the recent demise of a citizen in New England from another mosquito borne illness, Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Recent travelers to Cuba have contracted another virus called sloth fever, a.k.a. Oropouche virus, carried by small biting flies called no-see-ums which we met in a previous episode. As record heat continues in our land, generation times shrink for mosquitoes. More mosquitoes are produced in shorter periods of time. Drenching storm systems create abundant breeding sites for aquatic mosquito larvae. Together, heat and rainfall provide the perfect storm for elevating populations of mosquitoes in many parts of our nation. Let’s learn a little more about mosquitoes, the risks they pose, and how to avoid their bites and the illnesses they carry.
Historically, September is the second most common month to contract West Nile virus. Image courtesy of Centers for Disease Control
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance and several species carry important diseases such as West Nile Virus. According to the CDC, following its discovery in the United States in 1999, more than 59,000 cases of West Nile Virus have been reported and more than 2,900 deaths associated with West Nile Virus have occurred. While most of us shrug off West Nile virus with little or no symptoms, it can be severe and even lethal to seniors and certain others. Researchers have suggested that some seniors and people with compromised immune systems may lack sufficient immune responses to thwart the West Nile Virus.
Watch as a female Culex pipiens form molestus extracts all the blood she needs to produce the next batch of eggs and then scurries away to the shadow of a knuckle to hide. Filmed at twice life speed.
Asian tiger mosquitos are active during daylight hours. They vector important human diseases including dengue, chikungunya and Zika.
Many species of mosquitoes prefer to feed at dusk and you can avoid being bitten by staying indoors in the evening. However, unlike many of our native mosquitoes, the exotic Asian Tiger is a daytime biter, adding hours of itching, scratching, and swatting to days in the garden. Protect yourself from aggressive biters by wearing light-weight, long-sleeved shirts and pants when working outdoors. Certain brands of clothing are pretreated with mosquito repellents such as permethrin. I have worn these in tropical rainforests where mosquitoes were ferocious and they really did help. Many topical insect repellents can be applied to exposed skin before you go outdoors. Some will provide many hours of protection, while others provide virtually none. Some repellents should not be applied to children and you should always help kids apply repellents. Do not apply repellents containing DEET under clothing. To learn more about mosquito repellents, click this link to see repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. For safety, be sure to read and follow the directions on the label of the repellent before you apply it to people or clothing.
If you dine outdoors, place a fan on your patio. The light breeze created by the fan will greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes flying and biting. Many traps are also available to capture and kill mosquitoes. Some rely on a light source to attract blood seekers. However, many types of moths, flies, and beetles are attracted to light. Mosquitoes, unfortunately, do not use light to find their meals and are NOT readily attracted to light traps. One study demonstrated that less than 1% of the insects attracted to light traps were biting flies such as mosquitoes. This study estimated that light traps kill billions of harmless and beneficial insects each year. Actually, blood seeking mosquitoes are attracted to odors emanating from the host. As we move about the earth, we release many odors, including carbon dioxide and lactic acid that are detected and followed by hungry mosquitoes to find us. Some mosquito traps release carbon dioxide and will attract and catch many mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes ready to lay eggs are attracted odors emanating from water sources. A clever trap called a Gravid Aedes Trap (GAT) has been used in community-wide programs in the DMV to reduce local populations of Asian Tiger mosquitoes. Females fly into these traps to lay eggs but never escape. Sounds like Hotel California for these tiny vampires.
Wheelbarrows and pails full of water? Dump them now! They are nurseries for mosquito larvae.
To reduce the chances of mosquitoes breeding around your home, eliminate standing water by cleaning your gutters, dumping your bird bath twice a week, inverting your wheelbarrow and getting rid of water filled containers. If you have an aquatic water garden or standing water on your property that breed mosquitoes, you can use a product containing the naturally occurring soil microbe known as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis a.k.a. Bti. Bti comes formulated in doughnut-shaped tablets that can be placed in water to kill mosquito larvae.
A garbage pail lid full of water becomes the perfect nursery for a crop of Culex mosquitoes. Two egg rafts contain scores of eggs ready to hatch. Nearby, fleets of mosquito larvae called wriggles filter tiny particles of food from the water. In just a few short weeks, this lid will be bustling with fully developed wrigglers suspended beneath the water by breathing siphons. Amidst the milieu, zany mosquito pupae called tumblers bumble about. With continued hot weather and ample rainfall, adults will emerge, and yes, there will be blood.
With continued hot weather and ample rainfall, mosquitoes will be present for several more months. Be on the lookout and take precautions now to avoid being bitten.
Acknowledgements
Several interesting articles were consulted for this episode including “How the body rubs out West Nile virus” by Nathan Seppa, “Toll-like Receptor 7 Mitigates Lethal West Nile and Encephalitis via Interleukin 23-Dependent Immune Cell Infiltration and Homing by Terrence Town”, Fengwei Bai, Tian Wang, Amber T. Kaplan, Feng Qian, Ruth R. Montgomery, John F. Anderson, Richard A. Flavell, and Erol Fikrig, “Density and diversity of non-target insects killed by suburban electric insect traps” by Timothy B. Frick and Douglas W. Tallamy, and “Neighbors help neighbors control urban mosquitoes” by Brian J. Johnson, David Brosch, Arlene Christiansen, Ed Wells, Martha Wells, Andre F. Bhandoola, Amy Milne, Sharon Garrison & Dina M. Fonseca. Information on the geographical and seasonal occurrences of West Nile Virus came from the data rich CDC websites.
To learn more about the mosquitoes and how to defeat them, please view the following video, B.I.T.E. mosquitoes before they bite you!
