tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970041042726901972024-03-16T13:49:57.405-05:00Insects in the CityA blog for pest management professionals (especially in Texas)Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.comBlogger434125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-55532914887706490232020-07-29T16:18:00.011-05:002020-08-03T09:58:23.041-05:00Tubular flying insectsWith the proliferation of nighttime security cameras, homeowners are seeing all sorts of wildlife activity on the driveway and porch. This week I had an inquiry about a mysterious "tubular flying insect" that had me puzzled at first.<br />
<br />
The inquiry went like this:<br />
<br />
<b>Him:</b> "My backyard camera catches images of these tubular flying insects every night. What are they?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm94LJF36aHbzPBEtezVkG0g342Fex-Y-iJ99cfo9VN_XDE2TG6iHw3Lju6FZICjidYxvd79JdohpNUTus5gmLft4JJXOqXsxo-VoQvEc4jZ0d0XI3rfBP14qj8o4pzaMt1mjP9_p3XY/s1600/tubular+insect+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="971" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm94LJF36aHbzPBEtezVkG0g342Fex-Y-iJ99cfo9VN_XDE2TG6iHw3Lju6FZICjidYxvd79JdohpNUTus5gmLft4JJXOqXsxo-VoQvEc4jZ0d0XI3rfBP14qj8o4pzaMt1mjP9_p3XY/s400/tubular+insect+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Me:</b> "Does not look like an insect. Possibly a seed or catkin from nearby tree?"<br />
<br />
<b>Him:</b> [Frowning] "Theoretically possible, but unlikely given the flight pattern. I have video, but can’t upload here. These two shots are in light rain."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1o_0CWrBrFxzk-TaBPSnN6FMmbDkJf7gtk-ByjP1wUX9Jz-1W_lWAYYHmxJoeCE442sm_OKSJgy8ht799xWizXut96b9rGo62CyeEB579wLoKpOVrnt4fpnpx4fMAh3-A-fFIFdPkds/s1600/tubular+insect+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="971" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1o_0CWrBrFxzk-TaBPSnN6FMmbDkJf7gtk-ByjP1wUX9Jz-1W_lWAYYHmxJoeCE442sm_OKSJgy8ht799xWizXut96b9rGo62CyeEB579wLoKpOVrnt4fpnpx4fMAh3-A-fFIFdPkds/s400/tubular+insect+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Me:</b> [Lights coming on] "If your camera has a slow shutter speed this could be a flight track of a small moth over several wing beats. There is no insect shaped like the image itself though."<br />
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<b>Him:</b> [Still not convinced] "I suppose that could be it. This is a night vision camera. I will continue to wonder."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7BwenKMbU-tisrAV_kIfoUb9HHGLpfEZu4uK5U7wMEvYFTOOwh6ZHX-PKSbMpqnlRsm24tMitqLzIywgwaRxYymGQNz-T5A38AWBFVbcpCbP4-_aGJ4H7vC65liS-dJK97OoKyTgWww/s1600/tubular+insect+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="1600" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7BwenKMbU-tisrAV_kIfoUb9HHGLpfEZu4uK5U7wMEvYFTOOwh6ZHX-PKSbMpqnlRsm24tMitqLzIywgwaRxYymGQNz-T5A38AWBFVbcpCbP4-_aGJ4H7vC65liS-dJK97OoKyTgWww/s400/tubular+insect+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Me: </b>[Now more sure of myself] "Pretty sure these are flight tracks of moths. Note the antenna on the [right] picture. Also, see <a href="https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/08/moth-trails-at-night/">https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/08/moth-trails-at-night/</a> "<br />
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<b>Him:</b> [Begrudgingly, for someone who realizes he has NOT just discovered an organism new to science] That makes sense. Thank you very much for your help.<br />
<br />
After sharing this exchange with some colleagues, one of them said, "That guy sent me the same pictures a couple of years ago. I told him they were probably moths then."<br />
<br />Another colleague received a similar picture several years ago and told the lady it was a moth. She insisted, however, it must be an angel, and would he verify it so she could post (with authority of AgriLife Extension behind her, I guess) on social media?<div><br /></div><div>People are funny. Welcome to the world of urban entomology and pest control. I hope you are now prepared to be a genius to one of your customers with puzzling security camera video.<div><br /></div><div> <br />
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<br /></div></div>Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-12807488818293939942020-07-17T10:14:00.000-05:002020-07-18T09:50:15.497-05:00Bargain sale on Mallis Handbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWEiRXrBi9wfM-zSRNgzmyV-8FRgV0_N_EZ5CJPJhnNPfDxXNgeiwSMhbvUeVAQGaMxf9-i6Dyq2E8TbWuD_d_nF2u4zF0ESWExZZDX7H8Lj9GBgxi5gDzgussPfcrakklRFLGFdSg6E/s1600/Mallis+Handbook+of+Pest+Control.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWEiRXrBi9wfM-zSRNgzmyV-8FRgV0_N_EZ5CJPJhnNPfDxXNgeiwSMhbvUeVAQGaMxf9-i6Dyq2E8TbWuD_d_nF2u4zF0ESWExZZDX7H8Lj9GBgxi5gDzgussPfcrakklRFLGFdSg6E/s320/Mallis+Handbook+of+Pest+Control.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<i>This post is essentially an updated reprint of a post from 2014 about a (then) sale on the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control. A new sale, announced today, is even better than the one six years ago.</i><br />
<br />
I am frequently asked (especially by prospective ACEs studying for their certification exam) what reference books I recommend. There are many of course, but one of the essential resources for any pest control company is "Mallis".<br />
<br />
Arnold Mallis passed away in 1984, but the book he pioneered and first published in 1945 continues to get updated and republished by the Mallis Handbook Company and GIE publishing. Many PMPs today don't realize what shaky ground, scientifically speaking, PMPs were on prior to giants like Arnold Mallis and Walter Ebeling and a few university leaders who saw the need for good, science-based information for the industry. Mallis remains one of the standard sources to go to for scientifially sound information about structural insect pests and pest management.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong. At 1600 pages, this is not pleasure reading... unless you're looking for a book to help you fall asleep at night. But as a reference book, the <u>Handbook of Pest Control</u> is excellent. I think every pest control company should have a copy.<br />
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The reason I decided to say a few words about the Mallis Handbook is that Pest Control Technology just announced an amazing sale. If you don't have a copy of this book, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://jobs.isirc.gie.net/newsletter/click?pubId=1&hyperlinkId=217237&productSendId=10089787__;!!KwNVnqRv!W9VciynyYKkAdXiG3trzGHVFED6L8bG_kXmzyMkbaR5PwZOs4q_5GHvFMv1_ynY5sg$">for a limited time you can buy a copy for $59</a>, less than half the regular price of $149. Why the sale? An 11th edition is on the way, but you will have to wait more than a year for that one to come out. If I didn't have this one already, I would jump on it.<br />
<br />
A wise professor of mine once told me that the savviest professionals aren't the ones who know it all; they're the ones who know where to find the answer. And believe it or not, not all the best information can be found online. Sometimes nothing beats having a good, old-fashioned book at your fingertips.Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-8941592138729195332020-07-07T09:49:00.000-05:002020-07-07T09:49:09.547-05:00Flea and ant training classes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-wOa5I3imts6Tx_GgsQ8J7x1cB6BbdZYJ_-IWI0KK2uZkGi2WfgrB7qPkhdslEZtVQzRP05ctGG3TykXHcpWJDg7zjvk95iqL_KaE6X9xroYLAgCBQRRVtAc2sSMYBEB36zPuuvCWXY/s1600/IMG_7588.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-wOa5I3imts6Tx_GgsQ8J7x1cB6BbdZYJ_-IWI0KK2uZkGi2WfgrB7qPkhdslEZtVQzRP05ctGG3TykXHcpWJDg7zjvk95iqL_KaE6X9xroYLAgCBQRRVtAc2sSMYBEB36zPuuvCWXY/s320/IMG_7588.CR2" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year's ant ID class will be more physically distant than<br />last year's class; but will offer the same hands-on opportunities<br />to become an ant identification pro.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am happy to announce two new training opportunities this summer. The <a href="https://ipmhouse.tamu.edu/">IPM Experience House</a> is hosting a real, <i>in-person</i> (physically distanced) ant identification class on July 16. Enrollment is limited to 15 and registration information can be found at <a href="https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3150">https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3150</a><br />
<br />
This is the first post COVID-19 class we've offered at the Dallas Center. We will be following university guidelines that require us to take all reasonable precautions to keep everyone safe. Every student will have their own microscope and supplies, class size is limited and everyone will be kept at least 6 feet apart. We ask that you bring your own mask. Disinfectant will be provided.<br />
<br />
Now that we've covered all the essential safety information, this is a great class. It is our goal to offer it once a year to anyone wanting to improve their ant identification skills. The class is a mix of lecture, ant identification using microscopes, and outdoor demonstration. Our principal instructor is Dr. Robert Puckett, urban Extension entomologist from College Station. We hope to see you there.<br />
<br />
The second opportunity I'm especially pleased to tell you about is a new online class called <u>Flea and Tick Biology and Control</u>. This class can be taken on your own time, any day of the week. Cost is only $25 for CEU credit with both Structural and Ag CEUs. No face masks required! To learn more and to register, <a href="https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/product?catalog=ENTO-024">click here</a>.<br />
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This course will help you identify fleas and important tick species. It goes into the biology of these important parasites, and provides practical advice on control strategies and personal protection. Best of all, the class is designed to move quickly and keep you engaged as you learn.<br />
<br />
These two course represent the future of pesticide applicator training as we move into a post-COVID world. We will continue to embrace the use of more training technology while continuing to make use of face-to-face classes. Expect to see more online courses like this in the future. <br />
<br />
As a reminder, currently the Texas Department of Agriculture allows license holders to get credit for online CEUs <i>every other year</i>. If you used online CEUs last year, the Structural Pest Control Service (TDA) is allowing your to get your CEUs online again this year due to the COVID situation; however don't assume that will be allowed again. If you get even just <i>some </i>of your CEUs online this year, you will likely not be able to get CEUs remotely next year. I assume that these rules will continue to evolve as technology and the world adjusts to working remotely. <br />
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For our part, I know my extension colleagues and I are all committed to making online training less painful and more interactive. Other currently available online classes of interest to PMPs include:<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h3>
<ul>
<li><a class="itemcolor" href="https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/product?catalog=AGCH-010" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1779ba; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">20 Hour Structural Pest Control Apprentice Training Course</span></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a class="itemcolor" href="https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/product?catalog=ENTO-012" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1779ba; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">6 Hour School IPM Course for TDA</span></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1779ba; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;"><a class="itemcolor" href="https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/product?catalog=ENTO-003" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1779ba; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;">Ants 101</a></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a class="itemcolor" href="https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/product?catalog=AGCH-013" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1779ba; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Texas Lawn and Ornamental Pest Management</span></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a class="itemcolor" href="https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/product?catalog=ENTO-022" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1779ba; font-weight: normal; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">School IPM Refresher</span></a></li>
</ul>
</h3>
<br />
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-88715058959723793212020-06-21T18:14:00.000-05:002020-06-21T18:14:30.472-05:00Keep lookingCigarette and drugstore beetles can be some of the most frustrating pests to deal with. Aside from putting out pheromone traps to try and pinpoint the origin of beetles in the house, and a good initial inspection, much of the work will have to be done by your customer.<br />
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A recent email from Devin Osborne of Osborne Pest and Turf in Austin, TX illustrates the problem. A new customer called with a persistent problem of small brown beetles he thought were emerging from an old headboard. Rule number one: Don't assume the customer is right when it comes to diagnosing a pest. For insect identification nothing beats a good microscope or hand lens and ID guides. And keep an open mind about the likely source of an insect problem regardless of the customer thinks. <br />
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Devin did trust his field guides and experience, and diagnosed the problem as drugstore beetle. The question remained, where are they coming from? A good PMP knows that no amount of insecticide spraying can solve a stored product pest problem. Getting to the source is essential.<br />
<br />
The customer took Devin's advice and went through "everything from grain to leather". The only real clue was that they only showed up in the adjoining master bedroom, master bathroom and closet. Other rooms in the house appeared to be pest-free. Rule number two: Don't assume it is not a stored product pest just because it's not in the kitchen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ-4GtPwApxkfrqiyEyu6gaEvV_mLArOzjclio_OC6zTndT6NuORZSY0UZiF8WKaKnGmmq8CwBWjKC9XmvVJ79JkxwkixwYPCWJqrAYcaj4JgxFj-2E7cEXQAlXrsjyyCRN6WGi592kk/s1600/IMG_5412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ-4GtPwApxkfrqiyEyu6gaEvV_mLArOzjclio_OC6zTndT6NuORZSY0UZiF8WKaKnGmmq8CwBWjKC9XmvVJ79JkxwkixwYPCWJqrAYcaj4JgxFj-2E7cEXQAlXrsjyyCRN6WGi592kk/s320/IMG_5412.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perfect protected feeding place for drugstore<br />
beetles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWTIeMpIs23Ji8o59K5rdW3FFXeHWpfgSgVcFyARIFDPglgZGfDc-wR6LSpcL-B1RrkM8kUVxgTxY_9UMzU70Xw4R_6d0mfWhKXNK3tHY_CV5DpMhCU2wPCW7en8LP6J1u-1bCMCyL1Q/s1600/IMG_5408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWTIeMpIs23Ji8o59K5rdW3FFXeHWpfgSgVcFyARIFDPglgZGfDc-wR6LSpcL-B1RrkM8kUVxgTxY_9UMzU70Xw4R_6d0mfWhKXNK3tHY_CV5DpMhCU2wPCW7en8LP6J1u-1bCMCyL1Q/s320/IMG_5408.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Booties contain linseed, one of many possible<br />
foods for cigarette beetle. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eventually, after encouraging the customer to keep looking--success. An old pair of slippers called "Hot Booties" were suspicious. After googling the manufacturer, the customer learned that the booties (designed to be put in the microwave to heat for toasty tootsies) were full of linseed. Rule number three: Exercise extreme caution when googling "hot booties". Children should probably not be present in the room when you do.<br />
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Of course linseed is a type of grain, and any grain or seed or meal is fair food for stored product pests like drugstore beetle. In fact, any type of spice (paprika is a favorite), grains, nuts, seeds, breakfast cereal, bread, pet food, even some drugs can be food for cigarette and drugstore beetles. These two species are some of the least discriminating stored product pest feeders.<br />
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Other situations to look for:<br />
<ul>
<li>taxidermy</li>
<li>old rodent bait packets or stations</li>
<li>old kid's art project</li>
<li>accumulations of dead insects in lights</li>
<li>chili pepper decorations</li>
<li>cigars and cigarettes</li>
<li>furniture stuffing</li>
<li>potpourri </li>
</ul>
<div>
And when the homeowner insists that there is no food source nearby, tell them to keep looking. If you have any unusual places you have discovered stored product pests, I'd love to hear them. Just add a comment in the comment section below.</div>
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Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-90175003141440640102020-06-16T17:36:00.000-05:002020-06-16T17:36:25.671-05:00Tiny insects tell stories<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PPPZoUsTK3WjX2zthcfLXUylzBK4OwXegE9ThsIEhvlsIfUT1jTqWFm7tp3RncDW0osfPP8E7Z9JYbftIe4ydSaWdo7RTDQgUQ9olE1mGG1CTOG5s67NPQCyelb8w8SICrzr2kNQjoY/s1600/plaster+beetles+from+Mallis+IMG_8768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1600" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PPPZoUsTK3WjX2zthcfLXUylzBK4OwXegE9ThsIEhvlsIfUT1jTqWFm7tp3RncDW0osfPP8E7Z9JYbftIe4ydSaWdo7RTDQgUQ9olE1mGG1CTOG5s67NPQCyelb8w8SICrzr2kNQjoY/s400/plaster+beetles+from+Mallis+IMG_8768.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A variety of beetles with similar feeding behaviors, sometimes collectively<br />called "plaster beetles". Drawing from <u>Mallis Handbook of Pest Control</u>.<br />These are tiny beetles ranging in size from 1-3 mm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Who doesn't love a story? Humans are suckers for narratives, so it's natural we should be interested when insects have their own stories to tell. Especially when they are tiny insects that come from, seemingly, out of nowhere.<br />
<br />
Among the insects I've been seeing lately are a group of beetles historically called "plaster beetles" or "mold beetles". Though no longer a very accurate moniker (since joint compound has mostly replaced plaster in construction), plaster beetles feed on the fungi and mold spores found on building materials (including plaster and gypsum) after being exposed to rain and humidity during construction. The most common plaster and mold beetles come from the families Lathridiidae and Cryptophagidae (the Latin translation of which means "hidden feeders"). According to Smith and Whitman in the <u>NPMA Field Guide to Structural Pests</u>, these beetles can also become serious pests in otherwise squeaky-clean pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, canning and bottling facilities.<br />
<br />
In Frank Meek's chapter on occasional invaders in the <u>Mallis Handbook of Pest Control</u>, he notes that the life cycle of plaster beetles can be completed in as little as 13 to 28 days. That's pretty fast for an insect, and it explains how hundreds or thousands of tiny beetles can "suddenly" appear, coming from the walls and flooring of new homes. These beetles can also show up in older homes when moisture and high humidity occur.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5pla96z94kRrqiVsWWAT_iUDbxoGmMqYMZSIiPSGjbL-2AtxA8zM-9K2YMphfvVajVgX6eqvpmpqdKMzZWCb6TDL_0DVuJwaRgqg-Qsvpll-ZCkIvkxvxttASjLtvZVnY5Zvm3eE4wc/s1600/unknown+larvae+from+flooring+IMG_6093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5pla96z94kRrqiVsWWAT_iUDbxoGmMqYMZSIiPSGjbL-2AtxA8zM-9K2YMphfvVajVgX6eqvpmpqdKMzZWCb6TDL_0DVuJwaRgqg-Qsvpll-ZCkIvkxvxttASjLtvZVnY5Zvm3eE4wc/s320/unknown+larvae+from+flooring+IMG_6093.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny (0.75 mm) beetle larvae swept up from a wood floor with <br />moisture "issues". The likely diagnosis is some kind of plaster or mold<br />beetle. Within weeks adult beetles will be infesting the home and<br />puzzling everyone as to their identity. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have always wanted to see (but never have seen) the immature stages of these beetles feeding in walls on building materials; and I've never heard of anyone else having seen them either. Our deductions about what plaster and mold beetles are doing indoors are based on these beetles' biology, what they are known to feed on, and accounts of when and how the adult beetles appear. <br />
<br />
I recently received a sample from a PMP that comes close to providing "smoking gun" evidence for how these beetles come to infest buildings. The sample consisted of thousands of the tiniest larvae swept up from a wooden floor (see picture). As expected, the floor reportedly had moisture issues. Somewhere, hidden under the glued-down flooring of that home, I imagined millions of "plaster beetles" breeding while feeding on mold spores and fungi associated with the slowly rotting wood.<br />
<br />
Most plaster beetle problems can be solved by eliminating the source of moisture (and patience). In new homes that were exposed to the elements during construction, properly designed and installed HVAC systems should eventually drive down humidity in the walls and floors. It may take multiple months, but eventually these beetles will disappear as molds desiccate and go dormant.<br />
<br />
Wooden floors glued to concrete slab foundations pose a different challenge, as my wife and I learned the hard way. We paid a contractor who assured us he had successfully installed many wood floors as glue downs on concrete slab foundations (the most common house foundation in our area). A few months after installation we noticed cupping and buckling of the new floor. A moisture meter showed high (up to 20%) moisture in parts of the installed flooring. We had no water leaks under the house, but natural moisture exists under any concrete slab. We got off relatively easily by pulling up all warped sections of flooring, putting down a chemical moisture barrier (usually epoxy or urethane based), reinstalling the wood and having the whole floor hand-scraped to hide further imperfections. Over ten years later we've not had any more problems, but I learned my lesson. There are plenty of contractors out there who do not plan for moisture, and hardwood floors will fail because of it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0d03nMOMI9EAxqcu42aMMJ59TndaiFvA0OFaxEN9GRuWeOp1Acnso-reOv9xulVnCnifBhcmjLqk6OmdASaJ05-gVS3npZPR48gVUOAE4jJ1iMyu_-d2aX__AXXfpRcxXW6zdz7uHBI/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0d03nMOMI9EAxqcu42aMMJ59TndaiFvA0OFaxEN9GRuWeOp1Acnso-reOv9xulVnCnifBhcmjLqk6OmdASaJ05-gVS3npZPR48gVUOAE4jJ1iMyu_-d2aX__AXXfpRcxXW6zdz7uHBI/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unidentified cossonine weevil (2 mm) collected from a home with<br />moisture problems. The presence of similar-looking beetles<br />should alert PMPs to likely moisture issues. Note the elongated <br />face typical of weevils.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we didn't have insects associated with our wood flooring, some do. Besides plaster beetles, another insect that can occur in wood floors is a group called the "wood weevils". This is a name for beetles in the weevil subfamily Cossoninae. I find little written about these weevils in the scientific or pest control literature, but have seen evidence from several homes where these beetles are associated with moist wood. In nature these beetles are found in damp and rotting wood--presumably the same resource that draws these beetles indoors. Unlike termites, these wood weevils don't seem capable of feeding on dry, sound wood; so treatment consists of solving the moisture issue and replacing the damaged wood. These beetles are most likely to be confused with powderpost beetles, so look carefully before diagnosing.<br />
<br />
The next time you are faced with tiny beetles in a home that do not seem to fit the description of stored product pests, consider plaster beetles and wood weevils. They may be trying to tell you a story about your customer's home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-19486929303286759162020-05-12T17:37:00.000-05:002020-05-13T11:44:12.736-05:00What PMPs need to know about the Asian giant hornet<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFCWFxL3iu6kWm_bKNecNfuYB1u5lVEKJjXRAVLmY4tZvaZbK9ml30ihcGPi3j442NH1PniwPBhyphenhyphen_oreFuZeZEDb_8azTOdzkg69l1Oz43hyxlx878ty6uWfOX3CXoqpKFBpvSBMPyQ8/s1600/Asian+giant+hornet+V_mandarina_face_Baine+WSDA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFCWFxL3iu6kWm_bKNecNfuYB1u5lVEKJjXRAVLmY4tZvaZbK9ml30ihcGPi3j442NH1PniwPBhyphenhyphen_oreFuZeZEDb_8azTOdzkg69l1Oz43hyxlx878ty6uWfOX3CXoqpKFBpvSBMPyQ8/s320/Asian+giant+hornet+V_mandarina_face_Baine+WSDA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large yellow-orange head and dark eyes and dark thorax<br />
distinguish the Asian giant hornet from similar large wasps.<br />
Photo courtesy Washington State Department of Agriculture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If ever there was an insect pest designed to generate fear and panic, it would be the Asian giant hornet, <i>Vespula mandarinia</i>. The largest wasp in the world, with a sting once described like a hot nail being punched through the skin, we should give this wasp credit. It is one scary dude (or more accurately dude-ess).<br />
<br />
Adding to the hornet's fearsome reputation is it's impact on honey bees. One of the favored foods for the Asian giant hornet is the brood and workers of social wasps and bees, including honey bees. In the fall hornets start actively searching for bee and wasp nests. Once a nest is discovered, the hornets overpower the inhabitants, bite off their heads and consume the brood and honey [in the case of honey bees].<br />
<br />
Commercial honey bee apiaries are especially vulnerable to hornet attack because of the close spacing of hives. An apiary can quickly turn into a scene of pillage and destruction as wasps move from hive to hive.<br />
<br />
So that's the essence of the bad news that you can read in most media accounts of the hornet. Here are a few things every PMP should know about this hornet as you talk with your customers. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Background</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlhnb_fHd5YyoyOH4LX77MK2IMhWEvtvFttpQUU3YTL3QZFoim0pbrMp3zvzURbN8sSIhQ1fngEXg6tIvW2AjJnMF4ZNqCarBu1-2FCbMLDbQLiZU6e1G9V9BsjzJR5E-_IG25AIM_AI/s1600/Asian+giant+hornet+WSDA+dorsal_Baine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1024" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlhnb_fHd5YyoyOH4LX77MK2IMhWEvtvFttpQUU3YTL3QZFoim0pbrMp3zvzURbN8sSIhQ1fngEXg6tIvW2AjJnMF4ZNqCarBu1-2FCbMLDbQLiZU6e1G9V9BsjzJR5E-_IG25AIM_AI/s320/Asian+giant+hornet+WSDA+dorsal_Baine.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The largest wasp in the world, the Asian giant hornet is <br />
1 to 1 ½ inches long with a ¼ inch-long stinger. Photo<br />
courtesy Washington State Department of Agriculture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Asian giant hornet was first detected in September, 2019 on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, about 200 miles northwest of Seattle, WA. In December, three months later, a dead wasp was found in the small town of Blaine, Washington (100 miles north of Seattle) and reported to the Washington Department of Agriculture. It was confirmed as the first detection of <i>Vespa mandarinia</i> in the U.S. As of last February <a href="https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/PP/PestProgram/Vespa_mandarinia_NPRG_10Feb2020-(002).pdf">according to the USDA</a>, so far a total of six sightings have been confirmed from British Columbia and Washington State (September through December).<br />
<br />
<b>You need to know.</b> So far this wasp is <i>only </i>found in Washington State and British Columbia. There is practically zero chance that anyone outside northwest Washington and southern BC will encounter this wasp this year. Most of your experience with this wasp will be explaining to customers why they are <i>not </i>the first house in their state to get Asian giant hornets, aka "murder hornets" (more on identification tips below).<br />
<br />
<h4>
Spread</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZydhQEuTaDIrmjC_Fd-nZzgQ4YKif43wOphrb43xR93NtF8eZalFdXPeesIzTsD3bXew2xf687_vvVpO9jYVDg3xmk45H5C9b9SEHOJsWcZ2bcU4Vkjy8wqlM9wCh6ctI4JkPCssvj4g/s1600/Vespa+mandarinia+from+asia+and+WA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="899" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZydhQEuTaDIrmjC_Fd-nZzgQ4YKif43wOphrb43xR93NtF8eZalFdXPeesIzTsD3bXew2xf687_vvVpO9jYVDg3xmk45H5C9b9SEHOJsWcZ2bcU4Vkjy8wqlM9wCh6ctI4JkPCssvj4g/s320/Vespa+mandarinia+from+asia+and+WA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
Asian giant wasps from Japan (A, B), India (C.) and
Washington state <br />
(D) show some color variability, but all have the distinctive
yellow-orange <br />
head with dark eyes. Photo credits: Yasunori Koide, Wikimedia
Commons <br />
(A); Alpsdake, Wikimedia Commons (B); Chief Red Earth, <br />
https://indiabiodiversity.org
(C); Sven-Erik Spichiger, Washington State <br />
Department of Agriculture (D). Composite image from USDA <br />
APHIS response guidelines 2020.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Researchers are still unsure how the Asian giant hornet made its way to North America, but suspect that mated, overwintering queens may have been transported in soil-containing plant pots shipped from Asia. A similar route of entry was responsible for introducing another Asian hornet to France a few years ago. Recent genetic analyses suggest that the wasp was introduced on at least two occasions very recently.<br />
<br />
<b>You need to know. </b>Human transport of the wasp has occurred but it is likely a rare event. It is more difficult to transport a social insect, because it must be transported either as a mated queen or as an intact colony. Individual hornet workers do not survive long if separated from their colony. In my opinion, this means that, given reasonable precautions, we shouldn't expect rapid spread of this wasp throughout the states. On the other hand, it is estimated that the wasps would be capable of surviving in plant hardiness zones 6 and above, which means that about 2/3 of the U.S. may ultimately be capable of supporting this hornet.<br />
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Activity</h4>
Like our smaller, ground-nesting yellowjacket wasps, Asian giant hornets build underground nests that survive for one growing season. Queens leave the nest with the coming of cold weather and overwinter in protected hiding places until mid-spring when they emerge and hunt by themselves. Small colonies are formed and by early- to mid-summer worker wasps are produced and cooperative nest building proceeds. Not until fall do these wasps go on their campaigns of slaughter and occupation of bee hives.<br />
<br />
<b>You need to know.</b> Most people will face little risk of stings from Asian giant hornets. These insects are aggressively territorial only when their nest is disturbed. Nests are usually found in wooded areas and only occupied by guard hornets from mid-summer through the fall. If their biology turns out to be similar to our native yellowjacket wasps, most nest encounters (and stings) will occur after the nest grows in size in late summer and fall (September and October). There is a more limited time frame in the fall (October and November) when honey bee hives are at risk from attack by wasps. Fall will be the time to be most concerned about stings and beehive attacks from these wasps.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Identification</h4>
This may be the most useful information in this post, as most of a PMP's role will be reassuring the public that any big insects they see are NOT Asian giant hornets.<br />
<br />
Since this is the world's largest wasp, the first thing is to measure its length. Workers range from 20 to 40 mm-long (up to 1 ½ inches) and queens up to 45 mm (2 inches). While coloration patterns can differ, the most distinctive and prominent feature is the yellow head that contrasts with dark eyes and thorax. See this useful <a href="https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets/size-comparisons">chart published by the Washington State Department of Agriculture</a> and this training <a href="https://agrilife.org/citybugstest/files/2020/05/Asian-Giant-Hornet-Look-alikes-101-Xanthe-Shirley.pdf">slideset developed by USDA APHIS</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOKw_A-7i_bPm8yJZmRPF3XT7bpivsJX7MuqmYuGDNkN7K4NNtUdHep3vW6g5GXOAgHjBxeZCfyhKI4R-nH058O9BJiblBEubgcK03Iho3m6kokcZ9AxFTYm1ajYzEh53GoScfqfYX2I/s1600/Asian+giant+hornet+look-alikes+from+USDA+APHIS+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="908" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOKw_A-7i_bPm8yJZmRPF3XT7bpivsJX7MuqmYuGDNkN7K4NNtUdHep3vW6g5GXOAgHjBxeZCfyhKI4R-nH058O9BJiblBEubgcK03Iho3m6kokcZ9AxFTYm1ajYzEh53GoScfqfYX2I/s400/Asian+giant+hornet+look-alikes+from+USDA+APHIS+2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">North American social wasps similar to Vespa mandarinia.
(clockwise from left) A. European giant hornet (Vespa crabro); B. Bald-faced
hornet (Dolichovespula maculata); C. Western cicada killer (Sphecius grandis);
D. Eastern cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus); E. Pacific cicada killer
(Sphecius convallis). From New Pest Response Guidelines for Vespa mandarinia,
USDA APHIS, 2-2020.</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The closest relative of the Asian giant hornet is <i>Vespa crabro</i>, the European giant hornet. In the south and west, cicada killer wasps are the most common giant hornet look-alikes, reaching up to 1 ½ inches in length, but are generally more slender and lacking the large yellow-orange head and contrasting black eyes.<br />
<br />
<b>You need to know. </b>There are lots of big insects that people will mistake for Asian giant hornets. The chance of encountering one of these invasive hornets outside of Washington state is about zero right now. But be ready to put a name on the insects your customers will bring to you.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Hornet vs. Wasp</h4>
In this post I've used the terms hornet and wasp almost interchangeably. That is because hornets are a kind of wasp. The term wasp refers generally to any member of the insect order Hymenoptera that is not a bee or an ant. Most of the stinging wasps we think of as pests belong to the wasp family Vespidae. The term hornet refers to vespid wasps in the genus <i>Vespa</i>. In the U.S. we have only two species of hornet, the European giant hornet and (now) the Asian giant hornet. Despite its common name, the baldfaced hornet in the genus <i>Dolichovespula </i>is considered a type of yellowjacket wasp, so is not technically a hornet. <br />
<br />
<b>You need to know.</b> There are only two true hornets in the U.S., however, the smaller yellowjacket wasps and <i>Polistes </i>paper wasps are also social and will aggressively defend their nests like hornets and some bees. Any of these species can be considered pests when their nests are built in areas where people travel or live.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Control</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimllTV6GTXRmg5b27evwuM4r7a_ppFNJAd5c1OTuV-MBdDaqwf-2Aw8gGemjpS5OfYhh0n4zo88Nbw-qzgLc6Gkd2j6C45yHbo-ivKmEGqvdsMLsajDtjCV_ANvZVMtXgIRMdiRN4EBAM/s1600/Asian+giant+hornet+nest+removal+Nonaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="565" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimllTV6GTXRmg5b27evwuM4r7a_ppFNJAd5c1OTuV-MBdDaqwf-2Aw8gGemjpS5OfYhh0n4zo88Nbw-qzgLc6Gkd2j6C45yHbo-ivKmEGqvdsMLsajDtjCV_ANvZVMtXgIRMdiRN4EBAM/s320/Asian+giant+hornet+nest+removal+Nonaka.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese hornet-hunters wear special protective gear to excavate a nest. These special suits are designed to be slippery so the hornet cannot hold on; and are made of tough fabric that keeps stingers from penetrating. Note the use of smoke to calm the hornets while removing brood for human consumption. Photo credit Nonaka, 2008. From USDA APHIS 2020.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A variety of approaches have been taken to control the Asian giant hornet, but none seem capable of eradicating the pest at this time. The USDA APHIS recently published <a href="https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/PP/PestProgram/Vespa_mandarinia_NPRG_10Feb2020-(002).pdf">response guidelines for the Asian giant hornet</a> which includes a summary of different control measures with pros and cons of their use. Pest management professionals who encounter this hornet should be aware that traditional bee protective suits are not adequate protection for the one-quarter inch stingers carried by this hornet. In Japan special suits are sold ($700-$900) to protect people exterminating or digging up hornet colonies for food.<br />
<br />
<b>You need to know. </b>Killing individual wasps through baits or sprays will not control this species. Locating and exterminating the nest is what is being attempted in Washington state right now. Anyone who encounters a suspected Asian giant hornet should contact their state department of agriculture or a university entomologist. Do not attempt to remove or kill a suspected Asian giant hornet nest without adequate personal protective equipment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-64166016222316868832020-04-20T11:52:00.001-05:002020-04-20T15:13:54.150-05:00Kudzu bug: A new Texas pest... or not?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGj539LN8hnXWT8wgfojEOZqIOVK8R1i_jYwCY1Sl0gmuCd472SgJQliwjQFyU14YzNpvHL4bKtjyWfc15s7RQLdEDH3x7KCgPycdmsQETuqFklwFtrrJENlO3IbEVF9_t76Q8tS7InU/s1600/homeowneradults.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="833" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGj539LN8hnXWT8wgfojEOZqIOVK8R1i_jYwCY1Sl0gmuCd472SgJQliwjQFyU14YzNpvHL4bKtjyWfc15s7RQLdEDH3x7KCgPycdmsQETuqFklwFtrrJENlO3IbEVF9_t76Q8tS7InU/s320/homeowneradults.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kudzu bug has a unique ovoid shape. The wings<br />
are hidden under a shield-like scutellum, making<br />it look more like a beetle than a true bug. <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo <br />by Dan Suiter, University of Georgia. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In <a href="https://insectsinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/11/if-kudzu-wasnt-bad-enoughand-other.html">October 2009</a>, millions of small, pill-like bugs startled homeowners across nine counties in northeast Georgia. The never-before-seen insects covered the sides of homes by the thousands, and concerned citizens began calling Extension offices daily. Though puzzled at first, entomologists eventually identified the insect as "kudzu bug", an exotic insect never before seen in the U.S.<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://www.kudzubug.org/">kudzu bug</a>, <i>Megacopta cribraria</i>, is native to Asia, where it is widely distributed. As its name implies, its preferred host plant is the invasive weed, kudzu. No one knows how it got here, but like many invasive pests it made itself at home quickly. Highly mobile, within a year the kudzu bug had spread to 60 north and central Georgia counties. Two years later every county in the state had them.<br />
<br />
Last week Texas became the 14th state with verified populations of kudzu bug. Sharp-eyed county Extension agent Kim Benton reported kudzu bugs from a home garden in Rusk, TX, south of Tyler. The bugs were clustered on eggplant and other vegetables before being transplanted into the garden.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Description and damage</h4>
It is hard to mistake kudzu bug for anything else. The bug is beetle-like in appearance with a unique, four-sided, ovoid shape. It is greenish-brown and shiny, up to 1/4 inch-long (3.5-6 mm). It uses its piercing/sucking mouthparts to feeding on the sap of kudzu and other legumes.<br />
<br />
For soybean farmers and vegetable growers kudzu bug is another pest to battle. The bugs overwinter close to kudzu, their favorite food in the spring. But in summer they move into soybeans where they can cause significant yield reductions. To a lesser extent they feed and reproduce on sweet peas, snap beans, cowpeas, lima beans and wisteria. It may be seen on other plants as well, where it gathers temporarily, usually to move on in a day or so.<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Is it a good bug?</h4>
Anyone familiar with the weed kudzu will be excused for thinking that having kudzu bug might be a good thing. After all, one of the reasons kudzu is such a horrible weed is that few things eat it. Wouldn't it be good to have an insect to keep kudzu in its place?<br />
<br />
That's what the good folks in Georgia hoped. But according to Georgia extension entomologist Phillip Roberts, their optimism didn't last. "The first years we saw what we thought was a lessening of the kudzu problem. Other weeds seemed to be competing more effectively with the kudzu." But after a year, he said, the kudzu seemed unfazed. "There has not been any noticeable decline in kudzu growth since the beetle moved in."<br />
<br />
<h4>
A (minor) crossover pest</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefM783HqqenEQyLgiNZX8A5-MnYMtnGvm-ybJ5BPHj2JUnrSvFA2gzkkg-d4zhzjz3CdAa60_BxVA_jSbULZONfTS1BQHrkw54M4sIv_XrxBKWSEI-l-Jr55j6F2yXsYqRGWeprKiBuk/s1600/5407735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefM783HqqenEQyLgiNZX8A5-MnYMtnGvm-ybJ5BPHj2JUnrSvFA2gzkkg-d4zhzjz3CdAa60_BxVA_jSbULZONfTS1BQHrkw54M4sIv_XrxBKWSEI-l-Jr55j6F2yXsYqRGWeprKiBuk/s320/5407735.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kudzu bugs cover the eave of a home in Georgia. Photo by<br />
Dan Suiter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kudzu bug is one of very few agricultural pests that are structural pests as well. Problems in Georgia with kudzu bug are mostly restricted to homes near kudzu patches and soybean fields (rare) in Texas. According to Georgia extension entomologist Dan Suiter, unlike the multicolored Asian lady beetle, kudzu bugs are attracted to buildings in the fall but rarely come indoors. "We never really see them getting inside," he said.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, expect that some homeowners will be upset over thousands of bugs clustering on the outside of their homes, especially on white-painted gutters, siding and around windows. Also, the bugs have an odor and secrete a staining fluid when disturbed.<br />
<br />
Kudzu bug activity around structures is most noticeable in the fall. This is when bugs from nearby kudzu are seeking shelter and are attracted to homes. <br />
<br />
<h4>
How bad?</h4>
It's yet to be seen whether kudzu bug will become a noticeable pest in Texas, but indications from Georgia suggest it will not be a serious long-term pest. Because kudzu is less prevalent in Texas than Georgia and other southern states, the bug is likely to occur only in east Texas, and populations limited to start with. But at least<a href="https://entomologytoday.org/2018/02/02/another-natural-enemy-invasive-kudzu-bug-arrives-north-america/"> two egg parasitiods</a> (egg predators) <a href="https://www.caes.uga.edu/news-events/news/story.html?storyid=6203&story=Kudzu%20Bug%20Decline">and a fungus called <i>Beauveria bassiana</i></a>, have severely reduced the kudzu bug problem in Georgia and most southern states. After being overwhelmed with calls the first five year after the bug's discovery, today Suiter says he "doesn't see more than 20 bugs a year" brought into his office.<br />
<br />
Vegetable gardeners in counties with kudzu may be more bothered. Edamame, peas or other beans are susceptible to these bugs and may require treatment.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Control</h4>
If you are called on to manage kudzu bugs around a home, here are a few tips:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Focus on the outside of the building when controlling kudzu bugs--few bugs will be indoors, though caulking and sealing will also help in that regard. </li>
<li><a href="https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/ipm/ent-6003/">Pyrethroid insecticides</a> are generally effective against kudzu bugs. Bifenthrin and lambda-cyhalothrin are especially good in crop situations, according to Roberts. Suiter said his research shows <a href="https://pestcontrol.basf.us/products/alpine--wsg-water-soluble-granule-insecticide.html">Alpine WSG</a> (dinotefuran) also works well and has the added advantage of quickly killing the bugs, in seconds, eliminating the chance for unsightly aggregations to occur. </li>
<li>Look for, and treat, any crack or crevice where bugs are aggregating. Examples include: gaps behind siding and around windows and doors; high places (such as around soffits, fascia boards and gutters); even loose bark on nearby trees.</li>
<li>If kudzu is present outside the home, use a herbicide to remove it, preferably during the spring or summer. This can help reduce the numbers of bugs coming to the outside of the home in the fall.</li>
</ul>
<br />
If you find what you believe are kudzu bugs we would love to see a clear photo. Also save specimens to bring to your county Extension office for official confirmation. This can help us track the spread of kudzu bug within the state.<br />
<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-80713120428506213822020-03-17T16:02:00.003-05:002020-03-17T16:02:54.623-05:00Coronavirus strikes training classes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8zyDvVZyPueBFU1PIqC3yOZFXMbNGon5f2mF6rB-UUnYO_RQZUCUwMBB8BUzgbwx26WxtesF3Z2S3QuwnfFS8ddtR9D4YlNZg5ENRzbsYQ2Q1Z3n2gnzn9U55MNmqHNxqAgy4kJyn3U/s1600/flattening+the+curve+-+CDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="745" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8zyDvVZyPueBFU1PIqC3yOZFXMbNGon5f2mF6rB-UUnYO_RQZUCUwMBB8BUzgbwx26WxtesF3Z2S3QuwnfFS8ddtR9D4YlNZg5ENRzbsYQ2Q1Z3n2gnzn9U55MNmqHNxqAgy4kJyn3U/s400/flattening+the+curve+-+CDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The strategy behind today's protective measures of hygiene, social<br />distancing, and reducing human interaction is called "flattening<br />the curve". This is why Extension programming is being <br />temporarily suspended. Adapted from CDC/The Economist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Who would have believed, even one week ago, that coronavirus would dominate our lives so quickly and severely? This sort of thing is something that happens to other countries, not ours. Yet here we are.<br />
<br />
The reality of coronavirus hit home to me last week when we realized that we couldn't follow through with our plans to offer a long-planned mosquito control class as part of our <a href="https://ipmhouse.tamu.edu/">IPM Experience House </a>class curricula. Texas A&M AgriLife and our local campus have moved to emergency mode, effectively shutting most training classes down for the foreseeable future.<br />
<br />
In addition to IPM House classes, upcoming school IPM coordinator training courses are similarly affected. We are cautiously considering whether we may be able to offer classes in May and June.<br />
<br />
It took me a while to grasp the significance of the coronavirus shutdown strategy; but for what it's worth, here are a few facts and links that turned me around this week.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Understanding that the <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center">COVID-19 is not just another seasonal flu</a>. It's a disease with <a href="https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/3/12/21172040/coronavirus-covid-19-virus-charts">4 to 7X higher mortality rate than the flu</a> and longer persistence in the environment than the flu (up to 3 days on stainless steel and plastic). Maybe worst of all, people (especially children) who catch it can be contagious without even realizing they are sick. </li>
<li>We don't hear a lot about the plight of those who catch this virus and recover (not as gripping in headlines), but this is not a virus to take lightly. Early reports suggest the possibility of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-recovery-damage-lung-function-gasping-air-hong-kong-doctors-2020-3">chronic lung impairment in some recovering COVID-19 patients</a>. </li>
<li>Yeah, it sounded bad in China, but look at Italy. In Italy, where health care systems are more similar to our own but where quarantine actions were slow to be adopted, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/world/europe/12italy-coronavirus-health-care.html">a crisis situation developed with lightning speed in emergency rooms</a> of afflicted areas. And if you think Italy's health care is inferior to our own, consider one statistic. In hospital beds per 1,000 people, Italy leads the US 3.2 to 2.8. Anyone thinking that our doctors and hospitals could do better in the face of overwhelming numbers of cases as in Italy would be wrong. </li>
<li>Thankfully, there is a strategy behind the "stay at home" message we are hearing so much about. It's called <a href="https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-flatten-the-curve.html">flattening the curve</a>, and it's based on the impact that self isolation and social distancing can have on the speed of spread of COVID-19. While it may seem inevitable that some of us will get the virus, by reducing our exposure to others we can slow the rate of virus spread. And if we do this, we might be able to spare our health care system the tsunami of cases seen in Italy. </li>
<li>Our country rightly invests billions of dollars each year in science and health care. It's time to listen to those smart folks who have dedicated their lives and their intellects to understanding health and illness and the spread of disease. They don't know everything, of course, but they know a lot more than us non-health professionals know. </li>
</ul>
<div>
So for all these reasons, I am working this week in an empty building with plenty of social distance around me. We use hand sanitizer, wash our hands regularly and stay away from large gatherings including, unfortunately, classes where we might otherwise be training some of you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let us pray for our communities and our nation, and look forward to celebrating a return to face to face interactions in a matter of weeks. Be assured that our IPM training classes will resume as soon as possible. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-84298567280348892872020-03-17T14:38:00.000-05:002020-03-17T14:38:14.957-05:00Loving it with fleasI love my job--especially when I get to identify tiny insects that no one else wants to look at. I recently received an insect from a gentleman whose daughter had been bitten at home. I could tell immediately we were dealing with a flea--usually a routine identification to confirm that the tiny insect was a cat flea. But this specimen was different, and prompted a closer look. What fun!<br />
<br />
Before I let the "cat flea" out of the bag, one of the fleas below was the flea I saw this week. Can you identify which is the one that was not a cat flea? (Hint: it doesn't have anything to do with the color, length of the body, or shape of the flea)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJz06Ixd3EFN8GyFvGdJ5YaREX6VfZwmqbIc0lurGEVN5TzWZ7J-kw79KTFIyD3aVnG31gVaYdr66tT6dcSzk7ELFWS4_8SOeSBmLujiFnic_AG0GPefYqJKGWqhE_eZTmr9IKO9Zf2U/s1600/flea+comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Two adult fleas. Human flea on left, cat flea on right." border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJz06Ixd3EFN8GyFvGdJ5YaREX6VfZwmqbIc0lurGEVN5TzWZ7J-kw79KTFIyD3aVnG31gVaYdr66tT6dcSzk7ELFWS4_8SOeSBmLujiFnic_AG0GPefYqJKGWqhE_eZTmr9IKO9Zf2U/s400/flea+comparison.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on image for a better view. Photos by M. Merchant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
If you guessed the flea on the left was my mystery flea, you'd be correct. But did you guess right for the right reason? <br />
<br />
First, it wasn't the legs. Both fleas are "host fleas", which means they live most of their adult lives on a host. Host fleas must have strong jumping legs to gain access to this host. Nest fleas, on the other hand, live in the nests of their hosts (usually rodents or birds), only living on the host long enough to take a blood meal and returning to the nest after dinner. Nest fleas rely less on jumping and and more on crawling within the nest to feed, so the third pair of legs is more like the second pair in size. <br />
<br />
The big difference between these two fleas is the presence or absence of dark, comb-like bristles on the face and behind the head. The cat flea has combs both above the mouth (called a genal comb) and on the tail-edge of the first thoracic segment (pronotal comb) behind the head. Fleas with <i>both </i>genal and pronotal combs are relatively rare, narrowing down their probable identity considerably. Most fleas found indoors with two combs like this in homes are either cat fleas, <i>Ctenocephalides felis</i>, or dog fleas, <i>Ctenocephalides canis</i>. <br />
<br />
The flea on the left lacks both a genal and a pronotal comb, ruling out cat flea. This flea is a human flea, <i>Pulex irritans</i>. The human flea, like the cat flea, has many potential hosts including small mammals, canines, pigs, humans, and even burrowing owls. <br />
<br />
Entomologists have identified over 2,500 different kinds of fleas from around the world. Most of these fleas are highly fussy about their food, feeding on the blood of only one or a few closely related kinds of hosts. These two fleas are exceptions. Besides cats, the cat flea gladly feeds on dogs, opossums, raccoons (two frequent wildlife hosts that can bring fleas into homes when pets are not present), foxes, skunks, cattle, rats and rabbits, to name a few. [Curiously, squirrels do not seem to be a listed host of cat fleas, so are not likely to be the source of fleas in homes with no cats or dogs.]<br />
<br />
Why worry about flea identification? Because flea ID may provide clues to a possible source of a flea problem. If fleas found in a home or on a pet are <i>not </i>cat fleas, it's possible that the fleas are coming from rodents or other wildlife. For example, rat fleas may suggest a rat or mouse infestation. Rat fleas may pose greater risk for the homeowner from flea-borne illness such as murine typhus, or even (more rarely) plague, though the cat flea is not without its own risks. Cat fleas on opossums have been associated with increased cases of murine typhus in California and Texas and other areas. Cat scratch disease may also be carried by cat fleas.<br />
<br />
The following key is provided by the Centers for Disease Control (reprinted in the <u>Mallis Handbook of Pest Control</u>) and can help you identify some of the more common fleas found in structures or on pets. Combs can usually be seen by the practiced eye with a good 10X handlens. If you want to see other features in this key, however, you'll need a microscope. A 12X magnification will show genal and pronotal combs; but 25X to 50X is needed to see smaller characters shown on the key. <br />
<br />
If you do not see pronotal and genal combs on a flea collected in a home, and do not have a good microscope, it's best to save some specimens in either 70% ethanol or rubbing alcohol. Specimens can then be sent to an entomologist for positive identification. Five or more pointed teeth on both the genal and pronotal sites will narrow any flea found on a pet or in a building down to a cat or dog flea, both of which have similar host ranges and control measures. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgcwViegCxODB85bAml9nlKyGRNDAXw6wJROpX14NfCECjhKpFSnKyKVxQKhE5Wpwi7iDG7_bwDXIz-ksOtZ0rxd86mjr3T1hzN5dFez5PyNBBhlccmCT4BLdNIzhLjtPWzeKI9PSOaE/s1600/Flea+Key+CDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="CDC Pictorial key to adult fleas" border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgcwViegCxODB85bAml9nlKyGRNDAXw6wJROpX14NfCECjhKpFSnKyKVxQKhE5Wpwi7iDG7_bwDXIz-ksOtZ0rxd86mjr3T1hzN5dFez5PyNBBhlccmCT4BLdNIzhLjtPWzeKI9PSOaE/s400/Flea+Key+CDC.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on key for a better view. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next time you get your hands on some fleas, take a closer look. Check for combs and use the key. I predict you'll get that same thrill of satisfaction entomologists get when being able to put a name on something that most people can barely see. Your customers will be impressed too.<br />
<br />
<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-60328786433845427562020-02-12T11:51:00.000-06:002020-02-12T11:52:09.225-06:00Termite season (and training needs) around the corner<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH07gz-7S013sBT4RiAa9lQ6UTxWfiumNO-L8RRqfPHo7vThA5tO5RtnrVUJz0SHaY3UTJMI121v3QhwMq55FX8BnnQHpXGEN5jJCiAOBfx7h0RnkUwzeF2-Je9QbpdxZJRby772jQAE/s1600/IMG_4717b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH07gz-7S013sBT4RiAa9lQ6UTxWfiumNO-L8RRqfPHo7vThA5tO5RtnrVUJz0SHaY3UTJMI121v3QhwMq55FX8BnnQHpXGEN5jJCiAOBfx7h0RnkUwzeF2-Je9QbpdxZJRby772jQAE/s320/IMG_4717b.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Davis suggests tips for better termite barriers<br />
with participant at the 2019 termite class.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It doesn't take a PhD to predict that termite season is likely to arrive early this year. Record warm temperatures and abundant rain are already stirring the pots of pest activity in Texas, so all pest control companies should be gearing up now for a busy and early year.<br />
<br />
If your company is hiring new staff this spring, or needs to get existing technicians cross-trained for termite season, this class is for you. IPM House will be offering a one-day, 2020 Termite Training for New Technicians class on February 28. Dr. Bob Davis, BASF Corporation, and Kevin Keim of Corteva, will be assisting our team with an interactive course in termite biology and control.<br />
<br />
If you've not yet attended an IPM Experience House course, this is a great opportunity to get involved. All IPM House classes are an interactive mix of both classroom and field training. The training day includes lecture and Q&A with top experts, microscope exercises and hands-on activities at the IPM House itself.<br />
<br />
We especially welcome PMPs from other parts of Texas and out of state to attend and become part of the IPM Experience House alumni.<br />
<br />
At $55 for the day, including lunch, this course is a bargain. To learn more about this month's class, please check out our registration page at <a href="https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3076">https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3076</a>Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-9346492380970520592020-01-23T16:08:00.000-06:002020-01-23T16:08:36.091-06:00Spring IPM Conference registration opens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkOai4J0ZPCuSwSc93RGMYunCywJKTfCjMq2oMqi2ETfiV6kkqMbEiFq6kq074QYe6SorQABi6nrPPdinjV0BQgV8yMshOcE0Q3oPGyiCgPHOGCn6x9FyO0qEACKnxem13UGRmyIOH18/s1600/IMG_2986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkOai4J0ZPCuSwSc93RGMYunCywJKTfCjMq2oMqi2ETfiV6kkqMbEiFq6kq074QYe6SorQABi6nrPPdinjV0BQgV8yMshOcE0Q3oPGyiCgPHOGCn6x9FyO0qEACKnxem13UGRmyIOH18/s400/IMG_2986.JPG" width="400" /></a>For anyone who needs structural or ag CEU credits in the area of turf and ornamental pest management, 2020 Spring IPM Conference registration is now open.<br />
<br />
This year's program will focus on how pesticides accomplish the challenging task of controlling pests. It's not as easy or as simple as you might think!<br />
<br />
Dr. Christopher Bibbs with Central Life Sciences will talk on how insecticides work. Our Dallas turfgrass extension specialist, Dr. Chrissie Segars, will cover modes of action of herbicides. And Scott Smith, Bell Labs, will review rodents and how rodenticides work. In addition, Janet Hurley, our school IPM program specialist, will be providing the latest updates on what's going on with re-certification rules and pesticide regulations. And I will review those common, and not-so-common insects associated with turfgrass.<br />
<br />
Our challenge every year is to make sure when you attend an IPM Conference, you leave with at least one useful piece of knowledge. There will be lots to learn at this meeting, so register now by going to <a href="https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/IPM" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/IPM</a>. As usual, a great lunch will be provided.<br />
<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-71151308981115027162020-01-16T14:55:00.000-06:002020-01-16T16:41:14.284-06:00Pavement ant gets a new name<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GbUV5Jr1VD_E64p8w2RGMHzmYbk8cDlmwIFjzJQFp5cCux-a0MvphaqxKye5fmjyb38b_8cA6nerPhVN8zVRUOHo06TaFeljAFRdxGBCBVGB1eQFV8ZoTdSR6tSXV6ITuHJ0oDWnFSQ/s1600/Tetramorium+nest+by+Alex+Wild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GbUV5Jr1VD_E64p8w2RGMHzmYbk8cDlmwIFjzJQFp5cCux-a0MvphaqxKye5fmjyb38b_8cA6nerPhVN8zVRUOHo06TaFeljAFRdxGBCBVGB1eQFV8ZoTdSR6tSXV6ITuHJ0oDWnFSQ/s320/Tetramorium+nest+by+Alex+Wild.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tetramorium immigrans</i> nest. Photo by Alex Wild.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
A few years ago I was called to a home in the Dallas area to look at a stubborn "fire ant" problem. Indeed the numerous mounds did look much like fire ant mounds, and the red ants like fire ants; but closer inspection showed the ants to be pavement ants. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The name "pavement ant" comes from its preference for nesting in open, well-drained gravelly soil typical of sites under sidewalks and other pavement. By building roads and laying concrete throughout our cities it seems we have created the perfect habitat for these ants. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Temperate climates, like those of the Northern and Midwestern states, are especially favorable to pavement ants. In some states, pavement ants are the most common household ant, foraging for crumbs and swarming indoors like termites or carpenter ants. Though less common in Texas, I suspect pavement ants are more common than we realize, often being mistaken for fire ants. </div>
<div>
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<div>
According to <a href="https://bugguide.net/node/view/44800">BugGuide.net</a>, there are seven native and introduced species of <i>Tetramorium </i>in the U.S. and 455 species worldwide. By far the most common and widespread species has, until recently, been referred to as <i>Tetramorium caespitum </i>or, more mysteriously, "<i>Tetramorium </i>species E". This is the only <i>Tetramorium</i> that is a common urban nuisance pest.<br />
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It's not common to have an important pest insect whose identity remains a mystery for almost 100 years since it was first recorded. It turns out that the genus to which pavements ants belong is a real "brier patch" of related and difficult-to-tell-apart species. Taxonomists who have studied the group have realized as much and out of frustration have been calling our pest pavement ant "species E" within the <i>T. caespitum</i> "brier patch". That has now changed. </div>
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Two recent papers clarified the identity of these common ants, and they required some ingenious sleuthing to do it. A <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322663055_Light_at_the_end_of_the_tunnel_Integrative_taxonomy_delimits_cryptic_species_in_the_Tetramorium_caespitum_complex_Hymenoptera_Formicidae">paper by Herbert Wagner and colleagues</a> used a combination of two kinds of DNA, numerous body features and ecological observations to untangle the briers obscuring the <i>Tetramorium </i>species in Europe. When they finished they (in a very scientific way) said "Phew!" and noted that it took six types of analysis to solve the "highly intricate" problem of identifying the European <i>Tetramorium</i>. Without both molecular (DNA) studies and studying the morphological features of the ants, they never would have solved the puzzle. </div>
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The new name of the American pest pavement ant is <i>Tetramorium immigrans</i>, an appropriate name since our pest turns out to be an immigrant from Europe. Very similar in appearance to the <i>Tetramorium caespitum</i> first described and named by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, a group of researchers based in Florida and led by Yuanmeng Zhang recently studied the genetics of <i>Tetramorium immigrans</i> populations in the U.S. In <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2019.00453/full">Zhang's study</a>, molecular evidence was taken from 90 samples collected across the country by mostly school children using Pecan Sandies® cookie crumbs to attract the ants. The lack of genetic diversity among all the samples collected suggests strongly that all of today's ants came from a one-time introduction, perhaps as long as 200 years ago. </div>
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<h3>
What's in a Name?</h3>
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Why is knowing the name of an insect important? Because IPM is important. Integrated pest management is the definition of modern, effective pest control. One of the key principles of IPM is that control methods should be based on knowledge of the biology and behavior of the pest. Without knowing what pest you are facing, its impossible to know with any certainty the lives and behaviors (and weaknesses) of any pest. </div>
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Knowing the right species of ant will also help in selecting an appropriate bait. In the case of pavement ants, the Advion® Fire Ant Bait has a label that includes pavement ant. In the case of the Dallas home with fire ants, Advion® performed well against that infestation. </div>
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<h3>
Recognizing Pavement Ants</h3>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavement ant. Note the two node segments between thorax and gaster, two <br />
small spines toward the end of the thorax, and parallel grooves on<br />
the head and body. Color ranges from light brown to black. From the<br />
<u>Ant Identification Guide</u> by Bayer Environmental Science. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So how do you recognize pavement ants? Determining <i>Tetramorium</i> ants to an exact species can be a challenge and requires a very fine microscope. Fortunately, the genus is not hard to identify with a hand lens or modest microscope. And most <i>Tetramorium </i>found in urban settings and as indoor pests in the U.S. will be <i>T. immigrans</i>. </div>
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Pavement ants are in the ant subfamily Myrmycinae. Like all myrmycines, pavement ants have stingers (rarely used) and two small nodes (bumps) between the thorax and gaster (tail segment). In addition, look for two small spines on the last segment of the thorax. Color may range from light brown to black, and all the workers from a given nest will be the same size (monomorphic). Pavement ants may superficially look like fire ants but they are generally slower, less aggressive when their mound is disturbed, and do not sting. </div>
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Knowing what kind of ant, or any insect, you have in hand is essential to everything we do in pest control. And having taxonomists working behind the scenes to figure out what pests we have is a real benefit to our industry.</div>
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Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-91002809215471444282019-11-27T18:05:00.000-06:002019-12-02T13:28:52.716-06:00Society meeting highlights risks of ignoring science<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7YdFeF05zEpzqEFwhM1IejSQn-01RZROUnmG0LjNb6qIYNjQimQL0LzIXOJOu8sBl4GHMX7SFmTw7qSSZ5KrEA0EciPCQD4pE6KawOFMb-z9ECXRgokVRRsqAinnF14OmvCJpKwNNXQ/s1600/IMG_1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7YdFeF05zEpzqEFwhM1IejSQn-01RZROUnmG0LjNb6qIYNjQimQL0LzIXOJOu8sBl4GHMX7SFmTw7qSSZ5KrEA0EciPCQD4pE6KawOFMb-z9ECXRgokVRRsqAinnF14OmvCJpKwNNXQ/s320/IMG_1297.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
We ignore science, including the study of insects, at our own peril. This was an underlying message in session after session of the 2019 Annual Conference of the Entomological Society of America.<br />
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This year's ESA conference, just a few minutes' walk from the iconic St. Louis Arch, was my first business visit to the the city where I spent most of my growing up years. Out for a jog on the first day of the meeting I remembered as a kid watching workers fit last shiny aluminum triangle into place at the top of the Arch shortly after my family arrived. I admit I felt a little old when I realized the Arch turned 55 this year.<br />
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<h4>
Glorious flies</h4>
As glorious as technology can appear to the human eye, I was quickly reminded that insects are just as cool, and have been around a lot longer than any arch. The plenary session speaker was <b>Janet McAlister</b>, British author of the book <u><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-life-of-flies-erica-mcalister/1126072675">The Secret Life of Flies</a></u>. With a generous dash of humor, McAlister breezed through story after story of amazing flies. One in ten living species on the planet is a fly, she said, with 17 million individual flies for every living human. Flies are also beautiful when you get close enough.<br />
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We can thank the fruit fly, <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>, a pest of kitchens and hospitals around the country, for its contributions to our modern understanding of genetics and the genes associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.<br />
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Flies are important pollinators too. A type of biting midge is also the sole pollinator of <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma_cacao">Theobroma cacao</a></i>, our plant source for chocolate. No flies? No more chocolate.<br />
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And as McAlister pointed out, at times even crime fighters depend on flies. The first murder solved with the assistance of insects was the strange case of <a href="http://aboutforensics.co.uk/buck-ruxton/">Dr. Buck Ruxton in England in 1935</a>. Ruxton was convicted of murdering his wife and servant after the fly maggots found in his victims' decaying bodies were used to estimate the approximate time of the murder. And as any fan of television's CSI shows will tell you, flies are used for the same purpose today. For some fantastic images of flies, check out <a href="http://gilwizen.com/photography/diptera/">Gil Wizen's photography page</a> (featured in many of McAlister's slides).<br />
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<h4>
The coming Insect Apocalypse?</h4>
It's not too often that I see reference made to the Bible in a scientific paper, much less a meeting; but this year's buzz-phrase for many attendees was "insect apocalypse." One of the better attended symposia was devoted to <i>Insect Decline in the Anthropocene</i> (the Anthropocene is a scientific term for the man-dominated biological/geological era we are in today). While I missed several talks in this session while darting between papers, the central message was clear. Something is happening to insect populations around the world, and it's not good.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGTna6FwsTiGrPYgMEMBuszo9k_hRa_3RaXtcW3kWfRpNjMmn8jeUSWhiJxSwCQtGmVxqGd5BH83_NbvQdslx0CvBO8hixrSIyTzxgPUKqME83rf2bGA-o3UUnAJHXoXuxlxfhJ35hz8/s1600/honey+bee+woodcut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGTna6FwsTiGrPYgMEMBuszo9k_hRa_3RaXtcW3kWfRpNjMmn8jeUSWhiJxSwCQtGmVxqGd5BH83_NbvQdslx0CvBO8hixrSIyTzxgPUKqME83rf2bGA-o3UUnAJHXoXuxlxfhJ35hz8/s400/honey+bee+woodcut.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Among concerns of attendees are declines in many kinds of <br />
wild bees, sometimes referred to as a "Beepocalypse"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Hans deKroon</b>, from Radboud University in the Netherlands reported on the results of a 27 year study of insect densities in 63 German nature preserves. Using the same sampling method and places for sampling in relatively unchanged parklands between 1989 and 2016, the researchers documented a 76% decline in the total weight of insects (biomass) caught in traps over this time. The surprising thing was that declines were seen across all sites with all kinds of insects--not just a few. The authors attribute some of the decline to land fragmentation (sites were often close to agricultural land), but also possibly pesticides and climate change.<br />
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<b>David Wagner</b>, University of Connecticut, reported a similar 70% decline in moths of pristine New England forests. The decline, he said, averages 1-2% per year and is across a large region. The only explanation is some kind of broad external cause(s). Beyond increasing global temperatures, possible causes for loss of moths and butterflies include nitrification, light pollution, exotic insects, and car strikes.<br />
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So what are the consequences of such large declines in insect biomass? I mean shouldn't we be rejoicing in fewer insects if this means fewer pests? Absolutely not. In addition to entomologists, all sorts of biologists and nature lovers should be concerned by these numbers. Insects are keystone (ecologically very important) species in many environments. They help decompose dead organic matter, keep potentially invasive plants under control, and feed fish and birds and many, many other types of wildlife. Indeed, one especially depressing study in the <i>Science </i>journal this year reports a 29% decline in bird numbers in the U.S. since 1970 (<a href="https://birds.cornell.edu/home/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DECLINE-OF-NORTH-AMERICAN-AVIFAUNA-SCIENCE-2019.pdf">click here</a> to see the paper in full). While the reasons for bird decline are complex, losing an important food source is not good for birds or bird lovers.<br />
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<b>Tim Showalter</b>, Louisiana State University, cautioned attendees to take care in drawing hasty conclusions, and in careless interpretation of apocalyptic data. In a cautionary paper, he noted that a <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/115/44/E10397">2018 paper on supposed food chain collapse</a> and a 60% decline in insect populations due to climate change in a Puerto Rican rain-forest garnered attention in the press, but was ultimately based on faulty data. A change in positioning of temperature stations, misinterpretation of different survey databases, and impacts of multiple hurricanes led the authors to erroneous conclusions. The food chain is NOT collapsing in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, he said. A <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/116/25/12143">rebuttal to the paper</a> is now posted on the journal website.<br />
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Showalter's paper illustrates the imperfection, yet self-correcting nature of science. It also illustrates how easy it can be for interpreters of science to cherry-pick data to reinforce a given point of view. We all need to be critical readers of science; however, this doesn't mean we can't trust scientists. Certainly <a href="https://www.entsoc.org/sites/default/files/files/Science-Policy/2019/ESA-Position-Statement-Climate-Change.pdf">the majority view of entomologists </a>is that something alarming is happening to many kinds of insects in many locations around the world. We should not ignore this issue or the scientists raising fair warning.<br />
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<h4>
Learning from History</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRsSIjZLL3MtwPptWB-khTBLtWguhZ7bNuLW0eIS1ldtEY8aKdnPbtg9FCALbuTugg3gApZmBqJ15XbT2SkFnVLrTjLp1ru3vTM3VmPF0QOKhtO-3wbBMCLcNVwrOIGQfn1PVZo7-n8s/s1600/Rocky+Mountain+locusts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRsSIjZLL3MtwPptWB-khTBLtWguhZ7bNuLW0eIS1ldtEY8aKdnPbtg9FCALbuTugg3gApZmBqJ15XbT2SkFnVLrTjLp1ru3vTM3VmPF0QOKhtO-3wbBMCLcNVwrOIGQfn1PVZo7-n8s/s320/Rocky+Mountain+locusts.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain locust, Melanoplus <br />
spretus, ca. 1870s, Minnesota. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I get older, history gets more interesting. The ESA is fortunate to have among its membership a significant number of scientists with an interest in the historical roots of entomology. For example, I learned from <b>Jeffrey Lockwood</b>, University of Wyoming, that the first recorded time our government called on science to solve a political problem involved entomology. Between 1874 and 1877 the Rocky Mountain locust caused staggering crop damage in Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota and Missouri. While inventors and hucksters of the day promoted a variety of solutions for locusts, little was really known about the biology and life cycles of these insects. For example, many farmers believed that locusts were so diabolically destructive because they were led by kings and queens (not true).<br />
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In 1876 a new governmental group known as the Entomological Commission was authorized by Congress to study the problem. The team quickly recognized that the key to the locust's destruction lay in identifying its true identity, its breeding grounds and the conditions that led to outbreaks (sounds a lot like an IPM program). Also a collection of natural enemies was identified. While this information would have ultimately been useful in developing long-term control measures, Rocky Mountain locust swarms were already in decline by 1877--something for which the entomologists were happy to take credit. It turns out that by the 1880s the swarms all but ceased, likely because of the loss of the great buffalo herds which, by reducing food in the permanent breeding range, and pulverizing the soil with their hooves, would trigger the buildup of migratory locust swarms.<br />
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Entomologists were pragmatists in the locust wars, arguing against those who ascribed the swarms as evidence of God's judgement due to a general lack of morality and repentance. Rather than promoting a day of prayer, however, entomologists insisted that farmers would be better served by looking to science to discover the causes and solutions to the plagues. Today the Rocky Mountain locust is extinct, following the path of all organisms that cannot adapt to a changing environment.<br />
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<h4>
Insects and Health</h4>
Like it or not insects are important factors in human health. Insects and indoor health was the theme of one session I attended. Respected researcher <b>Felicia Rabito</b>, Tulane University, pointed out that asthma remains relatively poorly understood, despite its public health significance. One in 12 children in the U.S. suffer from asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In her studies 73% of homes have elevated levels of one or more environmental triggers of asthma (e.g., smoke, pet dander, particulate air pollution, and pest derived allergens). Cockroach allergens remain one of the strongest promoters and triggers, and appear to cause four times the hospitalization rate of other allergens. Her research with a relatively small sample size showed that even a single IPM intervention (bait only) could have significant positive health outcomes for kids living in treated homes. Their team plans to redo the study with a larger (300 household) sample size.<br />
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A co-researcher with Rabito, and one of the most original and thought-provoking urban entomologists today, <b>Coby Schal</b>, North Carolina State University, gave an interesting talk on reducing cockroach allergens simply through cockroaches baiting. He argued that the <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa032097">comprehensive IPM approach, such as advocated by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease</a>, starting with improving sanitation, use of non-chemical tactics, biological control and (perhaps) chemical control may be too slow and expensive in most cockroach infested homes (think public housing). His data suggests that IPM and health specialists should lead with cockroach baiting because it is the fastest and least expensive way to reduce indoor allergens. It remains alarming to me the number of pest control companies that still rely primarily on sprays to control German cockroaches, when baits have time and again been shown more effective in controlling cockroaches and improving public health.<br />
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Bed bugs remain a topic of interest in these meetings, though not to the level of 5-10 years ago. <b>Jonathan Sheele</b> gave two papers on bed bugs from a doctor's perspective. In the Ohio Emergency Room where he previously worked, he noted that when bed bugs were found on a patient, that room would be out of use for cleaning and pest control an average of 20 hours. This would happen every 2-3 days on average. His hospital spent $30,000 annually on IPM costs associated with infested patients. Patients with bed bugs were more likely to suffer anemia, <i>Staphylococcus </i>infection, and use an inhaler than patients without bed bugs. In a separate paper, Sheele reflected on the potential for a future pill that people could take to kill bed bugs. In lab studies, both spinosad and fluralaner (Bravecta®) provided excellent control of bed bugs; however neither drug is yet approved for use on humans. Abamectin is another antiparasitic agent that does have human approval, however tests on its effectiveness in humans against bed bugs have not been conducted. Such an innovation could be a big boon, especially for low income families suffering from bed bugs.<br />
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<b>Stephane Perron</b>, National Institute of Public Health in Quebec, Canada, looked at bed bugs in public health and reported that bed bug infestations often result in prolonged stress for patients. Some of the mental health impacts of bed bugs include fear, sense of lack of control, physical discomfort, sleep deprivation, financial stress, property loss, stress over preparing a home for treatment, conflicts with neighbors, the stigma associated with bed bugs, fear of insecticides, and exacerbation of prior mental health issues. On the flip side, a recent study she conducted showed that anxiety and depression could decline when bed bugs were successfully controlled--a real benefit pest management companies can take pride in.<br />
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<b>Zach DeVries</b>, University of Kentucky, noted that the bed bug's status as only "a nuisance" is coming to an end. Again, public health professionals, decision makers and politicians need to take cockroaches, bed bugs, mosquitoes and other urban pests seriously.<br />
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<h4>
Odds and Ends</h4>
Again I felt a little old during this meeting when I realized how different students are today. Grad students at the meeting are more diverse and more attuned to social media than ever before. As such they represent many of your younger pest control customers.<br />
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Striving to keep up, I attended a session on using social media. I found myself in a group fellow laggards who did not understand some of the basics of the Twitter platform. While I do use Twitter (@mikemerchant), I realized I still didn't understand some of the basics of the app and Twitter platform. I learned how to better use hashtags, and that I need to follow more people if I want to expand my personal Twitterverse (I have a difficult-enough time with the regular Universe) #oldfashioned, #luddite, #booklover. I reflected that if we fail to learn from these young professionals we risk ending up like the Rocky Mountain locust.<br />
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<b>Joe DeMark</b>, Corteva AgriScience, gave a paper on a new termiticide caulk formulation in the works. The caulk provides another above-ground option for treating termite tubes. It could, I envision, replace the somewhat clunky (though effective) AG bait stations. Caulk has an advantage of being flexible enough to inject into infested trees, or placed directly on an exposed termite foraging tube. It has the same active ingredient as Sentricon, noviflumuron and is applied with a regular caulk gun. In studies conducted in New Orleans against Formosan termites, tree infestations were consistently eliminated in about 2.5 months. Control of termites in homes was accomplished in 30-90 days. If it should ever become a product, DeMark does not expect
it to be commercially available until after 2020.<br />
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The <b>Asian longhorn tick </b>is now present in 11 states since its discovery in 2017. A first human bite was recorded this year, which was significant because of its ability in other countries to carry disease to both livestock and humans. In a talk by Ryan Smith, Iowa State University, I learned that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877959X19303498">a 2019 study</a> showed that the tick could pick up Lyme disease from an infected mouse (bad). But the same study showed it could <i>not </i>maintain the disease through molting. This is good news, because it means this tick is unlikely to transmit Lyme disease in the wild. Nevertheless, there are other diseases of concern and the increasing number of exotic pests being introduced into the U.S. continues to threaten both ecological and human health<br />
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Lastly, the ACE <b>Associate Certified Entomologist program</b> hosted by the ESA continues to grow. As of this writing there are 1251 active ACEs. ESA estimates that there will be 1,272 ACEs by the end of year (lots of new applicants currently), representing 13.5% growth since December last year. The ACE program is unique in that it is the only individual-oriented certification program. It can provide potential customers with assurance that your company has qualified staff, and allows you to attend meetings like the St. Louis conference at discounted rates.<br />
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If you think you're interested in becoming an ACE, check out the <a href="https://www.entocert.org/ace-certification">ESA Certification Corporation website</a>. And consider attending one of the upcoming Texas prep classes in <a href="https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2996">Dallas </a>or in <a href="https://pcoconference.tamu.edu/ace/">College Station</a>. The class is an excellent way to either begin studying, or as a last-minute confidence builder before taking the test.<br />
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Each of us has a unique role to play in service to our society. But we only do our jobs well when we commit ourselves to lifelong learning. As is clear from these meetings, knowledge is expanding rapidly. I hope each of you keep following the science behind the pest control profession (as you already are by reading to the end of this post) and continue to avoid the perils of unfounded opinion.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Science is the father of knowledge, but opinion breeds ignorance. Hippocrates</span><br />
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<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-66077413486241428702019-10-28T08:30:00.000-05:002019-10-28T08:30:03.956-05:00Chance to learn more about emerald ash borer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPQzW828t4qNQH75LXO6-GlVc5eql7T866Nhm6ZNC4zGVLDdYH1UP93sT0lI1u7p5GB6iV2ZiOsaqESTvw9wy9qzQMa1ZjHs31YhBR0zNa8dBZuX4oTy-jPO8_JKKj9TBnF5rdL2W0h0/s1600/EAB+on+penny+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1408" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPQzW828t4qNQH75LXO6-GlVc5eql7T866Nhm6ZNC4zGVLDdYH1UP93sT0lI1u7p5GB6iV2ZiOsaqESTvw9wy9qzQMa1ZjHs31YhBR0zNa8dBZuX4oTy-jPO8_JKKj9TBnF5rdL2W0h0/s200/EAB+on+penny+copy.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-<br />green bullet-shaped beetle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The past week I've been speaking to PMPs at CEU conferences about the emerald ash borer. Many folks have asked why they've never heard about this pest. I guess that's because it's a relative newcomer to the state and its impact is just beginning to be felt.<br />
<br />
If you are one of the many in our industry who has heard little or nothing about this insect, let me enlighten you. The emerald ash borer, <i>Agrilus planipennis </i>(EAB), is a wood boring beetle that attacks trees in the genus <i>Fraxinus</i>, which we know as ash. Since it was first discovered in SE Michigan in 2002 it has spread with alarming speed throughout the midwest. In 2017 the first beetle was found in east Texas.<br />
<br />
The EAB is probably the most devastating forest pest since chestnut blight. In areas where it has been in place for 10+ years it has virtually wiped out every ash tree. Some fear that certain ash species may be on the edge of extinction thanks to the borer. We have every reason to think the same thing will happen in Texas.<br />
<br />
Ash is not as common in Texas compared to Michigan and other parts of the Midwest; but it is an important tree, especially in areas along streams and river bottoms. And it's a very important tree if you have one in your backyard.<br />
<br />
Not every one of you provide lawn or tree care services, but if you do you should keep your eye on this beetle. Even if you don't "do trees" you can still provide a service to your customer by alerting them to the risk of this beetle if they have ash trees on their property.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9jzXV4Ov5wxV87faeSTSYy00MwokQ4SlygobIuAL0DYyyYlJyEnCuJQh2s6Qs8EJS2R1FgaNBkMWuR2Hds56F6YFSgaWZps7jRuAwas03WtF54uPfPIHVo5htMm43ViVbNghA_bUHJU/s1600/IMG_9668-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9jzXV4Ov5wxV87faeSTSYy00MwokQ4SlygobIuAL0DYyyYlJyEnCuJQh2s6Qs8EJS2R1FgaNBkMWuR2Hds56F6YFSgaWZps7jRuAwas03WtF54uPfPIHVo5htMm43ViVbNghA_bUHJU/s320/IMG_9668-sm.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emamectin benzoate is an effective<br />treatment applied by certified applicators.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Currently, EAB has been found in Marion, Cass, and Harrison counties in far east Texas. Most recently a well-established infestation of the borers has been found in west Tarrant county, just a few miles to the northwest of Fort Worth. Anyone who cares for an ash tree who lives within 15 miles of a known infestation should consider their trees at risk (this includes most homes in Fort Worth), and should consider having it treated.<br />
<br />
A handful of insecticides can provide protection of an ash tree at reasonable cost. If you are interested in being on the leading edge of how to treat ash trees for EAB in Texas, there are three workshops coming up, sponsored by the Rainbow Treecare company (Rainbow makes one of the leading insecticides for EAB management). Two of the workshops focus on community EAB management strategies, and one will provide a general introduction to EAB. <br />
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These workshops are webinars. If you've never attended a webinar, it's a pretty cool, and easy, way to learn. You sit at home or in your office, link up to a website, and watch and listen. You will also have the chance to submit questions and interact with the speakers. To read about the webinars and register, go to <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com_-3Furl-3Dhttps-253A-252F-252Fregister.gotowebinar.com-252Fregister-252F2236702821873051149-26data-3D02-257C01-257Cornaent-2540lists.colostate.edu-257C73d3a1ad90af4ab8a49808d75975062e-257Cafb58802ff7a4bb1ab21367ff2ecfc8b-257C0-257C0-257C637076231480185143-26sdata-3DppCIvlP6Be8HQaH7mdSyEoPj18h8VJ5XtanQkELVIJw-253D-26reserved-3D0&d=DwMFaQ&c=r_tSStIHV2ie60z4DgB-pQ&r=Uq8NS73DHtVR9s9wqMcJFlS3pwRw6JsrN4zt2rK992M&m=-uMeHxJ4wVUI1vjKfUsrUDWwxhtbm6a2Jf5HSmY7B3o&s=2b2DOyCCKcL4blZgrcpi6GxkWMjlo1ZcRqFdWrSMrls&e=">https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2236702821873051149</a><br />
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Other places to learn more about EAB include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/emerald-ash-borer">USDA Emerald Ash Borer website</a> is a great source of authoritative information about EAB. </li>
<li>The <a href="http://www.emeraldashborer.info/">EAB Information Network </a>is a multinational effort to assemble information about the borer including blogs and general information. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.emeraldashborer.info/eabu.php">EAB University </a>is part of the EAB Information Network and has recorded webinar sessions on a wide variety of topics from top researchers and arborists in the country. All classes are free.</li>
<li>Emerald ash borer <a href="https://citybugs.tamu.edu/2018/07/23/emerald-ash-borer-makes-a-move/">found in Tarrant County</a>. Citybugs blog. Story of EAB discovery near Fort Worth.</li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<u5:p></u5:p>I hope to write more about this beetle in the future. In the meantime, get out your tree books and <a href="https://ento.psu.edu/extension/trees-shrubs/emerald-ash-borer/factsheets/EAB2942.pdf">read up on ash</a>. Once you learn to distinguish ash you will be able to tell whether a customer's tree is at risk.<br />
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<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-21263421907743257532019-10-25T14:34:00.000-05:002019-10-25T14:35:54.336-05:00Winter has its own pest problems<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe8bpj4kyC6oAw7johWpWWzeYF3JMOkMtYgm2ZRtKX6ZcWNjV_HzlQrUcwwMzL3UvkGsGmgjtoUF6nYINBp9zfZBLuUFUXkMQWh9bK0cy2V8Uhq8AFNv62GTQVc_phXxCtD9T8EDLiDY/s1600/IMG_5023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe8bpj4kyC6oAw7johWpWWzeYF3JMOkMtYgm2ZRtKX6ZcWNjV_HzlQrUcwwMzL3UvkGsGmgjtoUF6nYINBp9zfZBLuUFUXkMQWh9bK0cy2V8Uhq8AFNv62GTQVc_phXxCtD9T8EDLiDY/s320/IMG_5023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper wasps are common throughout Texas, frequently nesting<br />
in windows and under house eaves. With the advent of cold<br />
weather, many of these wasps will head indoors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Years ago, a friend described a memorable pest control experience that still makes me chuckle. It was winter, and she had noticed a few wasps flying around her immaculate home. So naturally she called her pest control company. Her technician arrived and noticed a wasp on the fireplace. When he opened the chimney flue to investigate, to his (and her) horror a large ball of paper wasps fell from the flue into his lap. He turned to my friend, fear in his eyes, and yelled, “LADY, GRAB YOUR BABY AND GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!”<br />
<br />
I don’t recall how long it took them both to recover their wits and clear out the wasps; but if the PMP had known a little more about paper wasp biology and behavior he could have displayed more finesse and saved his customer an unnecessary fright.<br />
<br />
Paper wasps are one of many insects that enter homes and other buildings during the fall and winter. Like paper wasps, many insects protect themselves from cold by instinctively seeking shelter in trees, natural rock formations and (in towns) buildings. This leads to a number of insects that are seen indoors only during the winter months. It’s important to realize what’s going on and how to recognize these often-interesting invaders when they show up in your account.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><br /></i></h3>
<h3>
<i>Polistes </i>wasps </h3>
Take my friend’s wasps. Paper wasps are the most common form of wasp in most Texas towns. The come in different colors and go by different names (e.g., red wasps, hornets, umbrella wasps); but all belong to the same wasp genus, <i>Polistes</i>. During summer months they can be recognized by their umbrella-like, paper nests that hang under eaves of houses, in sheds, and in trees. Polistes wasps do not enclose their nests with a paper envelope like hornets or yellowjackets; but they will sting anyone who gets too close or disturbs their nest. Every fall they exchange their paper nests for locations where they will be protected from ice and winter storms. Preferred sites are high points like chimneys, multifloored office buildings and towers.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPMfPjzt8b-oyqrbi6dG8E9l06NMSoLt_30Lfl_HXTZczyMbmAVg9BQdgcUH_nyDNKFvHxgm00wq8W2R7WHNl0tKRo_dTSL3OykF3ciEg3AWJt7nJhr6uzJOXBt2ETRdMHA9hQDJ_o18/s1600/IMG_9219_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPMfPjzt8b-oyqrbi6dG8E9l06NMSoLt_30Lfl_HXTZczyMbmAVg9BQdgcUH_nyDNKFvHxgm00wq8W2R7WHNl0tKRo_dTSL3OykF3ciEg3AWJt7nJhr6uzJOXBt2ETRdMHA9hQDJ_o18/s400/IMG_9219_sm.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box elder bugs may enter homes in late<br />
summer by the hundreds. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unlike summer-active wasps, overwintering paper wasps show little or no aggression. Without a nest to defend, wasps simply lack the instinct to sting. A fly swatter or vacuum are all that is needed to dispatch wasps safely. If my friend’s PMP had calmly put down his lapful of wasps and asked for the vacuum cleaner, no babies need have been evacuated.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Box Elder and Red-Shouldered Bugs </h3>
Box elder and red-shouldered bugs (<i>Boisea trivittata</i> and <i>Jadera haematoloma</i>) are true bugs that feed on seeds of certain trees. They often become pests in later summer and fall when they seek protection from cold weather. To them, buildings must resemble big hollow trees, similar to what they would use for shelter in the woods. Control these insects by sealing doors and making sure window screens are tight and in good repair. Neither insect is damaging to the trees they feed on and they are mainly nuisances when they come indoors. During the summer box elder bugs will be found on box elder and maple trees. Red-shouldered bugs are feeders on soapberry, Chinaberry, golden raintree and other trees in the soapberry family.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Nipplegall Makers </h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qfj3KRkV11-CapXepOD7ijM0RpouXW4gv93mZj1lwGHquZmtWVUX1ZNjap7GpjKmcngd2B8YiPCKbzwGNhEFCB0qAiQou8DT-Tj2BWzrLwrxKIrp1-iLEq0kLwh9DrXqX1bUQLvcdtU/s1600/Pachypsylla+IMG_5877_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qfj3KRkV11-CapXepOD7ijM0RpouXW4gv93mZj1lwGHquZmtWVUX1ZNjap7GpjKmcngd2B8YiPCKbzwGNhEFCB0qAiQou8DT-Tj2BWzrLwrxKIrp1-iLEq0kLwh9DrXqX1bUQLvcdtU/s200/Pachypsylla+IMG_5877_sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hackberry nipplegall maker (Pachypsylla<br />
celtidismamma) is common in homes, especially<br />
where there is a nearby hackberry tree. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hackberry nipplegall makers are common wherever hackberry trees grow throughout Texas. These tiny (2 mm-long) insects are small enough to get through most window screens and any small openings in buildings. In the summer these insects form nipple-shaped galls on the leaves of hackberry and sugarberry trees. When they emerge by the thousands from their leafy homes in late summer they are commonly found indoors and especially around windowsills. The good news is that hackberry nipple-gall insects are pretty harmless. They do not bite, do not eat clothes and are a pest only because we don’t like little bugs in our homes.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles </h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlK19QDu802b-YMc3YCnkD1pogkqX_3eN9m4f8vaFalIpoH8YcaghN4ki-HMuajhNyDe2ekOD2NBqlKN0XbvBMC3oA9UxmFZgiZOTArAwN1yklGcM7GNAFH66ZdMxWDqPRt6IbNhRGgY/s1600/DSCN2451b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="704" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlK19QDu802b-YMc3YCnkD1pogkqX_3eN9m4f8vaFalIpoH8YcaghN4ki-HMuajhNyDe2ekOD2NBqlKN0XbvBMC3oA9UxmFZgiZOTArAwN1yklGcM7GNAFH66ZdMxWDqPRt6IbNhRGgY/s200/DSCN2451b.jpg" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The multicolored Asian lady beetle <br />
(Harmonia axyridis) has become a common <br />
fall indoor pest in Texas homes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the most annoying of the fall invader insects are multicolored Asian lady beetles. These large lady beetles are natives to China and have been causing homeowners headaches since the early 1990s when they first appeared in Texas. In their native Asian home, these lady beetles move into crevices in limestone bluffs in the fall. In the U.S. they are more likely to move into light-colored homes and buildings in wooded areas where the beetles feast on aphids during the summer. Caulking and sealing along roof lines and vacuuming up the (sometimes large) aggregations of beetles where they cluster indoors or in attics is the best solution.<br />
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<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Cricket Hunter Wasps </h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzZKI_NvwfZVp7WUmHTX0wwXcI3r0C9g2VwlvCcZwY_-oGzdsGLSBVoQU_-qY8rkWSEvq2tLwRQUVeosBSoozsmBNn4TObEllk_wGsyAMIJ9ioPrZ6UGYlqo-MsPO9Ug9uVP4xqn0zFM/s1600/cricket+hunter+wasp+IMG_1117b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzZKI_NvwfZVp7WUmHTX0wwXcI3r0C9g2VwlvCcZwY_-oGzdsGLSBVoQU_-qY8rkWSEvq2tLwRQUVeosBSoozsmBNn4TObEllk_wGsyAMIJ9ioPrZ6UGYlqo-MsPO9Ug9uVP4xqn0zFM/s200/cricket+hunter+wasp+IMG_1117b.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Texas cricket hunter wasp may be <br />
one of the least well-known household<br />
pests in Texas. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Maybe the least widely recognized fall invader is what I call the Texas cricket hunter wasp. These medium-sized (1/2 inch), black wasps with dark wings can be found year-round but are most common indoors during warm days in the winter and spring. They are commonly seen actively climbing up and down walls of bathrooms and other living areas. So, what are these wasps doing in homes? In nature, female cricket-hunter wasps establish nest sites in holes in the ground, such as rodent burrows, and provision those holes with fresh crickets for their offspring. In urban areas the wasps substitute weep holes and cracks in soil under building foundations for nest sites. Hundreds or possibly thousands of crickets may be stashed under homes or in walls. During periods of warm weather, the wasps’ offspring that have fed on these dead crickets can emerge indoors in large numbers. For more information on these wasps, and how to deal with infestations, check out my <a href="https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/misc-house/ent-2009/">online factsheet</a>.<br />
<br />
Wintertime may be slower for the pest control business in Texas, but there are still plenty of pests out there. It’s a sign of a true pest control professional to be familiar with the less commonly encountered pests--don’t be caught off-guard when that next winter pest challenge drops in your lap.</div>
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-60879881404960346042019-09-20T10:01:00.000-05:002019-09-20T10:03:46.664-05:00Upcoming classes in Dallas and AustinJust a quick post to let readers know about a couple of pest control classes coming up soon, one in Dallas and one in Austin.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsInUnoymED9DUuEIBShlFkHREc-kWzh27eVzCTPq7_iucM3cNV3yIrvb1r13c4G08KdHCdFyKvS1VcAsMlQ4Ako_5Z64-nbn62dkZ33nHsVL8ABXvNzl2GrFpIVU5gqk2GfZm3xv1XX8/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsInUnoymED9DUuEIBShlFkHREc-kWzh27eVzCTPq7_iucM3cNV3yIrvb1r13c4G08KdHCdFyKvS1VcAsMlQ4Ako_5Z64-nbn62dkZ33nHsVL8ABXvNzl2GrFpIVU5gqk2GfZm3xv1XX8/s320/IMG_0772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Bob Davis, BASF, has been teaching ACE Prep Classes<br />
for more than ten years. I guarantee this will be one of the<br />
best training classes you will attend this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On September 25 we still have room in our first <b>Bed Bug Academy at the IPM Experience House</b> in Dallas. The class will cover basic bed bug biology and state of the art information on monitoring and control. The class will be taught by Mr. Alan Brown of ABC Home and Commercial Services in Austin, and myself. It's an all day class (8:15 am to 5 pm) with CEUs and verifiable training hours for apprentices. Cost is only $60 preregistration. Class size is limited, so don't procrastinate. Registration, agenda, map and more information can be found at <a href="https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2913">https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2913</a><br />
<br />
For anyone who has considered becoming an Associate Certified Entomologist, ABC Home and Commercial Services in Austin is hosting an <b>ACE Prep Class</b> on October 1. I've talked about this class in the past on Insects in the City blog, but if you are unfamiliar, this is a chance to either inspire your study or to do some last minute cramming before the test. Even if you're not sure whether you want to be an ACE, the class provides an excellent overview of the technical side of being a pest management professional. Led by Randy McCarty, myself and Dr. Bob Davis, this will be an intense but fun class. Best of all, there is <b>no charge!</b> To get in there is no fancy registration, simply contact Randy McCarty and let him know you would like to attend (rmccarty@goanteater.com, 512-534-5772). The class will run from 8 am to 4 pm and will be held at ABC Home and Commercial Services office, 9475 East Highway 290, Austin, TX 78724. Parking on the left side of building.<br />
<br />
Remember you can never stop learning. The day you stop learning you might as well hang it up.Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-61738107955751548992019-09-13T17:03:00.000-05:002019-09-13T17:03:25.204-05:00Unnecessary trauma: Fire ants in nursing homes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEfToXErGEb9iIX-M90lv0NRG6pbK3Y8bp-zz7K2NVKJLp73s5kjBNJ9klZku7py7mfJvnGcS1CssOm_8IUabKQunJhsG0nNXGBy5glafbR6khUQhyphenhyphen7vb14fXq5Xd6Ra31nuFA4ou_6Y/s1600/stinging+victim+VA+Hosp+9-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="450" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEfToXErGEb9iIX-M90lv0NRG6pbK3Y8bp-zz7K2NVKJLp73s5kjBNJ9klZku7py7mfJvnGcS1CssOm_8IUabKQunJhsG0nNXGBy5glafbR6khUQhyphenhyphen7vb14fXq5Xd6Ra31nuFA4ou_6Y/s320/stinging+victim+VA+Hosp+9-2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;">Nursing home patient with with fire ant stings. <br />(Laquna Ross)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/vietnam-vet-found-covered-ants-nursing-home-bed/story?id=65560256">Vietnam veteran Joel Marrable died</a> at a Georgia VA Hospital following a vicious attack by fire ants.<br />
<br />
According to his daughter, Mr. Marrable was found by staff last week covered with ants. Even worse, family wasn't notified by the hospital after the attack. His daughter learned of the incident only after inquiring about the red bumps on her father's body. Although Mr. Marrable's death has not been directly blamed on fire ants, the incident was traumatizing to all involved.<br />
<br />
This story would be more shocking to me, except I have been involved in at least two lawsuits where fire ants attacked patients unable to respond or call for help. And despite the fact that stinging cases are often hushed up, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15178500">many other incidents occur</a> every year.<br />
<br />
It doesn't have to be this way. Fire ants are highly manageable given our scientific understanding of fire ants, and today's pesticide tools. But fire ant management always requires <a href="https://insectsinthecity.blogspot.com/2013/10/when-it-comes-to-fire-ants-pay.html">attention to detail</a>. It also requires cooperation and communication between the health care facility and its pest control provider. <br />
<br />
If your company provides pest control for health care facilities, here are some essential elements needed to keep your customer (and you) out of the headlines.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Ensure the facility has a <b>policy</b> <b>regarding indoor ants</b>. The plan should include clear staff instructions on how to immediately report signs of ants to your company. </li>
<li>Be sure your staff is always updated on <b>what wings/rooms house high-risk patients</b>.</li>
<li>Require <b>patients to be immediately removed</b> from any room with ants to another ant-free location. In this Georgia incident, the patient was returned to his original room only to have fire ants return and attack again a second day. No patient should be returned to an infested room until the indoor and outdoor areas around the room have been inspected, treated and cleared by a pest control professional. </li>
<li><b>Clean infested rooms with a soap solution and disinfect </b>before allowing any patient to return. Holes and suspected ant entry points should be either sealed or treated. Cleaning with soap removes traces of trail pheromone that might lure other ants back into the room.</li>
<li><b>Conduct periodic staff training</b> classes to let nurses and other caregivers know how to identify fire ants. In this week's incident it is telling that none of the staff interviewed referred to the ants as fire ants, only "ants." Fire ants pose perhaps the greatest immediate health threat to aphasic patients, and should not be difficult to recognize with training. </li>
<li><b>Inspect outdoor areas regularly </b>for fire ants, and train maintenance staff to recognize and report evidence of fire ant nesting around the facility. </li>
<li>Fire ant infestations inside a building can almost always be traced back to a fire ant mound or colony outdoors. It's important to <b>know who is responsible for grounds treatment ahead of time</b>. When one contractor is assigned duty for indoor pest control and another for outdoor pest control, blame-shifting is inevitable. The losers in this game are the patients. Ideally, one contractor should be responsible for both indoor and outdoor fire ant control, so there is no confusion. </li>
<li><b>Don't rely solely on mound treatments for fire ant control</b>. Broadcast applications of either baits or residual insecticides are always a better option. Fire ant baits are ideal for large turf areas and are typically applied once or twice a year. Residual granular insecticides containing fipronil or bifenthrin can be used annually in landscape areas immediately adjacent to buildings. The idea is to keep fire ant mounds as far away from the building as possible. Fire ant control should start at the property line, not the final two feet to the building. </li>
<li><b>Don't allow unlicensed applicators to apply insecticides</b> for fire ants. In Texas, pest
control at health care facilities must be performed by a licensed pest control technician or certified applicator. This includes control of ants and other insects, pest birds, plant diseases, rodents, and weeds.</li>
<li><b>Document everything</b> you do in writing on your service report. Document both pesticide and non-pesticide-related actions taken during the visit. Be specific about what pests are found during inspections. Remember, there is no such thing as just an "ant." Fire ants should be clearly identified. Assume that any of your service tickets could be examined by a lawyer some day. </li>
</ul>
<div>
If doing pest control around nursing home facilities sounds risky, it is. But a conscientious company can succeed at this business. And a nursing home can be one of the most rewarding accounts you have. As a friend and colleague points out, the biggest risks happen with "low-bid contractors who are not willing to address underlying problems." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mr. Marrable's daughter <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2019/09/13/they-feasted-him-ants-va-nursing-home-bit-veteran-times-before-his-death-daughter-says/?noredirect=on">told the Washington Post</a> that her father "deserved better" than the treatment he received in his last days. Let's make sure all our sensitive accounts, like nursing homes, get the good service they deserve.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more information about fire ant control in nursing homes, see <a href="https://cdn-ext.agnet.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ENTO-022-red-imported-fire-ants-a-threat-to-nursing-homes-and-day-care-centers.pdf">Extension factsheet ENTO-022</a>.</div>
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-14272268726622114242019-08-09T17:18:00.002-05:002019-08-09T17:18:17.935-05:00Where is West Nile virus this year?If it seems you're hearing less about West Nile virus (WNV) this summer, you may not be imagining it. Although mosquitoes have been abundant in north Texas this year, for some reason the virus has remained relatively quiet.<br />
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Where has WNV gone?</h4>
A paper written by epidemiologist Dr. Wendy Chung and colleagues in 2013 may offer some insights on the absence of the virus this summer. Those of us who lived in Dallas in 2012 may remember that summer as the worst human outbreak of WNV ever. Nearly 400 cases were reported in Dallas County alone, and 19 people died of the disease. The epidemic was so bad that Dallas county resorted to spraying the entire county for mosquitoes by plane--something not seen in north Texas since an encephalitis outbreak in 1966.<br />
<br />
Chung and colleagues charted the course of the disease during 2012 and saw high infection rates of mosquitoes early in the summer, followed by a rapid increase in human cases. Looking back over previous years and case numbers, the researchers concluded that an unusually mild winter followed by rainfall patterns ideal for mosquito breeding in the spring (and a very hot summer--West Nile virus multiplies quickly in mosquitoes at higher temperatures) created ideal conditions for an outbreak.<br />
<br />
So what's different about 2019? We had a relatively mild winter, with only three days at or below 28° F, and a wet spring--both conditions mosquitoes love. But the summer, at least by Dallas standards, has so far been cool. Until this week, the DFW Airport weather station saw only two days over 100° F. By the end of July the area usually has experienced more than seven days over 100° F.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VCadDo7c4dVXtv4-o7Kk7ZivwVaX_sDLg44vgTs0JBftm-IMst00U1GQzyFwzt4XqQKztaWqVgUvREb7TqGFkB840VDQimKcA1xMSuPNFFlYr4LoWYP_nf7Z8u4Ca4j7jOubxOzXU8g/s1600/Vector+Indices+DFW+Summer+2019b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1073" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VCadDo7c4dVXtv4-o7Kk7ZivwVaX_sDLg44vgTs0JBftm-IMst00U1GQzyFwzt4XqQKztaWqVgUvREb7TqGFkB840VDQimKcA1xMSuPNFFlYr4LoWYP_nf7Z8u4Ca4j7jOubxOzXU8g/s640/Vector+Indices+DFW+Summer+2019b.jpg" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">These graphs show 2019 mosquito abundance and Vector Index (V.I.) estimates compared to previous years. Although mosquito numbers are high this year, the V.I. has remained low for both Tarrant (=Fort Worth-top) and Dallas counties (bottom). In 2012 the V.I. exceeded the danger level of 0.5 for multiple weeks (blue dotted line). Source: Tarrant County Public Health and Dallas County Health and Human Services.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Predicting WNV</h4>
One of the tools used by health departments to predict disease risk for WNV is a statistic called the vector index (V.I.). The V.I. is calculated weekly from mosquito trap data, and combines information on both average abundance of <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> (the main carrier of WNV) and disease incidence in the trapped mosquitoes. A V.I. of 0.5 or higher for two or more weeks is considered a crisis indicator by some health officials.<br />
<br />
The graphs shown here are provided by epidemiologists in Dallas and Fort Worth, and show both mosquito abundance and V.I. estimates for both counties. Despite higher mosquito numbers, the V.I. hasn't ventured above 0.1 for either Dallas or Tarrant counties this summer. Most of the season the V.I. has been closer to zero, hence less need for mosquito spraying and fewer people getting sick. In Dallas county this year there have been no human cases of WNV. Tarrant County (Fort Worth) reports only one case this year with a very low V.I., near zero most weeks (top graph).<br />
<br />
According to statistics from the Texas Department of State Health Services, low WNV incidence seems to be true for the whole state this year with no reported human cases as of the end of July. Harris County (Houston) also reports a light year for WNV, according to the acting director of Mosquito and Vector Control, Chris Fredregill.<br />
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Looking Ahead</h4>
With this week's string of 100° days in many areas will risk go up? Certainly West Nile virus remains a threat to all of us through the end of the summer and into the fall; but this late in the season the chance of a major outbreak is probably low. On the other hand, hot weather favors the virus. It's no time to forget about mosquitoes. I expect <em>Aedes</em> mosquitoes (yellow fever mosquito and Asian tiger mosquito) to become more abundant after last weekend's rains. This week is a good time to get out and dump standing water. Although <em>Aedes</em> mosquitoes are not major disease risks, they cause most of the itchy mosquito bites we get during the day--and we don't want that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Why Surveillance Reports?</h4>
Integrated pest management is just as relevant for mosquito control as it is for all other forms of pest control. One of the principles of IPM is to base treatments on pest numbers. Because mosquito monitoring is expensive and requires special expertise beyond what most PMPs possess, few companies monitor mosquito numbers or disease. However, high quality data may be available from your local health authorities, depending where you live. A pest management company can use this data to alert customers to times of higher disease risk and changes in mosquito abundance.<br />
<br />
Every community's mosquito situation will be different. If you are doing business in a larger metropolitan area, or a mosquito control district, you may have access to the kind of data shown here. To find out, contact your local or regional health department and ask if they provide reports of mosquito abundance and disease prevalence.<br />
<br />
In Dallas, weekly reports may be obtained by emailing <a href="mailto:Epidemiology@dallascounty.org">Epidemiology@dallascounty.org</a> and requesting to subscribe to the weekly Arbovirus Surveillance Report. For Tarrant County, email <a href="mailto:RWHill2@tarrantcounty.com">RWHill2@tarrantcounty.com</a> and request to receive the Arbovirus Surveillance Report Weekly. Unfortunately, not all counties have equivalent reporting systems. Harris County provides <a href="http://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Services-Programs/All-Services/Mosquito-Control-Services#Confirmed%20Mosquito-borne%20Disease%20Activity%20for%20Current%20Year">mapping of areas with virus detection</a>. And the Texas Department of State Health Services provides <a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/idcu/disease/arboviral/westNile/reports/weekly.aspx">weekly reports throughout the summer</a> for the whole state.<br />
<br />
An additional source of information for both PMPs and your customers is the <a href="https://mosquitosafari.tamu.edu/">Mosquito Safari website</a>. At the Safari you can take a virtual tour of a field and a backyard and learn important facts about mosquitoes. <br />
<br />
If you need more intensive training, our Extension medical entomologist, Dr. Sonja Swiger, is offering classes this year for pesticide applicators wanting to prepare for their Public Health (Category 12) license. In the fall she also offers several 3-day Master Vector Borne Disease Management Courses around the state. To learn more, or to register, go to <a href="https://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/workshop-registration/">https://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/workshop-registration/</a> .<br />
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-71420151078914755872019-08-05T18:15:00.001-05:002019-08-06T09:11:03.031-05:00Getting to know the Turkestan cockroachCockroaches have historically been a top pest and reliable source of business for PMPs. Indeed, from day one most new technicians are taught to recognize the four most commonly encountered species:<br />
<ul>
<li>the German cockroach--one of our smaller cockroaches, bane of restaurants and homes</li>
<li>the <a href="https://insectsinthecity.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-ugly-american.html">American cockroach</a> (a fast and intimidating insect that looks twice as big as it really is when running across a floor or flying)</li>
<li>the black, rather nasty Oriental cockroach--pest of sewers and the grounds around buildings</li>
<li>the smoky brown cockroach, an outdoor cockroach unafraid to venture into homes. </li>
</ul>
Other common species, depending on your part of the country, include the Australian, brown, brown-banded, Asian and field cockroaches.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiJ2_qoLotDm4Dz4wz01o0kXvszd7pqlszZoFDVRr31OJGmr-nyU45Es1YxAx6GiA5L5o0iT7zf3UFacbw5w9KLrDwElCIRZiRvjv4fdRcXez6OZQTExZnvsXuW1XBJJvQBWaUvDG0hQ/s1600/Turkestan+and+Oriental+females+from+Kim+and+Rust+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1278" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiJ2_qoLotDm4Dz4wz01o0kXvszd7pqlszZoFDVRr31OJGmr-nyU45Es1YxAx6GiA5L5o0iT7zf3UFacbw5w9KLrDwElCIRZiRvjv4fdRcXez6OZQTExZnvsXuW1XBJJvQBWaUvDG0hQ/s320/Turkestan+and+Oriental+females+from+Kim+and+Rust+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1. The adult female <i>S. lateralis</i> (A) and adult female Oriental<br />
cockroach (B) are similar in size and color. Arrow points <br />
to the distinguishing light marking on the forewing margin <br />
of the Turkestan cockroach. Photo modified from Kim and <br />
Rust (2013).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In many parts of the country pest management professionals need to add the invasive Turkestan cockroach (<i>Shelfordella lateralis</i> Walker) to their watch list. This Asian invader is quickly making a name for itself and moving through Texas and other states.<br />
<br />
Because the Turkestan cockroach looks similar to other species, you may already have seen it and not realized it was something new. Female Turkestans look like Oriental cockroaches. Male Turkestans look like small American cockroaches or perhaps an innocuous field roach.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Spread</h4>
The Turkestan cockroach has becoming a significant new pest since <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkestan_cockroach">it was first reported</a> in Shelford, California in 1978 and El Paso, Texas in 1979. It has since spread through Arizona and New Mexico, across Texas and even to Georgia. This week I got my first north Texas specimen, and tentatively identified an emailed photo from Tennessee as a Turkestan cockroach.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedq029TILNY5sizmkGidESGCeb4DOuRwz5r4FOnXpeZz5nuuYqdJ_T9oUvoyEAbL7bec-pCxi_vqQ_hrTPMbVAxnAejUrTCSktmDyqLzhtHAf6ErXDfnlaKCUeMZSpd1OkSn65qsw7_k/s1600/IMG_7634-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedq029TILNY5sizmkGidESGCeb4DOuRwz5r4FOnXpeZz5nuuYqdJ_T9oUvoyEAbL7bec-pCxi_vqQ_hrTPMbVAxnAejUrTCSktmDyqLzhtHAf6ErXDfnlaKCUeMZSpd1OkSn65qsw7_k/s320/IMG_7634-sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 2. To my knowledge, this is the first Turkestan cockroach <br />
recorded from north Texas. Collected from a hotel in Frisco, <br />
TX (VII-29-2019). Note the pale, almost transparent border <br />
at the margin of the forewing, and the size (28 mm/one inch), <br />
which is smaller than a typical American cockroach. Photo<br />
M. Merchant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you think this pest won't reach your area soon, think again. Internet commerce is also at work. Turkestan cockroaches are commonly sold online where they are well known in the pet trade as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Turkestan-Cockroach-Alternative-Live-Insect/dp/B07GTNQWLW/ref=asc_df_B07GTNQWLW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343276567820&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6401507129321799327&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026839&hvtargid=pla-758904094523&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=66491815902&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343276567820&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6401507129321799327&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026839&hvtargid=pla-758904094523">"red runners."</a> They provide food for reptile, amphibian and small mammals. Pet owners like the fact that Turkestan cockroaches breed quickly, do well in captivity and don't climb glass (so are easy to keep in aquaria).<br />
<br />
My first North Texas specimen of a Turkestan cockroach came this week courtesy of Emory Matts, with Rentokil Steritech. Guests at a local hotel recently started complaining of roaches on several floors. Whether this was an invasion from outdoors (males can fly and are attracted to lights at night), or represented an indoor infestation could not be determined. Though it's often referred to as an "outdoor" insect, the Turkestan is capable of establishing itself indoors, similar to Oriental and American cockroaches.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Competition</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRpekmP9uxB1Sn9vRQXUGXtDlr2JxLJhov7zl8kbwHr8URsUZrjerXtku8orO_uD-KdAFLkSENeKkeEiFj8jOglS06J9cbiSQZ4uGhVBVUXfG_lD8RhFqE0349EkXZql2ursfet5e0s8/s1600/Turkestan+and+Oriental+nymphs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1255" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRpekmP9uxB1Sn9vRQXUGXtDlr2JxLJhov7zl8kbwHr8URsUZrjerXtku8orO_uD-KdAFLkSENeKkeEiFj8jOglS06J9cbiSQZ4uGhVBVUXfG_lD8RhFqE0349EkXZql2ursfet5e0s8/s320/Turkestan+and+Oriental+nymphs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 3. Turkestan (A) and Oriental cockroach nymphs. <br />
Notice the reddish-brown thorax and dark abdomen of <br />
the Turkestan nymph compared to the uniform brown color <br />
of the Oriental. Photo from Kim and Rust (2013).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to Kim and Rust (2013), the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-invasive-cockroach-20131209-story.html#axzz2n1oTcHdn">Turkestan is replacing the Oriental cockroach throughout much of the Southwest</a> as the most important cockroach pest around the outsides of structures. Common breeding sites are similar to those of Oriental cockroaches, including water meter and irrigation boxes, electrical boxes, hollow block walls, cracks and crevices in concrete, compost piles and potted plants. However, it appears that in the warm climates of the Southwest, Turkestan cockroaches rush through their 5 nymph stages faster than the Oriental with its 7-10 nymph stages. A female Turkestan cockroach will produce about 25 oothecae (egg cases) in her lifetime compared to 5-10 oothecae for an Oriental cockroach. The numbers tell the story as to why Turkestan cockroaches are taking over.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Distinguishing Turkestan cockroaches</h4>
The immature Turkestan roach resembles both Oriental and American nymphs in general appearance (Fig. 3). The Oriental cockroach, however, is uniformly dark-brown and the American cockroach is uniformly reddish brown. The Turkestan, in contrast, is reddish-brown on the head and thorax (pro- and meso-thorax) and dark-brown only on the rear of the body.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNacSoh_RjmZoEScQyT1jTStUKvhpdfsYqze2fN3fSLM23Cn4tQTcCOh95J3gATDs-_FgDwnF8Vltf2QcjRg-Rn-cwQ_-lt3ApDfjhuomC2Tk_bBc6VDALJHBGJjnUtwl_Ti0OXsqZmB0/s1600/American+and+Australian+cockroaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNacSoh_RjmZoEScQyT1jTStUKvhpdfsYqze2fN3fSLM23Cn4tQTcCOh95J3gATDs-_FgDwnF8Vltf2QcjRg-Rn-cwQ_-lt3ApDfjhuomC2Tk_bBc6VDALJHBGJjnUtwl_Ti0OXsqZmB0/s320/American+and+Australian+cockroaches.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 4. American (top) and Australian cockroaches. <br />
Note the bold markings on pronotum and the <br />
forewings of the Australian cockroach, in contrast <br />
with the American, which lacks forewing markings. <br />
Photos, M. Merchant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Besides size (the male Turkestan cockroach is smaller), American and Australian cockroaches can be distinguished by both the wing borders and markings on the prothorax (shield behind the head)(Fig. 4). Forewing margins of the Turkestan cockroach are pale and almost transparent compared to the uniform-colored wings of the American, and the bold yellow margins of the Australian. <a href="https://www.biolib.cz/en/imagegalleryuser/id224147/?uid=394">Click here for another image</a> of male and female Turkestans.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Control</h4>
Research on control methods for the Turkestan cockroach is still limited; however control methods should be similar as for the Oriental cockroach. Granular cockroach baits can be effective; however, Kim and Rust suggest that higher reproductive and growth rates for the Turkestan cockroach could mean that technicians should need more bait when treating. Special attention should be paid to pest proofing doors and other building entry points to keep cockroaches outdoors where they pose the least trouble.<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Reference:</h4>
Kim, T. and M. Rust. 2013. Life history and biology of the invasive Turkestan cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 106(6): 2428-2432.<br />
<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-77014528969993302922019-03-08T18:20:00.000-06:002019-03-08T18:20:21.305-06:00When a bed bug isn't a bed bugEntomologists get excited over the strangest things. This morning I got my first <i>bat </i>bug sample ever, and I'm still all aflutter.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOfrI1oi0QhKx4KBVbuWTbnynJYggdcqkpLS53IpqjWnwi_bV2uiNB0W5dnioXwRd1PGSWajBdnRpwBPl80Qw4kQwMvGz_vA5jZJSQm5uBT8ebgl9CFzOd0T-yNoGzwjzVbIYMlftqK8/s1600/IMG_8673+xcu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOfrI1oi0QhKx4KBVbuWTbnynJYggdcqkpLS53IpqjWnwi_bV2uiNB0W5dnioXwRd1PGSWajBdnRpwBPl80Qw4kQwMvGz_vA5jZJSQm5uBT8ebgl9CFzOd0T-yNoGzwjzVbIYMlftqK8/s320/IMG_8673+xcu.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pronotal fringe hairs on these common bed bugs <br />(see arrow) are short, no longer than the width of <br />the bed bug's eye. This feature is visible with a <br />hand-lens even through a plastic zip-loc bag, as in<br />this photo. Image by Mike Merchant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bat bugs and swallow bugs are relatives of the common bed bug, <i>Cimex lectularius</i>--the species you are most likely to encounter on a daily basis in the pest control business. There are approximately 100 species in the bed bug family, referred to as cimicids (sigh MISS ids). Most are specialists on certain types of birds and bats. Generally, these bird and bat feeders have little interest in human blood, and cannot survive without their normal winged hosts.<br />
<br />
Most of these other species of cimicid bugs look much like our common bed bug. They will be flat, oval-shaped and reddish-brown, with adult forms about the size of an apple seed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Current thinking among biologists is that cimicids that specialize in birds and people are spin-offs from ancestral, bat-loving bed bugs. The data suggest that the switch-over from bat feeding to human feeding <a href="http://web.natur.cuni.cz/~muncling/Balvin_2012.pdf">may not have been that long ago</a> in evolutionary time. It's not difficult to imagine our ancient ancestors scratching from the first hungry bat bugs checking out other food choices in dark caves.<br />
<br />
Today, it's rare to find our common bed bug feeding on bats, though it seems this species is less choosy about hosts than most other cimicids. <i>Cimex lectularius </i>has been found feeding on chickens, pigeons, swallows and even pets (though its clearly preferred host seems to be humans). </div>
<div>
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Distinguishing common bed bugs</h4>
<br />
Though bed bug identification is definitely a job for specialists, fortunately it's not difficult for any PMP to tell the difference between bat bugs and the common bed bug with a hand lens or office microscope. It has to do with the haircut. <br />
<br />
Common bed bugs, our main human bed bug pest, have a fringe of short hairs on the edges of the pronotum, that "shield-like" plate behind the head (see first picture). </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_tWHNQG8WqRSFE_H1XaTc8qla0WyTmB3XGqPjx3XPqYstupHZ7rGAV0wOsdHg_nYOi3upbeStmrjWUgd-ewbuYtsnlveld7kiosuuSjLJ-5BJ9X89dlDqFwcmkzOtHmBJwH8IoQREYY/s1600/bat+bug+IMG_7178+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_tWHNQG8WqRSFE_H1XaTc8qla0WyTmB3XGqPjx3XPqYstupHZ7rGAV0wOsdHg_nYOi3upbeStmrjWUgd-ewbuYtsnlveld7kiosuuSjLJ-5BJ9X89dlDqFwcmkzOtHmBJwH8IoQREYY/s320/bat+bug+IMG_7178+sm.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pronotal fringe hairs of bat bugs and most <br />bird bugs (see arrow) are longer than the eye is<br />wide. Image of an eastern bat bug, <i>Cimex adjunctus</i>, <br />by Mike Merchant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bat and swallow bug fringe hairs are longer (see lower picture). This shouldn't be hard to remember if you think of bats as being hairier than people. Though this character won't necessarily help you tell a bat bug from a swallow bug or pigeon bug, it is a reliable way to tell one of these non-people feeders from the common bed bug.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Don't walk away</h4>
<br />
Just because your customer has bat bugs instead of bed bugs, it doesn't mean your job is done. While treating bedrooms with a conventional bed bug treatment is unnecessary (bat bugs do not aggregate around beds, nor reproduce on people), there is still pest control to be done. Bat and bird bugs are best controlled by eliminating their preferred hosts from the structure and possibly treating the roosting/nesting sites for bed bugs.<br />
<br />
Host elimination is not as simple as closing entry points for bats or birds. Most birds and all bats are federally protected and cannot be killed, nor active nests destroyed. Instead, they must be excluded at the end of nesting season. If you have questions about bird and bat exclusion, it's best to check with your state wildlife department. Nesting season for protected birds and bats varies from one area to another.<br />
<br />
Unlike common bed bugs, it's unlikely that bat bugs and the various bird bugs will exhibit high levels of insecticide resistance. Any of the pyrethroid or pyrethroid-combination insecticides for common bed bugs should provide good control of bat and bird bugs around suspected harborages and entry points into living areas.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Bat bug and swallow bugs are not that common in our business. The sample I received today was, I learned later, collected from a home in Indiana. But if bed bugs are being found in unusual places, especially away from bedrooms, keep in mind that other bed bug species are out there. Remember that pest identification is always the starting point for good pest control. And it can be fun too; ask any entomologist.<br />
<div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-61159794490687823082018-12-17T18:57:00.000-06:002018-12-17T18:57:17.283-06:00Two chances to prepare for the ACE exam<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhAgPo42WUyI-MxwQuVh7iODLsH9DLX1i-DJmLzv3M1FChtaY3ksy77op96FY1jkXKeUfzbvbi1HfoSTGhnLOu5UYacs0F4Pkj6J5nNK3-yZqX1blYT0kT8fqw0FV9AVSpco0OK1nRxY/s1600/ACE+study+guide+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="637" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhAgPo42WUyI-MxwQuVh7iODLsH9DLX1i-DJmLzv3M1FChtaY3ksy77op96FY1jkXKeUfzbvbi1HfoSTGhnLOu5UYacs0F4Pkj6J5nNK3-yZqX1blYT0kT8fqw0FV9AVSpco0OK1nRxY/s320/ACE+study+guide+cover.jpg" width="244" /></a>If you've been thinking you'd like take the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) exam, two opportunities are coming up soon. The IPM Experience House will be sponsoring an <a href="https://ipmhouse.tamu.edu/2018/11/26/ace-prep-classes-in-dec-and-jan/">ACE prep class and exam on Dec. 20, 21</a>. And the Annual <a href="https://pcoconference.tamu.edu/">Texas A&M University Urban Pest Management Conference and Workshop</a> will also host a class on Jan. 16, with exam on Jan. 17.<br />
<br />
Prep classes provide a format for a condensed review of materials covered by the ACE Exam. Topics included in the two day course include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Intro to the ACE program</li>
<li>Insect biology and morphology</li>
<li>IPM</li>
<li>Toxicology, Safety and Laws</li>
<li>Wood destroying insects</li>
<li>Biting and stinging arthropods</li>
<li>Cockroaches</li>
<li>Flies</li>
<li>Occasional invaders</li>
<li>Stored product pests</li>
<li>The science of insecticides</li>
</ul>
<div>
The Dec. class will be offered over one-and-a-half days and will include some lab activities to supplement the traditional classroom review. This class will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas campus, located in north Dallas, on Coit Road. Class will start at 8:30 and go until 5 pm. Microscopes will be provided to look at stored product pests and ants. <a href="https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2715">Click here if you would like to learn more or to register.</a> Time is running out.<br />
<br />
Size of the prep class is limited to 30 students. Up to 4 CEU credits will be available for those providing license numbers. In addition, you have the option to purchase the highly recommended: ACE Study Guide “IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist.” Entomological Society of America -$49<br />
<br /></div>
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-3264488272727350562018-12-17T18:53:00.000-06:002018-12-18T09:15:04.976-06:00Rodent mites: They're a Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Several years ago, a nice lady left a “bug” sample for me to identify. It consisted of an electric alarm clock in a Ziploc bag. The accompanying note read: “Help! We’re being bitten by tiny bugs that come out of this clock when it’s plugged in.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvBB8NngOkgd0T1BJpCu5O12alhAUUozGh1kmBC06iLMdwsyq8hJDnE3bf4JhRVfPomkLGWLe2-bquoF2SDhxiBbwlhQUbzwDoyOdWZ_jNAajQwTNhGfcdNqhIb-d6EFWnnDeYjCJ1zc/s1600/electric+clock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="876" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvBB8NngOkgd0T1BJpCu5O12alhAUUozGh1kmBC06iLMdwsyq8hJDnE3bf4JhRVfPomkLGWLe2-bquoF2SDhxiBbwlhQUbzwDoyOdWZ_jNAajQwTNhGfcdNqhIb-d6EFWnnDeYjCJ1zc/s320/electric+clock.png" width="320" /></a>It’s not uncommon for our office to be visited by folks who for a variety of reasons are convinced they are being attacked by invisible [often non-existent] bugs. The descriptions often range into the fantastical, but most often there are simply no bugs. I figured this sample would fall into the imaginary bug category. For that reason, the sample sat on my desk for a few days before I reluctantly examined it. The clock was ordinary enough--no insects in sight. To be fair, I figured I would humor my client and plug in the clock.<br />
<br />
A minute later I gazed at the clock. To my surprise I saw a half dozen (what turned out to be) rodent mites exiting and entering the holes in the back of the clock. The homeowner, I later learned, had just had the home cleared of roof rats by a pest control company. Upon losing their hosts, the now-lonely rat mites had apparently discovered the next best thing to a warm rodent nest was a warm electric clock.<br />
<br />
This experience taught me two things. Rodent mites are attracted to warm places, and I should take every sample (goofy or not) seriously.<br />
<br />
Rodent mites are one of the most poorly known biting arthropods. Yet as rodents grab headlines from New York City and Chicago, even the media is beginning to take notice of these tiny pests. One recent New York periodical recently proclaimed: <a href="http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/10/meet-rat-mites-theyre-even-worse-than-bedbugs.html">"Rat mites. They're a thing, and they're worse than bed bugs."</a> Like bed bugs, rodent mites are active at night and can leave you with an itch. But their tiny size and painful bites make them scarier than bed bugs to many.<br />
<br />
Still, many PMPs get caught off-guard when asked by a customer about mites; or when customers complain about mystery bites after a successful rodent control job. It pays, therefore, to know something about these tiny pests.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Not insects</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kW3cH1Y0Oi4lhQYswjs62lkJw0WLDJx5QhlalB-lsOpwLtEMelQdVbQdZjnTjNe7DkyFIoP-CIoEHHNzPy0XtISD-SYak6AThn1LsB1iWWq3gHzre-zs5IwR-MgXMh65Uf6IUxvRwIY/s1600/DSCN2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kW3cH1Y0Oi4lhQYswjs62lkJw0WLDJx5QhlalB-lsOpwLtEMelQdVbQdZjnTjNe7DkyFIoP-CIoEHHNzPy0XtISD-SYak6AThn1LsB1iWWq3gHzre-zs5IwR-MgXMh65Uf6IUxvRwIY/s320/DSCN2608.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what a rat mite caught in a sticky trap will look like<br />
with a hand lens. In size they will be little larger than a period<br />
at the end of a sentence.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mites are arachnids, more closely akin to spiders than insects. They belong to the taxonomically-complex sub-Class Acari, which includes mites and ticks. Like all arachnids, adult mites have four pairs of legs. They mainly differ from ticks in being smaller (almost microscopic), often having long body hairs and mouth-parts without teeth.<br />
<br />
Mites include species that feed on stored products like flour and cheese, species that are predatory, species that are parasites, plant feeders and scavengers. In all, over 250 species of mites cause problems for humans including allergies, dermatitis, serving as bridge hosts for parasites. Some species even infest skin and transmit disease. If mites are so bad, why don't we talk more about them?<br />
<br />
The answer may have something to do with size. Mites are crazy small! Their tiny size means that they often get overlooked, and few people feel compelled to study them (yes, even scientists are sometimes drawn to larger, easier subjects of study).<br />
<br />
<h4>
Secret lives of mites </h4>
So what do we know about the secret lives of mites? All rodent mites are ectoparasites, meaning they live externally on their hosts, not internally like a tapeworm. They reproduce quickly, usually going through their life cycle (egg to egg) in about two weeks. There are several species of rodent mites, including the tropical rat mite, <i>Ornithonyssus bacoti</i>, the spiny rat mite, <i>Laelaps echidnina</i>, and the house mouse mite, <i>Liponyssoides sanguineus</i>. All of these mites, if you take time to look, can be found in rodent nests or in the fur of their hosts. According to rodentologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan, one of the few people I know who literally combs dead rats for science, mites can be found on most Norway and roof rats. Less is known about the prevalence of house mouse mite on house mice.<br />
<br />
In structures, rodent mites will usually be found in walls or attics close to their hosts’ nests. Baby rodents are likely a favored blood meal during breeding season. When they become too numerous for the nest, or when the baby and adult rodents die or leave, rodent mites will wander in search of another host. These homeless mites are most likely to bite people; but luckily, we humans make poor hosts. Our lack of fur combined with fastidious grooming (think scratching) means that rat and mouse mites don’t last long when people are the only hosts around. Even dogs and cats do not appear to be suitable hosts for rodent mites.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Case studies </h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFk0zoNdFFQzbmpsHyV7dYbyPNXTOwP4mt8pyPHSXqFgP5sL2_otfzfSTG96gKdafp36Iokjz-klakceTDkkJkgF_TbXrOGnaIJAhECRS53hZWbiGzdeBEQ7G66FvB7dGeaz1TaB2GBA/s1600/pet+rat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="952" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFk0zoNdFFQzbmpsHyV7dYbyPNXTOwP4mt8pyPHSXqFgP5sL2_otfzfSTG96gKdafp36Iokjz-klakceTDkkJkgF_TbXrOGnaIJAhECRS53hZWbiGzdeBEQ7G66FvB7dGeaz1TaB2GBA/s400/pet+rat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodent mites can also infest the cages of captive rodents, and are occasional<br />
pests in animal rearing facilities. From Beck and Folster-Holst, 2009.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the absence of their preferred hosts, rodent mite infestations generally go away naturally within one or two weeks. One European case study (Beck 2008) involved three children with rat mite-caused dermatitis. The children lived in the same room with a pair of mite-infested gerbils. Once the gerbils were treated (selamectin) and cages cleaned and treated (permethrin + pyriproxyfen), the dermatitis ceased within seven days.<br />
<br />
In another case a German medical student lived above a bakery with a rat infestation. The student was bitten repeatedly at night by mites that had apparently moved upstairs through the walls from the infested bakery. One week after professional treatment with permethrin, the hundreds of mites present in the home had disappeared and dermatitis ceased (Beck 2008, Beck and Folster-Holst 2009).<br />
<br />
In Houston, a 60-year-old woman living in a dilapidated home infested with rats went to her physician complaining of itching and red bumps scattered on her upper body and arms (Hetherington et al 1971). Rats in the house were trapped and examined and found to be infested with the mites. The rashes and bites stopped when the woman left the house but resumed when she returned. Unlike bed bugs, rodent mites are not hitchhikers and not likely to be carried from one place to another by human transport.<br />
<br />
The well-known urban entomologist, Walter Ebeling (1960), reported successful treatment of rodent mites with fluoridated silica aerogel, a type of desiccant dust, applied to the attics and bedding of severely infested homes. He reported that bites stopped immediately after treatment.<br />
<br />
In another case involving an old house and six medical students (Engel et al. 1998), rodent mites were found to be the cause of severe itching and red bumps. Noises in the attic suggested an active rat problem, so a professional was called. During extermination the bites became so severe that the students had to leave the house temporarily. After the rooms were sprayed repeatedly with a miticide (benzyl benzoate + tannic acid) the students returned in a few days with no more cases of dermatitis or sighting of mites. This case demonstrated how rodent mite infestations can become worse after rodents are eliminated, as the mites seek new hosts.<br />
<br />
In all cases, the use of creams and medications without addressing the rodent problem was ineffective. Once rodents were eliminated, and appropriate miticides applied, bites stopped within a week, or immediately in some cases.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Rodent mites and mystery bugs </h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because of their small size, rodent mites can be difficult to diagnose. Many cases of supposed mite bites turn out to have a medical or <a href="https://insectsinthecity.blogspot.com/2011/05/morgellons-syndrome-and-delusions-of.html">psychological explanation</a>. For this reason, inspections are important. Use your flashlight to look for tiny arthropods little larger the the period at the end of this sentence. Look on solid colored surfaces in areas where your customer is reporting bites. To see a short video of rodent mites crawling on a person's hand, <a href="https://citybugs.tamu.edu/files/2018/09/bird-mite-on-arm-Jenifer-Reiner-2018.mp4">click here</a>. </div>
<br />
Sticky cards are effective mite collecting devices. Place them in suspected hot spots. If your customer claims they are getting bites everywhere in the house, or even in their car, or place of work, rodent mites may not be the problem.<br />
<br />
If you cannot find mites during an inspection, instruct your customer how to collect a sample. A piece of Scotch tape, or a hobby paint brush moistened with a bit of gel hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol is an easy way to pick up small arthropods like mites. Bring the sample back to the office and have it checked by a certified entomologist or Extension entomology specialist.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Wrapping up</h4>
Some key points to communicate to your rodent control customers:<br />
<ul>
<li>Rodent mites may appear during or after rodent extermination. </li>
<li>If customer thinks they have mites, ask them to collect a sample so you can confirm the problem. Mites should be large enough for most people to see--they are not invisible.</li>
<li>Rodent mites can bite us; but they do not infest people, dogs or cats. </li>
<li>Pet rodents can become infested with rodent mites. If so, a veterinarian should treat the pet and the customer clean and (optionally) treat the pet cage. </li>
<li>Bird and rodent mites do not hitchhike on people (though “mouser” cats may serve as temporary transport for rodent mice to people) </li>
<li>Rodent mite bites almost never cause disease (house mouse mites may rarely carry rickettsial pox)</li>
</ul>
Rodent mites may be the smallest pest your technicians are likely to ever encounter, but their impact can be big. Anticipate problems with mites when doing rodent control, especially in offices or residential accounts. Use sticky cards and consider treating any discovered rodent nests or room perimeters with a proven insecticide like permethrin or bifenthrin. Void areas can be treated with a desiccant dust like diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel.<br />
<br />
Rodent mite infestations are not uncommon. You owe it to your customer to take all reports of biting insects seriously, even when they are difficult to see. And if your customer hands you a clock, try plugging it in.
Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-8798310136573565282018-09-20T17:17:00.000-05:002018-09-21T09:52:46.001-05:00On alert for armyworms<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6rGX23lXg5E4qukXOUw-C0AkX7h6aLocs2tb1QKYnvRscrVOwAWnDK7sVJImtLwJ9A_pFdqZGASUY8YKiqGNP1FFqbWB0bJoCpUdJ1e6APBs6-LZrdwvbEd8hgejZAo6kAt2Nt5FKOM/s1600/fall+armyworm+IMG_6969-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="712" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6rGX23lXg5E4qukXOUw-C0AkX7h6aLocs2tb1QKYnvRscrVOwAWnDK7sVJImtLwJ9A_pFdqZGASUY8YKiqGNP1FFqbWB0bJoCpUdJ1e6APBs6-LZrdwvbEd8hgejZAo6kAt2Nt5FKOM/s320/fall+armyworm+IMG_6969-sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall armyworm caterpillars feed mostly on grasses. This year<br />
is proving to be a banner year for armyworms in some areas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pest management professionals who care for lawns should be on the alert for fall armyworms this fall. Higher-than-normal populations of this lawn-eating insect have been reported from many areas in Texas these past two weeks.<br />
<br />
While fall armyworms are nothing new, according to Dr. Allen Knutson, extension agricultural entomologist in Dallas, this year they are a widespread <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1556536127/posts/10216946743131597/">problem for hay producers and small grains producers across the state</a>. "I've had calls as far west as Wichita Falls, south to Comanche and across east Texas," he said. Locally in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, my turfgrass colleague, Dr. Lindsey Hoffman, and I have gotten many calls this week from concerned lawn owners, schools and the media.<br />
<br />
Fall armyworm (FAW) is the caterpillar stage of a drab gray moth, known scientifically as <em><a href="https://bugguide.net/node/view/40787">Spodoptera frugiperda</a></em>. It feeds primarily on grasses, though it has been reported feeding on dozens of non-grass plants and weeds. It earns the name "armyworm" from its habit, during times of major outbreaks, of marching, army-like, across fields and roads and yards, consuming everything in its path.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Identification</span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-401SRl9sdSebI1RWheDgneR836Y7LIceBIZlAMr0CDeO60_Sx5eXuq3bWs6OaFQTqB0FbT-Vho63xBPT07hl2yRLWO9wkhS9v9RnoYL4TjwFld_4K3SrZiWB0Js62n1OQC1djPVUfro/s1600/fall+armyworm+IMG_6960-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-401SRl9sdSebI1RWheDgneR836Y7LIceBIZlAMr0CDeO60_Sx5eXuq3bWs6OaFQTqB0FbT-Vho63xBPT07hl2yRLWO9wkhS9v9RnoYL4TjwFld_4K3SrZiWB0Js62n1OQC1djPVUfro/s320/fall+armyworm+IMG_6960-sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall armyworms blend in well with the grass and soil. Careful<br />
observation of the grass and bare areas may be needed to confirm<br />
fall armyworm presence.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The FAW caterpillar is identified by three thin white or yellow stripes on the shield behind the head (pronotum), an inverted white Y on the face between the eyes, and by four dark hair-bearing bumps (tubercles) on the top of the 8th abdominal segment. It takes three to four weeks of feeding to reach its full length of about 1.25 inches (34 mm). For a video that will help you recognize FAW in the field, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEK_l7eMEvI">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=9666">adult FAW moth</a> has a wingspan of about 1.5 in. The hind wings are white; the front wings are dark gray, mottled with lighter and darker splotches. On male moths each forewing has a noticeable whitish spot near the extreme tip.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Damage and Control</h3>
Damage often appears to occur overnight, though armyworms need at least three to four weeks to complete their six larval stages (instars). The last week or two of the larval stage is when most of the feeding, and damage, occurs.<br />
<br />
Fall armyworms feed on most common lawn grasses like bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass. But because armyworms feed on the leaves, and not on the critical roots and stolons, a little irrigation or a rain should restore lawns to their original condition within a week or two.<br />
<br />
If this is unacceptable to your customer, FAW is relatively easy to control with any pyrethroid insecticide. Organic customer lawns can be treated with products containing spinosad, a naturally occurring microbial toxin. Be sure to avoid treating areas with flowering weeds or clovers that might attract bees, or else mow the lawn (and flowerheads) prior to treating. This will help protect pollinators that might otherwise be attracted to freshly sprayed lawns.<br />
<br />
Fall armyworm adult are strong fliers, travelling hundreds of miles from overwintering sites in south Florida, south Texas and Mexico each spring. In an strange, apparent case of migrational suicide, offspring of these northern migrants cannot survive freezing winter weather. And unlike monarch butterflies which return to Mexico each winter, FAWs never return south. Therefore, they and all their offspring perish in the cold weather. The evolutionary advantage of this unusual behavior, if any, is not well understood.<br />
<br />
For more information on our Aggie Turf website, <a href="https://tinyurl.com/fallarmyworm">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-61775236283718572462018-09-07T10:28:00.000-05:002018-09-07T10:30:02.188-05:00Cixiid planthoppersHere's one you never learned in technician training. Cixiid planthoppers are 1/4 inch-long (5 mm-long bodies) insects that are common at times on trees and shrubs. They are plant feeders, with nymphs that feed underground on grass roots. They are not your typical household pest.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42B2X9gKIesXMoP8KjTpPwD9Ry_h9GV1ibbLofPOaoZwrBOI2Ij9mnOyH5OvnI3BighkzQhgFEwY1djHLHSs7ZC6QxrI0kwsxJuOPVGYnGOHzydqKTBQ1MtDjlv1RsbW1PEmY8auuHhc/s1600/Cixiid+IMG_6912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="720" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42B2X9gKIesXMoP8KjTpPwD9Ry_h9GV1ibbLofPOaoZwrBOI2Ij9mnOyH5OvnI3BighkzQhgFEwY1djHLHSs7ZC6QxrI0kwsxJuOPVGYnGOHzydqKTBQ1MtDjlv1RsbW1PEmY8auuHhc/s320/Cixiid+IMG_6912.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cixiid planthoppers are occasional invaders of homes,<br />
identified by their jumping legs, finely veined, overlapping <br />
wings. Note the dark patch (stigma) on the leading edge of<br />
the forewing. Body length 5 mm, with wings 8 mm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Over the past week in Dallas, however, I received numerous calls about these insects. One family described themselves as being "tormented" by these bugs, that insecticides wouldn't kill them and that the "bites" they were experiencing were surely these bugs.<br />
<br />
The truth is, cixiid (sicks EE id) planthoppers do not bite and are harmless to people. Also, their damage to plants is negligible. Their only crime is that they are sometimes attracted to lights at night and, consequently, occasionally invade homes. Apart from reducing outdoor lighting and sealing windows and vents (especially next to outdoor lights), there is no real control for these creatures.<br />
<br />
Infestations of cixiids should be temporary, but they are an interesting example of how, even in urban areas, nature occasionally intrudes on our otherwise sterile lives. They are also a good example of why the more a PMP knows about all insects (not just pests), the better professional he or she will be.<br />
<br />
<br />Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1497004104272690197.post-40646080268065279552018-08-31T09:32:00.000-05:002018-08-31T16:33:14.875-05:00Watch this bug<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DJR-p5MDFd4-I1H1SKaAf31jm0ArzuaZfGnIQKlYMpmUj7lOjrxDoOd1zsu3pmsX0OrSqDRSgpOwXP__J2oUIk5SHyTGkz-_dO0HXUk13wauXgl8bDSOO81B9quuXbnd497SaRjQcd0/s1600/BMSB+observation+from+iNaturalist+Dallas+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1151" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DJR-p5MDFd4-I1H1SKaAf31jm0ArzuaZfGnIQKlYMpmUj7lOjrxDoOd1zsu3pmsX0OrSqDRSgpOwXP__J2oUIk5SHyTGkz-_dO0HXUk13wauXgl8bDSOO81B9quuXbnd497SaRjQcd0/s320/BMSB+observation+from+iNaturalist+Dallas+2017.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture of BMSB was taken <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">in Dallas <br />County</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">in 2017 by </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Annika Linkqvist and</span><br />
posted on iNaturalist. Note the white bands on<br />
the antennae.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_marmorated_stink_bug">Brown marmorated stink bug</a> has been causing a stink, literally, in many parts of the country for the past 15 years or so. It feeds on important crops, and finishes up its dirty work by invading homes in the fall. It's the complete pest. Bad for farmers <i>and </i>homeowners alike.<br />
<br />
Now the BMSB may be making a new home in Texas. According to <a href="http://www.eddmaps.org/bmsb/distribution.cfm?map=distribution">EDDMaps distribution records</a>, this stink bug has now been confirmed in four Texas counties. Two sightings were recorded last summer in Dallas County by the same observer, and one in Collin County in 2015. It has also been seen in Harris and Ft. Bend counties in the Houston area. To our knowledge there have been no reports of buildings being invaded or plant damage.<br />
<br />
I live in Collin County and have yet to see a BMSB; but that doesn't mean they're not here, slowly reproducing and hiding out until they make their grand entrance. When they do, chances are that a pest control company will be the first to know.<br />
<br />
I first <a href="https://insectsinthecity.blogspot.com/2011/07/eyes-open-for-brown-marmorated-stink.html">posted about this pest 7 years ago</a>, before any sightings in the Houston or Dallas area. Given these recent reports, I think its time to renew the call to vigilance.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Identification</h4>
So how do you identify BMSB? First, it is a stink bug (family Pentatomidae), all of which have flattened, shield-like bodies with a triangular plate in the middle separating the bases of the two wings. The BMSB is brown, about 17 mm-long (2/3 inch), and may produce a musty scent when disturbed. Several other stinkbugs look similar to BMSB. Identify by looking for three characters: First is the white band at the joint between the 3rd and 4th (last) antennal segments (see image). Second is the shoulders: the BMSB also has rounded shoulder angles (corners of the pronotum at the widest part of the body) compared to other stink bugs with pointed shoulder angles or jagged teeth above the shoulder. Last, there are four creamy spots on the pronotum (shield) just behind the head and on the top of the scutellum (triangular shaped plate between the bases of the wings).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHJP2WxxX794iac4wctBAc5Z0bl3qvjvf1lJstFTcsle2blZkZo6fcHq8EvjcGFFI8iWdNd_lyDl3BEGogG8dIyGH8yI0KYnGbgcbxc3Spw5UqvKV7049uSdjvnV-ZnQZQ_tMyv9UKJw/s1600/Halyomorph+comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHJP2WxxX794iac4wctBAc5Z0bl3qvjvf1lJstFTcsle2blZkZo6fcHq8EvjcGFFI8iWdNd_lyDl3BEGogG8dIyGH8yI0KYnGbgcbxc3Spw5UqvKV7049uSdjvnV-ZnQZQ_tMyv9UKJw/s400/Halyomorph+comparison.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brown marmorated stink bug (<i>Halyomorpha halys</i>, right) can be distinguished from the brown (<i>Euschistus servus</i>, left) and bark (<i>Brochymena quadripustulata</i>, center) stink bugs by markings and the white bands at the joints of the antennae. (Note: These images not necessarily to scale. The two left photos were taken by Mike Quinn, TexasEnto.net; and the right image by Melinda Fawver. Thanks for permission to use.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
What to do</h4>
If you think you've run into an infestation of brown marmorated stink bugs, let me or one of our <a href="http://insects.tamu.edu/people/extension/index.cfm">extension entomologists</a> from around the state know. To confirm, we will need specimens or good quality digital images. If you choose to send a specimen, please follow the directions on <a href="http://citybugs.tamu.edu/idhelp/">this page</a>, and include a completed<a href="http://citybugs.tamu.edu/files/2010/04/Entomology-Plant-Pathology-Form.pdf"> insect ID form</a> with accurate information about date and location where the specimen was collected.<br />
<br />
We are especially interested if the bugs are damaging fruit (fruit, corn, grapes, tomatoes, beans) or coming to lights and invading homes in large numbers. If you have a good picture and want to report an infestation, you can also report to our national EDDMaps database at <a href="http://www.eddmaps.org/bmsb/report/">http://www.eddmaps.org/bmsb/report/</a>.<br />
<br />
This insect has the potential to become a major headache for households and businesses, as well as farmers. It reminds me of my latest proverb: "If you crave job security in your career, go into highway construction or pest control." Just as there will always be highways being repaired, there will always be new pests to battle. Brown marmorated stink bug is a good example.Creation Care Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096774491277223713noreply@blogger.com0