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Showing posts from 2012

Tiny, Shiny, Reddish-Brown Beetles - Spider Beetles

spider beetle, shiny, hump-backed, reddish-brown These tiny beetles are fairly uncommon but because they resemble mites or even bed bugs they get a lot of reaction from homeowners when they are found. Spider beetles are small (1.5 - 4mm), shiny, hump-backed, reddish-brown beetles that are considered to be minor stored product pests (they infest stored foods and natural fa brics) . They are usually not a major problem in homes but can damage museum collections of animals and dried insects. These beetles are especially common in older apartment buildings . On first sight people sometimes mistakenly identify spider beetles as mites or bed bugs. They are of course completely unrelated to either of these critters. The majority of questions I get about spider beetles come from New York City but these beetles occur in other regions o f the country as well. There are at least three species that can be found in homes. Since spider beetles are general scavengers they can infest a w

Types of Mites

follicle mite Mites live on plants, in the soil, in our homes, and sometimes even on us! Mites are among most abundant and diverse animal groups on earth.  Mites occur literally everywhere; in our homes, on our garden plants, in the soil at our feet, and some even live on us -- so it is indeed a good thing that most are so small that they are barely visible! A "typical" mite is about the size of a grain of salt but some, such as ticks (yes, ticks are a type of mite), can be as large as your fingernail while others like the demodex follicle mite (left) are small enough to live inside a normal hair follicle, with room to spare. brown recluse spider Mites are related to spiders but they are much more abundant and diverse than their arachnid cousins. While all spiders are predators (i.e. they feed on live prey) mites exhibit a range of lifestyles from the small plant feeding spider mites to tiny ectoparasitic scabies mites and to the relatively lar

Underground-Nesting Yellowjacket Wasps

Nest entrance (lower center) at base of tree. Yellowjacket wasps guard entrance to nest. Between mid-summer and early fall yellowjacket wasps that nest underground can be a real threat in some areas. These yellowjacket wasps hide their nests underground, often in cavities made by decaying roots, stumps (see photo) or rodent burrows. Nests may contain hundreds to thousands of worker wasps that will aggressively defend the nest against all intruders. When disturbed wasps can swarm from this ground nest . A single sting can provoke other wasps that are summoned to attack the "enemy" of the nest (for this reason always quickly leave the area if you are stung). Wasps are especially sensitive to ground vibrations or low frequency (bass) noise as this may signal an animal such as a bear or skunk trying to dig out the nest. This is why wasps will sometimes swarm in response to a careless hiker that steps on the nest entrance or the low growl of a passing lawnmower. N

How To Identify A Bug Online

hummingbird mite and human hair Scenario: You've found a bug in your home that you don't recognize. You ask yourself "Is this bug dangerous , a threat to my family? Could it damage my house?" Where can you go to get answers and reassurance? One option is to call a local pest control company (exterminator) but this may not be your best option. Keep in mind that while many pest control companies will give you honest, expert answers to your questions, their bias and their business , is to sell treatments not information. In the worst case they may sell you treatments that are not entirely necessary. Your best option (in the US) is to contact your local Cooperative Extension office (do a google search for " find local extension office "). Every US county has an Extension Office that serves to connect the local community to the subject matter specialists at the state agricultural university. The Extension office can get you in touch with experts at th

Mold Mites In Homes

mold/grain mite The tiny white/tan "bugs" that people find swarming over surfaces often turn out to be mold mites (also spelled mould mites). Since the mites are also attracted to warm surfaces they may appear to be infesting electronics like computers and televisions as well. When found in homes mold mites are usually associated with some type of moisture issue which has caused mold growth. The moisture source can be as simple as a leaky pipe or as difficult as a leaky roof or foundation. The mites feed on the mold and populations can grow rapidly. The mites are tiny, and usually white or tan in color, and have very long "hairs", or setae. See Mold Mites In Homes for additional life history and control information. Mold mites are sometimes called " grain mites " because they also commonly occur in grain storage warehouses on the surface of grain sacks. The mites are harmless . They don't bite or cause structural damage . However, the lo