Some types of insects are better at blending into their surroundings than others. Camouflage helps these insects hide from predators and better capture their prey. While they might not hide out in your home, you might find these creatures in your backyard. Some play an important role in natural pest prevention. Keep reading to learn more about these well-hidden insects.
Stick bugs
Phasmids, better known as stick bugs, are called so because they look like living, walking twigs. This camouflage helps them stay away from predators such as birds. They are found throughout North America, though you need a sharp eye to spot them. North American varieties also tend to be smaller than their tropical cousins, according to National Geographic Magazine. The largest stick bug measured over 21 inches!
Generally, stick bugs are herbivores. If you do find one wandering through your yard, it's best to leave it be. It's unlikely that they'll disturb your garden. If anything, they'll make an interesting conversation piece when you bring your guests out into the yard.
Leaf bugs
Other insects hide themselves by mimicking green leaves. In North America, katydids are the most common leaf-like insects. According to the University of Florida, katydids feed mostly on deciduous trees such as oaks. Their predators include frogs, snakes, bats, birds and spiders.
Katydids can become pests for fruit trees when they appear in large numbers. They can damage leaves and citrus fruits, according to the University of California. Katydids can be controlled via chemical means, however some species of parasitic wasps can be used to keep their numbers in check.
Thorn bugs
In Florida, thorn bugs - which look like the thorns on a tree - can pose a threat to some species of trees. According to the University of Florida, they can damage tamarind plants, Jerusalem thorns and date palms. Because they thrive in warmer climates, they can usually be found in all seasons. However, populations of thorn bugs are known to move around in a sporadic nature that isn't well understood. As such, large swarms of the insects can appear and disappear seemingly at random.
Because of their random nature, organic control methods are typically ineffective. If they pose a problem in urban environments, they are best controlled via chemical means. A professional pest control agency will know how to remove them.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
