Pest removal can be a real bother to homeowners, but non-native creatures - known as invasive species - can be especially troublesome because the trees and plants in your yard likely have no natural defenses against these animals. Across the U.S. and the world, global commerce and other factors have made it possible for invasive critters to colonize new lands and wreak ecological havoc.
Keep an eye out for these dangerous invasive species, and should you find one in your backyard, make sure to contact the proper authorities.
1. Brown marmorated stink bugsThe stink bug can damage fruit and vegetable crops, but is also attracted to the warmth of suburban homes and businesses. Not only have the bugs caused serious agricultural damage, but these insects emit a foul stench and can even cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
2. Asian longhorned beetle
According to the Nature Conservancy, containment efforts related to this invasive insect are critical. The beetles have already been tied to the death of thousands of trees in urban areas such as New York City and Chicago. In fact, up to 30 percent of trees in the eastern U.S. are at risk from the Asian longhorned beetle.
3. Emerald ash borer
The larvae of these flying insects eat the inside of ash trees, and the Nature Conservancy reported that at least 60 million trees have been destroyed in 10 years because of these bugs. If there are any ash trees in your yard, it is important to be vigilant, as the prospect of a falling or rotting tree can be an expensive or dangerous problem.
Since being first discovered in Michigan in 2002, these invasive critters have spread to 25 states, as well as northern Canada.
4. European starling
These plants were first introduced to Central Park at the turn of the 20th century and since have spread throughout the U.S. These birds may seem like any other backyard visitor, but they are known to spread fungi and disease that can affect soil quality and even human health.
Be sure to close any open gaps or openings on the siding of your home or garage, as this can present an easy place for starlings to nest. Netting can also be used to prevent these birds from finding a home in the underside of an open shed or outdoor pavilion.
5. Hemlock woolly adelgid
The U.S. Forest Service reported that these insects, which are native to both the Western U.S. and Asia, have few natural predators in the eastern part of the country, and the hemlock trees that grow there have not evolved the same pest resitance. These little bugs are just a few millimeters long, but can cause damage to eastern hemlock trees by draining them of precious water and nutrients.
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.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
