Most people know that honey bees help to pollinate all the fruits, vegetables and wildflowers we love, and their fuzzy, rounded bodies are almost cute. It is difficult to find anyone with an affinity for wasps and hornets, however. From their sleek and shiny bodies to their angry-looking faces, these insects look like they are built for the battlefield, not the vegetable garden.
That fierce reputation is based in truth, but scientists at North Carolina State University noted that the insects play a crucial role in our natural world. These hunters prey on many insects that humans see as pests, such as flies and caterpillars. In turn, they serve as food for intrepid bears, skunks and birds.
To avoid hornet stings, cover up any food or drink when you're eating outdoors, and keep a tight lid on the trash can, the NC State pest management experts suggested. That will encourage the insects to find their natural food sources.
Another approach is patience, according to NC State. If you can avoid them for a single summer, the hive will disappear, because hornet and yellowjacket colonies die out when the weather grows cold each winter. The surviving queen sleeps through the season alone, snuggled inside tree bark or old stumps.
If a paper wasp or hornet does fly too close for comfort, the best reaction is to back slowly away, Ohio State University Extension reported. As opposed to the single sting of a honey bee, wasps and hornets can attack repeatedly if they feel threatened. So avoid quick movements and loud noises near their nests.
Another quick tip for avoiding outdoor stings is to skip any soaps and shampoos with strong scents, OSU explained. Cosmetics, colognes and perfumes can aggravate these sensitive insects. Even sparkly jewelry and shiny belt buckles can set them off, so leave the fancy dress clothes for another day if you're attending a backyard barbecue.
After trying these simple steps, homeowners who still get stung may turn to pest control equipment for a solution. The best approach depends on the type of insect, noted the University of Kentucky. Wait until night and stand well back to soak a paper wasp nest with commercial bug spray. Other species are best left to a professional pest control service, since aggressive hornets tend to nest high up in trees and yellowjackets burrow underground.
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.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
