With spring quickly approaching and summertime not too far behind, the weather will soon begin to incline and stay consistently warm. While many people are looking forward to spending more time outside, they are not the only ones - warm weather pests will soon resurface, and unfortunately, that includes the stinging insects, too.
Stinging insects are not pests to mess with, as Pest World reported that these bugs send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room every year. Don't let these pests disturb your happiness in the weather this year - here are a few common stinging insects you need to avoid.
Africanized bees, also known as "killer" bees, look very similar to the common honeybee in color and shape, but they set themselves apart by the difference in the length of their bodies. These bees are known to chase people for more than a quarter of a mile once they've been disturbed, so make certain you do not aggravate this pest - the outcome may be aggressive.
Bumblebees are extremely beneficial to plants and crops, as they pollinate throughout the warmer seasons. Although, they're not favorable when it comes to interacting with human beings because they pose a threat with their harmful sting. These pests are easily identified by their round shaped body and thick yellow stripes along the back and head.
According to Pest World, the carpenter bee looks a lot like the bumble bee besides its lack of bright yellow stripes. This pest gets its name from its habit of drilling into wood as a carpenter would. When disturbed, it stings and leaves sharp pain - so leave it be.
The mosquito is quite easy to identify, as it has a long stinger, delicate legs, a small body and transparent wings. They need water to survive and thrive throughout each stage of life, which is why they often show up at pool parties during the summer. According to Everyday Health, mosquitoes aren't only a nuisance, some carry viruses that can be transferred when they bite, so use mosquito repellent when you spend long periods of time outdoor in the summertime.
Ants may not seem like an offensive pest, but some species can be harmful. Fire ants are usually found in warmer western states, such as Mississippi, New Mexico, Arizona and California and they tend to vary in color, ranging from red, brown and black. The bite of a fire ant is nothing to overlook, as it has been known to send people to hospitals. Steer clear of these ants, especially if they appear in a colony.
According to Pest World, this group of pests gets its name from where it constructs its nest - in the mud. This type of wasp looks similar to a paper wasp, but it's body is completely black. The open-pipe mud dauber is more of a nuisance pest than anything because it rarely stings, but you should still be cautious.
Also known as "cow killers," these pests aren't actually ants at all - they are wasps, and they can sting if disturbed. They get their "velvet" name from the brightly colored, fuzzy body of the females, who are also wingless so assuming they are an actual ant is common.
When you think of getting stung in the summer, you probably think of the yellowjacket. They have a yellow and black head, as well as a matching colored body with an intricate patterned abdomen. If you come in contact with this pest, leave it alone, as it's sting could cause pain and irritating sensation.
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.
Dorm rooms are a space that you can make your own while you're at college. You can decorate them and make them as cozy as you'd like so that it reminds you of home while you're away. However, this cozy home away from home becomes less comforting when you notice bed bugs crawling around your floor or resting in your bed with you. Consider these tips to keep bed bugs out of your dorm room.
