Gardeners and farmers across the U.S. probably come across an unfamiliar beetle in their crops from time to time. While some might not give a beetle a second glance, these people know that one bug can spell disaster for their plants. In some cases, beetles can damage plants to the point that the plant can no longer flower and sustain a long life. To those who either enjoy gardening or depend upon it for their livelihood, this is a serious issue. Many of these beetles are part of the Leptinotarsa genus, commonly known as potato beetles. In fact, the University of Florida reported that there are roughly 40 different species of potato beetle across North America.
Here's what you need to know about potato beetles:
Threelined potato beetles
One common species is known as the threelined potato beetle. The University of Minnesota reported that it has cream and black stripes on its back, making it very distinguishable. It usually appears in the spring and summer and likes to eat potato and tomatillo plants. It's best not to use a pesticide in this case unless the problem is too extensive. It's best to pick them by hand and remove them into a bucket of soapy water.
Colorado potato beetle
One of the more ubiquitous potato beetles in North America is the Colorado potato beetle. It has a much wider diet than other varieties, eating off eggplants, potatoes, bell peppers and others. You can identify this beetle by its orange, black spotted head and white and black striped body. The University of Florida reported that chemical control is a good way to remove a large infestation. Homeowners may want a professional pest control company to spray for the insect.
Giant sweetpotato bug
According to the University of Florida, this Asian species of beetle was introduced to America some time in the late 1980s or early 1990s. As their name suggests, these bugs like to hang around sweetpotato plants. However, no major damage has ever been reported as being caused by this species. The only nuisance they may cause is their unsightliness. The bug is large, black and gray and has long antennae bent at a nearly 90 degree angle. They are best managed when still in the nymphal stage and more susceptible to chemicals.
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.
