All articles tagged with #pest control
Nighttime bats circling yards indicate abundant insects and provide natural pest control through echolocation; urban bats help reduce crop damage and pesticide use, with Brazilian studies citing about $390–$391 million in annual savings, while rabies risk remains under 1% and bat houses support conservation.
Travel-associated bedbug infestations are rising in the Southern U.S., with Georgia ranking sixth for bedbug service requests and Florida, Texas, and Tennessee also seeing increases tied to lodging with high guest turnover. Experts say budget-friendly accommodations and youth-hostel-style settings attract bedbugs, which spread by hitchhiking on luggage and clothing. Travelers are advised to inspect bags upon return and run exposed clothing in a high-heat dryer for 30–45 minutes to kill any hitchhikers before they spread home.
UC Riverside researchers report bed bugs actively avoid moisture and wet surfaces, likely because water can block their respiratory openings. Experiments using damp paper and water-covered areas showed bed bugs of all ages and both sexes retreat from moisture, with the youngest most sensitive. The finding could affect moisture-based pest-control strategies, and while a bath can remove bugs on a person, treating a room infestation still requires established methods.
New UC Riverside research shows bed bugs actively avoid moisture because water can block their breathing, a behavior seen across ages with younger bugs reacting fastest; the finding could influence pest-control strategies and suggests practical steps like bathing to remove bugs from people while moisture-aware treatments help limit spread.
UC Riverside researchers found bed bugs strongly avoid wet surfaces, with nymphs retreating from water even more quickly than adults; this water aversion could influence how liquid-based pest-control methods are applied and may guide new strategies for eradicating these pests.
A local group called PEACE is pushing a petition to criminalize hunting, fishing, and pest-control activities in Oregon, claiming it would end animal-cruelty exemptions; supporters say the move would upend wildlife management and pest control, while opponents warn of potential economic and practical consequences.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute showed that certain Beauveria bassiana strains can infect and kill bark beetles by detoxifying spruce tree defense chemicals (stilbenes and flavonoids). The fungus converts these compounds into less protective forms through two phases, first removing sugar to form aglycones and then methylating them to methylglucosides, which avoids the plant defenses and enables infection. Gene knockouts of the detoxification pathways reduce virulence, indicating these defenses are bypassable. Other fungi, like Cordyceps militaris, may use similar tricks, suggesting a future in biocontrol where fungi replace some chemical insecticides.
Health officials warn residents in King County, Washington, about the possibility of rats appearing in toilets after recent heavy rains and flooding, and provide tips for safely removing them or contacting pest control if needed.
Minneapolis is ranked as the ninth 'rattiest' city in the U.S. based on new data from Orkin, indicating a rise in rodent activity compared to the previous year, and is the only Minnesota city on the list, which includes several Midwestern cities and Los Angeles at the top.
The article humorously details various infestations and pest issues faced by staffers at The Autopian, including bats, ants, mice, and invasive ducks, along with their experiences and solutions for managing these problems.
The brown lumps on the rabbit’s foot fern are likely scale insects, which can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and prevention involves quarantine, regular inspection, and maintaining good airflow.
Amazon shoppers recommend a $35 solar ultrasonic mole repellent that emits sounds to deter moles, gophers, and snakes, helping to protect lawns without harm or chemicals. Many users report noticeable improvements in lawn health and ease of use, though it may not be a long-term solution for severe infestations.
Scientists have found that azuki bean beetles, a pest affecting legume crops, lay larger male eggs under stress from increased temperatures and CO2 levels, influenced by Wolbachia bacteria, which could worsen crop damage in a changing climate. This discovery highlights the need for targeted pest management strategies that consider environmental impacts and microbial interactions to protect food supplies without harmful chemicals.
A new hybrid fire ant, dubbed the 'Frankenstein ant,' is rapidly spreading across the U.S., thriving in various climates and terrains due to its adaptability and genetic advantages, posing threats to plants, humans, and livestock. Efforts to manage its spread include quarantine measures, treatment protocols, and public awareness campaigns.
In North Yorkshire, England, a 22-inch rat was removed from a home, highlighting a worsening rodent infestation in the area. Local officials are calling for increased pest control efforts and funding to address the problem.