Summer is a favorite season among many. Longer days and warmer weather mean more time spent outside. But unfortunately, several pests can ruin your outdoor fun. Some of the most common types we see here in North Carolina are mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes date back as far as 400 million years. There are at least 2,700 known mosquito species in the world but only around 176 species in the United States. They feed on the blood of humans and mammals, but only female mosquitoes bite. For the most part, their bites are just annoying and extremely itchy. However, in some parts of the world mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile Virus, Malaria, and Yellow Fever. In certain cases, these diseases are deadly. In this Pest Profile series, we're highlighting fire ants. The clocks have moved forward an hour which means spring and summer are quickly approaching. While enjoying time outside, the last thing you want to deal with is a fire ant invasion.
Surprisingly, fire ants were brought into North America accidentally. They were brought in on a cargo boat from South America, which arrived in Alabama in the 1930s. Since then, they have spread aggressively, especially in the South, where warmer weather makes it easy for them to survive. Fire ants live in colonies, which can contain over 200,000 ants. Growing a visible colony this large takes several months. Colonies are typically comprised of female worker ant and one queen responsible for laying the eggs. We are in the thick of winter here in North Carolina, and that means pests are constantly looking for a warm place to stay. With that in mind, you may notice more stink bugs making their way inside as they look to keep warm.
Did you know stink bugs were named because of the odor they release when they’re crushed or when they sense a threat? There are more than 200 kinds of stink bugs in the United States with many also calling North Carolina home. This invasive species was first found in Pennsylvania in the 1990s. Stink bugs feed on plants, fruits, and crops, which makes them a huge threat to farms and gardens. The holiday season is here once again. Naturally, you don't want pests to make an appearance in your home during holiday parties, family get-togethers, and festive fun. Here are our top 10 tips for a pest-free holiday season so you can enjoy your Christmas and New Year celebrations without worrying about unwanted bugs and critters:
It's a common misconception that when cold weather moves in, pests are moving out. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that in the colder months, pests are looking for a warm place to stay... and might actually try to move into your home or property.
Pests that come out during the fall season in North Carolina, like spiders and ants, aren't affected by cold temperatures. In addition, several pests have various ways to deal with cold weather and the elements, so snow and freezing rain doesn't necessarily affect them. |