Menu
Powderpost Beetle
Powderpost Beetles in Arkansas
Powderpost beetles are a broad category of beetles that live within – and eat – hardwoods, reducing timber to fine powder-like sawdust. These beetles cause millions of dollars in damage each year as they infest dry seasoned wood. In the United States, they are second only to termites in destructiveness to wood and wood products. Powderpost beetles prefer to live deep within hardwoods, and the only indication of their presence is the sawdust they leave behind, and the pencil-sized “shot” holes that remain after adults emerge in spring. The greatest period of activity occurs during the warm season.
Powderpost Beetle Habitat
Powderpost beetles live and breed in hardwoods, such as the dead branches and limbs of trees. They avoid softwoods and will not attempt to tunnel in varnished woods. Often, eggs and larvae can be sealed within hardwoods, resulting in emerging adults later on. A female powderpost beetle will lay 50 eggs at a time, in the pores of the wood. When larvae of the powderpost beetle hatch, they feed on many of the various hardwoods used in furniture, baskets, hardwood trim, and flooring. Larvae will emerge one to five years later in spring. An adult powderpost beetle will not typically live for longer than a year.
Powderpost Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Powderpost beetles aren’t a direct threat to humans, but they do cause millions of dollars in damage each year. Adult powderpost beetles most often select and lay eggs in wood such as oak, ash, hickory, mahogany, and walnut, and infestations are most likely to occur in wood paneling, molding, flooring, window and door frames, plywood, and furniture. Powderpost beetles are strong fliers and are attracted to light. Adults are often found near windows or on windowsills when an infestation occurs indoors. Infestations in homes are almost always due to the infestation of the wood prior to construction. If a powderpost beetle infestation is suspected, contact a local beetle control professional.
Need help with Powderpost Beetle control?
Groundhog
Groundhogs in Arkansas
Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are large rodents and are widely distributed across the United States. Groundhogs are among the few animals that are true hibernators, fattening up in spring and summer and hibernating in burrows during the winter months. Groundhogs are very common in rural areas but are also frequently seen in suburban neighborhoods. The groundhog is actually a member of the squirrel family, and its front feet are very powerful tools used for digging burrows. Groundhogs can become a real pest for homeowners as they burrow under vegetable and flower gardens, sheds, and outdoor structures.
Groundhog Habitat
These large rodents are herbivores, and a groundhog’s diet can include fruit, plants, tree bark, and grasses. Groundhogs dig burrows near vegetation that can be as deep as five feet and generally have more than one entrance. The entrance hole is made larger as the animal grows and will eventually be a foot wide with a mound of soil around it. Burrow entrances are usually well-hidden and can be difficult to find. Groundhogs often hide these holes by digging them underneath vegetation or loosely covering them up with leaves and sticks. The network of tunnels can cover an area underground ranging from 8 to 66 feet and is used for several years.
Groundhog Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Groundhogs are docile creatures, rarely come in contact with people, and pose no major public health hazards. They are considered nuisance pests because they are capable of causing extensive damage to home gardens, lawns, and orchards as a result of their feeding and burrowing habits. When burrowing, groundhogs have been known to destroy building foundations, create unwanted holes on lawns and cause electrical outages from gnawing on underground wires. If an infestation is suspected, contact a licensed wildlife control professional.
Need help with Groundhog control?
Camel Cricket
Camel Crickets in Arkansas
The name camel cricket is derived from the rounded hump on the insect’s back that resembles the hump of a camel. Sometimes referred to as “cave crickets” or “land shrimp,” they are more closely related to katydids than true crickets and do not chirp. Camel crickets are widespread in the United States and often move inside dwellings during hot, dry weather and have been observed feeding on clothes and lace curtains. Due to their size and quick jumping ability, camel crickets can be quite disturbing to homeowners.
Camel Cricket Habitat
Camel crickets prefer damp, dark environments. Outside, camel crickets are found living in leaf litter, under logs or stones, in tree holes, in hollow logs, or stacks of firewood and other cool, damp areas. They may move into homes during the fall when seeking a place to overwinter. Camel crickets may commonly be found in crawl spaces or basements, occasionally in large numbers; however, they may also be found in living areas, garages, and storage rooms. Camel crickets can also be found in considerable numbers in attics above two-story homes.
Camel Cricket Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Camel crickets do not spread disease and do not bite, however, they can become a nuisance if they gain entry into a home, damaging houseplants, clothing, and fabrics. Camel crickets are nocturnal and will be observed by the homeowner in the evening when the lights are turned on in a dark room. When threatened, camel crickets leap when frightened, which can be an unnerving experience as a homeowner turns on the lights in their basement or garage. If you suspect a camel cricket issue on your property, contact your local exterminators.
Need help with Camel Cricket control?
Opossum
Opossums in Arkansas
There are at least 103 species of opossum, but the Virginia opossum is the single species found in the United States. About the size of a large house cat, opossums are considered beneficial mammals because they eat a variety of insects and snakes, causing many property owners to consider them beneficial. Opossums are nomadic, seldom staying long in any one place, and utilizing abandoned burrows or crawl spaces. They may sometimes become a nuisance to homeowners when foraging for food and shelter.
Opossum Habitat
Possums do not dig dens or burrows underground, however, they will live in those that have been abandoned. They will wait for another animal to abandon their home before moving in, and actually prefer to live in trees for the protection they provide. They may enter attics, walls, and crawl spaces of homes if they have access. The presence of an unusual and foul odor in your home may point to there being a possum living in your walls
Opossum Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Opossums pose no major threat to humans or pets. Their teeth are not meant for attacking or even preying on animals; their teeth are good for chewing and holding. They do not attack humans and instead will play “dead” when danger is perceived. Opossums don’t dig holes, destroy gardens, bite, sting, or stay in one place for very long. However, opossums can carry various parasites and diseases. They are not the cleanest of animals and carry a strong odor if they access attics and crawl spaces in homes. If opossums are an issue, it’s best to have them removed humanely by a professional wildlife control company.
Need help with Opossum control?
Raccoon
Raccoons in Arkansas
Raccoons are stocky mammals and are distinctively marked with a black “mask” over their eyes. Found throughout most of the United States, and into northern South America. raccoons are nomadic, but only within a marked territory. They do not dig or make nests but prefer to mark locations, remembering them as available shelters. Raccoons are active year-round but may take cover in dens during periods of severe winter weather. For homeowners, raccoons are notorious “backyard bandits”, rummaging through garbage cans, popping kiddie pools, and generally causing mayhem.
Raccoon Habitat
Raccoons prefer wooded areas near water and natural habitats, sleeping in abandoned burrows, and the crooks of trees. In urban settings, raccoons will make their homes in empty crawl spaces, underneath porches, and within attics. Raccoons roam around rural or urban areas, finding food where they can and scouting new locations. They will eat almost anything, including insects, fruit, vegetables, and small animals, if necessary. Raccoons are nocturnal and notorious for raiding garbage cans during overnight hours. Raccoons are attracted to gardens or homes because they offer a food resource and potential den sites.
Raccoon Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While not all raccoons have rabies, raccoons, in general, are major hosts of rabies in the U.S., especially in the eastern part of the country where their populations are increasing. Pets should be properly vaccinated to mitigate this threat. Raccoons will kill poultry, destroy bird nests, and damage gardens or crops. They can destroy a home’s insulation, wood, shingles, electrical wiring, and walls as they try to create dens. Droppings, urine stains, or built-up materials from creating a nest are other signs of raccoon activity. If you are having an issue with raccoons, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.