Pests Archive | Page 6 of 13 | Delta Pest Control Inc. - Pest Control and Exterminator Services

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borers in Arkansas

The emerald ash borer is a highly destructive wood-boring beetle that feeds on the tissue of ash trees. Since its discovery, the beetle has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America. The emerald ash borer spreads through the transportation of wood, especially firewood. Once the emerald ash borer has been detected within 10-15 miles of an area, the trees within that area may be at risk.

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle Habitat

The emerald ash borer lives in any area with a population of ash trees, including black ash, green ash, and white ash. Adult emerald ash borers fly to ash trees to eat and lay eggs. Larvae feed on the nutrient-rich tissue just under the ash tree’s bark, forming S-shaped lines in the tree. This feeding process disrupts the trees’ ability to move food and water from their roots to their leaves, eventually killing the tree. As a new adult exits the tree, it chews a D-shaped hole in the bark.

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Emerald ash borer beetles do not bite or sting, however, since the discovery of this beetle in the United States in 2002, it is estimated that millions of ash trees have been killed. These beetles are mostly transported by human activity, moving firewood or other wood products, and nursery stock infested with beetles. Signs of infestation are usually noticed first in the top canopy and include thinning and yellowing leaves, D-shaped holes in the bark, and canopy and bark loss. Unfortunately, by the time a homeowner at ground level spots an exit hole from an emerging emerald ash borer beetle, the tree will likely have been infested by consecutive generations of emerald ash beetles. Homeowners can inspect their trees for signs of infestation and treat their ash trees with various insecticidal products available at garden centers or by hiring a beetle control expert.

Chipmunk

Chipmunks in Arkansas

Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling members of the squirrel family known for their burrowing habits and love of nuts. Found throughout the United States, chipmunks are a common problem for homeowners. Chipmunks have pouches inside of their cheeks in which they store food when foraging. Although they don’t enter homes as often as mice and rats, chipmunks occasionally burrow underneath homes. Chipmunks destroy gardens and fruit trees by gnawing on strawberries, plums, apples, and other fruits for their flesh and seeds.

Chipmunk Habitat

Chipmunks are most comfortable in areas with plenty of ground cover, living in open deciduous forests and at the edges of woodlands. Their favorite habitats include logs, trees, stumps, shrubs, and rocks. Chipmunks can also be found in bushy areas and in rocky areas like walls near houses and other buildings. In urban settings, they often dig up and eat newly planted garden seeds and flower bulbs. They commonly dig unsightly burrows in lawns and flower beds in which they nest. Occasionally, they take up residence in attics or other sites that are a distance above the ground.

Chipmunk Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Chipmunks pose no real threat to people, but they can disrupt the garden and occasionally enter the home. Costly damage may result when chipmunks excavate burrows beside building foundations and beneath poured cement porches, patios, and walkways. Furthermore, chipmunks will nest beneath residences, sometimes gaining access into living spaces, basements, and crawl spaces through gaps and cracks in structures. Chipmunks cause structural damage to decks, patios, foundational walls, retention walls, and slabs. If you are having an issue with chipmunks, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.

Fishing Spider

Fishing Spiders in Arkansas

Fishing spiders are large spiders and are similar to wolf spiders in size, shape, and coloration. These spiders get their name as they live near water and have been reported to catch small fish and aquatic insects. Fishing spiders are commonly found in wooded areas and may enter homes near waterfronts or wooded areas, wandering into garages, basements, and storage sheds. These spiders attract attention because they can walk across the surface of a pool or stream and when chased, will dive and remain underwater for a short while.

Fishing Spider Habitat

Fishing spiders are typically found near bodies of water, primarily around lakeside vegetation, boat docks, and other structures. In residential areas, they commonly live in and around pools and can infiltrate homes. Living close to wooded areas increases the chances of seeing or otherwise encountering fishing spiders. These spiders can climb trees, making their way onto roofs where they slip through crevices and unsealed windows. Fishing spiders may also enter through cracks in damaged foundations. Though they prefer to live outdoors, they may head inside seeking a place to hibernate over the winter.

Fishing Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Fishing spiders may be large and look menacing, however, their venom is not toxic to humans. They are not household pests, but for those who suffer from arachnophobia, the sight of one of these robust pests can be cause for alarm. If a fishing spider accidentally wanders into the garage or gets into the basement, it can be safely corralled into a jar or other container and released outside. They can damage ornamental plants due to the nursery webs and the debris that may accumulate in them. Always contact a professional spider exterminator for help with fishing spiders.

Tarantula

Tarantulas in Arkansas

Tarantula spiders are large, hairy spiders and can be found in Arkansas. They are commonly feared because of their large size and hairy appearance, and although some poisonous tarantulas occur in tropical parts of the world, the bites of tarantulas in the U.S. are not likely to be serious. The venom of these large spiders generally has very low toxicity to humans. Tarantula spiders tend to be more prevalent during mating season, which occurs in September and October.

Tarantula Spider Habitat

Tarantulas prefer warm and dry climates, occupying burrows in the ground during the day, and emerging at night to hunt insects near the burrow. Tarantulas live in dry, well-drained soils in open areas throughout deserts and grasslands. Since tarantulas are typically nocturnal, homeowners may not notice them in the house or yard, unless it is mating season. During the fall, males emerge from burrows during the daylight hours to seek a mate. Although tarantula spiders do not typically enter homes, if they have access, they may wander inside structures during mating season.

Tarantula Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

When threatened, a tarantula exposes its fangs and puts its weight on its hind legs. If that does not deter a predator, the spider may use their legs to shoot urticating hairs toward their attacker. These are small barbed hairs that cause minor irritation in humans but can kill small mammals. Tarantulas are not deadly spiders, and rarely bite except in self-defense. When a tarantula does bite a person, it is usually because it is being handled or provoked, and the bite is no more serious than that of a bee sting. However, to sensitive individuals, a bite from a tarantula may trigger an allergic reaction, and they should seek medical attention immediately.

If you are dealing with tarantulas on your property, contact your local spider exterminators.

Brown Widow Spider

Brown Widow Spiders in Arkansas

Brown widow spiders, also known as cobweb spiders because of their irregular webs, are common in Arkansas. The brown widow originally entered the U.S. in Arkansas and spread its range in the 1990s. The brown widow resembles the black widow, however, the hourglass of the brown widow is yellowish-orange or reddish-orange instead of bright red as in the black widow. Males do not bite, however, the female brown widow is a venomous spider that injects a neurotoxic venom when it bites its prey.

Brown Widow Spider Habitat

The brown widow builds its web in secluded, protected sites around homes and in woody vegetation with branches. Some typical sites selected by brown widows for web building are empty containers such as buckets and nursery pots, mailboxes, entryway corners, under eaves, storage closets and garages, and on the undersides of outdoor furniture and wrought iron railings. They choose places that are more exposed than sites chosen by black widows and therefore, appear to be at higher risk for interactions with humans regarding the potential to be bitten.

Brown Widow Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The bite of a brown widow spider is minor in comparison to that of a black widow and does not cause the same symptoms as a black widow bite. Brown widow spider venom is twice as potent as black widow venom, however, it is believed the brown widow does not inject the same amount of neurotoxin. This species is timid and avoids human interaction. In fact, males and immature brown widow spiders do not bite at all. While brown widow spider bites are typically not medically threatening, it is important for sensitive individuals to seek medical attention in the event of severe pain and swelling.

If you are dealing with a brown widow spider problem in your home, contact your local spider exterminators for help.

Southern Flying Squirrel

Southern Flying Squirrels in Arkansas

Southern flying squirrels are known for their ability to glide and are found in deciduous and wooded areas in North America. Between their front and rear legs, flying squirrels have a furry membrane called a patagium that enables them to glide through the air, often from one tree to another. Southern flying squirrels become pests when they take up residence in a homeowner’s attic or walls. They can cause odor and damage with their urine, and keep people awake with their nocturnal activity.

Southern Flying Squirrel Habitat

Southern flying squirrels are most often found in large hickory and beech trees, as well as maple, poplar, and oak trees. The southern flying squirrel will often nest in natural cavities and woodpecker holes. They are rarely found in suburban neighborhoods unless there are heavily wooded areas in the vicinity. Flying squirrels are known to enter homes in late fall when temperatures begin to drop. In addition to nesting in high places like attics, flying squirrels can also be found in external walls and between floors, using insulation as nesting material.

Southern Flying Squirrel Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Southern flying squirrels have been implicated in the spread of human diseases, although direct transmission to humans is rare. However, they can do considerable damage to the exterior of homes as they try to create new entryways to access attics and interior wall voids. Once inside a home or structure, they can gnaw on electrical wiring, possibly causing an electrical short or fire. Since flying squirrels are quite social and nocturnal, homeowners with a flying squirrel infestation often hear them scurrying around in the attic after midnight. If you are having an issue with southern flying squirrels, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.

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