Pests Archive | Page 8 of 13 | Delta Pest Control Inc. - Pest Control and Exterminator Services

Woodpecker

Woodpeckers in Arkansas

Woodpeckers are found throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Certain species of woodpeckers cause damage to wooden structures by their pecking or drilling of holes. Typically, holes in structures are made in an attempt to construct a nest site or to feed on insects present in the wood. The drumming of a woodpecker on the woodwork or gutter of a home can be a major annoyance. Drumming is a springtime activity of males proclaiming their territories and may occur several times throughout the day.

Woodpecker Habitat

Woodpeckers live in forests, backyards, and various other types of habitats where trees are available. As evening falls, woodpeckers look for roosting cavities, either an old abandoned hole or a cavity they excavated specifically for roosting purposes. Woodpeckers excavate nesting holes at the start of the breeding season, usually in late April and May. These birds are very selective when choosing sites, and wooden houses or buildings in the suburbs and rural areas are most apt to be damaged by woodpeckers.

Woodpecker Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Damage to wooden structures and trees may take several forms. Holes may be drilled into wooden siding, fascia boards, or window casings. Woodpecker damage to utility poles can be severe and widespread in some regions, requiring pole replacement. In addition, woodpeckers will commonly peck out insects from infested wood on structures, particularly the larvae and pupae of the carpenter bee.

Woodpeckers are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act as migratory, nongame birds. Always contact your licensed bird control experts for help with woodpecker problems.

Deer Tick

Deer Ticks in Arkansas

Deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, are the primary carrier of Lyme disease in the United States. Widely distributed across the eastern U.S., they are predominantly found in humid, deciduous forests. Their distribution relies greatly on the distribution of their reproductive host, the white-tailed deer. Both nymph and adult stages transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. In 2018, there were approximately 23,558 confirmed cases of Lyme disease, making it the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.

Deer Tick Habitat

Deer ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level, clinging to tall grass, brush, and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. Ticks also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods and around old stone walls. Deer ticks will not be found out in the middle of your lawn, preferring yards that border wooded areas. Ticks also live in ornamental plantings and gardens, or any environment that offers available shade, and high humidity.

Deer Tick Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Deer ticks bite, and the greatest risk of being bitten occurs during spring, summer, and fall. However, adult ticks may be out searching for a host any time winter temperatures are above freezing. Stages most likely to bite humans are nymphs and adult females. To avoid being bitten, apply an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET. Also, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light-colored so ticks will be easy to detect, and tuck pants into socks. If you are dealing with deer ticks, it’s important to always enlist the help of a professional tick & mite control expert.

Flea

Fleas in Arkansas

Fleas are small, wingless blood-sucking parasites that live on the exterior of their host. Adult fleas feed only on the blood of warm-blooded hosts, which they must obtain in order to survive and reproduce. Fleas are the most common ectoparasites found on cats and dogs, so they frequently turn up as household pests. Fleas are annoying to people and pets, especially during spring and early summer when their numbers tend to increase dramatically.

Flea Habitat

Fleas thrive in many climates but prefer moist, humid, and shady areas. The area underneath a porch or deck can turn into an overwintering site. Areas with tall grass, leaf litter, weeds, wood piles, gravelly areas, and sandy patches are all attractive to fleas. Even the tiniest crack in the concrete can harbor fleas and they especially shrubs, leaves, and trees, but do not fare well in sunny areas or open grass. Fleas usually enter structures attached to pets, and they can quickly find refuge in homes. Flea larvae do not like the light so carpets, bedding, pet beds, and upholstered furniture make cozy homes for fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae.

Flea Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Fleas feed mainly on non-human animals but may bite and infect humans. Bites from fleas look like small red dots and may occur in two or three groups or clusters around feet, ankles, and legs. Though they may trigger allergic reactions, flea bites will not often have a serious impact on a person’s health. However, some people and pets suffer from flea bite allergic dermatitis, characterized by intense itching, hair loss, reddening of the skin, and secondary infection. One flea bite can initiate an allergic reaction, and itching can persist for up to five days after the bite.

If you are dealing with a flea infestation, contact your local flea exterminators for help.

Drywood Termite

Drywood Termites in Arkansas

Drywood termites are not as destructive as subterranean termites in the nation, but can still do substantial damage. Their colonies are typically found in dry wood, and evidence of an infestation usually includes discarded wings, feces, or frass (piles of sawdust created from their feeding). Like all termites, drywood termites feed on cellulose, which is found in wood. The main difference with this species is that they do not go for soft, moist wood as most termites do. Instead, they eat across the grain of the wood, which can be very dangerous and damaging to structures.

Like most termites, drywood termites can be organized in a caste system containing reproductive and worker/soldier castes. Swarms are often seen, indicating an infestation.

Drywood Termite Habitat

Drywood termites are most common in warmer, tropical climates where winters are mild. These termites do not need moist soil or water to survive, unlike other termites. For that reason, they typically target wood that is above-ground, meaning infestations are often in higher levels of structures. They often enter homes through exposed wood or infested wooden furniture brought indoors.

Drywood Termite Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

These termites do not pose a health risk to humans, nor do they bite. The main danger with drywood termites is the damage they can cause. Their wood-destroying habits can often go on for some time before being discovered. Because of their ability to stay hidden, their many swarmers and workers, and their saw-like jaws, drywood termites can cause incredible amounts of damage to a home. To prevent or control a drywood termite infestation, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional termite exterminator.

Subterranean Termite

Subterranean Termites in Arkansas

Subterranean termites are the most widespread and destructive termite group in the United States. The most common wood-destroying pests among this group are the eastern subterranean, western subterranean, and Formosan subterranean termites. Termites consume cellulose, the main structural components of plant cells. Any wood material in a home is a potential food source, but it may also damage non-wood material in search of food. Termites rarely show themselves in the open, and infestations can be difficult to detect until the damage becomes severe.

Subterranean Termite Habitat

Subterranean termites live underground and feed on plant materials. These termites build tunnels, often referred to as “mud tubes,” to protect them from predators and exposed air which can dry them out. Winged termites are attracted to light and will swarm around doors and windows. After fluttering about for a short time, the termites break off their wings and pair off, becoming king and queen of a new termite colony. A common sign of termites is the presence of mud tubes, inside or outside of a home. Termites make these earth-colored tubes primarily as a protected runway from the earth to the wood they feed upon.

Subterranean Termite Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Because termites consume cellulose, any wood material in a house is a potential food source. Termites are secretive, and when termite damage becomes evident, it is usually the result of a few years of infestation. The presence of swarming termites or their wings alone is a sure sign that termites are working in a building. Winged termites are often confused with winged ants; however, most species of ants in the house are only nuisances and, except for carpenter ants, do not damage the wood. To prevent or control a subterranean termite infestation, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional termite exterminator.

Chinch Bug

Chinch Bugs in Arkansas

There are several chinch bug species that prefer different types of grass. Many lawns see chinch bug activity each year. When the bugs occur in large numbers, they can be detrimental to lawn health. They are most active in the warm summer months and thrive in sunny areas. Due to their minuscule size, they are difficult to spot. For this reason, they often aren’t found until damage has been done to your lawn. The main sign of chinch bugs in Arkansas is the presence of yellow or brown spots on your lawn.

Chinch Bug Habitat

There are a variety of chinch bug species that infest different types of grasses. Western chinch bugs target Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and zoysia grass. The hairy chinch bug infests Kentucky bluegrass, English ryegrass, red fescues, and bentgrass. Southern chinch bugs target St. Augustine, zoysia, and Bermuda grasses. In any case, they prefer areas where the grass is in full sun. Lawns are their main target, but they can infest leafy debris, heavy thatch, and even piles of cut grass. Some species can inhabit agricultural crops as well, including corn, rice, small grains, and sorghum.

Chinch Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Their life cycle can occur in just 6 week’s time and molt through five stages before they become adults. As a lawn pest, chinch bugs can easily threaten the health of an otherwise healthy lawn. When these bugs feed on lawns, they inject a toxin into the plants or blades. This toxin inhibits the plant’s ability to receive nutrients and moisture from the soil as usual. After this, the grass or plants will begin to wilt. Beyond that, there is lasting damage to the plant tissues that are needed for future growth. This activity leaves behind yellow or browning spots all over lawns. If you need help with a chinch bug problem, it’s recommended to contact your local pest control experts.

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