Archive for the ‘outdoor’ Category

Don’t Swat the Stingers

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Written by: Robin L. Tabuchi, Research Entomologist, University of California, Berkeley.

I have always been curious about insects. When I was little, I loved catching them and observing their behavior. Now that I have my own child, I love seeing the fascination in his eyes every time he spots an insect. No matter what he finds, he always wants me to pick it up and let it crawl on him. The tricky part is, not all insects can be “picked up.” Many bite or sting as a defense mechanism. These insects aren’t mean or bad, they’re just trying to protect themselves and their nests.

Insects that sting are all in the order Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants). The stinger is a modified egg-laying device, so only the female will sting. A very small percentage of people are severely allergic to bee and wasp stings. Even if you aren’t allergic, a sting from a bee or wasp can still cause pain and swelling.

There are two types of stinging insects: solitary (carpenter bees, mud daubers, and cicada killers) and social (honey bees, yellow jackets, paper wasps and hornets). Solitary bees and wasps rarely sting people. Their stinger is mainly used to subdue prey. They will sting people if they are trapped or taunted. Social stingers, however, primarily sting to defend their nests. People usually have the strongest reaction to social stingers because the venom is meant to keep us away from their nest.

What can you do to avoid getting stung? Stay away from known nests and do not try to knock them down. If a nest needs to be removed, contact a professional. If you are attacked, cover your head and go inside a structure or vehicle. If you stay put you will likely get many more stings. Social wasps will release a marking scent when they sting that attracts other members of their colony to attack.

Minimize the use of perfumes and try not to wear bright colors when enjoying your picnic or pool party. These can attract stinging insects. If one happens to land on you, wait for it to leave or gently brush it away. Swatting at a stinging insect will only increase your chance of getting stung.

How can you keep stinging insects from building nests in your yard? Check the eaves of your house for gaps and cracks. These are ideal places for stinging insects to nest. Also, keep pet food and trash cans covered so they don’t attract foraging bees and wasps.

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Trivia Thursday: How much do you REALLY know about fire ants?

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

Many people know that if you step on a fire ant mound, you’re probably going to get bitten. Do you know what to do if they attack you or your child? How much do you REALLY know about fire ants?!

It only takes fire ants 10 seconds to swarm when they’ve been disturbed. True or False?

True. Most fire ants only attack people or animals when their mounds are disturbed or they feel threatened. However, once bothered, it only takes 10 seconds for a swarm of angry fire ants to attack. The swarm tends to climb very quickly in a vertical direction — such as up your legs (yikes!) if you walk into their mound. Fire ant bites inflict a burning sensation and cause the development of small bumps on the skin that turn red and fill with white fluid a few days later.

Keep your wilderness wits about you and watch your step to avoid their mounds. If you’re ever attacked, quickly brush the ants off your skin and move away from the area. A few methods will help reduce the severity of ant bites:

  • Wash the area with soap and water
  • Apply ice
  • Take an antihistamine
  • Apply a paste of baking soda and water to help swelling and itching
  • Avoid scratching the area

While most people do not experience symptoms beyond those mentioned above, children or people allergic to fire ants might suffer more. Seek emergency medical help immediately if you or someone else experiences:

  • Chest pain
  • Severe sweating
  • Loss of breath
  • Serious swelling
  • Slurred speech

Fire ants only live in dirt mounds outside. True or False?

False. While fire ants tend to nest outdoors in mounds built of dirt, other environmental factors, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, can cause them to seek new dwelling places — such as your home or office. In search of dry areas and access to food sources, these unwelcomed guests have been known to invade and colonize in the walls of buildings, pipes, plumbing units, under sidewalks and even automobiles, among other places. Indoor infestation can quickly cause damage to light and other electrical fixtures, air conditioners and building structures.

Fortunately, there are several control methods for fire ants. Some options include fumigation, baits, mechanical removal as well as other methods. Contact a local pest control professional to help identify the severity of the problem plus the best way to monitor and prevent future infestations.

In less than 10 seconds, an unwary scientist was stung more than 250 times on one leg when he carelessly knelt on a collapsed fire ant mound. The sterile pustules developed to this stage in three days. Image and cutline courtesy of USDA National Agricultural Library Image Galleries. Photo by Daniel Wojcik.

In less than 10 seconds, an unwary scientist was stung more than 250 times on one leg when he carelessly knelt on a collapsed fire ant mound. The sterile pustules developed to this stage in three days. Image and cutline courtesy of USDA National Agricultural Library Image Galleries. Photo by Daniel Wojcik.

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Celebrate National Picnic Month (Without the Pests)

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Ah, summertime. July is National Picnic Month and a great time to get out and enjoy a relaxing, outdoor picnic with families and friends. Unfortunately, certain uninvited guests — ants, mosquitoes, and ticks — can sometimes crash the festivities. Read on to see how you can prevent these pesky pests from ruining your scenic soirée!

Ants

With more than 12,000 species across the world, no outdoor venue lacks these six-legged pests. So how do you keep them from marching one-by-one into your next picnic?

Wipe down your picnic table with soap and water to rid the area of leftover food that alerts ants to your location. Also, make sure to set up far away from any existing ant hills!

Mosquitoes

These unwanted guests often arrive at your site as dusk approaches. Precautions are crucial with mosquitoes as many carry West Nile.

Encourage guests to use insect repellent on exposed skin and outer clothing to deter both mosquito bites and ticks.

Ticks

These difficult-to-detect bloodsuckers can transmit harmful diseases, such as Lyme disease, in less than a minute. Have guests wear protective clothing, avoid areas with heavy, unkempt brush and consider using chairs and fun picnic tables instead of sitting on the ground. Afterward, you and your fellow picnickers should inspect one another for ticks.

Outsmart the pesky picnic intruders, and you’ll want to continue dining al fresco all season long. For more information about controlling pests, contact your nearest vector control district.

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