Ants are the Prey of Doodle Bugs | Fun Fact Friday

Ever heard a person call a baby doodle bug as they wiggle, crawl, and wriggle around a room?  There is a reason for that!  Doodle bugs, the larval form of ant-lions (or antlions), make a path that looks like a doodle in the sand (or soil) where they crawl while searching for a suitable spot to dig a pit and wait for prey (small insects and arthropods-- usually ants) to fall in.  The path that babies use when they first start moving is similar to that of a doodle bug.  So that some what common nickname (I've heard it more than a few times), is a reference to an actual bug!  The funny path is pretty much the only thing doodle bugs and babies have in common!

Doodle bugs are actually a pretty fierce predator, babies are not.  Doodle bugs are NOT cute, babies are cute. Etc. Etc. I could go on, but you get the point!
I found a blog with an incredible photo succession post for an ant-lion (doodle bug) in action. Click here to see it.  The blog is done by biologist and photographer, Alex Wild.  I was hoping to find a picture I could put in this blog-- these photos are better than what I was hoping to find!

Even Better?  I found a video on youtube by national geographic.  Originally I intended to write a nice post about how the antlion "doodles" in the sand, but after more research and watching these videos-- I found that writing about them as a fierce predator was much more interesting!



The adult antlion looks similar to a dragonfly, and may eat pollen and nectar, but some adult antlions stick to the diet of their youth.

Have a problem with ants?  You could employ the doodle bug!  But a faster, more effective route to getting rid of ants would be calling Peak Pest Management for ant pest control service!

Micah Wood
Peak Pest Management
503-998-4322
360-607-1933
www.Peak-Pest-Management.com
micah@peak-pest-management.com

Pets, Fleas, Flea Medication, Flea Free Home

In the spring and especially summer months pets tend to spend more time outdoors.  Being outdoors creates the possibility of bring in fleas.  Many pet lovers treat their furry family members for fleas and then experience an influx of fleas inside the home.  This is normal.  Because the flea medicine protects the pet from fleas, the fleas that would normally be on the pet are now in the house and occasionally jumping on and biting people.

Many people are embarrassed to call about fleas, thinking that people can "have fleas."  Fleas will not infest a person like they infest a pet, but they will bite and rapidly multiply in a home.  Flea eggs take a few days to hatch and are often in carpet, pet bedding etc. not just on the pets. Flea larva are blind remain hidden in dark areas while feeding on organic matter (including dead insects, plant matter and fecal matter).  After various stages as larva, fleas will move into a pupa stage and finally emerge as an adult flea.  It is only after a meal (of blood) that this parasitic insect is able to lay eggs.

Fleas are nothing to be embarrassed about.  Fleas are all over the place, and our enviroment during the spring and summer months is pretty much the perfect climate for fleas to thrive.  If you treat your furry family members for fleas and then start seeing larger numbers of fleas in the home, it might be a good time to call Peak Pest Management for an affordable, pet and kid safe flea treatment for the home.

Besides fleas, the warm summer months also tend to bring out the ants, bees, spiders, mice, rats, wasps and yellow jackets! If you're having pest problems this summer let me help you out! I'll get rid of your pests so you can enjoy the great weather while it's here!




Micah Wood
Peak Pest Management
503-998-4322
360-607-1933
www.Peak-Pest-Management.com
micah@peak-pest-management.com

Bugs! 41 States Have A "State Insect." Fun Fact Friday

I was checking out the Encyclopedia Smithsonian (tons of great info).  I am going to be honest, I was just paging through reading because I enjoy learning more about bugs-- pest or not!  I came across a page there listing state bugs!  Only 41 of the 50  have state bugs.  I was considering assigning pests to those states that have not chosen one.  Several states share the Monarch Butterfly (and why not, it is a beautiful insect!), several states have honey bees (again-- a great one).  I was thinking maybe Rhode Island, who hasn't chosen a state insect would be interested in the termite?  Surprisingly (OR NOT SURPRISINGLY AT ALL!), no state has claimed it!  No state claimed the bed bug, carpenter ant, carpet beetle, or paper wasp either!

Okay, joking aside, it is really interesting what insects states have chosen.  Here is a link to the complete list on the Smithsonian website. But I thought for our Oregon and Washington and Florida readers, I'd list yours!
Oregon- Oregon Swallowtail Butterfly
Washington- Green Darner Dragonfly
Florida- Zebra Longwing Butterfly (Florida is in here because it's where my mom lives-- if you read the blog and live in another state and wonder why I included it and not yours, that's why!)

---

"State Insects" Encyclopedia Smithsonian Web. 04/04
Department of Systematic Biology, Entomology Information Sheet 158
www.si.edu

Bed Bug Pest Control Has Been Improved Because Of Research By Urban Entomologists

At Peak Pest Managment we consider it very important to keep researching and learning.  Some of our research for pest control involves reading materials produced by leading urban entomologists, like Michael F Potter of the University of Kentucky. We recently posted an article on our website about how he and other urban entomologists shape the way that pest control companies do pest control.  Here is a link to that post (click here to read it).  His area of expertise is bed bugs which have recently made a resurgence in the US.

We are really thankful for urban entomologists and others who study entomology and make it possible for us to continue to learn and grow as pest control companies.  As we read research papers and documentation we are able to grow in the way we understand and apply pest control.  Their continued research allows us to become more enviromentally friendly, even more pet and family safe, and more effective at the same time.

Pest control companies are often given credit for the whole process of pest control research through extermination.  And pest control companies do end up learning and growing on the job, but the bulk of the research comes from the years and years of focused study on specific pests by entomologists.

Caterpillers, Moths and Jumping Beans | Fun Fact Friday

Have you ever seen a little novelty item box of jumping beans for sale and wondered what the trick is that gets them to jump around in that little box?  No trick needed.  Inside of the beans are actually the caterpillars of bean moths. 

So if your kids are begging for pets and you're just not ready to get them one, you could go with a pet bean.  You could even ease your way into jumping beans by starting with a regular old every day bean (provided that your children are either quite young--or old enough to laugh about it.)

That is all for Fun Fact Friday today!  Hope everyone has a fun, safe, pest free weekend.  If it isn't pest free and you'd like it to be-- give me a call!  Spiders, bees, ants, fleas, mice, wasps or any other pest control need-- give me a call!

Micah Wood
Peak Pest Management
360-607-1933
503-998-4322
www.peak-pest-management.com
micah@peak-pest-management.com

Pest Control | Fruit Flies | It Was Once Widely Believed That They Spontaneously

Fruit flies are a very common kitchen pest.  Fruit flies are probably more common than ants, spiders and mice.  Fruit flies can come in on fruits and veggies from the local supermarket, farmers' market, farm or anywhere else you might get fruit!  Because fruit flies are so prevalent in produce, it is no wonder that it was once commonly believed that fruit flies spontaneously generated in overripe produce!  Another reason for this belief might be related to the amount of time fruit flies spend in various egg/larva/pupa stages vs the time they spend actually living as a fly.  The average fruit fly lives 12-15 days. Only 1 or so days of their lives are actually spent as a fly.

Fruit fly eggs/larva/pupa can be hidden in moist areas with ready food supply.  Pantries and kitchens boast plentiful places for fruit flies to breed, grow and infest.  There are a number of ways to prevent or minimize fruit fly infestations in your home or commercial kitchen and pantry.

• Wash fruits and veggies before bringing them into the kitchen.  A garage wash basin is a good place to do this.  At the very least wash produce in the kitchen before putting it away.
• Store produce in the refrigerator whenever possible.
• Keep fruit that is left out covered.
• Ripen unripe fruit in a paper bag on the counter.  This aids in the fruit ripening while also helping to prevent fruit flies.
• Compost or throw away overripe or rotten fruit immediately.
• Frequently take out the trash.  Also wash garbage cans and make sure not to leave moisture and or potential food sources in the bottom of the garbage can.
• A little household bleach (NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER PRODUCTS) down the drain with hot water will help keep it from becoming a breeding ground for fruit flies.  also giving drains a good scrub with a brush to clean out any built up residue that could serve as food source is a good idea.
• Do not leave dishrags in the sink.
• A cup of water with fruit scented dish soap suds will also help control fruit flies.
• Running a fan near garbage cans or fruit that is out can help prevent fruit flies from landing on fruit and or garbage cans.

A little prevention goes a long way!  If you find that you have persistent fruit fly problem there are a number of areas to check.

• Drains.  Check the drains for nof fruit flies and also for build up.
• Garbage cans.  Garbage cans that are not regularly washed can be a major source of fruit fly infestations.
• Under damp mops.  Any time there is moisture and some place that might have a ready food source (like a kitchen, or pantry) it is important to be thorough in checking for all stages of life of fruit flies.
• Under things-- boxes, totes crates...  Anything on the floor should be moved, checked, cleaned or thrown out as needed.
• Be thorough in checking for fruit fly larva because larva become flies and lay eggs.  If you can find and get rid of the larva, your chances of clearing up the infestation improve greatly!

There are things that pest control professionals, like myself, from Peak Pest Management can do to help restaurant, commercial and residential kitchens and pantries control fruit flies.  Often when working along side a pest control professional to clear up a fruit fly problem will make task move along much faster.

For all pest control needs whether, fruit flies, house flies, mice, ants, silverfish or any other common pantry pest (or other household or business pest) please give me a call!

Micah Wood

Peak Pest Management

360-607-1933

503-998-4322 

www.Peak-Pest-Management.com

micah@peak-pest-management.com

House Flies | Tasty Feet | Fun Fact Friday

House Flies are obnoxious!  Open the doors during summer to let in a breeze and you're almost certain to get one or two (or even more) flying through your house!  NOT FUN!  Okay but there is a fun fact about flies: 

Flies can "taste" with their feet.  Their feet are 10,000,000 times more sensitive to sugar than the human tongue.

Seriously!  I read this information at http://www.pestworldforkids.org/flies.html which is kept by the national pest management association and also cross checked it on the website of the Smithsonain Department of Systematic Biology.

So...  Now that you have the fun fact, you might be thinking, awesome.  Great!  So glad they can taste with their feet, Micah, now HOW DO I AVOID OR GET RID OF THEM?!?

Tips to Avoid Common House Flies:

• Use mesh screens on windows and doors.
• Take out the trash regularly.
• Clean up pet messes immediately (as these are a major breeding ground for flies).
• Keep a clean home.

Tips to Get Rid of House Flies:

• Follow the "tips to avoid."
• Find, clean and sanitize areas where flies are known to be.
• Eliminate food sources for flies, which is anything warm and damp.  Disgusting as it is, flies are particularly drawn to pet waste because of the strong odor.
• For common house flies in homes, rarely is it necessary to use professional pest control, unless it is an extreme infestation.

For any pest control questions or for pest control service for flies, or other pests (common summer pests include ants, bees, wasps, fleas, yellow jackets, hornets, mice and rats) please give me a call!

Micah Wood

Peak Pest Management

503-998-4322

360-607-1933

www.Peak-Pest-Management.com

micah@peak-pest-management.com

 

Ants? This Pest Control Coupon for Portland is for YOU!

After all of the time spent eating outdoors, sitting on the lawn, enjoying the beautiful and uncharacteristic for the northwest 4th of July weather, I realized (ok truthfully I already know but for the sake of the blog, it's more of a second realization...) it is high season for ants.  If you noticed any ants marching away from your backyard picnic with bits of chips or watermelon (or just marching along checking out the spread),  What better way to celebrate ant season then with a seasonal pest control coupon for ANTS!

Need to get rid of ants? Go ahead, send those ants packing and marching down around and through the town looking for a new home with this coupon!  Indoor ants? Not a problem!  Outdoor ants?  I've got you covered!  Both?  Ask me about a discount for both indoor and outdoor- I've got one for you too.  

Portland, Vancouver, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, St. Helens, Battleground, Aloha, where ever there are ants, we'll be there (well, if you call us and let us know)!

Micah Wood

Peak Pest Management

360-607-1933

503-998-4322

www.Peak-Pest-Management.com

micah@peak-pest-management.com

Carpenter Ants | Bees | and Carpenter Bees?

I was making coffee: I do this every day, some times more than once (french pressed, dark roast, 100% arabica for those of you who share my love for coffee).  I looked out the window while I was making it to see a large, bright yellow, fuzzy bee.  At first I thought,"It is a honey bee..."  But a closer look revealed that it was not.  Then I had settled on bumble bee-- specifically the Bombus Mixtus.  But I wasn't convinced because of the size and then I remembered another fuzzy bee--  The Carpenter Bee.


After a quick look though photos of carpenter bees and another glance back at the Bombus Mixtus pictures, I decided it was probably a (click the link to see a picture) Bombus Mixtus.  Fuzzy bees don't bother me, they are less inclined to sting than others (I'm including wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and anything with a stinger as I'm thinking about creatures that sting). Fuzzy pollen carrying bees are highly beneficial to my garden and other plants and really they are kind of cute (at least that is what my wife and daughters say).  Anyways I enjoyed my encounter with the Bombus Mixtus Bumble Bee but I got to thinking (so now I'm writing) about carpenter bees.


I wanted to talk a little bit about Carpenter Bees though, because they are really quite interesting as well.  Much like carpenter ants, they are a potential structural pest.  Carpenter bee females "drill" holes in the wood, by chewing through it.  Unlike termites, they do not digest they wood.  They excavate, more in line with carpenter ants (which probably explains the similar name).  They drill about 8-10 inches down and then they build the nest area.  Carpenter Bees tend NOT to move into pressure treated and/or painted woods, so in many cases, homes will be left alone in favor of more natural wood.


Carpenter Bees can nest in areas like fence posts, barns, unpainted wood, trees, etc.  They are beneficial to plant pollination.  Females have stinging apparatus and are able to sting, while males often lack the stinging apparatus and do not sting.  I read on an entomology blog that some entomologists refer to the male carpenter bees as teddy bears because of their yellowish brown fuzzy appearance and lack of the ability to sting.  


There are many types of bees that can do damage to your home by nesting in areas where they should not, but carpenter bees are actually able to drill into the wood, set up colony and damage structure, while still being beneficial in other ways.  The carpenter bee is a real multi-tasker!  For suspected structurally damaging pests whether bee, ant, beetle, or termites-- Peak Pest Management is ready to develop an affordable, custom pest control plan to suit your needs and budget.


Hope you've all had a great monday!  And Enjoy the holiday!  Happy Fourth of July everyone!  So thankful for all of the men and women over the years who have served our country and paved the way, defended, and upheld the freedoms we all enjoy!


Micah Wood
Peak-Pest-Management.com
Micah@peak-pest-management.com
503-998-4322
360-607-1933