Insects From Abroad - Part Two

Earlier I shared some information on foreign invasive species from an article by Missy Henriksen for Pest World. Here are a few more highlights.

Some invasive species pose threats to American homeowners and families. Formosan termites, for example, is one of the most destructive termite species of the more than 2,000 termite species known to science. Originally from China, Formosan termites were brought into the U.S. through military cargo shipments after World War II.
They pose a greater threat than their native counterparts because they form larger colonies and tend to be more aggressive, thus consuming more wood at a much faster rate. Formosan termites are heavy contributors to the $5 billion in annual U.S. property damage caused by all species of termites.

Another problematic invasive pest is the red imported fire ant (RIFA). This ant, native to Brazil, was first introduced to the U.S. in 1933. Today, they can be found throughout the South and in parts of California and other western states.

RIFAs get their common name from their ability to inflict painful bites and stings, which form into raised welts that become white pustules. RIFAs will attack humans who disturb or threaten their nests, and often a person stung by a RIFA receives multiple painful stings from more than one of the ants. Those allergic to insect stings will react more severely. Red imported fire ants and their telltale mound nests should be carefully avoided.

If you suspect an invasive pest infestation contact Dave at 1-800-400-6009 right away. Our trained professionals will be able to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment to control the infestation before it becomes a major problem.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net Reference: www.pestworld.org