House Flies

While house flies do not bite, they are capable of transferring more than 100 pathogens, including malaria, salmonella and tuberculosis.  House flies "contaminate food and surfaces by spreading disease organisms picked up on the silla on their bodies and through their saliva that is used to break down foods. And if that's not enough, they defecate constantly," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

House flies procreate quickly and in large quantities. While they have been known to move 20 miles from where they were hatched, they typically stay within a mile of their birthplace. Do to their attraction to manure and other organic matter, the NPMA recommends that homeowners follow these tips to help prevent house flies in their own homes:

• Keep kitchen trash in sealed containers and the receptacles as clean as possible. 
• Dispose of waste regularly and keep away from your home. Be aware of sources of excessive moisture. 
• Keep counters and surfaces clean. 
•  Prevent home access by keeping doors, windows and vents closed when possible. 
• Properly screen windows and seal potential entryways, repairing any rips or tears in screens. 
•  If you have dogs, horses or other animals near the home, remove feces from the yard and surrounding areas.

For an uncontrolled house fly population, call Dave at 1-800-400-6009.
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

How "Insect" Got Its Name

The word insect dates back to 1600, from the Latin word insectum, meaning "with a notched or divided body", or literally "cut into", from neuter plural of insectare, "to cut into, to cut up," from in- "into" + secare "to cut"; because insects are "cut into" three sections.

The word created by Pliny the Elder's loan-translation of the Greek word ἔντομος (éntomon) or insect, which was Aristotle's term for this class of life, also in reference to their "notched" bodies, first documented in English in 1601 in Holland's translation of Pliny.


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

Kissing Bug - Not So Kind

This Kissing Bug gets its innocuous names for its habit of biting humans on and around the lips Typically found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. kissing bugs are capable of carrying a parasite that causes Chagas disease, (see 2/22/13 post).

While cases have been extremely rare in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified it for “public health action.” In a recent study the CDC’s EmergingInfectious Diseases journal found that nearly 40 percent of kissing bugs collected in California and Arizona had recently fed on human blood. Researchers said the findings were unexpected because the 11 species of kissing bugs found in the United States were not known to feed on people.

These bugs feed on blood at night, generally from small mammals and birds but as noted above, sometimes humans as well.  The nymphs require a blood meal to support their growth and maturation. The insect’s feces can contain the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi which causes Chagas disease. Contact with infected feces, through an open wound, or through the eyes or mouth, can result in disease transmission.

Most people who are bitten by a kissing bug do not recall the bite and even fewer show any type of reaction.  Some, with particular skin sensitivities or allergic reactions to the bug’s saliva, will exhibit signs of itching and site swelling.

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

About Chagas Disease

Chagas disease is named after the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, who discovered the disease in 1909. It is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to animals and people by insect vectors and is found only in the Americas (mainly, in rural areas of Latin America where poverty is widespread).

Chagas disease (T. cruzi infection) is also referred to as American trypanosomiasis. In the United States, Chagas disease is considered one of the Neglected Parasitic Infections, a group of five parasitic diseases that have been targeted by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for public health action.

Symptoms of Chagas disease include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, a rash where the parasite entered the body and swelling around the eyelids. With treatment by a medical professional these symptoms usually fade, but cardiac issues, intestinal problems, and other more serious complications can sometimes develop.

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: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

More Facts About Fleas

• Flea larvae feed on undigested organic matter, particularly the feces of adult fleas, which contain undigested blood. 
• Cat fleas attack both cats and dogs.
• Fleas can remain frozen for a year and survive.
• Fleas can survive for months without feeding.
• More human deaths have been attributed to fleas than to all the wars ever fought.

If you're concerned that you have a flea infestation in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

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

Flying Dragon Lizard

While you will not encounter one of these in your backyard, I found this creature to be fascinating and want to share it with you.

It's no mythical monster. When threatened, this real-life lizard can glide half the length of a football field ... and still swoop in for a perfect landing.



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

Tips To Avoid Spiders

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers the following tips to help prevent contact with spiders:

daddy long leg spider

• Avoid keeping clothing and shoes on the floor, especially if in an area known for spiders; consider storing inside plastic containers. 
• Seal cracks and crevices around the home. 
• Vacuum/sweep away webs in and around the home. 
• Shake out all clothing that has been in the laundry basket before wearing/washing. 
• Keep garages, attics and basements clean and clutter free. 
• If a spider bites you, contact your primary care physician for medical advice. 

If you're concerned about a spider infestation in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

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

The Hobo Spider

The hobo spider is a member of the genus of spiders known colloquially as funnel web spiders, but not to be confused with the Australian funnel-web spider. It is one of a small number of spiders whose bites are generally considered to be medically significant. This species of spider has a reputation for aggressiveness, due to its poor eyesight.

Hobo spiders construct a funnel-shaped structure of silk sheeting and lie in wait at the small end of the funnel for prey insects to blunder onto their webs. Hobo spiders sometimes build their webs in or around human habitations.  They will normally avoid contact with humans unless accidentally crushed or squeezed. The spider's venom is strong enough to cause considerable local pain and, possibly, necrosis.

The hobo spider is found throughout the Pacific Northwest and can be identified by its distinct pattern of yellow markings on its abdomen. These spiders build their webs in holes, cracks and recesses, and like most spiders, can be found in hiding places such as window wells and stacks of firewood, storage items, behind furniture and in closets.

As hobo spiders are much more likely to attack if provoked or threatened, people who live in areas where this spider is found should be aware of their habits to prevent and detect infestations before they become a problem.  Unlike the other spiders profiled here, the bite of a hobo spider may go unnoticed at first, but then a moderate to severe, slow-healing wound will develop.

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

Facts About Those Pesky Fleas

A flea's  flat shape allows cat fleas to easily pass between the hairs of animals.

One female flea can lay about 18 eggs a day and just 20 fleas on a dog can produce 360 eggs per day and over 2000 eggs in a week. A female flea may consume up to fifteen times her own body weight in blood each day, to support the huge production of eggs.

Flea eggs will hatch on the ground, in nests, carpet, bedding, upholstery or cracks in the floor.

If you're concerned that you have fleas in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

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

The Komodo Dragon

Phew! Am I sure glad I don't have to deal with this critter! The Komodo Dragon's saliva is loaded with venom and more than 50 strains of virulent bacteria—any animal it bites will likely die within days.




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

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ

The brown marmorated stink bug, or simply the stink bug, is native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It was accidentally introduced into the United States, with the first specimen being collected in September 1998.

The brown marmorated stink bug is considered to be an agricultural pest, and by 2010-11 has become a season-long pest in U.S. orchards.

Most species of stink bugs are innocuous, only feeding on their host plants, and are seldom encountered by humans. Stink bugs feed on a variety of plants, including crop species. When stink bugs feed on tree fruits such as apples, it results in a characteristic distortion, referred to as "cat facing," that renders the fruit unmarketable. Some species can cause damage in cotton and other crops.

Predatory stink bugs use their mouthparts to drain fluids from other pest insects. Some predatory stink bugs are important, beneficial insects in crops and gardens. They prevent caterpillars and other insect pests from destroying plants, trees, crops and gardens. Scientists are interested in using them as natural control agents of crop pests.

If you're interested in stink bug prevention for your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

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

Helpful Mice

Mice are common experimental animals in biology and psychology because they share a high degree of homology with humans. The mouse genome has been sequenced, and virtually all mouse genes have human homologs. They can also be manipulated in ways that would be considered unethical to do with humans. A knockout mouse is a genetically engineered mouse that has had one or more of its genes made inoperable through a gene knockout.

There are other reasons why mice are used in laboratory research. Mice are small, inexpensive, easily maintained, and can reproduce quickly. Several generations of mice can be observed in a relatively short period of time. Mice are generally very docile if raised from birth and given sufficient human contact. However, certain strains have been known to be quite temperamental. Mice and rats have the same organs in the same places, just different proportions.

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

Stink Bugs Still Abound

The stink bug, notorious for its "smelly" reputation, earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed.

Although the old, winter months are upon us, the stinky little creature still abounds, living in windowsill crevices and under eaves, and showing itself when the winter suns shines bright and temperatures reach the high 40s and above.

When handled or disturbed, stink bugs are able to secrete a bad-smelling, bad-tasting fluid from pores on the sides of their bodies. This secretion protects stink bugs from predators. They are often fed upon by birds, spiders, assassin bugs and other arthropod predators (including other stink bugs).

If you're concerned that you have stink bugs in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

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

Fun Ant Facts

Did you know . . .

• An ant can lift 20 times its own body weight. If a 175-pound man had the comparative strength of an ant, he could lift four tons.
• Fire ants first entered the United States in the 1920s through the port of Mobile, Alabama.
• Odorous house ants may be difficult to control because they don't feed much from baiting stations.
• 32% of households that experienced ants called a professional. 

So if you find that you are having an ant problem, call Dave at 1-800-400-6009.

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