Bed Bugs
March 15, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are feeders of humans, domestic animals and bats/birds. Bed bugs feed on blood only. Bed bugs are about 1/5-1/8 of an inch long. They are oval shaped and look about the same as a dog tick. After feeding, bed bugs become enlarged and turn a reddish color. Bed bugs have sucking mouthparts which enable them to in take blood through skin.
Bat removal iowa
March 9, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Ectoparasites
When bats enter homes they can also bring other visitors with them. Ectoparasites are a fancy name for varieties of bed bugs, bat bugs, fleas, mites, and chiggers. When a bat eviction service is performed it is also sometimes necessary to fog the areas when bats are out of the attic. This will kill any left over parasites.
Indian Meal Moth
March 4, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
IndianMeal Moth
These pests are found worldwide and very important because of the enormous amount of damage they do. Indianmeal moths are 5-20 mm long and infest cornmeal. Adults actually do not do damage. The larvae feed on dog food, crackers, powdered milk, fruits and many other items. When mature they can be found flying all over the house or structure.
Sawtoothed Grain Beetle
March 4, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Sawtoothed Grain Beetles
The larvae are wormlike and off white. It is one of the most prevalent invaders of grocery stores all over the world. Preferred foods include: macaroni, dry grains, tobacco, nuts and fruit. If discovered, all infested items should be thrown out and other items sealed in containers
Red Flour Beetle
March 3, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Red Flour Beetle
Red Flour Beetles is red in color. They are 2-4 mm long and larvae are off white. They prefer flour and similar products. Grain, rice, dry pet food, pasta and similar products. Red flour beetles will infest pantries and areas where the food supply is abundant. Control is done by getting rid of infested materials and sealing all other grain products.
Larder Beetle
March 2, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Larder Beetle
Larder beetles are found worldwide and attacks cured meats and other products. They are brown or black and about 5-7mm in size. They have a yellow strip across the back. They attack hides and skins which is main sign of infestation. Larder beetles will bore into wood to and then cover up the entrance hole. The beetles will feed on cheese, dry fish, meats, ham, bacon, hair and feathers just to name a few.
Larder beetles prefer to breed in pantries and other areas with food sources. All infested items should be discarded. Store all other items in sealed containers. Eliminating all sources of infested areas is the only way to combat these beetles.
Drugstore Beetle
March 1, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Drugstore Beetle
Drugstore beetles arefound worldwide. They are a pest of drug stores and about 2-3mm in size. Color is off brown. Larvae are white and look like a maggot. The main food sources are flour, bread, breakfast foods and pepper. They will also attack paper items like books. Control consists of getting rid of infested items and sealing other items.
Stored Product Pests
February 26, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Stored Product Pests
These pests can be responsible for damaging up to %10 of the worlds grain and crops every year. There are numerous types of these pests but most are a type of beetle.
Camel Spiders
February 25, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Not much is know about this creature. It is not a spider but considered an arthropod or solupugid. They can and do bite and can create quite a medical problem. They only live in arid areas and stay in burrows in the sand. Camel spiders prey on insects and other smaller creatures like mice. They are also prey of birds, reptiles and even humans. Camel spiders are considered beneficial but are pests when they invade human homes. People in Iowa don’t need to worry about these creatures.
Tarantulas
February 24, 2010 by Aaron Steen · Leave a Comment
Tarantulas
There are about 30 different kinds of tarantulas in the U.S. Most are found in the southern states. The bite of a tarantula is painful but not dangerous. Some species have the ability to shoot hairs as a defense mechanism the hairs can be irritating. Tarantulas build burrows in the ground and then ambush prey. They will feed on any kind of insect or even small rodents.
In Iowa, these are not a realistic pest to have to deal with. If any are found it would be from a released pet or pet shop. Tarantulas are beneficial spiders in areas where they are found. Adults have been reported to live for two years or more.