They’re creepy, they’re crawly, but bugs can be incredibly useful. These little creatures make up a huge part of our ecosystem, and while some may be a little frightening, there are some downright fascinating facts about bugs.
There are billions of different bug species around the planet, but you don’t have to travel to find a diverse insect gathering. In fact, you don’t have to go any further than your NEPA backyard!
Northeast Pennsylvania is home to some crazy insects, which makes the need for professional pest control so important. However, balancing pest control with environmental needs requires tact and precision.
Here are the top 11 interesting facts about bugs, which will help you appreciate them and the professionals who stop them from entering your home.
1. Ants Are Pretty Much Everywhere.
Ants are pretty common, but did you know that about 10 quadrillion ants live on the planet? That is, of course, the ants that we know about.
For perspective, there are about 7.3 billion people, so that means that ants outnumber us by over one million per person. Ants may be tiny, but they are many. Plus, they have multiple different species, too.
In Northeast Pennsylvania, the most common ants include:
- Carpenter Ants: These ants can cause structural damage by burrowing through wood.
- Pavement Ants: Often found near sidewalks and foundations, they can invade homes in search of food.
- Odorous House Ants: Recognizable by the foul smell they emit when crushed, they are commonly found in kitchens.
- Field Ants: Typically nesting in soil, these ants are common in outdoor spaces but can sometimes enter buildings.
2. Ticks Can Grow And Shrink.
This feat may seem rather unremarkable, but consider this. Ticks are tiny, but when they become engorged, they can grow from the size of a sesame seed to the size of a marble. They basically inflate, full of blood, like a little balloon. The most common tick in NEPA is the black-legged deer tick. These little parasites have been known to carry some nasty diseases, such as Lyme disease.
To prevent ticks in your yard, we offer tick and mosquito barrier sprays that help repel parasites while also keeping your family safe from harmful chemicals.
3. Mosquitoes Flap Their Wings At 500 Times A Second.
Fast, annoying, and one of the deadliest creatures on the planet, mosquitoes have to work hard to stay in the air. These disease-carrying nuisances must flap hard to stay afloat, and a great defense against them is simply a good breeze.
The Pest Rangers includes mosquito prevention sprays as an add-on to all monthly prevention plans to keep your home mosquito-free throughout the warm seasons.
4. There’s A Blue-Winged Wasp!
Sometimes, scary can be beautiful. The blue-winged wasp is about an inch long and can be identified by its lovely shimmering blue and black wings.
These wasps may make you think of stingers, but they are great for your garden. Their favorite food is Japanese beetles, so if you need a pest exterminator for your garden, be glad to see a blue-winged wasp.
5. Black Widow Venom Is 15 Times Deadlier Than A Rattlesnake’s.
This is a chilling, but fascinating fact about the most venomous spider in North America. Of course, that’s only if you encounter a mature female. Males or babies don’t typically go after humans and have mouthparts too small to inject venom.
Also, these spiders rarely attack unprovoked. Just be mindful when you are outdoors or going through a dusty old attic.
6. Spiders Are Just Looking For A Bite…To Eat That Is.
Speaking of spiders, these little creatures are often misunderstood. In fact, they’d rather fill their bellies than pick a fight with a creature ten times their size. Spiders love to eat and can consume over 2000 insects a year.
Talk about pest control! While they may seem like a pests, they eat more unwanted intruders than you would think. Plus, they’re really so few and far between that you probably would never notice them.
7. Move Over Bunnies. Here’s The Termite Queen.
While rabbits may have the reputation of reproducing quickly, a termite queen should snag that title. One queen can lay 40,000 eggs per day. If you have any in your home, that could mean a lot of mouths to feed and some danger for the wood in your house.
One thing to keep an eye out for is termite swarmers. These winged critters indicate a new colony will be formed wherever they land, so be wary if you spot one on your property!
8. Honeybees Make The Sweet Stuff.
The honeybee requires nectar from millions of flowers to make one pound of honey. Altogether, a colony can make about 100 pounds of honey a year, but that’s not all they can do. They’re responsible for 80% of pollination in the United States. Plus, they communicate through dance, which is a cute little fact.
9. Nope, It’s Not A Giant Mosquito. It’s a Cranefly.
The cranefly, which can grow to three inches long, has very little in common with the mosquito. It eats rotting leaves, fungi, algae, and moss. Over 1,500 species live in North America, 300 of which reside in Pennsylvania alone. Unlike their tiny lookalikes, craneflies are not harmful.
10. Hornets Can Get Drunk.
Hornets don’t get drunk in a traditional sense, but if they drink enough fermented juice, it does have an effect. If these insects partake in the drink, they get sluggish and pass out.
Seeing these fearsome bugs overindulge is ridiculous, but they can get a bit rowdy if they have too much.
If you spot a sting insect on your property, inspect the nest to determine if it is a hornet’s nest, as hornets can be quite aggressive.
11. Cockroaches Live On.
The rumors are true; it is very difficult to kill a cockroach. In fact, a roach can live up to three weeks without a head. That can be frightening if you happen to see a headless critter scurrying around.
Insects aren’t just scary creatures with exoskeletons and a ton of legs. They are vital members of the ecosystem. However, keep in mind that knowing more about them can help you keep them out of your home. You’d be surprised what kind of insects can be found in your own backyard. So, take the time and see what you can find.
Pest Prevention Tips and Tactics
Preventing a pest infestation is far easier than dealing with an existing one. However, different pests require different strategies, and some, such as stinging insects, may not be amenable to pesticides. Therefore, partnering with a pest control expert is always your best bet for safe and effective pest control.
In the meantime, here are some tips to keep pests at bay:
- Keep Your Space Clean: Regularly clean and sanitize areas in your home where food is prepared and stored to keep bugs away.
- Seal Entry Points: Check for cracks, gaps, and openings that could allow pests inside, and seal them promptly.
- Proper Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers and keep it off the floor to prevent access by rodents and insects.
- Dispose of Garbage Properly: Use tightly sealed trash bins and take out the garbage regularly.
- Maintain Outdoor Areas: Trim vegetation, keep outdoor dining areas clean, and store firewood away from your property–the latter will prevent termites!
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Professional pest control services can identify early signs of infestation and implement preventive measures.
For safe and effective pest control in Northeast Pennsylvania, turn to the knowledgeable team at The Pest Rangers.
FAQs
How often should I schedule professional pest control services?
This depends on the severity of pest activity in your area, but most residents benefit from quarterly or monthly inspections and treatments.
Can I handle pest control on my own?
While DIY methods can help with minor issues, professional pest control ensures a comprehensive and long-term solution, particularly in high-risk environments like Northeast Pennsylvania.
What are the signs of a pest infestation?
Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, foul odors, unusual sounds, and visible insects or rodents. If you notice any of these, it’s best to call a professional immediately.
