Pests Archive - Ja-Roy Pest Control - Pest Control & Extermination Services

Meadow Vole

Meadow Voles in Southern Louisiana

Meadow voles, also known as “meadow mice” or “field mice,” are a rodent species native to North America. Unlike the slim bodies and long tails of common mice and rats, meadow voles are known for their shorter, cylindrical bodies. They are rarely seen indoors because their lack of climbing ability limits their access to buildings. Instead, they enjoy staying outdoors, creating intricate tunnel systems and pathways that can cause severe damage to lawns and landscaped areas. Their diet primarily consists of vegetation such as grasses and seeds, and their rapid reproduction can result in widespread destruction in a short amount of time.

Meadow Vole Habitat

Now that you’ve learned that meadow voles spend most of their time in underground tunnels, we can get into the details. These burrows are generally small without much depth, holding nests crafted from woven grass, leaves, and stems. They are typically hidden under thick vegetation or ground cover such as clover. Keeping your yard well-maintained and reducing overgrown plants can help reveal their concealed pathways, so regular upkeep is an important part of property care. Other signs of their activity include small greenish droppings about 3/16 of an inch long and small piles of cut grass near their burrow openings.

Meadow Vole Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Although these tiny rodents typically pose a low risk to human health due to minimal interaction, they are still capable of spreading diseases like plague and tularemia. Even if they don’t often invade homes, they create major challenges for property owners by damaging crops, orchards, and young trees as they search for food. Their tendency to chew on tree trunks both above and below the ground can also cause significant harm to lawns, ground covers, and golf courses. If you suspect an infestation, contact Ja-Roy Pest Control for a detailed inspection and reliable pest control services to contain the issue immediately.

Hobo Spider

Hobo Spiders in Louisiana

A hobo spider is a common type of spider found in Louisiana The hobo spider received its name from the fact that it’s often found along railroad tracks. The hobo spider belongs to the funnel-web spider family, and constructs funnel or tube-shaped areas out of their silk to hide in. They can move rapidly, up to three feet per second, when moving from place to place, but are not very good at climbing.

Hobo Spider Habitat

Common outdoor habitats for the hobo spider include rock retaining walls, landscape rocks, cracks in soil or concrete, vegetation, near and around foundations, window wells, irrigation boxes, stacks of lumber, firewood, and bricks. Indoors, the hobo spider is typically found running across the floor or near the floor level. These spiders are not good climbers, however, they will sometimes be found in tubs and sinks. Although some have been observed a few feet above floor level, most hobo spiders are seen running about on the floor or in webs close to the ground or vegetation.

Hobo Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Hobo spiders rarely bite people, and when they do bite, their bite is almost painless. It is no longer believed that hobo spider bites cause tissue damage or skin death (necrosis). Unlike other spiders that have been shown to cause this condition, hobo spider venom is not considered toxic to humans according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you suspect you have been bitten and are concerned about any skin reaction, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

If you are dealing with hobo spiders, contact your local spider exterminators.

Funnel Weaver Spider

Funnel Weaver Spiders in Louisiana

Funnel spiders, also referred to as grass spiders, are well-known for their funnel-shaped webs. These spiders are often called grass spiders because they construct their webs in tall grass, heavy ground cover, and the branches of thick shrubs. Found throughout Louisiana, funnel weaver spider webs are not necessarily sticky, but they are inherently difficult for the prey to escape. Once the prey is trapped, the funnel weaver spider can quickly crawl over and inject it with venom. Occasionally, these spiders may venture into homes in search of prey or mates.

Funnel Weaver Habitat

Funnel weaver spider webs are distinctive and constructed in tall grass, underneath boards and rocks, and around debris. Their webs are seen throughout grassy areas in summer to early fall and are noticeable in the early morning dew. Funnel weaver spider webs are shaped more like a megaphone, or the bell of a trumpet. These spiders prefer to build webs in darker areas, such as flower beds, woodpiles, and secluded corners inside structures. If found in the home, their webs are often in corners of dark rooms, such as the basement.

Funnel Weaver Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Although they are most often mistaken for wolf spiders due to their appearance, when a funnel weaver spider is present in a home, many homeowners misidentify them as brown recluse spiders. However, funnel weaver spiders, or grass spiders are not poisonous, but are venomous. They contain venom, as all spiders do, but because of the small size of their fangs, they have difficulty penetrating human skin. These spiders are more of a nuisance pest as they molt several times before becoming adults, leaving cast-off skins around the house. Contact your local spider exterminators for help with funnel weaver spiders.

Giant House Spider

Giant House Spiders in Louisiana

The giant house spider is very common in Louisiana. It was at one time thought to be venomous, but was proven to have little or no venom toxicity. The giant house spider can be found in dark corners of rooms, storage sheds, barns, bridges, fences, and other structures. This large spider generally constructs funnel webs on window angles and in corners. Although giant house spiders prefer to live outdoors, they are hitchhikers and can be brought indoors when they hide in boxes, firewood, or other belongings.

Giant House Spider Habitat

They are often found in garages or basements, as well as outdoors, in firewood, or in gaps between bricks or stones. They build webs with a funnel-like hole in the center, where they sit and wait for prey. The giant house spider is not an active climber and indoors can be found on the floor or trapped in sinks and bathtubs where it has ventured in search of water. They prefer to avoid contact with humans and hide during the day, meaning they are most often seen at night.

Giant House Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Giant house spiders are most often spotted indoors during the autumn when they have reached their maximum size. These spiders are not aggressive and usually run away, very rapidly, when startled. Although it is rare, a bite from a giant house spider may occur when it feels threatened. However, bites are not serious and the giant house spiders’ venom is only harmful to individuals with specific allergies. Aside from its large size and threatening appearance, this spider does not pose much of a threat to people. Always contact a professional spider exterminator for help with giant house spiders.

Skunk

Skunks in Louisiana

The average skunk is about the size of an adult house cat, and its’ fur is mostly black with white on top of the head and neck. Skunks are found throughout the United States and are known to produce an oily, yellow sulfur-alcohol compound that contains sulfuric acid. This pungent liquid is stored in two separate scent glands located on each side of the anus and can be squirted accurately at targets as far as 6 to 10 feet away as a self-defense mechanism. The secretion is acrid enough to cause nausea and can produce severe burning and temporary blindness if it strikes the eyes.

Skunk Habitat

Skunks construct dens in burrows and will often use abandoned burrows dug by ground squirrels, foxes, or coyotes, enlarging them if necessary. In urban settings, they den under decks, porches, or beneath buildings. If other suitable dens are unavailable, skunks will burrow and construct dens. Skunks do not hibernate; but in regions with colder weather, they may congregate in communal dens during the winter. Skunks are attracted to residential areas by the availability of food, water, and shelter.

Skunk Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Skunks are primarily nocturnal animals and their activity around buildings may go unnoticed until one takes up occupancy beneath a porch, deck, slab foundation, or has an encounter with another animal, such as a dog. A pet that exhibits an offensive smell, is an indicator that a skunk may be nearby. Skunks have been found infected with an array of diseases, including rabies. If your pet has an encounter with a skunk, it should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. If you are having an issue with skunks, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.

Southern Flying Squirrel

Southern Flying Squirrels in Louisiana

Southern flying squirrels are known for their ability to glide and are found in deciduous and wooded areas in North America. Between their front and rear legs, flying squirrels have a furry membrane called a patagium that enables them to glide through the air, often from one tree to another. Southern flying squirrels become pests when they take up residence in a homeowner’s attic or walls. They can cause odor and damage with their urine, and keep people awake with their nocturnal activity.

Southern Flying Squirrel Habitat

Southern flying squirrels are most often found in large hickory and beech trees, as well as maple, poplar, and oak trees. The southern flying squirrel will often nest in natural cavities and woodpecker holes. They are rarely found in suburban neighborhoods unless there are heavily wooded areas in the vicinity. Flying squirrels are known to enter homes in late fall when temperatures begin to drop. In addition to nesting in high places like attics, flying squirrels can also be found in external walls and between floors, using insulation as nesting material.

Southern Flying Squirrel Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Southern flying squirrels have been implicated in the spread of human diseases, although direct transmission to humans is rare. However, they can do considerable damage to the exterior of homes as they try to create new entryways to access attics and interior wall voids. Once inside a home or structure, they can gnaw on electrical wiring, possibly causing an electrical short or fire. Since flying squirrels are quite social and nocturnal, homeowners with a flying squirrel infestation often hear them scurrying around in the attic after midnight. If you are having an issue with southern flying squirrels, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.

Confused Flour Beetle

Confused Flour Beetles in Louisiana

A number of beetles infest flour and grain-based products and are known as flour beetles. Of these species, the confused flour beetle and the red flour beetles are the most economically dangerous. The confused flour beetle occurs commonly in the northern part of the United States. This beetle is omnivorous, eating both plants and animals. Flour beetles are extremely important pests of flour, being the most commonly encountered pests in flour mills. They feed on grain dust and milled cereals, but are unable to attack sound and undamaged grain.

Confused Flour Beetle Habitat

The confused and red flour beetles live in the same environment and compete for resources. Flour beetles can be found not only inside infested grain products but in cracks and crevices where grain may have spilled. Flour beetles infest cereal, cake mix, cornmeal, crackers, and dry pet food, chocolate and nuts, and seeds (such as birdseed). Both adults and small, off-white larvae will be found in an infested food item. The adult beetles often wander away from the infested material and will be found inside pantries and cupboards or anywhere in the home.

Confused Flour Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Confused flour beetles do not bite or spread disease, however, they give off a displeasing odor, and their presence encourages mold growth in grain. They are attracted to grain with high moisture content and can cause a grey tint to the grain they are infesting. Common signs of an infestation are visual sightings of actual beetles crawling or flying throughout the home, seeing them in flour or cereal products, and “leaky packages.” Small bits of meal or grain spilling from a package, or small holes chewed through packaging, are signs that an infestation is present.

If an infestation is present in your Louisiana home, locate and discard all infested material. Contact your local pant pest control experts for help or advice with confused flour beetles!

Drugstore Beetle

Drugstore Beetles in Louisiana

The drugstore beetle, also known as the bread beetle or biscuit beetle, is a common insect that infests stored foods, seeds, and other materials. This beetle acquired its name from its tendency to eat herbs and plants which were often used in making many drugs, including poisonous substances such as belladonna and strychnine. The larvae of the drugstore beetle can cause considerable harm as they chew their way through food, herbs, and plants, leaving holes, damaging products, and making the food unusable.

Drugstore Beetle Habitat

The drugstore beetle thrives in warmer climates but can be found worldwide, especially in climate-controlled structures. Female drugstore beetles lay their eggs in almost any dry organic substance. Seasonings, grains, pet foods, books, wooden objects, and even aluminum foil, are popular items infested by these beetles. Adult drugstore beetles can fly, bore through wood, and can be identified by their rapid skittering movement.

Drugstore Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Drugstore beetles do not bite people and are not known to spread disease. They are considered unwanted pests due to the problems they cause for homeowners and businesses. It is in the larval stage that beetles do the most damage as they live, eat, and excrete waste within the products they’ve infested. Since the female drugstore beetle can lay more than 100 eggs at a time, she can make entire batches of food products unsalable. This means a drugstore beetle infestation in a home pantry or business can cause considerable monetary damage. If you are having an issue with drugstore beetles, it is best to consult a professional pantry pest control company for removal.

Indian Meal Moth

Moth identification in Covington LA - Ja-Roy Pest Control

Indian Meal Moths in Louisiana

The Indian meal moth is a global pest and received its common name because it feeds on the meal made from Indian corn or maize. The Indian meal moth is easy to identify due to its characteristic wing pattern where the rear half of the wings is distinctly copper or bronze-colored. These moths are general feeders upon grain and grain products, dried fruits, seeds, graham crackers, nuts, powdered milk chocolate, and candies. Home infestations can be traced back to nearly any food source but commonly originate in dried pet food or birdseed.

Indian Meal Moth Habitat

The Indian meal moth is the most common food-infesting moth found in homes, grocery stores, and any place where dried pet foods are produced or stored. Adults do not eat, and larvae feed constantly on grain products, spinning large amounts of silken webbing over the food sources. Since it prefers the coarser grades of flour, it is the most common insect found in packages of whole wheat, graham flour, and cornmeal. Nuts are also a common breeding source, especially the nut caches of squirrels in attics and chimneys.

Indian Meal Moth Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Though Indian meal moths do not bite or pose any serious health risks, they are a nuisance in the home as they infest grain and stored pantry products. The larvae do considerable damage as they contaminate food and deposit silken webbing on food products. The waste from contamination is greater than the amount of food consumed. Flying adults are a common sign of an infestation. Adults are attracted to light and may move to distant rooms in the house away from the infestation. As a result, they are also commonly mistaken for clothing pests.

If an infestation is present in your Louisiana home, locate and discard all infested material. Contact your local pantry pest control experts for help or advice with Indian meal moths!

Merchant Grain Beetle

Merchant Grain Beetles in Louisiana

The merchant grain beetle is a common stored product pest found throughout the United States in homes, grocery stores, food warehouses, and grain storage facilities. Similar in appearance to the sawtoothed grain beetle, the merchant grain beetle has the ability to fly, while the sawtoothed grain beetle does not. They are incapable of attacking sound grain kernels and often occur in food previously infested by other stored product pests. Their flattened body allows them to easily penetrate broken kernels of grain and packaged materials. Not only do they contaminate food, they often cause mold problems due to moisture build-up.

Merchant Grain Beetle Habitat

Merchant grain beetles are commonly found in food manufacturing, storage, retail facilities, and home pantries. These stored product pests can infest and contaminate breakfast foods, cereals, macaroni, candy, chocolate, sugar, cake mixes, brownie mixes, nuts, dried pet food, bread, rolled oats, biscuits, cornmeal, and other dry goods. A single female can lay up to 250 eggs within cracks of kernels of grain. As with other pantry insects, it is the larvae that do most of the damage, however, the adult is most commonly encountered. A typical discovery of a merchant grain beetle infestation occurs when adult beetles are discovered crawling around a pantry area.

Merchant Grain Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Merchant grain beetles do not bite or sting and are not known to carry or transmit any diseases to humans. They are nuisance pests and will contaminate and damage food that is stored in the home. Adults can readily enter sealed cardboard boxes and soft plastic packaging. Merchant grain beetles typically enter homes in products purchased from grocery stores that are already infested with larvae or adults. The primary infestation usually originates at the manufacturing facility where the product was produced. If you suspect a merchant grain beetle issue on your property, contact your local pantry pest control experts.