Pests Archive - Page 5 of 12 - Ja-Roy Pest Control - Pest Control & Extermination Services

Horse Fly

Horse Flies in Louisiana

Horse flies and deer flies are large, heavy-bodied insects that are persistent pests of wildlife, livestock, and humans. Their blood-sucking habits also raise concerns about the possible transmission of disease agents. They are notorious pests of horses, mules, cattle, hogs, dogs, and other mammals, including humans. Deer flies, which commonly bite humans, are smaller with dark bands across the wings and colored eyes similar to those of horse flies. An attack by a few of these persistent flies can make outdoor work and recreation miserable.

Horse Fly Habitat

Horse flies and deer flies can be found near aquatic habitats that support larval development. Most horse flies and deer flies are found in brushy or low-lying pasture areas near creeks, streams, or tanks that provide damp soils in which the immature stages develop. Natural environments include freshwater wetlands, saltwater marshes, and open areas within forests. They survive by burrowing down into the sand or gravel substrate of the water body they inhabit.

Horse Fly Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Female horse flies and deer flies can and will bite people, and the painful bites may occur on any part of the body. The bite often results in visible bleeding wounds and general first aid-type skin creams may help to relieve the pain from bites. In rare instances, there may be allergic reactions involving hives and wheezing. These flies are significant livestock pests with their painful and persistent biting behavior. Heavy attacks can lead to reductions in weight gains of beef cattle, and reduced milk yield in dairy cattle. If you are dealing with a horse fly issue on your property, contact your local fly exterminators.

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House Fly

House Flies in Louisiana

Found on every continent except Antarctica, the house fly is one of the most familiar of all insects. House flies are generally found in the greatest numbers during the hotter summer months and generally live in close proximity to humans and animals. These pests breed in animal wastes and decaying organic material, including animal corpses and food waste from which they can pick up bacteria and viruses that may cause human disease. House flies defecate almost every time they land, contaminating food, with the potential to spread disease.

House Fly Habitat

In rural areas, manure piles are often the main source of house flies, and in urban areas, piles of fermenting lawn clippings commonly generate large numbers of flies. Animal manure is a favorite breeding medium for flies with the most important sites being horse manure, human excrement, cow manure, fermenting vegetable refuse, dumpsters and refuse containers, and household garbage. Some species of flies can live and breed in recycling containers, and fly problems are common in recycling centers.

House Fly Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Although house flies do not bite, they are capable of transferring more than 100 different pathogens, including salmonellosis, typhoid, and tuberculosis. Pathogenic organisms are picked up by flies from garbage, sewage, and other sources of filth, and then transferred on their mouthparts, through their vomitus, feces, and contaminated external body parts to human and animal food. They can carry a wide range of germs from filthy breeding sites to the dinner table or spread some diseases within herds or flocks.

If you are experiencing a house fly infestation on your property, contact your local fly exterminators for help.

No-See-Um

No-See-Ums in Louisiana

No-see-ums and biting midges are significant human pests and are found throughout the United States, primarily in coastal areas and farming operations. These small blood-sucking gnats are known to feed on warm-blooded vertebrates and are often confused with black flies because of their similar bites. Female midges are the ones who bite, needing the protein from blood to begin producing eggs. Biting midges will attack any kind of mammal such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and livestock. Their bite is out of proportion to their size, and the Native Americans in Maine very appropriately designated these tormentors as “no-see-ums”.

No-See-Um Habitat

The natural habitats of no-see-ums and biting midges vary by species. These flies breed in coastal salt marshes, mud-caked flatlands, freshwater areas, and damp holes in trees. Breeding places are often in densely shaded areas at the edge of grass marshes. Their favorite locations are near decaying leaves that are protected from the heat of the sun. Adult midges prefer to lay their eggs in wet organic matter, such as mud around settling ponds on livestock operations, decaying leaf litter, manure, and other vegetation.

No-See-Um Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Biting midges and no-see-ums are extremely annoying, but none are known to transmit diseases to humans in the United States. A common observation upon experiencing a bite from this insect is that something is biting, but the person suffering cannot see what it is. While their bites can cause welts and intense itching, these small insects can also transmit diseases to animals. They have a much greater impact on non-humans, both as biting pests and vectors of disease agents. In North America, the most important disease agent transmitted by biting midges is the bluetongue virus, which causes serious diseases in sheep and cattle. Contact your local fly exterminator for assistance with no-see-ums or midges.

Chinch Bug

Chinch Bugs in Louisiana

There are several chinch bug species that prefer different types of grass. Many lawns see chinch bug activity each year. When the bugs occur in large numbers, they can be detrimental to lawn health. They are most active in the warm summer months and thrive in sunny areas. Due to their minuscule size, they are difficult to spot. For this reason, they often aren’t found until damage has been done to your lawn. The main sign of chinch bugs in Louisiana is the presence of yellow or brown spots on your lawn.

Chinch Bug Habitat

There are a variety of chinch bug species that infest different types of grasses. Western chinch bugs target Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and zoysia grass. The hairy chinch bug infests Kentucky bluegrass, English ryegrass, red fescues, and bentgrass. Southern chinch bugs target St. Augustine, zoysia, and Bermuda grasses. In any case, they prefer areas where the grass is in full sun. Lawns are their main target, but they can infest leafy debris, heavy thatch, and even piles of cut grass. Some species can inhabit agricultural crops as well, including corn, rice, small grains, and sorghum.

Chinch Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Their life cycle can occur in just 6 week’s time and molt through five stages before they become adults. As a lawn pest, chinch bugs can easily threaten the health of an otherwise healthy lawn. When these bugs feed on lawns, they inject a toxin into the plants or blades. This toxin inhibits the plant’s ability to receive nutrients and moisture from the soil as usual. After this, the grass or plants will begin to wilt. Beyond that, there is lasting damage to the plant tissues that are needed for future growth. This activity leaves behind yellow or browning spots all over lawns. If you need help with a chinch bug problem, it’s recommended to contact your local pest control experts.

Asian Cockroach

Asian Cockroaches in Louisiana

In 1986, the Asian cockroach was identified as a newly introduced species to the United States when a professional pest control operator collected these insects in Florida. He referred to them as German cockroaches, but upon further investigation, the cockroaches were found to be Asian cockroaches. Although adult German and Asian cockroaches are similar in appearance, unlike German cockroaches, Asian cockroaches are strong fliers with sustained flights of at least 120 feet. The Asian cockroach is only a pest during periods of peak adult populations, in early spring and summer.

Asian Cockroach Habitat

Unlike German cockroaches, which prefer to live indoors and are a major household pest, Asian cockroaches prefer to live outside in mulched beds, compost piles, leaf litter, and lawns. When people first see Asian cockroaches they may think they are seeing little flying moths, or German cockroaches because the two species look similar. These roaches become active at sundown and are attracted to lights. They often fly inside structures through any opening such as lighted doorways or windows. Many people become upset when they see Asian roaches inside their homes, however, indoor infestations are rare occurrences.

Asian Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The behavior of Asian cockroaches is very different from the German cockroach. The Asian cockroach is an accomplished flier, prefers to live outdoors in shaded areas, mulch, grass, and compost piles, and rarely invades homes. At dusk, this species becomes active and adults are attracted to light reflected off light-colored walls, doorways, and windows. They may enter homes and rest on lighted surfaces, such as lampshades, TV screens, and walls. When lights are turned off, the cockroaches will follow to the next lighted room, making residents believe that these roaches are attacking them.

If you are dealing with an Asian cockroach problem, contact your local roach exterminators for help.

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-Banded Cockroaches in Louisiana

The name “brown-banded cockroach” comes from the pronounced bands of color across the wings of adults and bodies of nymphs. In North America, the brown-banded cockroach is thought to be present in most states and lives in buildings that maintain relatively high temperatures. This cockroach is similar to the German cockroach with its small size and body shape but can be distinguished by its lack of two dark stripes.

Both brown-banded and German cockroaches are obligatory domestic roaches, which means they do not live outside and rely solely on conditions created in our homes and buildings for survival. The brown-banded cockroach is sometimes referred to as the “furniture cockroach” because it is distributed evenly throughout households, including non-food locations, such as bedrooms, under chairs and tables, and behind pictures and other objects on walls.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Habitat

Brown-banded cockroaches prefer warmth and tend to be found up and away from the floor in closets or in heat-generating appliances. Brown-banded cockroaches are good climbers and can be active at night and during the day. Females seek out warm, dark places where they can attach their yellowish-brown egg capsules, and prefer walls, ceilings, tables, bedding, or furniture. Brown-banded cockroaches feed on a variety of materials including human food, starches, dyes, glue, books, stamps, and clothing.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Brown-banded cockroaches are not aggressive and do not bite. These roaches reproduce at an alarming rate and one female can produce up to 600 young in her lifetime. Brown-banded cockroaches are known to spread at least 33 different kinds of bacteria, making them a concern for any homeowner. Foraging cockroaches can be vectors of disease, depositing germs or bacteria in areas they inhabit and causing asthma attacks in some people sensitive to cockroach allergens. E. coli and Salmonella are both commonly spread by brown-banded cockroaches and can cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

If you suspect a brown-banded cockroach infestation, contact a professional cockroach exterminator for help.

Smokybrown Cockroach

Smokybrown Cockroaches in Louisiana

The smokybrown cockroach is a tropical urban pest in many parts of the United States and is common in Texas, the Gulf Coast, throughout Florida, and in some areas of California. This species is usually found outside in decorative plantings and planter boxes, woodpiles, garages, and water meter boxes; it may occasionally inhabit municipal sewers. They sometimes invade homes, spreading bacteria as they take refuge in areas such as attics, bathrooms, and kitchens. Adults can fly, especially on warm humid evenings.

Smokybrown Cockroach Habitat

Smokybrown cockroaches need moisture to survive, and outdoors they are found in mulch, woodpiles, leaf litter, and tree bark— locations used as protection against drying out. These roaches are occasionally found indoors preferring the upper parts of buildings; they also live under shingles or siding and sometimes get into trees, shrubs, and other vegetation during summer months. Smoky Brown roaches are sometimes found in kitchens, bathrooms, attics, and near points of entry such as garage and crawl space doors.

Smokybrown Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Though their preferred habitat is outdoors, smokybrown cockroaches can still cause problems for homeowners, especially in humid environments. They live in a variety of disgusting places, from piles of dead leaves to storm drains and sewers, and even eat bird droppings. When entering your home, they will bring dangerous bacteria with them, contaminating cooking and eating surfaces. Their skin may also trigger allergies in sensitive people. They rarely survive in dry indoor environments, though rare cases of indoor infestations can occur in moist, organic-rich conditions. They are often found dead indoors likely due to dehydration. If you suspect a smokybrown cockroach infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional cockroach exterminator.

American Dog Tick

American Dog Ticks in Louisiana

The American dog tick is distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and in a few western states such as California, Idaho, and Washington. As its name suggests, the American dog tick is most commonly found on dogs, but it will readily attack larger animals, such as mice, deer, cattle, horses, and even humans. Pets and humans may contract diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia from a single tick bite. American dog ticks can survive for up to 2 years at any given stage if no host is found.

American Dog Tick Habitat

American dog ticks are found predominantly in areas with little or no tree cover, such as grassy fields and scrubland, as well as along walkways and trails. Residential areas containing overgrown shrubs, weeds, tall grass, and clutter attract the rodents that are hosts for immature ticks. Adult ticks climb onto a grass blade or other low vegetation, cling to it with their third pair of legs, and then wave their legs when a potential host approaches. As the host brushes against the vegetation, the tick will grab onto the passing animal or human.

American Dog Tick Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The highest risk of being bitten occurs during spring and summer, and adult females are most likely to bite humans. Nymphs and adults can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia. To avoid being bitten, apply an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET. Also, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light-colored so ticks will be easy to detect, and tuck pants into socks.

If you are dealing with a tick problem, contact your local tick control experts for assistance.

Clover Mite

Clover Mites in Louisiana

Clover mites are considered a nuisance pest, invading structures by the thousands, primarily in the spring and autumn. Clover mites are distributed worldwide and found throughout the United States. Where once clover mites were considered an occasional invader, they are now a serious pest due to the housing boom associated with suburban sprawl and installation of well-fertilized lawns growing close to the foundations of houses.

Clover Mite Habitat

Clover mites overwinter chiefly in the egg stage, under bark, in cracks in fence posts, under sheathing of buildings, in cracks in the foundation, or in dry, protected sites. Winter eggs begin to hatch very early in spring, and one generation is completed during the spring and early summer. Clover mites are sun-seekers and will gather on sunny southern and eastern exposures of homes. When clover mites have thoroughly infiltrated a building, they can be an extreme nuisance to the homeowners. Clover mites will look like dark red specks crawling around siding, doors, windows, drapes, curtains, and furniture.

Clover Mite Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Clover mites are pests not because they bite or cause disease, but simply because they can invade a structure in unbelievable numbers. In 1954, one single bedroom was estimated to have 250,000 mites crawling on the floor! When crushed, clover mites leave a red stain that is not blood, it’s just their natural color. Since clover mites are so small, homeowners may not even recognize them in their house until they have spread. However, what most people are likely to notice, are the red stains clover mites leave behind.

If you are dealing with a clover mite problem, contact your local tick & mite control experts for help.

Deer Tick

Deer Ticks in Louisiana

Deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, are the primary carrier of Lyme disease in the United States. Widely distributed across the eastern U.S., they are predominantly found in humid, deciduous forests. Their distribution relies greatly on the distribution of their reproductive host, the white-tailed deer. Both nymph and adult stages transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. In 2018, there were approximately 23,558 confirmed cases of Lyme disease, making it the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.

Deer Tick Habitat

Deer ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level, clinging to tall grass, brush, and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. Ticks also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods and around old stone walls. Deer ticks will not be found out in the middle of your lawn, preferring yards that border wooded areas. Ticks also live in ornamental plantings and gardens, or any environment that offers available shade, and high humidity.

Deer Tick Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Deer ticks bite, and the greatest risk of being bitten occurs during spring, summer, and fall. However, adult ticks may be out searching for a host any time winter temperatures are above freezing. Stages most likely to bite humans are nymphs and adult females. To avoid being bitten, apply an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET. Also, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light-colored so ticks will be easy to detect, and tuck pants into socks. If you are dealing with deer ticks, it’s important to always enlist the help of a professional tick & mite control expert.