Pests Archive - Page 6 of 12 - Ja-Roy Pest Control - Pest Control & Extermination Services

Flea

Fleas in Louisiana

Fleas are small, wingless blood-sucking parasites that live on the exterior of their host. Adult fleas feed only on the blood of warm-blooded hosts, which they must obtain in order to survive and reproduce. Fleas are the most common ectoparasites found on cats and dogs, so they frequently turn up as household pests. Fleas are annoying to people and pets, especially during spring and early summer when their numbers tend to increase dramatically.

Flea Habitat

Fleas thrive in many climates but prefer moist, humid, and shady areas. The area underneath a porch or deck can turn into an overwintering site. Areas with tall grass, leaf litter, weeds, wood piles, gravelly areas, and sandy patches are all attractive to fleas. Even the tiniest crack in the concrete can harbor fleas and they especially shrubs, leaves, and trees, but do not fare well in sunny areas or open grass. Fleas usually enter structures attached to pets, and they can quickly find refuge in homes. Flea larvae do not like the light so carpets, bedding, pet beds, and upholstered furniture make cozy homes for fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae.

Flea Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Fleas feed mainly on non-human animals but may bite and infect humans. Bites from fleas look like small red dots and may occur in two or three groups or clusters around feet, ankles, and legs. Though they may trigger allergic reactions, flea bites will not often have a serious impact on a person’s health. However, some people and pets suffer from flea bite allergic dermatitis, characterized by intense itching, hair loss, reddening of the skin, and secondary infection. One flea bite can initiate an allergic reaction, and itching can persist for up to five days after the bite.

If you are dealing with a flea infestation, contact your local flea exterminators for help.

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Lone Star Tick

Lone Star Ticks in Louisiana

The lone star tick is distributed from central Texas, eastern Oklahoma, north to Missouri, and eastward in a broad belt across the southeastern United States. Along the Atlantic coast, its distribution extends northward to coastal areas of New Jersey and New York. Bites from the lone star tick are painless and commonly go unnoticed, remaining attached to their host for as long as seven days until it is fully engorged with blood. While it is not a factor in Lyme disease, the lone star tick does transmit bacteria that can cause several types of illnesses.

Lone Star Tick Habitat

Lone star ticks are found in wooded areas and fields and are more common around homes and buildings in secluded or rural areas. Adults are known to feed on large mammals, especially cattle and white-tailed deer. It is an ectoparasite of a wide range of domestic mammals like cattle, horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs, and poultry. Humans are also commonly bitten by all active stages. This species is rarely found living indoors, and if found inside, it will generally be discovered on dogs or cats.

Lone Star Tick Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The lone star tick is known to bite humans, and although they do not transmit Lyme disease, a bite from the lone star tick can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat, including beef and pork. This specific allergy is related to a carbohydrate called alpha-gal and is best diagnosed with a blood test. Therefore, if you suspect you have been bitten, expert evaluation from an allergist familiar with the condition is recommended.

If you need more information on lone star ticks, contact your local tick control experts.

Springtail

Springtails in Louisiana

Springtails are tiny and occur in various shapes and sizes, however, they all have an appendage, called a furcula that is tucked up under their abdomen. When a springtail is disturbed, it releases the furcula, which propels the insect through the air and away from danger. These minute insects occasionally invade homes and are particularly prominent in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Most reports of hundreds or thousands of tiny, dark jumping insects can be correctly diagnosed as springtails.

Springtail Habitat

Springtails sometimes alarm homeowners by appearing in large numbers in moist indoor areas such as kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and in the soil of houseplants. They may also be found outdoors in swimming pools, moist landscaped areas or vegetable gardens, and on the surface of mud puddles. They usually appear in the spring and early summer, but can be found seasonal in moist environments. Springtail infestations are usually associated with dampness, organic debris, and mold.

Springtail Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Since springtails jump when disturbed, they are sometimes confused with fleas. However, springtails do not bite humans or pets, nor do they spread disease or damage household furnishings. Mainly a nuisance pest, springtails can become a problem in newly constructed buildings because of damp building materials and wet plaster. As the building dries, the springtails will die off or leave. They can also be a nuisance around swimming pools when they fall in and drown in large numbers, often coating the pool surface. Although unsightly in the pool, they can be safely removed without cause for concern.

If you are dealing with springtails, contact your local flea, tick, and mite experts.

Drywood Termite

Drywood Termites in Louisiana

Drywood termites are not as destructive as subterranean termites in the nation, but can still do substantial damage. Their colonies are typically found in dry wood, and evidence of an infestation usually includes discarded wings, feces, or frass (piles of sawdust created from their feeding). Like all termites, drywood termites feed on cellulose, which is found in wood. The main difference with this species is that they do not go for soft, moist wood as most termites do. Instead, they eat across the grain of the wood, which can be very dangerous and damaging to structures.

Like most termites, drywood termites can be organized in a caste system containing reproductive and worker/soldier castes. Swarms are often seen, indicating an infestation.

Drywood Termite Habitat

Drywood termites are most common in warmer, tropical climates where winters are mild. These termites do not need moist soil or water to survive, unlike other termites. For that reason, they typically target wood that is above-ground, meaning infestations are often in higher levels of structures. They often enter homes through exposed wood or infested wooden furniture brought indoors.

Drywood Termite Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

These termites do not pose a health risk to humans, nor do they bite. The main danger with drywood termites is the damage they can cause. Their wood-destroying habits can often go on for some time before being discovered. Because of their ability to stay hidden, their many swarmers and workers, and their saw-like jaws, drywood termites can cause incredible amounts of damage to a home. To prevent or control a drywood termite infestation, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional termite exterminator.

Larger Yellow Ant (Citronella Ant)

Larger Yellow Ants in Louisiana

The larger yellow ant, also known as the citronella ant, is common in the Louisiana area. When disturbed, larger yellow ants release a compound that smells like citronella or lemon. As nocturnal pests, these ants are not known to feed on household foods but feed exclusively on the honeydew produced by aphids and mealybugs. Pest problems usually occur in the late summer and fall when mixed colonies swarm. Often confused with termites, winged swarmers and wingless worker ants move toward buildings and try to enter through cracks or gaps in the foundation.

Larger Yellow Ant Habitat

Nests are typically located in and around areas of high moisture. Outdoors, larger yellow ants can be found nesting in high moisture soil beside structures, along foundation walls, under stumps, logs, or rocks. Indoors, these ants are sometimes found behind bathtubs or shower walls or in damp crawl spaces, especially over winter. Mounds of dirt left behind by the colonies’ process of excavating tunnels can be up to three feet wide. Temporary winter nests can be located in basements under a loose brick or board or in a crack in the wall or floor.

Larger Yellow Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Larger yellow ants do not have a stinger, but can become a nuisance when winged ants swarm indoors, or as workers dump soil from cracks in floors or basement walls. When swarming, homeowners often mistake these ants for termites or carpenter ants. Homeowners may be alarmed by the large numbers of swarming ants that converge on the side of homes and structures. Although they do not forage into homes, they create piles of dirt at the entrance to the nest. If a larger yellow ant issue is suspected, it is best to consult a professional ant exterminator.

Little Black Ant

Little Black Ants in Louisiana

The little black ant is a common structural pest and very common in Louisiana. Little black ants are highly adaptable and are not usually associated with indoor colonies. Typically nesting outdoors, little black ants access homes or structures in search of food. They are omnivores, feeding on both plant and animal foods. Little black ants feed on a variety of foods including sweets, meats, grease, insects, and even feed on bird feces. Relentless pests, little black ants can be difficult to eliminate.

Little Black Ant Habitat

The colonies of little black ants may contain several queens and be heavily populated. Generally, little black ant infestations start outside and can be traced back to mulch, stones, a stump, tree, log, fence, or pile of lumber or bricks. Indoors, little black ant colonies will nest in wall voids and cabinets, as well as, within and behind foundations and brick or stone veneer. When colony populations are at their peak, little black ants may spread throughout a structure quickly, invading every gap and crack or crevice. The sight of little black ants inside homes may signal a larger infestation outdoors or within the structure.

Little Black Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Despite the fact that little black ants have a small stinger that doesn’t really do any damage, they can become a considerable pest when they invade a home in large numbers. These tiny invasive bullies are aggressive and have been known to wipe out entire red imported fire ant colonies. While they favor nesting outdoors, their small size allows them to gain access under window sills, beneath carpets and floorboards, and any crevice inside your home. If a little black ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to consult a licensed ant exterminator.

Thief Ant

Thief Ants in Louisiana

Thief ants get their name from their habit of nesting near other, larger ants, then entering their nest to steal food and prey upon larvae. Found throughout much of Louisiana, their nests are connected to the nests they rob by galleries that are too small for other ant species to access, but big enough for the tiny worker thief ants to move freely. Feeding on rodents and insects, thief ants also feed on potato chips and other greasy foods. They invade homes through cracks and crevices contaminating stored pantry products and packaged food items.

Thief Ant Habitat

Nests outside are located in exposed soil, under rocks, or in rotting wood. Inside homes and businesses, thief ants nest in woodwork and masonry. Thief ants enter structures through small gaps in the foundation or small openings in woodwork during warm weather. They utilize electrical wiring in wall voids to move from room to room. These ants forage in trails throughout a home or building seeking greasy foods, protein, and dairy. Thief ants are commonly found in kitchen and food prep areas of homes and businesses.

Thief Ant Behaviors, Threats or Dangers

Although thief ants rarely bite, they are considered a dangerous pest as they feed on dead rats, mice, and insects, contaminating food as they forage. When entering homes, thief ants may be carriers of disease-producing organisms, transmitting pathogens from a food source to human food. Thief ants trail inside cabinets, on walls, baseboards, tree branches, and shrubs. Due to their small size, they are able to forage into packaged foods. If a thief ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a licensed ant exterminator.

White-Footed Ant

White-Footed Ants in Louisiana

White-footed ants get their common name from their very light-colored feet. Mature colonies can range from 8,000 to 3 million individuals. These ants are found across Louisiana. White-footed ants feed on plant nectar and honeydew, which is a sweet substance produced by many sap-sucking insects such as aphids, mealybugs, and scales. These ants are considered by homeowners to be a nuisance pest because they are frequently observed foraging in kitchens, bathrooms, and the exterior of buildings.

White-Footed Ant Habitat

White-footed ants are arboreal ants, commonly found trailing along tree trunks, branches, and shrubs. White-footed ants build their nests at or above ground level in numerous locations in and around homes. They will enter structures through any small openings and can be seen trailing heavily on the interior and exterior walls of buildings. Nests can be found in trees, bushes, under palm fronds, leaf litter, rain gutter, wall voids, and attics. Colonies are large and seem to be interconnected with other white-footed ant nests in the area.

White-Footed Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

White-footed ants do not bite or sting but can be a significant household pest. Of all structure-infesting ants, the white-footed ant may be the most difficult to control. Due to their high reproductive rates and ability to build multiple connecting nests, these ants can become a homeowners’ nightmare. They are generally found foraging in kitchens, bathrooms, and the exterior of homes. They are attracted to light switches and electrical boxes and may cause them to fail. White-footed ants reproduce at phenomenal rates, and satellite colonies may be established over a wide area as part of one super colony. If a white-footed ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a professional ant exterminator.

Big Brown Bat

Big Brown Bats in Louisiana

The big brown bat is one of the bigger bat species and also likely the most widely dispersed throughout Louisiana They are known to withstand conditions that other types of bats cannot, which is why they’re commonly found in cities and suburban environments alongside wooded areas. They prefer eating beetles over other insects, using their powerful jaws to chew through the beetles’ hard exoskeleton, however, they also eat moths, flies, wasps, and flying ants. Colonies range from 20 to 300 individuals and big brown bats can live a long time in the wild. That said, most die off during their first winter due to malnutrition throughout hibernation.

Big Brown Bat Habitat

Big brown bats have been found in a variety of habits including meadows, deserts, mountains, forests, suburban areas, and cities. They will hibernate in caves, mines, walls, attics, or other buildings. They enter into hibernation in November, often less than 50 miles away from their summer roosts. They hibernate in small groups and come out in the springtime.

Big Brown Bat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The big brown bat is nocturnal and will roost in several places during the day. They eat a number of insects but prefer beetles and are significant predators of agricultural pests. The average life expectancy is a bit over 6 years. The main threat of big brown bats is the fact that they roost and hibernate in buildings. Especially in the winter, they will enter homes and buildings for warmth in your attic or walls. Big brown bats are carriers of disease and it’s important to exercise extreme caution if you come across one. If you notice a bat has made its way into your building, never approach it or attempt to handle it yourself. Always contact a professional wildlife control company.

Little Brown Bat

Little Brown Bats in Louisiana

True to their name, little brown bats weigh less than half an ounce and are one of the smallest types of bats. They are found in many places, but are more typically found in the northern U.S. and are common in Louisiana. They are not territorial and tend to live in colonies of thousands of bats. These colonies congregate at nesting sites, known as roosts. These bats use a system called echolocation to seek out their insect prey.

Little Brown Bat Habitat

Little brown bats are found throughout Louisiana They can migrate hundreds of miles to get from summer habitats to their hibernaculum, which is the name for a roost occupied during the winter months. Little brown bats tend to choose caves, trees, rocks, woodpiles, and buildings as roost sites, making it potentially dangerous for suburban homes.

Little Brown Bat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Little brown bats feed on insects. They use a process called echolocation, which is similar to the sonar used on ships, to determine the location and size of their prey. These bats need to eat at least half their body weight in insects to prevent becoming malnourished. Little brown bats are nocturnal and their peak activity is a few hours after dusk. Little brown bats are known to roost in buildings, making it important to know how to prevent them. Bats can spread diseases including rabies. They aren’t typically aggressive but will bite if handled. If you notice a bat has made its way into your building, never approach it or attempt to handle it yourself. Always call a professional wildlife control company.