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monthly pest alert for August
Black Widow Spider
(Length: 1 1/2" long)
The Southern Black Widow is glossy black with a red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. The female is much larger and more distinctly marked than the male. It makes a strong, sticky irregular web in protected areas where prey is likely to wander in and be trapped. Foundations, vents, shrubs and wood piles at ground level are common habitats. Their poisonous venom can cause concern for small children and older or infirm persons. Medical attention should be sought if bitten.
Carpenter Ant
(Length: ¼” to 5/8”)
These large ants are very common outdoors and vary in color from red or brown to black. Carpenter Ants earn their name because they nest in wood, both outdoors and inside structures. Frass or “saw dust” is sometimes found near entrances to their nest. Although not usually as destructive as termites, these insects can cause structural damage. When nesting inside a home it is usually because of a leak or moisture problem.
These tips will help you limit carpenter ant infestation:
• Store any firewood away from your home and remove any dead wood or wood scraps from around the foundation.
• Trim dead limbs from trees and remove stumps. Rid your yard of these potential nesting sites.
• Make sure that all plumbing or roof leaks are sealed, and check crawl spaces for excess moisture.
• Water from rain gutters should be directed away from your home and not be allowed to accumulate close to the foundation.
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