'Bugs News

Kudzu Bug - A Small, Brown, "Lady Bug" That Invades Homes and Gardens

2011-10-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Kudzu bugs clustered on wisteria. Photo by Julie W.

If you live in the south-eastern US you may have noticed a new insect this summer and fall (see photo): the insect is called the kudzu bug (Megacopta cribraria) and is characterized by -

small, brownish/green in color
shaped sort-of like a ladybug
not seen prior to about 2 years ago
invades homes in the fall
congregates on garden plants, and especially, kudzu vine (For those that don't live in the southern US, kudzu is a highly invasive weedy vine, "the vine that ate the south!", that grows everywhere, on everything.)
a new and important pest of soybean

This true bug (Hemiptera) resembles a ladybug (a cocinellid beetle) in size and shape, but not color (see this page for a picture of a real ladybug/lady beetle). Also, you don't generally find ladybugs clustered together like you see in the photo.

This a new "lady bug" has some unpleasant characteristics. (1) Feeds on and weakens garden plants as well as some agricultural crops, like soybean, in addition to weedy plants like kudzu; (2) produces a distinctive, strong odour when disturbed; (3) congregates on houses in the fall when air temperatures start to drop. This final characteristic of "invading" homes in the fall is the one that many people will notice first.

The kudzu bug was first found in north-eastern Georgia in 2009 but has since spread to North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and will likely spread to all south-eastern states in time, anywhere kudzu grows.

Kudzu bugs as nuisance pests

Because the kudzu bug arrived in North America without the natural enemies that would normally keep populations in check in their native lands (Asia), this bug has seen explosive growth. After feeding and multiplying all summer the population of kudzu bugs in an area can be large. Then as the air temperatures begin to decline in fall these bugs move from their host plants and seek shelter for winter months. They often congregate on houses just like similar bugs such as the brown marmorated stink bug of the northeastern US and the boxelder bug. And, like these others kudzu bugs are harmless to people and homes but can be a significant nuisance to homeowners when they congregate on siding, and enter walls and attic spaces.

What should you do?

Treat kudzu bug invasions like you would boxelder bugs or brown marmorated stink bugs - see How to Manage Boxelder Bug Invasions for details. Eventually the numbers of kudzu bug will decline as native predators and parasites discover this new insect and adapt to it. Until then, at least it is impacting the growth of kudzu vine!

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Pictures of Bed Bugs Biting and Chigger Bites

2011-08-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

I've just posted incredible close-up pictures of bed bugs in the act of biting and early and late-stage chigger bites at our 'Bugs site. These images are from the CDC Public Health Image Database.

For life history, identification, and treatment of rooms for bed bugs see this page. Also, visit the main chigger mite page for life history of these biting mites.

Ant Problem in the Kitchen, Home or Apartment

2011-07-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

ants feeding on sugary bait

Sooner or later almost everyone experiences ant problems in their home or apartment. Ants often invade kitchens first but can spread to other areas of the home as well. They are several different species of tiny black/brown ants that enter homes in search of food and water.

Ant colonies (see below) can be located in the soil around and beneath the structure but they can also be in the walls and/or ceiling.

Ant Colonies and Ant Control

All ants live in complex, highly organized colonies where workers gather food and water for the developing young and the egg-laying queen. The trick with any successful ant control program is to use the worker ants to collect food for the colony that has been laced with a poison (poison bait). The poison bait is fed to developing young and the queen thus disrupting the entire colony. Spray insecticides do not work against household nuisance ants.

The least expensive ant bait is a sugary liquid that has been laced with boric acid. This is the standard recipe for products like Terro (tm) and this type of bait can also be home-made (see Home-Made Ant Baits for more information). Sugar-based boric acid baits work well for small, active colonies but may not be effective against large, stubborn infestations, and against certain species that are not attracted to sugary foods.

In the last few years a new type of ant bait has become available to home-owners. These baits are typically supplied in tubes that look like large hypodermic syringes, without the needles, or single-use trays (bait stations). The tubes/trays contain a paste or gel that has been laced with an insecticide, or insect growth regulator. Since the attractiveness of an individual bait will vary between different species it may be necessary to try several different baits until you find the one that your ants will most readily accept. See Professional Ant Baits for more information.

Using Ant Baits

Place baits near established ant trails and don't disturb these trails.
Do not contaminate the area with insecticides as this will prevent ants from finding and accepting the baits.

As always Read and Follow package instructions carefully, especially regarding bait placement.

See Controlling Household Nuisance Ants for more detailed information and precautions.

Please see our Disclaimer as well.

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Tiny Jumping Bugs In Homes and Yards - Springtails

2011-07-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

close-up of springtail/collembola

I get questions through my 'Bugs site every week about tiny jumping bugs in people's homes. The questions usually start something like: "I've found tiny jumping bugs on my _____, what are they and what should I do?" Since there are only a few small insects that actually jump or hop when disturbed this question is pretty easy to answer even without a good photo.

These tiny critters are called springtails, or collembola, and they are not really insects at all but rather primitive soil micro-arthropods (a distinction that is only of interest to an entomologist!).

See Springtails In Homes & Gardens for more pictures and life history.

Springtails live in soil where they feed on bacteria, fungi, and occasionally plant roots. They are harmless to plants and even beneficial to healthy soils. Very large populations can build in highly organic soils. They are most often noticed following heavy rains when they are washed out of the soil by flooding and concentrate where rain water pools.

Springtails can enter homes when outside soils are saturated following heavy rains, or they can be brought in with house plant soil. Again, they are harmless and can be simply swept up when found. See the article cited above for more information.

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Tiny, Yellow, Biting Bugs

2011-07-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

a thrips next to a leaf vein

Have you every felt a sharp pinch while outside during summer only to find a tiny, yellow, sliver-like bug when you investigate the bite?

These bites are from a tiny insect called a thrips (the name is always plural; one thrips, many thrips).

Thrips normally feed on plants with very sharp, knife-like mouthparts. If they happen to land on us they can bite causing a sharp, stabbing pain. The bites are annoying but completely harmless and are more common in mid- to late summer. Unfortunately, insect repellents don't work against thrips. See this article at the 'Bugs website for more information.

Thrips can be important plant pests where they damage leaves and in some cases even infect plants with a virus. Greenhouse growers in particular often treat their crops with insecticide to prevent thrips damage.

drawing showing feathery wings

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Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

2011-07-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

bed bug (drawing)

Bed bugs are pretty easy to distinguish from other insects that you may find around homes. First, since bed bugs can't fly they are confined to areas near where people sleep. You won't find bed bugs crawling across the floor or flying around a light! Second, bed bugs are large enough to be easily seen, about 1/4" as adults, and are a distinctive chestnut brown color.

See this page for close-up pictures of bed bugs actually feeding.

Bed bugs hide during daylight hours in cracks and crevices around bedding and in folds of mattresses. These areas will also generally show dark stains caused by their fecal matter (digested blood, see drawing below). Finally, bed bug bites look like bad mosquito bites on most people (see drawing below). Some people, however, don't show the characteristic bites and some lucky folks hardly react at all. When combined, these signs are usually unmistakable. If bed bugs are found use our control suggestions to manage the infestation.

nearly full grown bed bug


bed bug hiding places, bites

See the 'Bugs Website for bed bug control and other home pest control questions.

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Tiny, White, Bugs In Homes - What Are They?

2011-07-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found tiny white bugs crawling on the kitchen counter or over a sack of dry pet food, or in some similar situation? The bugs are too small to see clearly and are often described as "salt" or "sugar" until they are seen to move! If you look very close, with a magnifying glass, you'll probably see long "hairs" from tiny round bodies.

There are a couple of things that people describe this way but in my experience mold mites, also called grain mites, are the most common. See this page about mites for a close-up drawing of a mold mite.

These mites feed on mold that grows on damp surfaces so are always associated with excess moisture in one way or another. Their presence in kitchens can indicate a leaky pipe or dishwasher. The mites don't bite or cause any harm but some people will experience an allergic reaction to large numbers of mites similar to dust mite allergy. In fact mold mites are related to dust mites.

The only treatment that is needed is to control the sources of moisture. Once the area dries out the mites will go away.

See the 'Bugs Website for additional information about household insect & mite pests.

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Indoor Spider Control/Spider Traps

2011-06-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

"Wandering-Type" Spiders

brown recluse spider

Most spiders spin a web and stay close to the web for much of their lives. A few don't spin webs or don't stay close to the ones they do spin. These spiders are more active hunters and tend to "wander" into homes more often than the less active type.

The term "wandering spider" is not a taxonomic classification but rather refers to this more active, hunting behavior. Two wandering-type spiders in particular, the brown recluse spider and the hobo spider, are noteworthy because they are also venomous.

Sticky Spider Traps

Sticky spider traps are generally considered to be the best way to reduce the number of venomous, wandering-type spiders in homes. Not only are traps effective but since they contain no pesticides they are very safe to use.

Sticky traps are very simple, consisting of a cardboard tube that is partly coated inside with a sticky material. The spiders wander into the tube at one end, but never make it out. Traps are inexpensive but can also be home-made (see Making Sticky Spider Traps). Place traps along walls where spiders tend to move and behind furniture. Replace traps when they become full of debris.

Foundation "Perimeter" Treatment

If you are finding more than just the occasional spider indoors, or you are especially sensitive to them, consider treating the exterior of your home with an insecticide barrier. This barrier will slow the movement of wandering-type spiders from outside to inside. To establish the barrier you'll need to spray a 6"-12" band of insecticide on the foundation starting from where the house siding ends to the soil (this is sometimes called a "perimeter spray"). Onslaught Microencapsulated Insecticide is a good choice for this application because the microencapsulation makes it long-lasting compared to non-encapsulated insecticides.

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Yellowjacket Wasp Control In Vineyards With Poison Baits

2011-06-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

aerial wasp nest

Yellowjacket wasps (social wasps in the family Vespidae) are significant pests in grape vineyards both in terms of the direct damage they do to fruit and also the impact their aggressive, territorial behavior has on vineyard worker productivity and safety.

Fruit Damage

Most wasp species forage for live prey, mostly other insects, as well as carrion and plant sap. Maturing grapes are a source of plant sap and wasps will tear the outer skin to get at the grape juice inside causing yield and quality losses. Since wasp nests reach their maximum size about the time grapes mature, this damage can be significant in some varieties, in some years.

Worker Productivity and Safety

The social wasps build large communal colonies (nests) consisting of hundreds to thousands of individual wasps each capable of delivering a painful sting to an intruder. These colonies are built both above ground (aerial nests, see photo), and below ground in abandoned rodent burrows or other cavities (ground nests). Nests are aggressively defended against intruders and even a slight disturbance can incite swarming of a perceived enemy. These large, aggressive colonies can be a hazard to vineyard workers and can slow or even stop a work crew. Multiple stings from swarming wasps can be a medical emergency as well, especially if the victim is allergic to wasp venom.

For these reasons vineyards have tried to manage wasp nests in a variety of ways. Some managers depend on early season capture of queens prior to nest establishment while other vineyards use a kind of seek and destroy strategy for existing nests during the summer.

Poison Baits to the Rescue

Until about 10 years ago some growers used poison baits to control yellowjacket wasps in vineyards and orchards. At the time there was an insecticide that could legally be used to prepare a poison bait that when deployed in vineyards and orchards significantly reduced yellowjacket activity, sometimes for several years following a successful baiting program. The baiting technology was inexpensive and had virtually no effect on non-target organisms or the environment***. About ten years ago this pesticide was removed from the market, for reasons unrelated to its use in wasp baits, and there has been no replacement until now.

Onslaught Microencapsulated Insecticide is now labelled for use in preparing poison bait for yellowjacket control (read and follow label instructions). See Using Poison Bait To Control Yellowjacket Wasp Nests for details regarding bait preparation and deployment.

One or two bait stations per acre (see page cited above) should be sufficient to maintain control in most situations. Start baiting about mid-summer, replace baits about every three days until the level of control you want is achieved. Don't start much earlier than mid-summer since the low number of foraging yellowjackets prior to this time will limit the effectiveness of the bait.

***Because all wasps on predators they are considered beneficial insects, especially in agricultural systems. This benefit, however, must be weight against the potential for losses as outlined above.

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Wood Treatment With Bora Care or TimBor

2011-06-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Boric acid (chemically as a borate salt) is an excellent wood preservative, fungicide and insecticide. It is very low toxicity, low environmental impact and is relatively cheap. It is an ideal material for treating both hardwood and softwood against attack by fungi (mainly the so-called dry rot fungi), and insects. The only real downside is that borate compounds are generally water soluble so must be used in dry environments or protected with a finish of some kind that seals them in the wood.

Borates are available as dry powders (TimBor and others) or as glycol-based liquid concentrates (Bora Care and others). Glycol is intended to improve the penetration of borate into wood fibers but studies have not definitively demonstrated an advantage over simple water solutions. Glycol-based products are also somewhat more expensive than powder forms.

Both TimBor and Bora Care should be applied to dry, unfinished wood surfaces with a pump sprayer or paint roller. Two coats are sometimes needed (see product label). Powder forms like TimBor can also be applied as a dry powder to wall voids for carpenter ant treatments.

Borate wood treatments are generally not available in stores but are available at the 'Bugs Store and elsewhere online.

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Small, Brown, Hardshell Bugs!

2011-06-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found small, brown, slow-moving bugs crawling around your house that appear to have a hard-shell? If you look closely the hard cover appears to be split down the back. These are probably one of several "stored product" beetles that infest dry foods and natural fabrics. If the beetles appear black, or mottled with red/gray/black, instead of brown they are probably one of the dermestid (Dermestidae) carpet beetles but the brown ones are likely one of the anobiid (Anobiidae) beetles, for example the cigarette or drugstore beetles.

If the brown/black beetle has a tan stripe across the back it is probably the larder beetle, another one of the dermestid beetles.

This very large and diverse group of beetles are specialist scavengers on dead plant and animal products. They evolved as nature's master recyclers that help breakdown and decompose dead plant and animal tissue. If you think about it from the beetle's point of view a piece of wool cloth (or animal carrion) or a dog biscuit (or cache of seeds) is just another dead animal or plant, and something good to eat.

Larval Stage

The larvae of all these different beetles are the real recycling workhorses whereas the adults are simply there to ensure the next generation. Depending on the species, larvae can survive on a wide range or natural plant and animal matter, from cereal stored in cupboard to the wool rug in the den. In more natural situations they would feast on dead plant material or animal carcasses.

When you find the beetles indoors it usually means there's an infestation somewhere in the house. The beetles are harmless but obviously if the infestation is large damage can be done to your stored food or natural fabrics.

See the pages cited above for ways to detect and manage infestations of stored product beetles. Once the infestation is found and cleaned up you can treat the surrounding area with one of the new Botanical Insecticides to eliminate any stragglers that may have been missed.

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Dust Allergy Treatment

2011-05-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

This blog is about insects and mites and the damage a few of them cause to we humans. Few people realize that a tiny mite that lives in the dust in our homes can cause severe, even life-threatening, allergy symptoms. While most people are unaffected, just like most people are not allergic to grass pollen, for those that are it can significantly impact their lives.

What causes dust allergy?

Allergies to household dust are common and tend to be worse in winter when houses are sealed up tight against cold weather. All allergies are caused by the reaction of our immune system to molecules called proteins that enter through our lungs, digestive system, or skin. If we eat something we are allergic to our body reacts, often violently. Likewise if we breath something we are allergic to we experience a range of symptoms from a mildly stuffy nose to anaphylactic shock. An allergy to dust is caused by proteins in the dust that we react to when they enter our lungs. The allergy-producing protein (allergen) is in dust because of a tiny mite, the dust mite, that lives in and consumes part of the dust. The allergen is part of the mite's waste products.

Treating dust allergies

The key steps to treating dust allergies are (1) reduce the amount of dust, and allergen, in your environment; (2) reduce the activity of dust mites; (3) medically treat the allergy symptoms.

Step 1

Dust and allergen can be reduced by normal cleaning, choosing the right the furnishings for a room, and filtering the air to remove allergen particles. It is especially important to reduce the amount of dust and allergen in bedrooms because of the adverse effect these allergies have on sleep quality.

Wet cleaning is much better than dry sweeping or dusting which only serves to stir up dust and the allergen pool. Most types of vacuum cleaners are counter productive as well. Floors and windows should be regularly washed, even the walls and ceiling in the bedroom should be washed yearly. No special soap is needed. The idea is to remove dust and allergens and simple water plus a mild detergent will suffice.

Remove rugs and other dust-trapping fabrics from the bedroom. Furniture should be covered in removable fabric that can be washed at least once a year. Bedding should likewise be washed as often as possible, plus an allergen-proof mattress cover.

Finally, install an air filtering system (air purifier) that employs HEPA-type filters. These filters scrub the air and remove nearly all suspended allergen so it can't enter your lungs. These air filters can be fairly expensive, and expensive to operate, but do reduce the level of allergy-causing allergen in the air stream. See Air Purifiers For Dust Mite Allergy for more information.

Step 2

Dust mites themselves are nearly microscopic, don't bite and would go largely unnoticed except for the fact that they produce these allergens. You can't effectively treat the mites directly with insecticide but you can slow their development by reducing dampness in the air (humidity), as dry air tends to reduce mite activity. Central heating and air conditioning are very effective. Also, it may help to put a barrier between you and mites that may live in your mattress using an allergen-proof mattress cover.

Step 3

Very effective allergy therapies are now available. Mild allergies can be treated with OTC medications (respiratory allergy) while more severe allergies can be treated with desensitisation therapy or prescription allergy medications. See your medical professional, get tested for the specific allergen so that it can be managed.

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Wasp Nest Removal With Poison Bait

2011-05-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

As a follow-up to last week's post about the new poison baits that can be deployed to eliminate threatening yellowjacket wasp nests, here are some details.

Bear in mind that while certain wasps can be dangerous, especially in late summer and early fall, all wasps are important predators of other insect pests. Only remove those wasp nests that are directly threatening such as nests located near picnic areas or playgrounds.

First, see this article about Wasp Removal With Baits at the 'Bugs site for background information.

Start your baiting program in mid- to late summer, starting any earlier is probably a waste of time since wasp activity is generally too low for baits to be effective until mid-summer.

Poison baits are prepared from some kind of minced meat (canned tuna and canned cat food work well) plus Microencapsulated Onslaught Insecticide (see below for insecticide and kits). Be certain that your bait station and placements are designed such as to prevent all non-target animals from accessing the bait. It is your responsibility to ensure that the poison bait is deployed so that only wasps can access it.

Once foraging wasps locate the poison bait they will carry a portion back to their nest (aerial and ground nests) where it will be feed to developing brood and eventually the queen. You will probably notice a significant reduction in wasp activity in 1 to several weeks that should last all season.

Poison baits are only effective against scavenger species since non-scavenger species are only attracted to living prey, not canned tuna!

For outdoor events such as picnics and weddings you'll want to start your baiting program at least a week before the event (after mid-summer) to have the best chance of effectively reducing wasp activity prior to the event.

Please read and print our Disclaimer.

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A New Yellowjacket Wasp Bait Insecticide

2011-05-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

yellowjacket nest

A new insecticide is available for use in preparing baits for control of troublesome yellowjacket (social wasp) nests on an area-wide basis. The insecticide is called Onslaught Microencapsulated Insecticide. The Onslaught label allows for the insecticide to be mixed with a meat-based bait and dispensed to foraging yellowjackets. The combination should be very effective for area-wide suppression of yellowjacket nests and may even suppress wasp numbers the following year because of the impact it has on queen production.

Details regarding bait preparation, dispenser design, the Onslaught label and theory behind baiting can be found at the 'Bugs site here.

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New Head Lice Medication Available By Prescription

2011-04-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

louse nit and louse

In January, 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration announced that it had approved a new product called Natroba Topical Suspension to treat head lice in both children (4 years of age and older) and adults. The original FDA announcement is here.

See Head Lice Biology and Control in School-Age Children for current treatment guidelines for parents and schools.

The active ingredient in Natroba is spinosad a relatively new type of natural, organic insecticide that has been used in commercial agriculture and home gardens for several years. Spinosad is derived through a fermentation process using a specific microbe that was originally isolated from soil. See Using Spinosad in Home Gardens for more information. Natroba is currently available only by prescription.

Over-the-counter medications containing permethrin and pyrethrum are still effective against the majority of louse populations but there is some evidence that insecticide resistance to these compounds is increasing. Where resistance to permethrin and/or pyrethrum is suspected spinosad-based treatments may be a viable alternative. No matter which pediculicide (louse medication/insecticide) is used however, proper combing with a fine-tined metal comb is still critically important (see Selection and Use of Lice Combs).

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Indoor Pest Control: Least-Toxic Methods

2011-04-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

German Cockroach

Do I Need To Use Pesticides Inside My Home?

I'm frequently contacted for pest control advice by people who routinely treat their homes, both indoors and outside, with pesticides in order to protect them from "bugs". Often the homeowners don't even know for sure what the target pest is, nor do they really care.

These homeowners have been convinced that if they don't do these treatments, or hire a pest control company to do them at monthly or quarterly intervals, their homes will become infested and may even be significantly damaged. It's like changing the oil in your car every 3000 miles, hype that has been promulgated by so called "quick-lube" oil companies, either you pay now or you'll somehow have to "pay-the-piper" later!

In fact, these routine pesticide treatments are rarely if ever needed, and indoor use of conventional pesticides, in single-family homes, is never justified. Frequent use of pesticides indoors may actually expose the occupants to unhealthy residues. All insect and related pests that occur in our homes (see 'Bugs News: Common Household Bugs for a list of common household pests and ways to safely deal with them) can nowadays be safely managed with some combination of sanitation, low-hazard traps and baits, and, in rare instances, new low-toxicity dust and plant-based insecticides. Plus, you don't need costly "maintenance contracts" from the local pest control company.

Sanitation is usually the best and least expensive pest control strategy, and the one most often neglected. By eliminating food and water sources you'll prevent many of the most important household pests like ants and cockroaches. This is especially important in older houses and multi-family apartment buildings where leaky pipes and accumulated debris can be a problem.

Traps and baits are the next most important pest control strategy for homeowners. Traps are very effective for indoor spiders (see Using Spider Traps) like the brown recluse spider. Traps can also be used to detect a small infestation before it gets too large to easily manage. Meal moth infestations can be detected early, or isolated to a particular room, using pheromone traps.

Baits are now available for a wide variety of household pests including nuisance ants, carpenter ants, cockroaches, and termites. Baits work best for the pests that live in colonies because the toxic material is carried back to the colony by foraging "workers". See the pest-specific links above for details.

Plant Derived Insecticides

With the introduction a few years ago of insecticides that are based on natural plant oils, sometimes called botanicals, indoor pest control with insecticides has become significantly less toxic. While I generally shy away from using any insecticides indoors, if you are going to use them the botanicals are the less hazardous alternative.

Product Description

Introducing EcoSMART Ant & Roach Killer. Now there is a new, organic, fast-killing insecticide that is safe to use around children and pets. Unlike other insecticides, it is made from plant oils and kills bugs naturally to better protect your family. It's safe. It's Effective. It's Smart. Naturally. EcoSMART Ant & Roach Killer formula kills and controls ants, carpenter ants, cockroaches, crickets, pill bugs, silverfish, spiders, and other crawling insects on contact. Spray on insects to kill on contact. Also, treat areas where insects are commonly found, including around sinks and plumbing, near appliances, behind cabinets and around waste containers. When treating ants, spray around the entry points and trails. [Product Description from Amazon.com]

Product Description

Introducing EcoSMART Flying Insect Killer. Now there is a new, organic, fast-killing insecticide that is safe to use around children and pets. Unlike other insecticides, it is made from plant oils and kills bugs naturally to better protect your family. It's safe. It's Effective. It's Smart. Naturally. EcoSMART Flying Insect Killer formula kills and controls flies, gnats, mosquitoes, moths, wasps and other flying insects. Direct spray at flying insects, contacting as many as possible. Spray in short 2-3 second bursts. [Product Description from Amazon.com]

Questions? Post your comment or question below.

"Skin Mites"/ "Collembola Mites" - Are They Real?

2011-04-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

bird/nest mite of hummingbirds

Do you experience any of the following symptoms on a daily and/or regular basis?

A crawling sensation sometimes accompanied by feeling "pin prick-like bites".
Itchy skin, especially at night.
Red skin lesions that resemble flea or mosquito bites, while not able to capture an actual bug.
A fear that you and your home/office/car are infested with an unseen bug.
You repeatedly wash bedding and treat your home with insecticide in an attempt to rid yourself of this invisible infestation.

If this sounds like you, first of all be assured that you are not alone - the symptoms are very real and widespread. I am asked about these so-called infestations at least several times a week through my bug consulting activities. The cause, however, is not what you may have been lead to believe. These symptoms are not caused by an insect or mite and no amount of insecticide, whether organic or not, will help you solve this problem.

What are so called "skin mites" and "collembola mites"?

The names skin mite and collembola mite are not scientific names for any real mite nor are they accepted common names for a real organism of any kind. They describe a set of symptoms (condition), not the name of an insect or mite.

What exactly do these terms mean? By using the word "mite" both terms are very misleading in that they incorrectly imply that the symptoms are caused by a living organism (a mite). There is no evidence that a living organism is involved, in fact the lack of a clearly identifiable organism is a hallmark of this condition. My concern is that people will try to eliminate the "mite infestation" with insecticides/miticides which needlessly exposes them to potential toxins and distracts them from searching for the real cause of their discomfort.

From a scientific standpoint the term "collembola mite" is particularly troublesome since collembola (springtails) are an entirely different type of arthropod, not related to mites at all (see Collembola/Springtails for a description). Collembola are harmless soil microarthropods that are abundant in rich, organic soils. Mites are a well-defined and very specific group of arthropods that are related to spiders and ticks, in fact ticks are a type of mite.

"Skin mite" is occasionally used as a common name for a group of mites that are actually parasitic on birds and rodents. Bird mites (see photo above), poultry mites, rodent mites and nest mites are the more widely accepted common names for these mites. These mites DO NOT infest homes and don't require treatment other than removal of the source nest (bird or rodent) and general cleaning (see Bird/Rodent/Nest Mite Biology and Control)

So what causes the symptoms described above?

Certain medical conditions mimic, and are easily mistaken for, bug bites. The skin lesions ("bites") can look similar and are often accompanied by itchiness and a crawling sensation. If you are predisposed by a fear of insects, you may misinterpret these symptoms as "bug bites".

Allergies are probably the most common cause. You can come into contact with allergens (the stuff your body reacts to) in a variety of ways. Airborne allergens like plant pollen and dust mite allergen are inhaled but you can also have direct contact with an allergen as occurs with certain poisonous plants (contact allergens). Food allergens are consumed along with the food we eat. Allergies can affect you in a variety of ways but skin lesions, hives and itchiness are frequent complaints.

Chemical/physical irritants include things as simple as a new brand of laundry detergent, new furniture or carpets, fiberglass insulation, cleaning solvents, and so forth. The list is long and can include products that you would never suspect. In one recent example an individual had lesions that resembled bug bites (and was convinced he was infested) but it turned out that he had started using a new solvent to clean his guns about the same time that the "bites" first appeared.

Reaction to drugs can include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as well as illegal, recreational drugs.

Emotional stress is a potent trigger for all sorts of physical manifestations. For example, I remember as a graduate student that the skin on my hands would start to literally slough off before major exams and seminars because of my long-term anxiety and stress over these events.

Pre-existing illness, some of which are serious, can cause these reactions as well. Since the underlying illness may be serious in some cases, the sooner you get a proper diagnosis the better.

So, my hope is that rather than spending your money on insecticides or expensive application equipment like foggers, talk with a medical professional about your symptoms. Discuss the possibility of allergic reactions but also consider the other possibilities.

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What Are "White Ants"?

2011-04-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

termite worker ("white ant")

White Ants = Termites

The term "white ants" generally refers to a group of insects that are more commonly called termites (Isoptera), more specifically subterranean termite workers. Worker termites are very pale and delicate, and superficially resemble delicate, white "ants" (see photo). However, termites and ants (order Hymenoptera) are not closely related at all and have very little in common. See the following pages about Termite Biology and Control for more information about these potentially destructive insects.

Termites are fairly primitive insects that live in colonies. Unlike almost every other insects, termites feed on cellulose (wood fiber) with the help of special microbes in their gut. This ability to utilize wood as food makes termites a serious potential structural pest in our homes. While true ants also live in colonies, they are far more advanced than termites in terms of their developmental biology and behavior. Ants are mostly scavengers/predators (the large carpenter ants, which can also damage structural wood, do not feed on wood but only use it as building material).

Because of the potential for costly damage, structures are often treated for termites during construction ("pre-construction treatment") or after construction when damage is detected ("post-construction treatment"). For more information about termites, termite control and termite baitings see our 'Bugs site.

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Identification of Insects, Spiders and Relatives

2010-09-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

How to identify an unknown insect or spider

I've just posted a revised page on 'Bugs with our suggestions for Insect Identification field guides. If you are mainly concerned with critters that you find indoors, or things that bite and sting, check out our new (2009) book - Living With Bugs form OSU Press (see below). For general Insect Identification questions see Insect Identification Field Guides at our 'Bugs site.

Do Foggers Work For Bed Bugs?

2010-09-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

bed bug

Bed bug control with foggers

I am occasionally asked whether or not aerosol foggers ("flea bombs") can be used to control bed bugs. The answer is actually pretty simple - there are better ways to control these pests! In fact they don't work well at all. The only really effective way to control bed bugs is to locate and treat their hiding places (see links below).

What are foggers?

Foggers are cans of pressurized insecticide that release all of their contents as an aerosol mist when the trigger is pressed. They are sometimes called "total-release aerosol insecticides" and are often used to treat indoor spaces for pests like fleas and sometimes flying insects.

Do foggers work?

In general foggers do not work well, even for their targeted pests. The reason is pretty simple - they don't provide the level of coverage that a carefully applied spray insecticide can achieve. Foggers produce a fine mist (aerosol) that is sprayed into the air. The small spray droplets then fall back to earth but don't disperse very well throughout the room and don't contact surfaces that are blocked from above, for example under furniture.

Do foggers work for bed bugs?

Foggers are especially ill-suited for use against bed bugs because these insects hide for most of their lives, protected from the falling droplets of insecticide. This is why it is important to locate their hiding places first then clean and treat these areas directly. See How To Locate and Identify Bed Bugs for more effective ways of dealing with these insects. Also follow the links to finding bed bug hiding places as well as ways to Clean Personal Items such as backpacks if you believe you've been exposed to an infestation.

Questions? Post a comment below.

Grain or Meal Moth Infestation Out of Control - Help!

2010-08-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Indian meal moth trap catch

This question was sent to our 'Bugs site:

Briefly, the top floor of our small church building is simply full of grain moths (meal moths) and despite our best efforts, we seem to be losing the battle.

The problem came to light over a year ago, primarily in the kitchen. Problem areas were located and much work was done to clean everything in the area. Even at that time, traps were catching many, many moths (see photo) in areas that spread far from the kitchen. We did what we could, then the weather cooled and things seemed pretty quiet. We kept monitoring traps and replacing as needed, rarely seeing activity.

As the weather warmed in early summer, boy oh boy did we see a resurgence. Traps needed replacement as often as every 3 days. We continued to seek sources of infestation and clean, clean, clean. Then we realized our sanctuary -- a significant distance from the kitchen -- was heavily infested. Again, we've done what we can to clean and clean and clean. Sometimes we seem to be making progress, then another crop hatches as we feel back at "square one" as the saying goes.

We're basically monitoring and cleaning all areas of the top floor, and not making perceptible progress. Today we tipped over a piece of furniture and found the underside laden with worms, webs and eggs.

Other details:

Last year, in frustration, we had an extermination service spray. As you would guess, that was a waste of money.
On the lower level of our building there is limited evidence of moths, though we have traps strategically placed.
I am the coordinator of an emergency food pantry, located on the lower floor. The pantry is not infested and was not a source of the problem. We have mega monitoring in this area; it is closed off from everything else and was completely cleaned and painted within the past 2 months. Obviously my deepest concern is allowing the upstairs. problem to compromise the pantry and we're working hard to ensure that does not occur.
It is my personal opinion that the moth problem began perhaps 2 or more years ago and no one noticed the problem quietly spreading far and wide.

Answer

The short answer is the primary moth infestation must be somewhere that is not obvious or you would have already found it. The larvae of these moths infest grains, seeds and other course material like cereal. A common and difficult-to-find source of moths is sometimes a cache of seeds/grain from a rodent nest inside the walls or ceiling. I agree that the moths are probably spreading out from this primary infestation to other parts of the building and I agree that it has probably been going on for awhile. I also agree that pest control is not the answer, unless they eliminate the rodents.

Pheromone traps (below) won't eliminate the moths but they may help to pinpoint the highest concentration and therefore where the primary infestation is located so definitely keep traps out. General cleaning won't help much either since these insects require a quantity of seeds or grains not just crumbs. See Meal Moths & Traps for more information.

From your description of where you find moths I'd first suspect the second floor ceiling/attic space may be the source. Rodents often nest in these areas and will store seeds or grains. Your best bet, if I'm right, is to control and exclude the rodents, then the moths should go away. If you can actually find the nests, or caches of seeds/grains, and remove them the you'll speed things along.

Questions? Post a comment below.

Common Household Bugs

2010-08-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

varied carpet beetle

Which "Bugs" Are More Common In Homes?

Almost every home has at least a few insects and mites that share our living spaces. Most are harmless or can be managed in simple ways that don't use insecticides or other harsh chemicals.
In the lists below I've separated those insects and mites that are universally common from those that occur occasionally under specific circumstances, and those that "invade" homes from the outside. There are also those that are called incidentals, insects that fly in through an open door or window or otherwise occasionally end up inside. The incidentals can be sweep up and deposited outside or disposed of in the trash.
Use the links below to find pictures, life history and least-toxic control strategies for these common insects and mites that are found in homes.

Insects and mites found in almost every home

Carpet beetles (see photo above) are small, slow moving insects that infest stored foods and natural fabrics.
Spiders are very common in houses, most are harmless. Sticky spider traps are the best overall control for large spiders that wander inside homes.
Dust mites are tiny, microscope mites that feed on the organic debris found in homes. Unless you are allergic to them you probably are unaware that they are even around.

Insects and mites found occasionally in homes

Cockroaches are world-champion scavengers and can survive on just about any scape of food we leave for them.
House centipedes are scary-looking but generally harmless inhabitants of damp basements
Ants (several species) enter houses from outside but can also nest in walls and ceilings.
Pantry (meal) moths are small moths whose larvae infest stored foods like cereals and dry pet food.
Stored product beetles include numerous species of beetles whose larvae infest stored foods, grains and sometimes natural fabrics.
Drain flies are tiny, hairy flies whose larvae infest bathroom and kitchen drains feeding on the gunk that develops in the pipes.
Silverfish are small, silvery, fish-shaped insects that inhabit damp areas of homes.
Fungus gnats are tiny, dark-colored flies whose larvae infest potting soil. These flies can be present in large numbers and are attracted to light.
Psocids (booklice) are small, light-colored insects that are associated with damp, moldy areas such as old, musty books (hence the name "booklice"). They are not related to true lice and do not bite.
Grain mites, also called mold mites, feed on fungi and mold growing on damp surfaces. They frequently infest stored grains, especially if the grain is damp and moldy. There presence in homes often indicates high humidity, dampness or a water leak.
Fleas (only if pets are present) are the bane of every pet owner but can be easily controlled nowadays with topical flea treatments.
Clothes moths are small, tan moths whose larvae infest animal-based fabrics such as wool.

Insects and mites that "invade" homes from outside

Bird mites are also called nest mites or rodent mites. These mites infest the nests of birds and rodents but occasionally leave these nests and bite people as well.
Root weevils are beetles whose larvae feed on the roots of landscape plants. The adult beetles sometimes enter homes but cause no damage.
Springtails (Collembola) are tiny, primitive insects that live in soil. They are characterized by an ability to jump when disturbed. They can sometimes enter homes in large numbers but cause no damage.
Clover mites are related to spider mites but are distinguished by a pair of very long front legs that can resemble antennae.
Cluster flies look like house flies and can enter houses in the fall when they seek shelter for the winter months.
Lady beetles (ladybugs) like cluster flies and boxelder bugs sometimes enter homes in the fall looking for a place to spend the winter.

Related Articles:
See our new book Living With Bugs below.

Questions? Post your comment or question below.

Living with Bugs: Least-toxic Solutions to Everyday Bug Problems (2009; 176 pages; OSU Press) answers homeowner's questions about the fifty or so most common household insect and mite pests. Every pest topic from ants to vinegar flies ("fruit flies")** is covered with more pictures, drawings and detailed life history than we have room for in the 'Bugs website (see The 'Bugs website).

** bed bugs, black flies, fleas, lice, biting midges, mosquitoes, ticks, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood wasps, powderpost beetles, termites, bees, fire ants, wasps, nuisance ants, pantry pests, cockroaches, carpet beetles, clothes moths, nest mites, chigger mites, scabies and mange mites, horse and deer flies, stable flies, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, house flies, fungus gnats, drain flies, lady beetles, silverfish and firebrats, vinegar flies, dust mites, venomous spiders, and delusions and phobias

Discouraging Paper Wasp Nests

2010-08-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

A question recently sent to our 'Bugs site:

I deliver propane for a living in NW Washington State and encounter a lot of paper wasps. My policy is live and let live and for the most part I can go about my job in fairly close proximity to even large nests (five inches diameter) and get stung rarely.

Lately I have seen a trend of the nests moving down from the inside of the tank lids to the plumbing, which is logistically not a great place for them to be, and is unfortunately an adequate reason to destroy the nest.

My question then is, do you know of some natural non lethal 'detractant' I could spray on the plumbing parts of the tank to make them non attractive for nesting? Something like cayenne or some herb, something that might give off a smell in the heat or???? The nests are ok in the tank lids - I understand it is a hot/safe place to build them - they just need to stay off the plumbing.

Answer:

The paper wasp you are encountering is actually a fairly new "invader" species in the US called the European paper wasp (see link for picture). These new paper wasps make much larger nests than our native species and are somewhat more aggressive.

There are no sure-fire ways of discouraging nest building but threatening or dangerous nests can be easily managed with new low toxicity, plant oil-based sprays that should not damage the plumbing. These sprays (see the EcoSMART product below) are made from plant oils, not conventional synthetic pesticides.

One final thought: since these wasps only initiate nest building once a year in the spring, any areas that are treated should remain wasp-free for at least a year.

Questions? Post your comment or question below.

Bed Bug Spray and Dust Insecticides

2010-02-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

Bed bugs are tiny, wingless blood-sucking insects that infest bedding and bedside furniture where they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed (see Life History of Bed Bugs). Their bite is not especially dangerous since no diseases are carried by bed bugs but the bites can be extremely irritating, like a bad mosquito bite. Bed bugs are generally only a problem in motels/hotels/hostels/dorm rooms and other high traffic establishments but may be accidentally brought home from these places following a visit. Bed bugs are fairly easy to control if steps are taken as soon as they are detected. There's no reason to overreact or panic.

If a bed bug infestation is suspected the most important first step is to thoroughly clean the bedding and bedside furniture. This will eliminate most of the problem and no further treatment may be necessary. However, it is very possible that a few bugs, and/or eggs, will escape this cleaning. To control these last survivors you can use a residual insecticide spray. In addition, baseboard cracks and other crevices should be treated with a residual dust insecticide because adequate cleaning of these areas is almost impossible.

See Using Bed Bug Spray and Dust for more information about these materials including where they can be purchased.

If you take these steps early in an infestation you can generally stop it before it ever becomes established.

Questions? Post your comment or question below.

More Mysterious Bites at Night - After Moving Into New House

2010-01-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

We have started a new "'Bugs Help Line" to answer specific questions from our visitors. For instructions on how to submit your own questions about home and garden pests click here.

The question below represents a number of similar questions we've gotten recently about "bites" that mysteriously appear in the morning. In this case, the bites started shortly after moving into a newly built home.

Question: What's Causing the Itchy "Bites" - After Moving Into New House?

Dear 'Bugs,
"We recently built a new home from the ground up. The process took a little over a year but we finally moved in this past October (2009). Not long after we moved (maybe a month?) I started to experience mysterious bites mostly along my thigh area down my leg to my ankle or foot (see photo). These were happening at some point in the night and every night because I am certain they were not there the previous day. We immediately thought bed bugs since our mattress was stored in a garage during the build, wrapped in fabric but not plastic. We instantly got rid of the mattress, thoroughly cleaned the entire bedroom and home, then continued to sleep on an air mattress in a room at the other end of the house until our brand new foam mattress arrived a week later. I do have to note however that maybe twice during that week we were on the air mattress, I did awake in the morning with one or two bites as opposed to the 8 to 10 I would receive before.

Since we had our new mattress (about 3 weeks or so now) I have had no problems whatsoever...until just last night. I awoke, only to notice about 8 or 9 bites when I was in the bathroom and happened to feel the side of my leg. That is what is shown in the picture. The bites don't start to itch until they are scratched and then they seem to inflame slightly. Shortly after the itching stops and only starts again if it is irritated by more scratching or something rubbing on them. My husband has not had any bites whatsoever since this ordeal began, and my son who is 2 and sleeps in the room across the hall has had not one bite either. I seem to be the only one affected. We do have a small dog but she is treated regularly with a 3 in one flea medicine and is bathed.

As I said before, this is a brand new home. I would think we are rather clean people. I vacuum under beds, dust sills, steam clean, you name it, I do this regularly (approx twice weekly). We shower pretty much everyday, and have never experienced anything like this before.

I am at my wits end and would love if I could be helped or even pointed in the right direction. I have spent hours on the internet and just seem to get myself more anxious with the possibilities I read about. Mites? Bed bugs? Chiggers? parasites? AHH!!

Your time is greatly appreciated in this matter. I thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope I get to hear back.

Thank you and Kindest Regards,
Itchy and Irritated

PS. Right now the temp is cold and it has not been hot since before we moved in. We also live in a farm county on about 30 acres. (So we are not surrounded by buildings and whatnot) Lots of wildlife, etc. Just trying to give you all possible attributes. Thanks again."

Answer:

Fortunately there are only a small number of things that could cause these marks and if you carefully investigate each one you should be able to figure it out and take remedial steps to solve the problem.

Let's think about possible insects or mites. Only bed bugs, biting flies, fleas, body lice, or biting mites could be the culprit. There are no "mysterious parasites" despite all the Internet rumors and myths.

Body lice are pretty easy to eliminate from the list if you regularly wash your clothes. A low level bed bug or flea infestation is possible but usually there's other evidence such as the presence of the "bugs" themselves, plus fleas don't typically bite along the legs like you describe. Biting flies (mosquitoes, black flies, biting midges) usually occur outside. Biting midges and mosquitoes sometimes come indoors, however. Of the biting mites, chiggers occur outside in brushy areas and the bites are extremely irritating and itchy in most people, and don't usually show up at night. Bird mites are a possibility but they tend to be confined to one particular room (you mentioned that the bites showed up in different parts of the house).

Here are some links:

body lice
bed bugs
fleas
chiggers
bird mites

Of all these possibilities, I'd say that a low level bed bug or flea infestation is the most likely. However, it is also possible that these marks are not bites at all but rather some type of dermatitis caused by a chemical or allergen.

One of the key things in your description was that you moved into a new house shortly before this all started. New construction produces many chemical residues that people can react to such as glue, paint, insulation, and so forth. My initial guess is that you are in fact reacting to one of these chemical residues rather than some type of bug bite.

The only way to be completely sure is to investigate each of the possible insect or mite culprits but if you can't definitely find one of them I'd suspect there's some chemical in the house that you are reacting to.

Use this page for background information about all the possible "bugs" to start your investigation. You may also want to take a look at a book like "My House Is Killing Me!: The Home Guide for Families with Allergies and Asthma" by Jeffrey May (I have no connection to this book).

I hope this is useful, good luck.