Al Hoffer's Termite-Lawn-Pest
Al Hoffer's Termite-Lawn-Pest Newsletter
GUESTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
October 2010
In This Issue
Bug of the Month
GUESTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

  BUG OF THE MONTH

PLASTERBAG WORM


 
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig090
 
 
 


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GUESTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
 
"Guests for the Holidays" usually means family and friends but there are a few unwelcome guests; namely, INSECTS in our homes.  In the next few months we have several holidays.  Many are known for their beautiful decorations, amongst other things. 
 
An often overlooked problem can occur when taking stored boxes out of the garage, attic or storage units.  Upon opening the box, you may find living or dead creatures that you are not expecting.  Some basic common sense will help avoid bringing unwanted guests into your home, such as checking inside the boxes before bringing them into the house. 
 
Many years ago, people put a couple of mothballs in each box.  However, here in Florida, the odor from mothballs will permeate into the house from the attic or garage.  Instead, we suggest placing a few roach bait stations in each box.
 
Also, be careful when packing items away to ensure there are no food products in the box.  Often items such as decorative dried corn, popcorn on a string and any other previously edible products may be overlooked. This will invite insects, called spice bugs, which can also be found in other organic products such as grains, spices and bread crumbs.  These pests can become a real nuisance.
 
If you notice small insects in any of your food products or animal food, try to scoop up a few and put them in a zip lock bag for us to identify.  Treatment for these insects is covered as part of your regular indoor pest control service.  Investigating all your food stuffs can be time-consuming and an expensive task when items need to be thrown away.  Early diagnosis of this problem can save you money and embarrassment. 


Who loves "Love Bugs?"




 
"Love Bugs" is a nickname for the "March Fly" which originally came here from Central America.  The nickname "Love Bug" comes from the fact they are mating, which is deadly for the male.
 
Every May and September they begin their breeding cycle. The male becomes permanently attached and stays with the female until she's ready to lay her eggs, at which time she detaches from the male, lays the eggs and then dies herself.
 
The reason there are so many love bugs, is due to the number of eggs per insect, numbering from 300 to 400.   Love bugs are beneficial since the larvae feed on decaying organic matter.
 
There are also myths, which are not true, that these insects were released by a University to kill mosquitoes, or the result of a failed biological experiment.
 
There is no need for insecticide treatments, as these are a temporary problem and they do not bite or sting.
 



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