Storm-related Pest Problems

With Hurricane Irene headed to the NC coast, expect the possibility of an increase in pest problems following the storm. For a brief look at some pest problems you may encounter and ways to manage some of these pests after the storm, please click HERE.

Ground-nesting wasp, Scolia dubia - by Mike Waldvogel

(Photo: Sheryl Pollock, 2011)

Now that cicada killer activity is finally winding down, we've had a few sightings of scoliid wasps, Scolia dubia, hovering over yards. This solitary wasp is bluish-black with bluish-colored wings. The end segments of the abdomen may be more brown in color and hairy. A key feature are two yellowish spots on the abdomen, which may appear more as a yellowish band.

The object of their attention is the grub stage of the green June beetle which spends most of this time of year near the soil surface. Activity will should stop in a few weeks (peak activity should be in about 10-14 days depending on where you are). As with the other ground-nesting solitary bees and wasps, pesticide broadcast sprays are rarely needed or very effective. 

For more information on this wasp, see the web page: 

http://insects.ncsu.edu//O&T/lawn/note12/note12.html

Mosquitoes and Encephalitis, by Mike Waldvogel

A four year old horse in Halifax County was euthanized after being diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). This was the first reported case of EEE this year in the state. The disease is found most commonly in eastern NC (as in this case). Back at the end of July, we had this year's first case of LaCrosse Encephalitis, diagnosed in a child out in Macon County. In North Carolina, LaCrosse Encephalitis (LCE) occurs most commonly in the western part of the state. Demographically, children under 16 years of age and the elderly are the most susceptible to the disease. There are no human vaccines for either LCE or EEE. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses but booster shots are needed every 6+ months in areas where the disease is most prevalent. Despite the name "equine encephalitis," the major reservoirs for the disease are wild birds. Mosquitoes bite infected birds, acquire the virus, and then transmit it to humans and animals.

With hurricane Irene heading towards our state, the heavy rains will likely create standing water in areas within the storm's path. Those water sources become the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. As people clean up after the hurricane and spend more times outdoors, they are more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes. This doesn't mean that they are likely to get EEE or West Nile Virus or other mosquito-borne diseases but the heavy rains will inevitably lead to increased mosquito activity and it can make working outdoors unpleasant. Anyone working outdoors should take precautions, particularly early morning and evening when some of the more important mosquitoes species are most prevalent. Use a repellent on *exposed* skin and reapply it as needed (e.g., if you're perspiring heavily during cleanup efforts). There are also products containing permethrin (e.g,. 'Permanone') that can be applied to clothing (not to skin). Eliminating pockets of standing water as quickly as possible will help reduce the threat of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.

Also, with the elimination of the Public Health Pest Management Section of DENR in June, organized mosquito abatement efforts following the hurricane will fall to local health departments and mosquito control programs. You may want to contact your local Health Department to verify how they will be handling any inquiries or requests for mosquito control assistance within your county because you are likely to get some calls as well.

Information about mosquitoes and other pests that may become problems following storms can be found on our website:

http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/storm/

Kudzu Bug Update

When cooler weather finally shows up, we usually expect calls about boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles moving indoors. Most of you have probably read about two other pests that exhibit the same behavior. Those of you that service accounts in the northern counties (or Virginia and Tennessee) will see the infamous brown marmorated stink bug. 

Kudzu bug (Photo: Phillip Roberts, Univ. of GA)

At the other end of the state and down throughout SC and GA, we have the 'kudzu bug' (Megacopta cribraria), which feeds on both kudzu and soybeans. As soybeans mature and dry out, the bugs will likely make their move to nearby areas, including homes.

The following link will show you the latest (August 2011) distribution map for the kudzu bug:

http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/pdf/KudzuBug-southeast-August2011.pdf

This doesn't mean you will definitely run into the kudzu bug, but this is a good time to plan ahead. Make sure your techs and office staff are aware of the pest. Dr. Dan Suiter at the University of Georgia has a publication about this pest:

http://www.caes.uga.edu/applications/publications/files/pdf/C%20991_1.PDF

If you do get calls about either the kudzu bug or the brown marmorated stink bug, please email Mike Waldvogel (mike_waldvogel@ncsu.edu) or Patty Alder (patricia_alder@ncsu.edu).

NEW Bed Bug 2011 Survey by NPMA & Univ KY Executive Summary Released = Bugs Without Borders

As you may recall, last year NPMA partnered with the University of Kentucky to survey PMP's both in the US and abroad about the incidence of bed bugs. Well, they repeated this survey this year. The Executive Summary was just released (see link below).

Click HERE for The 2011 Bugs Without Borders Survey - Executive Summary

Below is a summary of some of the survey results:

"This report highlights the key findings obtained from more than 400 pest management professionals who participated in this survey. The Resurgence Continues. "

"....in the past year bed bug encounters have become more commonly reported in many other places. For example, PMPs report seeing large increases in the number of bed bug encounters in college dorms, hotels, nursing homes, office buildings, schools and daycare centers, hospitals, public transportation and movie theaters compared to last year. More specifically, many places experienced double-digit growth...."

"More specifically, many places experienced double-digit growth in where professionals reported treating bed bugs year-over-year:

 
 College dorms (54 percent, up from 35 percent a year ago);
 Hotels/motels (80 percent, up from 67 percent a year ago);
 Nursing homes (46 percent, up from 25 percent);
 Office buildings (38 percent, up from 18 percent);
 Schools and day care centers (36 percent, up from 10 percent);
 Hospitals (31 percent, up from 12 percent);
 Transportation (train/bus/taxi) (18 percent up from nine percent);
 Movie theaters (17 percent, up from five percent)."

"....one-quarter of their bed bug customers (25 percent) attempted to treat these pests prior to calling a pest control professional. ...Consumers who do try to eradicate bed bugs often use methods that are both ineffective and dangerous. The respondents offered a myriad of examples, many including the excessive and improper use of insecticides; the use of unregistered insecticides; the misuse of aerosols, foggers, propane heaters, and open flames; and the application of inappropriate, often flammable chemicals, such as kerosene, alcohol, diesel fuel, bleach, and boric acid."

"When it comes to treating bed bugs, consumers would benefit from more education and help from a professional."

"....bed bugs continue to be the most difficult pest to treat, according to 73 percent of survey respondents."

Thanks to Bob Rosenberg for sharing this with us.

Termite Troubleshooting Program - September 27, 2011

The next Termite Troubleshooting Program is scheduled to take place Tuesday, September 27. At this time, we still have a few openings remaining.

The Termite Troubleshooting Program is a one-day course that is ideal for experienced termite technicians or those individuals that supervise or manage termite technicians. The program will focus on new and non-traditional construction that often make standard termite treatments challenging. Participants will discuss and learn the best approach to effectively treat for termites in these situations. The program will include a visit to a house located on-site where participants will practice some “troubleshooting.”

Participants must attend the NC Termite Tech Program and pass the program’s exam before registering for the Termite Troubleshooting Program.

If you'd like more information or would like to register, please contact Patty Alder at patricia_alder@ncsu.edu

NCSU College Profile: Coby Schal, Department of Entomology

Photo by: Marc Hall

Click HERE for article.

RAIN IS A WELCOME TO MANY PESTS TOO!

Termites

The recent rains have triggered termite swarms. We have recently seen three distinct swarms in Umstead State Park in Raleigh. Most of the swarming activity that callers are likely to see takes place outdoors, which is simply a reminder that termites are around us outdoors. It's a good reminder to all of us that if you haven't inspected your house for termites in a number of years, this might be a good time to get it done. 

For those 'do-it-yourself' folks, we recommend that they look carefully for termite shelter ("mud") tubes on foundation walls and piers. They need to check the wood along the top of the foundation looking carefully for tubes and/or damage. This often means pulling back insulation to inspect.

We also let folks know of their other option, which is to get a pest control company to inspect their house. There is a lot of confusion about what pest control companies can/cannot tell potential customers. If there is no evidence of termite activity, a pest control inspector cannot tell someone that they "need" to have their house treated. On the other hand, if it's been 10+ years since the house was last treated, then the company might "suggest" a treatment as a way of protecting a major investment. Obviously, it is a matter of personal choice as to how important an individual thinks the treatment is in terms of protecting one of their most important investments.

In instances where people have termite contracts with pest control companies, some companies have a clause in their contract that allows them to require retreatment of the home after some interval (usually 5 years). This clause applies whether or not there are signs of termite activity. So, advice to the public is simple and the same as any other contract they sign - READ IT CAREFULLY. 

Click HERE for more information about termites.

Mosquitoes

The rains will also leave behind water sources that can produce mosquitoes. While puddles of water will dry up, the major concern will be for all of those items people may have on their property: buckets, old tires, flower pots with dishes underneath, tarps covering boats and other items, and even tree holes. Remind people to "Tip and Toss" - tip the item to drain the water and toss the items that aren't needed.

Click HERE for more information about mosquitoes.

Fire Ants

Also, if you live in an area where fire ants are a problem, don't be surprised if you see mounds popping up. We've seen this same situation where dry summer conditions reduce surface activity but significant rainfall often affords the ants the opportunity to form mounds from what was previously very hardpacked soils.

Click HERE for information about fire ants around homes, pastures and other areas.