Biting Insects For Spring Pest Control
It’s inching closer to spring, and despite the snow and cold, spring pest season is fast approaching. What can you expect this season for biting pests? Keep reading as we walk you through our list of pestering pests.
Fleas – Siphonaptera
Fleas emerge as soon as the weather starts to warm, and they immediately begin to look for a host. Deer and rodents are prime candidates for hosts to flea populations. Pets, such as cats, dogs, and smaller animals, can make excellent hosts for fleas.
Mosquitoes – Diptera Culicidae
There are many species of mosquitoes, and some are more concerning than are others. Aedes albopictus exists in Texas and has since the mid-’80s. They are a concern because they can spread Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus.
The common mosquitoes are annoying, and their itchy bites can result in secondary infections.
Bed Bugs – Cimex lectularius
Bed bugs are one of the most common pests in every continent of the world except for Antarctica. Bed bugs primarily prey on humans by biting them and then sipping their blood. Their mouth looks like a straw, which they jab into our skin. They inject a tiny amount of anticoagulant to keep the blood from clotting.
Bed bugs do not spread disease though scientifically, there is concern that they could. In terms of medical issues with bed bug bites, the primary health issue is secondary infections.
Spiders – Arachnida
There are around 900 species of spiders in Texas, and most of them are capable of biting. The most dangerous are the black widow and brown recluse spiders. Many of the other species of spiders that can bite humans can leave a painful wound. The brown recluse’s venom is a cytotoxin, whereas the black widow spider’s venom is a neurotoxin. Both can cause severe medical issues.
Ticks – Ixodida
Ticks are a significant pest issue throughout the US. These small and unassuming pests are related to spiders. Ticks feed on blood, and as they do, they can transmit a variety of diseases.
Ticks bite animals and humans. You find them all over the place, but they tend to be more prevalent in shrubby woody areas, tall weeds, and leaf litter. Lyme Disease is one of the diseases spread by ticks.
Fire Ants – Formicidae Solenopsis
All ants can bite, including the fire ant. However, ants are related to bees and wasps, and most ants sting. The red fire ant’s sting produces a reaction that causes a burning sensation. The effect is quite powerful and painful.
Fire ants build colonies in mounds and defend those mounds to the death. They will also invade homes in search of food or water.
If biting pests are plaguing your home or business, turn to the professionals at Swoboda Pest Control. We provide quality pest control services that are affordable and comprehensive throughout Bryan and Colledge Station. We work with residential and commercial clients to remove pests safely, humanely, and efficiently. Give us a call for emergency services or to schedule a pest inspection.
