PESTICIDE APPLICATION TRAINING

Category 8

Public Health Pest Control

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Directions For Using This Manual D his is a self-teaching manual. At the end of each majo' section is a list of study questions to check your understanding of the subject matter. By each question in parenthesis is the page number on which the answer to that question can be found. This will help you in checking your answers. These study questions are representative of the type which are on the certification examination. By reading this manual and answering the study questions, you should be able to gain sufficient knowledge to pass the Kansas Commercial Pesticide Applicators Certification and Recertification examination. Table of Contents

How Insects Affect Humans 2 Cockroaches 4 Sucking Lice 9 Bedbugs 11 Mosquitoes 13 Flies 20 Fleas 25 Ants 27 Stinging Insects 29 Mites 31 Spiders 34 Ticks 39 Skunks 45 Bats 48 Rodents 50 Birds 56

1 How Insects Affect Hum ans nsects occur in the air, on Transmission of Human and under soil, and in Diseases fresh or brackish water. They eat the leaves and Although insect bites or stings roots of plants and bore occasionally cause severe illness or into vegetation. Some are fatal to humans and animals, their insects live on other ani­ disease-laden saliva or contaminated mals, as parasites or bodies are responsible for many ill­ predators. Despite their nesses or deaths over the world. small size, the combined Mechanical or passive transmis­ bulk of insects may equal that of all sion of disease occurs, for example, other land animals. when the housefly merely transports More than 750 ,000 species of true organisms such as dysentery bacteria insects have already been described. on its feet, body hairs and other sur­ Mites, ticks and other close relatives faces, from filth to humans. Other of insects also total in the hundreds of examples include cockroaches and thousands. vinegar gnats that visit sewers and For centuries people have fought liquid excrement and then move to insects as pests, carriers of disease, human habitations. and destroyers of food. This combat Biological transmission of disease will continue, for humans have never occurs when an insect, mite or tick is eradicated a single species. Today, essential for the completion of the life a number of the most important cycle of the disease or parasite. Cer­ species are showing increasingly tain Anopheles mosquitoes, for exam­ significant resistance to insecticides ple, are essential carriers and spread­ so that other methods of control, ers of the malaria parasite. This para­ either alone or in combination with site undergoes a portion of its life insecticides, are necessary. cycle in the Anopheles carrier and Insects have a long history through another portion in the human host. many geological periods. They Disease is also transmitted through appeared in the world long before the host-vector relationship. Such humans; yet insect fossils from coal, transmission is often further compli­ amber and limestone deposits differ cated by more than just the direct car­ little from their present-day descen­ rier of the disease from one host to dants of 250 million years. As another. Some other hosts called humans appeared on earth and reservoirs are not affected by the dis­ changed, their parasites and pests ease but are able to perpetuate the evolved with them. disease organism by providing safe Insects are often thought of as harborage for the disease organism. human's most formidable competi­ Some birds, for example, are reser­ tors. Not only do they damage crops, voirs of mosquito-borne encephalitis but such insects as flies, fleas, lice and (sometimes called "sleeping sick­ mosquitoes attack humans and ness"). The birds are apparently domesticated animals directly as unharmed by the encephalitis virus, pests. Othe:r;s attack indirectly by but when the mosquito sucks blood transmitting dangerous diseases to from the bird and then bites man or people and animals. horses, the virus may produce serious or fatal results. Insects generally cannot transmit diseases unless they have already bit­ ten a diseased host. For example, an Anopheles mosquito cannot transmit malaria unless it has first bitten a per­ son with the malaria parasite. (In

2 How Insects addition, there is often an "incubation reclusa, is common in Kansas and period," a period between when the may inflict a serious bite, often result­ Affect Humans disease is picked up by the insect and ing in so much dead tissue that skin­ the time when it is able to transmit grafting is needed. Even the stings of the disease.) Some ticks and mites, bees and wasps may be serious, or however, are able to transmit disease­ even fatal to persons highly allergic causing organisms, such as the rick­ to their venoms. ettsiae causing Rocky Mountain spot­ Some insects, such as the puss ted fever, directly to their offspring caterpillar, io moth, and saddle back, through the egg. have "urticating hairs" rather like Myiasis is the infestation of those of stinging nettles. Cantharidin, humans or animals by living larvae present in the blood of certain beetles (maggots) of flies. Maggots mostly such as the blister beetles, causes infest dead tissue. An example of the painful blistering of the skin when other type is the "true screwworm," the insect is crushed. Mosquitoes, which attacks the living tissue of live­ fleas, chiggers and other pestiferous stock, and rarely humans. The mag­ creatures have done much to affect gots of some flies, including the rat­ peace of mind. tailed maggots of flower flies, may be accidentally swallowed, causing Entomophobia intestinal upsets. Entomophobia means excessive fear of insects. Many household pests Poison, Irritation do little or no actual harm but arouse and Allergy intense feelings of revulsion in sus­ Many insects and some spiders, ceptible people. Persons with feelings scorpions, and centipedes, have of repugnance and imaginary "bites" developed poisoning mechanisms and other feelings must be handled for self-defense or for paralyzing with care by the sanitarian. their prey. Stings and bites may be Reasoning and proof of pest prob­ intensely irritating to humans but lems seldom satisfy persons affected seldom cause death in Kansas. by entomophobia. These people are Probably the most dangerous are sincere in their belief and should be the bites of the black widow spider, handled with respect. Medical atten­ Latrodectus mactans, and the sting of tion is often necessary. Some definite a small scorpion, Centruoides sculp­ control efforts should be taken to turatus found in the Southwest. The eliminate any role that insects and brown recluse spider, Loxosceles related arthropods may play.

3 Cockroaches Table 1. Life-History of Four Common Cockroaches in Kansas

bO :;; 2 Cockroaches are some of the oldest ID 0.. 0.. g ~ ,:g insects, as indicated by fossil remains !'g 0.. ::;>,"' ~ .S u" Ci ~ ~~ " ~-"' dating to 200 million years ago. This 0 0 "' :;; • E ·:;:~ § ~ E ..0 ]~ i ",.,.,~~~ ability to survive the many changing E E :;; ~ "'~" ~ ~ 0.. ...J c0 "',., - - c c "' "' 0 environments through time illustrates c.,, Ci - "' ·~ ~§ ~..9! bOU ~~ "" .:; 8 ;s ~ the capability of these insects to adapt ~ .g ~~ 0.."' bO ~~ > 0 !'::" " ~ to wide ranges of habitats and living ..;: e

4 Cockroaches Common Species near moisture and food in kitchens and bathrooms. There are about 55 species of cock­ However, when pop­ ulations become roaches in the United States, but only large and food is scarce, they can be found in bed­ five species are routine problems in rooms and buildings. Most of the other species other less likely places. live outdoors and therefore escape American Cockroach notice. If brought into the building, they either leave or die. Unfortu­ (Periplaneta americana) nately, the remaining five species of The American cockroach is the cockroaches favor the buildings of largest of the common species, grow­ humans as a home-reflecting the ing to a length of rn to 2 inches. It is close relationship humans have had reddish brown with a light yellow with cockroaches since they moved band around the edge of the head into their first cave. (See appendix shield. Adults of both sexes have pages 69 and 70.) well developed wings but seldom fly. However, they are capable of glid­ German Cockroach ing flights. Nymphal roaches are (Blattella germanica) smaller than adults, grayish brown The adult German cockroach is and not fully winged. light brown and K to %-inch long. The adult female usually drops her The head shield is marked with two egg capsule within a day after it is dark stripes that run lengthwise formed. The capsule often is dropped near a food on the shield. Adults are fully winged source or in locations where but rarely fly. Nymphal German it can be covered with miscel­ laneous debris. roaches are smaller and darker than Occasionally, the cap­ adults and are wingless. sule is glued to some surface with secretions from The German cockroach is the most the female's mouth. prevalent roach in Kansas and is American cockroaches thrive in homes, more active than other domestic commercial establishments species. As indicated in Table 1, the and other buildings that provide favorable German cockroach produces more shelter and an ample food supply. They eggs per capsule than other species live mainly in dark, moist sites in and has a developmental period as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, short as 2 months. Thus, troublesome steam tunnels and sewers. infestations can develop rapidly after American Cockroach Brownbanded the introduction of a few individuals. Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) (Supella longipalpa) The German cockroach is the only domestic species in which adult The brownbanded cockroach is females carry egg capsules protrud­ light gold to glossy dark brown, and ing from their abdomen until the ~- to %-inch long, with transverse yel­ eggs are ready to hatch. In fact, few low bands across the base of the eggs will hatch if the capsules are wings and across the abdomen. The detached from the female more wings of adult males cover the abdo­ than a day or two before hatching men, while the female's wings are takes place. shorter. The yellow bands across the These roaches thrive in all types of back are more pronounced on buildings but are found most often in nymphs than on adults. homes and commercial food estab­ These roaches are quite active and lishments. They usually enter tightly the adults fly readily when disturbed. constructed homes with bottled Both adults and nymphs may jump drinks, potatoes, onions, dried pet when attempting to escape danger. foods, grocery sacks, corrugated car­ The adult female carries her egg cap­ tons and even furniture. German sule for only a day or two before glu­ Brownbanded Cockroach roaches usually seek dark shelters ing it to protected surfaces such as (Supella longipalpa)

5 Cockroaches the undersides of tables and furni­ beds and dumps. However, in peri­ ture, inside upholstered furniture and ods of drought or with the approach closets, and sometimes to ceilings in of cool weather, there is a mass move­ darkened rooms. ment into homes and other buildings. Brownbanded roaches are more In buildings, these roaches inhabit apt to be found in homes, apart­ high moisture areas such as sewers, ments, hotels, motels, nursing homes drains and dark, damp basements. and hospitals than in restaurants, Their activities are somewhat grocery stores and other commercial restricted to the ground or below establishments. They prefer starchy ground levels in buildings. foods and appear to have lower water requirements than other Pennsylvania wood roach roaches, so they can occupy many (Parcoblatta pensylvanica) different locations within a building. These insects are not a normal Consequently, nymphs and adults home-dwelling species, but the males frequently are found on ceilings in are attracted to lights or will invade dark or dimly lighted rooms, behind rural or suburban homes in the spring. picture frames, in light switches, in Although they usually do not nest upper walls of cabinets and closets, inside, they enjoy the warmth of the on undersides of furniture, and inside home and the crumbs in the kitchen. upholstered furniture. In some areas, particularly wooded Because brownbanded cockroaches areas, the Pennsylvania wood roach is do not confine their activities to well­ a definite, but seasonal, problem. defined areas in the home or build­ ing, control may be difficult. Control Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) The control of cockroaches requires much care and planning. Taking pre­ Adult oriental cockroaches are cautions to prevent the invasion of glossy dark brown to black. Females cockroaches into a home or building are nearly 1X inches long and males works better than applying insecti­ are 1 inch long. The male has wings cides to control an established that cover most of the body, while the population. female has rudimentary wings that Cleanliness in the home and elimi­ Oriental Cockroach are reduced to mere lobes. Neither nation of favorable breeding sites (Blatta orientalis) sex can fly. In fact, these roaches are will lessen greatly the possibility of rather sluggish and do not move very cockroach infestation, but these prac­ fast even when disturbed. Nymphal tices will not always prevent infesta­ roaches are smaller than adults, dark tion from outside. Cockroaches can brown to black, and have wings stubs survive in even the most sanitary that lack a definite venation. environment once an infestation is The adult female oriental cock­ established. roach usually carries her egg capsule Because various combinations of for about a day then it is dropped or cockroaches can occur in the same attached to a protected surface near a building, it is essential to accurately food supply. These roaches appear to identify the species present. This will have a seasonal cycle in their devel­ permit use of control measures that opment. Adults are more abundant in take advantage of behavioral patterns the spring; hence, mating is most fre­ and life requirements of the particu­ quent at this time. Natural mortality lar species. For instance, for control usually reduces the number of adults of the widely dispersed brown­ in the population during the summer, banded cockroach, chemicals must be fall and winter. Pennsylvania Wood Roach applied over greater areas of a home Nymphs and adults usually are (Parcoblatta pennsylvanica) or building than for control of the found near decaying organic matter. more restricted Oriental or American During warm, humid weather they roaches. inhabit lawns, compost piles, flower

6 Cockroaches Non-Chemical Control on the location and nature of the Non-chemical measures include: infestation. No one chemical is best • Keeping tight-fitting windows suited for handling all roach prob­ and doors; caulking cracks lems, but the various types available in outside walls, sills and present a combination that is foundations. effective. •Sealing all openings where Each cockroach problem must be electrical lines or water, steam studied and control measures used in and cooling pipes pass through accordance with the location, extent walls and floors to slow the and nature of the infestation. With a movement of roaches into a range of chemicals, formulations and home or building. application techniques available, it is • Inspecting beverage cartons, important to select the appropriate boxes, dried pet foods, potatoes, combination to provide the desired onions and firewood to avoid control. bringing roaches into the home. • Repairing plumbing leaks and Residual Sprays. Residual sprays sealing other moisture sources. are formulated as oil-base or water­ • Keeping the premises clean by base emulsions or as water-base sus­ removing all food crumbs, gar­ pensions (wettable powders). Oil­ bage, etc. to containers with base sprays may stain floor tiles and tightly fitting lids. painted surfaces, deform carpet and other rubber pads and become fire Chemical Control hazards near open flames. Water-base emulsions are easy to mix, but may To effectively control cockroaches stain wallpaper, light-colored carpets :Vith insecticides, it is necessary to and certain other surfaces. Further­ mspect closely for their shelters and more, they can short-out electrical treat these locations thoroughly. circuits and are inferior to oil-base Regardless of the insecticide or for­ sprays on impervious surfaces such mulation chosen, chemicals placed as glass and metal. Wettable powders in or near regular hiding places will need near-constant agitation in the provide much better control than spray tank, but they leave the most those placed where roaches move active residues, especially on porous only occasionally. surfaces. Present methods of insecticidal Residual sprays are easy and fast to control generally provide temporary apply and should be used in cock­ control within treated structures. roach shelters with attention to cracks Since some roach species invade and crevices. Usually, exposed sur­ homes and buildings from outside, faces are not treated with sprays, reinfestation can occur once the insec­ although it may be necessary to treat ticide has dissipated. To solve this surfaces over which roaches crawl. problem, outdoor populations also Apply sprays just to the point of must be controlled. For example, runoff to minimize chances of stain­ when wood roaches become numer­ ing and reduce pesticide waste. ous in the home, use of chemicals inside will provide short-term con­ Dusts. Dusts sometimes can be trol. Locating, treating or removing used as the total treatment for cock­ outside shelters can provide effective roaches, but are most often used long-term control. as a supplemental treatment. Dusts gener­ To eliminate an established infesta­ ally have longer residual action than tion from a home or building, first sprays, but are ineffective if they remove all routes of reinfestation, become damp. Usually, dusts are then thoroughly clean the home and less hazardous to people than sprays apply an approved chemical. The because they are not absorbed type of chemical selected and the through the skin as easily. application method used will depend

7 Cockroaches Dusts are useful in roach control Baits are usually long lasting and because they can be placed deep into often can be applied to areas that can­ cracks, crevices and wall voids; under not be effectively sprayed or dusted. refrigerators and furniture; around In many situations, baits seem to be pipes, tunnels and conduits; on very most useful when used in conjunc­ smooth or very rough surfaces; and tion with a residual spray or dust. in other places not treatable with Baits provide best results in buildings other formulations. Do not use for where there is no other food supply. treating large surfaces because they leave unsightly deposits. Also, heavy Aerosols. Aerosols are most useful deposits are repellent to cockroaches; for identifying the location and extent they will not walk through thick lay­ of cockroach infestations. They have ers of the material. Use light pressure no residual effect, so must be used in on the application device to minimize conjunction with residual sprays or dust particles in living areas. dusts. Squirting small amounts of aerosols into hidden areas and shel­ Baits. The least important part of a ters will force roaches to evacuate. bait is the insecticide. If roaches will This helps determine the areas of not feed on the bait, the insecticide infestation and also forces roaches to will have no effect. Thus, it is impor­ move across previously treated tant not to contaminate stored bait surfaces. with organic solvents, other insecti­ cides, fungicides, fertilizers, etc.

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages2-8 Introduction and Cockroaches 1. (2) Close relatives of insects are: 5. (5) The cockroach is the 9. (6) Chemicals must be applied over a. mites only one which carries the egg cap­ the greatest area of the home to b. ticks sule protruding from the abdomen. control the: c. spiders a. German a. American cockroach d. all the above b. American b. German cockroach 2. (3) Spider, scorpion and centipede c. Brownbanded c. Brownbanded cockroach bites on humans in Kansas, d. Oriental d. Pennsylvania wood roach ___ cause death. 6. (5) The adult female American 10. (7) Residual sprays for cockroach a. never cockroach usually drops the egg control are formulated as: b. seldom capsule within after its is a. oil-base sprays c. usually formed. b. water-base emulsions d. always a. one day c. wettable powders 3. (4) Immature cockroaches are b. three days d. all the above called: c. five days 11. (7) Dusts generally have a ___ a. maggots d. seven days residual action for cockroach con­ b. nymphs 7. (6) Adult oriental cockroaches are trol than sprays. c. larvae most abundant in the ___. a. shorter d. pupae a. spring b. equal 4. (4) Cockroaches can enter build­ b. summer c. longer ings in: c. fall d. are not used in roach control a. boxes, bags, furniture d. winter 12. (8) The least important part of the b. loose fitting doors, windows 8. (6) Home cleanliness and elimina- bait for cockroach control is the: c. firewood, sewer lines tion of breeding sites ___ a. attractant d. all the above cockroach infestations. b. insecticide a. increases c. placement b. lessens d. roach species c. has no affect on d. none of the above

8 Sucking Lice pediculosis is associated with tramps and migrants and is known as "hobo's disease." There are two "orders" of lice: the An outbreak of any or all of the "sucking lice" (Order Anoplura) that three kinds of lice may originate suck blood and to which the three with people who wear the same species of lice attacking humans clothing too long, fail to bathe regu­ belong; and the "chewing lice" (Order larly, or do not wash and groom their Mallophaga), which feed on skin, hair, and then it may spread to the scales, scabs, dried blood, feathers, general population through contact etc., most living on birds. They affect in schools or society. humans rarely, only in such cases as The head bears a pair of eyes, when they crawl on hands while han­ mouthparts, and a pair of short, four­ dling chickens. Both orders are wing­ segmented antennae. The mouth is less and undergo gradual metamor­ encircled by six pairs of hooks, which phosis: egg hatches into a nymph; the louse uses to attach into the skin sheds its skin three times, each time during feeding. There is also.a retract­ getting larger; and finally attains able, soft haustellum with piercing adulthood. The remaining discussion stylets to open the wound and a sali­ pertains to the three species of suck­ vary duct. There is a claw and an ing lice that attack humans. opposing "thumb" on each of the Sucking lice have been intimately three pairs of legs, for grasping the associated with humankind for cen­ host's hair or clothing. turies. Some infestations occur even The egg has a distinct cap through today despite better health practices, which the young louse emerges dur­ including frequent bathing and ing hatching. When the eggs are clothes washing. Public health agen­ glued to hairs, they are called "nits." cies are called upon, particularly if Most nymphs differ from adults by infestations include or expose large being smaller, having fewer body groups of people, especially those in hairs and fewer hardened plates. public institutions such as schools, Females are usually larger than males jails and certain hospitals or homes and the tip of the abdomen is notched for the aged. or bilobed. Males have the tip of the The three sucking lice that attack abdomen rounded with a somewhat people are (1) the body louse, Pedicu­ cigar-shaped genitalia often visible lus humanus humanus (the "grayback" through the body wall. of the Civil War, the "cootie" of When ready to feed, the louse WW I, not named in WW II because anchors its mouth to the skin, stabs it was not common due to greater an opening through the skin, pours sanitation and use of insecticides); saliva into the wound through the (2) the head louse, Pediculus humanus duct and sucks blood into its diges­ capitus; (3) and the crab louse, Pthirus tive system. Human lice feed only on pubis (also known as the "crotch human blood. They suck blood for cricket"). Sometimes the two sub­ long periods, but do not ordinarily species of Pediculus are considered to become noticeably engorged. Some be separate species. individuals feed too avidly, causing The body louse is involved in epi­ rupture of their digestive system that demics of louse-born typhus, trench leads to death. During feeding, dark fever and a type of relapsing fever. red feces may be deposited on the All three species cause "pediculo­ skin. sis," characterized by irritation and Head lice are confined to the head evidence of louse feeding, sometimes hairs and scalp, and the eggs are fas­ leading to scratching, secondary tened to the hairs. infection, and scarred, hardened and Body lice are found on hairy parts pigmented skin. In many countries of the body below the neck, with Body and Head Louse

9 Sucking Lice adult and young lice and eggs fre­ been reported in which solidified glo­ quently on clothing, especially along bules of hair spray were confused for the seam of the inner surfaces. eggs. The louse egg seen through a Crab lice are found in the pubic microscope is easily distinguished and anal regions and occasionally from other objects by distinct charac­ in the armpits, on eyebrows or in teristics: the ring at the base of the beards. egg by which it is fastened securely Lice are transmitted from an to the hair, the egg itself, frequently infested person to another by direct with an embryo visible inside, and contact, and indirectly by contact the cap (operculum) with definite with personal belongings, especially pores. combs, clothing, head gear and bed­ ding. Animal lice normally do not Crab Lice infest people. The crab louse, Pthirus pubis, is often incorrectly spelled Phthirus Body Lice pubis or Phthirius pubis. Relatively Most body lice are on the inner few details of its biology are known surface of the clothing, next to the because crab lice are difficult and skin. Females tend to congregate unpleasant to rear in the laboratory. along seams for egg laying. Some The life cycle of the crab louse is adults migrate from the skin to the similar to that of head and body lice. outer garments, hence to other per­ The eggs are glued to hairs but are sons. Head and body lice can move smaller and have a more convex cap fairly rapidly and will pass from host than do Pediculus. There are three to host or from one host to bedding nymphal stages. All stages move less by simple contact. than those of head or body lice. They It is difficult to find human lice and tend to settle down at one spot, crab lice except on, or closely associ­ grasping hairs with the legs of both ated with humans. Beds occupied sides of the body. They differ from every night by unsanitary individuals the other two species by having the have more chance of being lousy. If first pair of legs relatively small. unoccupied for several nights, they They insert the mouthparts, sucking tend to be free of lice. Hairs with eggs blood intermittently for many hours attached may be blown about. Lice at a time. tend to leave a feverish human and Crab lice are spread chiefly by sex­ seek another human. ual contact, but may be acquired by other means such as infested toilet Head Lice seats and beds and by close personal Adult and young head lice are seen contact. There appears to be a resur­ less frequently than the eggs which gence in the number of cases of infes­ are fastened to the hairs, particularly tations, related to the present world­ those behind the ears. Foreign mater­ wide climate of cultural permissive­ ial in the hair and "hair casts" have ness. Small children may become been mistaken for eggs. A hair cast is infested with crab lice on their eye­ the inner hair root sheath which has brows or eyelashes from their moth­ slid along the hair shaft. ers or nurses or through contact with A number of cases of "pseudope­ adults with facial infestations. Crab Louse diculosis" (false pediculosis) have

10 Bedbugs municable disease. Bedbugs may cause nervous disorders in sensitive people and may otherwise contribute The bedbug, Cimex lectularius, has to ill health. Humans are the pre­ been prevalent in Europe for cen­ ferred host but bedbugs will feed turies and in this country since early readily on poultry, mice, rats and colonial days, although apparently other animals. unknown to the American Indian. The adult is reddish brown, X-inch Control long and ~-inch wide. The flattened To control bedbugs, caulk or other­ oval body is adapted for hiding in wise eliminate all possible cracks and narrow crevices. spaces behind baseboards, paneling, The head bears a pair of four­ loose wall paper and other hiding segmented antennae and piercing­ areas in infested rooms. Baseboards, sucking mouth parts which, when closets, wood paneling and other not in use, fold to lie between the places that harbor bedbugs but can­ first pair of legs. The wings are repre­ not be eliminated should be thor­ sented by mere pads. The body oughly sprayed with an insecticide becomes greatly enlarged and blood­ registered for bedbug control. Apply red during a blood meal. The eggs are a heavy film of insecticide into cracks cemented to bedding or in cracks. but a lighter film to exposed surfaces. Development from the egg through a Avoid spray run-off. Ventilate the series of nymphs to the adult takes room while spraying and during 18 to 56 days. Adults normally live drying. Follow the directions for use 6 months to a year. The female may and precautions on the label of the live nearly a year without food and insecticide container. can endure freezing temperatures Children should not play in rooms for considerable time. with treated baseboards and other Bedbugs are found on clothing and exposed surfaces for several days. possessions of infested humans. They Treat the frame, slats and springs commonly hide in such places as of beds. Apply a light mist to seams, seams of mattresses, cracks in beds tufts and folds of mattresses, but not and inside coils of coil-spring mat­ to the entire mattress surface. Allow tresses. They also occur on poultry 4 hours for the spray to dry before and may be abundant in farmers' covering it with sheets. Upholstered markets. A heavily infested house furniture should be sprayed or has a distinctive odor. dusted lightly, only along the edges Some people are very sensitive to and seams of cushions, and the inside bedbug bites, while others are hardly (hidden) framework. Sit-on or arm aware of them. Immediately after rest areas do not need treatment. Do feeding the bedbug defecates, passing not use treated furniture until thor­ out a semisolid, sticky remains of the oughly dry; or, preferably, vacuum it last meal. These resulting spots pro­ thoroughly to remove loose and vide a good clue to their presence. As excessive amounts of chemical before yet, the bedbug has not been incrimi­ the furniture is used. nated in the transmission of any com- Bedbug

11 Bedbugs

STUDY QUESTIONS tor pages 9-11 Sucking Lice and Begbugs 1. (9) There are __ species of suck­ 6. (10) Crab lice are spread primarily ing lice that attack humans. by: a. 1 a. toilet seats b. 2 b. bedding c. 3 c. sexual contact d. 4 d. close personal contact (non­ 2. (9) An outbreak of lice sexual) may originate with people who 7. (11) The adult bedbug is ___ wear the same clothing, fail to in color. bathe, or do not groom their hair. a. orange a. body b. reddish brown b. head c. gray c. pubic d. transparent d. all the above 8. (11) Adult female bedbugs can live 3. (9) Human lice feed only on: nearly with out food. a. blood a. a year b. hair b. 9 months c. skin flakes c. 6 months d. ear wax d. 3 months 4. (10) Most body lice are found: 9. (11) While humans are the pre­ a. on the person's head ferred hosts of bedbugs, they will b. on the inner surface of clothing also feed on: c. along clothing seams a. poultry d. b and c above b. mice 5. (10) Head lice eggs can be distin­ c. rats guished from other objects by d. all the above their: 10. (11) When spraying an insecticide a. ring at the base of the egg for bedbug control on beds, you b. embryo visible inside should spray the: c. cap with definite pores a. frame d. all the above b. slats c. springs d. all the above

12 Mosquitoes Sometimes the habitats and habits of species within a genus are so similar that only the genus name is used. Mosquitoes are mainly blood-suck­ ing pests, but also transmit certain Biology diseases when the disease-causing Mosquitoes have four stages to organism is present. complete their life cycle: (1) eggs, There are about 50 species of­ (2) larvae or "wrigglers," (3) pupae mosquitoes in Kansas-1,600 to or "tumblers," and (4) the winged 2,500 species in the world. There are adults. more species in the tropics, but the The main differences between greatest numbers of mosquitoes occur Anophelines and Culicines are illus­ in the Arctic. trated on page 71, using the genus Habits and habitats vary widely Anopheles to illustrate Anophelines among species. Only the females suck and the genera Aedes and Culex to blood. The males feed mainly on the illustrate Culicines. It is usually not nectar of flowers. Females of most necessary to use these two categories species suck the blood of warm­ except in large-scale control pro­ blooded animals and humans grams, particularly during outbreaks although a few feed on cold-blooded of pest mosquitoes (Culex, Aedes, etc.) animals. Females of some species or when disease transmission is feed on nectar of flowers. involved. Anopheles seldom is numer­ ~~squitoes belong to the family ous enough to be a pest but transmits Culzczdae, a family within the order malaria. In either case, identification Diptera or two-winged flies. Thus, to genus and species by a specialist is mosquitoes are "flies" but this name usually required. is usually used for more highly devel­ oped or specialized Diptera such as Eggs. The adult female lays several house flies, blow flies and horse flies. dozen or several hundred eggs. Ano­ The mosquito family is divided pheles and Culex species lay their eggs into genera (singular is genus) and on the water surface, while eggs of species (which can mean either singu­ Aedes and Psorophora are usually laid lar or plural and hence species can on damp mud or dry soil which will refer to one, two or more kinds of eventually be flooded. Eggs may be mosquitoes). The scientific name of laid in "rafts," which consist of a species is composed of a genus numerous eggs glued together, stand­ na~e, which has the first letter capi­ ing on end (example Culex), or singly talized, and the species name which (examples Anopheles, Aedes, does not have the first letter capital­ Psorophora). ized. Scientific names are underlined or are in italic letters. For example, Eggs may hatch in as little as 2 or the scientific names of three impor­ 3 days, or may remain dormant for tant species are: weeks or months until they come in •genus and species contact with water. The surfaces of • Culex tarsalis eggs of various species are different • Aedes vexans in appearance but the differences are •Anopheles quadrimaculatus slight and eggs are difficult to find in Species of mosquitoes are desig- the field. nated by their scientific name (genus and species). Common names are Larvae. Larvae shed their skins seldom used. four times, each successive stage The mosquito family may also be becoming larger. They are called divided into "Anophelines" which first, second, third and fourth instars. includes only the genus Anopheles in Usually only fourth instars can be the United States, and "Culicines" used to identify species, and then which includes all other genera. only with a microscope.

13 Mosquitoes Larvae have a distinct head, a Adults. Adults emerge from widened thorax, and a more slender pupae by pulling themselves up­ abdomen. There are no legs. The ward and outward from the floating color may vary from almost clear to pupal skins, on which they perch some light shade of brown; from until their wings are dry and they gray or green to nearly black. are ready to fly. Most genera (except Coquillettidia) Adults are small, soft-bodied and obtain air through an air tube or slender, with distinct head, thorax "siphon," which breaks the water sur­ and abdomen. Their legs are long and face. All genera except Anopheles hang, slender. Other closely related families head downward, at an angle from the are also mosquito-shaped (midges, water surface. Anopheles have no dis­ crane flies, fungus gnats, etc.), but tinct air tubes but lie horizontally just mosquitoes can be recognized by under the water surface and obtain air numerous scales on the veins of the through two openings or "spiracles" wings (which can be seen only by a near the end of the abdomen. hand magnifying lens or microscope). Culicines "wiggle" when disturbed The antennae of the males are or when feeding, going downward feather-like, while those of the part way or all the way to the bottom. females have whorls of hairs seen by Anophelines more often wiggle magnifying lens or microscope. The rapidly just under the water surface, proboscis or beak is long, extending but they, too, can dive. forward and downward. All but the The food consists of particles of Anophelines have a pair of short organic matter, algae, bacteria and palps on either side of the proboscis. other small parts of animals or plants. Adult species vary considerably in Anophelines tum their heads around size and markings. Markings are the 180 degrees, and by moving their result of arrangements of scales on mouth brushes, cause a surface cur­ the body and wings (white to gray to rent containing food to pass to their black); hence any rubbing off of these mouths. The Culicines dive down­ scales makes them more difficult to ward to feed, usually along the bot­ identify. tom, also using mouth brushes. Males have a relatively short life Under favorable conditions, many span, often no more than a week. pass through all four instars in 5 to Females may live from 2 to 4 weeks, Equipment for mosquito surveys. 10 days. A few species living in shal­ particularly if the humidity is high. Top: pillbox. Bottom: Flashlight for low, temporary water may take only (Species which over-winter as adults, collecting adults. 4 days. of course, live several months). Adults have a wide range of habits Pupae. The larvae transform into among the species. Some bite at night pupae. The individuals gradually and on cloudy days, most commonly change from larvae to adults inside between twilight and sunrise; others the pupae. Pupae do not feed. They during bright days, particularly in the are "comma-shaped" and obtain air shade. Some bite without warning through a pair of air tubes on the back. while others are heard flying before They dive rapidly when disturbed, they bite. hence the name "tumblers," pro­ Adults have a wide range of flight pelling themselves by "tail paddles." from where they emerged from the The adults emerge through a split water, varying from a few feet to sev­ down the back of the pupae. eral miles. Most mosquitoes do not It ordinarily takes 2 or 3 days in the fly far from where they emerged. pupal stage. The older the pupae, the darker their color. Pupae can be identi­ Seasonal Cycles fied to genus and sometimes to During the intermittent rainfall species but identification is difficult conditions, some species may Survey equipment. Aspirator for and usually impractical because of undergo two to six generations a collecting adults. their short life. year.

14 Mosquitoes Some females overwinter as poorly-managed, overloaded sewage adults, in basements, caves, brush disposal plants, cisterns and flat top and debris, animal burrows and other roofs are some further sources. protected places, flying and laying their eggs in the spring and then Pupae. Their habitats are the same dying (examples: Anopheles, Culex). as those of the larvae. Others such as Aedes and Psorophora pass the winter in the egg stage. Adults. Adults rest in a variety of places already mentioned. Usually Habitats these places are cool and damp and Larvae. Knowledge of the habitats free from wind. Spraying of these of larvae is the principal basis for the resting places is usually not practical most efficient control because the lar­ because they represent only a small vae are still confined to water. fraction of the population; they are Favorite habitats are standing water used to measure population density with no wave action (often called during surveys. stagnant), emergent vegetation or floatage of vegetation and other Surveys. The location of larvae organic materials along edges of and pupae is generally determined ponds. Shallow water by using a dipper along the surface is generally Cork (not rubber) preferred. of the water, except in small tree Larvae do not live in open areas of holes and other difficult-to-reach places. The dipper is white enameled ponds, lakes or flowing streams Tube, olive bottle although flight from nearby water with a hollow handle in which a or shell vial where they develop leaves this wooden dowel stick is thrust to elon­ impression. gate the handle. See pages 14-17 for Perforated disc Impoundments, roadside ditches, equipment needed. Cotton seepage from irrigation ditches, tail­ The dips should be made close to Rubber chips with water pits from irrigation, low areas the water surface. Skimming the top absorbed ethyl acetate in irrigated fields, and animal troughs will capture more larvae and pupae are common sources of larvae. Areas per dipper, but this technique makes may be dry most of the time but it more difficult to compare popula­ sometimes maintain water after rains tion sizes on a "per dip" basis. Ini­ long enough to permit the completion tially, all water areas should be sam­ Survey Equipment. Killing bottle of a life cycle. pled; after some expedence it will for adults. Other examples of the more tempo­ become obvious that open ponds rary types include tire ruts, water­ with waves and certain other areas filled hoof prints, depressions with described previously, need not be the bottom containing leaves, grass sampled. or debris, and small, temporary water The larvae and pupae may be following recession of rivers and removed from the dipper in the field, streams after flooding. These may but it is faster and more efficient to have little or no vegetation. pour the contents of the dipper into a -Label Tree holes resulting from rotting labeled jar, and the individuals taken of stumps or limbs when fillea with to the laboratory and poured into water are a source of some species. shallow white enamel pans, using a Containers such as tin cans, rain bar­ widemouthed pipette or medicine rels, fire barrels, old tires, automobile dropper to collect them for identifica­ junkyards, clogged roof troughs and tion, or for .counting numbers per dip. bird baths, especially in the shade, are Adult surveys during the day are major sources for some species. Water made by searching for their most accumulation in storm sewer catch likely resting places, already men­ Survey Equipment. Left: wide basins under manhole tioned. covers are Adults may be captured by mouth pipette for picking up larvae heavy sources when holding there are insuffi­ the mouth of a killing jar and pupae. Right: Vial with cork for cient rains to flush them down the around them while perched, or they stowing larvae and pupae. sewer. Cesspools, septic tanks, may be captured with an aspirator.

15 Mosquitoes Adults resting in brush, shrubbery droplets and have little or no residual or grass and weeds may best be cap­ effect and hence must be repeated tured with a sweeping net. Light each time a new batch flies in. The traps, which attract the adults to a label on the container tells how long light where they drop or are sucked the enclosure should be left closed in into a container with or without poi­ order to become effective. son, are used commonly for surveys. When frequent re-entry is a prob­ Such traps are of little or no value lem or when there is a potential or as control measures; they probably actual threat of disease transmission, attract into the area as many as a residual spray is also used. These they kill. involve coarser droplets and remain effective longer because an invisible Control residue is deposited on surfaces so that the adult mosquitoes come in Larvae and Pupae. Draining or fill­ contact while walking over or ing of mosquito-producing marshes perched on the sprayed surface. and other aquatic habitats with soil or rock is permanent control but these Adults-Outdoors procedures are relatively expensive. Removing vegetation along the edges When adults are inactive, most is a temporary alternative. Drainage species generally rest on vegetation ditches and sewage lagoons should or in other protected areas previously have steep banks. discussed. Manipulation of habitats or envi­ Repellents for mosquitoes are sold ronmental control in water that may in stores under various trade names, support wildlife should first be dis­ alone and in various combinations. cussed with appropriate wildlife spe­ They are sprayed on the outer cloth­ cialists. It is unlikely that fish-inhab­ ing and on exposed parts of the body ited water is a source of mosquitoes, but care must be taken to keep them unless vegetation is so dense that the out of sores, eyes, nostrils and lips. larvae and pupae are protected. Repellents are effective about 1 to Water in cans, old tires, bottles, 5 hours, depending upon the amount buckets and other water-catching applied to sprayed surfaces, sweat­ receptacles, particularly in the shade, ing, and number of mosquitoes. Pres­ should be emptied and permanently surized aerosol cans are more likely removed; if this is impossible they to cover more of the surface vulner­ can be sprayed. One tin can or one able to attack than the rub-on types. grassy pool can produce hundreds Fogging involves dispersion of the of mosquitoes. insecticide as fine particles, appearing Insecticides are the most rapid as fine smoke. Fogging must be done means of control but they are toxic to when the air is still, applied by a man, wildlife and fish unless applied mounted vehicle moving no more carefully and with good judgment. than 5 to 7 miles per hour. Fogging, Generally, insecticide effectiveness on at best, is only a temporary adult water will last 10 to 14 days but need killer. Adults from nearby can fly in for a second spray should be con­ or be brought in by the wind. When firmed by sampling with a dipper to properly applied, fogging does not determine whether there is need. leave a dangerous or unsightly deposit and is more effective when Adults-Indoors the mosquitoes are flying than when they are resting. The fog should Small enclosures such as houses, remain close to the ground. This tents, trailers, barns and bins may be occurs when there is a thermal inver­ treated with space sprays, using sion which usually occurs between either aerosol cans or ULV sprays. Survey equipment. Dipper to sam­ twilight and sunrise when the lower Space sprays are applied as fine ple larvae and pupae. air is cooler than that above.

16 Mosquitoes Mist blowing involves applying man or animals. Usually there are insecticides in larger droplets, which only a few important species in one results in some residue deposits. It locality. Control efforts should be can be done at higher wind velocities. based upon a knowledge of each Currently available residual insecti­ species and its respective habitats. cides usually will not persist long Larvae and adults for identification enough to provide good control, may be sent to: particularly when exposed to dew Insect Diagnostic Laboratory or rain. The mist droplets that hit the Department of Entomology mosquitoes are more effective than Kansas State University the droplets that form residues on Manhattan, Kansas 66506 surfaces. Up-to-date information on legal Mist blowing is used in less dense and effective insecticides can also be residential areas and does not pene­ obtained at the above address. trate vegetation as much as fogging. Furthermore, green vegetation may Mosquitoes and be burned by the oil-carrier in the Human Welfare insecticide, and objectionable resi­ dues may remain on automobiles, Mosquito bites are well known but windows and laundry. Exterior resid­ people differ in the amount of irrita­ ual sprays have limited value in pro­ tion produced. The actual pain and tecting single residences when itching is not because of piercing of applied around foundations, under the skin but rather the mosquito's buildings, on tree trunks, between saliva injected into the wound. logs and the under surfaces of leaves. Mosquitoes transmit several dis­ Larger areas, such as picnic sites, eases but only if the disease organ­ should have applications extended ism is present for them to transmit. by certain 100 feet or more from the site to be Malaria is transmitted Kit or other container protected. Avoid misting of fish Anopheles but malaria organisms are for field forms, handbook, vials, labels, pipette, etc. ponds. virtually missing in Kansas and the Other control methods are largely United States, except when people in the experimental stage. Gambusia, from certain other countries come the mosquito fishes, provide some home with the disease. control. Predators, parasites and dis­ Western Equine Encephalitis, St. Survey equipment. ease do reduce mosquito populations Louis encephalitis and possibly other but do not control mosquitoes suffi­ related viruses are transmitted in ciently to prevent mosquito Kansas primarily by Culex tarsalis outbreaks. and Cu/ex pipiens. Organized mosquito control efforts The normal reservoirs of the are obviously more successful than viruses are certain birds: the mos­ those by isolated individuals. If a quito bites an infected bird and then community-wide program is antici­ a person. Cases of mosquito-transmit­ pated, it is recommended that the ted encephalitis have been reported Kansas Department of Health and in Kansas, so precautionary control Environment, Division of Prevention measures are justified. and Control, and the Kansas State Yellow fever is transmitted by Board of Agriculture, Plant Health Aedes aegypti, a mosquito found rarely Division, Topeka, be contacted. in southeastern Kansas. Yellow fever In most cases it is an advantage to was devastating decades ago in some have the specimens identified to United States cities but no cases have species, particularly if potential trans­ been reported for several decades. Heartworm in dogs is transmitted mission of disease is involved. In rare Survey equipment. Rubber boots. instances the species may not bite by certain mosquitoes.

17 Mosquitoes Threat from an The females lay eggs in small bod­ Exotic Species ies of water such as tree holes, tin cans, old tires, rain gutters, even in An exotic mosquito species, Aedes rainwater collected in sagging areas albopictus, the "Asian tiger mosquito," of tarps covering tire piles to keep deserves mention here. First discov­ them from collecting water. ered in the U.S. in 1985 in a tire dump Suspected populations of Aedes near Houston, Texas, these mosqui­ albopictus should be reported to the toes have become established in Kansas Board of Agriculture. The many locations from Texas to Illinois adults are distinctively marked. They and eastward. Specimens were col­ are dark gray to black with a white lected in Kansas City, Missouri, in stripe running from the top of the 1986 but were believed to be eradi­ head back to more than midway cated. In 1992, populations were dis­ along the thorax. The underneath covered in tire piles at Oklahoma City side of the abdomen has a white and Tulsa and at two sites in eastern spot on each segment. There are sev­ Nebraska, but had not yet been found eral small, irregular-shaped spots on in Kansas the sides of the head and thorax, and Aedes albopictus is an aggressive two white spots on each side of each biter. With its arrival came at least the abdominal segment. There are some possibility of contracting an agoniz­ white markings on the legs, also, but ing viral disease, called dengue, that several well-known native species was hitherto unknown in the U.S. have these. This species can also transmit yellow fever and just about every kind of viral encephalitis that is already pre­ sent in our native mosquitoes.

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages 13-18 Mosquitoes

1. (13) Mosquitoes have ____ 4. (13) Mosquito larvae have ___ wings. instars. a. 2 a. 1 b. 4 b. 2 c. 6 c. 3 d. 8 d. 4 2. (13) Mosquitoes have ____ 5. (14) In mosquito development, the life stages. stage following the larva is called a. 1 the: b. 2 a. nymph c. 3 b. egg d. 4 c. pupa 3. (13) _____ lay their eggs in d. adult "rafts." 6. (14) Adult mosquitoes can be dis­ a. Aedes tinguished from closely related b. Cu/ex families by the: c. Anopheles a. length of their legs d. Psorophora b. numerous scales on the wing veins c. shape of their antennae d. number of white bands on the legs

continued on page 19

18 Mosquitoes

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages 13-18continuedfrompage 18 Mosquitoes 7. (15) An example of a mosquito that 12. (17) Large areas, like picnic sites, over winters in the adult stage is: should have applications extend a. Aedes ___ feet beyond for adult b. Psorophora mosquito control. c. Culex a. 25 d. Coqullettidia b. 50 8. (15) Mosquito larvae do NOT live c. 75 in: d. 100 or more a. roadside ditches 13. (17) In most cases of adult mos­ b. seepage from irrigation ditches quito control, it is best to identify c. animal drinking troughs them to the level. d. open areas of lakes and ponds a. order 9. (15) Mosquito pupae habitats are b. family the same as the: c. genus a. eggs d. species b. larvae 14. (17) The pain and itching from c. adults mosquito bites is caused by: d. none of the above a. the mouth parts piercing the 10. (16) The most permanent method skin of mosquito control is: b. the mosquito's saliva a. spraying to control the adults c. a toxin injected by the mosquito b. spraying to control the larvae d. the mosquito's feet c. draining or filling mosquito 15. (18) is an exotic mosquito breeding areas with soil or rocks also known as the "Asian tiger d. use fish to feed on the larvae mosquito." 11. (16) Adult mosquitoes can be con­ a. Culex pipiens trolled in small enclosures, e.g. b. Aedes aegypti houses, tents, barns, etc., using c. Culex tarsalis d. Aedes albopictus a. ULV sprays 16. (18) The new disease in the U.S. b. aerosols transmitted by the Asian tiger c. residual sprays mosquito is ____ d. all the above a. Yellow fever b. encephalitis c. dengue d. malaria

19 Flies Upon emerging from the pupal skins, the flies take flight immedi­ ately and may live from a few days -Biting Flies to several weeks. Some species have Black Flies one generation each year, others two Black flies are sometimes called or more. "buffalo gnats." They are small black, Because the larvae and pupae live in flowing gray or silverish-gray flies with stout, streams, insecticide control humpback bodies; short, broad as well as stream alterations are sel­ wings; and short legs. In Kansas they dom practical. Outdoor space sprays recommended are rarely pests of humans. They fly for adult control offer some around the head causing annoyance, local relief. Bites are the most but only a few bite. effectively reduced by insect repel­ Even if the black fly is not seen lents on exposed skin and by keep­ while biting, its bite is recognized. ing clothing tightly fastened. There is little or no pain while the fly punctures the skin and feeds, but the Stable Flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) site of the puncture is usually marked These flies are often called "biting by a small trickle of blood after feed­ house flies" because of their close ing. Within an hour, the area around resemblance to house flies and the bite swells and an intense itching because they may bite people, espe­ begins that may last for several days. cially during stormy or cloudy days. Some individuals are sensitized to They are also sometimes called the the bites, suffering pain and severe "cattle flies" because they are most swelling in the area of the bite. Eyes commonly seen biting cattle. may become almost swollen shut. The major difference in appearance There may be additional reactions between the two is the sharp "beaks" or extreme swelling requiring of the stable flies which are used to hospi taliza ti on. pierce the skin and suck blood. Their Unlike most mosquitoes, black flies beaks point forward when not feed­ bite only during the day, most com­ ing, whereas the housefly's does not monly just before a storm. When penetrate the skin and its mouth feeding on animals, they crawl parts are blunt on the end and through the hair or feathers to the retracted into the head when not Black Flies skin or enter the ears and nostrils to feeding. Unlike most other biting bite. On people they usually feed on flies, both male and female stable flies exposed skin but may crawl through feed on blood. openings in the clothing to bite cov­ Females lay eggs in piles of moist, ered parts of the body. rotting organic matter, such as lawn Black flies generally lay their eggs clippings, straw and .grain, particu­ in masses on stones, sticks, vegetation larly when mixed with wastes of and other objects located in shallow, livestock. running water or where continually Development from egg to adult wetted by splashing. Hatched larvae may occur as early as 2 weeks during attach themselves to these objects in hottest days, but 3 to 4 weeks is more the stream, using a small suction disc common. Adults live 60 days or more and fine silken threads. The larvae and take blood meals once or twice transform to pupae, which are firmly daily. They usually remain outdoors, attached within silk pupal cases spun perched on barn walls and vegeta­ by the larvae just before pupation. tion, waiting for the animals to come Duration of the aquatic stages varies out. Nevertheless, they will enter ani­ from 2 to 3 weeks to several months, mal quarters, houses and cabins, Stable Flies depending upon species, temperature especially during cloudy and stormy (Stomoxys calcitrans) and other conditions. summer weather.

20 Flies The most effective method for con­ Eggs are laid in compact masses trolling stable flies, like most other of several hundred on the leaves of biting insects, is removal of favorable aquatic plants, vegetation or over­ breeding sites. This involves removal hanging bridges, bordering pools, primarily and drying (by spreading swamps or other bodies of water. thinly) the accumulations of rotting Eggs hatch in about 1 week, and the vegetation, including that mixed with hatched larvae drop into water or manure. Simply piling in another dis­ damp soil where they spend 1 to tant location may reduce the number 3 years completing development to of pests locally, but their long flight the pupal stage. Adults emerge from range makes it difficult to completely the pupal case in 2 to 3 weeks. eliminate them. Furthermore, repiling No satisfactory control has yet been in another location may produce the developed. The extensive and diverse same problem in another area. areas where the larvae and pupae Spraying these piles is ineffective. develop in the soil and mud make it Indoor space sprays or aerosols, such impractical to use chemical insecti­ as those used against mosquitoes, cides. Drainage of these areas is also may reduce stable flies that enter ani­ generally impractical. Suitable cloth­ mal !3helters or human habitations. ing and an application of insect Skin or clothing applications of insect repellent such as that for mosquitoes repellents for biting flies or mosqui­ to areas of exposed skin and hair will toes provide some protection. Known provide some protection from their insecticide control measures seldom rapid bites. are practical for large area treatments. Biting Midges Horse Flies and Deer Flies Common names for these very tiny (Family Tabanidae) flies include "punkies," "sand flies" Several species of horse and deer and "no-see-urns." Those that feed on flies occur in Kansas, particularly humans, bite mainly in the evening southeast Kansas. Nevertheless, they and early morning. The burning and are seldom as much of a pest as they irritation they cause is far greater are in the states with more low, moist, than would be expected from an forested areas. insect this small. Attacks often The larger species of this family are involve so many individuals that, commonly called horse flies. Most at a glance, it appears pepper has smaller species have mottled or been shaken onto the skin. Horse Flies and Deer Flies speckled wings and are called "deer The minute size of the larvae (Family Tabanidae) flies." They are~ much greater biting makes location of their habitat very pest of humans. Both horse flies and difficult. They are severe pests in deer flies are strong fliers and com­ such northern states as the northern monly have large, brilliantly colored part of New England, New York and eyes that are banded, spotted or Minnesota where they are known to striped with green or purple. develop in and along the bottom or Only the females suck blood. edges of streams, lakes, marshes and Adults are most active on warm, other wet soils. The small size and sunny days; although some are active diversity of habitats makes larval and through dusk until darkness. They pupal control impractical. In Kansas, initiate biting by making a stabbing they have been found to develop in wound and then sponge up the soaked soil overflow of septic tanks resulting blood. All this occurs and sinks, in seep areas of pastures, rapidly so they are on the host only a and along the edges of livestock short time, making contact poisoning waste lagoons. by insecticides less effective. In addition to out-of-doors biting, they are attracted to lights. Their tiny size enables them to enter tents, cab- Biting Midges

21 Flies ins and cottages through average areas under debris to pupate. The mesh screen. Indoors, an aerosol is pupal case is red. The pupal stage effective. Fortunately, their weak fly­ usually lasts 4 to 5 days; under very ing ability restricts their nuisance to warm conditions only 3 days may be relatively limited and localized areas. required. In cold weather, flies may remain in the pupal case for several Nonbiting Flies weeks. When this stage is completed, the adult pushes open the end of the Several species of nonbiting flies pupal case, works its way to the sur­ may affect health, cause discomfort face of the ground, and after drying and annoy humans. Although they and hardening, flies away to feed. differ in appearance, all are in the Mating may take place a day or two order Diptera and have complete following emergence from the pupal metamorphosis (egg, larval, pupal case. and adult stages). Many of the intestinal diseases of man are transmitted by house flies, House Fly (Musca domestica) such as the dysenteries, cholera and The house fly is known in all areas typhoid fever. The fly simply trans­ of the world and is the most widely ports the organisms causing these distributed insect of importance to diseases from man's feces to his food. human kind. In some areas, it may Sometimes these organisms are car­ constitute 98 percent of all flies enter­ ried on the flies' feet or body hairs, ing houses. As a matter of necessity, a and frequently they regurgitate onto large part of any pest control pro­ the food when the fly attempts to gram will be directed against house liquify it for ingestion. The house fly flies. has a wide flight range and varied In general, the house fly is gray in food tastes. The female is naturally color. The gray thorax is marked with attracted to collections of filth in four equally broad dark stripes run­ which to lay her eggs. ning longitudinally. The mouth parts are pad-like and are adapted for tak­ House Fly Control. Sanitation­ ing up liquified foods. They may be There is no substitute for sanitation partly withdrawn into the head when in house fly control. Basically, this not in use. Eggs are laid and larvae means destroying their breeding develop in animal and vegetable place. Because house flies have devel­ refuse. Garbage, contents of pit priv­ oped resistance to many insecticides, ies, animal manure, spilled animal proper sanitation is even more essen­ feed, and soil contaminated with tial. Place all garbage in cans with organic matter such as from washings tight-fitting lids. Keep cans on racks of any of these items are favorite and wash them frequently. Exercise breeding places. care where repeated washing of cans House flies are very prolific, each occurs not to let the water run onto female laying several masses of many the same ground or graveled areas. eggs. Under favorable conditions the Pick up garbage at least twice eggs hatch in 24 hours or less. The weekly and dispose of it in properly headless maggots, pointed at the operated sanitary landfills. Chemical front end, creamy white and about treatment of breeding areas hastens one-half inch long when mature, development of resistance to insecti­ move about in the breeding medium cides more than does chemical con­ to secure optimum temperature and trol measures for adults. Therefore, moisture conditions. Larval stages emphasis should be placed on sanita­ last 3 to 24 days; the usual time in tion. Supplemental larviciding is gen­ warm weather is 4 to 7 days. erally only an emergency and ineffec­ Full grown larvae move to dry tive measure. House Fly parts of the breeding medium or (Musca domestica) move out into the soil or sheltered

22 Flies Screens and doors-To keep flies out humans and other animals, and many of buildings, screen all doors and of the flies in this group may cause windows with 16- or 18-mesh screen. myiasis -infestation of the organs Use automatic closers on all outside and tissues of man or animals by doors and keep them properly maggots. adjusted. Occasionally blow flies cause annoyance indoors in much the same Chemicals-The application of way as do house flies. insecticides for the control of adult Blow fly maggots (larvae) develop flies indoors usually includes the use in protein-type materials such as of aerosols. Application of insecti­ cheese, eggs, meat, fish, dead animals cides with some residual action may and droppings of dogs and other ani­ also be effective if applied around mals. Different types of organic mat­ windows or other areas visited by ter often encourage the presence of flies. Vapors with insecticidal action different species of flies. In certain emitted by impregnated resin strips neighborhoods it is not uncommon may offer some control of adult flies to find blow flies associated with dog but care must be taken not to place manure. these strips in areas prohibited by Normally blow flies originate out­ the label. doors but infestations can arise from For control of adult flies out of dead rodents and birds inside houses. doors, aerosols applied by mist, fog They might also arise from maggot or ultra-low volume equipment is of breeding places in birds' nests, in some value. Fly baits may offer some eave troughs or above windows, and control in certain situations, particu­ sometimes in soiled carpets and rugs. larly where no other food is in com­ Destroy all sources of maggot infes­ petition. Residual sprays may be used tation. Bury excrement of dogs each around areas of high fly concentra­ week and spray pens with a suitable tion such as garbage cans. Resin insecticide. strips impregnated with insecticide The control measures recom­ are effective if placed inside garbage mended for house flies are, in gen­ cans or bulk solid waste containers. eral, effective against blow flies.

Blow Flies Face Fly (Musca autumnalis) Blow flies may be identified by Few insects give people the creeps their relatively large size and shiny as much as the sluggish flies appear­ blue (Calliphora), green or copper ing in buildings on warm days dur­ (Phaenicia), or black (Phormia) abdo­ ing late autumn, winter and early mens. They are also called blue and spring. These flies make irritating green bottle flies, depending on the buzzing noises, actively spin around color. They are larger and more in circles, move sluggishly and make robust than house flies and fly with a greasy spot when crushed. They a buzzing sound. collect in large numbers, especially at Various species breed in animal windows and in rooms not frequently carcasses, meat scraps and decaying used. vegetable matter. Adults are strong Actually, face flies do not damage fliers and are attracted to oviposition home furnishings or bite humans, but sites from long distances. The life they are a nuisance just by their pres­ cycle is similar to that of the house ence. Even after the flies are cleaned fly. up from a room, within a few days While these flies have essentially the same room may need to be the same potential for mechanically cleaned of flies again. It is the contin­ transmitting disease organisms as do uous appearance of these pests in a house flies, they have fewer opportu­ room that is most frustrating. They nities because they are less inclined to are commonly called "attic flies" Face Fly enter buildings. The immature stages because they enter attics. (Musca autumnalis) have been found in wounds of

23 Flies In Kansas, the most common attic mouth. Face fly females deposit eggs fly is the face fly. The "cluster fly" in manure during the spring and may also occur in homes during cold summer. The maggot stage lasts 3 to weather, but is usually more of a 10 days; egg to adult takes about problem in Northern and Eastern 14 to 18 days. states. Attic flies overwinter as adults in homes and other buildings. They Face Fly Control. Non-chemical­ enter the home during the autumn Control of face flies or" attic flies" months by forcing themselves cannot be permanent until the open­ through small cracks and openings. ings are closed through which they They hibernate between walls, in enter the home. When flies are pre­ window casings, in dark corners, in vented from entering a building, they closet clothing, beneath curtains, will not become a nuisance nor behind furniture, in hats, etc. require control. Just as the flies are a nuisance in Use caulking compound or other the fall while seeking hibernating suitable material to fill all cracks and quarters, they are again troublesome openings near windows, doors, vents in the spring, trying to get outdoors. and other possible fly entry sites. Seal As the warm spring weather induces holes, cracks and splits in the siding. fly activity, many appear inside the Maintaining the house in good physi­ home from wall voids and accumu­ cal condition greatly reduces infesta­ late around the windows. tions. Use tight-fitting screens, espe­ The face fly is similar in appear­ cially on the upstairs and attic win­ ance to the house fly but is darker in dows, screen ventilators, louvers, air color and often slightly larger. The conditioner openings, etc. large eyes of the male face fly nearly touch on top of the head while those Chemical-Kill flies inside with a of the house fly are far apart. Female space spray. Residual sprays may be face flies are difficult to separate from used when flies congregate. Any female house flies. However, the face tightly enclosed room with little air fly female has a silvery stripe around movement, such as attics and storage the eyes, whereas the stripe around rooms, can be treated by hanging the eyes of the house fly is golden in insecticide impregnated strips. sheen. The middle section of the body No practical means has been found of the face fly is slate-gray. for directing chemical control mea­ Face flies are very annoying on sures against face fly breeding sites. faces of cattle where they lap exuda­ See page 72 in the appendix for a tion from the eyes, nostrils and pictorial key to flies.

24 Fleas Rodent nests in or near buildings occupied by humans or pets should be removed and burned. Before Most flea infestations are associ­ removing rodent nests, treat the nest ated with pet dogs or cats but may and surrounding area thoroughly sometimes originate from rodents or with insecticides to kill any fleas that rodent nests located in or near human may be present. habitations. Flea infestations on pet dogs or Fleas lay their eggs among the cats can be eliminated by applying hairs of their animal host or in the an insecticide to the animal. This nor­ host's sleeping places. The eggs drop mally is accomplished by the owner or are shaken off and tiny, cylindrical, or a veterinarian. If pets run freely legless larvae hatch and feed on vari­ outdoors, treatment may be repeated ous animal and plant substances that as often as necessary. have accumulated both inside and Infested sites within the occupied outside. When mature, the larvae building should also be sprayed with spin small silken cocoons and a suitable insecticide at the time or develop into the pupal stage, emerg­ immediately after the animal is ing later as adult fleas that feed upon treated. Apply the insecticide to the blood. Full development from egg to floors of infested rooms (including adult may require several weeks or the basement), rugs, mats, sleeping several months, depending upon the quarters of pets, and their bedding. environment. Yard or outside infestations can be To be effective, control efforts must controlled by treatment with a resid­ be directed against both the adult ual spray or dust. Pay particular fleas on the animal and the adult and attention to treating shaded areas immature stages located throughout and favored pet resting sites. the area frequented by the dog, cat or Most insecticides do not kill flea rodent host. Frequent and thorough eggs so the materials selected for con­ cleaning will help prevent outbreaks trol should have residual activity. If of flea infestations in buildings. This non-residual materials are used, reap­ should include vacuuming floors, plications will be necessary. carpets, rugs and upholstered furni­ ture often, and careful cleaning of cracks and crevices in the floor, around furniture cushions, and sleep­ ing areas used by cats and dogs. Fleas

25 Fleas

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages20-25 Flies and Fleas

1. (20) Black flies are sometimes called 7. (21} In Kansas, biting midges have 14. (24) Attic flies over winter as been found to develop in: ____ in Kansas. a. buffalo gnats a. soaked soil overflow of septic a. eggs b. midges tanks b. larvae c. no-see-urns b. seep areas of pastures c. pupae d. humpback flies c. along the edges of livestock d. adults 2. (20) Black flies generally lay their waste lagoons 15. (24) The only permanent control of eggs in masses: d. all the above face flies in buildings is: a. in warm, dry sandy areas 8. (22} All nonbiting flies are in the a. spraying the outside walls b. on stones, sticks, etc. in shallow order: b. caulking all cracks and other water a. Hymenoptera openings c. on foliage overhanging water b. Diptera c. screening windows and doors d. in tin cans and old tires c. Coleoptera d. chemical treatment of breeding 3. (20) When not feeding, stable fly d. Orthoptera sites mouth parts: 9. (22) The mobile, immature stage of 16. (25) Flea eggs are: a. point forward the house fly is called a: a. deposited among the host ani- b. point straight down a. maggot mal's hairs c. point backwards b. nymph b. attached to the animal's hairs d. are withdrawn into the head c. naiad c. deposited in the seams of chairs 4. (21) Horse flies and deer flies are d. caterpillar d. deposited in open areas on the most common and abundant in 10. (22) The primary control measure floor ____ Kansas. for house flies is: 17. (25) A help in preventing flea out­ a. northwest a. spraying for the adults breaks in buildings is: b. southwest b. spraying the maggots a. removal of all pets c. southeast c. flocks of chickens to eat the b. the use of insecticide impreg­ d. northeast maggots nated strips 5. (21) Horse flies and deer flies feed d. sanitation c. frequent and thorough cleanings by: 11. (23) Chemicals to control house d. release of predators a. crawling around slowly to select flies indoors are usually applied as: 18. (25) In addition to treating the pet the spot a. wettable powders animal for flea control, it is neces­ b. landing softly and slowly pierc­ b. dusts sary to treat: ing the skin c. aerosols a. floors, rugs and mats c. flying around the ears then d. fumigations b. pet sleeping quarters and quickly biting only on the rump. 12. (23) Blue and green bottle flies are bedding d. making a stabbing wound and also called: c. yard and outside areas sponging up the blood. a. house flies d. all the above 6. (21) Control of horse flies and deer b. blow flies flies: c. horn flies a. no satisfactory control has been d. stable flies developed 13. (23) Blow fly maggots develop in: b. is done by spraying ponds and a. decaying lawn clippings lakes b. fresh cow manure c. is done by spraying livestock c. protein-type materials manure d. the stems of aquatic plants d. is done by spraying decaying organic matter

26 Ants Common Species Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.) Ants feed upon every food con­ These very large (X to~ inch) ants sumed by man and are troublesome are black or dark brown. They nest household pests. Some ants feed pre­ principally in wood, which they hol­ dominately on sweets whereas others low out into extensive systems of gal­ prefer meat and grease. All ants bite leries. They do not eat the wood, but and some ants also sting. Reaction to feed on honeydew and are preda­ an ant bite or sting can be severe in ceous on other insects. They do not sensitive individuals. Ants also act as sting but will bite readily. scavengers and predators of many Several species of carpenter ants harmful insects. are widely distributed throughout Ants are distinguished from other most of the United States. While these insects by having the first one or two ants can damage trees by removing abdominal segments reduced into a the supporting wood, they enter old knobbed stalk located between the scars and do not normally penetrate thorax and the abdomen proper, and the bark and healthy cambium. In by their elbowed antennae. (Termites limited areas, they can cause severe have a broad connection between the damage to buildings by nesting in thorax and abdomen and straight, supporting structural timbers. beadlike antennae.) The forewings of ants are larger than the hindwings Thief Ant (Solenopsis molesta) and have comparatively few veins This yellowish ant is one of the (whereas the two pairs of wings of smallest. It is named the thief ant termites are similar in size and because it often nests near other ants appearance and have many indistinct and raids their galleries for food. Its veins). Ants have chewing mouth­ own galleries are very small, and it parts. Their heavy mandibles are suit­ cannot be followed by the ants whose able for biting, piercing, cutting and nests it raids. It does not typically gnawing. forage for food above ground. It feeds The smallest ant is less than X6-inch on a wide variety of available plant long and the largest ant attains and animal materials. It is predaceous rn inches. They are among the most on insects and other small animals. abundant of living creatures infesting It can sting but rarely does. the home. This ant readily invades buildings Ant colonies may last many years. and is a common household ant. The colony is established when the - Because of its size, it can nest in very newly mated female discards her small cracks. In buildings it will for­ wings, digs a nest and produces eggs age widely for sweet, starch and pro­ for a new brood. After nourishing her tein foods, but prefers greasy young through the larval stage, her materials. labors are over as the larvae pupate and the young workers emerge and Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis) take over the work. The worker ants This small ant (about X6-inch) feed the queen, fight off enemies, con­ varies in color from yellow to red. It struct a maze of tunnels, and care for can be distinguished from the thief the young. When the colony has ant because it has three segments in become strong, a special brood of the antenna! club whereas the thief males and females is reared to estab­ ant has only two. It will nest almost lish new colonies. These winged anywhere-in cracks and crevices, adults emerge for their marital flight under stones and boards, and around in vast numbers in order to mate and foundations. seek new harborage. Ants have a This ant feeds on sweets, greases highly developed social system. and proteins, and is predaceous ori many insects. It is an important and

27 Ants persistent pest in buildings where it and take necessary precautions to will forage for food and for moisture. avoid possible food contamination This ant cannot sting but will bite and contact by children and pets. readily. It may be a serious pest in Outdoors-On the outside, dusts hospitals where it sometimes invades may be blown directly into nests, fol­ nurseries, feeds on wounds, and gets lowed by clean air to distribute the under plaster casts. dust within the galleries. Dusts are also used for barrier treatments in Ant Control. Indoors-Some ant - which bands 4- to 6-inches wide are control techniques can be used in used to ring the nests. A clean area buildings. Others are suitable for use several inches wide should be left only outdoors. The control of some between the ring and nest entrance. ants requires techniques developed Several applications may be required for the particular species rather than in wet or windy weather. Mound­ normally used for other ants. building ants often enter and leave Inside buildings, sanitation carried nests through tunnels at a distance out by building occupants is an from the mound and control may important aspect of ant control. require treatment of areas 10 feet or Crumbs, grease, food scraps and more in radius. foods in open or partly open contain­ Sprays are used to saturate nests ers are readily found by foraging after the mounds are opened with a workers and can attract large num­ hoe. Oil-based solutions should not bers of ants. Heavy infestations in be used in vegetated areas. Emulsions buildings are rarely found where must be used with care as they can good sanitation is practiced. burn some foliage. Water suspensions Insecticide dusts are tracked into or wettable powders are the safest the nest by the workers. Dusts are sprays to use outdoors. They are usually more effective than sprays. effective for area control where there Dusts are blown directly into the are many small nests or where nests nests or are applied in all cracks and are hidden but the foraging areas are crevices several feet each side of the known. The area should be wet down points of entry. thoroughly. After the water has dried, Sprays can reduce ant populations the residual dust is tracked into the indoors, even if ants enter buildings nests by the worker ants. Poisoned from outdoor nests. Nevertheless, baits can be used for the control of sprays are not effective in eliminating some ants . . colonies. Treat all points of entry as Carpenter ants are best controlled well as the areas several feet on each by treatment of the nest. Only dusts side. Foraging areas, other than food should be used. Oil solutions can preparation surfaces, should also be soak through wood to stain walls, treated. and the water in emulsions and sus­ Poisoned baits can be used effec­ pensions can cause swelling and tively if they are more attractive to warping of wood and can lead to the species present than other avail­ decay. Dust should be introduced able foods. Baits are taken into the into the top of the nest if it can be nests and are fed to the larvae, the found by tapping and by drilling. reproductives and the soldiers. How­ Where the nests cannot be located, ever, the poisons must be slow acting area control is required. Emulsions to provide control. Fast-acting poi­ or suspensions are effective for use sons kill the workers before the bait is around foundations, in attic spaces, distributed. Follow the manufac­ and in other areas where ants are turer's recommendations for bait use seen.

28 Stinging structed of a paper-like material formed by chewing wood fiber into Insects pulp. There are several layers of cells -Ants, bees and wasps are all mem­ within the globe. Most nests are bers of the order Hymenoptera. Most above ground. are membrane-winged though some The Polistes wasps are more slender have wings. Ants have wings only in than hornets or yellow jackets. Their the reproductive forms-workers are paper-like nests consist of one layer wingless. Females of multilid wasps of cells, opened vertically, umbrella or (velvet ants) are all wingless; most saucer-shaped. Most wasps feed on males have wings. insects and other arthropods. Many Hymenoptera live solitary Most species of mud-dauber wasps lives. Yet this order contains most of are a dark, shiny color, often purple, the "social insects" that have caste with an elongated waist. Their nests systems with workers, soldiers and are made of several clay cells, almost reproductive forms-all living in sin­ always in or on man-made structures. gle nests or hives. This system is best Several paralyzed spiders are placed developed in ants, some of which in each cell and one egg is deposited. have several types of workers and The cell is capped. The female then soldiers. abandons the nest. Bumble bees, honey bees and Control is directed toward treat­ wasps have workers in addition to ment of nests and surrounding areas. reproductive castes. Mud-dauber Insecticides may be used as dusts, wasps have no worker caste. Many wettable powders, solutions or hymenopterous insects are beneficial emulsions. to man because they parasitize or Use oil-based solutions with care prey upon injurious insects. around vegetation to avoid damage. The various sting mechanisms are Most wasps will be at their nests at modified ovipositors (egg laying evening or night and are the least apparatus). The venom produces active then. lethal or narcotic effects in the arthro­ Dusts may be applied to some hor­ pods intended as food for adults or nets' and yellow jackets' nests larvae. The stings of many also are whether above or below ground. well suited for defense. While truly Insert the extension tube on a hand unprovoked stinging of large animals duster into the nest opening. Two or is considered quite rare, very little three strong puffs of dust will filter provocation is needed to incite some through the nest and usually will kill wasps and ants to attack intruders the colony within 24 hours. near their nests. The Hymenoptera kill Solutions and emulsions may be more people in the United States each sprayed into and onto the nests. The year than do snakes and spiders more nearly saturated the nest, the combined. quicker the kill. A cylindrical pres­ sured sprayer can have the nozzle Wasps adjusted to send a jet spray to 40 feet from the nest. Wasps, compared to bees, are more Rapid garbage disposal will reduce elongated and their body is not hairy. the numbers of some species that con­ In contrast to honey bees, they do not gregate around garbage. Spraying lose their stinger during the first garbage containers once a week, par­ sting; hence they may sting ticularly around the tops, will control repeatedly. these wasps. The Vespids are the most dangerous Residual sprays are effective for because of their social nesting habits, control of wasps in buildings. Treat aggressiveness and abundance. The the screens, window frames, door yellow jackets and hornets are mostly frames and other places where wasps black with white, red or yellow mark­ generally crawl. ings. Their nests are globular, con- Wasps

29 Stinging Bees Honey bees are typified by their Insects moderate size, hairy Like the wasps, bumble bees over­ bodies and the ability of the workers to sting winter only as fertilized queens. In only once, by pollen baskets the spring, a new queen finds a nest­ on hind legs of workers, ing site, partially fills it with a mass and by the strict caste system of dry grass or moss, adds a ball of in which the queen performs no duties "bee bread," a mixture of pollen and other than egg laying. She is without nectar, then adds eggs. She stays to the pollen basket on the hind care for this first brood until the new legs. workers take over all of her duties The nests of honey bees are pre­ dominantly other than egg laying. in man-made hives. Some The life cycle of the honey bee is escape domestication and establish different. After the mating flight of hives in such places as hol­ low new queens, the old queen will leave trees, attics and wall spaces of buildings. with a number of workers called a swarm to start a new hive. A single To control bees, a jet stream of insecticide, preferably queen may lay 1,500,000 eggs in her on a cool evening, 3- to 5-year life, and may have as can be directed into and around many as 100,000 offspring at one the area where the bees are time. active. This operation may have to be repeated in about Of the many types of bees, those 2 weeks to kill the bees that most commonly responsible for sting­ were in the larval stage in the comb ing humans are the bumble bees and during the first spraying. Swarms honey bees. Bumble bees are large, hanging on supports such as tree limbs furry, black and yellow or black and will disperse in a few hours. sometimes reddish-haired bees. In Beekeepers are reluctant to flight they make a loud buzzing have these swarms, because there is insufficient noise. Their nests are located in cavi­ time for the colony to lay ties in the soil, often in abandoned up enough storage to survive the winter. nests of field mice or in a bird house. A single nest in late summer will See page 73 in the appendix, "Stinging have the original queen, workers rep­ Hymenoptera, Pictorial Key to Some Common United States resenting several broods, and a num~ Families." Bees ber of functional males and females.

30 Mites mite has not been proved to be a transmitter of typhus'or other diseases. Chicken Mites The attack is almost always associ­ These mites are on the birds only ated with rats in buildings, such as when they are feeding. Otherwise, in warehouses, stores, theaters and the daytime they hide in cracks and apartments. Killing rats drives the crevices in the vicinity of the roost. mites off the host and may intensify Their red bodies are tightly packed in their attack on a person, but this mite these spaces. They also feed on other will bite a person even where there is birds. an abundance of rats. The mites drop When mites attack someone it from their host after each feeding and causes a mild dermatitis and itching. occur on a variety of surfaces near Infestations have been traced to pet rat-infested areas. They can survive canaries, pigeons and nests of other for several days without a blood wild birds. Mites may leave the nest meal. and crawl to a human. Death of a bird host sometimes results in mites Mouse Mite crawling in large numbers to The mouse mite in the United humans. These mites can live for sev­ States is primarily a parasite of mice. eral months without food, so control It tends to leave its rodent host to even in the absence of birds is wander throughout buildings and necessary. bite people. Its major importance is that it has been identified as the vec­ Northern Fowl Mite tor of rickettsial pox, a mild and non­ This mite is a much more serious fatal disease of man. pest of chickens. It lives among the feathers of the host bird and may Grain Mite complete development without leav­ Grain mites may infest all types of ing the host. It may leave the host, grain flour. They also may be found however, and go to nests or roosts on other stored foods, being one of and in surrounding cracks and crev­ the mites reported from cheese. The ices. It can survive for 2 or 3 weeks grain mite prefers a moist location away from the host. and under favorable conditions This mite may bite people, causing develops rapidly and in great some annoyance. Dermatitis is not as numbers. Chicken Mite frequent as with the chicken mite. The second nymphal form may be This mite is a general parasite of replaced by a special stage known as birds, found on domestic fowl, spar­ the "hypopus." This stage is highly rows, swallows and many other resistant to unfavorable conditions, species. Annoyance is frequently insecticides and fumigation. The associated with the death or depar­ hypopus may exist for several ture of the normal host bird leaving months without feeding. It does not an infestation of mites behind in the move much under its own power, but nest area without a convenient source is transported by clinging to small of food. animals such as insects or mice. Under favorable conditions it sheds Tropical Rat Mite its skin and resumes normal growth The tropical rat mite is associated and development. The peculiar adap­ with rats and will feed on humans tation through the hypopus stage and many other warm-blooded ani­ makes it very difficult to eradicate. mals. The bite is painful, causing The grain mite and relatives may intense itching and a skin irritation cause mild dermatitis in man, known known as "rat-mite dermatitis." The under various names as "grocers' itch," "vanillism" (from infestations Grain Mite

31 Mites on vanilla beans), and "copra itch," The eight-legged adult overwinters where products infested with the in the soil. This stage does not attack mites are handled by people. These humans but feeds on insect eggs and mites are not bloodsucking and thus immature soil insects. In the spring are the cause of only mild irritations. the adult emerges from the soil and lays eggs. These hatch into a tiny Mushroom Mites oval, orange-colored, six-legged "lar­ This mite is a common pest of vae," which attacks people. Normally mushroom beds. It also may be found these larvae live on snakes turtles in huge numbers on such materials as rabbits, squirrels, birds and other ' cheese, dried meats, cereals and wildlife. They also feed on humans many other materials in homes or and domestic animals. food storage. It does not suck blood The larvae can barely, if at all, be and any dermatitis from it is superfi­ seen with the naked eye. They are cial irritation. This mite reproduces very active and crawl about rapidly in enormous numbers so may quickly in search of a place to feed. When a overrun an area surrounding its persons comes in contact with vegeta­ source of food. tion infested with the larvae, they swarm over his or her body. Sitting or Straw Itch Mite lying in the grass results in more bites than walking. It may be several hours This mite normally lives on other before they settle down to feed or insects. Common hosts are the larvae they may attack immediately. Their of several insects such as the wheat attack is more concentrated at points jointworm; the wheat strawworm; the where the clothing is pressed against Angoumois grain moth; the rice, gra­ the skin, as under belts or garters or nary, bean and pea weevils; and the in skin folds. pink boll worm. It reproduces Chiggers attach themselves by their rapidly. Its development involves the mouthparts, frequently near a hair eggs hatching within the body of the follicle. In feeding, the mite injects a female and the young maturing fluid into the host which liquifies the within the body of the mother. They immediately adjacent tissues. The are born as sexually mature adults. liquified tissues are ingested by the They reproduce rapidly. mite. The surrounding tissues Workers engaged in threshing become hardened, and, as feeding straw, handling grains, grass seed or progresses, form a tiny tube through other material infested with the insect which further liquified tissue may be Straw Itch Mite hosts often are overrun by these withdrawn. The larvae become fully mites. Their bites produce a rash-like fed in 4 to 6 days when they drop off dermatitis which may cover large the host, leaving behind the tube areas of the body, first appearing whic~ was developed from its about 12 hours after the attack. It is feeding. accompanied by a severe itching. The The digestive fluid of the mite attack is often of such intensity as to causes a severe itching about 8 hours induce vomiting, headache, sweating after feeding and fever. starts. Scratching may lead to a secondary infection. Attack on people was common The itching may last for a week or more. when it was the custom to sleep on This mite is not associated straw mattresses. with dis­ ease transmission in the United States. After leaving the Chiggers host the larvae transform to an eight-legged nymph Chiggers are by far the worst mite and later to the adult. Neither of that attacks humans in Kansas. The these forms attack people or animals, species commonly encountered is but are predators on other mites, Eutrombicula alfreddugesi. small insects, and the eggs of such Chigger creatures.

32 Mites Control of chiggers consists of both young are redder. The front pair of pre- and post-exposure. Spray repel­ legs is much longer than the other lents particularly around ankles and three pairs, and extend forward. seams of clothing. Remove clothing The bright eggs are laid singly or in after exposure and shower, preferably masses in cracks and crevices in with a strong soap containing sulfur. building walls and beneath bark on Control in special areas such as picnic trees. Most hatching and mite activity grounds involves use of sprays. occurs during the fall and spring. The eggs remain dormant and do not Itch Mite hatch above 86° F. This mite causes scabies or itch in Clover mites feed by puncturing humans. There are several closely the plant tissue and sucking out the related forms on animals which may juices. Feeding usually occurs sometimes transfer to people, but between 50° and 70° F. The time of usually close contact is required and day feeding occurs varies with the the problem is not one where the pest season and temperature. Late fall and control industry is usually consulted early spring feeding occurs on grass, or can offer any assistance of value. etc., growing in sheltered spots near foundations or other protected spots Clover Mite warmed by the sun. Tufts of plants should be observed in such sheltered Clover mites often invade homes spots for indications of clover mite during the fall, winter or spring problems. where they are a nuisance and may See pages 74-76 in the appendix for cause stains when crushed. Clover Itch Mite more illustrations of "Household and mites do not attack people, but suck Stored Food Pests: Key to Common the juices of grasses, clover and a Adults." Page 77 also shows health variety of other plants outdoors. It is pests. reddish brown, eight-legged, and the

Clover Mite

33 Spiders are caused by the mechanical action of the bite, and/ or by the venom. In some cases there is no reaction at all. -Many people fear spiders because of myths that surround them or the Life cycle publicity given to the very rare fatal After being impregnated poisonings by a few species. Others by the male, the female spider object to them because of their annoy­ begins to lay eggs. The eggs are laid ing habit of building webs in comers, in dark retreats or in silk on furniture, or across doorways and cocoons called egg sacs. The females in other places. Under some condi­ of some species guard the eggs, others tions spiders are considered benefi­ carry the egg sac with them. Depending cial because they feed on insects. upon the species, Spiders have a characteristic a female may produce as few as two or as many as 3,000 appearance recognized by most peo­ eggs. They are usually laid over ple. Spiders lack wings and antennae. a period of time in several sacs. Their bodies have two regions-a In warm weather, cephalothorax (fused head and tho­ the young may hatch within 3 weeks. rax) and an abdomen. Males are usu­ They tend to remain together ally smaller than females of the same for several days before scattering. Cannibalism species. The eight legs of a spider are often occurs during attached to the cephalothorax which this period. Most com­ mon species mature also bears the eyes and mouth parts. within one year, going through a Most spiders have eight eyes, but series of molts as do insects. Some species require some species have only six, and a few up to 2 years to reach have fewer or none. All spiders have maturity. Mating and egglaying a pair of jawlike structures chelicerae occur any time of year, depending at the end of which is a hollow, claw­ upon the species. Some species, like fang. Each fang has a small open­ after over­ wintering as half-grown ing in the end through which venom individuals, can be ejected. mature and lay eggs in the summer. Others overwinter The abdomen of spiders contains as eggs, hatch in the spring and mature their reproduction system, largest and lay eggs in the fall. part of their respiratory system and the spinnerets. The latter are the silk spinning glands and are located at Habits the tip of the abdomen. Spiders cannot fly, therefore, they Spiders are seldom aggressive use other means of dispersing in towards humans and usually bite addition to walking. Some, such as only when injured or trapped. Only the brown recluse, find many objects large spiders are capable of breaking transported by man suitable retreats the tough skin of humans. The and can be moved great distances in smaller ones usually can inflict only this manner. superficial scratches. The most interesting method of Nearly all spiders have venom travel is "ballooning," which is prac­ glands, but almost all of the United ticed primarily by the young of some States species have a venom so feeble species. To accomplish ballooning, that their bites are insignificant. the spider climbs to the top of an The severity of a person's reaction object such as a plant or fence post to the bite of a spider is influenced by and releases a strand of silk. If a wind a number of factors. The species of is blowing, the spider sends out silk spider and the area of the body where until there is enough windbome to the bite occurs are of great impor­ lift the spider from its perch. Spiders tance, but the amount of venom reach great heights by this method injected and the depth of bite also and have been carried 60 miles. play a role. The signs and symptoms

34 Spiders Some spiders build simple webs in subfloor air vents, upper comers of and others build very complex ones. rooms and attics. Most species found Webs usually consist of strong, non­ indoors hide either in cracks, dark­ sticky strands of silk which form the ened areas or retreats. framework. These strands are united Outdoors, spiders live in a variety with a series of silk strands having of places depending upon the species. sticky globules on them. Spiders are Some hide in flowers waiting for just as susceptible as insects to being prey. Others live on tree trunks, stuck in the sticky globules, but spi­ under stones or leaves, or in and ders are adept at avoiding them. under eaves. Most of the outdoor Some types of spiders do not spin living species do not adapt to indoor webs, but use their silk only for conditions. building egg sacs or retreats. Spiders can be separated into two Common Poisonous Species groups based on the way they cap­ There are two poisonous spiders ture prey: with which every Kansas resident l. The web-spinning spiders make should be familiar: the black widow webs to catch insects and live all the and the brown recluse. They are the time in the web or in a nest near it. two most poisonous spiders in the The species that commonly live United States and both occur in indoors are web-spinning spiders. Kansas. Learn to recognize them, 2. The hunting and ambush spiders how their bites affect humans, what run on the ground or on plants, catch­ to do when bitten, and how to control ing insects wherever they find them, spiders in and about dwellings. or waiting among leaves and flowers until insects come within their reach. Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles Spiders eat live prey, usually con­ reclusa) sisting of insects and their relatives. Victims are killed by the venom The brown recluse spider is found injected through its fangs. Spiders throughout Kansas-usually indoors have food preferences but a hungry in all types of buildings. It constructs spider will tackle most anything not a loose, irregular web in undisturbed too large. Some, if not all species, can areas, such as under shelves or boxes go for long periods without food. The in basement storage areas or in brown recluse, for example, has sur­ clothes or boots stored undisturbed vived for 6 months without food or for long periods of time. Unlike the water. black widow, this spider is a hunter Although all spiders require water and leaves its web in search of prey. for survival, some species require very little and can live in dry environ­ How to Recognize the Brown ments. However, many species can Recluse. Males and females are simi­ live only in humid places and need a lar in appearance and their bites are regular source of drinking water. equally toxic. They range from ~ to X Most species are attracted to water inch in length, excluding legs. The sources if available. For this reason, most distinguishing characteristics first look around water pipes, floor are: (1) six eyes (most spiders have drains and air-conditioners to deter­ eight), arranged as three pairs in a mine the source of an infestation semicircle, and (2) a brown guitar- indoors. or violin-shaped marking on the tan cephalothorax, the first body region Habitats which bears the legs. This latter char­ acteristic has resulted in the common Because many spiders are associ­ name "fiddleback" or "violin" spider. ated with moisture, they are found in Their legs are quite long and some­ basements, crawl spaces and other what darker than the off-white to Brown Recluse Spider damp parts of buildings. Others live yellow or tan body. (Loxosceles reclusa) in warm, dry places and can be found

35 Spiders Bite and Symptoms. The brown ter downspouts, crawl spaces under recluse is shy and avoids danger in trailers and porches, and under piles undisturbed places. Bites usually of wood or rubbish. occur when a person is putting on clothes or shoes, such as winter coats How to Recognize the Black or hunting boots which have been Widow. The poisonous female is stored, in which the spider is hiding. about ~inch long, excluding legs, As the spider is a nocturnal hunter, when mature and is shiny black or some bites also occur when the spider brownish black. Its spherical abdo­ has crawled onto a bed and is men has an orange or red marking squeezed by a person rolling in resembling an hourglass on the his/her sleep. underside. Sometimes this hourglass The amount of venom injected by is divided into two reddish triangles. the spider and the sensitivity of the The smaller, non-poisonous male is person are both factors in determin­ little more than X inch in length, ing the seriousness of the bites. Vic­ excluding legs. It has several whitish tims may have no reaction at first or streaks on the sides of the abdomen, may feel a stinging and painful sen­ but usually lacks red on the sation immediately. Intense pain may underside. last from 2 to 8 hours. A small blister The black widow belongs to a fam­ forms at the bite and a large area ily of spiders called cob web weavers around the bite becomes red and or tangled web weavers. Loose, swollen. unsightly webs made by other mem­ Some victims experience nausea, bers of this group are commonly stomach cramps, stiffness of joints found in cellars, garages and other and fever. Tissue in the infected area infrequently cleaned buildings. usually slough away, resulting in an The female black widow is usually ulcerous area that gradually fills with found hanging upside down in her scar tissue. Wounds heal slowly, loose, tangled web. She encloses her sometimes taking 6 to 8 weeks, and a eggs in a spherical off-white silken deep round scar may remain egg sac and guards it until the young permanently. hatch. She is normally shy and noc­ turnal in habit and does not often What to Do. If bitten by a brown leave her web voluntarily. She is not recluse or a spider that you think may at all aggressive and can be subjected be one, see a doctor immediately, tak­ to considerable provocation without ing along the captured spider to ver­ attempting to bite. However, she may ify the cause of bite. Injections of cor­ rush out and attack when the web is ticosteroids may reduce necrotic disturbed or when she is accidentally response and systemic reactions to trapped in clothing or shoes which the bite. have been stored unused for some time. Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans) Bite and Symptoms. The bite of The black widow spider can be col­ the female is slight and may not be lected throughout the state. It prefers felt at the time the neurotoxic venom to inhabit in undisturbed situations, is injected. It is usually followed by a often hiding in old stumps and hol­ burning sensation, local swelling and low logs, under fallen fence posts, in redness. Pain may become intense in abandoned animal burrows or in 1 to 3 hours and last up to 48 hours. piles of dead tree branches and other The person may experience cramps in debris. It is also sometimes found in the legs, arms and chest. The abdomi­ or near human dwellings, inhabiting nal muscles may become rigid. undisturbed corners in garages or Other symptoms may include Black Widow Spider basements, outdoor privies, rain gut- headache, nausea, tremors, speech (Latrodectus mactans) defect, and a slight rise in body tern-

36 Spiders perature. The degree of severity of suction to collect spiders and webs, symptoms depends a great deal on then destroy the bag and its contents. the sensitivity and age of the victim, Frequent cleaning throughout the with small children usually the most entire household will reduce spiders severely affected. and insects serving as spider food. Brown recluse spiders are often What to Do. First aid measures, found in homes where there is an other than the application of a mild abundance of insects. Rid premises of antiseptic (such as iodine or hydro­ piles of rubbish and trash to aid in gen peroxide) to the bite, should not control. Be careful when moving piles be given. Keep the person calm and of lumber and machinery that has not under observation. If the symptoms been used for some time or undis­ begin to appear, take the victim to a turbed boxes. Examine and shake out doctor or hospital (and take along clothing that has hung unused in the captured spider to verify the closets or other storage areas before cause of bite). A doctor may give cal­ you wear it. cium gluconate to relieve the symp­ Many spiders may be excluded toms. A specific antiserum is also from homes by caulking or otherwise available. eliminating cracks and crevices Complete rest for a day or two will around the foundations and around usually result in the disappearance of windows and doors. Outside win­ pain and symptoms. Fatalities are dow shutters, step areas, crawl extremely rare and the healthy per­ spaces, and related hard-to-reach son usually recovers quickly and places can be washed with a forceful completely. stream of water from a hose. Residual insecticides can be effec­ Spider Control. Good sanitation is tive in supplementing sanitation the best method of control. Use vac­ practices. They should be applied uum cleaner attachments with strong where the spiders normally hide.

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages27-37 Ants, Stinging Insects, Mites and Spiders 1. (27) Ant colonies may last for: 4. (28) Carpenter ants are best con­ 7. (29) are a dark, shiny a. one month trolled by treatment of: color, with an elongated waist. b. many months a. their food sources a. Yellow jackets c. one year b. their galleries b. Mud-daubers d. many years c. their nests c. Hornets 2. (27) Carpenter ants: d. their water sources d. Honey bees a. nest principally in wood 5. (29) Ants, bees and wasps are in the 8. (30) Bumble bee nests may be b. eatwood order: located in: c. normally penetrate bark & a. Diptera a. cavities in the soil healthy cambium b. Coleoptera b. old field mice nests d. are very tiny ants c. Hymenoptera c. bird houses 3. (28) The first step in ant control d. Homoptera d. all the above inside buildings is: 6. (29) Wasps, when compared to 9. (30) The honey bee queen duties a. caulking all cracks and crevices bees: include: b. locating the nest a. are more elongated a. egg laying c. applying an aerosol b. body is not hairy b. feeding the young d. sanitation c. do not lose stinger during first c. fanning the hive sting d. making "bee bread" d. all the above continued on page 38

37 Spiders

---~~------~------STU DY QUESTIONS tor pages 21-31 _co_n_tin_u_ed_t_ro_m_~p_a~9_e _31______Ants, Stinging Insects, Mites and Spiders 10. (31) When chicken mites feed on 16. (33) Clover mite eggs remain 22. (35) In brown recluse spiders, the humans, it causes: dormant and do not hatch above bites of the male and female are: a. a very large welt to form F. a. equal b. a mild dermatitis and itching a. 60 b. female is more toxic c. an open sore lasting several b. 69 c. male is more toxic months c. 75 d. actually, only the female bites d. only a mild annoyance d. 86 23. (36) Brown recluse bites of some 11. (31) When the northern fowl mite 17. (34) Spiders have __ body victims may experience: bites humans, it causes: regions. a. nausea, stomach cramps and a. a mild dermatitis and itching a. 1 fever b. a very large welt to form b. 2 b. the tissue sloughs away c. some annoyance to the human c. 3 c. slow healing taking 6 to 8 weeks d. an open sore lasting for several d. 4 d. all the above months 18. (34) Cannibalism occurs most often 24. (36) The black widow spider is 12. (31) Rickettsial pox in man is trans­ in spiders: found: mitted by the: a. between egg hatch and a. throughout Kansas a. mouse mite scattering b. only in northwest Kansas b. tropical rat mite b. between scattering and c. only in south central Kansas c. chicken mite 6 months old d. only in eastern Kansas d. northern fowl mite c. from 6 month old to 12 months 25. (36) Female black widow spiders old 13. (32) The ____ does not suck are usually found: d. from 12 months old to 18 blood. a. running along base boards months old a. straw itch mite b. in dense grassy yard areas b. mushroom mite 19. (34) The most interesting method of c. hanging upside down in her web c. chiggers travel used by spiders is: d. in building corners in a funnel d. tropical rat mite a. walking shaped web b. ballooning 14. {32) of the chigger causes 26. (37) In case of a black widow spider c. jumping a severe itching in humans. bite, you should: d. flying a. Crawling a. keep the victim calm b. Probing for food 20. (35) Spiders eat: b. take victim to doctor if/when c. Poison a. insects and their relatives symptoms begin to appear d. Digestive fluids b. plant sap c. provide for one to two days of 15. (33) Scabies in man is caused by c. pollen from flowers complete rest the: d. decomposing organic matter d. all the above a. itch mite 21. (35) There are __ poisonous 27. (37) Brown recluse spiders are often b. chigger mite species of spiders in Kansas. found in homes where there is: c. grain mite a. 1 a. an abundance of insects for food d. clover mite b. 2 b. greasy spatters for food c. 3 c. fruit and vegetable peels for d. 4 food d. standing water for breeding sites

38 Ticks Nymphs seek a host, feed, drop again to the ground, molt and become adults. Ticks cause direct distress and Males of the hard tick species, spread many debilitating parasitic which include all of our most com­ diseases to man and animals. Ticks monly encountered species, are belong to the Class Arachnida, Order entirely covered with hardened integ­ Acari, with other mites. They have no ument skin and, in species with color wings nor antennae. The adults have patterns, are marked different from eight legs. They have no head, as the female. Juvenile and female hard such, but the so-called capitulum ticks have hardened plates only on includes well developed penetrating the fore parts of their bodies. Soft and attachment organs, a pair of ticks have almost no hardened integ­ palps, and a base plate to which these ument and have no color markings. organs are attached. The body is All but the male hard ticks can swell fused, with no distinct division into to several times their original size thorax and abdomen. All ticks are during feeding. parasites of animals (mammals, birds, Ticks are categorized as one-host, reptiles). They do not feed on plant two-host and three-host species juices, although plants provide shade according to the number of times an and protection required by many tick individual of the species typically species while they are off the host. uses a different host, whether of the Engorgement with blood and dis­ same or different host species, during solved cell matter may require a few development and adulthood. Host hours or several weeks depending on specificity is a separate concept hav­ the tick species and stage of growth. ing to do with tick preference for (or Tkks have three developmental acceptance of) only one, a few, or stages: larva, nymph and adult. They many host species. There is a ten­ feed only once in each life stage and dency in many three-host, non-host­ often live months, sometimes years, if specific species for larvae to para­ unable to find a host. Adult ticks usu­ sitize field mice and other small ani­ ally mate on the host animal as the mals, nymphs to parasitize small and female feeds. After engorgement, the medium-sized animals, and adults to females detach from the host and fall parasitize mostly medium-sized and to the ground. Those which have also large animals. Except as noted for mated digest the blood and lay an individual species, ticks typically are egg mass containing 2,000 to more active in Kansas from March through than 10,000 eggs. The egg mass is mid-October. deposited beneath soil debris. A few There are about 800 species of ticks weeks later, tiny six-legged larvae in the world; about 80 occur in the hatch from the eggs. They crawl up U.S. and 20 or more in Kansas. The onto grass blades or other vegetation following paragraphs provide infor­ to await a passing host animal. Peo­ mation on several species considered ple who acquire a larval tick are often to have the greatest implications for infested by hundreds of the crawling human health in Kansas. A study in specks at the same time. 1989 showed that only three species, After feeding, the larvae descend American dog ticks, lone star ticks, into the habitat where they wait as and brown dog ticks, comprise they digest their first meal, molt, and 99 .5 percent of ticks encountered by become nymphs. The nymphs have Kansas citizens. This simplifies the eight legs and are still quite small challenge to pest control applicators (small pinhead sized) but in most as each species has a distinct biology, species they look very much like seasonal progress of growth and pop­ adult females except for their lack of ulation, host and habitat preference, American Dog Tick size, omation and a genital pore. and susceptibility to acaricides and (Dermacantor variabilis) other control measures. Knowing male left, female right

39 Ticks such facts for these three species will lished in the U.S. The American strain suffice for most of a commercial pes­ has a strong host preference for dogs. ticide applicator's tick control work; Brown dog ticks occasionally bite although soft tick infestations may be people, usually in a home that has encountered in association with pre­ become infested or where people sent or past structural infestation by spend time in close contact with bats, roof rats, wood rats, or pigeons. infested dogs. These ticks are brought into homes on infested dogs, and Ticks of Concern in Kansas unlike other ticks, may become estab­ lished as indoor pests. American Dog Tick (Dermacentor This species variabilis) commonly survives on outdoor dogs only as far north as the southern two This is the most widely distributed or three tiers of Kansas counties, common tick in the U.S. and is abun­ although it occurs in homes and well dant throughout most of Kansas. protected kennels throughout the Dog tick is not a good name for this U.S. Indoor infestations usually are species. Larvae and nymphs feed not noticed until winter or early mostly on mice, moles, cotton rats spring when eggs laid indoors in the and rabbits. Adults parasitize many summer hatch and produce large species of wild and domestic animals numbers of ticks. Gravid female ticks as well as dogs and humans. Related usually seek crevices in low sites in species found in Kansas include the which to deposit eggs. Larvae and winter tick (D. albipictus), found nymphs tend to crawl upward on mostly on large mammals and espe­ walls and across ceilings. cially in the fall and winter, and D. parumapertus found almost exclu­ Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) sively on jack rabbits. This species is present from eastern Texas to eastern Kansas Lone Star Tick ( Amblyomma and east­ americanum) ward. It is nearly indistinguishable from the western blacklegged tick. Lone star ticks in Kansas were long Blacklegged ticks require high thought to occur only in the south­ humidity and are closely associated eastern counties. Recent studies have with forests, forest edges and dense shown them to be currently common plant life. The larvae and nymphs throughout the eastern one-third of feed on many species of small mam­ Lone Star Tick the state. They are most abundant mals, birds and reptiles. Adults (Amblyomma americanum) near brushy and wooded sites. All become active in September or male left, female right stages (larvae, nymphs, and adults) October and are found on many ani­ parasitize a wide variety of wild and mals but are most numerous on deer, domestic animals, birds, and humans. cattle and horses. Pets and people are Their mouth parts are longer than more likely to be bitten by this those of the American dog tick, they species during fall and early spring feed more deeply, and they com­ months. Although not abundant in monly cause more skin reaction on Kansas, this species has been animals as well as people. The species recorded from Chautauqua County is named for the single, pale, irrides­ through Jefferson County and east­ cent spot on the female's back. A ward, with one specimen collected on related species, the Gulf Coast tick (A. a deer in Riley County. maculatum) occurs uncommonly in the Flint Hills and eastward. Spinose Ear Tick (Otobius megnini) This soft tick is Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus most common in sanguineus) the southwestern states including south central and southwestern The brown dog tick is a native of Kansas. Larvae and nymphs infest Female Brown Dog Tick Africa and is the only exotic tick deep within the ear canals, primarily (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) species that has become well estab- of large, hooved animals but also of

40 Ticks dogs and occasionally humans. The contracted in Kansas may be from the nymphs are covered with spines, bites of the blacklegged tick and the making them difficult to dislodge. lone star tick. Blacklegged ticks occur Their feeding activity may cause in relatively small numbers in for­ great pain and secondary infection. ested areas of eastern Kansas and sel­ Adults of this species live on the dom bite people. Lone star ticks are ground and do not feed. common to abundant in the eastern one-third of Kansas and they fre­ Other Soft Ticks quently bite people, but several labo­ Ornithodoros turicata and 0. talaje ratory tests have failed to show this have no common names. 0. turicata species capable of transmitting Lyme ordinarily feeds on burrow-dwelling disease. Lyme disease has only rarely rodents, turtles and rattlesnakes in been fatal although it sometimes the dry parts of southern Kansas. causes severe chronic debilitation. This species opportunistically bites Tularemia is caused by Francisella humans, causing considerable pain tularensis bacteria. Most hard ticks, and skin reaction as well as some­ some species of deer flies, and possi­ times transmitting relapsing fever. bly other blood-sucking arthropods 0. talaje has been collected in wide­ are capable of transmitting tularemia. spread sites within Kansas. This The disease is sometimes contracted species is more abundant in parts of through exposure to the blood of South and Central America where it infected wild rabbits, squirrels or rac­ has been known to transmit relapsing coons, raccoon bites, and cat scratches fever to humans. 0. talaje feeds prin­ and bites. About 60 percent of cases cipally on rodents but also feeds on are acquired by tick bite. Kansas is many other mammals, including considered to be a part of an man, and on birds, bats and snakes. Arkansas-eastern Oklahoma region of high prevalence for tularemia. Tick-borne Developmental time, prognosis and fatality rates are similar to those for Human Diseases Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Several diseases may be contracted Relapsing fever, caused by the from tick bites in Kansas. Contrary to spirochete Borrelia recurrentis, is asso­ the suggestion in its name, Rocky ciated with the bite of soft ticks, and Mountain spotted fever may be con­ historically, from human lice. Few tracted in every state of the U.S. In Kansans come in contact with soft fact, in recent decades Kansas has ticks. Bites from soft ticks usually had the fifth highest prevalence of occur in relation to working or sleep­ this disease-after Oklahoma, North ing in a11_old building, cabin, bunk­ Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri. In house or cave that has been infested Kansas, the causative organism, by rodents or bats. Rickettsia rickettsii is transmitted by Q fever is caused by a rickettsia­ American dog ticks, lone star ticks like microbe, Coxiella burnetti. This and possibly others. The disease microorganism is harbored by many develops rapidly; from 3 percent to species of both hard ticks and soft 5 percent of cases are fatal; fatalities ticks. People can become infected are usually associated with delay in with Q fever through exposure to diagnosis and treatment. filth and dust contaminated by tick Lyme disease is contracted within excreta and via raw milk of infected Kansas, especially in the eastern one­ cows or goats. third of the state. The pathogenic Within recent years another rick­ agent, Borrelia burgdorferi (a spiro­ ettsia-like organism, related to Ehr­ chete), is occasionally found in many lichia canis that causes ehrlichiosis in species of ticks but most species can dogs, has been shown to cause not transmit it. Circumstantial evi­ human disease. Human ehrlichiosis is dence suggests that Lyme disease most common in southeastern and

41 Ticks south central states. A few cases have Late spring burning of pastures been recognized in Kansas. The increases grass production and live­ brown dog tick is the vector among stock-carrying capacity while reduc­ dogs and, although it bites people ing rodent habitat and tick popula­ infrequently, may be the main vector tions. Where feasible, this approach to humans. Another suspected yet may be used in recreation sites. unproven transmitter is the lone star tick. Pesticides Tick paralysis is an ascending par­ Applied to Outdoor Areas. alysis caused by the host's immune Insecticides and acaricides are regis­ response to biochemicals in tick tered for application to specific sites saliva. Many species of hard ticks and at specific rates for specific pests. soft ticks may cause tick paralysis. Areas where tick control can be Onset is most frequently associated implemented include: (1) recreation with prolonged attachment of ticks, sites, lawns and non-cropland, and especially along the spine, and most (2) dog kennels. Be sure the specific especially near the base of the skull or situation for tick control matches the with simultaneous parasitism by sev­ wording on the label. Do not treat eral ticks. Although death may result sites that double as pastures, because if paralysis progresses too far, recov­ no chemical tick controls are regis­ ery is usually rapid upon timely tered for use on pastures as of this removal of the ticks. writing. Keep spray or drift from con­ taminating food crops or grazing Tick Control Methods areas. Tick control is difficult and requires Acaricidal applications are most a combination of strategies. successful when implemented jointly with as many cultural controls as pos­ Cultural Prevention sible. Tick control requires acaricides with lasting residual activity. In Keeping grassy and weedy areas campgrounds and recreation areas, clipped short throughout the year remember that non-target vertebrates helps discourage tick infestation and and invertebrates are often the pri­ provides less opportunity for ticks mary human attraction to such sites; that are present to transfer to a host. so concentrate treatment primarily on Most tick species are dependent on areas of heavy human activity. This, rodent hosts such as mice, wood rats, of course, calls for materials that do gophers and rabbits during an early not cause imminent danger to human life stage. Reduced cover reduces the users of the site. Apply treatments numbers of these animals, thus when humans are not present and reducing tick numbers. Where practi­ allow reentry only as directed on the cal, fencing to exclude deer and cattle label. Do not treat areas likely to shed from recreation sites also reduces tick runoff into streams or lakes when it populations. rains. Where appropriate, eliminate shrubs and trees as mixed grassy and Pesticides for Dog Sleeping woody vegetation provides habitat Quarters and Kennels. Outside tick for both rodents and ticks and affords infestations of various species are climbing sites from which ticks can often heaviest near the favored rest­ attach to passing people and animals. ing sites of pets, in dog houses and on Twigs and branches should be or under porches. Gravid female ticks pruned back from trails so that they hide in crevices in low sites. Larvae do not brush against hikers and and nymphs tend to crawl upward, afford ticks an opportunity to transfer so treatment may need to include to them. - cracks in and spaces above ceilings of

42 Ticks dog houses, kennels and porches fre­ and trails in preference to dense quented by pets. This is especially growths. If you rest, sit on bare likely if brown dog ticks are involved. ground in a sunlit area. Products and specific directions are too numerous to list here and may Clothing as a Barrier. change without notice. However, tick Long-sleeved shirts with close­ control compounds registered for use fitting cuffs and high necklines, and in kennels include some formulations long trousers make it more difficult of diazinon, DDVP, carbaryl, malath­ for a tick to gain access to bare skin. ion, propoxur, pyrethrins and the Once on your outer clothing, ticks pyrethroids: allethrin, cyfluthrin, tend to climb upward, so upper cypermethrin, permethrin and clothing should be tucked into lower resmethrin. clothing-shirt into trousers, trousers into long stockings or boot tops. For Pesticides Applied to Indoor even better protection, tape sock tops Areas The brown dog tick is most over pantlegs with wide tape. Some often the species that becomes a prob­ people apply a second layer of tape lem indoors. Treat along baseboards, with the sticky side out to trap crawl­ window and door frames, and any ing ticks. Light colored clothing helps sites where these pests may conceal you see and intercept ticks before themselves. Tick eggs may hatch over they reach skin. a period of several months, so more than one treatment may be necessary Repellents for control. Most of the products Good protection is made better mentioned in the previous para­ when a person clothed as described graph, plus several insecticides com­ above applies a tick repellent to outer monly used for control of cock­ clothing and unprotected skin areas roaches and indoor fleas, are regis­ such as wrists and hands. Be espe­ tered for brown dog tick control cially liberal with indoors. repellent in the area from the ankles to the knees and where one item of clothing joins Applied to Dogs and Cats. This another such as at the beltline. A group constitutes a very long list recommended tick repellent is including one or more formulations N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, often of most of the chemicals listed in the called "Deet." Permethrin-based previous paragraphs. They include repellents can be used on clothing dips, shampoos, dusts and sprays. and allowed to dry before putting the Such applications are not made by clothing on. Dusting sulfur is effec­ the Commercial Pesticide Applicators tive but messy, and with perspiration with Category 7D and 8 certification, causes an undesirable odor. but, as with fleas, if tick control Repellents for pets include pyreth­ indoors and outdoors is to be effec­ rins and some permethrin products. tive it must be correlated with treat­ ment of the pets by the pet owner or Personal Inspection a veterinarian. After returning from tick infested Behavioral Avoidance. areas, remove your clothes and inspect yourself for ticks. Children, Danger from tick bite and tick­ especially, will need help searching borne diseases can be lowered by themselves for ticks. Larval and avoiding unnecessary forays into tall nymphal ticks may be mistaken for grass, weeds, and brushy and for­ freckles or small scabs, so look care­ ested areas-particularly during fully. Even ticks that are attached are summer months when the incidence unlikely to have transmitted disease of tick-borne disease is high. Pets can if they are removed within a few also be restricted from such areas. In hours. tick-infested areas, seek open areas

43 Ticks Also inspect the clothing or wash it ways. Do not try to make the tick immediately so ticks can't crawl out back out with heat, vaseline, lighter of it into furniture, carpets or other fluid, alcohol, etc. Such methods only clothing. Leave camping gear and work when the tick is not securely bedrolls outside until well inspected. attached. If the tick is deeply Tick repellents and tick-killing col­ attached, such methods may cause it lars seldom do a complete job. Daily to regurgitate, which increases the hand-picking of ticks from your pet likelihood of both disease transmis­ or working dog is important if the sion and secondary infection. Do not animal frequents infested environ­ squeeze the tick's body as you may ments. Primary tick attachment sites squeeze its gut contents into the skin, on cats include the head, neck and causing infection. back. Favored sites on dogs vary with Disinfect the tick bite. Save ticks the dog's conformation, hair coat and removed from humans in alcohol age. Keeping ticks from becoming with the date and the victim's name engorged on pets reduces the number on the container for future reference. of ticks close to home the following Do not put ticks from different people season. or from different occasions into the same container. Be especially watch­ Tick Removal ful for the first 10 to 14 days after tick To remove an embedded tick, place bites for flu-like illness, headache, fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin lack of balance, nausea, extreme and grasp its "head," then pull gently fatigue, skin rashes or fever. If such and patiently directly away from the symptoms develop, see a physician skin surface. Never twist or pull side- and take the ticks you saved.

44 Ticks

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages39-44

·~------Ticks

1. (39) Ticks have __ pairs of wings 9. (42) Tick paralysis is caused by the and antennae. host's response to: a. 0 (none) a. the tick puncturing the skin b. 1 b. a toxin specific to humans c. 2 c. the tick crawling around d. 3 d. biochemicals in the saliva 2. (39) Ticks deposit their eggs -~· 10. (42) Apply tick control chemicals a. on grass stems to recreational areas only when b. beneath soil debris humans are not present and allow c. on tree trunks reentry: d. on the host animal a. according to label directions 3. (39) There are __ species of ticks b. immediately in Kansas. c. always after 6 hours a. 800 d. always after 12 hours b. 80 11. (43) The tick that most often c. 20 becomes a pest indoors is the: d. 3 a. American dog tick 4. (40) The most widely distributed b. lone star tick tick in the U.S. and is abundant in c. brown dog tick most of Kansas is the: d. spinose ear tick a. lone star tick 12. (43) When used as a tick repellent b. American dog tick on people and clothing, ___ is c. blacklegged tick messy and stinks. d. brown dog tick a. Deet 5. (40) Lone star ticks are most b. sulfur abundant: c. permethrin a. in corn and sorghum fields d. lime b. in native grass meadows 13. (44) Primary attachment sites for c. near brushy and wooded areas ticks on cats include: d. in and around dairy barns a. feet and lower legs 6. (40) This tick requii:es high humid­ b. head, neck and back ity and is closely associated with c. ears and tail forests and other dense plant life. d. face, chest and belly a. blacklegged tick 14. (44) Human victims of tick bites b. brown dog tick should be especially watchful for c. spinose ear tick disease symptoms for the first d. sheep tick ___ days after the bite. 7. (41) In recent decades, Kansas has a. 10 to 14 ranked ___ highest prevalence b. 15 to 20 in Rocky Mountain spotted fever. c. 21to25 a. first d. 26 to 31 b. third c. fifth d. seventh 8. (41) About __ percent of the cases of tularemia are acquired from tick bites. a. 20 b. 40 c. 60 d. 80

45 Skunks years where enzootic skunk rabies develops into an epizootic, a "spill­ over" effect occurs causing a simulta­ More than 50 percent of the con­ neous increase in the number of rabid firmed rabies cases in Kansas are domestic animals thus increasing the from skunks. The odor given off by danger of rabies exposure to humans. skunks can cause many problems for (By Debra Briggs, Veterinary Medi­ homeowners. The digging habits of cine, Kansas State University) skunks can damage house founda­ tions and lawns. Biology There are two species of skunks in Rabies Kansas. The striped skunk is about the Rabies remains enzootic in the size of a large house cat, generally striped skunk population of Kansas black in color with two white stripes making up more than 80 percent of running from the base of the skull to the animals confirmed rabid each the large bushy tail. Solid black indi­ year. On a yearly basis skunk rabies viduals are known to occur but only usually peaks between the months rarely. The spotted skunk is a smaller of April and July. This peak is directly mammal about the size of a half­ related to the breeding season. grown house cat. The spotted skunk Skunks breed during February and is now rarely found in Kansas and is March at which time rabies virus may fully protected by state regulations. be spread from an infected to an The season on the striped skunk is uninfected skunk. Once infected, the open all year. incubation period may last from The striped skunk is most often 2 weeks to 18 months before the found close to old buildings and skunk develops clinical rabies. stream banks. It is generally more tol­ Skunks have been documented to erant of humans and is more abun­ shed virus in their saliva up to 9 days dant than the spotted skunk. In rural before clinical signs are evident. It is areas the striped skunk will fre­ therefore imperative that all skunks quently den beneath barns and sheds. be considered potentially rabid and Its daily range is about one-half to treated with extreme caution when one mile. being removed from premise. Skunks are among the least popu­ Since 1969, three peaks of skunk lar of all our wild animals because of rabies have occurred in Kansas. Each the disagreeable scent they discharge. peak has occurred approximately Yet they are very beneficial, as over 10 years apart and has progressively 1,600 stomach analyses indicate. increased in intensity. Increased inci­ Nearly half of their natural diet is dence of skunk rabies is related to insects: one-fifth fruit, and one-fifth areas of denser human and skunk mice. They are destructive of potato populations, warmer yearly tempera­ beetles, grasshoppers, white grubs tures, and higher amounts of rainfall. and mice around buildings. They are The majority of skunks confirmed active at night. rabid in Kansas were located around Skunk are active all year. They may human dwellings during the daylight sleep for several days during very hours. cold weather but do not hibernate. A rabid skunk will generally Skunks give birth to four to 10 naked, exhibit central nervous system disor­ blind young. Only one litter a year ders, i.e. walking in circles, falling is raised. Adults weigh from 8 to down, disorientation, staggering and 10 pounds. Females are usually some­ in some cases aggression. However, what smaller. the spray from a skunk does not con­ When a skunk raises its tail, it is a stitute an exposure because the virus warning. Ordinarily, there is no dis­ is not present in the musk or the charge. But if the skunk believes it is Skunk musk glands. In local areas or in in danger, one discharge will not

46 Skunks empty the reservoir. An effective Control method to neutralize the odor is to Properly constructed foundations wash everything with ammonia will prevent skunks from denning water. Neutroleun alpha mixed at beneath buildings. In lieu of continu­ 2 ounces to 1 gallon of water can also ous foundations, screening with quar­ be sprayed in the area contaminated ter-inch hardware cloth is effective. with the skunk odor and is effective in clearing the air. Removal Habitat The procedure with individuals or families of skunks is best accom­ Skunks normally use an under­ plished with live traps. Other traps ground den to which they retire dur­ that kill or maim may result in seri­ ing daylight hours. Dens are seldom ous odor problems and death or occupied by single individuals. Most injury to non-target animals. Bait live are used by a female and her current traps with a portion of peanut butter brood. It is not unusual for several on bread. Skunks are relatively easy adult females to occupy a den with a to trap. When the trap is covered with single male. During cold weather as canvas or a plywood shell and han­ many as a dozen adults may sleep dled with a minimum of jarring or intermittently for several weeks in a shaking, the trapped skunk can be single den. Occasionally a skunk den disposed of in a humane manner. is occupied by a solitary older male.

Legal Status Striped skunks are classified as furbearing mammals. The season is open year around. No poisons are registered in Kansas for use on skunks.

47 Bats to fly at 3 to 4 weeks, though some continue to nurse for several weeks longer. In this case, they are left in the -The bats found in Kansas occupy nursing colony. various portions of the state with con­ In many species the adults segre­ siderable overlap of distribution. gate when the young are bone. Each Some migrate in winter but other male lives alone through the summer species are permanent residents. For while the females remain together. positive identification of bats, contact Most species of bats are colonial but the Museum of Natural History at the some are solitary. Both conditions University of Kansas. One species of may occur in some species. Bats have bat, the gray bat, is an endangered few enemies, such as owls, snakes, species and may be found in extreme and some bats live to 20 years or southeastern Kansas. more.

Habitat Legal Status All bats in Kansas are nocturnal, Bats are classified as nongame roosting in crevices, caves, tunnels, mammals by the Kansas Fish and tree foliage or buildings during the Game code. Nongame mammals day. Some species have a separate which are damaging property may night roost to which they retire be taken by the owner or tenant of between feeding flights. Some species the premises. One species, the gray are more particular about the kind of bat found in southeastern Kansas, is roost they select than others. Many classed as endangered. hibernate in caves in winter and may move from one cave to another sev­ Damage eral times. The most stationary Bats inhabiting buildings produce species may inhabit the same roost offensive odors and distracting noise. throughout the year. Bats can carry rabies. Transmission Before you can determine the need not be from a bite from an habits of a particular kind of bat, you infected bat. There is evidence that need to identify the bat. It is impor­ exposure of abraded skin to bat urine tant to know the habits of a bat before or even inhalation of cave air may be control procedures are determined. infective. A number of bats live in Bats rely on reflection of high­ Kansas. As there are no true blood­ Big Brown Bat pitched squeaks they emit to avoid sucking bats in the United States, a (Eptesious fuscus) collisions and to determine location bite is unlikely unless one is handling of prey. Most bats live almost totally or disturbing bats. on insects captured and eaten on the Brown bats are reservoir hosts of wing. Bats hang upside down when encephalitis, which may be transmit­ resting, and many species conserve ted to humans by mosquitoes. energy during the day by lowering Encephalitis can cause death, spastic body temperature. paralysis or mental retardation. His­ Breeding occurs in autumn before toplasmosis, a systematic fungus dis­ hibernation or at the winter roost, ease of humans, may be contracted depending on the species. Ovulation by inhalation of dusty bat manure occurs after winter dormancy is over, containing air-borne spores of the at which time the stored sperm fertil­ fungus. izes the egg. The young (usually only one or two, though a few species bear Repellents up to four) are born 2 to 3 months Bats may be driven out of attics or later, in May to July. Young are born other enclosed spaces by spreading naked and many cling to their napthalene over the area at a rate of mother for some time after birth. No Little Brown Bat about 5 pounds for every 2,000 cubic nest is ever built. The young are able (Myotis lucifugus) feet. If the area does not lend itself to

48 Bats spreading the material, it may be sus­ such as small crevices around eaves, pended from rafters in cheesecloth bases of rafters, etc., with strips of bags. This material dissipates upon wood, metal or caulking compound. exposure to air and repeated applica­ New individuals may be attracted tions may be necessary if entrance by the odors left by departed bats. holes are not plugged after the bats Therefore, a thorough clean-up and have left. bat-proofing should be considered After the bats have left the treated necessary adjuncts to the use of area, seal off openings by which they repellents. are gaining entrance to the building,

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages46-49 Skunks and Bats 1. (46) Skunks cause problems to 6. (48) All bats in Kansas are active homeowners because of their: only: a. odor a. at dusk b. digging around house b. at night foundations c. at dawn c. digging in lawns d. at mid-day d. all the above 7. (48) Bats are classified as ___ 2. (46) Skunks are documented to animals. shed rabies virus in their saliva up a. forbearing to __ days before clinical signs b. non-forbearing appear. c. game a. 7 d. nongame animals b. 9 8. (48) Brown bats are a reservoir host c. 11 for __ which may be transmitted d. 13 to humans by mosquitoes. 3. (46) There two species of skunks in a. encephalitis Kansas. They are the striped b. yellow fever skunk and the ___ c. rabies a. spotted skunk d. histoplasmosis b. pole cat 9. (48) Bats can be repelled by spread­ c. lined skunk ing naphthalene in the attic or by: d. white skunk a. spraying it as a fine mist 4. (47) Skunks normally spend the b. suspending it from the rafters in daylight hours: bags a. under leaves and branch piles c. spraying in as a course spray b. boards and trash around d. blowing the fumes into the attic buildings 10. (49) Because new bats may be c. in nests in low tree branches attracted to the odors of previous d. in under-ground dens bat roosting areas, ____ 5. (47) When using live traps to cap­ a. trap them on arrival. ture skunks, bait them with: b. thoroughly clean-up and bat­ a. cheese proof the controlled site. b. dead grasshoppers c. shoot them with No. 10 shot. c. peanut butter on bread d. place poison at the entry points. d. bacon fat

49 Rodents relate to the authority of county boards to levy taxes for prairie dog control. Field Rodents Bridled weasels are common in southwest Approximately 16 different kinds Kansas and are often con­ fused of field rodents live in Kansas. Health with the black-footed ferret. problems associated with these ani­ mals is not believed to be serious. Endangered Species Some do carry fleas that might trans­ Products used in prairie dog con­ mit plaque, especially in extreme trol are hazardous to other wildlife. western Kansas. Other field rodents The user of any control method is are important as reservoirs of Rocky responsible to insure that the area Mountain spotted fever. Control proposed for treatment is not inhab­ methods for field rodents are similar ited by the black-footed ferret, an to the following description for endangered species. If a ferret is sus­ prairie dogs. (See appendix page 78.) pected to inhabit the area, report its presence to state fish and game Prairie Dogs authorities before undertaking prairie dog control. Biology Prairie dogs are social mammals Control that live in colonies on short- and If artificial control is practiced, the mixed-grass prairie. Of the five spe­ most workable method now known is cies native to the United States, it is baiting with a single dose poison. All the black-tailed prairie dog that is poison grain and fumigant material found in Kansas. used in controlling black-tailed The black-tailed prairie dog is a prairie dog damage should be regis­ thickset, burrowing squirrel with a tered by the Environmental Protec­ black-tipped tail. The fur has a distinct tion Agency and the state of Kansas. reddish cast, the eyes are large and the If you use these materials, follow ears are inconspicuous. The legs are instructions on the label. short with five toes on each foot and Prairie dogs will take oats readily the head is broad and round. Adults whenever green food is not available. vary from 10 to 12 inches in length During the spring and summer when and weigh between rn to 2~ pounds. . the prairie dogs feed almost entirely Prairie dog colonies, called towns, on green food, they are very difficult house from a few to thousands of indi­ to poison. It is after the grasses and viduals. Within a town, prairie dogs roots have become dried that they form small social groups known as will take poisoned grain. Therefore, coteries. late summer or early winter is the The species native to Kansas is best time to start a poisoning active only during the day and does program. not hibernate. Between four and five Pre-bait the area with clean, unpoi­ are born per litter each year in March soned grain. Allow 2 days to elapse. or April. Check to see if pre-bait has been con­ The population of dogs per acre is sumed. If pre-bait has been eaten, greatest during the spring after the then thoroughly treat the entire young are born and lowest in late win­ colony. Usually a large percentage of ter. The population density of black­ the prairie dogs will be destroyed. A tailed prairie dogs varies from 5 in late week or 10 days later, apply poison winter to 20 per acre in the summer. grain again to occupied burrows. Any animals that survive then can be Legal Status destroyed by fumigation. Prairie dogs are classified as non­ Results are better when the poison game animals in Kansas. There is no is scattered in the early morning. Prairie Dog closed season on them. Some laws Wind and rain drastically reduce the

50 Rodents effectiveness of the treatment and sandy soil. Fumigation fails some­ should be avoided. All burrows in a times because of configuration of the large colony must be treated. One burrow system, length of the burrow person can treat 8 to 10 acres. There­ system, and absorption of gasses into fore, a person on foot can cover 80 to soil cracks or into interconnecting 100 acres daily. Carry the poison burrows. Fumigation when carried grain in a cloth sack and distribute it out as the initial control method on with a tablespoon. Wear rubber large prairie dog colonies is expen­ gloves and work during calm wea­ sive, laborious, often disappointing, ther. After distributing the poison and therefore, a waste of time and grain, stay away from the area for money. at least 24 hours. Do not place the grain inside the Commensal Rodents burrow entrance, on the mound or in Norway rats and house mice are the grass away from the mound. Do commensal rodents. Rodents that live not put the grains in lumps or piles. in close association with man are If the grain is scattered well, danger called "commensal." Both rodents are to livestock is minimal. The safest found throughout Kansas. way to avoid poisoning livestock is Norway rat and house mouse con­ to treat only pastures where livestock trol is different. One needs to study has been removed. the habits of each before control is When placing poison grain, use started. (See page 78, appendix.) only the small amount recommended There are five important steps in on the label and put the grain on the rat and mouse control. You need to flat, bare ground between the mound go through each step starting at num­ and the grass. ber one. You cannot start at number two and achieve control. Fumigating 1. Cleanup-put rodents under The prairie dogs that have sur­ stress. vived the poisoning can be killed 2. Single dose toxicant. with a fumigant. A permit from the 3. Anticoagulant. Kansas Department of Wildlife and 4. Traps. Parks is required to use a fumigant 5. Program of rodent proofing. on prairie dogs. On a small scale, No poison bait can solve the prob­ fumigating is neither too expensive lem alone. Commensal rodents are a or laborious. Fumigate only burrows social problem rather than a biologi­ known or strongly suspected to be cal one. occupied. Mark all burrows to be treated. As the burrows are treated, the markers Norway Rat can be removed or pushed over. Habitat Suffocating cartridges are ignited and Norway rats can be found in ware­ inserted into closed burrows to houses, farm buildings, houses, irri­ remove available oxygen and suffo­ gation dikes, sewers, rubbish dumps, cate all burrow occupants. wood piles and building foundations. The burrow should be closed with They are good climbers. They can soil after fumigation to make the reach a height of 18 inches and jump gassing more effective. Frequently 24 inches vertically. Rats are good one fumigation will kill all of the swimmers and can stay afloat for prairie dogs. If any burrows are 72 hours. reopened or activity is noted after The Norway rat is a good digger treatment, the active burrows should and burrows along foundations of be fumigated within a week after the buildings, beneath rubbish piles, and first treatment. in fields. He is a superb gnawer and There are limitations on the use of can gnaw through concrete and soft Before fumigating, look for ferret fumigants. Any fumigant tends not metal. Norway rats are dominant and ramps. to be effective in dry soil, especially aggressive. They will not hesitate to

51 Rodents attack children, and fight viciously if be consumed or contaminated by rat cornered. They can walk on wires urine, hairs and feces, thus endanger­ and descend headfirst. ing human health and requiring strin­ The tail of a Norway rat is shorter gent inspection procedures and pre­ than its head and body combined. ventive measures to exclude rats from Norway rats have relatively poor warehouses and other food handling vision but keen senses of smell, touch facilities. Rats may eat eggs and kill taste and hearing. The sense of touch young birds on poultry farms as well is served by the long whiskers (vib­ as eating feed. rissae) on the snout. Domestic rats Rats are hosts to the Trichina and mice run close beside a wall worm. Man may become infected if where these sensory hairs touch to he eats poorly cooked pork after the give the animal information about its hog has eaten an infected rat. Rat surroundings. The home range is fre­ urine may transmit leptospirosis and quently 100 to 150 feet. the feces may contain Salmonella bac­ Norway rats and other domestic teria. Bubonic plague and murine rodents are nocturnal but may go typhus fever may be transmitted by about in undisturbed places during infected rat fleas. Rat bites may cause the day. They feed on virtually any­ bacterial ratbite fever or infection, as thing edible. They may move up to well as ugly scars. 4 or 5 miles in their wanderings. Rat gnawing causes spillage of Norway rats are unable to vomit. feedstuffs and damage to woodwork They must drink water to survive. and electrical wiring, resulting .in Rats and mice are normally not shorted circuits and fires. Rats cut abundant in the same place. One or and shred clothing and other fabrics the other will be dominant. when making nests. And rats may Norway rats are prolific breeders, annoy or frighten some persons. a fact which has made them useful in their albino form, as the standard lab­ Baits oratory rat in biological experiments. Suggested baits for Norway rats The average length of life is about include steel cut oat groats, rolled 1 year, and sexual maturity is barley, whole corn, yellow corn meal, attained in 3 to 5 months. The young rolled oat groats and rolled wheat. In average 8 to 10 per litter (extremes of special problem areas such as in 2 to 22). Although 12 litters a year are dumps, chunk type dog food or meat possible, the average is 4 to 7 per baits may be used. Sugar, to 5 percent year. The gestation period is 21 to by weight, may be added to improve 22 days and the young may run about bait acceptance. at 3 weeks of age. The average num­ ber of young weaned per year by a Toxicants female out of captivity is 20. It is the­ Single dose poisons: Place a tea­ oretically possible for a pair to in­ spoon of bait (about 80 per pound) crease to 2,000 in one year. in each active burrow or scatter small The Norway rat is colonial. It is not amounts of bait in protected places native to North America. It is appar­ frequented by rats, but inaccessible ently vulnerable to predation by to livestock, poultry, wildlife and owls, hawks, weasels and coyotes. children. Prebaiting 2 days before applying acute or one-shot toxic bait Legal Status will achieve better control and will Norway rats are not classified by indicate how much toxic bait to put Kansas laws. out. Prebaiting should be conducted where natural food is abundant. If Damage possible use natural foods as a bait Grain and vegetables are among and reduce access to natural foods. the crops damaged by Norway rats. Stored agricultural commodities may

52 Rodents Bait should be picked up and dis­ House Mice posed of upon completion of the House mice are found throughout rodent control program. Do not re­ the state. Occasionally, they are found treat with single dose baits for at least in fields, but usually in buildings. 3 months and preferably 6 months. House mice build nests in boxes and Anticoagulant baits: A single feed­ crates, as well as stationary objects, ing on anticoagulant baits will not enhancing their rapid distribution. control rats. Bait must be eaten at sev­ eral feedings on five or more succes­ Biology sive days with no periods longer than 48 hours between feedings. It is House mice live in a variety of important to use enough baits so all man-made structures. Mice living in the rats can feed. the open may move into buildings Place 4 to 16 ounces of bait in bait when weather becomes severe. They box or shallow container, preferably soon become accustomed to ordinary in protected feeder stations. Place bait noises and as a result may be active stations in dry locations such as in near people, animals or machines. concealed places, in comers, or along The poor vision of mice is compen­ walls where rats frequent. Inspect sta­ sated by keen senses of smell, taste, tions daily and add bait as needed. hearing and touch. Because the long Increase the amount when bait in whiskers on the nose and above the feeder is entirely consumed over­ eyes serve the sense of touch, mice night. Replace moldy or old bait with normally make runways near walls. fresh bait. Maintain an uninterrupted House mice eat the same foods as supply as long as any bait is taken man, showing a preference for foods which may be 2 to 4 weeks. For Nor­ high in protein or carbohydrates. way rats put bait at or near ground Different environments offer varied level and at burrows and haborages. diets and sometimes mice will feed Where a continuous source of upon such things as live insects, infestation is present, establish per­ starch in clothing, and glue in book­ manent bait stations and replenish as bindings. They require very little needed. Pick up and dispose of all water and can live for many months bait upon completion of the rodent on a dry gain diet. control program. Because of their small size, mice Paraffin bait blocks: Cereal baits must feed several times during a embedded in paraffin are used in 24-hour period. This means they will sewers, outdoors or excessively damp be active during the day as well as locations where unprotected bait the night. Their range is normally would spoil rapidly. The bait blocks 10 to 30 feet from the nest. The nest are reasonably weather-proof, elimi­ is lined with soft materials such as nating the need for bait stations. cotton or paper and may be built in Paraffin bait blocks are not as read­ walls, cabinets, upholstered furniture ily accepted as comparable bait in the or other convenient spaces. Their loose form. Paraffin bait blocks urine and droppings mark the trail should only be used where environ­ for others. Mice are poor swimmers. mental conditions demand a mois­ The usual length of life is about ture-resistant type bait or use of loose 1 year. During this time a female bait is impractical. house mouse will raise an average of As old blocks are eaten away, 30 to 35 young. Sexual maturity is replace with new ones. Pick up and attained at rn months, gestation dispose of all bait upon completion period is 18 to 21 days, and of several of the rodent control program. litters (up to 8 per year) of 3 to 11, usually 5 or 6 young are raised. The Traps young are born blind. Recommended traps for rats include line traps, expanded trigger snap traps and 110 conibear traps:

53 Rodents Legal Status Broadcast baiting-rarely used House mice are not classified by except where house mice reach high Kansas law. field densities. Tracking power-put small amount Damage in bait boxes or pipes along walls. Directions for use of single dose House mice are omnivorous. They poisons: Place tablespoon amounts consume and contaminate stored (X to~ ounce) of bait in shallow con­ grain and cereal products as well as tainers spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. Place fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat and in dry locations such as in concealed hay. They are often a pest in chicken places, in corners, or along walls houses where they consume the where house mice frequent. chicken feed. Other property damage, Bait placements should be inacces­ including gnawing of electrical wire sible to children, pets or domestic ani­ insulation, will occur. mals or exposed in tamperproof bait Mice and their ectoparasites are boxes. Dispose of bait upon comple­ involved in the transmission of dis­ tion of the rodent control program. eases: salmonella food poisoning by Do not re-treat with single dose infected rodent feces on suitable poison bait for at least 6 months. foods; rickettsialpox by the bite of the Anticoagulant baits: A single feeding house mouse mite; and lymphocytic or drinking of anticoagulant bait will choriomeningitis, a virus infection of not control house mice. Bait must be house mice, transmitted to man by eaten ten or more successive days to means of food or dust contaminated give adequate control. Paraffin bait with respiratory droplets or pow­ blocks are not particularly effective dered feces of infected animals. or necessary for house mice. Place tablespoon amounts Baits (X to~ ounce) of bait in bait box cir Suggested baits for house mice shallow container, preferably in pro­ include oatmeal, rolled oats, yellow tected feeder stations. Place bait sta­ com meal, cracked com, rolled tions at 8 to 12 feet intervals in dry wheat, peanut butter, and jelly beans. locations such as in concealed places, Sugar, to five percent by weight, may in comers, or along walls where be added to improve bait acceptance. house mice feed, drink or frequent. Inspect stations daily and add bait Toxicants as needed. Increase the amount when Anticoagulants. Spot baiting-bait bait in feeder is entirely consumed boxes, bait traps and place packets. overnight. Replace moldy or old Broadcast baiting-rarely used but bait with fresh bait. Maintain an may be used in some special situa­ uninterrupted supply of bait as long tions where repeated applications can as any bait is taken, 2 to 4 weeks. be made until control is achieved. Where a continuous source of in­ House mice are naturally less sus­ festation is present, establish perma­ ceptible to anticoagulants than rats nent bait stations and replenish as and have different feeding patterns, needed. Pick up and dispose of bait thus anticoagulant baits are some­ upon termination of control. times prepared at double strength. Double strength baits increase the Traps potential for hazards to pets and Numerous traps should be set in domestic animals. Therefore, use small areas. Peanut butter, oatmeal them with even greater caution than and jelly beans are good bait. normal strength baits. Expanded trigger traps can be used. Single dose poisons. Spot baiting­ Sticky compounds on boards are bait boxes and place packets. effective in reducing mice traffic.

54 Rodents

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages50-54

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rodents

1. (50) There are approximately __ 7. (52) Stored agricultural commodi­ different kinds of field rodents in ties may be consumed or contami­ Kansas. nated by Norway rat: a. 5 a. hair b. 11 b. urine c. 16 c. feces d. 20 d. all the above 2. (50) The best time to poison bait 8. (52) The addition of sugar in Nor­ control program for prairie dogs is: way rat bait, of __ percent by a. late winter or early spring weight may improve acceptance. b. early spring or early summer a. 5 c. late summer or early winter b. 10 d. actually, prairie dogs only eat c. 15 green grass d. 20 3. (51) When placing poison grain 9. (53) should only be used bait for prairie dog control: for rat control where environmen­ a. place it in the burrow entrance tal conditions demand a moisture­ b. scatter on bare ground between resistant bait. the mound and the grass a. Paraffin bait blocks c. scatter on the mound only b. Toxic plastic strips d. scatter on the grass only c. Dried meat containing poison 4. (51) The first step in rat and mouse d. Naturally occurring rat diseases control is: 10. (53) House mice have very poor a. single dose toxicant b. traps a. sense of smell c. use of an anticoagulant b. sense of taste d. cleanup to put them under c. vision stress d. sense of touch 5. (52) The tail of the Norway rat is 11. (54) Rickettsialpox is transmitted shorter than the combined length from mice to man by: of its: a. mouse bites a. head and body b. mosquito bites b. two front legs c. house mouse mite bites c. two hind legs d. flea bites d. front and hind legs 12. (54) For anticoagulant baits to be 6. (52) Norway rats are prolific breed­ effective on mice, they must be ers and have an average gestation eaten for a minimum of period of days. a. 5 days a. 15 to 16 b. 7 days b. 21to22 c. 10 days c. 27 to 28 d. 15 days d. 32 to 33

55 Birds enriched with chicken droppings and later used as fertilizer); and enclosed buildings where birds or bats have -Large roosting concentration of roosted. In addition, the fungus can birds can lead to potential public grow in various natural soils with or health problems. They can be noisy, without droppings. In some areas, their droppings create an objectional such as the Ohio Valley, histoplasmo­ smell, and the droppings and the sis is so widespread that 95 percent weight of the birds break limbs and of the human population becomes destroy vegetation. The droppings infected whether associated with also form a medium for the growth of birds or not. bacteria and fungi. In addition, birds Not all blackbird or starling roosts may act directly as carriers or vectors pose an immediate public health for some diseases. See page 79, problem of histoplasmosis. The histo­ appendix plasmosis fungus grows readily in bird roosts, but an active, undis­ Diseases From Birds turbed roost may not present an immediate human health hazard. Histoplasmosis Although the fungus grows well in Histoplasmosis is a respiratory dis­ bird droppings, it cannot form spores ease in humans caused by inhaling under the acidic conditions of fresh spores from the fungus of Histoplasma droppings. An active undisturbed capsulatum. Birds do not spread the roost may only give off a few spores disease directly. The spores are that may result in the normally unde­ spread by the wind and the disease is tected kind of case. contracted by inhaling them. Never­ Old or abandoned roosts, however, theless, the birds' droppings enrich can be a different matter. After drop­ the soil and promote growth of the pings have dried out or been leached fungus. by the rain, the right conditions Infection by only a few spores gen­ develop for spore release. If the soil is erally produces a mild case in stirred up under dusty conditions, as humans and a person may be un­ may be the case in land clearing or aware that he had the disease unless bulldozing, massive amounts of it is detected later through a skin spores may be released. The bad epi­ reactivity test or lung x-ray which demics associated with bird roosts reveals healed lesions. A person may have occurred from such conditions. acquire immunity without realizing Birds in large roosts can sometimes it. A more severe infection may result be dispersed by the use of various in an acute pulmonary case with frightening devices or by roost thin­ symptoms much like the flu. In fact, ning or clearing. In severe situations, it is often misdiagnosed as flu. As bird populations at roosts may be with flu, the patient generally recov­ reduced by using wetting agents. ers spontaneously after a period of Take precautions when working several weeks. around an old or abandoned roost The most serious infections, usu­ site. Wear a respirator or face mask ally resulting from massive spore with dust filter to prevent inhalation inhalation, may involve a dissemina­ of the spores. tive case in which the fungus is dis­ If an area that was once a bird roost persed through the blood stream. is going to be cleared or bulldozed, · Such cases may become chronic, do the work when the weather is wet recurring at later times. or cold. Avoid clearing under the dry, There are also other possible dusty conditions of late summer. A sources for histoplasmosis infection, roost may be decontaminated by including: poultry farms (chicken treating it with a diluted formalde­ coops are a serious source); natural hyde solution before clearing. It is fertilizers (especially rich soils wise to test for the presence of Histo­ plasma before beginning any work.

56 Birds Ornithosis (psittacosis) fatal. Various species of birds may The pigeon is the wild bird species also play a part in the transmission of most commonly associated with the encephalitis, Newcastle disease, transmission of ornithosis to humans. aspergillosis, toxoplasmosis, pseudo­ Ornithosis is caused by a virus-like tuberculosis, avian tuberculosis, and organism and is usually an insidious coccidiosis. disease with primarily pneumonic Birds should be dispersed or con­ involvement. It can be a rapidly fatal trolled when they form large concen­ infection. trations near human habitations and Birds have become adapted to the are judged to pose a threat to public disease and show no symptoms. They health or livestock. Concentrations of act as "healthy carriers," shedding birds that do not pose a serious prob­ the organism in their feces which lem to human health or agriculture later may become air-borne as dust. are usually better left undisturbed. The disease may also be contracted Avoid working around bird roosts from parakeets or farm poultry. during dry, dusty weather conditions Several cases of ornithosis are usu­ and wear a face mask with dust filter ally diagnosed in Kansas each year. whenever working around an estab­ Since the disease has a low fatality lished roost. Merely controlling or rate (less than 1 percent of cases dispersing birds at a large roost does reported in the United States) and is not necessarily eliminate the public usually mild, many cases undoubt­ health problem. Before the soil or edly occur in human beings that are droppings under a roost are dis­ undetected or incorrectly diagnosed. turbed, test the soil for Histoplasma. If positive, pretreat with decontami­ Salmonellosis nates. Salmonellosis, a form of food poi­ soning, is a common disease. It is an Problem Birds acute gastroenteritus produced by The Australian crow trap was members of the Salmonella group of designed to capture crows. The bacteria pathogenic to man and other entrance is ladder shaped with holes animals. The organism can be spread measuring 6 inches by 12 inches. in many ways, one being through Whole corn, whole oats, watermelon, food contaminated with bird feces or eggs, an animal carcass or whatever with Salmonella organisms carried on the birds have been feeding upon the feet of birds. have been effective baits. Provide adequate water as crows need a lot of Other Diseases water and drink several times a day. Pigeons, starlings, sparrows, black­ birds and other birds have been im­ House Sparrow (English Sparrow) plicated in the transmission of vari­ The house sparrow is found ous diseases of significance to throughout Kansas. It lives in cities humans or livestock. and towns, and in agricultural areas. Starlings have been shown to be vectors of TGE (transmissible gas­ Biology troenteritus) of swine. The virus can Nest building begins as early as be carried in an infective state in the April with both sexes participating in bird's intestine or on its feet for up to the activity. Nests are constructed of 30 hours. It is generally fatal to baby grass, straw and debris and may be pigs and causes weight loss in adults. located almost anywhere. Three to Starlings may also be involved in the seven eggs are laid (commonly five) transmission of hog cholera. and two or three broods are raised Cryptococcosis is a fungus causing each year. The same nest has been chronic meningitis. It is spread by occupied by up to four different pigeons and starlings and is usually

57 Birds females in a season, leading to higher Control Materials estimates of the number of broods Frightening devices: The spar­ raised than is probably the case. row's range of hearing is reported The incubation period of the spar­ between 675-111,500 cps so that row is 11 to 12 days. The age at first ultrasonic devices are ineffective. flight is about 15 days. Soon after the Fireworks, blank shot, shell crackers young leave the nest they gather in and other noise making devices, if small flocks. As the summer permitted by local regulations and advances the juveniles are joined by persistently carried out, will eventu­ adults until the flock may number ally dislodge birds from an evening several hundred. tree roost. These devices are usually The house sparrow is primarily a ineffective where they are also nest­ grain eater. An adult bird eats about ing. Flags, foil strips and dangling 6 grams of dry grain a day. Bread paper are relatively useless as the crumbs and other human debris, no birds readily adapt to them. doubt, substitute for grain in cities. Repellents: Carefully screening Some weed seeds and insects are around poultry houses, barns, etc. eaten, but animal food accounted for with %-inch or smaller mesh will keep less than 5 percent of the annual diet them out. Sticky repellents applied to (Kalmbach 1940). The young are fed ledges, rafters, beams, etc. are effec­ most of the animal matter. Succulent tive in keeping sparrows away. How­ vegetable matter including fruit, ever, the ability of sparrows to cling young plants and blossoms of beans to small projections makes this an and peas are also taken. expensive, laborious and· messy process. Some success has been Legal Status achieved with frighten-type chemical Kansas law does not define house treated bait. This bait is commercially sparrows in any way and they may available from some pest control be taken and possessed by any per­ operators. son at any time. There are no federal Shooting: Shooting will reduce the restrictions on taking house number of birds present, but is costly sparrows. and rather futile as a method of com­ plete crop protection. Nevertheless, Crop and Health Damages it is fairly effective in large buildings. Damage to crops include the fol­ Use bird shot in smooth bore rifle lowing: grain, especially sorghums, barrels. near ranch buildings; grain in poultry Trapping: A wide variety of traps rations, storage sheds and livestock have been used for local control of feedlots; sprouting vegetables and house sparrows. Traps that are flower crops and newly seeded designed to catch only a few birds at lawns; disbudding of fruit trees and a time include the double funnel trap, ornamentals; and occasional pecking nest trap and the commercially avail­ of ripening fruit. able elevator trap. Modified Austral­ The house sparrow harbors the ian crow traps and cotton trailers con­ chicken louse and the bird louse. verted to traps have caught larger House sparrows are capable of trans­ numbers of birds. Aviary wire of mitting fowl cholera, turkey black­ ~ inch by ~ inch mesh hardware cloth head, Newcastle disease, avian tuber­ should be used for the wire covering culosis, Eastern equine encephalitis, of these traps. Chick scratch, fine pullorum, canary pox, anthrax and cracked corn, milo, wheat, bread numerous helminth, fungal and pro­ crumbs or their combinations make tozoan parasites. The noise and filth good baiting material and food associated with their nests are nui­ sources for decoy birds left in the trap sances in urban areas. and captured birds. Traps are better, effective and cheaper than use of toxic baits.

58 Birds Frightening chemical: A commer­ Exposing poison bait: When pre­ cially prepared frighten chemical bait is accepted freely in all or nearly grain bait for use by public agencies all trays or troughs, they should be and licensed pest control operators emptied and poison bait substituted. qualified in bird control is available. Spread poison bait sparingly and Use according to label directions. evenly. Place bait in troughs during Toxicants: Single dose poison on early morning. Do not allow bait to grain bait (pre-baiting is very impor­ become wet. After 2 days, remove tant). Directions for use: Before poison bait, replace with clean bait exposing treated baits, make thor­ for 1 week or until good acceptance is ough observations to determine the obtained. The process of prebaiting number of house sparrows present, and exposing treated bait is then con­ their feeding habits, their preferred tinued until the birds are under con­ locations, their daily behavior pat­ trol or the damage period is over. terns, and the presence of nontarget Summary of instructions: After pre­ species. Continue observations baiting, place poison bait sparingly in throughout the day. During these trays or troughs that are located in observations select desirable locations trees, shrubs, on fence posts or on for bait exposure. If adequate precau­ standards in areas frequented by tions are taken in selecting baiting sparrows. Remove after 2 days. Refill sites, no other species should be with clean bait for 1 week or until harmed. Secondary poisoning can good acceptance is obtained. Remove occur using registered single dose prebait and again expose poison bait poisons. Especially, watch for damage for 2 days. Repeat process every in hogs, cats and dogs. 6 months. When the daily activity pattern of the birds has been established and Pigeons baiting locations selected, clean bait Domestic pigeons carry pigeon should be used to determine the pre­ orni thosis (psi ttacossis), Newcastle ferred bait. Continue prebaiting for disease, aspergillosis, pseudotubercu­ several days or until there is good losis, pigeon coccodiosis, toxoplasmo­ bait acceptance. Do not use toxic bait sis, encephalitis and Salmonella until good acceptance of clean bait typhimurium. Except for the latter occurs. three these diseases rarely infect man, Placement of bait trays: Flat bait but the effects may be serious if diag­ trays or rain troughs can be placed an nosis is delayed. Salmonella is found rafters in garages, sheds, barns, hang­ in about 2 percent of pigeon feces and ers on standards, etc. where house is statistically the most frequent cause sparrows frequent to feed or perch of salmonella food poisoning in man. and where there is no danger to man Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis or other animals. Construct and place are systematic fungus diseases of troughs soundly to prevent bait man which may be contracted while spillage. cleaning up accumulations of dusty Pre baiting: Prebaiting with clean, pigeon manure. Pigeon ectoparasites untreated bait is essential for good such as bugs, fleas, ticks and mites control. Prebait and treated bait may bite man, possibly transmitting should be of the same grain bait. disease. Welts and skin infection may If trays and troughs are well located result from mite bites. Ectoparasites and birds are numerous, acceptance frequently invade homes from pigeon of bait should be well established nests in or on the building. within one week. If at the end of Pigeon droppings deface and accel­ 10 days some fail to show acceptance erate deterioration of buildings and of bait, move to a new location. Ex­ automobiles and may land on un­ pose prebait sparingly but replenish wary pedestrians. Pigeon feces is as needed to keep birds feeding. a common contaminant of grain des­ tined for use as human food. Pigeon

59 Birds nests may clog drain pipes, interfere repelling pigeons. Flags, dangling with awnings and render fire escapes paper, foil strips, etc. will sometimes hazardous. The nests harbor numer­ work briefly. ous ectoparasites. Repellents: As a pigeon's sense of Pigeons are widely distributed in smell is rudimentary, odor repellents Kansas cities and on farms in barns. are not effective except in confined locations. Sticky materials which are Biology available commercially are applied to Building ledges, barn rafters and ledges or rafters where birds roost. similar man-made shelters are usual They repel pigeons by entangling nesting sites. The pair constructs a their feet and sometimes their feath­ rather messy nest in which the female ers. It is advisable to protect porous lays one or two eggs. The male cares surfaces with tape or a silicone spray for and guards the female and nest. undercoating as these sticky materials The incubation period of pigeons is may seriously stain buildings. 17 to 19 days. The young are fed pre­ Shooting: Where local ordinances digested food until they are weaned permit, pigeons may be shot. Nor­ just before leaving the nest at 35 to mally, .22 shorts or shotguns are nec­ 37 days of age. More eggs are laid essary, but compressed air guns or before the first young are weaned. .22 dust shot is effective at close Breeding occurs at all seasons and range. several broods are raised each year. Trapping: A colony of pigeons The average pigeon lives five years or tends to use regular feeding and more and some live over 15 years. roosting areas and can sometimes be An adult pigeon will eat about a controlled by intensive trapping at pound of food a week, consisting of these locations. Large, walk-in traps seeds and other grains augmented have been reported to be more effec­ with some amounts of fruit, green tive than smaller ones. Smaller traps feed, insects and sufficient grit for are less expensive to construct and digestion. Pigeons are generally easier to transport. Suggested baits monogamous although when a mate include whole or coarse-cracked corn. dies the survivor will select a new The trap should be tended each day mate. in mid-morning and after dark. Traps with the "bob" type Legal Status entrances (light rods that swing inward to allow the bird entrance) Feral pigeons are not protected by are the most common. Other trap federal or state statute. However, the designs include funnel traps, double taking of homing pigeons (banded entrance funnel traps, lily pad traps individuals) should be avoided. and cloverleaf traps. There may be municipal restrictions Heavy prebaiting for a period of on the methods used to take feral time in and around traps with the pigeons. doors left open may be necessary to get pigeons to visit the trap readily. Control Materials Live decoys should be placed in the Nest removal: Removing nests trap to help attract other pigeons. and destroying young helps depress White or light colored birds make populations. better lures than drab, blue gray ones. Frightening devices: Pigeons have If possible, leave the same individu­ a strong territorial sense and are less als in the trap. responsive to noises than are most Return pigeons marked with leg other birds. No practical alarm or dis­ bands to their owners or turn them tress calls have been found. Record­ over to the local humane society. ing of loud noises sometimes works Bait: Whole kernel corn is the most to frighten pigeons. Scarecrows such widely used bait. as stuffed owls are ineffective for

60 Birds Frightening chemical: A fright Biology producing chemical commercially About mid-September migrants prepared on a grain bait for use by from the north begin arriving in public agencies and licensed pest Kansas. They merge with residents control operators qualified in bird into large flocks which are found in control. Use according to label and around animal feedlots, scattered directions. over pasture and rangeland. By April Chemosterilant: A commercially 15 these birds have either paired off prepared grain bait containing a to nest in Kansas or have migrated chemosterilant to reduce the breeding from Kansas. potential of a target flock. Use accord­ The nest is built in any tree cavity, ing to label directions. hole in a building, or deserted wood­ Toxicants: Single dose poison­ pecker hole of suitable size. Nests prebaiting up until time of switch is used in successive seasons become very important. Can be effective if foul-smelling. Two to eight eggs are used not more than every 6 months. laid, usually four to six. The incuba­ Pick up is important. Watching flocks tion period is 11 to 13 days. Both establishing feeding stations and sexes assist in this activity. Age at planning is important. first flight is 19 to 22 days. Directions for use: Before exposing As fledglings come off the nest they treated baits, make thorough observa­ gather in small family groups of up to tions to determine the number of ten birds including one or two adults. pigeons present, their feeding habits, These small groups eventually merge their preferred locations, their daily together until large flocks are formed. behavior patterns, and the presence Merging continues until all of the of nontarget species. Continue obser­ birds in a local area are in one large vations throughout the day. During flock. These.flocks are scattered these observations select desirable throughout the state in summer and locations for bait exposure. If ade­ are responsible for depredations to quate precautions are taken in select­ soft fruits and other summer crops. ing bait sites no other species should Population build-ups in cattle feed­ be harmed. lots begin by mid-October. Starlings When the daily pattern of the birds share a communal roost at night and has been established and baiting loca­ during the winter as many as tions selected, clean bait should be 70,000,000 birds have been observed used to determine the preferred bait. in one roost. Continue prebaiting for several days The starling's diet is almost 60 per­ or until there is good bait acceptance. cent animal matter, mainly insects Do not use toxic baits until good and other small invertebrates. Vege­ acceptance of clean bait occurs. table matter is largely berries and Bait should be applied only under other fruit with some seeds and the supervision of responsible adults grain. Losses from starlings in feed­ and with full knowledge of local lots result from fecal contamination of authorities. feed as well as the value of the rations consumed. Swine fever is known to Starlings be transmitted by starlings. Starlings are found throughout Kansas on farms, ranches, open coun­ Legal Status try, open groves, fields and cities. The The Kansas law defines starlings as residents are joined by large flocks of a nongame bird that may be taken migrants from the northern states in and possessed by any person at any autumn and winter. In mild winters time. There are no federal restrictions some southern birds may range into on tapping starlings. Kansas to spend the winter. They can cause crop damage, particularly grain in milk stage and in cattle feedlots, dairies and swine feedlots.

61 Birds Control Materials Baits that have been used success­ Frightening devices: Devices, such fully include soft fruits, grains and as shell crackers, propane exploders, poultry pellets. Bait placed on the devices to broadcast distress calls, ground inside the trap in large and electronically produced sounds amounts with a little on the top near can successfully frighten starlings the entrances is most effective. Use from roosts. Begin the use of these bait materials that the birds feed on devices as soon as birds make an in the area for best results. appearance in the evening until dark The use of live decoy starlings is for 5 to 10 consecutive nights. A com­ usually essential in attracting birds to bination of frightening devices works the trap. From 10 to 35 live decoys are better than one device. sufficient for the modified crow trap Proper location of sound devices is depending upon the trap size. Supply important and enough of them must food and water at all times. In warm be used to provide sound over the weather starlings will die rapidly entire roost area. Place devices to take without water. Provide shade by advantage of the prevailing winds. attaching burlap to one side of the Do not locate them in areas where the trap. The traps must be kept clean trees muffle the sound. Observations and dead birds removed. to determine their effectiveness Trapped birds can be removed should be made and individual units through a small exit hole which has moved to new locations. been cut into the upper corner of the Repellents: Sticky repellents, head of the trap and covered with a mechanical barriers, and such may be closeable door. A small holding cage effective when starlings are roosting can be placed over the hole and the on buildings or structures. starlings herded into this cage. The Trapping: Modified Australian birds can then be removed and dis­ crow traps and converted cotton trail­ posed of. ers have been effective for capturing Shooting: Shooting is costly and large numbers of starlings. A trailer rather futile as a method because of may be converted to a large mobile the large number of starlings usually trap by constructing entrances on top causing the problem. However, kill­ and plugging all escape holes. In ing a few birds reinforces the use of some instances the slot entrance has noise makers. proven more effective, while at other Frightening chemical: A fright times the wire entrance was more producing chemical works in some successful. The location of the trap is situations. important. Make observations to Toxicants: Single dose poison. determine starling flyways, resting or Direction for use: Before exposing perching areas and feeding areas treated baits, make a thorough obser­ before the traps are placed in opera­ vation to determine the number of tion. Traps have been more effective starlings present, their feeding habits, when placed in the open near, but not preferred locations, daily behavior necessarily under, perching or feed­ patterns and the presence of nontar­ ing areas. get species. Continue observations When a trap is first installed, check throughout the day. During these the bottom to see that an uneven observations, select the desirable ground surface does not leave holes locations for bait exposure. If ade­ that birds can escape through. It may quate precautions are taken in select­ be necessary to use a chicken wire ing baiting sites no other species bottom to prevent the entry of preda­ should be harmed. tors. Starlings can escape through When the daily activity pattern of holes dug by predators. Predation by the birds has been established and house cats or other animals can be baiting locations selected, clean bait prevented by the use of live traps. should be used to determine the pre­ ferred bait. Continue prebaiting for

62 Birds several days or until there is good Blackbirds bait acceptance. Do not expose toxic Blackbirds and starlings often bait until good acceptance of clean establish large winter roosts. These bait occurs. frequently occur in areas where their In most situations roost control presence is objectionable because of may be difficult, in which case birds actual or potential safety, health, eco­ might best be controlled where they nomic and nuisance problems. breed. Bird species found in roosts are Starling control at swine feedlots: red-winged blackbirds (Angelaius When the daily activity pattern of the phoeniceus), common grackles (Quis­ birds has been established and bait­ calus quiscula), brown-headed cow­ ing locations selected, clean bait birds (Molothrus ater), rusty black­ should be exposed to determine the birds (Euphagus carolinus), Brewer's bait preference. A pelleted type ani­ blackbirds (Euphagus cyanocephalus), mal feed has been found to be the and starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). best accepted bait. Usually the same Robins (Turdus migratorius) are occa­ pelleted feed in the swine ration be­ sionally found roosting with these ing fed will be the preferred bait. species and may even account for a When the preferred bait has been large part of the total roost popula­ determined, expose some untreated tion in individual roosts. bait at the selected feeding locations. Several methods of bait application Legal Status may be used. The material may be Starlings "stripped" down feed alleys, placed are not protected by fed­ eral law. Blackbirds in rain troughs at selected locations, are federally pro­ tected except placed in troughs attached to the out­ when damaging or about side of feed bunkers, placed in rubber to damage agricultural crops or ornamentals, calf pans near other similar pans or when causing a pub­ lic health, filled with water or broadcast thinly nuisance or safety hazard. Robins in alleyways and pens if weather are protected by federal treaty. permits. A federal permit for taking robins or other Continue observations throughout protected birds must be secured the program. If poor prebait accep­ from the appropriate Special Agent-in-Charge, tance occurs, change baiting locations Division of Law Enforcement, as conditions indicate. Run trials to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, whenever see if poor acceptance is due to a such birds might change in bait preference. be taken incidental to blackbird roost control Continue prebaiting until accep­ efforts. Additionally, Kansas laws and regulations tance is achieved. This may be for a require permits for taking birds considerable period of time or for a other than English sparrows, few days, depending upon the num­ starlings or feral pigeons. ber of birds present and the rate of Roost Control movement of new starling popula­ Methods tions into the feedlot. When accep­ PA-14 Avian Stressing Agent is a tance is achieved for sure, then place wetting agent and the only lethal pes- the toxic baits in their place. Baits will ticide registered for use at roosts. ' lose their toxicity in rainy weather. Each PA-14 treatment has to be Continue feeding bait until birds dis­ supervised and approved by a Fed­ appear. Death usually occurs while eral Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife birds are on the roost, so lack of dead biologist, a cooperative agency wild­ birds at the baiting site is not a sign of life biologist or other government failure. personnel trained by the Fish and Wildlife Service to use PA-14 at the specific site. Even if the application is being supervised by one of the latter two individuals, a Federal Fish and

63 Birds Wildlife Service wildlife biologist will concentration of PA-14, alcohol be on site to furnish technical assis­ and water should follow label tance and monitor the operation. requirements. Weather requirements: PA-14 Treatment can begin at the roost should not be applied unless there is site as soon as birds settle. This is a 90 percent probability of at least usually shortly after dark. Treatment Ys of an inch of rain and a temperature altitude will vary from 75-150 feet below 40 degrees F. within 24 hours due to equipment safety hazards and of treatment. Preferably, temperature bird behavior and should be agreed should not be below freezing during upon between supervisor and pilot. actual application. Landing lights may be used over the In limited situations, the entire roost at the pilot's discretion. roost may be sprayed with water at The pilot will make the final deter­ the time of PA-14 application using mination if weather conditions are standpipe sprinklers. satisfactory for flying. Aircraft requirements: Fixed-wing Health hazard protection: The or rotary aircraft may be used, but recommendations of federal, state rotary is preferable. Aircraft used and/ or local health and pesticide must meet VFR standards. IFR and regulatory agencies should be fol­ ground-to-air communication equip­ lowed in protecting personnel from ment would be desirable. exposure to histoplasmosis and Pilot requirements: The pilot must pesticide accident. hold a commercial license, preferably with instrument rating, an Agricul­ Alternatives to Registered Pesticides ture Aircraft Operator's certificate, Alternatives for registered pesti­ meet night VFR regulations, and con­ cides for use on blackbird roosts are form to state pesticide application presently limited to one choice and regulations. The pilot should carry a the conditions for application are sel­ minimum of $100,000/300,000 liabil­ dom found in Kansas. Therefore, ity insurance valid under the pro­ other methods often seem more posed flight conditions. The area practical. should be overflown by the pilot dur­ There are a number of tools or ing daylight and after dark to famil­ ways to cause the dispersal of an iarize himself with the area and, par­ established blackbird roost. Noise­ ticularly, any safety hazards. making or scaring devices are the Application procedures: Actual most popular and effective tools. application will be made when Other frightening devices and habitat weather conditions meet or exceed manipulation are also important in FAA night VFR requirements. The dispersing roosts. pilot will be responsible for getting Recorded Distress and Alarm flight clearance and filing a night Calls. Distress and alarm calls of star­ plan, if required. Winds in excess of lings and blackbirds have been used 10 mph will cancel the treatment. singly and in conjunction with other Lights marking the roost will be of scare devices to successfully move the type and placement desired by roosts. They are available on records the pilot in accordance with no-spray and tapes. Play the calls back on zone needs. If a helicopter is used, the mobile sound equipment in the roost landing and loading site should be as intermittently for 10 to 15 seconds close to the roost as possible without each minute as the birds attempt to disturbing the birds. The site should enter or continuously when most be lighted to the pilot's requirements. birds have entered the roost. PA-14 will be applied at the rate of Gas-operated Exploders. These 20 gallons actual material per acre. devices, operating on acetylene or The aerial applicator will calibrate the propane gas, are designed to produce equipment to achieve this rate. The loud explosions at controllable inter­ vals. They should be placed (elevated

64 Birds above the vegetation, if possible) in assist in the dispersal program and high-use areas of the roost and set to provide for spectator safety and fire at no greater than 30-second traffic control. intervals. Since birds are known to Begin scaring as soon as possible easily habituate to exploders, it is best after a roost develops. Generally, the to move the exploders about during longer a roost is established, the more the scaring operation and/ or com­ difficult it is to disperse. bine their use with other scare Begin scaring as soon as the birds devices. Exploders can be left in the start arriving at the roost in the even­ roost after dispersal is completed to ing. This requires that all personnel discourage birds from returning. and equipment are ready before the Exploding Shotgun Shells. These first birds arrive. Once birds are in devices known as shellcrackers or the cover of the roost vegetation, scare cartridges are 12-gauge shotgun especially after dark, they are ex­ shells containing a firecracker which tremely difficult to force to leave. is projected into the air about 300 feet Therefore, continuing scaring efforts before exploding. Fire the shells so after dark is pointless and sometimes that they will explode in front of or harmful because the birds may habit­ underneath flocks of birds attempting uate to the stimuli. Using scaring to enter the roost. The purpose is to devices in the morning one-half hour produce an explosion between the before normal roost departure, as birds and the roost site. well as in the evening, may speed up Noise Bombs/Whistle Bombs/ roost dispersal. Racket Bombs. These devices are Be persistent. Population reduction fired from a 15 mm flare pistol. Noise is often not noticeable the first or sec­ bombs, also called bird bombs or ond night. Scaring often needs to be clow bombs, are firecrackers that continued for four or more nights travel about 75 feet before exploding. before the birds abandon the roost. Use them similarly to the exploding Use a combination of scaring shotgun shells. Whistle bombs are devices. Although birds have been similar to noise bombs but do not dispersed using one device, different explode. They produce a noticeable devices often complement each other response just prior to darkness and make the dispersal effort easier. because of the trail of smoke and fire Cover the entire roost in the disper­ as well as the whistling sound. Racket sal effort. The number of personnel bombs make noise in flight but do not and the amount of equipment explode. required depends on the size and Habitat Manipulation. Thinning type of roost and may change each roost vegetation often produces night in response to bird movement. longer term results than using scaring Normally one person shooting shell­ devices. This practice makes the roost crackers or with a hand-held speaker less attractive to birds. When feasible for playing distress calls can ade­ the roost vegetation should be quately patrol 1 to 2 acres of roosting thinned to discourage birds from habitat. returning after a dispersal program. Very little emphasis has been put However, vegetation thinning is not a on finding out where birds go once permanent solution. In a few years they are dispersed from a roost. the vegetation will again become Understandably, some birds may dense and provide attractive roosting move to nearby areas where they habitat. continue to be a problem. If so, make Procedures to Disperse a Roost. an effort to move them from these Before beginning dispersal efforts, areas also. Once birds have been inform local residents near the roost moved from one site they usually of the planned operation to avoid become more responsive to dispersal apprehension on their part. Work efforts and moving them another with local authorities so they can time is rather easy.

65 Birds Safety Precautions entering vehicles to prevent heater Special care should be taken when fan circulation of spores. These pre­ using any of the pyrotechnic devices cautions are especially important and firearms. Wear safety goggles when bulldozing a roost site. The dis­ and ear protectors when using any turbance of the soil can cause large of these devices. When firing the amounts of spores or fungus frag­ exploding shotgun shells the shooter ments to become airborne. should inspect the gun barrel after each shot for wadding that some­ Precautions and Uses times jams. The use of non-choked or Pesticides and repellents used open bore shotguns will help to elim­ improperly can be injurious to man, inate this problem. Carry a ramrod animals and plants. Follow the direc­ (wood dowel) to remove the wadding tions and heed all precautions on the if jamming occurs. Use single-shot labels. break open guns to facilitate inspec­ Store pesticides and repellents in tion and cleaning of accumulated original containers, out of reach of powder residue. children and pets, and away from When using noise or whistle foodstuff. bombs, fire the flare pistol at arm's Apply pesticides selectively and length to avoid a close-to-the-face carefully. Do not apply them when explosion. When using the flare pis­ there is danger of drift to other areas. tol, hold the thumb in front of the Avoid prolonged inhalation of a pes­ hammer until ready to fire. ticide spray or dust. When applying Persons using pyrotechnic devices a pesticide it is advisable that the per­ and exploding shells should be aware son be fully clothed. of their potential fire danger. Use After handling a pesticide, the per­ extreme care near buildings or when son should not eat, drink or smoke vegetation is dry. Make fire fighting until he has washed. In case a pesti­ equipment available at the scene if cide is swallowed or gets in the eyes, conditions warrant. follow the first aid treatments given Do not use live ammunition during on the label and get prompt medical roost dispersal efforts because of the attention. If a pesticide is spilled on additional hazards to personnel and the skin or clothing, remove clothing the possibility of killing protected immediately and wash skin thor­ bird species sometimes found roost­ oughly. Wash clothes thoroughly ing with blackbirds and starlings. before reuse. Take the pesticide con­ Additionally, crippled birds may tainer with you when you visit the actually tend to decoy birds into the physician. roost. It is difficult to remove all traces of Personnel working in or around a herbicide from equipment. There­ bird roost should take certain precau­ fore, to prevent injury to desirable tions against exposure to the respira­ plants, do not use the same equip­ tory disease, histoplasmosis. ment for insecticides and fungicides A face mask or self-contained that was used for a herbicide. breathing apparatus and protective NOTE: Registrations of pesticides clothing, including coveralls, gloves, and repellents are under constant caps and rubber boots should be review by the U.S. Environmental worn. Soiled clothing should be plas­ Protection Agency (EPA). Use only tic-bagged immediately on leaving pesticides and repellents that bear the the roost and washed as soon as pos­ registration number and carry direc­ sible. Clean rubber boots before tions for the pest to be controlled.

66 Birds

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages56-66 Birds 1. (56) Histoplasmosis is a respiratory 9. (59) Pigeons carry many disease disease in humans caused by a and salmonella is found in __ in bird droppings. percent of the pigeon feces. a. fungus a. 1 b. mite b. 2 c. bacteria c. 3 d. virus d.4 2. (56) When working around an 10. (60) The incubation period for old or abandoned bird roost site, pigeon eggs is: wear a: a. 12 to 14 days a. full face shield only b. 17 to 19 days b. hard hat c. 22 to 23 days c. gas mask d. 26 to 29 days d. face shield with dust filter 11. (60) Suggested bait for pigeon 3. (57) Wild birds spread the virus­ traps is: like organism that causes ornitho­ a. wheat sis in their: b. oats a. saliva c. sorghum b. feces d. whole corn c. feathers 12. (61) Single dose poisons can be d. egg shells effective in controlling pigeons if 4. (57) Transmissible gastroenteritis not used more often than every: (TGE) of swine is transmitted by: a. 2months a. pigeons b. 4months b. sparrows c. 6months c. starlings d. 8months d. black birds 13. (61) Starlings are found: 5. (57) Birds should be dispersed or a. throughout Kansas controlled when they form large b. only in southwest Kansas concentrations: c. only in northwest Kansas a. near human habitations d. only in eastern Kansas b. pose a threat to public health 14. (61) The starling's diet consists of c. pose a threat to livestock health almost __ percent animal matter. d. all the above a. 20 6. (58) The house sparrow: b. 40 a. damages sprouting vegetables c. 60 b. disbuds fruit trees d. 80 c. feeds on poultry rations 15. (62) Effective frightening devices d. all the above for starlings include: 7. (58) Screening to repel house spar­ a. shell crackers and propane rows should have a mesh of __ exploders or less. b. broadcast distress calls a. 1.25 inch c. electronically produced sounds b. 1 inch d. all the above c. 0.75 inch 16. (62) Before exposing single dose d. 0.5 inch poisons for starlings: 8. (59) Before exposing single dose a. check with the game warden baits to control house sparrows: b. get a permit from the governor a. make sure it will be a sunny day c. determine the number, feeding b. be sure it will not rain sites, etc. c. determine the number present, d. dig a large hole for disposal feeding habits and location d. notify the game warden continued on page 68

67 Birds

STUDY QUESTIONS forpages56-66continuedfrompage67 Birds 17. (63) Toxic baits for starlings should 21. (65) Habitat manipulation of black­ be applied in swine feedlots: bird roosting sites involves: a. only on cloudy overcast days a. thinning the roost vegetation b. only on the week ends b. planting elm trees c. only after prebaiting is accepted c. piling rocks around the edges d. only in the month of January d. draining the swamps 18. (63) Blackbirds are protected by 22. (65) To disperse a blackbird roost, federal laws, except: begin scaring: a. when damaging agricultural a. in the evening before the first crops birds arrive b. when causing public health or b. in the evening when approxi­ safety hazard mately 75% of the birds are c. when damaging ornamentals present d. all the above c. around mid-night when the 19. (64) PA-14 blackbird roost treat­ neighbors are in bed ment must be applied at the rate of d. two hours after sun-up ____ actual/ acre. 23. (66) When using pyrotechnic a. 10 gallons devices for blackbird control, b. 20 gallons safety equipment includes ___. c. 25 gallons a. rubber gloves and boots d. 30 gallons b. coveralls 20. (64) Distress and alarm calls for c. long sleeved shirt blackbird roost sites should be d. goggles and ear protectors played at as the birds 24. (66) After handling a pesticide, a attempt to enter. person should not ___ until a. 3 to 5 seconds/minute after washing. b. 10to15seconds/minute a. eat c. 20 to 25 seconds/minute b. drink d. 30 to 35 seconds/minute c. smoke d. all the above

68 ~

('") 0 l"'.l ~ 0 ~ ... l"'.l re

[JJ "'O ...... l"'.l ..... 0 ~

...... re

0 - 0 re ?\ 3 l"'.l 0 [JJ 3 - 3 0 ::: ..... re [JJ re l"'.l

[JJ

~

"'O

STREAK

spp.)

ABOUT

WIDE

BORDER

MARKED

I

ROACH

OUTER

BASE.

INCH

PALE

AT

WITH

1/4

COCKROACH

australssiae)

WOOD

PRONOTUM

WITH

(Parcoblatta

STRIKINGLY

WING

STREAK

PALE

OFTEN

BEYOND

FRONT

(Periplaneta

I

•

COVERING

PAONOTUM

AUSTRALIAN

WINGS

ABDOMEN,

WIDE

EXTENDING

MORE

INCH

f

OF

AS

1/4

INCH

americana)

WIDE

5/6

TWICE

PRONOTUM COCKROACH

THAN

AS

SEGMENT

SELDOM

SOME

THAN

LAST

LONG

CEROUS

CHESTNUT

WITH

(Periplaneta

I

COLOR

AMERICAN

LONGER

REDDISH

MALE

USUALLY

LARGE,

GENERAL

THAN

TO

OF

AREA

TWICE

WIDE

PRONOTUM

DARKER

AS

brunnea)

PALE

MEDIUM

PALE

NOT

DESIGN

I

SHORTER

SOLID

ABDOMEN

SEGMENT

COCKROACH

LONG

CONSPICUOUS

PALE

THAN

WINGS

LAST

AS CEROUS

WITHOUT

WITH

(Periplaneta

PRONOTUM

ABSENT,

BROWN

I

•

COCKROACH

ABDOMEN

Pratt

orientalis)

WING

SHORTER

OR

OR

MODERATELY D.

WINGS

THAN

STREAK,

{Blatta

FRONT

COLOR,

ONLY

ABSENT

I ORIENTAL

Harry

DARK

COLOR

WINGS

VERY

DARK

BLACK

COCKROACH

fuliginosa)

I

TO

SOLID

COLOR

BROWN

BROWN

FEMALE

(Periplaneta

GENERAL

PRONOTUM

MALE

SMOKY

ALL

NARROWER

EXTENDING

NEARLY

:J OOO"OA~

OR

WITHOUT

BARS

longipalpa)

INCHES

IN

PRONOTUM

COVERING

BLACK

LONGITUDINAL

(Supel/a

SCALE

ABDOMEN

PRONOTUM

OF

WINGS

SHORTER

BEYOND.

1't

"o""''""o

OR

5/B"

,.~~

HALF

ABOUT

WIDE

spp.)

WITH

ABOUT

SMALL,

~,

PRONOTUM

BARS

ROACH

INCH

I

germanica)

COCKROACH

1/4

LONGITUDINAL

BLACK

WOOD

COVERING

2

PRONOTUM *

ABDOMEN

(Parcoblatta

C'

ABOUT

(Blattel/a

OF

GERMAN

WINGS Appendix Cockroaches: Key to egg cases of common domestic species Harold George Scott, Ph.D. and Margery R. Borom

less than w· long more than 1'" long subsegments apparent subsegments inapparent

with about 16 subsegments with about 8 subsegments length more than twice width length less than twice width

GERMAN COCKROACH e BROWNBANDED COCKROACH (Blattella germanica) (Supella longipalpa)

with lateral indentations without lateral indentations

terminal point strong terminal point weak

~.., . . . ·-··.. ·: . BROWN COCKROACH SMOKY-BROWN COCKROACH (Perlplaneta brunnea) (Periplaneta fuliginosa)

not symmetrical symmetrical

. . .

ORIENTAL COCKROACH (Blatta orients/is) =I

length more than twice width length less than twice width

. .

.

AUSTRALIAN COCKROACH AMERICAN COCKROACH (Periplaneta australasiae) (Periplaneta americana) 70 Appendix ANOPHELINES CULICINES ANOPHELES AEOES Cl/LEX

~ $"~ EeGS <:> ~ g.io cl9 0 ~ WITH FLOATS LAID. SINGLY MD FLOATS LAID SINGLY MD FLOATS LAID IN RA"S DN WATER ON ORT SURFACE ON UTER

NESTS ~AllALLEL TO WATER -l'ACE RESTS AT ANGLE TO HEAD ROTATED lllO" WATER SURl'ACE WHEN FEEDING HEAD NOT, ROTATED I

GREAT£R PllOPOllTIOM Of' llOOI' CONTACTINll WATER SURFACE

AIR T' llE

l'\.-0 PIJFllE -·""

71 Appendix Domestic Flies: Pictorial Key to Common Species Harold George Scott, Ph.D. and Margery R. Borom

thorax dull, abdomen dull thorax dull, abdomen shiny thorax shiny, abdomen shiny

small (about ~-inch long} medium (about X-inch long) large (usually over Y.1-inch long 4 thoracic stripes, indistinct 4 thoracic stripes, often indistinct 4 distinct thoracic stripes abdomen with red tip

~--- ."".)

Fannia spp LESSER HOUSE FLIES I thoracic stripes indistinct sides of abdomen dark "squats" when resting erect when resting pale spot behind head pale spot on scutelium "

Musca domestica HOUSE FLY

color black color dark blue color green to bronze medium size (X-inch long) large (~·inch long)

Phormia regina BLACK BLOW FLY

color green color bronze 4 thoracic stripes without thoracic stripes without thoracic stripes

Cochliomyia macellaria SECONDARY SCREW WORM FLY

72 Appendix Stinging Hymenoptera: Pictorial Key to Some Common United States Families Harold George Scott and Chester J. Stojanovich

wings abscnl wings prc~nl body fur-like body no1 fur-like hairs no1 fta1hcred (•• 20 X ••8•ificalie•) w irhout node wi1h node

Mutillidae Formicidae VELVET ANTS ANTS

prono1um long, reaching 1egula pronotum short. not reaching ttgula

V espidae Sphecidae WASPS, YELLOW JACKETS, HORNETS SPHECID WASPS

hind tibia wi1h spurs hind 1ibia wi1hou1 spurs eye no1 reaching mandible eyc reaching mandibk

Bombidae Andrenidae Apidae BUMBLE BEES SWEAT BEES HONEY BEES 73 Appendix Household and Stored-Food Pests: Key to Common Adults Harold George Scott and Chester J. Stojanovich

1 or 2 body regions 3 body regions

MITES

wings well developed wings reduced or absent

·~·\~" - ··-__ . l -. v -c._~ _,

-~~= I I I with 3 long tails without 3 long tails

I I front wings shell-like front wings not shell-like

SILVERFISH I I antenna 4-5 segmented antenna more than 5 segmented

BEETLES-WEEVILS­ BORERS-MEALWORMS / I I \. . 1 pair wings 2 pair wings SPRING TAILS I ~.·\ taurus 4-5 segmented taurus 1-4 segmented

FLIES PSOCIDS I I I I wings with scales wings without scales with narrow waist without waist

~ ~

MOTHS COCKROACHES ANTS COCKROACHES

74 PRONOTUM WITH 6 TEETH ON EACH SIOE PRONOTUM WITHOUT TEETH ON EACH SIDE PRONOTUM WITHOUT TEETH ON EACH SIDE BEAK ABSENT, SPECIES ABOUT 1/8 INCH LONG BEAK ABSENT BEAK PRESENT, SPECIES ABOUT 1/8 INCH LONG

w/' ' ·- ...... SAW-TOOTHED GRAIN BEETLE I Oryzaephllus surlnamensis I I I I SMALL BROWNISH SPECIES LARGER BLACKISH SPECIES EACH FORE WING WITH 2 PALE SPOTS EACH FORE WING DARK LESS THAN 114 INCH LONG 1/4 TO 3/4 INCH LONG PRONOTUM WITH ROUND PUNCTURES PRONOTUM WITH ELONGATE PUNCTURES I I I HEAD VISIBLE FROM ABOVE HEAD HIDDEN UNDER PRONOTUM 1/8 INCH LONG OR MORE LESS THAN 1/8 INCH LONG

RICE WEEVIL GRANARY WEEVIL SitphiJus oryzae Sltophilus granarius

CONFUSED AND RED FLOUR BEETLES Tribolium confusum AND castaneum

FLATTENED BEETLES CONVEX BEETLES 1/4 TO 1/2 INCH LONG 112 INCH LONG OR MORE PRONOTUM SEPARATED BY STRONG PRONOTUM NOT SO STRONGLY I I I CONSTRICTION FROM BASES OF WINGS SEPARATED FROM BASES OF WINGS FORE WING WITH ROUGHENED SURFACE FORE WING WITH LINES FORE WING SMOOTH

... -.·~

. : -~. CADELLE YELLOW MEAL WORM Tenebroldes maurltanlcus Tenebrlo molltor

LESSER GRAIN BORER DRUG STORE BEETLE CIGARETTE BEETLE Rhyzopertha domlnlca Stegoblum paniceum Lasloderma serrlcorne Appendix Household and Stored-Food Pests: Pictorial Key to Common Larvae Chester J. Stojanovich and Harold George Scott

abdominal legs present abdominal legs absent

I MOTH LARVAE I •

thoracic legs present thoracic legs absent

BEETLE. BORER & MEALWORM LARVAE

wirh fleshy lobes at ends of body wirhout fleshy lobes at ends of bodv

----

FLEA LARVAE

head capsule present head capsule absent

WEEVIL LARVAE MUSCOID FLY LARVAE

76 Appendix Arachnida: Key to Common Orders of Public Health Importance Harold George Scott and Chester J. Stojanovich

ABDO'vlEN DISTINCTLY SEGMENTED ABDOMEN NOT DISTINCTLY SEGMENTED

WITHOUT TAIL WITH TAIL THREAD-WAISTED THICK-WAISTED

ACARINA Ticks and Miies

PALPS WITHOUT PINCERS PALPS WITH PINCERS WITH STINGER- WITHOUT STINGER

PSEUDOSCORPION IDA SCORPIONIDA Pseudoscorpion1 Scorpions Whip-Scorpions

LEGS SHORTER THAN BODY LEGS MUCH LONGER THAN BODY

SOLPUGIDA PHALANGIDA Sun Spiders Daddy Long-Leg Spiders 77 ~> 2iil ~ t'D p,. =,.... ><

I ------, ..rtail almost naked, scaly....._ ,.,Ill!'tall almost naked, annulate ...._ ,.,Ill!' tall hairy ....._ large (9-17" long) small (5-7" long) tall long ~ tail short hair short hair long

:::::; 0 p... t'D =..... Rattus Mus ~ DOMESTIC HOUSE RATS MICE .....~ .------I n ~ ...... ::i::8" 112 I» >"t tall bones longer than body tall bones longer than 1/2 body >-; ..... large (about 16" long) small (7-9" long) large (about 16" long) small (7-9" long) 0 1).1 -j:l. -~ C) t'D ~ '< / >-; ..... ~ 0 rJ'J \FJ n 0 & s Neotoma Peromyscus Geomys-East Mlcrotus I» t'D WOOD WHITE-FOOTED Thomomys-West MEADOW ::> (j RATS MICE POCKET GOPHERS MICE j:l. 0 ~ s .....tall bones longer than ..r tall bones shorter than body.....:: bod~ very large (about 26" long) ~ s tall bushy tall not bushy large (about 15" long) _ small (about 9" long) t'D 0 -< = :-:i e .~ .....= 0 ..... >-; t'D 0 p... !3 \FJ ..... 1).1 ~ C/l

Sclurus Dipodomys Tam/as-East Marmots C) TREE KANGAROO Eutamias-West WOODCHUCKS t'D SQUIRRELS RATS CHIPMUNKS =t'D >"t 1).1 Appendix Birds: Pictorial Key to Some Common Pest Species of Public Health Importance Margaret A. Parsons and Chester J. Stojanovich

bill short bill long ~~ I male and female, body plump, tail fan-like body trim, tailI not fan-like I

COMMON PIGEON

male, body black, head brown male, black throat, grey crown female, overall dull grey color female, whitish throat, dull eye stripe ~~. ~-,·~ 'i~ ¢~ :", ; ' female male

COMMON COWBIRD HOUSE SPARROW

male, wing with red "epaulettes" wing without "epaulettes" female, breast heavily striped, light eye stripe breast not heavily striped

female

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD I I I males, plain bronze or male and female, winter, bill dark, body heavily speckled with light dots dull purple back, tail long very large size, coal spring, bill yellow, color purple and green females, less iridescent, smaller size black color, tail flat

winter phase GRACKLES STARLING CROWS

79 ANSWERS TO STUDY QUESTIONS

Pages 2-8 Pages 39-44 1. d 2. b 3. b 4. d 5. a 6. a 1. a 2. b 3. c 4. b 5. c 6. a 7. a 8. b 9. c 10. d 11. c 12. b 7. c 8. c 9. d 10. a 11. c 12. b Pages 9-11 13. b 14. a 1. c 2. d 3. a 4. d 5. d 6. c Pages 4fr49 7. b 8. a 9. d 10. d 1. d 2. b 3. a 4. d 5. c 6. b Pages 13-18 7. d 8. a 9. b 10. b 1. a 2. d 3. b 4. d 5. c 6. b Pages 50-54 7. c 8. d 9. b 10. c 11. d 1. c 2. c 3. b 4. d 5. a 6. b 12. d 13. d 14. b 15. d 16. c 7. d 8. a 9. a 10. c 11. c 12. c Pages 20-25 Pages 56-66 1. a 2. b 3. a 4. c 5. d 6. a 1. a 2. d 3. b 4. c 5. d 6. d 7. a 8. b 9. a 10. d 11. c 12. b 7. c 8. c 9. b 10. b 11. d 12. c 13. c 14. d 15. b 16. a 17. c 13. a 14. c 15. d 16. c 17. c 18. d 18. d 19. b 20. b 21. a 22. a Pages 27-37 23. d 24. d 1. d 2. a 3. d 4. c 5. c 6. d 7. b 8. d 9. a 10. b 11. c 12. a 13. b 14. d 15. a 16. d 17. b 18. a 19. b 20. a 21. b 22. a 23. d 24. a 25. c 26. d 27. a

80

Frannie L. Miller Pesticide Coordinator

Authors Appreciation is expressed to the following for preparation of the material in this manual: Donald C.Cress, entomologist, former pesticide coordinator, Kansas State University Robert Bowden, plant pathology specialist, Kansas State University F. Robert Henderson, wildlife damage control specialist, Kansas State University Donald E. Mock, livestock entomology specialist, Kansas State University

Acknowledgments Appreciation is expressed to the following for cooperation in the Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training Program: Dale Lambley, director, Plant Health Division, Kansas State Board of Agriculture W.A. Hawkins, Jr., administrator, Pesticide Use Section, Kansas State Board of Agriculture Jeanne Fox, ecological specialist, pesticide use section, Kansas State Board of Agriculture

Drawing of appendix pages from a publication of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service.

Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. Publications from Kansas State University are available at: www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu

Contents of this publication may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Donald C. Cress et al., Public Health Pest Control, Kansas State University, October 1993.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service S14 October 1993 K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, George E. Ham, Interim Director.