PESTICIDE APPLICATION TRAINING

Category 7E

Structural Pest Control

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service 2 Table of Contents Integrated Pest Management in Structures 4 Pests Usually Reproducing Indoors 6 Cockroaches 6 Cockroach control 8 Silverfish and firebrats 10 Pests of stored food 12 Fabric pests 15 Occasional Invaders 19 Pests Annoying or Attacking People and Pets 29 Common flies in buildings 29 Spiders 31 Scorpions 34 Fleas 35 Ticks 36 Bed bug, bat bug and bird bugs 39 Wasps, bees and ants 40 Entomophobia 49 Fumigation 52 Types of fumigants 55 Preparation for fumigation 59 Application and post application 61 Safe use of fumigants 62 Vertebrate Pests 65 Birds 65 Rats and mice 70 Bats 77 Skunks 78 Tree squirrels 79 Raccoons 80

Directions for using this manual This is a self-teaching manual. At the end of each major 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 that are on the cer- tification 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 examination.

3 Integrated Pest The prescription should include not Management in only what can be done for the cus- Insect pest management in struc- tomer, but also what the customer can Structures tures involves five basic steps: do in the way of habitat removal and 1. Inspection sanitation to make the control effort a 2. Diagnosis more successful and lasting one. Any 3. Prescription limitations of the prescription should 4. Application also be understood by the customer. 5. Evaluation The prescription can include­ one or more of these techniques: (a) good Step 1. Inspection housekeeping; Inspection includes asking ques- (b) exclusion of pests (by means of tions of the customer and examining mechanical repairs); or (c) pesticides, the building thoroughly to learn as baits, and/or growth regulators. much as possible about the problem. Good housekeeping is an impor- During the inspection, look for harbor- tant factor in the control of many age areas and conditions of moisture, structural pests. Unless the habitat can heat or darkness which favor infesta- be modified by removing the source of tions; food and water that can be used food and water, and eliminating hid- by pests; probable means of entry of ing places, the pests will probably be the pests (such as incoming foods) and able to survive and reproduce­ indefi- evidence of infestation (such as dam- nitely. If housekeeping is not properly age or droppings, as well as actual maintained, tactfully recommend cor- specimens or their cast skins. rective steps in management to help The inspection also should give the situation. some idea of the control measures to Exclusion of pest insects should be use, safety precautions that may be the first step of the prescription. This necessary during the control effort, includes caulking or filling cracks and when the work can best be done. and crevices in buildings and founda- Thoroughness during the inspection tions that may be points of entry, and is of great importance in providing screening all doors, windows, vents, many of these answers. etc., leading into buildings. Step 2. Diagnosis Pesticides, baits and growth regula- Diagnosis includes identification of tors, can be applied both inside and the pest and identification of any con- outside structures. Often, growth tributing factors (such as poor house- regulators can be used as a preventive keeping or moisture). Once the pest is measure in an effort to avoid using located it must be positively identified greater amounts of pesticide. These before proceeding. Many times an products are most effective if applied identification must be made from dam- to the areas most frequently inhabited age, droppings or cast skins. by the pests. After the pest has been identified, Step 4. Application it is much easier to inspect for other Application is the safe implementa- evidence of infestation, harborage ar- tion of the prescription. Remember, eas, and the means by which the pest the success of the prescription is only gained entry. To do this, a knowledge as good as the application, and vice of the biology and habits of the pest is versa. necessary. Step 3. Prescription Step 5. Evaluations Prescription includes what, how, Conduct evaluations to determine when and where to use the desired if control methods are working. Peri- control to correct the problem. Make odic inspections are perhaps the best the prescription only after the inspec- means of assessing success or failure. tion has been completed and all the Be sure to use forms to document all facts surrounding the problem are data for future review. known. 4 Integrated Pest

Study Questions Management in 1. (4) Identification of the pest 3. (4) Caulking or filling in cracks and of other contributing fac- in buildings and foundations:­ Structures tors in insect pest management a. will keep all pests out of the is called: building a. diagnosis b. is for thermal insulation b. evaluation purposes only c. inspection c. should be the last step of d. integration the prescription d. is a method of pest 2. (4) Prescription includes how, ­exclusion when and where: a. to identify the pest 4. (4) A good way to assess suc- b. to use the desired control to cess or failure of a control pro- correct the problem gram is: c. to initiate an inspection a. periodic inspections plan b. to check for dead bugs im- d. the pest management mediately after spraying program will be operated c. to ask the customer one day within Kansas after pesticide application­ d. conduct yearly surveys

5 Pests Usually Nymphs molt several times before Reproducing becoming sexually mature males and females. As indicated in Table 1, the Indoors Cockroaches time required to complete the life Cockroaches are among the old- cycle varies from about two months to est of insects, as indicated by fossil nearly three years, depending on the ­remains dating to 300 million years species and environmental conditions. ago. This ability to survive the many Most cockroaches are tropical or changing environments through subtropical in origin and generally time illustrates the capability of these live outdoors. However, some species ­insects to adapt to wide ranges of have become well-adapted to living habitats and living conditions. with humans. They can be carried Cockroaches may mechanically into homes in cartons, sacks and con- transmit diseases. They also contami- tainers. Cockroaches have also been nate food and kitchen utensils with shown to travel along water pipes excrement and salivary secretions, between apartments with common leaving an unpleasant odor. Cock- plumbing. roaches sometimes produce allergic Most cockroaches are nocturnal reactions in humans. The allergy is and appear during daylight only due to the insect’s body parts, not when disturbed or where there is a the odor. Therefore, it is important to large population. They prefer warm, make an effort to avoid having these dark, moist shelters and often are body parts become airborne, e.g. by German Cockroach found around food handling areas; sweeping, the use of aerosol flushing where pipes or electrical wiring pass agents, etc. along or through a wall; behind win- Biology and Behavior dow or door frames, loose baseboards­ Cockroaches develop by gradual or molding strips; or undersides of metamorphosis through three life tables, chairs and equipment. stages: egg, nymph and adult. Adult Cockroaches feed on a variety of females produce small, bean-like cap- plant and animal products, includ- sules or oothecae that contain the eggs. ing meat and grease, starchy foods, Depending on the species, these cap- sweets, baked goods and other sules may be dropped at random near ­unprotected kitchen goods. They also food, glued to some surface by the feed on materials such as wallpaper female soon after they are formed, or paste, and book binding and sizing. carried protruding from the abdomen until they are ready to hatch. Common Species Nymphs which hatch from eggs There are about 55 species of cock- and emerge from the ootheca ­resemble roaches in the United States, but only adult roaches, except that they are 5 species are routine problems in smaller and do not have wings. buildings. Most of the other species Their flattened bodies allow them to live outdoors and, therefore, escape squeeze into crevices, and long, spiny notice; if brought into the building legs enable­ them to run rapidly. they either leave or die. Unfortunately,

Table 1. Life History of Four Common Cockroaches in Kansas Approximate number Average number of offspring possible Average number of capsules produced Length of Average longevity per year beginning of eggs per capsule per female life cycle (days) of adults (days) with one female German 37 7 60–250 140 35,300 American 15 58 320–1070 440 810 Brownbanded 16 10 140–380 110 680 Oriental 14 14 210–990 100 200

6 Pests Usually four species of cockroaches favor the black in color. The capsule is dropped buildings of people as a home. from the female, or she glues it to a Reproducing protected surface, 24 hours after it is German Cockroach formed. Nymphs hatch in 50 to Indoors (Blattella germanica) 55 days and are grayish brown, The adult German cockroach is gradually becoming reddish brown 1 5 light brown and ⁄2 to ⁄8 inch long. The as they mature. head shield is marked with two dark stripes that run lengthwise. Adults are Brownbanded Cockroach fully winged but cannot fly. Immature (Supella longipalpa) German cockroaches are smaller and The brownbanded cockroach is 1 darker than adults, and are wingless. light gold to glossy brown, and ⁄2 to 5 The German cockroach is the most ⁄8 inch, with transverse yellow bands prevalent household roach in Kansas. across the base of the wings and As indicated in Table 1, the German across the abdomen. The yellow bands cockroach produces more eggs per across the back may be more pro- capsule than other species and has nounced on nymphs than on adults. a developmental period as short as These cockroaches are quite ac- two months. Thus, troublesome tive, and the adults fly readily when ­infestations can develop rapidly after disturbed. The adult female carries the introduction of a few individuals. her egg capsule for only a day or two The German cockroach is the only before gluing it to protected surfaces domestic species in which adult such as the undersides of furniture American Cockroach ­females carry the egg capsules pro-­ and equipment and sometimes to ceil- truding from their abdomens until the ings in darkened rooms. The nymphs eggs are ready to hatch. In fact, few or hatch in 50 to 75 days. no eggs will hatch if the capsules are Brownbanded cockroaches prefer detached from the female­ more than starchy foods and appear to have a day or two before hatching takes lower water requirements than other place. cockroaches. As a result, they can These cockroaches thrive in all ­occupy many different locations with- types of buildings, but are found more in a building. Consequently, nymphs often in homes and commercial food and adults frequently are found on establishments. They usually enter ceilings in dark or dimly lighted homes with bottled drinks, potatoes, rooms, behind picture frames, in light onions, dried pet food, grocery sacks, switches, in upper walls of cabinets corrugated cartons and even furniture. and closets, on undersides German cockroaches usually seek of furniture and inside upholstered dark shelters near moisture and food. furniture. Brownbanded Cockroach However, they may sometimes be Because brownbanded cockroaches found in the other parts of the build- do not confine their activities to well- ing. They are adept at climbing walls defined areas in the building, control and may hide behind­ pictures, book may be more difficult. shelves, etc. Oriental Cockroach American Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) (Periplaneta americana) The adult oriental cockroach is The American cockroach is the larg- glossy dark brown to black. Females 1 est of the common species, growing are nearly 1 ⁄2 inches long and males 1 to a length of 1 ⁄2 to 2 inches. It is red- are 1 inch long. The male has wings dish-brown with a light yellow band which cover three-fourths of the around the edge of the head shield. body, while the female has rudimen- Adults of both sexes have well devel- tary wings which are reduced to mere oped wings, but seldom fly. However, lobes. Neither sex can fly. Nymphs are they are capable of gliding flights. smaller than adults, dark brown to Oriental Cockroach The egg capsule is larger than black, and wingless. The egg capsule 1 ⁄3 inch in length and dark brown to is similar in appearance to that of 7 Pests Usually the American cockroach. The female Non-chemical Control Reproducing drops or glues the egg capsule to a 1. Keeping tight-fitting windows protected surface 30 hours after it is and doors; caulking cracks Indoors formed. The nymphs hatch in about in outside walls, sills and 60 days. Inside­ buildings, these cock- ­foundations. roaches inhabit high moisture areas 2. Inspecting boxes and other such as sewers, crawl spaces, drains, ­containers, emptying them and basements and hollow spaces under immediately removing them from concrete slabs. Their activities are the building. somewhat restricted to the ground 3. Repairing plumbing leaks and or below-ground levels in buildings. venting cabinets located under With short or missing wings, this sinks or near dishwashers in an cockroach has a shiny appearance and effort to avoid retention of mois- is often mistaken for a black beetle. ture in these areas. Occasionally, this species will migrate 4. Keeping the premises clean by outside from building to building. removing all food crumbs and placing garbage and trash into Pennsylvania Woods containers with tight-fitting lids. Cockroach (Parcoblatta sp.) Clean refrigerator drain pans reg- The Pennsylvania woods cock- ularly, as well as spaces beneath­ roach may be up to 1 inch in length. refrigerators, ranges, It is dark brown with a distinctive and other appliances. pale border along each wing. This is 5. Using a high efficiency particu- a group of outdoor cockroaches that late air (HEPA) filter vacuum, try will not breed inside, and, therefore, to remove as many roaches as not become established in the home. possible. This physical removal Egg capsules are dropped outside of roaches reduces the population during the summer. The woods cock- remaining for chemical control. roach may wander into homes built Chemical Control in wooded areas, or be carried in on To effectively control cockroaches firewood. with insecticides, it is necessary to Cockroach Control inspect closely for their harborage It is difficult to remove all of the sites and thoroughly treat these loca- food, water, and hiding places that are tions. Regardless of the insecticide or available to cockroaches within formulation chosen, chemicals placed a structure. To reduce indoor hiding in or near regular hiding places will and breeding areas, remove excess provide much better control than clutter and repair cracks and crevices. those placed where cockroaches move Good housekeeping can minimize only occasionally. food and water sources. By providing These methods of insecticide ap- better access to cracks and crevices, plication generally provide temporary sanitation can also maximize the re- control within treated structures. To sults of a pesticide treatment. eliminate an established infestation Because various combinations of from a building, first eliminate as cockroaches can occur in the same many routes of reinfestation as you building, it is essential to accurately can. This should be followed by a identify the species present. This will thorough sanitation program before permit use of control measures that applying an approved pesticide to take advantage of behavioral patterns cracks, crevices and other harborage and life requirements of the particular sites. species. For instance, for chemical The type of chemical selected and control of the widely dispersed brown­ the application method used will de- banded cockroach, chemicals must be pend on the location and nature of the applied over greater areas of a build- infestation. Pesticide selection should ing than for control of the more re- be based on the species of the insect, stricted oriental or American roaches. 8 Pests Usually application technique, surfaces­ to be wallpaper, carpets and certain other treated and information on the label. surfaces. They can short out electri- Reproducing Study each cockroach problem, cal circuits and are inferior to oil-base and use control measures in accor- sprays on impervious surfaces such Indoors dance with the location, extent and as glass and metal. Wettable powders nature of the infestation. With a range need constant agitation in the spray of chemicals, formulations and ap- tank, but they leave active residues, plication techniques available, it is especially on porous surfaces. important to select the appropriate Residual sprays are easy and fast combination to provide the desired to apply, and should be used in cock- control. roach harborage areas with atten- Residual insecticides are formu- tion to cracks and crevices. Usually, lated in many ways, such as micro- ­exposed surfaces are not treated with encapsulation, soluble concentrate, sprays, although it may be neces- oil-base solutions, water-base emul- sary to treat surfaces over which sions, or as water-base suspensions cockroaches crawl. Apply sprays just (wettable powders) and other ways to the point of runoff to minimize may be developed. Oil-base sprays chances of staining and reduce pesti- may stain floor tiles and painted sur- cide waste. faces, deform carpet and other rubber Insect growth regulators (IGR) pads and are fire hazards when used are chemicals that interfere with near open flames. Water-base emul- the cockroach’s (and certain other sions are easy to mix, but may stain insects) life cycle to prevent their

5 5 8 SMALL, ABOUT ⁄8" OR SHORTER MEDIUM TO LARGE, LONGER THAN ⁄ INCH

PRONOTUM WITH PRONOTUM WITHOUT WINGS ABSENT, WINGS COVERING 2 LONGITUDINAL LONGITUDINAL OR SHORTER ABDOMEN, OFTEN BLACK BARS BLACK BARS THAN ABDOMEN EXTENDING BEYOND

WINGS ABSENT WINGS SHORTER PRONOTUM MORE PRONOTUM ABOUT THAN ABDOMEN THAN 1⁄4 INCH WIDE 1⁄4 INCH WIDE WITH PALE BEYOND

GERMAN COCKROACH FEMALE MALE (Blatella germanica)

WINGS COVERING ABOUT HALF WINGS COVERING NEARLY ALL OF ABDOMEN PRONOTUM OR ABDOMEN OR EXTENDING ORIENTAL COCKROACH WOOD ROACH 1 ABOUT ⁄4 INCH WIDE BEYOND PRONOTUM NARROWER (Blatta orientalis) (Parcoblatta spp.) FEMALE MALE

FRONT WING WITHOUT PALE STREAK, PRONOTUM SOLID COLOR, OR WITH PALE DESIGN ONLY MODERATELY CONSPICUOUS BROWN-BANDED COCKROACH (Supella longipalpa) WOOD ROACH PRONOTUM SOLID DARK COLOR. PRONOTUM USUALLY WITH SOME FRONT WING WITH OUTER (Parcoblatta spp.) GENERAL COLOR VERY DARK PALE AREA GENERAL COLOR SELDOM PALE STREAK AT BASE. BROWN TO BLACK. DARKER THAN REDDISH CHESTNUT PRONOTUM STRIKINGLY MARKED

PALE STREAK

AUSTRALIAN COCKROACH LAST SEGMENT OF LAST SEGMENT OF SMOKY BROWN COCKROACH CERCUS NOT TWICE CERCUS TWICE AS (Periplaneta australesisa) (Periplaneta fuliginosa) AS LONG AS WIDE LONG AS WIDE BROWN COCKROACH AMERICAN COCKROACH (Periplaneta brunnes) (Periplaneta americana)

Cockroaches: Pictorial Key 9 Pests Usually development or reproduction. They tion and extent of cockroach infesta- Reproducing are typically not acutely toxic to the tions. Contact or “flushing” sprays cockroach and are best used in con- will kill only those insects directly hit Indoors junction with baits or other residual with the insecticide. To obtain satisfac- insecticides. tory control, these products should be Dusts sometimes can be used as the used in combination with a residual total treatment for cockroaches, but insecticide. are most often used as a supplemental treatment. Dusts generally have lon- Silverfish and Firebrats ger residual action than sprays, but Silverfish and firebrats prefer dark are ineffective if they become damp. places. About the only time they are Usually, dusts are seen in lighted areas is after having less hazardous to people than sprays been disturbed. If these insects are because they are not absorbed found on ceilings, it may be an indica- through the skin as easily. tion that the infestation is located in Dusts are useful in cockroach con- the attic of the structure. When the trol because they can be placed deep temperature increases in the attic, into cracks, crevices and wall voids; there seems to be more activity and under refrigerators and furniture; sightings of these insects. Such sight- around pipes, tunnels and conduits; ings would indicate that some form of on very smooth or very rough sur- treatment should be performed in the faces; and in some places not treat- attic area. Silverfish able with other formulations. Do not Both have characteristic quick use dusts for treating large surfaces movements, stopping at short inter- ­because they leave unsightly depos- vals then rapidly moving on. They are its. Also, heavy deposits are repellent not able to climb on smooth, vertical to cockroaches. Use light pressure on surfaces. As a result, silverfish the application device to minimize or firebrats may get trapped in the dust particles in living areas. Care bathtub, wash basin, or in glass trays. must be taken to avoid food contami- The full-grown insect may be from 1 1 nation by air currents blowing dust ⁄4 to ⁄2 inch long; the young are con- about. siderably smaller. Baits. Baits are presently more Both silverfish and firebrats have commonly used because of their low a silver or gray colored body. But, volatility and long term effectiveness. upon close inspection, the firebrat They can be precisely applied and shows a distinct mottled appearance. present little exposure risk to the pub- The bodies are thick at the front and lic or homeowner. taper to a somewhat pointed appear- Firebrat When using baits, it is important ance at the tail. to remember that if cockroaches will Both of these pests have two long not feed on the bait, the insecticide antennae or feelers on the head and will have no effect. Thus, it is impor- three tail-like appendages. The tant not to contaminate stored bait center one of these tail-end feelers with organic­ solvents, other insecti- is directed straight back from the tip cides, fungicides, fertilizers, etc. Baits of the body. This characteristic has re- are usually long lasting and often sulted in the common name of bristle- can be applied to areas that cannot tail for these insects. be effectively sprayed or dusted. The firebrat thrives on hot condi- Baits are most useful when used in tions with temperatures between conjunction with a residual spray or 32° and 43°C (90° and 110°F). At dust. Baits provide best results in the 37°C (98°F) they may pass from egg building where there is no other food stage through their entire life cycle supply. in about three months. The silverfish Space sprays (a suspension of liq- lives and multiplies readily at tem- uid in air) with a flushingaction ­ are peratures in the 24° to 29°C (75° to most useful for identifying the loca- 85°F) range when the relative humid- 10 Pests Usually ity is rather high. Boiler rooms and can also cause damage to paper or engine rooms of institutions are ideal light clothing such as rayons or silks. Reproducing habitats. Under rather warm conditions, book When the temperature is in the bindings, labels, and paper sizing Indoors right range these species will lay may be readily attacked by these eggs in cracks or small openings, par- pests. ticularly along the baseboards and Control quarter rounds of rooms. If the pests Chemical control of silver fish and are abundant in warm basements, the firebrats is similar to that employed insects will breed and lay eggs along for cockroaches. Control measures covered steam pipes or near hot air involve thorough treatment of cracks ducts where the eggs may be pushed and crevices. into tiny cracks. The eggs will hatch In warm basements, coarse sprays in approximately two weeks in warm may be used on covered pipes or on rooms. The immatures which hatch areas which are warm or on surfaces are identical to the adult except for the where the insects are present. size difference. Application of sprays or dusts These pests feed on a large variety should be repeated as often as neces- of materials although they seem to sary to maintain effective control. prefer vegetable food. They may feed Generally, sprays applied either with on starchy materials, on glue, or oc- a hand or pressure sprayer or brushed casionally on leather and fur. They on are more effective than dry powder Foods Attacked

BEETLES: PICTORIAL KEY TO SOME SPECIES COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH STORED FOODS Harry D. Pratt

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

SAW-TOOTHED GRAIN BEETLE Oryzoephilus surinamensis

SMALL BROWNISH SPECIES LARGER BLACKISH SPECIES 1 1 3 EACH FORE WING WITH 2 PALE SPOTS EACH FORE WING DARK LESS THAN ⁄4 INCH LONG ⁄4 TO ⁄4 INCH LONG PRONOTUM WITH ROUND PUNCTURES PRONOTUM WITH ELONGATE PUNCTURES

HEAD VISIBLE FROM ABOVE HEAD HIDDEN UNDER PRONOTUM 1 1 ⁄8 INCH LONG OR MORE LESS THAN ⁄8 INCH LONG

RICE WEEVIL GRANARY WEEVIL Sitophilus oryza Sitophilus granarius

CONFUSED AND RED FLOUR BEETLES Tribolium confusum and castaneum FLATTENED BEETLES CONVEX BEETLES 1 1 1 ⁄4 TO ⁄2 INCH LONG ⁄2 INCH LONG OR MORE PRONOTUM SEPARATED BY STRONG PRONOTUM NOT SO STRONGLY CONSTRICTION FROM BASES OF WINGS SEPARATED FROM BASES OF WINGS

FORE WING WITH ROUGHENED SURFACE FORE WING SMOOTH FORE WING WITH LINES

CADELLE YELLOW MEAL WORM Tenebroides mauritanicus Tenebrio molitor

LESSER GRAIN BORER DRUG STORE BEETLE CIGARETTE BEETLE Rhyzopertha dominica Stegobium paniceum Lasioderma serricorne

Beetles: Pictorial Key to Some Species Commonly Associated with Stored Foods 11 Pests Usually formulations except when powders Since most of these insects are of Reproducing are used on concrete. The sprays tend tropical or semitropical origin, they to soak in more rapidly on concrete live and breed best under warm, Indoors and, thus, lose their effectiveness humid conditions—conditions often sooner. Attics and wall voids are im- found in kitchen cupboards. Since portant areas to apply chemical treat- most do not hibernate, reproduction ments for controlling silverfish and is continuous throughout the year and firebrats. populations can build up rapidly if Prevention they are left undisturbed. It may be possible to change the Infestations may develop whenever temperature or the lighting in certain stored foods are kept for long periods areas, which will cause the silver- (60 days or more). Stored food insects, fish to die or to move into another if given enough time, can penetrate area where they may be scattered or any packaging except glass or metal. reached more easily by chemical treat- Infestations can start in the home, ment. A piece of furniture against a store, warehouse, mill, processing warmer wall of a room may provide plant or in transit. a very suitable, dark hiding area for Foods Attacked the silverfish. It might be feasible to The pests feed on or breed in flour, move this furniture to another part of cereals, cornmeal, cookies, crackers, the room or to a cooler wall where the macaroni, rice, grains, spices, beans, firebrats could not survive as well. popcorn, dried fruit, cured meat, Indian-meal Moth In other areas it might be possible candy, nuts, dried milk and eggs, and to use a metal shield to modify the other stored foods such as dry dog, cat temperature around steam pipes so and fish food, and bird and vegetable that the firebrats would not have such seeds. They can also infest decorative a desirable, warm, rough sur­ ­-face. Or, wheat and corn items. it might be possible to alter the air cir- Steps in Solving Problems culation in a room so the temperature 1. Identify the insect to know its around certain pipes could be low- biology and food habits. ered 3 to 5°C (5 to 10°F). This would 2. Locate the source of infestation. particularly affect the habits of the Check seldom used packages of fire-brats. Some of these modifications cereal, oatmeal, pancake flour, may be used more readily in indus- cornmeal and raisins. Dry dog trial buildings; but wherever possible, food stored in the basement or modifying the environment should pantry also may be a source, and be considered even in the household. bird seed often is infested with Such measures are much more perma- Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Indian-meal moths. Insect phero- nent than any chemical control. mone traps are available for many stored product insect pests and Pests of Stored Food may be useful as an early detec- A number of insects, commonly tion tool or to locate­ existing infes- referred to as pantry or kitchen pests, tation sources. infest dry or stored food products in 3. Follow the suggestions under the home. Most are either beetles or Control. moths. In the case of beetles, both the 4. Help prevent future problems by adult and larval stages may be dam- following the suggestions under aging while only the caterpillars of Prevention. moths are destructive. Infestations may first be noted Most Common Pests when these insects are found in some The most common stored-food product, but more commonly when pests in Kansas are the Indian-meal the adults are seen crawling or flying moth, sawtoothed grain beetle, con- Confused Flour Beetle about the kitchen or pantry. fused flour beetle and cigarette beetle, which are general feeders.

12 Pests Usually Indian-meal Moth Adults live an average of six to (Plodia interpunctella) 10 months. Female beetles drop their Reproducing All damage is done by the larval eggs loosely among the foodstuffs or stage (caterpillar) which attack a tuck them away in a crevice in a ker- Indoors wide range of products, including ce- nel of grain. When the small, slender real and cereal products, dried fruits, white eggs hatch, the emerging larvae ­dehydrated vegetables, nuts, choco- crawl about actively, feeding here late, candies and other confections. and there. They become full grown When infestations are heavy, in about two weeks during summer ­mature caterpillars often can be found weather and then construct delicate in parts of the house far from the orig- cocoon-like coverings by joining to- inal food source, since they migrate gether small grains or fragments of quite a distance to pupate. foodstuffs with a sticky secretion. The Indian-meal moth is rather Within this cell, the larva changes to handsome, with a wing expanse the pupal stage. Development from 3 nearly ⁄4 inch wide. It is easily dis- egg to adult may take from three to tinguished from other pantry­ pests four weeks in the summer. by the marking of its forewings— Confused Flour Beetle ­reddish-brown with a coppery luster on the outer two-thirds and whitish- (Tribolium confusum) The confused flour beetle is a gray on the inner portion of the wing. shiny, reddish-brown beetle about The female moth lays its eggs, singly 1 ⁄7 inch long, flattened and oval. The or in groups, on food material. The Cigarette Beetle head and upper parts of the protho- eggs hatch within a few days into rax are densely covered with min- small, whitish worms, or caterpillars. ute punctures. The wing covers are The worm of the Indian-meal ridged lengthwise and sparsely punc- moth spins a web as it becomes full tured between the ridges. This beetle grown, and leaves behind a silken generally feeds on cereals and cereal thread wherever it crawls. Webbing products, but may infest other food- in food products is a tell-tale sign stuffs. They cannot feed on whole of infestation. When full grown, the 1 grains. worm is about ⁄2 inch long and dirty The average life-span of these white, varying sometimes to greenish beetles is about one year. Females or pinkish. This worm spins a silken lay their small, white eggs loosely in cocoon and transforms to a light- flour or other food material. Eggs, brown pupa, from which the adult which are covered with sticky secre- moth later emerges. The Indian-meal tion, become covered with flour or moth may pass through the egg, meal and readily adhere to the sides Drugstore Beetle worm, and pupal stages in from six of sacks, boxes and other containers. to eight weeks during warm weather. They hatch into small worm-like lar- Sawtoothed Grain Beetle vae, slender, cylindrical and wiry in (Oryzaephilus surinamensis) appearance. The sawtoothed grain beetle is a When fully grown, the larva is 3 slender, flat, brown beetle about ⁄16 inch long and white, tinged with 1 ⁄10 inch long. It gains its name from yellow. The pupal stage gradually the peculiar structure of the prono- changes to yellow and then brown, tum (section between head and wing and shortly afterward transforms to covers) which bears six saw-like a beetle. In summer, under favorable tooth projections on each side. Both weather conditions, the period from larval and adult stages attack grain egg to adult averages about six weeks. and grain products like flours, meals, Cigarette Beetle breakfast foods, stock and poultry feeds, nutmeats, candies, dried milk, (Lasioderma serricorne) The cigarette beetle is about Cabinet Beetle and dried fruits. 1 ⁄10 inch long, robust, reddish-brown,

13 Pests Usually and clothed with short, fine hair. they may feed on stored food to some Reproducing When viewed from the side, the beetle extent. appears humped. It is known as the Indoors cigarette beetle from its feeding on Internal Feeders cured tobacco, cigarettes and cigars. It The granary weevil, rice weevil and also feeds on dried herbs, spices, cere- angoumois grain moth, are internal­ als and cereal products, dried fruits, feeders, living on whole grains or seeds, dried fish and meats, nuts, hair, seeds. They lay eggs on the seeds; the wool, and other animal products. larvae bore inside to feed and com- The beetle lays eggs in the food plete their development. Left un- substance. The small, yellowish- checked, breeding will continue until white grub is covered with long, all of the seeds are destroyed. silky, yellowish-brown­ hairs and The granary weevil and the rice 1 weevil are similar in form and habits, is about ⁄16 inch long when fully grown. The pupae are within a except that the rice weevil can fly, closed cell composed of small par- whereas the granary weevil cannot. Adults have a long, slender snout ticles of the food substance cemented 1 together with a secretion of the lar- and are about ⁄10 inch long, brown to vae. The period from egg to adult is chestnut brown, cylindrical, and hard- about six weeks. Adults will fly and shelled. The larvae are legless and are often found along window sills. pale with dark heads. These beetles only infest whole grain. Drugstore Beetle The angoumois grain moth is a Granary Weevil (Stegobium paniceum) tiny moth similar in size and color to The drugstore beetle is about clothes moths. They may be seen fly- 1 ⁄10 inch long, cylindrical, and uni- ing about in the house in the daytime, formly light brown. Its body is whereas clothes moths shun light. The covered with a fine, silky down; it larvae develop within whole kernels has fairly long antennae. This insect of grain such as popcorn, especially if is known as the drugstore beetle it is home grown. ­because of its habit of feeding on Booklice (Psocoptera) drugs found in pharmacies. It is a Booklice or psocids are very small very general feeder, attacking a great 1 1 ⁄20 to ⁄10 inch, light-colored insects variety of stored foods, seeds, pet that may be found indoors and out. foods, spices, and pastry mixes, and Indoors they frequent damp places has been said around stored foods and books and in to “eat anything except cast iron.” crawl spaces. They feed on molds and This beetle lays eggs in almost any fungi. Angoumois Moth dry, organic substance. The small, Booklice do little damage and can white grubs emerging from the eggs be present in tremendous numbers. tunnel through these substances and, The young resemble the adults and when full grown, pupate in small the life cycle takes a little over a cocoons. The entire life cycle takes month. They may be carried into food seven months. manufacturing plants on infested­ Cabinet Beetles pallets and cardboard slip-sheets. (Trogoderma ornatum) Products should not be stored flat on Cabinet beetles are dermestid floors, but instead should be placed beetles that prefer stored foods. The on dry, insect-free pallets so air can larval stage of these beetles does most circulate around the products. of the damage. Full-grown larvae are Booklice can be serious pests for 3 manufacturers of food products and about ⁄8 inch long and their body ta- pers at one end. Dark clumps of long containers. They can be controlled by hairs are common on the tapered­ end. removing moisture and food sources. Booklice Their shed skins are usually found in Control can often be accomplished the food. Adults are thought to feed through temperature and moisture mainly on flower pollen outdoors, but control without pesticides. Directed 14 Pests Usually sprays and aerosols may be helpful in volved. Store such products in control. tightly closed glass, metal contain- Reproducing ers, or in the refrigerator. Mites in Food Products 2. At time of purchase, carefully ex- Indoors Several species of mites associated amine packages of cereal products with stored grain products, cheese, such as cornmeal, macaroni and nuts, and other foods cause quality flours and dried fruits for evi- deterioration and contamination. Al- dence of insect infestation. Check though such mites do not bite, people packaging date to determine may become sensitized to allergens freshness. Look for holes in pack- on the mites or their waste products. ages and avoid purchase of old or Allergic responses range from skin poorly packaged items. rashes known as “grocers’ itch” to 3. Store susceptible foods in in- illness from ingesting mites to which sect-proof containers or in the one is allergic. refrigerator. Insects cannot attack Control properly protected foods. Follow these steps when food is 4. Keep storage areas clean. Do not infested: allow cereals, flour, crumbs or 1. Dispose of any infested products. food fragments to accumulate on 2. Separate and store insect-free shelves or in cracks and crevices foods in tightly closed glass or since exposed food will attract metal containers. Glass jars with the flying stage of pantry insects. screw-on lids are best. Vacuuming is the best procedure. Carpet Beetle 3. Clean pantry and cupboard Cleaning with soap and water is shelves, particularly cracks, crev- less effective because the water ices and spaces under shelves. washes some food particles into Remove all crumbs and spilled cracks and crevices. Infestations food with a vacuum cleaner. may begin in sofas and chairs 4. Insecticide treatment is supple- where food is dropped between mental to good housekeeping the cushions and not regularly since it will have no effect on cleaned. Occasionally, flour and insects breeding within food carpet beetles can survive and packages. Apply residual insecti- reproduce in the vacuum cleaner. cides inside of food cabinets very Always remove and dispose of lightly and only after shelves are sweepings. empty and cleaned. Do not con- 5. Don’t forget to check dry dog, cat, taminate food or utensils with fish, bird food and fertilizers for insecticide. stored-product insects. 5. Allow the insecticide to dry Black Carpet Beetle ­thoroughly—three to four hours if Fabric Pests oil based and one-half to one hour Carpet Beetles if water based is adequate. Cover There are several species of carpet shelves with shelving paper­ and beetles, but the most common is the replace properly packaged food black carpet beetle. You might find items (see step 2). the brown, hairy larvae in stored 6. If commodity storage is infested, woolens, carpeting, lint accumula- fumigation may be necessary. tions, cracks and corners of closets, Prevention dresser drawers and occasionally in Follow these steps to help prevent stored food. The larvae are quite ac- future infestations: tive. The adults are small, oval, black 1. Avoid long storage periods by 1 purchasing susceptible or seldom beetles about ⁄4 inch long. The beetles used foods in small quantities. do not cause damage, but the larvae Rotate stock on a first-in, first-out are very destructive. The most seri- schedule that is a shorter term ous damage results from the larvae than the life cycle of the pest in- feeding on animal fibers, fur, feathers, hair, bristles, mohair clothing, carpet- 15 Pests Usually ing, upholstery and other household tic bags treated with paradichloro- Reproducing furnishings. People in heavily in- benzene or naphthalene. Dry clean fested buildings may develop­ allergic or launder clothing before storing. Indoors reactions to hairs from the larvae that Carpet beetles are more apt to infest may float in the air. soiled materials. If you find the larvae or their shed If large numbers of insects such as skins, inspect the area thoroughly. flies or small animals (or individual Start with a thorough search of: rodents in some situations) are killed ■ Stored woolens in chests, boxes and in wall spaces, carpet beetles will be closets. attracted and lay eggs on the animals. ■ Remnants of flannel, wool, fleece, These beetles will then feed, develop or felt in closets, attics and base- and eventually move into rooms to ments. become pests. The best method of con- ■ Under covers of upholstered trolling these beetles in this ­situation ­furniture. is to prevent the insects or animals ■ In lint that accumulates in floor they are feeding on from entering the cracks, registers or cold air ducts. building. ■ Under rugs, carpets and pads— especially around edges or under Clothes Moths seldom moved furniture. Clothes moths are well-known ■ Hunting coats containing rem- pests of fabrics in the home. Two spe- nants of game such as feathers and cies of clothes moths commonly infest woolens and other animal fibers—the­ Clothes Moth blood. ■ Around baseboards, moldings and webbing clothes moth and the case- trim. making clothes moth. ■ In stored food with high protein Casemaking clothes moth adults are yellowish or buff in color and content. 1 about ⁄4 inch long. Fully grown larvae Control 1 are ⁄2 inch long and are white with If infestation is localized, remove brownish-black heads. They spin a infested material if possible. Then hard, portable protective case in the apply a suitable insecticide to area fabrics on which they feed. surfaces. If the infestation has spread The adult moth lays its soft white throughout the building, do a thor- eggs in the fabric it attacks. The eggs ough cleanup, then apply insecticides hatch into the creamy white larvae. to infested areas. Use a coarse spray The larvae are the feeding stage in the and concentrate on cracks and crev- life cycle. The adult moth has a flut- ices and infested areas. tery flight and tends to avoid light. Treat baseboards, closet corners and About four generations per year carpeting edges. If the infestation is occur under household conditions. heavy, loosen and turn back the car- Most moth infestations in homes are peting edges and spray both sides. carried in on carpeting, woolen goods, Prevention furniture and other home furnishings. Housekeeping is important.­ Regu- Used household items should be thor- lar, thorough cleaning of lint and oughly sunned and perhaps sprayed spilled food removes insect breeding before being taken into the home. sites. Pay particular attention to rugs, Control and Prevention carpets (especially areas next to walls), In general, the preventive and con- upholstered furniture, closets, shelves, trol measures for carpet beetles will radiators (and the space under and also control clothes moths. Winter­ behind them), registers and ducts, clothing should be dry cleaned, moth baseboards, moldings, corners and proofed and then stored in clothing floor cracks. cases or chests when not in use. Dispose of or properly store wool, fur, fleece and other material. Store these in tight boxes, chests or plas-

16 Pests Usually

Study Questions Reproducing 1. (6) Adult female cockroaches 6. (8) Chemicals will control cock- produce small, bean-like roaches much better if: Indoors ­capsules: a. there are openings in the a. or oothecae which contain building so the roaches will the eggs leave b. which are food for the b. chemicals are placed where nymphs roaches will occasionally c. or cockroach nymphs which inhabit become adults in one week c. chemicals are sprayed out- d. and bury them under- side of the building ground for a winter food d. chemicals are placed in or supply near regular hiding places 2. (6) Cockroaches can feed on: 7. (9) Pesticide selection for a. meat and grease ­cockroach control should be b. sweets and baked goods based on: c. wallpaper paste a. insect species and applica- d. all of the above tion technique b. surfaces to be treated 3. (7) The German cockroach: c. information on the label a. produces fewer eggs per d. all of the above capsule than other species b. has a very long develop- 8. (9) The pesticide formulation mental period which requires constant agita- c. is less active than other tion in the spray tank is: domestic species a. a wettable powder d. is the most prevalent house- b. an oil base spray hold cockroach in Kansas c. water base emulsion d. none of the above 4. (7) The adult oriental cockroach is: 9. (10) Dusts are usually less haz- a. gold to light brown ardous to people than sprays b. very active and will fly from because: danger a. of their quick vaporization c. glossy dark brown to black b. they have no residual action­ d. a small, gold, flying insect c. they are much less toxic d. they are not as easily 5. (8) The woods roach: ­absorbed through the skin a. is not a normal home dwell- ing species 10. (10) Silverfish and firebrats b. male will not be attracted to prefer to inhabit: lights a. dark places c. usually nests inside homes b. lighted areas d. is a problem year round c. smooth vertical surfaces d. cool (60–70°F) temperature locations

17 Pests Usually

Reproducing Study Questions 11. (11) What materials do sil­ pests for: Indoors verfish and firebrats usually a. homeowners damage? b. restaurant owners a. glue or starchy materials c. manufacturers of food b. leather or fur products and containers c. paper or light clothing d. hotels, motels, and nursing d. all the above homes 12. (12) Most kitchen or pantry 18. (15) The best procedure for insect pests are: cleaning cracks and crevices in a. silverfish or firebrats cabinet shelves is: b. beetles or moths a. by fumigating c. crickets b. with soap and water d. springtails c. with a vacuum cleaner 13. (12) Stored foods attacked by d. with a damp cloth pests are: 19. (15) The brown, hairy larvae of a. dried fruit the carpet beetle can be found: b. cured meat a. in stored woolens c. grains b. in carpets d. all of the above c. in stored food 14. (13) The Indian meal moth d. all of the above damages: 20. (16) To control a localized car- a. food in the adult stage of its pet beetle infestation: life cycle a. remove infested material if b. food in the larval stage of its possible and apply insec- life cycle ticide to the storage area c. food in all stages of its life surfaces cycle b. use a space spray on the d. wool fabrics only infestation before cleaning 15. (13) The confused flour beetle c. use an oil base spray on generally feeds on: asphalt tile a. cereal products d. remove and destroy the b. wool fabrics carpet c. dried meats 21. (16) Adult casemaking clothes d. bird and vegetable seeds moths are: 16. (14) What is the life cycle a. dark brown and 1 inch long

length for the drugstore beetle? b. yellowish or buff and 1 a. 10 days only ⁄4 inch long

b. 3 weeks only c. tan or light brown and 1 c. 2 months or less ⁄2 inch long d. 6 months or longer d. gray with brown markings 1 and ⁄2 inch long 17. (14) Book lice can be serious

18 Occasional House Crickets (Acheta domesticus) Invaders Occasional invaders have been House crickets are light to dark defined as pests which occur in build- brown in color with three dark bands 3 ings at some stage of their life cycle on the head. Adults are about ⁄4 to 7 while usually not completing their ⁄8 inch in length. These crickets can entire life cycle inside. This heading live and reproduce outside during the may suggest that their ­occurrence is summer or inside year round. In- by chance. In fact the presence of these doors, the female will lay from pests may be predictable and even 40 to 170 eggs in cracks and crevices. preventable if the biology of the insect The eggs hatch in two to four months is understood. and the nymphs (immatures) develop It is important to remember that into adults two months later. this is a varied group of pests that are entering structures at different Field Crickets (Gryllus sp.) There are many species of field times and for different reasons. Some crickets. These insects range in size years the infestations may be heavy; 1 from ⁄2 to 1 inch in length and they other years there may be no problem are dark brown to black in color. Field at all. Therefore, there is no one gen- crickets prefer to live outdoors and eral method of control for all of these are not adapted for living inside struc- pests. Each case must be individually tures. Most field crickets overwinter as diagnosed and treated. eggs in the soil. The eggs hatch from There are many reasons these pests Female Cricket May to June and the nymphs become will move into structures. adults in the fall. These crickets have A major cause is seasonal changes. only one generation per year. Pests often enter in large numbers When found outdoors, house and to overwinter—for harborage, food field crickets feed mostly on plant and/or water. Other causes of an debris and organic refuse. These crick- infestation include: environmental ets enter homes in late summer, as the changes, natural dispersal, population vegetation becomes scarce or crops are pressure and by accident. harvested. Once inside, male crickets While you can obviously have no often reveal their presence by a chirp- control over all of these factors (i.e., ing sound which is produced as they seasons), there are non-chemical mea- rub their outer pair of wings together. sures that can be taken to reduce the These sounds are used in courtship, attractiveness of a structure to many fighting and to sound an alarm. of the occasional invaders. These mea- House and field crickets can cause sures include: proper light manage- damage to woolens, furs, silks, cot- Male Cricket ment, exclusion, sanitation and water tons and other fabrics. Clothing soiled management. with perspiration is especially subject Crickets to attack. As with other insect pests, Crickets are common household in- the amount of damage depends­ on the vaders. These pests may enter homes number feeding and the length of time through open doors and windows,­ they have been present. Large num- as well as cracks in poorly fitted win- bers of field and house crickets may dows, foundations or sidings. Once cause fabric damage. inside, crickets can subsist on a wide Tall grass around the house foun- variety of organic substances. In Kan- dation or proximity to a dump area, sas, the crickets commonly infesting field, or garden with plenty of plant houses are the house cricket, the field debris make a structure susceptible cricket, and the camel or cave cricket. to cricket infestations. At night, these species are also attracted to lights.

19 Occasional Camel or Cave Cricket under stairways, around fireplaces, Invaders (Ceuthophilus maculatus) in basements, on ground level floors, These insects are not true crickets and wherever crickets become a but resemble house and field crickets ­nuisance. because they have long antennae and Boxelder Bug well developed jumping legs. They are often light tan with darker bands (Leptocoris trivittatus) In the late summer and early on some segments and, unlike true fall, adult boxelder bugs move into crickets, are wingless. Camel or cave sheltered areas to overwinter. These crickets are found mainly in cool, ­insects become household pests as damp and dark areas. Outdoors, they they crowd into any cracks and crev- frequent the undersides of logs and ices they can find. Eventually, some of flat stones. It is the search for this kind them may make their way into wall of environment that leads them to the voids. Although they will not bite basement and other dark areas of the man or damage buildings, furnish- house. Logs and flat stones with suit- ing, clothing or food, they can spot able organic matter for food near a curtains and walls with fecal material house increase the likelihood of infes- and they will leave a stain if crushed. tation. These insects are not attracted Boxelder bugs are mainly a nuisance to lights. pest because of their presence when Much less damage is done by cave crawling and flying around rooms or camel crickets than by field and and accumulating in light fixtures. Boxelder Bug house crickets. Their diet consists of Adult boxelder bugs are about plant debris and they may also chew 1 ⁄2 inch long, and dark brown to black paper products. However, these crick- in color with red lines on their backs. ets seldom chew fabrics. Sanitation The young, or nymphs, are wingless is the most important step in reduc- but generally similar in shape to the ing cricket feeding and reproduction. adults. The smaller nymphs are solid Eliminate weeds and dense vegetation bright red, but the older nymphs have around the house foundation. Remove some black markings. rotting wood, stones, bricks, tile, and Adults come out of their winter other debris where crickets hide. Since shelters in early spring, mate and lay crickets may enter at doorways and small rusty red eggs on trees, leaves, basement windows, make necessary grasses, shrubs and stones. The eggs repairs. Caulk or fill in cracks and hatch in about two weeks into small, crevices in the house foundation and bright red nymphs. They feed by other points of entry. Heavy cricket piercing the tissue of the plant and migrations are very difficult to control. sucking out the juices. Studies on Spraying foundation walls, window nymphs in cages show they will feed wells, sub-floor crawl spaces, under on a wide variety of plants, including garbage cans, at door thresholds and maple, ash, oak, boxelder, golden rain- other points of entry, or hiding places tree, tree-of-heaven, mulberry, honey can help reduce troublesome popula- locust, lilac, honeysuckle, iris, gera- tions. Baits may be applied around nium, tulip, peony, asparagus, straw- garbage cans or other outdoor areas berry, pigweed, crabgrass and foxtail. where crickets hide but which are They may do some damage when inaccessible to children. Baits may be feeding on strawberries. Nymphs used beneath concrete drain splash spend most of their lives in weeds, pans, around foundations, patios, grasses and under accumulations of driveways and sidewalks. old leaves, tree seeds and other debris. When infestations are very heavy, By mid-summer the nymphs it may be necessary to treat a 5- to ­develop into adults which produce 20-foot wide band of the soil extend- a second generation that matures in ing completely around the house. the fall. Large numbers of nymphs can Indoors, residual insecticides should often be observed in late summer on be applied to baseboards, in closets, 20 Occasional host plants. After maturing, the sec- most elm species are subject to at- ond-generation adults begin to seek tack, Siberian elms (commonly called Invaders winter quarters. They often move Chinese elms) and hybrid elms are toward structures, entering near the preferred hosts. foundation and pushing into cracks. Both the adult and the larval stages Many get into wall spaces and under of the elm leaf beetle feed on elm shingles. During the coldest part of leaves. Adults eat small, rough, cir- the winter the insects are inactive, but cular holes in expanding leaves. The during warm winter days some will majority of the damage is caused by become active and move around the the larvae feeding on the undersides inside and outside of the house. of leaves leaving only the upper sur- eggs The first warm days of spring bring faces and veins. the bugs out of their protected winter- Elm leaf beetle feeding damage ing places in preparation for outdoor may result in partial or complete de- activity. Unless they are bothersome, foliation of the tree. Severely ­infested particularly at doorways, there is little leaves will turn brown, and often drop point in spraying at this time. Those prematurely. In some cases, by mid- trapped in houses die during the summer the entire tree may be defoli- adult spring. ated. Trees which lose many of their larva Boxelder bugs are more common leaves as a result of elm leaf beetle during dry summers. During wet damage commonly put out a new pupa weather, small nymphs are easily flush of growth which may be con- drowned. To prevent large fall popula- sumed by other insects found on the Elm Leaf Beetle tions of these insects, young boxelder­ host trees or by a second generation bugs should be treated in the summer. of the elm leaf beetle. Feeding dam- Sprays should be applied age by elm leaf beetles seldom kills to thoroughly cover infested tree an elm tree. However, severe feeding trunks, limbs and foliage. will weaken a tree making it more For fall home treatment, spray susceptible to attack by other insects the outside of foundation walls thor- and diseases. oughly up into the area where the Adults of the elm leaf beetle seek siding overhangs the foundation. winter hibernating sites in attics, ­gar- Window wells, subfloor crawl spaces, ages, wood piles and other protected door thresholds, and other points of places in late summer and fall. In entry or hiding places should also be the spring, the beetles migrate back sprayed thoroughly. Direct spray on to elm trees. These beetles are a nui- the bugs if possible because they are sance in the home; especially in the difficult to kill. Repeat applications spring when they become active and may be necessary to reduce infesta- are attempting­ to find their way out. tions. Inside, elm leaf beetles will cause no Indoor control of the boxelder bug damage, but become­ a nuisance as a is difficult. For temporary control, result of their presence in unwanted use a space spray. Fill the entire room places. 1 with mist and close it off for several Adults are about ⁄4 inch long, yel- hours. Use a vacuum cleaner to collect lowish to olive green with a black and destroy the bugs. Several residual stripe along the outer edge of each insecticides are labeled for the treat- wing cover. In the spring, the beetles ment of cracks, crevices, wall voids leave their overwintering quarters, fly and other overwintering sites. to nearby elms, mate and begin laying eggs. Elm Leaf Beetle The lemon-yellow, spindle shaped (Pyrrhalta luteola) eggs are laid on end in groups of The elm leaf beetle was introduced five to 25 in two or three parallel rows into this country from Europe on the undersides of elm leaves. A 150 years ago. This pest feeds almost female may lay 600 to 800 eggs over exclusively on elm trees. Although her life span. Small, black larvae hatch 21 Occasional in about a week and feed on the under­ 3. Inspect attic for openings that can Invaders surface of the leaves. The larvae feed be sealed. for three weeks and when mature they 4. Make sure that all vents and lou- 1 are approximately ⁄2 inch in length, vers are sealed and have small dull yellow, with what appear to be mesh screen covering them. two black stripes down the back. 5. Caulk and seal coolant lines and Young larvae feed in groups and wiring from air conditioner units, older larvae may feed singly. At the water pipes, and dryer vents end of the larval stage, they migrate which lead into or out of crawl- to lower parts of the elm tree. They spaces/basements. ­pupate under debris on the soil, or 6. Inspect, repair, and seal, if neces- in cracks, crevices or crotches of the sary, the mortar between cinder- tree trunk or larger limbs. Bright blocks. yellowish-orange pupae can be found 7. Seal spaces between foundation around the base of the tree. Adults and sill plate. emerge seven to 14 days later in midsummer. Attic Flies In Kansas, there are two complete In Kansas, the most common at- generations of elm leaf beetle per tic fly is the “face fly.” Attic flies year and in some areas, a partial overwinter as adults in homes and third-generation. The specific tim- other buildings. They enter the high- ing of these generations varies with est rooms of a structure during the ­autumn months through various Face Fly the season and with different areas of the state. Spraying infested trees small cracks and openings. They should be timed to kill the young hibernate in wall voids, window cas- first-generation­ larvae and, later, the ings, dark corners, closet clothing, be- second generation larvae just after neath curtains and behind furniture. hatching from the egg. Specific time Just as the flies are a nuisance in varies with the season and differ- the fall, while seeking hibernating ent areas of the state. Examine the quarters, they are again trouble- undersides of the leaves for yellow some on warm winter days and in eggs and emerging larvae. Insecticide the spring, trying to get outdoors. As ­application times are usually about the warm spring weather induces fly mid-May for the first generation and activity, many appear inside the home early to mid-July for the second gen- from wall voids. The attic flies make eration. irritating buzzing noises, ­actively In the fall, some control of these spin around in circles, move slug- beetles may be obtained by treat- gishly, and make a greasy spot when ing the foundation, window wells, crushed. They congregate in large sub-floor crawl spaces, door thresh- numbers, especially at windows and olds and other points of entry with in rooms not frequently used. These a residual­ pesticide. For temporary flies will do no damage to home fur- control indoors, sweep them up or nishings, or humans, but use a space spray. Whenever possible, are a nuisance by their presence. spray the beetles directly. Collect and Even after the flies are removed from destroy beetles following the treat- a room, within a few days the same ment. Several residual insecticides are room may need to be treated again. labeled for the treatment of wall voids It is the continuous appearance of and other overwintering sites. these pests in a room that is most frus- Non-chemical Treatments are trating. ­effective in reducing elm leaf beetles The face fly is similar in appear- inside houses: ance to the house fly, but is somewhat 1. Caulk around exterior window darker in color. The large eyes of the frames, doors and vents. male face fly nearly touch on top of 2. Make sure all lap siding is tightly the head, while those of the housefly nailed. are far apart. Female face flies are dif- ficult to separate from female house 22 Occasional flies. However, the face fly female lawns where there is a healthy growth has a silvery stripe around the eyes, of succulent, well-fertilized grass. Invaders whereas the stripe around the eyes Heavy feeding results in lawns having of the house fly is golden in color. a silvery appearance. Inside homes the The middle body section of the face clover mite will not harm pets, people fly is slate-gray. During the ­summer or furnishings. However, they will months, face flies are very annoying leave red stains when crushed. on livestock where they lap exudation These pests are not insects. Adults from the eyes, nostrils and mouth. are small and reddish-brown in color. Face fly females deposit eggs in fresh Like other mites, adults have eight cow manure during the spring and legs. They can be distinguished by summer. The maggot stage lasts three their long front legs. These are about to 10 days; egg to adult takes about 14 two times the length of the other legs. to 18 days. The females are parthenogenetic Control of the attic flies cannot and lay their eggs without fertiliza- be permanent until the openings are tion from a male. In fact, male clover closed through which these fliesenter ­ mites have never been found in the the home. Use caulking compound or United States. The bright red eggs are other suitable material to fill all cracks laid in cracks and crevices, around the and openings near windows, doors, foundation, and on the bark and twigs vents, and other possible fly entry of trees. Egg development depends­ on sites. Seal holes, cracks and splits in environmental conditions, particularly the siding. Maintaining the structure temperature and humidity. The eggs Clover Mite in good repair will greatly reduce will lie dormant until temperatures infestations. Use fall below 85°F in the late summer and tight-fitting screens, especially on early fall. the upstairs and attic windows. Screen After hatching, the mites pass ventilators, louvers and air condition- through four stages of development. er openings. The larvae (six legs), protonymph Flies inside the home can be killed (eight legs), deutonymph (eight legs) by using an aerosol space spray. and adult (eight legs). For each of Dead, dying, and sluggish flies can be these stages they will feed, move to a picked up with a vacuum cleaner, or protected site, molt and emerge. Each with a broom and a dust pan. Destroy­ of these stages lasts from two to six the sweepings to prevent reinfesta- days (one month total). There are two tion. Accumulations of dead flies or more generations per year. This in attics and wall voids may attract activity will continue until the tem- carpet beetles which feed on the flies perature drops below 45°F. On warm and then move into woolen carpets sunny days during the winter, feed- and other animal fiber products in the ing and egg hatching may resume, house. Applications of labeled re- especially on the southeast, south and sidual pesticides can be directed into southwest exposures of structures window pulley openings, wall voids, and trees. Feeding and egg-laying and known fly entry sites around resumes in the spring until tempera- windows and doors. tures again reach 85°F. This is the Any tightly enclosed room with reason that clover mites are seldom a little air movement, such as attics problem during the hottest part of the and storage rooms can be successfully summer. treated by hanging impregnated resin It is in search of protected sites for strips. Use strips according to label oviposition, molting, hibernation and directions. feeding that they become a problem. They also are a problem when host Clover Mite (Bryobia praetiosa) plants are removed (mowing, dry Clover mites feed on plant juices. weather) and under population pres- There are at least 200 host plants for sure. High infestations will look like this pest. They are most numerous brick dust and are often concentrated in newly established lawns or in old 23 Occasional on the sunny side of the structure. Invasion of these mites into room Invaders One serious infestation was esti- interiors usually occurs after birds mated at 250,000 on the floor of one nesting on the outside of the structure room. have abandoned the nest or shortly There is no satisfactory control after rodents have been exterminated method once the mites are inside. from the building. Preventing birds They are difficult to remove without from nesting or frequently roosting on creating a stain. Therefore, preven- or in a structure will avert problems tion is better than cure. Space sprays with bird mites, and proactive rodent will kill those mites directly hit by the proofing of buildings greatly reduces pesticide. The use of a vacuum cleaner the likelihood of rat and/or mouse attachment to remove mites from in- mite infestations. Crack and crevice door surfaces can be successful if care treatments with a residual acaricide is taken not to crush them. Residual may be necessary to control mite in- treatments can also be made to door festations. and window frames where clover mites enter. Centipedes Mites will not readily cross loose, Centipedes appear somewhat sim- clean, cultivated soil. Therefore, a ilar to millipedes; however, they pos- grass-free band 18 to 24 inches wide sess only one pair of legs per body segment. A typical centipede is about around the structure can reduce clover 1 mite populations by as much as 90 1 ⁄2 to 2 inches long and possesses 15 or more leg-bearing segments. House Centipede percent. This grass-free barrier can be planted with a variety of plants that The first pair of legs are modified are less attractive to the clover mite. to look like jaws and contain poison These plants include: zinnia, mari- glands. Larger species can pierce the gold, salvia, rose, chrysanthemum, skin, causing some pain and swelling. petunia, barberry, juniper, spruce, Centipedes can be found in moist arborvitae and yew. sites such as in leaf piles, compost Clover mites can be further pre- heaps, under stones or under bark vented by a residual treatment of the on felled trees. They are predaceous outside foundation. For heavy infesta- and feed on insects, spiders and other tions it may be necessary to treat small animals. They occasionally enter a 10- to 20-foot barrier around the homes from outdoors. structure. The house centipede is an unusual looking centipede. Its body is about 1 Bird Mites and Rodent Mites 1 ⁄4 inches long and it has very long Several other species of mites may legs and antennae. The house centi- Field Centipede be found in homes from time to time, pede is an efficient predator, feeding but they usually go unnoticed. Not on house flies, clothes moths, small infrequently, however, people incur cockroaches, brown recluse spiders bites and, on searching for the cause, and silverfish. They can endure dry discover mites on walls, floors, or situations and will reproduce in build- furniture. The most common of these ings. are four related species: northern Control measures include exclusion fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and outdoor sanitation of harborage and the poultry red mite (Dermanys- sites. Residual treatments can also sus gallinae) associated with birds and be made to both indoor and outdoor birds’ nests; and the tropical rat mite harborage sites. (Ornithonyssus bacoti) and the mouse mite (Alloderman­ yssus­ sanguineus) Millipedes associated with rodents­ and their During the spring and autumn nests. Although each of these species months, millipedes can be trouble- has distinct host preferences, all show some to the homeowner. Millipedes Millipede adaptability for survival and will bite crawl from outdoors into homes people if their normal hosts are not and other buildings. Infestations are available. ­usually limited to the basement or 24 Occasional first- floor rooms. However, milli- a waxy layer on the epicuticle like pedes have been reported to crawl up insects do. To reduce water loss, they Invaders walls and drop from the ceiling. These are often found grouped together creatures normally live outdoors, under objects and they are only active feeding on damp and decaying wood at night. 1 and organic matter. Moisture favors Pillbugs are dark gray, ⁄2 inch long the development of millipedes. and humpbacked. They can roll them- Heavy rains are believed to raise selves into a ball when alarmed. Early the water level in the soil causing immatures have six pairs of legs, later millipedes to find shelter elsewhere. immatures and adults have It is important for the homeowner to seven pairs. 1 ­remember that these creatures do not Sowbugs are also gray and ⁄2 feed upon the building structures or inch long. They have a flattened ap- home furnishings. They do not bite pearance and do not roll themselves or sting persons, but if crushed may into a ball. They have two, tail-like stain fabrics and leave an unsightly ­appendages and seven pairs of legs. mess. These pests feed on decaying Millipedes are cylindrical and ­vegetable material. They are found slightly flattened with many seg- beneath objects on the damp ground. ments, each bearing two pairs of legs. They often make their way into base- These gray or brownish-black, worm- ments, crawl spaces or are carried in like animals are active at night. They on potted plants. When decaying or- tend to hide during the daytime, usu- ganic material and moisture are abun- Sowbug ally beneath various objects located­ on dant, large populations of these pests damp soil. Millipedes normally range may build up. Mulches are especially 1 1 in size from ⁄2 to 1 ⁄2 inches. They tend a source of problems. to curl up when touched or disturbed. The female carries 20 to 90 eggs in Adults normally overwinter, and a marsupium or brood pouch for in the summer, lay eggs singly or in four to eight weeks. The young are groups in the soil. A single female born live and there are one to three may lay 20 to 300 eggs which hatch generations per year (usually two). within a few weeks. Then the young They can live up to two years as pass through seven to 10 instars adults, possibly longer. While they ­before reaching adulthood in the au- are mostly a nuisance, heavy popula- tumn. Some may overwinter in the tions may attack vegetation.­ immature stage with maturity occur- Removing debris and decaying or- ring the following summer. ganic material from around the struc- Control measures are the same ture will help reduce populations. as those discussed for pillbugs and Moisture and ventilation problems Pillbug sowbugs. should be identified and corrected. Residual pesticides can be applied Pillbugs (Armadillidium vulgare) to points of entry and dark, damp Sowbugs (Porcellio laevis and infested areas. Outdoors it may be Porcellio scaber) necessary to treat a 5- to 20-foot band Pillbugs and sowbugs are not around the perimeter of the building. ­insects, they are members of the ­order Isopoda. Other members of Ground Beetles this order are aquatic and breathe (Coleoptera; Carabidae) through gills. These household pests Ground beetles occasionally breathe through tube like invagina- ­become a pest when they invade tions much the same way that insects buildings. One’s first reaction is to do. However, these tubes are single, panic since the beetles are frequently open pores without spiracles. There- thought to be cockroaches or some fore, they are subject to water loss other undesirable creature. However, Ground Beetle and have very high moisture require- ground beetles do not damage house- ments. In addition, they do not have hold structure or fabrics and they are considered harmless to people. 25 Occasional The adult beetles range in size months and then carried back inside 1 3 Invaders from ⁄16 to 1 ⁄8 inches long and most in the fall. These pests are restricted to are shiny black in color. Some ground humid habitats, in many cases using a beetles are colored reddish-orange, fan to lower the humidity may solve metallic blue or green, or with other the problem. bright markings. Their legs are long Indoors, springtails may be found and well adapted for running. They in or around windows and shower ar- rarely fly. eas where humidity is high and wood, Female ground beetles lay their which has been frequently exposed eggs in the soil and adulthood is to moisture, has begun to deteriorate. reached within a few months to a Ventilation of such areas and a new year, depending on the species. Lar- coat of paint may eliminate the prob- vae occur in the soil and are rarely lem. seen, whereas the adults can be found under bark, in decomposing wood, General Control of under stones, and around lights. Both Occasional Invaders the larvae and adults are beneficial to Special effort should be made to people since they feed on other insect keep compost piles and other organic larvae. matter accumulations as far away Springtails (Collembola) from the house as possible. Eliminate wet, damp conditions around the Springtails are minute, wingless, 1 house foundation, in basements, crawl pale-colored insects about ⁄32 inch Springtail (elongated) spaces and attics. Maintain sanitary long. There are many species and conditions by picking up old boards, they range in shape from elongate rocks, leaves and other debris which and narrow to spherical or rounded. could shelter these pests. In some The name “springtail” refers­ to a cases such as boxelder bugs, host forked appendage attached to the plant removal may be required. Suc- undersurface­ of the body that func- cessful control inside can be obtained­ tions as a spring, propelling the insect only if control measures forward great distances. are taken outside the building in addi- During the spring months, these tion to work done indoors. insects frequently build up in huge Repair of cracks in the founda- populations and can become a nui- tion wall, around doors, basement sance. They are found in moist soil, windows and other points of entry under bark, in decaying logs, in fungi, with caulking compound will reduce and in organic mulches and decaying the numbers of occasional invad- vegetable matter. ers entering­ buildings. Indoor indi- Generally speaking, springtails Springtail (rounded) vidual insects can be picked up with cause no economic problems but may a vacuum cleaner and the sweeper be a nuisance by their presence. For bag contents destroyed, or they can be example, they can be a problem in collected by means of a dust pan and and under potted house plants. This broom, then crushed and discarded. is especially true when these plants are put outside during the summer

26 Occasional

Study Questions Invaders 1. (19) Especially subject to attack 7. (23) Clover mites can be dis- by house and field crickets are: tinguished from other mites a. woolens and furs found in the home: b. clothes soiled with a. by their greenish color ­perspiration b. by their clover shaped c. carpets and heavy drapes ­appearance d. silk fabrics c. by their long front legs d. because they attack ­humans 2. (20) Cave or camel crickets’ and plants diets consist of: a. plant debris and paper 8. (23) During high summertime products temperatures, the clover mite b. starchy foods and fabrics a. begins hiding in the soil c. most fabrics b. dies d. leather and paper products c. eggs remain dormant until cooler temperatures (under 3. (20) Boxelder bugs are more 85°F) common: d. turns bright green in color a. in areas free of weeds and plant debris 9. (24) House centipedes b. during wet summers ­occasionally enter homes and c. during dry summers feed on: d. a and b a. brown recluse spiders and silverfish 4. (21) Where do the boxelder bug b. house flies and clothes nymphs spend most of their moths lives? c. small cockroaches a. on the bark of maple and d. all of the above boxelder trees b. in weeds and under plant 10. (25) Millipedes are considered debris pests because they: c. inside buildings a. may stain fabrics if they are d. underground crushed b. cause a painful sting to 5. (21) The adult elm leaf beetle humans may overwinter in: c. secrete a staining saliva a. attics when eating b. garages d. infest starchy foods and c. woodpiles grains d. all of the above 11. (25) Ground beetles are fre- 6. (22) Attic flies are pests quently mistaken for: ­because: a. carpet beetles a. they bite humans b. cockroaches b. their buzzing, noisy pres- c. sowbugs ence is irritating to people d. elm leaf beetles c. they can damage home furnishings d. they eat dry cat food

27 Occasional

Invaders Study Questions 12. (26) Springtails are: 13. (26) Successful control of oc- a. generally not an economic casional indoor pests can be problem obtained if: b. found in dry, cool areas a. favorable conditions for the c. winged, dark colored pest indoors are eliminated insects­ b. area is vacuumed only 1 3 d. between ⁄2 to ⁄4 inch long when pests are noticed c. control measures are taken outside the building d. a and c

28 Pests Annoying flies may remain in thepupal ­ case for several weeks. When this stage is and Attacking completed, the adult pushes open the Common Flies in end of the pupal case and, after dry- People and Pets Buildings ing and hardening, flies away to feed. Several species of common flies Mating may take place a day or two ­annoy humans. Although they dif- following emergence from the pupal fer in appearance, all are in the order case. Diptera­ and have complete metamor- Many of the intestinal diseases of phosis (egg, larval, pupal and adult man, such as the dysenteries, cholera stages). and typhoid fever are transmitted by house flies. The fly simply transports House Fly (Musca domestica) the organisms causing these diseases. The house fly is known in all areas Frequently, they are regurgitated onto of the world and is the most widely the food when the fly attempts to distributed insect of importance to hu- liquify it for ingestion. mans. In some areas, it may constitute The house fly has a wide flight 98 percent of all flies entering build- range and varied food tastes. The ings. As a matter of necessity, a large female is naturally attracted to collec- part of any pest control program (as tions of filth in which to lay her eggs. an example, screened windows and garbage collection) will be directed Non-Chemical Control against house flies. Sanitation. There is no substitute House Fly The house fly is gray in color. The for sanitation in house fly control, gray thorax is marked with four i.e., destroying their breeding place. equally broad dark stripes running Because house flies have developed longitudinally. The mouth parts are resistance to many insecticides, proper sponge like and are adapted for taking sanitation is even more essential. liquefied foods. They may be partly Place garbage in cans with tight-fit- withdrawn into the head when not in ting lids. Keep cans on racks and wash use. Eggs are laid and larvae develop them frequently. Exercise care when in animal and vegetable refuse. Gar- repeated washing of cans occurs.­ Eggs bage, contents of pit privies, animal Rinsing and washing water should be Adult disposed of properly. manure, spilled animal feed, and soil Pupa contaminated with organic matter Pick up garbage at frequent in- such as from washings­ of any of these tervals and dispose of it in properly items are favorite breeding places. operated sanitary landfills. Chemical Larva House flies are very prolific, each treatment of breeding areas hastens development of resistance to insecti- female laying several masses of many Life Cycle of a House Fly eggs. Under favorable conditions the cides more than does chemical control eggs hatch in 24 hours or less. The measures for adults. Therefore, place maggots, pointed at the front end, your emphasis on sanitation. 1 Screens and doors. To keep flies creamy white and about ⁄2 inch long when mature, move about in the out of buildings, screen all doors breeding medium to secure optimum and windows with 16- or 18-mesh temperature and moisture conditions. screen. Use automatic closers on all Larval stages last three to 24 days; the outside doors and keep them properly usual time in warm weather is four to ­adjusted. seven days. Other non-chemical control meth- Full-grown larvae move to dry ods that should be considered for parts of the breeding medium or move house fly control include air doors, out into the soil or sheltered areas un- insect electrocuters and light traps. der debris to pupate. The pupal case Trapping. The most recently manu- is reddish-brown. The pupal stage factured blacklight traps with replace- usually lasts four to five days. Under able sticky strips beneath the lights very warm conditions only three days are helpful in removing the few flies may be required, and in cold weather that may gain entry despite screens 29 Pests Annoying and tight doors. In areas where flies While these flies have essentially and Attacking are commonly found, wall-mounted the same potential for transmitting lights will attract and trap the flies on disease organisms as do house flies, People and Pets the glueboards. These units should they have fewer opportunities ­because be inspected and cleaned on a regular they are less inclined to enter build- basis. ings. Occasionally, blow flies cause Chemical Control annoyance indoors in much the same The application of insecticides ways as do house flies. for the control of adult flies indoors Normally, blow flies originate out- usually includes the use of aerosols. doors, but infestations can arise from ­Application of insecticides with some dead rodents and birds inside attics, residual action also may be effective crawl spaces and wall voids. They if applied around windows or other may also come from birds’ nests in areas visited by flies. Impregnated eave troughs, above windows, or even resin strips may offer some control of in soiled carpets and rugs. adult flies, but care must be taken not Control to place these strips in areas prohib- Inspect and destroy all sources of ited by the label. maggot infestation. Remove pet feces For control of adult flies out-of- each week. The control measures rec- doors, aerosols applied by mist, fog ommended for house flies are, in gen- or ultra-low volume equipment is eral, effective against blow flies. of some value. Fly baits may offer Blow Fly some control in certain situations, Face Fly particularly where no other food is in See attic flies under Occasional In- competition. Residual sprays may be vaders. used around areas of high fly concen- Drain Flies (Psychoda sp. and tration such as garbage cans. Resin Telmatoscopus sp.) strips impregnated with insecticide Occasionally, drain fly adults mys- are effective if placed inside garbage teriously appear in buildings. These cans or bulk solid waste containers. flies cling to clothing, fall into food, Chemical controls may need to be mar fresh paint, darken lamps, con- repeated frequently in order to be gregate at windows and cause general effective. annoyance. The infestation is initially Blow Flies observed mostly near sinks, bathtubs There are many species of blow and floor drains. flies. They can be identified by their Drain flies, also known as moth relatively large size and shiny blue, flies, filter flies and sewage flies, are 1 1 Drain Fly green, copper or black abdomens. about ⁄16 to ⁄8 inch long with a light They are also called blue bottle flies gray or tan-colored body and light- and green bottle flies, depending on colored wings. The body and wings the color. Blow flies are larger and are densely covered with hairs giving more robust than house flies. Adults this fly a moth-likeappearance ­ and are strong fliers and are attracted to hence the name, moth fly. breeding sites from long distances. These flies are identified by the The life cycle is similar to that of the 13-segmented antennae with each house fly. segment having a “bulbous swelling” Blow fly maggots (larvae) develop with a whorl of long hairs. Also, the in materials such as cheese, eggs, wings are folded over the body in a meat, fish, dead animals and drop- roof-like manner when at rest. pings of dogs and other animals. Dif- There are many generations of ferent types of organic matter often this fly each year. From egg to adult encourage the presence of different ­requires about eight to 24 days species of flies. In certain neighbor- ­depending on the temperature. This hoods it is not uncommon to find pest is associated with decomposing blow flies associated with dog ma- organic matter. nure. 30 Pests Annoying Non-Chemical Control ing in the end through which venom Sanitation is the basic step in con- can be ejected. and Attacking trolling the drain fly. Cleaning the The abdomen of spiders contains overflow drains, drain traps, cellar their reproduction system, the largest People and Pets drains, and sump pumps will help part of their respiratory system and to eliminate the problem. Drain pans the spinnerets. The latter are the silk in automatic defrost refrigerators are spinning glands located at the tip of also a possible breeding place. Any the abdomen. Spiders are seldom ag- commercial drain cleaner that cleans gressive towards humans and usually and disinfects the main drain and the bite only when injured or trapped. over flow drain will suffice. A stiff Only large spiders are ­capable of brush should be used to clean all ac- breaking the tough skin cessible surfaces within the drain. of humans. Smaller spiders usually Pouring boiling water into the inflict only superficial scratches. overflow drain will also quickly Nearly all spiders have venom eliminate the maggots. Clean out and glands. Almost all of the United remove any other decaying organic States’ species have a venom so feeble material in the area. that their bites are insignificant. Chemical Control The severity of a person’s reaction Use insecticides only after iden- to the bite of a spider is influenced tifying the source and solving the by a number of factors. The species sanitation problem. Do not apply of spider and the area of the body insecticides directly to drains or sewer where the bite occurs are of great im- systems unless specifically labeled for portance. The amount of venom in- that purpose. Follow label directions jected and the depth of bite also play for application of space sprays to con- a role. The signs and symptoms are trol adults. caused by the mechanical action of the bite, and/or by the venom. In some Spiders cases, there is no reaction. Many people fear spiders be- After being impregnated by the cause of myths that surround them male, the female spider begins to or the publicity given to the very lay eggs. The eggs are laid in dark rare fatal poisonings by a few spe- retreats or in silk cocoons called egg cies. Others object to them because sacs. The females of some species of their annoy­ ing­ habit of building guard the eggs; others carry the egg webs in corners, on furniture, across sac with them. Depending upon the doorways or in other places. Under species, a female may produce as few some conditions, spiders are consid- as two or as many as 3,000 eggs. They ered beneficial because they feed on usually are laid over a period of time ­insects. in several sacs. Spiders have a characteristic ap- In warm weather, the young may pearance recognized by most people. hatch within three weeks. They tend Spiders lack wings and antennae. to remain together for several days Their bodies have two regions: a before scattering. Cannibalism often cephalothorax (fused head and tho- occurs during this period. Most of rax) and an abdomen. Males are usu- our common species mature within ally smaller than females of the same one year, going through a series of species. The eight legs of a spider are molts as do insects. Some species re- attached to the cephalothorax which quire up to 20 years to reach maturity. also bears the eyes and mouth parts. Mating and egg-laying occur any- Most spiders have eight eyes, but time of the year, depending upon the some species have only six and a few species. Some species mature and lay have less or none. All spiders have a eggs in the summer after overwinter- pair of jaw-like structures, chelicerae, ing as half-grown individuals. Oth- at the end of which is a hollow, claw- ers overwinter as eggs, hatch in the like fang. Each fang has a small open- spring and mature and lay eggs in the fall. 31 Pests Annoying Spiders cannot fly. Therefore, spi- gry spider will tackle most anything and Attacking ders use other means of dispersing in that is not too large. Some ­species can addition to walking. Some, such as go for long periods without­ food. The People and Pets the brown recluse, find many objects brown recluse, for example, has sur- transported by people suitable ­retreats vived for six months without food or and can be moved great distances­ water. in this manner. The most interest- Although all spiders require water ing method of travel is “ballooning,” for survival, some species require which is practiced primarily by the very little and can live in dry environ- young of some species. ments. However, many species can To accomplish ballooning, the spider live only in humid places and need a climbs to the top of an object such as regular source of drinking water. Most a plant or fence post and releases a species are attracted to water sources strand of silk. If a wind is blowing, the if they are available. For this reason, spider sends out silk until enough of you should first look in areas around it is windborne to lift the spider from water pipes, floor drains and air-con- its perch. Spiders reach great heights ditioners when trying to determine by this method and have been carried the location of an indoor infestation. 60 miles. Others live in warm, dry places and Some spiders build simple webs can be found and others build very complex ones. in subfloor air vents, in upper corners Webs usually consist of strong, non- of rooms and in attics. Most species Brown Recluse (top view showing violin- sticky strands of silk which form the found indoors hide either in cracks, in shaped marking) framework. These strands are united darkened areas or in retreats. with a series of silk strands having Outdoors, spiders live in a variety sticky globules on them. Spiders are of places depending upon the species. just as susceptible as insects to being Some hide in flowers waiting stuck in the sticky globules, but spi- for prey; others live on tree trunks, un- ders are adept at avoiding them. Some der stones or leaves, or in and under types of spiders do not spin webs but eaves. Most of the outdoor living spe- use their silk only for building egg cies do not adapt to indoor conditions. sacs or retreats. There are two poisonous spiders Spiders can be separated into two with which every Kansas resident groups based on the way they capture should be familiar. They are the black prey: widow and the brown recluse. They 1. Web-spinning spiders which use are two of the most poisonous spiders their webs to catch insects and in the United States and both occur live all the time in the web or in in Kansas. You should know how to Enlarged cephalothorax of Brown Recluse a nest near it. Most species that recognize them, how their bites affect showing violin-shaped marking and eye commonly live indoors are web- humans, what to do when bitten, and arrangement (six eyes in three pairs) spinning spiders. However, the how to control spiders in and about brown recluse spider is a hunt- dwellings. ing spider and many species of outdoor hunting spiders are occa- Brown Recluse Spider sional invaders into homes. (Loxosceles reclusa) 2. Hunting and ambush spiders The brown recluse spider can be which run on the ground or on found throughout Kansas. This spider plants, catching insects wherever constructs a loose, irregular web in they find them or waiting among undisturbed areas. Indoors they can leaves and flowers until insects be found under shelves or boxes, in come within their reach. storage areas or in clothing that has Spiders eat live prey, consisting been stored undisturbed for a long pe- usually of insects and their relatives. riod of time. Unlike the black widow, Victims are killed by the venom the this spider is a hunter and leaves its spider injects through its fangs. Spi- web in search of prey. ders have food preferences but a hun- 32 Pests Annoying Males and females are similar web weavers. Loose, unsightly­ webs in appearance and their bites are made by members and Attacking 1 equally toxic. They range from ⁄4 to of this group are commonly found 1 ⁄2 inch in length (excluding legs). The in cellars, crawl spaces, garages, and People and Pets legs are quite long and somewhat infrequently cleaned buildings. It will darker than the off-white to yellow inhabit undisturbed areas, often hid- or tan body. The most distinguish- ing in old stumps and hollow logs, ing characteristic is a brown guitar under fallen fence posts, in aban- or violin-shaped marking on the doned animal burrows or in piles of first body region. This characteristic dead tree branches and other debris. has resulted in the common name of The poisonous female is about 1 “fiddle-back” or“violin” ­ spider. ⁄2 inch long (excluding legs) when Bite and Symptoms mature and is shiny black or brownish The brown recluse is a shy but ac- black. Its round abdomen has an or- tive spider which avoids danger ange or red marking resembling in undisturbed places. Bites usually an hourglass on the underside. Some- occur when a person is putting on times this hourglass is incomplete, clothes or shoes such as winter coats consisting of two reddish triangles. The smaller, non-poisonous male or hunting boots which have been 1 stored in which the spider is hid- is little more than ⁄4 inch in length ing. This spider hunts at night and ­(excluding legs). It has several whitish some bites occur when the spider has streaks on the sides of the abdomen, crawled onto a bed and is squeezed but usually lacks red markings under- Black Widow (adult female) by a person rolling in his or her sleep. neath. The amount of venom injected by The female black widow is usually the spider and the victim’s sensitivity found hanging upside down in her are both factors in determining the se- loose, tangled web. She encloses riousness of the bite. As with the black 200 to 260 eggs in a round off-white widow, children and the elderly are silken egg sack which she will guard usually the most seriously affected. until the young hatch. She is normally Victims may have no reaction at first, shy and nocturnal, seldom leaving or may immediately feel a stinging her web. The black widow is not at and painful sensation. Intense pain all aggressive and can be subjected may last from two to eight hours. A to considerable provocation without small blister forms at the bite and a attempting to bite. She may, however, large area around the bite becomes red rush out and attack when the web is and swollen. Some victims experience disturbed or when she is accidentally nausea, stomach cramps, stiffness of trapped in clothing or shoes which Black Widow With Egg Sack joints and fever. Tissue in the infected have been stored unused­ for some area will peel away, resulting in an time. ulcerous sore that gradually fills with Bite and Symptoms scar tissue. Wounds are slow to heal, The bite of the female may not be sometimes taking six to eight weeks. felt at the time the venom is being If bitten by a brown recluse or a spi- injected. It is usually followed by a der that you think may be one, ­apply burning sensation, localized swelling an ice pack to reduce the enzymatic and redness. Pain may become intense­ action of the venom and immediately after one to three hours and last up to see a doctor. Medical treatment may 48 hours. The person may experience reduce severe reactions to the bite. cramps in the legs, arms and chest. The abdominal muscles may become Black Widow Spider rigid. Other symptoms may include (Latrodectus mactans) headache, nausea, tremors, speech The black widow spider can be col- defects, and a slight rise in body lected throughout the state. The black temperature. The degree of symptom Black Widow Underside Markings widow belongs to a family of spiders severity depends a great deal on the called cob web weavers or tangled sensitivity, health and 33 Pests Annoying age of the victim. Small children Chemical Control and Attacking and the elderly are usually the most Residual insecticides can be ef- severely affected. fective in supplementing sanitation People and Pets The person should be kept calm practices. Apply insecticides where and under observation. A mild an- the spiders normally hide. Dust for- tiseptic (such as iodine or hydrogen mulations are suggested for wall peroxide) can be applied to the bite. voids and attics. Wettable powders If the symptoms begin to appear, take and microencapsulated formulations the victim to a doctor or hospital at are superior to emulsifiable products. once. When spider bites occur, the Spiders are not insects and, therefore, spider should be captured, if possible, pesticide selection should be based on and taken to the doctor to verify the label instructions. type of bite. Fatalities are rare and the healthy person usually recovers Scorpions quickly and completely. (Centruroides vittatus) Scorpions have a long body ending General Spider Control in a tail-like structure and a stinger. Non-chemical control Their front pair of appendages are Good sanitation is the best method enlarged and equipped with pincers of control. Use vacuum cleaner much like those of a crab or crayfish. ­attachments with strong suction to col- The only species known to occur in lect spiders and webs, then destroy the Kansas is a relatively harmless kind, bag and its contents. Frequent cleaning Scorpion C. vittatus. throughout the entire household will Scorpions feed at night, primarily reduce spiders and insects serving as on insects and spiders. They grasp spider food. Sealing cracks in room their prey with their pincers, and interiors is important. larger victims are then paralyzed by Brown recluse spiders often are their venom. When preparing to sting, found in homes where there is an their tail is curled upward over their abundance of insects. Rid premises back. The tail and stinger are then of piles of rubbish and trash. Be care- thrust downward and inserted into ful when moving piles of lumber and the victim. Scorpions will also sting in machinery that have not been used self defense. for some time, or undisturbed boxes. The biology of the scorpion is not Examine and shake out clothing that fully understood. The young are born has hung in closets or other storage alive and until their first molt they areas before wearing. As the spiders are carried on the back of the female wander every night, even an item scorpion. It takes three to four years that has been hung only a day or two for many species to reach maturity. may harbor one. Sticky traps placed in During the day, scorpions inhabit cool, corners or close to walls are helpful in dark, undisturbed areas. They are reducing brown recluse populations. often found under old boards, rocks Many spiders may be excluded and other debris around buildings. In- from homes by caulking or other- side they can be found near moisture, wise eliminating cracks and crevices e.g., sinks, plumbing and washing around the foundations and around machines. Occasionally, they may take windows and doors. Outside window shelter in clothing that is infrequently shutters, step areas, crawl spaces, and worn. related hard-to-reach places can be Bite and Symptoms washed with a forceful stream of wa- Scorpions rarely sting humans. The ter from a hose. effect of the venom from C. vittatus Sticky traps can be effective in the resembles that of a bee or wasp sting, control of some species of spiders. producing localized swelling. There may also be a burning sensation that

34 Pests Annoying extends beyond the sting site. Sensi- Emergence of the adult is triggered tivity to scorpion venom will depend by vibration, warmth and carbon di- and Attacking upon the age and health of the victim oxide from the host animal. The fleas as well as on the species of scorpion. can remain in the pupal stage for up People and Pets Symptoms of a reaction to the sting to five months. Newly emerged adult of a more potent species of scorpion fleas can survive for up to three weeks may include restlessness, slurred without feeding. speech, tightening of the throat, Flea problems are usually associ- twitching and possibly a high tem- ated with infested cats and dogs. Oc- perature. If these symptoms appear,­ casionally, infestations will result from the victim should be taken to a doctor rats or squirrels nesting in the home. at once. Every flea problem is associated with Control a warm-blooded host. There are no Sanitation and tight construc- free-living, or non blood-feeding fleas, tion are critical for scorpion control. commonly referred­ to as “sand fleas.” Piles of lumber and debris should be Ordinarily, the adult flea will main- ­removed from around the building. tain an association with its preferred Residual pesticides can be applied as host, the dog or cat. Humans are not barrier treatment and to harborage likely to be attacked unless the flea sites. population is high. Flea outbreaks also are commonly observed Fleas if the pet is removed. With the normal Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) host gone, fleas will feed on the most Flea Life Cycle: a. Egg; b. Larvae; Fleas are small, brown, wingless readily available food source, namely c. Cocoon; d. Adult 1 3 humans. This can also occur after a insects ⁄8 to ⁄16 inch in length. Adult fleas are parasites (blood feeders) of vacation when both pet and owner mammals and birds. Their bodies are have been away for a considerable long and narrow with flattened sides. period of time. This body shape allows­ them to move During the summer, fleas can rapidly between the hairs or feath- ­develop outside wherever flea- ers of their hosts. Their legs are well infested animals frequent. Pets often ­developed for rapid locomotion become infested at this time as they and they are ­capable of jumping con- travel throughout the neighborhood. siderable distances.­ To be effective, control efforts must Only the cat flea, C. felis, is common be directed against both the adult fleas on dogs and cats, and in households, on the host animal and the adult and in Kansas. immature stages located throughout The adult female flea must have a areas frequented by the animal. Flea blood meal before she can lay fertile control requires a combination of eggs. The small, white, ovoid eggs are strategies. The cooperation of the ho- laid as she moves about on the host meowner is critical for effective flea animal. The eggs drop from the host control. animal onto the ground, into bedding The homeowner should be materials, in cracks and crevices, up- ­advised to thoroughly clean prior to holstered furniture and carpeting. The the treatment. This should include eggs usually hatch in one to 10 days the vacuuming of floors, carpets, depending on the temperature and rugs, upholstered furniture and humidity. baseboards. The sweepings should The tiny worm-like larvae feed on be disposed of immediately to pre- skin scales, and bits of dried blood vent reinfestation. The vacuum bag and debris. In five to 11 days the lar- contents should be burned or placed vae complete development and spin a in an airtight plastic bag. All pet bed- silken cocoon. The flea pupatesinside ­ ding should be replaced­ or thorough- of the cocoon, emerging as an adult ly washed. eight to nine days later.

35 Pests Annoying The pet should be treated on the Any of the following species can and Attacking same day as the home treatment. cause tick paralysis in pets, livestock, The homeowner should be advised wildlife and people, but it is most fre- People and Pets to have a veterinarian perform this quently caused by Dermacentor ticks. treatment. The commercial pesticide The condition is caused by a toxic operator should never treat animals. property in the saliva of some ticks Treatment should include the and is especially likely to occur under ­application of residual pesticides heavy infestation; but, a single tick can and an insect growth regulator to all produce a paralytic response if it is infested areas. During the warm sum- attached along the spine or, especially, mer months it may be necessary to at the base of the skull. The toxin is treat outdoor areas. Formulations and only produced by a tick after the third concentrations of residual pesticides day of engorgement, so there is no may differ for indoor and outdoor danger of paralysis from promptly use. Residuals labeled for indoor removed ticks. The paralysis begins in use will be for either general or spot the limbs and treatment. Be sure to check the label may appear as lack of coordination before making an application. of central nervous system dysfunc- Methoprene and fenoxycarb are tion. It can progress to involve the two insect growth regulators labeled involuntary nerves and affect breath- for use on fleas. These products act ing and cardiac function. Removal of only to interfere with or disrupt flea the tick or ticks before the paralysis Brown Dog Tick (adult female) development. They are usually used reaches this stage allows the host to as either a pre-season preventative rapidly recover. treatment or in conjunction with a residual insecticide. Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) Ticks The brown dog tick is an important Ticks are related to insects but dif- parasite of dogs. Cats are sometimes fer from them by possessing eight fed on by these ticks and humans may legs in the adult stage and lacking be unwilling hosts if living in close antennae, compound eyes and wings. contact with infested dogs or if they Their bodies are flattened from top to move into an infested home but have bottom, and their skin is tough and no dog. This tick cannot survive the leathery. The mouth parts of ticks winter outdoors in most of Kansas protrude from the small end of an un- but will breed in homes and kennels. segmented pear-shaped body. All ticks Therefore, high populations may be are external parasites of vertebrates, found indoors year round. Brown Dog Tick (engorged) and feed only on blood and tissue Ticks go through three develop- fluids. Although they spend much mental stages after hatching from the time off the host, they do not feed egg. These are the six-legged larva during such times. Each tick feeds (seed tick), the eight-legged nymph only three times—once as a larva, (yearling), and the adult tick. The lar- once as a nymph, and after becoming vae are small and difficult to see, but an adult—even though their progress nymphs and adults are easily recog- through life may ­require nized and commonly observed. Ticks one to three or four years. When not usually mate on the host animal. The engorged with blood, adult ticks are females then drop to the ground and less than a quarter of an inch long. deposit 3,000 to Engorged females become so dis- 4,000 eggs, which hatch into the larvae­ tended that they become egg-shaped or seed ticks. The eggs hatch and may be as big as a pea or even a in eight to 67 days depending on envi- small grape. Such engorged ticks are ronmental conditions. All three stages pale colored, tan or brown, with dark require a blood meal. Each unfed brown legs and mouth parts clustered stage is capable of living for long pe- closely together on the under side of riods without food but must have a the front end. 36 Pests Annoying blood meal before developing to the the ticks may be hiding. It is impor- next stage. tant to remember that ticks climb and Attacking Dogs become infested when they upward. Ceiling cracks and items frequent areas in which ticks have hanging on walls should be carefully People and Pets dropped off of other dogs. inspected. Do not allow children or The larvae and nymphs are of- pets in treated areas until surfaces are ten found in the hair along the back dry. It may be necessary to repeat the while the adults commonly attach to treatment if the first application is not the dog’s ears and between the toes. successful. While the developmental stages are often found in these regions, they are American Dog Tick not restricted to them and may be (Dermacentor variabilis) found on practically any part of the The American dog tick, also known dog’s body. as the wood tick, is one of When individuals of each stage are the most common ticks in Kansas. fully engorged, they drop from the It is not normally found indoors in host and seek a nearby hiding place. great numbers, but can be picked up They have a tendency to climb, and outdoors by people and pets and, for this reason all stages of ticks can be thus, carried into the home. It will found in cracks and crevices near ceil- not, however, establish itself indoors. ings. They will also be in cracks It is most commonly encountered in of floors and in furniture, under the spring through mid-summer. edges of carpets and rugs, behind The American dog tick is capable American Dog Tick (male) baseboards, curtains, pictures, under of transmitting Rocky Mountain window and door moldings, in radios,­ spotted fever and tularemia (rabbit clocks and electric outlets. fever). Larval and nymphal forms The brown dog tick can complete are usually found on mice, rabbits, its entire life cycle in about two muskrats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and months. If ticks are allowed to con- other small animals. The adults prefer tinue their feeding and egg laying larger animals such as dogs, coyotes, without control measures, large popu- ­humans, cattle, hogs and sheep. lations can rapidly build up. Female ticks lay from 4,000 to 6,500 eggs. They hatch into larvae in Control 26 to 40 days, depending upon the The control of household infes­ temperature. The larvae move about tations may be very difficult and actively searching for a host, such as require thoroughness and persever- a mouse or a rabbit. After completing ance. Treatment should start with the a blood meal, the larvae drop to the dog. The pest control operator should ground and soon molt to the eight- American Dog Tick (female) never treat animals. It is preferable to legged nymphal stage. The nymphs have the pet treated by a veterinarian. seek out hosts, and after engorging The next step is to eliminate ticks themselves for several days, drop from the home. Regularly use a vacu- to the ground and molt to the adult um cleaner on cracks in the floor and stage. under the edges of rugs and carpets, Adult ticks attack larger hosts on rugs and carpets, draperies, fur- on which they may feed for one or niture and baseboards to pick up as two weeks. Mating occurs on the host. many ticks as possible. The sweepings After mating, the female drops from should be disposed of immediately to the host and seeks a protective spot prevent reinfestation. All infested bed- to lay eggs. She dies soon thereafter. ding should be washed or disposed The life cycle can take from one to two of. years, depending upon the availabil- Apply residual insecticides into ity of food and the temperature. The cracks in the floor, along baseboards, adult wood tick can live as long as window casings, the floor under the three years without food. edge of rugs and other areas where

37 Pests Annoying Blacklegged Tick throughout the eastern one-third of and Attacking (Ixodes scapularis) Kansas and are very abundant within This species includes the so-called a mile or two of streams and water People and Pets “deer tick” that was thought to be a impoundments. The species is named separate species (Ixodes dammini) from for the bright spot on the mid-dorsum 1979 through 1992. There are no white of the adult female. This species has markings on this species, and the legs long, narrow mouth parts and feeds are mahogany-colored rather than deeply. This fact, together with an black. Blacklegged ticks are present in anchoring-feeding tube ­secretion that the eastern three tiers of counties in nearly always stays in the skin when Kansas but are absent or rare further a lone star tick is removed, accounts west. They require high humidity and, for the intense skin response of ani- in Kansas, are usually found only in mals and humans to bites from this or near wooded areas near streams, species. ponds and lakes. Lone star ticks utilize a broad range Blacklegged ticks are capable of of hosts; larvae, nymphs and adults transmitting Lyme disease, but only of both sexes all parasitize mammals a low percentage of the population from mice to dogs, raccoons, cattle, in Kansas seems to harbor the Lyme horses, deer and humans.­ Juvenile disease spirochete. They can also lone star ticks occasionally parasitize transmit the causative agents of tu- birds. The “seed ticks” that parasitize laremia, ehrlichiosis, and possibly hikers, campers, and outdoor work- Rocky Mountain spotted fever. ers by the hundreds in eastern Kansas Larvae and nymphs are indiscrimi- during July and August are larval lone nate in host selection and may feed star ticks. Adults and nymphs often on any mammal (including humans),­ infest the ears of deer and cattle by the birds, and even on lizards. They are ­hundreds, but they can feed anywhere most common on mice, other rodents, on the host. and medium-sized animals such as The life cycle usually requires a raccoons and foxes. The adult females year, but the larval stage is the only also may feed on the same array of synchronous stage of the species. Lar- hosts but are more abundant on deer, vae that do not feed seldom survive cattle, horses and dogs. The females the winter. Those that find hosts in usually attach to the head or neck of late summer engorge, detach, molt, the host. Adult male blacklegged ticks and become nymphs. A few of the do not feed. nymphs find another host, feed, In the north central states and New ­detach, and become adults and pass England, the blacklegged ticks have the winter. Many pass the winter a two-year life cycle, but in Kansas as nymphs. Thus, both adults and and southern states most of the popu- nymphs are present to become active lation attains adulthood in one year. on warm days as early as late Febru- Adult females find hosts on warm ary, but more typically in April. Mat- days from October through January, ing occurs on the host. Females lay and feed slowly through much of the from 6,000 to 8,000 eggs from one to winter. In late winter or early spring, four weeks after feeding. Eggs hatch engorged females detach from the from three weeks to four months host, mate, and, 10 to 20 days later, lay later—all apparently hatching from about 3,000 eggs each. Eggs hatch in late June through mid-August in our seven to climate. Lone star tick nymphs and 20 weeks, assuring warm weather for adults, unfed but otherwise under fa- the larvae. The rest of the life cycle is vorable conditions, have been known similar to that of American dog ticks. to survive­ for 430 and 436 days, respectively.­ Lone Star Tick Control (Amblyomma americanum) American dog ticks, blacklegged Lone star ticks are common ticks, and lone star ticks are found 38 Pests Annoying on grass, shrubs, bushes and other bug becomes engorged with blood in vegetation, especially along paths and three to five minutes. It then crawls to and Attacking animal trails. When a suitable host its hiding place where it remains for brushes by, the tick lets go of the plant several days digesting its meal. When People and Pets and attaches itself to the host. Early hunger returns, the bug emerges from removal is important, especially in hiding and seeks another­ blood meal. disease transmission. Bed bugs may be serious pests in Frequently examine dogs and cats. animal and poultry houses and in lab- Check all over the body and in the oratories where rabbits, rats, guinea ears for ticks. Remove all ticks daily or pigs or birds are kept for ­experimental treat the animal if it is infested. purposes. Bed bugs may feed on small Keeping grassy and weedy areas animals and birds that are kept as clipped short throughout the year pets. The loss of blood may weaken helps discourage tick infestation and these animals. provides less opportunity for ticks Under favorable conditions, one that are present to transfer to a host. female bed bug lays about 200 eggs. Where appropriate, eliminate shrubs When the insects feed regularly, eggs and trees as mixed grassy and woody are laid at the rate of two or three vegetation provides habitat for both a day. Maximum egg laying occurs rodents and ticks and affords climb- when the temperature is above 21°C ing sites from which ticks can attach (70°F). No eggs are laid at tempera- to passing people and animals. It may tures lower than 10°C (50°F). also be necessary to apply residual­ Newly hatched bugs feed at the Bed Bug (before engorgement) pesticides to lawns, trails and bushy first opportunity. They molt five times areas. before reaching maturity. The bugs will feed a few days after each molt Bed Bug, Bat Bug if a host is available. In a year there and Bird Bugs may be three or more generations. The bed bug, bat bug and several There is considerable variation species of bird bugs are pests of man in the period of development, even and domestic animals, as well as bats among bugs hatching at the same and birds. They all feed on warm- time. As a result, bed bugs in all blooded animals. stages are present at all seasons of the year. Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius) Newly hatched bed bugs may live The mature bed bug is a brown for several weeks without feeding or rusty-red, wingless insect. Its size during warm weather and for sev- ­depends on the amount of blood that eral months during cool weather. If it has consumed. An unfed bed bug they feed occasionally, they may live Bed Bug (after engorgement) 1 3 is from ⁄4 to ⁄16 inch long. When filled only about 10 months. However, it with blood, the body becomes­ elongat- is common for older bed bugs to go ed and swollen and the color changes two weeks to two months or longer from brown to dull red. without food. It is believed that under Bed bugs feed mostly at night by some conditions they can live a year biting people who are asleep. But if or longer without food. they are very hungry and if the light Habitual hiding places are usually is dim, bed bugs will feed during the made evident by black or brown spots day. When bed bugs bite, they inject of dried excrement on the surfaces a fluid into the skin that assists them where the bugs rest. Eggs, eggshells in obtaining blood. Often, the fluid and cast skins may also be seen at causes the skin to become irritated these sites. At the beginning of an and inflamed. Welts develop and there infestation, bed bugs are likely to be is much itching. It has never been found only about the tufts, seams and proven that bed bugs are disease car- folds of mattresses and daybed cov- riers in the United States. If its feed- ers. Later, they move to crevices in the ing is undisturbed, a full-grown bed bedsteads. 39 Pests Annoying If allowed to multiply, they estab- When the average person sees fly- and Attacking lish themselves behind baseboards, ing insects swarming out of a crack window and door casings, pictures, in the foundation, it is often assumed People and Pets picture moldings, and in furniture, that there is a swarm of honey bees in loosened wallpaper, cracks in plaster, the house. However, this is not usu- partitions, door hinges and cracks in ally the case, for many wasp species the floor. are social in nature and build nests Control in areas where they may be confused To control bed bugs in homes, with honey bees. Thus, it will be locate harborage sites and apply an worthwhile to review the different insecticide directly into those areas. bees and wasps which may cause Caulk and seal crevices in the struc- concern to the homeowner. ture that serve as harborage. Wasps Bed bugs in hotels, apartments Wasps (hornets, yellow jackets, and other multiple-type dwellings mud daubers and Polistes wasps) are may spread quickly from one unit to identified by the nest they build and ­another. If they are found in one unit, by their body shape. the entire building should be inspect- ed. Control any infestations revealed Baldfaced Hornet by the inspection. (Dolichovespula maculata) Bat Bug (Cimex adjunctus) The large, gray, paper nests, shaped somewhat like a football and located The bat bug is normally associated Baldfaced Hornet in trees and shrubs are the product with bats. However, it can become of this hornet species, not of honey a pest of humans, especially when bees. Each nest starts new in the the bats have been driven out of the spring and is enlarged as the colony ­human quarters and prevented from becomes more populous. In the fall, re-entering. Deprived of their normal the nest is at its maximum size. Only bat hosts, bat bugs will quickly seek the queens overwinter by hibernating. another source of blood, usually Meanwhile, the nest is ruined during ­humans and pets. the winter by birds and other animals, Control often seeking the remaining larvae in The first step in control is to elimi- the nest. The nest is not used the fol- nate bats from the structure. The pro- lowing year. cedures for bat control are given on Control page 78 in this manual. Apply residual When hornets are a nuisance, they insecticides to areas inhabited by the can be controlled by using sprays de- bats and areas in the house where the Yellow Jacket signed for wasps and bees. Spray the bat bugs are hiding. nest in the evening when the hornets Bird Bugs are “home” and when the tempera- Several species of bugs resembling ture is lower. Direct the spray or dust bed bugs infest birds. These include at the entrance hole at the bottom of the poultry bug, chimney swift bug the nest. If necessary, repeat the treat- and barn swallow bug. As with bat ment on following evenings. Be sure bugs, if the birds leave or are driven to spray from the side, because, on away, the bugs will seek blood from being disturbed, the hornets will drop humans. To control these bugs, downward. ­remove the birds and bird nests Yellow Jackets (Vespula sp.) from the building and apply residual These insects are most often con- insecticides to infested areas. fused with honeybees, appearing at Wasps, Bees and Ants first glance or in flight to be the same One of the aggravating problems size and color of the Italian race of to the homeowner and the vacationer honey bees. But yellow jackets are is the nuisance of bee and wasp nests somewhat more slender and have around the dwelling unit. definite black and yellowish bands on 40 the abdomen. Pests Annoying Yellow jackets usually nest in the wells or similar areas. She can be re- ground or along foundations. They of- moved by crushing or spraying as the and Attacking ten are encountered by the homeown- situation warrants. er while trimming shrubs, mowing or People and Pets weeding. The nest is also a paper nest Mud Daubers (Sphecidae) and is located several inches to a foot Mud daubers are solitary wasps. underground. Each female constructs her own clump of mud cells. There is no worker caste. Control In spring, young adults come out of Inject insecticide down the hole their nests (where they have overwin- and then seal it to hold the fumes and tered as resting larvae) and mate. Each the wasps. Do this at night when the of the females then starts to build a yellow jackets are inactive. For extra mud or clay nest. First she builds a safety from stings, cover the hole with cell. Next, she catches about 20 imma- screen and treat the hole through the ture spiders, paralyzes each with her screen. If the nest is against living sting as she catches it, and stores it in plant materials, care should be taken the cell. Then, she lays an egg on one with the insecticide so as not to kill or of the spiders and caps the cell with injure the plant. clay. She repeats this until she has Polistes Wasps (Polistes spp.) built six to 20 cells (one nest). She may Polistes wasps are long-legged and then build a second nest in another slender with a spindle-shaped abdo- location. When her nest is finished, she men. They are reddish or brown in Polistes Wasp color. They often are seen flying up leaves it and does not return. The and down outside walls on sunny larvae hatch from the eggs and begin days in the fall and spring of the year. feeding on the paralyzed spiders. In During the fall, they are seeking shel- a few days, they spin cocoons and ter, while in the spring they are look- change to pupae. The pupae change to ing for a nesting site. adults in about two weeks. Polistes wasps build paper-like Control nests with only one layer of cells fac- One to three generations of mud ing downward, appearing like a sec- daubers can develop each year—the tion of honeycomb. Quite often the number depends on the section of the nests are located under the eaves or country. They are docile and seldom protective overhang of a building. sting unless tightly restrained. ­Control These wasps also use attics, barns is difficult and exclusion is probably and garages as nesting locations. As the best solution. Mud structures do other wasps, the polistes abandon should be picked off and destroyed. their nests in the fall and the mated Mud Dauber females are the only insects to over- Cicada Killers winter. (Sphecius speciosus) Cicada killers are large (up to Control 2 inches long), black and yellow A polistes female killed in the fall wasps. They do not sting unless or the early spring, even with a fly handled, but their size makes many swatter or a folded newspaper, will people fearful of them. eliminate an entire nest during the In early summer, adult cicada kill- summer. Inspecting under eaves and ers also come out of their nests (where other protected areas and removing they have overwintered as resting and destroying nests provides an ef- larvae) and mate. The fertilized female fective eradication system in early then digs a long tunnel in the ground, summer. In addition, sprays for bees at the end of which she digs a large and wasps will be effective on these oval cell. Then she hunts for a cicada, inverted, open nests. paralyzes it by stinging, and places it During the fall and winter months, in the cell. She may lay an egg on this Cicada Killer the hibernating female will sometimes cicada or she may bring in another be encountered in the attic, in window one before laying an egg. She seals the 41 Pests Annoying cell with soil and then digs another Unfortunately, this method does and Attacking cell which she provisions in the same not eliminate the wax, honey and way. A completed nest may contain brood in the wall—all of which will People and Pets about 16 cells. When the eggs hatch, attract insect pests and rodents as the larvae feed on the cicadas. well as bee swarms in following Control years. It is, thus, wise to remove the Control may be obtained by apply- siding of the house and clean out the ing insecticides to the burrows. But, remains of ordinarily, this species should be left the swarm. After killing the swarm, alone. remove the remains of the swarm to prevent robbing by other honey bees, Bees wax moths or other insects. The wax While wasps feed on other insects and honey should be burned and not and spiders, bees visit flowers for pol- consumed by humans. len and nectar to feed their young, Bumble Bees (Bombus spp.) consequently serving as flower polli- These are very large, heavy-bodied nators. However, sometimes bees and social insects which usually nest in the humans conflict. This is particularly ground. They can become a problem if true if the bees are within the siding of the nest is established close to a build- a house or if they endanger children at ing foundation or when they occasion- play or if they complicate the use of a ally nest in insulation material. Most yard for human recreation. species will aggressively defend their Honey Bee Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) colonies. The nest should be treated Poorly managed colonies of honey with an insecticide for wasps and bees issue one or more swarms in hornets. the spring or early summer. These Carpenter Bees swarms are often a problem to the homeowner. (Xylocopa virginica) Unlike wasps, the entire colony These insects closely resemble of honey bees will persist for many bumble bees but have a broader head years and will often increase in size. and a shiny black abdomen. They Therefore, it is important to remove chew tunnels into solid wood to make undesirable swarms as soon as they their nests and can cause structural are identified. damage. An insecticide for wasps and hornets may be directly applied Control into the tunnels if necessary. Keep- If removal of swarms is desired, ing exposed wood painted will deter it is sometimes practical to contact Bumble Bee infestation. After treating carpenter a local beekeeper who may capture bee holes, fill them and paint over the swarms and either keep them in repaired area. standard beekeeping equipment or destroy­ them as a service. Local Digger Bees ­municipal offices or county Extension Digger bees sometimes cause prob- offices may have names of beekeepers­ lems in lawns by interfering with who will take swarms. human use and enjoyment. They can Another suitable method for the be destroyed with an insecticide used removal of an alive colony is to nail for wasps and hornets. a platform onto the side of the build- Wasp and Bee Stings ing and place an empty hive or a If someone is stung by a honey bee, weak colony on the platform so that remove the stinger as quickly as pos- the entrance of the new hive is near sible. Recent research has shown that the present exit hole for the swarm. A speed of removal is far more impor- screen cone is then fitted over the exit tant than how the stinger is removed. Carpenter Bee hole and directed to the outside. The Wasps do not leave a stinger. bees then accept the new home over a Once stung, a person can do little period of several weeks. but accept the pain and swelling 42 Pests Annoying which sometimes lasts for several is reared to establish new colonies. days. These winged adults emerge in vast and Attacking Some persons are highly allergic to numbers for their marital flight in insect poison and experience a general order to mate and establish new colo- People and Pets reaction which may be rapidly fatal. If nies. this is suspected, contact a physician Most ant species have only one and arrange for immediate treatment. queen per nest. She lays the eggs to An allergy specialist may advise a maintain or increase the colony size. series of injections to lessen sensitivity. Larvae, after hatching from the eggs, are translucent white, soft-bodied, and Ants legless. These larvae, along with the Ants feed upon every food con- queen, are fed by the worker ants (for- sumed by humans and are trouble- agers). Larvae pass through several some household pests. Some ants feed growth stages before pupation and predominately on sweets, whereas adulthood are reached. other prefer meat and grease. All ants bite and some also sting. Reaction to Carpenter Ant (Camponotus sp.) an ant bite or sting can be severe in Carpenter ant or large black ant sensitive individuals. Some species of occurs widely in the United States and ants also act as scavengers and preda- is one of the largest common ants. The tors of many harmful insects. adults vary in length from 1 3 Ants are distinguished from other ⁄4 inch for small workers to ⁄4 inch for a queen. The body is dark brown to insects by having the first one or two Digger Bee abdominal segments reduced into a black in color. knobbed stalk located between the Carpenter ants seek soft, moist thorax and the abdomen proper and wood to establish their nests— by their elbowed antennae. (Termites ­particularly wood that has weathered have a broad connection between the and begun to decay. Although the nest thorax and abdomen and straight, is most often begun in the soft wood, Rounded thorax one node bead-like antennae.) later excavations frequently are made The forewings of ants are larger into perfectly sound, dry lumber. They than the hind wings and have com- may be found in tree stumps and liv- paratively few veins (whereas the two ing trees as well as porch columns and pairs of wings of termites are similar roofs, window sills, hollow core doors, in size and appearance and have wood scraps in dirt-filled slab porches Carpenter ant many indistinct veins). Ants have and wood in contact with soil. chewing mouthparts, their heavy Carpenter ants do not eat wood mandibles being suitable for biting, (which is unlike the termites), but piercing, cutting and gnawing. The excavate galleries in the wood to rear Carpenter Ant 1 smallest ant is less than ⁄16 inch long their young. Carpenter ants eject the and the largest ant ­attains a length of wood in the form of a coarse sawdust. 1 1 ⁄2 inches. The characteristic sawdust piles aid in Ant colonies may live many years. nest location. They feed on honeydew The colony is established when the excreted by aphids, upon other in- Uneven thorax newly mated female discards her sects, animal remains and household two nodes wings, digs a nest and produces eggs food scraps. for a new brood. After nourishing her The work of carpenter ants is easily­ young through the larval stage, the distinguished from that of termites. larvae pupate and the young workers Their galleries are excavated without emerge and take over the work of the regard for the grain. The galleries are kept smooth and clean, having a sand colony. Most other types of ants resemble the above. The worker ants feed the queen, papered appearance. Termite galleries fight off enemies, construct a maze are not smooth and clean. of tunnels, and care for the young. When carpenter ants are found in a When the colony has matured, a structure, either the colony is nesting Most Other Ants special brood of males and females within the building proper or they are nesting somewhere outside the build- 43 Pests Annoying ing and merely entering to forage for of the nests in and near the structure. and Attacking food. Houses near wooded areas are For chemical control, apply in- especially subject to invasion. secticides to the nest and nest areas. People and Pets Control Spraying or dusting the infested area The key to the control of carpenter without locating and treating the nest ants is locating the nest or nests. This will not provide complete control. is the most important part of their Other Ants control and sometimes the most dif- Pharaoh’s ant or little red ant is ficult. If the nest or nests can be found, usually found in institutional build- there is an excellent chance of elimi- ings and is very difficult to control. nating the pest. Elimination of the nest There are often many colonies es- outside may be just as important as tablished in a single building. These one established in the building. ants are under foundations, in walls, In some cases, an entire colony may ­under floors, in cellars, etc. They feed migrate from one nesting site to on most foods, such as grease, meats, ­another from a tree outdoors to struc- seeds, dead animals, etc. They are tural timber indoors. 1 ⁄10 inch long and yellowish or reddish-­ As an aid to finding the nest brown in color. ­indoors, examine these suggested The tiny thief ant is found in locations: ■ cracks and crevices of buildings and wood affected by water seepage especially near the kitchen sink. This (porch floors, roofs, porch posts pest can nest in the walls or out- and columns). doors, under rocks, etc. They often ■ wood in contact with soil. ■ are found around kitchen sinks and wood adjacent to soil-filled cupboards. They usually do not feed porches. on sweets, but consume grease, oils, Carpenter ants are usually found cheese, meat, dead animals, etc. They 1 associated with a moisture condition. are ⁄6 to 1 Some signs of carpenter ants to ⁄8 inch long and yellowish-brown look for when inspecting for a nest in color. These ants are troublesome indoors are: during the warmer seasons. ■ piles of coarse “sawdust” on floor The little black ant is less common or foundation. than other ants as a household pest. ■ ant activity, since they frequently This ant nests principally in the soil forage for food in kitchens. Howev- and rotting wood. They are about 1 er, even when the nest is in a build- ⁄10 inch long and jet black in color. ing, very few ants may be seen. They will nest both indoors and out- They are usually active at night and doors. Food habits are general. often forage outside. The pavement ant is annoying since ■ firewood piled in garage or next to it gets into practically everything in a house. the house from food to shoe polish. Some of the things to look for out- These ants are slow, sluggish, short- doors are: legged, and usually nest under pave- ■ firewood, stumps, logs, and trees ments and foundations. They feed on that might contain nests. animal food, grease, seeds, etc., and ■ trees with branches hanging over are common in the home, especially 1 1 and touching the roof of a house. in the summer. They are ⁄12 to ⁄4 inch Ants may travel over these branch- long and brownish-black in color. es into the building Cornfield ant is common with its small earth mounds on lawns and in For non-chemical control, sanita- fields. Their nests are also found in tion measures such as removing and pavement cracks around the home. destroying logs and stumps that har- bor nests will help eliminate the pests. This ant is common outdoors and Protection of structures from carpen- enters the home to feed on sweets. ter ants requires destruction 44 Pests Annoying Control an important­ aspect of ant control. Killing some or part of the workers Crumbs, grease, food scraps and foods and Attacking or foragers merely weakens the colony in open or partly open containers­ are but does not affect the queen or young readily found by foraging workers People and Pets unless the food supply is seriously and can attract large numbers of ants. reduced. In controlling ants, the secret Heavy infestations in buildings are of success is to locate and destroy the rarely found where good sanitation is nests including the queen and young. practiced. Fortunately, most nuisance ants Insecticides can reduce ant popu- nest outdoors and only occasionally lations indoors, but they are not invade buildings. In these cases, a ­effective in eliminating coloniesunless ­ chemical barrier is effective if applied the nest itself is treated. around the outside of the house. Poisoned baits can be used effec- One must first find where the ants tively if they are more attractive to are entering the building or at least the species present than other avail- the direction they approach the area. able foods. Baits are taken into the Once the route is known, careful spot nests and fed to the larvae, the repro- treatments with the proper pesticide ductives and the soldiers. However, will reduce the problem considerably. the poisons must be slow acting to Treat all points of entry. provide control, as fast-acting poi- Mound-building ants often enter sons kill the workers before the bait and leave nests through tunnels at a is distributed. Follow manufacturer distance from the mound and control recommendations for bait use and may require treatment of areas take care to avoid possible food con- 10 feet or more in radius. Sprays may tamination and contact by children be used to saturate nests after the and pets. mounds are opened with a hoe. Inside buildings, sanitation car- ried out by building occupants is

45 Pests Annoying and Attacking Study Questions 1. (29) The housefly eggs will 7. (32) Some young spiders have People and Pets hatch in ______under been carried through the air up ­favorable conditions. to 6 miles by a method known a. 36 hours as: b. 24 hours or less a. planing c. 1 week b. ballooning d. 1 month c. flying 2. (29) What is essential for house- d. gliding fly control? 8. (32) In Kansas, the brown a. any type of fly spray ­recluse spider is found: b. highly concentrated a. throughout the state ­insecticides b. only in the eastern part of c. proper sanitation the state d. chemical treatment of c. only in the northwest area breeding areas of the state 3. (30) Chemical control of house- d. only in the southern half of fly adults indoors usually in- the state cludes: 9. (33) A person is most likely to a. aerosols be bitten by a brown recluse: b. dusts a. outdoors in pastures and c. baits, when there is ­exposed weedy areas food in the room b. outdoors around plant d. rodenticides debris or other decaying 4. (30) Drain flies (moth, filter, or organic matter sewage flies) are: c. indoors when putting on 1 1 a. ⁄16 to ⁄8 inch long and light clothes which have been gray or tan in color stored 1 b. ⁄2 inch long and dark brown d. in the kitchen during the or black in color daytime 3 c. ⁄4 inch long with dark 10. (33) The female black widow wings and a light body spider is normally: 3 d. ⁄4 to 1 inch long and dark a. very aggressive gray or brown in color b. found carrying eggs on her 5. (31) Insecticides should be used back on drain flies: c. shy and nocturnal in habit a. when they are first ­detected d. found running on the b. before using a drain cleaner ground hunting for food c. before removing organic 11. (34) An important thing to re- debris member when using chemical d. only after solving sanitation control on spiders is: problems a. do not use residual 6. (31) Mating and egg-laying ­insecticides among spiders occur: b. all spiders do more good a. during the warm months than harm only c. all nonpoisonous spiders b. during the spring and fall are dangerous and cause a only painful bite c. during the winter only d. any time of the year

46 Pests Annoying

Study Questions and Attacking d. spiders are not insects so d. in the far northwest four check label during pesticide counties People and Pets selection 18. (38) All growth stages of the 12. (34) Scorpions rarely sting lone star tick feed on: ­humans, but when they do, the a. mice, dogs sting: b. horses, cattle a. is deadly c. deer, humans b. is not even noticed d. all the above c. resembles that of a bee or 19. (39) The mature bed bug: wasp a. is known to transmit dis- d. causes the skin around the eases in Kansas 1 sting area to sluff off b. is a ⁄4 inch long, rusty-red, 13. (35) To achieve effective flea wingless insect control: c. feeds mainly during the day a. only the adult fleas need to d. all of the above be killed 20. (39) Bed bug hiding places are b. put a flea collar on the dog recognized by: or cat a. black or brown spots of c. treat fleas on pets plus areas dried excrement they frequent b. tan oval-shaped hard pellets d. kill flea eggs with on surfaces ­insecticides c. bed bug nests made of dirt 14. (36) Flea infestations on pets and their waste products should be treated: d. small mounds of dead bed a. by the pest control operator bugs b. by the owner or 21. (40) To control bed bugs in veterinarian­ homes: c. by brushing the pet a. at night, apply insecticides d. a and b directly on bed bugs 15. (36) The brown dog tick is an b. destroy all bedding important pest of: materials­ a. dogs c. apply insecticides directly b. humans and cats into areas where they hide c. humans, dogs, and cats during the day d. dogs and humans d. wash blankets and sheets and keep pets out of the 16. (37) The American dog tick is: house a. normally found indoors b. also known as the house 22. (40) The wasps most often con- tick fused with honeybees are the: c. one of the most common a. polistes wasps ticks in Kansas b. mud daubers d. a and b c. yellow jackets d. hornets 17. (38) Blacklegged ticks are pres- ent in Kansas: 23. (41) The polistes wasps aban- a. in the eastern three tiers of don their nests in the fall and counties overwinter as: b. in the central three tiers of a. eggs counties b. larvae c. in the western three tiers of c. unmated female adults counties d. mated female adults

47 Pests Annoying and Attacking Study Questions 24. (41) Mud daubers: 29. (44) Carpenter ants are usu- People and Pets a. are solitary wasps ally: b. live in colonies a. found near moisture c. have a worker caste b. active only at night d. are very aggressive c. not around wood in contact with soil 25. (42) Bees: d. found in dry wood and dry a. feed on insects and spiders areas b. feed on flower nectar c. pollinate flowers 30. (44) Nonchemical control of d. b and c carpenter ants include: a. replacing all infested wood 26. (42) Carpenter bees: b. keeping house free of dirt a. make nests inside mattress and dust stuffing c. removing logs and stumps b. cause problems in lawns that possibly have nests c. make tunnels in wood for d. applying insecticide to the nests nests d. build hives in sidings of homes 31. (45) Mound building ants may enter and leave nests through 27. (43) Ants: tunnels and control around the a. feed only on sweets mound may require treatment b. are predators and scav- of areas up to: engers of many harmful a. 4 to 6 inches in radius insects­ b. 1 to 2 feet in radius c. cannot be distinguished c. 5 feet in radius from termites d. 10 feet or more in radius d. have sucking mouthparts and feed on blood 32. (45) Poisoned baits can be used effectively for ant control: 28. (43) Carpenter ants: a. if they are fast acting a. eat wood ­poisons b. feed on honey dew ex- b. if they are slow acting creted by aphids and food ­poisons scraps c. if there is other more c. excavate galleries in wood ­attractive food available to that look exactly like ter- the ants mite galleries d. only when used with a con- d. are one of the smallest of tact spray the common ants

48 Entomophobia an actual, identifiable, external cause of the sensations although they may be difficult to find. Such causes may Entomophobias, include urticating hairs of carpet Cryptic Infestations, beetle larvae, asbestos fibers,­ allergies and Imaginary Bugs to clothing fabric or dyes, laundering Entomophobia means excessive agents, cellulose particles in the air, fear of insects. An entomophobic per- and even past infestations with head son can be a difficult client for lice, scabies, the pest control operator because he or fleas that have so piqued the victim or she may become extremely agitated that nearly any itch or prickle he or by the sight of one insect flying or she experiences is interpreted as con- crawling in the home. Fortunately, the tinuing infestation. The cause(s) may condition is rare and it is classed as a be very difficult to find, but manage- neuroses, i.e., a psychological condi- ment or elimination of causes brings tion that can be overcome through an end to the torment. conditioning regimes. Nearly every pest control opera- Cryptic parasitism is also difficult tor sooner or later encounters a client to deal with. In this case, an actual who has a much more serious condi- parasite has caused skin lesions and tion, delusory parasitosis. This is the sometimes itching or biting sensa- persistent, intensive, acute sensations tions. Cryptic means hidden or hard of, and belief that, parasites (mite, fly- to find. Cryptic parasitism may be a ing insects, worms or a combination non-classical presentation of scabies, thereof ) are crawling on, biting, and or transient or accidental parasit- crawling in and out of one’s skin and/ ism by animal mange mites, stored or body orifices. The sensations of bit- product mites, or straw itch mites. ing and crawling are real, but the sup- Sometimes the cause turns out to posed cause is mistaken. The victim be ordinary chiggers or tiny biting may even have rashes or skin lesions gnats that the victim was exposed to that look like insect bites, but these outdoors but did not become aware are self inflicted by “treatments” and of until several hours later, while picking at the “bugs.” Clients may ­indoors. A person’s immune response­ have manic episodes and there often to bites often require several hours is an obsessive compulsive aspect before itching occurs or to this malady. Unlike either cryptic a welt or rash appear. Thus, the per- parasitism or illusory parasitosis, son insists that the problem concerns there is no external physical cause. an indoor pest when there is none to Unlike entomophobia, the victim is be found. A client with cryptic para- not afraid of the “parasites;” he or she sitism may be insistent and demand willingly and zealously collects what several call backs. The condition is he or she believes to be the causative usually of short duration. Despite the specimens. Often, the client provides best efforts of the victim and the pest detailed descriptions of the behavior control operator, the source often re- of various “life stages” of the “bug” or mains unidentified when the problem mite and the different crawling, biting, ceases. or flying behavior of each. They may Without finding the cause, cryp- attribute impossible feats of surviving tic parasitism may be impossible to extreme cold, heat, or chemical treat- distinguish from illusory parasitosis. ments to the supposed parasites. If the Illusory parasitosis is the illusion or pest control operator makes a general belief that skin sensations caused by household application of insecticide an external physical or chemical agent in hopes of killing an unknown but are caused by “bugs.” The victim usu- cryptic infestation, the client may ally thinks that the “bugs” are mites report two or three days of relief. But or flying insects too small to be seen. this is only a placebo effect because, As with cryptic parasitism, there is ­invariably, the problem returns in full force. 49 Entomophobia Delusory parasitosis is a rected by reasoning or by additional ­psychosis—a severe level of psycho- pesticide use. There are apparently logical derangement that virtually a multitude of underlying causes in governs every aspect of one’s life. Al- different cases. Satisfactory diagnosis though victims may be intelligent and and treatment requires a practitioner capable of conducting rational discus- of internal medicine, often working sions on a moment-to-moment basis, with a dermatologist. There are cura- they persistently return to and cling to tive medications. Along with proper their interpretations of the parasitosis. medication, psychiatric counseling Delusory parasitosis cannot be cor- may be required.

50 Entomophobia

Study Questions 1. (49) Entomophobia means: 6. (49) ______is the most serious a. excessive fear of insects condition. b. excessive fear of snakes a. entomophobia c. excessive fear of birds b. cryptic parasitism d. excessive fear of heights c. illusory parasitosis d. delusory parasitosis 2. (49) In cases of “cryptic para- sitism,” the word “cryptic” 7. (49) In the case of ______there means: is no external, physical cause. a. obvious a. entomophobia b. imaginary b. illusory parasitosis c. hidden or hard to find c. delusory parasitosis d. vault for the parasites d. cryptic parasitism 3. (49) An example of cryptic 8. (50) Delusory parasitosis: parasitism may be caused by: a. cannot be corrected by rea- a. animal mange mites soning or pesticide use b. straw itch mites b. can be corrected by reason- c. ordinary chiggers ing or pesticide use d. all the above c. can be corrected with two applications of any OP in- 4. (49) Without finding the cause secticide of cryptic parasitism, it may be d. can be corrected with two a case of: hours of lecturing on how a. entomophobia to reason b. illusory parasitosis c. transit neuroses d. paranoia 5. (49) In “illusory parasitosis,” skin sensations are caused by: a. physical or chemical agents b. straw itch mites c. chiggers d. bed bugs

51 Fumigation ■ Fumigants are toxic to humans and special precautions must The General Manual, S-12, informs be taken to protect fumigators you of the basic required information and the occupants of fumigated that is common to all pesticide labels structures. ■ Because fumigants are gases, pro- ­including such information as a list of vision must be made to retain the active ingredients, type of pesticide, fumigant within the space being formulation, EPA registration number, fumigated. This requires additional hazard statement, personal protective labor. equipment, etc. Specific information, ■ Fumigation must not be attempted however, varies from label to label, by one person. Additional labor is particularly under directions­ for use required. and recommendations for use. ■ Some commodities or pieces of Fumigants are pesticides which, equipment may be damaged by by themselves or in combination with certain fumigants and must be any other substances, are or become either removed or protected. gas or a mixture of gases. Fumigants ■ The technique of applying fumi- will kill or control a pest and are gants requires special training for usually poisonous or dangerous to all members of the fumigation humans. Various aerosol space sprays crew, adding to fumigation costs. are not considered fumigants. ■ Fumigation usually requires that Fumigants penetrate cracks, crevic- occupants of the structure vacate es, and the commodity being treated. the building for a number of hours. They must reach the target pests as This may be inconvenient. gases to be effective. As soon as a fumigant is diffused from the target Selection of Fumigants area, pest reinfestation can occur. Fu- When choosing a fumigant, the migants must be applied in enclosed­ following kinds of factors should be areas. considered: Advantages of Fumigation ■ label approval for intended use. Fumigation has several advantages­ ■ toxicity to the target pest. over other pest control procedures. ■ volatility and ability to penetrate. ■ Fumigants are usually quick acting ■ corrosive, flammability and explo- and can result in eradication of the sive potential. pest. ■ warning properties and detection ■ Fumigants being gases, diffuse methods. through all parts of the structure or ■ affect on seed germination or fin- commodity being treated and, thus, ished product quality. reach pest harborages that cannot ■ residue tolerances. be reached with conventional pest ■ availability. control materials or techniques. ■ ease of application. ■ For certain pests/commodities, ■ cost. fumigation is the only practical Several factors can change the ef- method of pest control. ficiency of fumigants. Consider these Disadvantages of Fumigation when selecting a formulation and There are several reasons why fu- dosage: migation may not be the best means of Temperature. The fumigant may pest control. not kill the pests if the product or ■ The control achieved through space being fumigated is below 10°C ­fumigation is temporary. There is (50°F) or above 46°C (115°F). no residual action from fumigants, Moisture. As the moisture content and as soon as the fumigation is increases, it becomes more difficult completed, the structure, or com- for a fumigant to penetrate. This also modity fumigated is susceptible to increase the potential for residues reinfestation. exceeding legal tolerances. ­Adequate 52 Fumigation moisture is required for the generation Methyl Bromide (MB) of some fumigants. Properties. Colorless, odorless gas Pests. Susceptibility to fumigants that is heavier than air and readily depends on species, habitat and stage penetrates commodities. Relatively development. During some stages harmless to plants and trees. Easily of their life cycle, for example, many removed by aeration. insects are protected by the product Fire hazard. Nonflammable at they infest. ­usage level (flammable at 13.5 to 14.5 Structure. Consider the condition percent in air). Extinguish pilot lights of the structure, the type of construc- and flames in building before using. tion, and the product it contains. Explosion hazard. Non-explosive, A wooden structure, even when although overdosages of methyl bro- sealed well, will not retain fumigants mide may create an explosion hazard as well as metal, plastic, masonry, because the gas can expand beyond or concrete. Fumigation in vacuum the holding capacity of the vault or chambers allows increased efficiency. tarp. Human hazard. Not as toxic as Fumigants some other fumigants but needs cau- NOTE: Fumigation requires spe- tion because of lack of odor. Most cialized equipment and training. suppliers add 2 percent chloropicrin The following is generalized infor- (CP) as a warning agent although CP mation on fumigant products. Ap- may be absorbed by commodities and plicators must obtain and follow all fail to indicate MB presence. Liquid manufacturer’s and label specific MB will cause severe blisters on con- directions. tact with skin. Tests with a halide leak Methyl Bromide At a Glance detector will indicate dangerous con- Required Clothing: centrations ■ Loose shirts, long trousers and by a light green to dark green to blue socks that are cleaned after each green to blue flames. Use detector wearing. Do not wear jewelry or tubes or thermal conductivity appa- gloves. ratus for more exact determination of ■ Full-face shield for eye protection, MB in air. Exposure brings neurologi- when handling the liquid such as cal symptoms (headaches, incoordina- opening the cylinder to introduce tion, visual disturbances). Monthly gas into a structure. blood bromide tests are suggested for those using or exposed to near maxi- Levels: mum MB levels. <5 ppm no respiratory protection Uses. READ THE LABEL. Not as required toxic to insects as Hydrogen Cyanid >5 ppm National Institute for (HCN) or Ethylene dibromide (EDB) ­Occupational Safety and Health/ but penetration into commodities Mines Safety Health Administra- ­enhances its uses. Certain com- tion (NIOSH/MSHA) approved modities (iodized salt, sponge rubber, self-contained breathing apparatus leather goods, viscose rayons, photo (SCBA) or combination air- chemicals, etc.) should not be exposed supplied/SCBA respirator. to MB. Uses: What. Structures and dwellings, Aluminum Phosphide, bags, boxes, crates (empty), furniture, Magnesium Phosphide lumber and wood products. At a Glance Where. Chamber and vault [Hydrogen phosphide, PH3, (Phos- ­fumigation—vacuum chambers, tar- phine, Phostoxin, Fumi-Cel, Detia, paulin fumigation. Fumitoxin, others)] Required clothing: ■ Dry cotton gloves if contact with the pellets or tablets will be made. 53 Fumigation Respiratory protection: and vomiting. Notify your physician ■ Respiratory protection required if of PP exposure. A special canister is exposure is likely to exceed the required for gas masks as protection eight-hour time-weighted average from PP up to 0.5 percent in air. (TWA) of 0.3 ppm during applica- Uses. READ THE LABEL. Very tion, or is above 0.3 ppm at any highly toxic to insects although time after application has been ­requiring 72 or more hours of treat- made. ment time (aluminum phosphide Levels: tablets evolve PP rather slowly, need- 0.0 to 0.3 ppm—No protection ing 24 to 48 hours to react with atmo- ­required. sphere moisture—may take longer 0.3 to 15 ppm—NIOSH/MSHA at low humidities). Preadult stages ­approved full-face gas mask— of some insects are resistant to short hydrogen phosphide canister. exposures to PP but are controlled by 0 to 1500 ppm—can use the gas a 10-day (or more) fumigation period. mask described above for escape only. Sulfuryl Fluoride At a Glance >15 ppm–or unknown level— (Vikane) NIOSH/MSHA approved SCBA. Required Clothing: Uses: ■ Full-body clothing and shoes, no What. Raw agricultural commodi- gloves, no rubber boots. ties, animal feed and feed ingredients, ■ Wear goggles or full-face shields processed food, tobacco and certain when handling the liquid, such as other non-food items. opening the cylinder to introduce Where. Fumigation of railcars, bins, gas into the structure. silos, under tarpaulins in small seal- Levels: able structures and enclosures, mills, 0 to 5 ppm none required. food processing plants and ware- >5 ppm NIOSH/MSHA self- houses. contained breathing apparatus, or Aluminum Phosphide combination air-supplied/SCBA res- (Phosphine) (PP) pirator. Properties. Colorless gas which Uses: may have a carbide or garlic-like odor What. Furnishings, dwellings, (due to impurities present when the buildings, vehicles. gas is generated). Penetration into Where. Structures, tarpaulins, commodities is excellent. Aeration chambers. Avoid food, drugs, and quickly removes PP after fumigation. plants. Fire hazard. Highly flammable at 1.79 percent in air (and up) which is Sulphuryl Fluoride considerably above the usage con- (SF) (Vikane) centration. Reacts with all metals and Properties. Colorless, odorless especially copper causing severe cor- gas. Noncorrosive and unreactive to rosion; therefore, all wiring, motors,­ most materials. Good penetration of switches and other equipment must dry wood products and fabrics but be protected. ­requires fans to get good distribution. Human hazard. Highly toxic to Not an efficient ovacide. humans with the lowest threshold Five hazard. Nonflammable. In working limit of 0.3 ppm (.00003 presence of open flame or electric percent air). Garlic odor warns of heating element, SF forms a very cor- toxic concentrations but may not rosive gas. always be present when PP is above Human hazard. Highly toxic gas 0.3 ppm. Detector tubes should be requiring proper precautions on part used to ensure safe working levels of applicator. Maximum exposure for employees. Symptoms include limit is 5 ppm for 40-hour week. fatigue, buzzing in ears, nausea, pres- ­Special canisters are required for con- sure in chest, intestinal pain, diarrhea centrations above that amount. Expo- 54 Fumigation sure symptoms include respiratory­ the tarp directly to the wall with irritation and depression. Notify doc- ­adhesive tape. Tarpaulin fumigation tor in cases of exposure (manufacturer may be performed either indoors supplies first-aid booklet). or outdoors. Outdoor fumigation Uses. READ THE LABEL. Not should allow for winds or weather registered for any food or drug item. which may disrupt a fumigation at- Registered for dry-wood termites, tempt. powderpost beetles, wood boring Advantages. Fumigation is limited beetles, bed bugs and clothes moths. to items under the tarpaulin, eco- Very effective against larva and adults nomical use of fumigant, work may but not effective against egg stage at continue in general area (providing regular fumigation concentrations. tarpaulin is reasonably impervious to Aeration removes fumigant rapidly fumigant vapors). from treated commodities. (SF may Disadvantages. Extra labor of plac- be trapped in plastic clothes bags or ing and sealing tarpaulins, fumigant waterproof mattress covers). Not com- may be lost through floor or absorbed monly used in Kansas. by soil moisture. Types of Fumigation Atmospheric Vault Fumigation Tarpaulin Fumigation These are usually small buildings Tarpaulin fumigation involves the located well apart from other struc- placement of a gas-tight material over tures. Some are specially built for fumigation, others are modified from the commodity or structure to be fu- Tarpaulin Fumigation migated. The tarps may be specially other structures. Gas concentrations made for fumigation, such as impreg- can be monitored through a perma- nated nylon, or they may be sheet nent arrangement. Cased, bagged polyethylene. or paletted commodities are easily Polyethylene tarps can be used in moved in and out of the vault without 1 special preparation. The fumigator thicknesses from 1 ⁄2 mil. up to 6 mil. Because clear polyethylene breaks does not have to compute the cube of down from exposure to sunlight, use the structure each time the fumigation black polyethylene films outdoors. will take place. Almost any fumigant Gas impervious adhesive tape may can be used. And while safety precau- be used to join various sections to tions must be observed, fewer consid- polyethylene film. Consideration must erations are necessary. be given to the method of obtaining­ a Advantages. Good control of fu- ground seal. If they are smooth, con- migation, safer than fumigating in crete and asphaltic surfaces are satis- buildings, excellent for paletted car- factory. Wood surfaces are not. With goes. wood and soil surfaces, it is necessary Disadvantages. Initial cost of set- to place a section of the tarp material ting up a fumigation vault, cost of beneath the stack as well as over it. moving the commodity to and from There are several methods of the chamber, the limited quantity of ­obtaining a good ground seal. Allow items that most vaults will hold and enough tarp materials to skirt out- economical utilization of facility. ward at least 18 inches from the stack. Portable Chambers Loose sand, sand snakes, or water A portable fumigation system, snakes are used to hold the skirt to developed by B & G Equipment Com- the ground surface. Snakes are merely pany, Plumsteadville, Pennsylvania, tubes of cloth or plastic filled about brings added flexibility to an applica- three-fourths full with sand or ­water. tor who may need to fumigate small The snakes should overlap each other 1 quantities of items or commodities in about 1 ⁄2 feet. various locations. The components of Occasionally, a stack may be the system are: two pieces of heavy- too close to a wall to obtain a good duty vinyl sheeting that can be zipped ground seal. The solution is to seal together, similar to food storage bags, 55 Fumigation fumigation dispensers, connecting Precautions and hoses, security lock, gas concentration monitoring valve, carrying case, and a Protective Equipment gas discharge stand pipe. Fumigants as a class are the most The system is designed to allow the toxic of all pesticides. Because they are operator to develop a vacuum inside highly volatile, penetrating and highly the bubble. The vacuum will pull the toxic, they are considered a threat to flexible bubble around the commod- human life if not used with proper ity. After collapsing the bubble, the precautions. Therefore, it is essential fumigant is applied. Normal safety that fumigants always be used with precautions are necessary, including proper precautions, procedures and a self-contained breathing apparatus protective equipment. (SCBA), and monitoring tools to test You may be cited by EPA, the state for leaks. lead agency and/or OSHA for failing to follow instructions in the use or Structural Fumigation (by care of protective equipment, as well taping and sealing) as the misuse of a pesticide. Directives This essentially is a modification issued by these agencies and instruc- of vault fumigation. No tarp is used tions on pesticide labels must be ob- and the entire structure becomes a served. The information given here is fumigation vault. The building must to help you better appreciate the need be of the proper construction (brick, for following procedures for protec- tion and some general instructions. Structural Fumigation concrete, stucco, etc.) for a tape and seal fumigation. The roof may need No safety suggestions cover all situ- to be tarped if its construction alone ations. Follow the label instructions. will not provide a leak-free barrier. Remember, there is no substitute for Gas concentration test leads must be good common sense. run throughout the structure and the Threshold Limits gas concentrations monitored. Electric Threshold limit values (TLV) fans should be placed so that the fu- refer to airborne concentrations of migant will be circulated throughout KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN substances and represent conditions DANGER—POISON—PELIGRO the structure in order to achieve rapid under which nearly all workers may equilibrium of the fumigant. Local be repeatedly exposed day after day fire authorities may require the use of without adverse effect. Because of a non-sparking fans. It may be difficult wide variation in individual suscepti- to compute the cube of the structure. It bility, however, a small percentage of is very easy to overlook vents, cracks, workers may experience discomfort conduits, etc., that may permit the gas from some substances at concentra- Danger Sign to escape. tions at or below the threshold limit; Items which could be damaged a small percentage may be affected by the fumigant must be removed. more seriously by aggravation of a Building occupants must be evacuat- preexisting condition or by develop- ed for the entire fumigation and aera- ment of an occupational illness. tion period. All pilot lights, flames, Fumigant gas Following, are the Threshold Limit and electrical heating elements must under pressure ­Values: be turned off. If ornamental vegeta- ■ The Threshold Limit Value-Time tion is too close to the structure to Weighted Average (TLV–TWA) is permit the tarpaulin to be sealed to the time weighted average con- the ground, the vegetation will have centration for a normal eight-hour to be moved. All edges of the struc- Riser Potential breakage workday and a 40-hour workweek, Tube ture which could puncture, or tear for dip tube to which nearly all workers may be the tarpaulin must be well padded. Liquid Fumigant repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect. Problems With Horizontal Transport

56 Fumigation Parts Per Million (ppm) leaks, spills, or other accidents, the Approx. following precautions should be Odor taken: Threshold TLV–TWA ■ Do not transport fumigants by pub- Methyl Odorless 5 lic transportation such as subways, bromide buses, trains or taxis. Phosphine 0.14 0.3 ■ Do not transport fumigants Sulfuryl Odorless 5 through tunnels without the fluoride knowledge and permission of the proper authorities. Warning Gases ■ Do not transport fumigants in Materials such as chloropicrin may closed vehicles in the same com- be added to an odorless fumigant in mon airspace as personnel. low concentrations so that an individ- ■ Mark the vehicle in which the ual can be made aware of the presence fumigant is being transported by of a harmful gas. However, they must attaching the appropriate plac- not be relied upon as the only safe- ards as required by Department of guard for protection, anymore than Transporation (DOT) to the front, you would rely upon the detection of back and sides of vehicles. Cartridge Respirator a fumigant by its own odor. It must be ■ Transport cylinders upright and stressed that: secured. ■ Individuals vary in their ability to ■ Mount cylinders so they are pro- detect odors and levels of odors. tected from rear-end collision. ■ The warning gas may have differ- ■ Do not remove valve protection ent physical properties than the bonnet until immediately before fumigant and the mixture may fumigant application. stratify, separate or be sorted at a different rate providing a false Respiratory sense of security. ■ Protection Devices Odors do not tell you the concen- The General Manual, S-12, has Canister Respirator tration of fumigant present. additional and similar information ■ You may suffer odor fatigue which concerning respiratory protection be- is the loss of the ability to smell the ginning on page 96. You are strongly particular warning agent. encouraged to be aware of that infor- Warning gasses serve a useful pur- mation as well as the following. pose, but are not foolproof. Use them as one of the tools, not as the only Gas Masks tool! The respiratory protection devices that furnish the minimum protection Transporting a Fumigant are the full-face gas masks equipped Due to the highly toxic nature of with canisters. For protection, the fumigants and the lack of control canister must be suitable against the Supplied Air Respirator over fumes released as the result of fumigant being used.

Fumigant Toxicity and Flammability Fumigant Toxicity and Flammability Flammability (Explosive Concentrations Fumigant Humans in Air) Phosphine (PP) Very Very (1.79%)* Methyl Bromide (MB) Medium Non-flammable Sulfuryl fluoride (SF) Very Non-flammable Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus * Phosphine reacts with copper alloys, silver and gold, giving severe corrosion.­ Such metals should be protected from the gas. Respiratory Protective Devices 57 Fumigation The canisters contain chemicals Air Pack that absorb the fumigant, and may With this device, the full-face mask also contain a filter. The life of the is attached to a tank of air carried on canister is limited and varies with the back of the fumigator. This device the fumigant used and the fumigant gives the fumigator the mobility of the concentration. The maximum permis- canister mask and does not tie him or sible limits are usually stated on each her to an air pump. Except­ for concern canister. Do not exceed these maxi- about skin absorption of the fumigant, mum limits. the fumigator can work in any gas. The canister color code for the vari- With the popularity of SCUBA ous fumigants are: diving, it is not difficult to get the air Fumigant Color Code tanks refilled. Depending upon the Methyl Bromide Black size of the tank, the air supply will Phosphine Yellow with last up to an hour. There is usually a gray stripe warning bell that can be set to warn Sulfuryl Fluoride White with the fumigator when the air supply is gray stripe running low. The disadvantage of the There are several reasons for using air pack is that the fumigator has to devices other than full-face gas masks carry a heavy tank while completing with chemical canisters for respiratory the work. protection. The canisters have limited Oxygen Breathing Apparatus life. Special canisters must be avail- (OBA) able for each fumigant. The canisters The oxygen breathing apparatus provide no protection at abnormally is similar to the air pack. Instead of a high fumigant concentrations. They tank to carry, a special canister gener- provide no protection in spaces where ates the oxygen supply. The canister oxygen is deficient. is lightweight, and is usually worn on General Rules on Canister Use the chest. To operate, the fumigator 1. Discard any canister that has been places the canister into its place, tight- used for more than 30 minutes ens up wheel screws, and blows into (total time) in a fumigant atmo- the air supply tube once or twice. The sphere. moisture from the breath activates the 2. Discard any canister whenever an chemicals in the canister, which then odor of fumigant is detected as provide a supply of oxygen. The sup- coming through (the absorption ply is good for about one hour. material is not working). There is usually a warning bell that 3. Discard any canister used for less can be set to warn the fumigator that than 30 minutes if it is more than the life of the canister is about expired. 1 year old. Care must be taken and directions giv- 4. Discard canisters with expired en closely followed, for the disposal of expiration dates or more than two the oxygen generating canisters. years after manufacture (even if Symptoms unused) unless instruction sheet All workers in areas where fumi- specifically saysotherwise. ­ gants are being used should be aware 5. DO NOT use a canister-type gas of the symptoms of light exposure to mask to enter a freshly fumigated the fumigants. Such symptoms are area. The concentration of fumi- warnings that the concentration of gant will overpower the absorbent fumigants in the air is too high for material. continued safety personnel. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus There are two types of these ­devices. One is the air pack and the other is the oxygen breathing ap- paratus (OBA). 58 Fumigation Symptoms of Light Exposure ■ chemicals being used. to Fumigants ■ proposed date and time of use. 1. Headache. ■ type of respiratory protection 2. Dizziness and equilibrium ­required. ­disturbances. ■ fire hazard rating. 3. Visual disturbances. ■ name and phone number of person­ 4. Irritation of respiratory tract to contact in event of emergency.­ (leads to more “lung colds,” asth- Have alternate application and pro- ma attacks, and other lung and tective equipment and replacement throat problems). parts available. Display warning signs 5. Narcosis (desire for sleep, drowsi- near points of entry and provide for ness). security of buildings. Have necessary 6. Muscle cramps—especially in first-aid equipment available. Before arms and legs. treatment is started, develop plans to NOTE: The ingestion of alcoholic ventilate the area when the treatment beverages will intensify the symp- period is over. toms and effects of fumigant poi- Security guards may be necessary if soning. the structure is at an exposed location where the public (especially children) Preparing for Fumigation may attempt unauthorized entry. All new employees should have Security guards may also be needed a thorough physical examination be- if plant operations do not permit the fore performing any fumigation duties security of the fumigated area. The whatsoever. The examination should guards must have the authority­ to include a liver function test and a refuse entry to anyone not wearing respiratory capability test (or equiva- protective equipment. They should lents). have suitable protective equipment All persons working with fumi- available if an emergency requires gants should have a complete physical entry into the fumigated area. They examination every six months. Again, should also be trained the examination should include­ liver in first-aid procedures for fumigant function capability and respiratory poisoning and have the appropriate capacity. materials readily available. Understand fully the facility Precautions include an accounting and commodity being fumigated, of all personnel known to be work- ­including the: ing in the area, a room by room and ■ design of the structure, as well as floor by floor check to ascertain that adjacent and connecting structures no person has been overlooked and both above and below ground. the use of a portable public address ■ persons or animals expected to system (bull horn) in each space to be at or near the area being warn anyone present of the imminent ­fumigated. ­fumigations. If bells, whistles or other ■ the item, its history and condition devices are used to give warning sig- (previous fumigation, temperature, nals, all personnel must have been moisture). instructed as to the meaning of these ■ availability of emergency shutoff signals. stations for electricity, water and Doors, windows and other points gas. of access must be locked or otherwise ■ location of nearest telephone, and secured against accidental or unau- numbers for fire and police depart- thorized entry into fumigated areas. ments, hospitals and physician. Preferably there should be one per- Understand label directions, warn- son ultimately responsible for evacu- ings and antidotes. You may need ating all people, securing the affected to notify local medical, fire, police area and restricting access until the authorities and other security person- area has been cleared of the fumigant. nel about: 59 Fumigation Notices of fumigated areas must be ■ What is the cube of the items? provided to night watchmen, janitors, ■ What is the cube of the building? maintenance crews and others who ■ Can the structure itself be made otherwise might have master keys and reasonably airtight, or will it ready access into the fumigated area. be necessary to tarp the entire None of these should enter a fumigat- building? ed area except in an emergency and ■ From what construction materials then only with adequate protection. is the structure built? Other prefumigation precautions. ■ Are there broken windows that 1. all possible sources of fire must must be replaced? be eliminated. Turn off all pilot ■ Are there cracks in the ceiling, lights, gas burners, oil burners walls or floors that must be sealed? and electrical equipment. ■ Are there floor drains or cable con- 2. If possible, provide for the start duits that will require sealing? (Are of post-fumigation ventilation by there hidden floor drains under controls outside of the fumigated stacked items?) area. ■ How are you going to handle air 3. If several floors or rooms are conditioning ducts and ventilation involved, rehearse the fumiga- fans? tion sequence so everyone knows ■ Will interior partitions interfere where the others are and where to with fumigant circulation? exit the area. ■ Are the interior partitions gas tight 4. Discuss emergency plans for han- so that they can be relied upon to dling all possible problems. keep the fumigant from entering 5. Locate a nearby telephone for use other parts of the structure? in case of an emergency. ■ Are there parts of the building 6. Have fumigant testing equipment not under the control of your available and check it for proper ­customer? operation. ■ Can these other operations be shut 7. Have first-aid materials ready and down during the fumigation? available. ■ What are building contents? 8. Notify fire departments. ■ Can any of them be damaged by the fumigant? Premises Inspection ■ Can such items be removed during Once it appears to you that fumiga- the fumigation? tion will be required to control a pest ■ If they cannot be removed, can they problem, you must conduct a serious be otherwise protected? on-site inspection, you must ask your- ■ Where are the electrical outlets? self a number of questions and make ■ Of what voltage are they? a number of decisions. Frequently, the ■ Will the circuits be live during fu- success or failure of the fumigation migation? operation will depend upon what you ■ Can the outlets be used to operate learn, what you decide­ and how you your fumigant circulating fans? plan. Some of these questions should ■ Look outside the building. If you include: ■ tarp the entire structure, can you If the structure itself is not ­infested, make a good, tight ground seal? could the infested items be moved ■ Is there shrubbery next to the build- from the building and fumigated ing that might be damaged either elsewhere? ■ by the fumigant, or by your dig- Assuming that removal of the in- ging to make an air-tight fumiga- fested items from the building is tion seal? not practical, can you fumigate the ■ Can this shrubbery be moved? items in place? ■ ■ How far is it to the nearest Is there enough room between the ­building? items and walls or partitions so that ■ Does that building have air you can seal the tarp to the floor? ­conditioning? 60 Fumigation ■ Does it have air intakes that not be exposed to more than 0.3 could draw the fumigant inside— ppm hydrogen phosphide. particularly during aeration? ■ The date and time fumigation be- ■ How are you going to aerate your gins and is completed. structure after fumigation? ■ Name of fumigant used. ■ Are there exhaust fans and where ■ Name, address and telephone num- are the fan switches? ber of the applicator. ■ Are there windows and doors All entrances to a fumigated area that can be opened for cross must be placarded. Where possible, ­ventilation? placards should be placed in advance ■ Does the building contain any high of the fumigation to keep unauthor- priority items that may have to be ized persons away. Do not remove shipped within a few hours notice? placards until the treated equipment ■ If so, can you make provisions for and surrounding work areas are aer- DANGER interrupting the fumigation and ated down to 0.3 ppm hydrogen phos- aerating the building within a cer- phide or less. PELIGRO

tain time requirement? AREA AND/OR COMMODITY UNDER FUMIGATION, DO NOT ■ Is the structure to be fumigated Application ENTER/NO ENTRE This sign may only be removed after commodity is completely so located that your operations Always assign two persons to each aereated (contains 0.3 ppm or less phosphine gas). If incompletely aereated commodity is transferred to a new site, the new site must may attract bystanders? (If so, you fumigation. Everyone involved in the also be placarded and workers must not be exposed to more than 0.3 ppm phosphine. should consider asking for police fumigation should know first aid and FUMIGATION WITH assistance to augment your own other emergency procedures, includ- guards.) ing personal decontamination. Brand Name: ■ Once you are convinced that you Follow label directions exactly Fumigation Being Performed By Date of Fumigation Emergency Telephones NAME: Date Applied , 19 Day: when applying a fumigant. Consider ADDRESS: AM PM Night: have covered everything, prepare Do not open , 19 a check list of things to do and of prevailing winds and other pertinent Before AM PM materials needed. Don’t rely upon weather factors such as temperature Placard your memory. and humidity. Apply fumigants from outside the exposed areas whenever Then, ask three questions: possible. ■ What have I overlooked? Return to the storage area all ■ Is fumigation still the best method ­unused chemicals in clearly labeled, of controlling the pest problem? original containers. Dispose of empty ■ Am I qualified to do the containers correctly. ­fumigation? Provide watchmen, when required.­ Placarding of Fumigated Areas Secure entrances with guards or locks. The applicator must placard or post Post warning signs. all entrances to the structures and/or Report to company-retained rooms containing equipment under ­physician or to designated person- fumigation with signs in English­ and nel, indications of illness or physical Spanish, bearing: discomfort, no matter how minor they ■ The signal word DANGER/PELI- seem. These symptoms and signs may GRO and the SKULL AND CROSS- include dizziness, nausea, headaches BONES symbol in red. and lack of coordination. ■ The statement “Area and/or Do not consume alcohol for 24 items under fumigation, DO NOT hours before or after a fumigation. Do ­ENTER/NO ENTRE.” not eat or smoke during application. ■ The statement, “This sign may only be removed after the items are com- After Application pletely aerated (contains 0.3 ppm or Aeration procedures vary accord- less of hydrogen phosphide gas). If ing to the fumigant being used, the incompletely aerated item is trans- method of fumigation and the items ferred to a new site, the new site being fumigated. Because of these must also be placarded if it contains factors always read and follow the la- more than 0.3 ppm. Workers must bel instructions for the fumigant and situation in which it is being used.

61 Fumigation Before re-entry, use a suitable gas Safe Use of Fumigants detector, as indicated on the label, to There is a tendency for employees determine fumigant concentration. Do who commonly work with fumigants not depend on odors. Some fumigant to become lax in their safety precau- gases are odorless. Wear correct respi- tions. ALL FUMIGANTS CAN BE ratory equipment. LETHAL if they are used carelessly or Turn on all ventilating or aerating without adequate safety precautions. fans. Check for gas concentrations Humans can be poisoned by in- in areas that are expected to aerate haling the gases of fumigants and slowly. Remove warning signs only by absorption through the skin. when the gas concentration is within Most commercial products have an safe limits for human exposure. ­unpleasant odor but the pure chemi- Factors Affecting cals can be either odorless or have a sweet smell. Aeration Time Do not wear jewelry, bandages, In addition to the characteristics gloves, contact lenses or tight-fitting of the fumigant itself, the rate of venti- clothing when applying fumigants. lation or aeration is affected by several These articles may trap gases causing factors. The more important of these blistering or burning of the skin. are: ■ Rate of air exchange. Safety Recommendations ■ Temperature. ■ (Summary) Sorption and desorption. 1. Carefully read the labeling and The rate of air exchange and the follow instructions explicitly. temperature controls the amount of 2. Post warning placards on fumi- sorption and the rate of desorption. gated areas. Free gas should be released and 3. Prior to fumigation, notify ap- items aerated immediately following propriate company employees. fumigation. It is important to consider Provide relevant safety informa- and protect human health at all times. tion to local officials on an annual When a fumigation chamber is inside basis for use in the event of an any other enclosure where employees emergency. are likely to be present, intake and 4. Never fumigate alone from inside­ exhaust stacks should be provided. structures. The exhaust stack must lead outside 5. Never allow uninstructed person- the building. The intake and exhaust nel to handle the fumigant. stacks should be opened after the fu- 6. Approved respiratory protection migation exposure is completed. The must be available for fumigation normal air circulation equipment in a inside structures. chamber can be made to conduct air 7. Wear dry gloves of cotton or other from the chamber to the outside. materials if contact with metal When a chamber is outside a build- phosphide tablets, pellets or dust ing, it may be aerated safely is likely. Aerate used gloves and by opening the door slightly at the other contaminated clothing in a beginning of the aeration period well-ventilated area prior to laun- and turning the blower on. The door dering. Wash hands thoroughly should be held in the partially opened after handling metal phosphide position so that it cannot accidentally materials. close. Air discharged from the blower 8. Never open metal phosphide should be vented fumigant pouches in a flammable to the outside. atmosphere. It is preferable to Remove and dispose of packag-­ open them in open air, near a fan ing and waste products of solid or other appropriate ventilation ­fumigants. which will rapidly exhaust con- taminated air.

62 Fumigation 9. Do not allow the metal phosphide arded if its concentration is above to pile up or contact liquid water. 0.3 ppm and workers are not over- 10. Dispose of empty containers and exposed during transfer. spent metal phosphide fumigant 15. Do not open pouches until just in a proper manner consistent prior to application of the Prepacs. with the label instructions. 16. Protect or remove materials con- 11. Hydrogen phosphide fumigants taining metals such as copper, are not to be used for vacuum silver, gold and their alloys and fumigations. salts from corrosive exposure to 12. Exposures to hydrogen phosphide hydrogen phosphide. must not exceed the eight-hour 17. Do not use metal phosphide TWA of 0.3 ppm during applica- ­fumigant containers for any tion, or a ceiling concentration of ­purpose other than recycling or 0.3 ppm after application is com- reconditioning. pleted. 18. Two trained persons must be pres- 13. Fumigated areas must be aerated ent during reentry into fumigated to 0.3 ppm hydrogen phosphide and/or partially aerated struc- or less prior to reentry by unpro- tures or rooms housing treated tected workers. equipment. 14. Transfer of a treated commodity to another site without complete aeration is permissible provided that the new storage site is plac-

63 Fumigation

Study Questions 1. (52) Fumigants are pesticides 7. (56) Threshold limit values that: (TLV) refer to ______a. control fungi concentrations. b. are or become a gas mixture­ a. water borne c. are usually non-poisonous b. soil borne to humans c. airborne d. are aerosol sprays (liquid d. pesticidal limits suspension in air) 8. (57) The respiratory protection 2. (52) Factors that can change the device that provides the mini- efficiency of fumigants are: mum protection is the: a. application ease, cost, and a. full face gas mask with corrosiveness canisters b. toxicity to the pests b. air pack c. residual tolerances, flam- c. oxygen breathing ­apparatus mability and finished prod- d. full face mask with sup- uct plied air d. temperature, moisture, 9. (59) Symptoms of light expo- pests, and structure sure to fumigants include: 3. (53) Even when this building a. headache material is well sealed, it does b. irritation of respiratory tract not retain a fumigant very well. c. muscle cramps a. plastic d. all the above b. metal 10. (60) Once it appears fumigation c. wood is necessary, you must: d. concrete a. call in two consultants 4. (54) This fumigant is highly b. conduct a serious on-site flammable in air: inspection a. methyl bromide c. contact the Department of b. phostoxin Health c. vikane d. contact the police and fire d. carbon dioxide departments 11. (61) Warning signs for fumiga- 5. (55) For tarp fumigation, poly- tion must be printed in: ethylene traps with a minimum a. German and French thickness of ____ can be used. 1 b. German and Spanish a. ⁄2 mil. c. English and German b. 1 mil. 1 d. English and Spanish c. 1 ⁄2 mil. d. 2 mil. 12. (62) Factors affecting aeration time include: 6. (56) As a class, _____ are the a. rate of air exchange most toxic of all pesticides. b. temperature a. organophosphates c. sorption and desorption b. organochlorines d. all the above c. phenoxy herbicides d. fumigants

64 Vertebrate Pests A state permit is required for lethal control of nuisance birds, ex- cept pigeons,­ English sparrows, or Birds starlings, with poisonous chemicals Roosting concentrations of birds (KAR 115-16-3). Contact the Kansas can lead to problems. They can be Department of Wildlife and Parks re- noisy, their droppings may create an gional offices for this permit or more objectionable smell, contamination information on rules and regulations. may occur, and the droppings and the weight of the birds can break tree Pigeons limbs and destroy vegetation. The The domestic pigeon is also known droppings also form a medium for as the rock dove or pigeon.­ growth of bacteria and fungi. Damage caused by pigeons can be Take precautions when working extensive. Their droppings deface and around an old or abandoned roost accelerate deterioration of buildings site. Wear a respirator or face mask and automobiles and may land on with dust filter to prevent inhalation unwary pedestrians. Pigeon feces are of fungus spores. If an area that was a common contaminant. Pigeon nests once a bird roost is going to be cleared may clog drain pipes, interfere with or bulldozed, do the work when the awnings and render fire escapes haz- weather is wet or cold or both. Avoid ardous. The nests harbor numerous clearing under the dry, dusty condi- ectoparasites. tions of late summer. Biology When birds are removed and Building ledges, rafters and similar ­excluded from a building, search the man-made shelters are usual nest- nesting and roosting sites for evi- ing sites. The pair constructs a rather dence of parasitic arthropods such as messy nest in which the female lays bed bugs or their relatives, northern one or two eggs. The male cares for fowl mites, and poultry red mites. If and guards the female and nest. The present, they should be chemically incubation period is 17 to 19 days. The controlled while they are still con- young are fed predigested food until centrated near the nests and roosts. they are weaned just before leaving ­Otherwise, once the birds are gone, the nest at 35 to 37 days of age. More the parasites will wander in search eggs are laid before the first young of a host and will bite people that they are weaned. Breeding occurs at all encounter. After dispersing, they are seasons and several broods are raised more difficult to control. each year. The average­ pigeon lives Laws and Regulations five to seven years and some live over Federal and state regulations pro- 15 years. tect blackbirds and other migratory An adult pigeon will eat about birds. A federal permit is required to 454 grams (1 pound) of food a week, take, possess or transport migratory consisting of seeds and other grains birds for depredation control pur- augmented with some amounts of poses. But no permit is required to fruit, green feed, insects and sufficient scare or herd these birds, except feder- grit for digestion. Pigeons are gener- ally listed threatened or endangered ally monogamous although when a species, bald or golden eagles (50 CFR mate dies the survivor will select a 21.41). new mate. A standing order exists for black- Control Methods birds, cowbirds, grackles, crows Nest removal. Removing nests and magpies. No federal permit is and destroying young helps depress required and control measures— populations but inaccessibility of including lethal measures—may be nests makes the cost/benefit ratio taken when these species are found unattractive. “committing or about to commit dep- redation,” or when they “constitute a health hazard or other nuisance.” 65 Vertebrate Pests

bill short bill long

male and female, body plump, tail fan-like body trim, tail not fan-like

COMMON PIGEON

male, body black, head brown male, black throat, grey crown female, overall dull gray color female, whitish throat, dull eye stripe

male female 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 male

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD

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

winter phase summer phase

GRACKLES STARLING CROWS

Birds

66 Vertebrate Pests Exclusion. Netting to exclude entry­ light-colored birds make better lures or porcupine wire to prevent roosting. than drab, blue-gray ones. If possible, Frightening devices. Pigeons have leave the same individuals in the a strong territorial sense and are less 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 over tress calls have been found. Recording­ to the local humane society. of loud noises sometimes works to Toxicants. A single dose poison frighten pigeons. Scarecrows such as (Avitrol®), applied on whole grain stuffed owls are ineffective for repel- corn can be used effectively provided ling pigeons. Flags, dangling paper, pre-baiting shows bait acceptance and foil strips, etc. will sometimes work you follow this general procedure:­ but only briefly. Before exposing treated baits, make A fright producing chemical pre- thorough observations to determine pared on a grain bait has shown suc- the number of pigeons present, their cess in some situations. feeding habits, their preferred loca- Repellents. As a pigeon’s sense tions, their daily behavior patterns, of smell is rudimentary, odor repel- and the presence of nontarget species. lents like naphthalene are not effec- Continue observations throughout the tive except under confined locations. day. During these observations, desir- Sticky materials which are available able locations for bait exposure should commercially are applied to ledges or be selected. If adequate precautions rafters where birds roost. They repel are taken in selecting bait sites no pigeons by entangling their feet and other species should be harmed. sometimes their feathers. It is advis- When the daily pattern of the birds able to protect porous surfaces with has been established and baiting loca- tape or a silicone spray undercoating tions selected, try several clean baits as these sticky materials may seriously to determine the preferred bait. Con- stain buildings. tinue pre-baiting for several days or Shooting. Where local ordinances until there is good bait acceptance. Do permit, a flock of pigeons may be shot. not expose toxic baits until good ac- Normally, .22 shorts or shotguns are ceptance of clean bait occurs. necessary, but compressed air guns or Leave toxic bait out for not more .22 dust shot may be effective­ at close than two days. Pick up all dead birds. range. Toxic perches containing a fenthion­ Trapping. A colony of pigeons and oil mixture product called “Rid- tends to use regular feeding and roost- a-Bird” can be installed in roost areas. ing areas and can sometimes be con- These may be attached to buildings trolled by intensive trapping at these where birds are roosting. The birds locations. Large, walk-in traps have absorb the toxic material in the feet been reported to be more effective resulting in death. Dead birds must be than smaller ones. Smaller traps are picked up and properly disposed of less expensive to construct and easier to prevent the possibility of secondary to transport. Suggested, baits include poisoning. whole or coarse-cracked corn, wheat Extreme caution must be used with or milo. Water should be available in Rid-a-Bird toxicant as it is not species the trap at all times. specific. Therefore, it must be used in Traps with a funnel entrance are the areas where non-target birds species, most effective. pets and humans will not come in Heavy pre-baiting for a period of contact with it. time in and around traps with the doors left open may be necessary House Sparrow to get pigeons to visit the trap read- (English Sparrow) ily. Place live decoys in the trap to The house sparrow causes contami- help attract other pigeons. White- or nation of buildings, sidewalks, lawns

67 Vertebrate Pests and storage sheds. The noise and filth at a time include the double funnel associated with their nests are nui- trap, nest trap and the commercial sances. available elevator trap. Modified Aus- Biology tralian crow traps have caught larger numbers of birds. Wire of Nest building begins as early as 1 1 × 2 × 2 April with both sexes participating 13 13 millimeters ( ⁄ ⁄ inch) in the activity. Nests are constructed mesh hardware cloth should be used of grass, straw and debris and may for the wire covering of these traps. be located almost anywhere. Three to Chick scratch, fine cracked corn, milo, seven eggs are laid, commonly five, wheat, bread crumbs or their combi- and two or three broods are raised nations make good baiting material each year. The same nest has been oc- and food sources for decoy and cap- cupied by up to four different ­females tured birds. in a season. Exclusion. The use of netting or The incubation period is 11 to porcupine wire products to prevent 12 days and the age at first flight is access of birds is a good non-toxic and about 15 days. Soon after the young long-lasting solution. leave the nest they gather in small Toxicants. Toxic baits are usually flocks. As the summer advances, the applied to a variety of cracked grains juveniles are joined by adults until —chick scratch being the most widely the flock may number several hun- used. dred. The success of single dose toxicant The house sparrow is primarily grain bait (Avitrol®) depends upon a seed eater and an adult bird eats pre-baiting, bait acceptance and use about 6 grams (.1 pound) of dry seed of poison bait for a short time, one to a week. Bread crumbs and other two days. Use bait of this type when ­human debris substitute for grain in other food is limited. Do not use this cities. type of control procedure but once every six months or once a year. Control Method Toxic perches containing a fenthion­ Frightening devices. The sparrow’s and oil mixture product called “Rid- range of hearing is reported­ between a-Bird” can be installed in roost areas. 675 to 11,500 cps (cycles per second). These may be attached to buildings This makes ultrasonic devices ineffec- where birds are roosting. The birds tive. Fireworks, blanks, shell crackers absorb the toxic material in the feet and other noise-making devices, if resulting in death. Dead birds must be permitted by local regulations and picked up and properly disposed of persistently carried out, will eventual- to prevent the possibility of secondary ly dislodge birds from an evening tree poisoning. roost. These devices are usually inef- Extreme caution must be used with fective where they are also nesting. Rid-a-bird toxicant as it is not species Chemical control that produces a specific. Therefore, it must be used in fright reaction in sparrows has been areas where non-target birds species, effective in some situations. pets, and humans will not come in Repellents. Sticky repellents contact with it. ­applied to ledges, tree limbs, rafters, beams, etc. are effective in keeping Starling sparrows away. Biology Shooting. Shooting with .22 bird The nest of a starling is built in shot and using a spot light is effective any tree cavity, hole in a building, or in reducing the number of birds. The deserted woodpecker hole of suitable home range of sparrows is about one- size. Nests used in successive seasons half mile. become foul-smelling. Two to eight Trapping. A wide variety of traps eggs are laid, usually four to six. The have been used for local control incubation period is 11 to 13 days. of house sparrows. Traps that are Both sexes assist in this activity. Age at ­designed to catch only a few birds first flight is 19 to 22 days. 68 Vertebrate Pests As fledglings come off the nest The location of the trap is important. they gather in small family groups of Observations should be made to up to 10 birds including one or two ­determine starling flyways, resting adults. These small groups eventually or perching areas and feeding areas merge together until large flocks are before the traps are placed in opera- formed. Merging continues until all tion. These traps have been most ef- of the birds in a local area are in one fective when placed in the open near, large flock. These flocks are scattered but not necessarily under, perching or throughout the state in summer and feeding areas. are responsible for depredations to Toxicants. Starlicide, a chemical soft fruits and other summer crops. compound developed for starling Population buildups in cattle feedlots control, is now commercially available begin by mid-October. Starlings share as a pelletized bait. This slow-acting a communal roost at night, often in or toxicant is for controlling starlings near buildings. and blackbirds around livestock and Control Methods poultry operations. It is toxic to other Frightening devices. Devices, birds in differing amounts but will not such as shell crackers, spraying kill house sparrows at registered rates. with water,­ propane exploders, and Toxic perches containing fenthion ­devices to broadcast distress calls, and can be used for certain industrial and electronically produced sounds, can structural roost situations. successfully frighten starlings from Directions for roosts. Begin the use of these devices Using Toxic Baits as soon as birds make an appearance; General Procedure. Before expos- delays will make bird removal more ing treated baits, make a thorough difficult. It generally takes a persistent observation to determine the number effort to rout the birds from a favorite of house sparrows present, their feed- roost. Continue efforts for five to 10 ing habits, their preferred locations, consecutive nights. Use a combination their daily behavior patterns, and the of frightening devices as soon as the presence of nontarget ­species. Con- first birdsarrive ­ at the roosts. Contin- tinue observations throughout the ue until complete darkness has fallen. day. During these observations, select Proper location of sound devices desirable locations for bait exposure. is important and enough of them If adequate precautions are taken in must be used to provide sound over selecting baiting sites no other species the entire area to be protected. Place should be harmed. devices to take advantage of the pre- When the daily activity pattern of vailing winds and do not locate them the birds has been established and in areas where the trees muffle the baiting locations selected, use clean sound. Observations to determine bait to determine the preferred bait. their effectiveness should be made Continue pre-baiting for several days and individual units moved to new or until there is good bait acceptance. locations if necessary. Do not expose toxic bait until good Repellents. Sticky repellents, acceptance of clean bait occurs. ­mechanical barriers, etc. may be Placement of bait trays. Flat bait ­effective when starlings are roosting trays or V-shaped troughs can be on buildings or structures. placed on rafters in garages, sheds, Shooting. Shooting is costly and barns, hangers on standards, etc., rather futile as a method because of where house sparrows frequent to the large number of starlings. How- feed or perch, and where there is no ever, shooting can be used in conjunc- danger to man or other animals. Con- tion with frightening devices so as to struct trays and troughs soundly to reinforce the frightening effort. prevent bait spillage. Trapping. Modified Australian Pre-baiting: Pre-baiting with clean, crow traps have been effective for untreated bait is essential for good capturing large numbers of starlings. 69 Vertebrate Pests control. Pre-bait and treated bait Recognizing Rat Infestations should be of the same grain bait. If The presence of rats can be detected­ trays and troughs are well located and by droppings or evidence of fresh birds are numerous, acceptance of bait gnawing. Tracks can be seen in mud should be well established within one and on dusty surfaces. Runways and week. If at the end of 10 days some burrows may be found next to build- fail to show acceptance of bait, move ings, along fences, and under low bait to a new location. Expose prebait vegetation and debris. sparingly but replenish as needed to Rat Biology keep birds feeding. The rat will eat nearly any type of Exposing toxicant bait. When pre- food but prefers high-quality foods bait is accepted freely in all or nearly such as meat and fresh grain. Rats all trays or troughs, they should be 1 require ⁄2 to 1 ounce of water daily emptied and poison bait substituted. when feeding on dry food. Spread poison bait sparingly­ and Rats have keen taste, hearing and evenly. Place bait in troughs during sense of smell. They will climb to find early morning. Do not allow bait to food or shelter, and they can gain become wet. Pick up all dead birds ­entrance to a building through any and burn these in an incinerator. After 1 opening larger than ⁄2 inch in diam- two days, remove­ poison bait. eter. Rats have litters of six to 12 young, Rats and Mice which are born 21 to 23 days after There are five important steps each mating. Young rats reach reproduc- to be followed in order to assure best tive maturity in about three months. control of rat and mouse populations. Breeding is usually most active in You cannot start at step 2 and get spring and fall, and the average good control. You must start with step ­female has four to six litters per year. 1. The five steps are: 1. Put population under stress. Take Rat Control away food, water and shelter. Sanitation. Poor sanitation and the Clean up the area as much as you presence of garbage allows rats to ex- can. ist in residential neighborhoods. Good 2. If the population is high, use a sanitation will effectively limit the single dose toxicant. Be sure to number of rats that can survive in and comply with label instructions. around the home. This involves good Use bait stations, prebait. housekeeping, proper storage and 3. Use a multidose toxicant, keep handling of food materials and refuse, good, clean bait out even when and elimination of rodent harborage. population appears to be greatly On farms where food grains are reduced. Use bait stations. handled and stored, or where live- 4. Use traps. stock are housed and fed, it is difficult 5. Rodent proof the place where to remove all food and harborage that the problem occurred to the best rats may utilize. Attention to good of your ability. Watch for reinfes- sanitary practices, however, will make tation. the environment less suitable for rats to thrive. Rats Warehouses, grain mills, silos, and The common brown rat (Rattus corn cribs are especially vulnerable to norvegicus, also called the Norway rat) rodent infestation. Bulk foods should is a destructive animal pest. Found in be stored in rodent-proof buildings, and around towns and farms through- rooms, or containers. Sacked food out Kansas, these rodents­ eat and should be stacked on pallets with contaminate large amounts of feed, adequate space left around and under­ damage structures by their gnawing, stored articles to allow inspection for and spread diseases that affect live- rodent sign. stock and man.

70 Vertebrate Pests Rat-Proof Construction. The most method to try first in homes, garages, successful and permanent form of and other small structures where there rat control is to build them out by may be only a few rats present. Trap- making their access to structures ping has several advantages: impossible. All places where food is 1. it does not rely on inherently haz- stored, processed or used should be ardous rodenticides, rat-proof. 2. it permits the user to view his or 1 Any opening larger than ⁄4 inch her success, and should be closed to exclude both rats 3. it allows for disposal of the rat and mice. Openings where utilities en- carcasses, thereby eliminating ter buildings should be sealed tightly odor problems which may occur with metal or concrete. Floor drains when poisoning is done within and sewer pipes should have tight- buildings. fitting grates with openings less than The simple, inexpensive wood- 1 ⁄4 inch in diameter. Doors, windows based snap trap is available in most and screens should fit tightly. Edges hardware and farm supply stores. should be covered with sheet metal to Traps should be baited with a small prevent gnawing. piece of hot dog, bacon or nutmeat Traps. Trapping can be an effective tied securely to the trigger. Set traps method of controlling rats, but close to walls, behind objects, in it requires more skill and labor than dark corners and in places where rat most other methods. Trapping is ­activity is seen. Place the traps so that recommended where poisons seem rats, following their natural course of inadvisable, and it is the preferred travel (usually close to a wall),

tail almost naked, scaly tail almost naked, annulate tail hairy large (9–17" long) small (5–7" long) tail long tail short hair short hair long

Rattus Mus Oryzomys Sigmodon DOMESTIC HOUSE RICE COTTON RATS MICE RATS RATS

1 1 tail bones longer than ⁄2 body tail bones shorter than ⁄2 body large (about 16" long) small (7–9" long) front feet enlarged front feet not enlarged

Neotoma Peromyscus Geomys—East Microtus WOOD WHITE-FOOTED Thomomys—West MEADOW RATS MICE POCKET GOPHERS MICE

tail bones longer than body tail bones shorter than body tail not busy large (about 15" long) small (about 9" long) very large (about 26" long)

Sciurus Dipodomys Citellus Tamias—East TREE KANGAROO GROUND Eutamias—West Marmota SQUIRRELS RATS SQUIRRELS CHIPMUNKS WOODCHUCKS

Rats 71 Vertebrate Pests will pass directly over the trigger (see Anticoagulant rodenticides: These figure on page 70, Snap Traps). rodenticides are generally considered Use enough traps to make the much safer than single-dose poisons, campaign short and decisive. Leav- although red squill has a good safety ing traps unset until the bait has been record. Bait shyness does not result taken at least once reduces the chance when properly formulated anticoagu- of rats becoming trap-shy. lant baits are used. Rodent Baits. Both single-dose and These baits cause death to rats only multiple-dose (anticoagulant) roden- after they are fed on for a number ticides are available for rat ­control. of days. Of the rodenticides, brodi- Although finished baits are available facoum and bromadiolone are atypical in a wide variety of types, some per- because they are capable of causing sons trained in rodent control prefer to death after a single feeding. However, mix their own baits using rodenticide death does not occur for several days. concentrates. When possible, finished When anticoagulant rodenticides baits should be used because they do are used, fresh bait must be made not require that the applicator handle available to rats continuously for at the concentrate, a more hazardous least two weeks or until all signs of material. feeding cease. Pre-baiting. Rats are cautious feed- Tracking powders. Toxic dusts or ers and may reject new foods or con- powders have been successfully used sume only small amounts for the first for many years to control rats and several days. Acceptance of a toxic mice. When rodents walk through bait can be increased by conditioning a patch of toxic powder, they pick rats to feed on a nontoxic version of some up on their feet and fur and later the same food, or pre-bait. ingest it while grooming. Tracking Pre-baiting is highly recommended powder is useful to control rats when before using a single-dose toxicant. food is plentiful and good bait accep- Maximum benefit isobtained ­ when tance is difficult to achieve. rats have fed on pre-bait for about five Bait Selection and Placement days. The amount of pre-bait eaten Anticoagulant baits are available in helps determine several types. Grain baits in a meal or the amount of toxic bait needed. All pelleted form are often available pack- uneaten pre-bait should be removed aged in small plastic, cellophane or when the toxic bait is applied. paper packets. These place packs keep If acceptance of pre-bait is poor, baits fresh and make it easy to place toxic bait should not be applied. baits into burrows, walls or other Poor acceptance may be corrected by locations. Rats will readily gnaw into changing bait material or its place- these bags to get at an acceptable bait. ment. Anticoagulant baits that have been Single-dose rodenticides. Single- formulated into paraffin blocks are dose poisons will give a quick knock- available from various manufacturers. down of a rat population, and may be These blocks are particularly useful in preferred where rats are abundant, or sewers or where moisture may cause where it is difficult to get the rats to loose grain baits to spoil. Acceptance accept a bait for several days in suc- by rats of paraffin block baits is usu- cession because of competing food ally less than acceptance of loose grain items. When rats consume a sublethal baits. amount of an acute toxicant such as Sodium salts of anticoagulants to zinc phosphide and red squill, “bait be mixed into a water solution are shyness” or “poison shyness” may available. Since rats require water result. Because of this bait rejection daily, they can be drawn to water sta- problem, these three single-dose poi- tions in some situations. Water baits sons should not be used more than are particularly useful in grain storage twice a year at a given location, and structures, warehouses and in other preferably only once. 72 Vertebrate Pests such locations where water is scarce. ing program. The carcasses should Use of bait boxes protects roden- be handled with rubber gloves or a ticides from weather and provides a pair of long tongs. Dead rats should safeguard to people, pets and other be disposed of by burning or deep animals. Bait stations should have at burial. least two openings approximately 1 Sound and Electronic Devices 2 ⁄2 inches in diameter and should be Rats quickly become accustomed large enough to accommodate several to regularly repeated sounds. Ultra- rats at a time. Bait boxes should be sonic sounds, those above the range placed next to walls with openings of human hearing, have very limited close to the wall, or in other places use because they are directional and where rats are active. All bait boxes do not penetrate behind objects. Also, should be clearly labeled “rat bait” as they lose their intensity with distance. a safety precaution. There is little evidence that sound of Where it is impossible to exclude any type will drive established rats rodents from buildings, permanent from buildings. bait stations should be established and Several types of electromagnetic maintained with fresh bait to control devices have been marketed which invading rats before breeding popula- claim effectiveness in repelling rats or tions are established. causing them to behave abnormally. Fumigants (Poisonous Gases) Scientific tests of many such devices Fumigants are most commonly have shown that they failed to control used to control rodents in their rodents as claimed by their advertis- ­burrows in outdoor situations. Com- ing. pounds such as aluminum phosphide, Predators and Biological Control methyl bromide, chloropicrin, and gas Although house cats, some dogs cartridges have been used to kill rats. and other predators may kill rats, they CAUTION! Such fumigants, being do not give effective rat control under highly toxic to people and animals, most circumstances. It is not uncom- should not be used in any situation mon to find rats living in very close which might expose the occupants of association with dogs and cats. Rats a building to the vapors. frequently live beneath a dog house Only licensed structural pest con- and soon learn that they can feed on trol operators should use fumigants in the dog’s food when he is absent or any situation involving buildings or asleep. Many rat problems around other structural enclosures. homes can be related to the keeping Safety Precautions of pets. Certain general safety precautions should be followed besides those Mice ­appearing on the labels of products. The house mouse (Mus musculus) Consider all rodenticides dangerous is considered one of the most trouble- enough to cause death, and place some and economically important baits where only rodents can get rodents in the United States. House them. mice live and thrive under a variety There are no known rodenticides of conditions; they are found in and which do not present some degree of around homes and farms as well as hazard to animals other than rodents. in open fields and agricultural lands. Label all bait containers and House mice consume and contami- ­stations clearly with appropriate nate food meant for humans, livestock warnings. Store unused bait and con- and other animals, cause damage to centrates in a locked cabinet out of the structures and property, and may reach of children. transmit diseases. Carefully follow the label direc- Recognizing Mouse Infestations tions on all rodenticide products. Droppings, fresh gnawing and Pick up all dead rats after a poison- tracks indicate areas where mice are

73 Vertebrate Pests active. Mouse nests, made from fine measures but when a house mouse shredded paper and other fibrous infestation already exists, some form material, are often found in sheltered of population reduction is nearly al- locations. House mice have a char- ways necessary. Reduction techniques acteristic musky odor that identifies include trapping, poisoning and fumi- their presence, and they may oc- gation. A flow chart outlining steps in casionally be seen during daylight house mouse control is found in the hours. figure below. House Mouse Biology Sanitation. Because mice can sur- Although house mice usually feed vive in very small areas with limited on cereal grains, they will eat many amounts of food and shelter, it is kinds of food. They are sporadic feed- nearly impossible to eliminate them, ers, nibbling bits of food here and particularly on farms. Most buildings there. in which food is stored, handled or Mice have keen senses of taste, used will support house mice if not hearing, smell and touch. They are mouse-proof, no matter how good excellent climbers and can run up the sanitation. However, although good sanitation will seldom eliminate Single trap set with trigger next to wall any rough vertical surface. They will run horizontally along wire cables or mice, poor sanitation is sure to attract ropes and can jump 12 inches from them and will permit them to thrive in the floor onto a flat surface. Mice can greater abundance. squeeze through openings slightly Mouse-Proof Construction. The 1 most successful and permanent form larger than ⁄4 inch in diameter. In a single year a female may have of house mouse control is to “build five to 10 litters of usually five or six them out” by eliminating all openings young each. Young are born 19 to through which they can enter 21 days after mating, and reach a structure. All places where food is reproductive maturity in six to 10 stored, processed or used should be made mouse-proof. Seal any open- weeks. The life span of a mouse is 1 The double set increases your success one to two years. ing larger than ⁄4 inch to exclude mice. Cracks and openings in water House Mouse Control pipes, vents and utilities should be Effective control involves three sealed tightly with metal or concrete. aspects: sanitation, mouse-proof con- Doors, windows and screens should struction and population reduction. fit tightly. It may be necessary to cover The first two are useful as preventive

Double set placed parallel to the wall Can miceʼs food source be removed or limited? Are the mice within a building or structure that can safely be with triggers to the outside. Yes—Remove or limit food source. No fumigated? Yes—Contact a pest control agent for fumigation. No

Can miceʼs shelter be removed or limited? Yes—Reduce or limit shelter. No Can a single-doze poison be used safely? Yes—Use single dose poison.** No

Are mice numerous? After using a single-dose Yes No* poison, do some mice remain?

Yes No Is a quick reduction in mice numbers needed?

Yes No* Can an anticoagulant rodenticide be used safely? Yes—Use anticoagulant rodenticide. No*

Will the presence of dead mice cause an odor or sanitation problem? After using an anticoagulant, do some mice remain? Yes* No Yes* No

continued on next column *Use traps: Snap traps; Multiple-capture traps; or Glue boards if not apt to entrap children, pets or wildlife. **Assistance of a pest control agent may be required. Openings Chart of steps in house mouse control. Additional factors, such as the cost of particular control methods, must be considered when planning a control program. 74 Vertebrate Pests the edges with metal to prevent gnaw- Place glue boards along walls where ing. Plastic sheeting or screen, wood, mice travel. Do not use these where rubber or other gnawable ­material is children, pets or desirable wildlife unsuitable for plugging holes used by can contact them. Glue boards lose mice. their effectiveness in dusty areas, and Traps. Trapping, although time- ­extremes of temperatures also may consuming, is an effective control affect the tackiness of the adhesive. method. It is the preferred method in Single-dose rodenticides will give homes, garages, and other structures a quick knock-down of a mouse pop- where only a few mice are present. ulation, and may be preferred where Trapping has several advantages: mice are abundant or where it is dif- 1. it does not rely on inherently haz- ficult to get mice to accept a bait for ardous rodenticides; several days in succession because­ of 2. it permits the user to view his or competing food items. her success; and Prebaiting. Prebaiting with unpoi- 3. it allows for disposal of the mouse soned bait for several days before­ the carcasses, thereby eliminating rodenticide is offered is highly recom- dead mouse odors which may mended as a way to get the best con- occur when poisoning is done trol. Because “bait shyness’ or “poison within buildings. shyness” may occur with single-dose The simple, inexpensive wood- rodenticides, they should not be used based snap trap is effective and can more than twice per year at a given be purchased in most hardware and location, and preferably only once. grocery stores. Bait traps with peanut Because they are more hazardous than butter, chocolate candy, dried fruit or anticoagulants, single-dose rodenti- a small piece of bacon tied securely to cides should be used only by profes- the trigger. Set them so that the trig- sional pest control operators or other ger is sensitive and will spring easily. persons familiar with their use. Leaving traps baited but unset until Anticoagulant rodenticides. the bait has been taken at least once ­Multiple-dose rodenticides are gen- reduces the chance of creating trap- erally considered much safer to use shy mice. for mouse control than single-dose Multiple-capture live traps for poisons. These baits cause death only mice, such as the Victor Tin Cat and after they are fed on for a number of the Ketch-All , are also available in days. some hardware and feed stores. When anticoagulant rodenticides Set traps close to walls, behind are used, fresh bait must be available objects, in dark corners and in places continuously for at least two weeks or where evidence of mouse activity is until all signs of feeding cease. seen. Place them so that mice will pass Bait Selection and Placement. directly over the trigger as they follow Anticoagulant baits are available in their natural course of travel, usually several forms. Grain baits in a meal close to a wall. Traps can be set on or pelleted form are available in small ledges or on top of pallets of stored plastic, cellophane or paper packets. materials if mice are active in such These sealed place packs keep baits locations. fresh and make it easy to place the Use enough traps to make the baits in burrows, walls and other loca- campaign short and decisive. Mice tions. Mice gnaw into the packet to seldom venture far from their shelter feed on the bait. and food supply, so traps should be Anticoagulant baits which have spaced no more than 10 feet apart in been formulated into paraffin blocks areas where mouse sign is observed. are useful in damp locations where An alternative to traps are glue loose grain baits would spoil quickly, boards, which catch and hold mice but their acceptance by mice is gener- attempting to cross them in much ally not as good. the same way flypaper catches flies. 75 Vertebrate Pests A particularly good bait material CAUTION! Fumigants are highly for house mice is whole canary grass toxic to people and animals, and must seed (Phalaris canariensis). not be used in any situation which Where no water is available, water might expose the occupants or food items of high water content of a building to the vapors. are often more readily accepted than Because of inherent potential are dry baits. Sodium salts of anti­ hazards, only licensed structural coagulant rodenticides to be dissolved pest control operators should use in water to make a water bait are fumigants in any situation involving available. Although mice require little buildings or other structural enclo- water to survive, water baits used sures. where moisture is scarce can be an Safety Precautions. Certain gen- effective supplement to other control eral safety precautions should be fol- measures. lowed in addition to those appearing Proper placement of baits and on the labels of products. Consider the distance between placements is all rodenticides dangerous enough ­important. Bait placements should to cause death, and place baits where be spaced no farther than 10 feet only rodents can get them. There are apart, and preferably closer. For no known rodenticides which do not ­effective control, baits or traps must present some degree of hazard to be located where the mice are living. animals other than rodents. Mice living in wall spaces or in sacks Whenever possible, it is best to buy of feed stacked on pallets, for ex- prepared or ready-to-use baits, thus ample, seldom may be found at floor reducing risks involved in handling level. concentrated toxicants. Use of bait boxes or stations pro- Label all bait containers and tects rodenticides from weather ­stations clearly with appropriate and provides a safeguard to people, warnings. Store unused bait and con- pets and other animals. Bait stations centrates in a locked cabinet out of the should have at least two openings ap- reach of children or animals. proximately 1 inch in diameter Follow the label directions on all and should be large enough to rodenticide products carefully. Pick ­accommodate several mice at a time. up all dead mice after a poisoning Place bait boxes next to walls with program. Handle the carcasses with the openings close to the wall, or in rubber gloves or a pair of long tongs. other places where mice are active. All Dispose of large numbers of dead bait boxes should be clearly labeled,­ mice by incineration or deep burial. “CAUTION, Mouse Bait,” With only a few mice, place them in as a safety precaution. a plastic bag, close it tightly and dis- Where it is impossible to exclude pose of it with the other household rodents from buildings, establish garbage. permanent bait stations in buildings Remove and destroy all uneaten and around their perimeter. Fresh an- bait at the end of the poisoning ticoagulant bait in these stations will ­period. Never leave single-dose baits control invading mice before breed- exposed for more than three or four ing populations become established. days. Fumigants (Poisonous Gases). Fu- Sound and Electronic Devices. migants are sometimes used in house Although mice are easily frightened mouse control, usually in a structure, by strange and unfamiliar noises, they railway car or other enclosed­ area. quickly become accustomed to regu- When possible, fumigation is a very larly repeated sounds and are often quick way to achieve 100 percent ro- found living in grain mills and facto- dent control. If a building has to be ries. Ultrasonic sounds, those above completely tarped, however, the op- the range of human hearing, have eration is expensive. very limited use in rodent control­ because they are directional and do 76 Vertebrate Pests not penetrate behind objects. Also, gregate in groups or colonies. They they lose their intensity with distance. leave their roosting places at dusk to There is little evidence that sound of fly about in pursuit of the night-flying any type will drive established mice insects which provide the bulk of their or rats from buildings. diet. The bats found in Kansas are Several types of electromagnetic small, averaging devices have been marketed recently 3 to 5 inches in length. which claim effectiveness in repelling Some bats migrate with the change rodents or causing them to behave ab- in season, whereas others will hiber- normally. Scientific tests of many such nate. In most cases, bats live in build- devices have shown that they failed ings only during the warmer months, to control rodents as claimed by their hibernating elsewhere during winter. advertising. Uncommonly, bats may be present Predators. Although cats, dogs, and in a building in winter, hibernat- other predators may kill mice, they do ing during cold weather, and flying not give effective control under most and feeding whenever the weather circumstances. It is not uncommon warms. to find rodents living in very close Females usually collect in buildings association with dogs and cats. Mice in spring to bear and rear their young, and rats may obtain much of their diet whereas males tend to be solitary and from the pet’s dish or from what pets scattered at that time. By mid-August, spill. the young bats are able to fly and, afterwards, the males may join the Little Brown Bat Bats group. Bats are the only mammals capable­ The bats usually leave the build- of true flight. There are 15 species of ings as the weather cools and insect bats that occur with some regularity activity decreases. Although bats in Kansas. About one-third of these normally use buildings for daytime are found only in the red hills area of roosts, some buildings are attractive to southcentral Kansas where natural bats primarily at night, where they are caves provide them with suitable used as resting areas between feeding habitat. forays. The major objection to bats in Vampire bats are not found in the buildings is the highly objectionable United States but do occur in Mexico odor from their droppings and urine. and Central and South America. Bats The noises made by crawling and are found worldwide to the limits of squeaking bats are also disturbing to tree growth and become more numer- homeowners. ous as one approaches the tropics. All Kansas bats are insectivorous (insect- Bats and Rabies eating). In addition to insects, some Random sampling of North Ameri- bats eat fruit, nectar, fish and meat. can insectivorous bats has shown rabies in less than half of Bat Habits 1 percent of those tested. Testing of Studies have shown that bats locate­ rabies-suspect (usually sick or dead) objects by using reflected sound bats has yielded about 10 percent waves. Quick reflexes and this system positive. of echo-location allows bats to pursue “Outbreaks” of rabies in bats are and capture insects while avoiding extremely rare or nonexistent. Find- collisions with objects. They do not ing one rabid bat in a colony does not attack humans or tangle themselves in mean that an outbreak will follow. people’s hair. Only 1 to 3 percent of infected bats By day, bats roost in dark, sheltered display evidence of “furious” rabies places, such as caves, hollow trees, wherein they make unprovoked rock crevices, barns, attics, under ­attacks. The species exhibiting this loose tree bark, etc. They prefer an behavior are extremely small and area that is dark and free of drafts. do not live in buildings. Some bats are solitary, but most con- 77 Vertebrate Pests Most bites occur from handling sick those instances where bat proofing bats and are “defensive bites.” Appar- is impossible or impractical, roost- ently, any bat capable of transmitting ing slots or crevices can be covered the rabies virus will eventually die. or filled. Light can often be used to However, bat saliva may contain the an advantage in these situations. If virus as early as 12 days before the bat the roost is not too large in terms of shows any symptoms of the disease. ­number of bats, sticky compounds Many bats are capable of contracting may be effective when applied to rabies and surviving, but apparently roost entrances. those that survive do not pass on the If a person is going to be working disease. in or around a roost when bats are Although the number of bats found present, he/she should wear coveralls positive for rabies has increased­ since and leather work gloves. In general, if the 1950s, the proportion of bats tested bat-proofing operations are conducted and found positive has remained between November and March, there relatively constant. Since unprovoked should be no bats present in the build- attacks by bats are extremely rare, ing. people should be educated not to try Like many other animals, bats cre- to pick up or handle bats. If a person ate problems when they come into is bitten, recover­ the bat and send it conflict with humans. When this to a diagnostic laboratory for testing. happens, control measures, not neces- If the bat is not recovered and tested, sarily lethal, should be taken to solve Skunk the person receiving the bite will have the problem. The mere presence of to undergo the painful and expensive bats in the area or neighborhood is antirabies treatments. not detrimental. In fact, bats provide Bat Control many more benefits than most people The only lasting solution to a bat realize. problem is to physically bar their en- Some people place bat houses try to the building or to their roosting around their dwellings to provide a areas within the building. This should roost for bats and reduce the chances be done after the bats have left on of them using their attic. Plans for their evening feeding flights or after building a bat house are available they have departed in the fall. Bats from your K-State Research and do not gnaw, so it is relatively easy to ­Extension county office. Commercial- block their entry. ly made bat houses are also available. Any attempt to rid a building of bats should take into account the Skunks There are two species of skunks in seasonal behavior of these animals. Kansas. The striped skunk is about Bat proofing buildings or efforts to the size of a large house cat, generally expel bats should not be attempted black in color with two white stripes from spring to mid-August, because running from the base of the skull to young bats, incapable of flight, will the large bushy tail. Solid black indi- be present in the roosts. These young viduals are known to occur, but only would either be trapped inside or rarely. scattered outside. Trapped bats may The spotted skunk is a smaller crawl to the interior of the building mammal about the size of a half- and grounded bats could bite children grown house cat. The spotted skunk is and pets. now rarely found in Kansas and Bat proofing can vary considerably is fully protected as a threatened spe- from one building to another. In gen- 1 cies under state regulations. Striped eral, any opening greater than ⁄4 inch skunks are classified as fur bearers should be sealed. Larger openings can in Kansas. “Problem” skunks can be be covered with sheet metal or 1 controlled without a permit, subject to ⁄4 inch hardware cloth, if ventilation some restrictions. is required. Smaller openings can be sealed with caulking compound. In 78 Vertebrate Pests The striped skunk is most often It is not a good idea to release a found close to buildings and houses. It trapped striped skunk. When a skunk is generally more tolerant of ­humans is infected with rabies, the disease and is much more abundant than the may not be apparent and symptoms spotted skunk. The spotted skunk may not appear for weeks or months. prefers a hillside habitat, more brushy A healthy looking skunk may actu- than wooded, dry and somewhat ally be diseased and may infect other rocky. When found in buildings, it animals it contacts. In this case, you prefers those that are intermittently will not be helping the animals by occupied. transporting the skunk to a “new Biology home.” Skunks may sleep for several days during very cold weather, but do not Tree Squirrels Kansas has three species of tree hibernate. Mating occurs from Janu- squirrels. Gray squirrels, fox squir- ary to May. The gestation period is rels, and southern flying squirrels 62 days. Skunks give birth to four inhabit various areas of the state. to six naked, blind young, usually Gray and fox squirrels are the main in May. The babies eyes will open nuisance animals in U.S. urban areas. in about three weeks, and they will “Problem” squirrels can be controlled nurse for six to seven weeks. Only one without a permit , subject to some litter a year is raised. Adults weigh restrictions. about 8 to 10 pounds; females are A squirrel trapped inside a build- usually somewhat smaller. Skunks are ing can cause extensive damage. In most active at night. addition to damage from attempts Control to gnaw through siding, etc., there Control is best achieved by ­removal is also the fire hazard resulting from and relocation, exclusion or destruc- gnawing on electrical conduit or wir- tion, in that order. Exclusion is a desir- ing. Gnawing can make structures able measure. unattractive. Squirrels in attics or Properly constructed foundations other confined areas may create odor will prevent skunks from denning be- problems. neath buildings. In lieu of continuous A knowledge of squirrel behavior foundations, screening with quarter-­ and abilities is helpful; for example, inch hardware cloth is effective.­ squirrels, like other rodents, can gain Removal and Relocation entry through an amazingly small This procedure with individuals opening. Keep this in mind when a or families of skunks is best accom- structure is examined for squirrel en- plished with live traps. Other traps tries. If not, it is very easy to overlook that kill or maim may result in seri- doorways through which squirrels ous odor problems. Bait box or live come and go. traps with chicken parts, a portion of Control canned pet food with a meat or fish As with any wildlife damage con- base, canned or fresh raw fish, bacon trol problem, the best first step is to or whole eggs. exclude animals. Squirrels must be Skunks are relatively easy to trap removed prior to sealing a building and, providing the trap is handled against squirrel entry. If not, they may with a minimum of jarring or shak- create more of a problem than if al- ing, can be transported to a remote lowed free access. Repel all resident area and released with little concern squirrels before plugging entry and for possible musk discharge. Use a exit holes. syringe on a long pole to inject a tran- Naphthalene is registered as quilizer into the skunk so as to render a squirrel repellent. Broadcast the skunk unconscious thus avoiding 5 pounds for each 2000 cubic feet of being sprayed. space used by squirrels. Once squir- rels have been repelled, make an all- 79 Vertebrate Pests out effort to locate and squirrelproof­ Shooting can alleviate the problem. every opening. Remove tree branches As with trapping, shooting will not that may give squirrels access to roof prevent recurrence if attractants re- and upper stories of buildings. Metal main. guards can be placed around trees ad- There is no toxicant registered for jacent to buildings but are ineffective use against tree squirrels. if nearby trees are unguarded. Nuisance squirrels can be directly Raccoons eliminated by trapping and hunting. Raccoons are a problem in and However, it should be understood around buildings in some cities, towns that as long as attractants exist, prob- and on many farms in Kansas. Rac- lems will recur. coons are classified as fur bearers in Trapping may involve use of Kansas. “Problem” raccoons can be live or kill-traps. Trap selection will controlled without a permit, subject to ­depend on personal preference. In ei- some restrictions. ther case, place traps as close as pos- Control sible to travelways and areas being­ There are no poisons or repellents used. Baits must be alluring, i.e., pea- registered for taking or repelling rac- nut butter or nut meats. ­Often, best coons. The best approach is to build results will be obtained when baited, them out of a building by ­repairing unset traps are allowed to remain entrances used by raccoons. If this until squirrels overcome fear of these. is not practical, then live trapping Raccoons After setting, inspect­ traps frequently should be considered. and remove trapped animals. This Raccoons are easily captured to live prevents remaining­ squirrels from traps using fish, fish-flavored canned becoming alarmed and trap-shy. cat food or fresh chicken parts. Pro- When live trapping,­ take animals a vided a permit is given the captured minimum of 5 miles before release. raccoon can either be killed or trans- ported 25 miles away and released along a stream or river.

80 Vertebrate Pests

Study Questions 1. (65) When working around old 6. (68) A trap that catches a larger or abandoned bird roost sites number of sparrows a respirator or face mask with at a time is the: dust filter should be worn to a. nest trap prevent inhalation of: b. double funnel trap a. putrid odors c. modified Australian crow b. fungus spores trap c. toxic fumes released from d. elevator trap decaying droppings 7. (69) The following trap has d. ectoparasites been effective for capturing 2. (65) The female pigeon will lay large number of starlings: ______eggs several times a a. modified Australian crow year. trap a. 1 or 2 b. elevator trap b. 5 to 7 c. double funnel trap c. 8 to 10 d. nest trap d. 12 to 14 8. (70) The first step in controlling 3. (67) What frightening devices rats and mice is: are used to remove pigeons a. set traps from an area? b. use bait stations a. no practical alarm or dis- c. put the population under tress signals have been stress found d. use multidose and single b. scarecrows such as stuffed dose poisons owls are effective 9. (70) Rats reach reproductive c. flags and dangling paper maturity in about: have a lasting effect a. 1 month d. they will always fly away if b. 3 months they hear noises c. 6 months 4. (67) A single dose poison d. 1 year ­applied to whole grain corn: 10. (71) Rat traps should be set a. is a chemosterilant close to a wall and baited with b. is a frightening device a small piece of: c. does not need prebaiting a. fruit d. is a toxicant b. hotdog or bacon 5. (68) A female sparrow will c. anticoagulant commonly lay 5 eggs at a time d. rodenticide bait and ______brood(s) is(are) 11. (72) Rats can become bait shy raised each year. when they: a. 1 a. eat a sublethal amount of b. 2–3 acute poison c. 5–10 b. do not like the taste of the d. 10–12 prebait c. eat any type of multiple dose rodenticides d. eat anticoagulant baits more than 2 days

81 Study Questions 12. (73) Water baits are particularly 19. (77) Female bats usually collect useful on rats in: in buildings in the ______to a. garages bear and rear young: b. basements a. fall c. grain storage structures b. winter d. rodent burrows c. spring d. summer 13. (73) Cats and dogs: a. will always give effective 20. (77) “Outbreaks” of rabies in rat control in homes bats are: b. do not control rats a. extremely rare or c. can be related to rat prob- ­nonexistent lems around homes b. documented every year in d. do not kill rats but keep Kansas them out of the area c. documented every five years in Kansas 14. (74) House mice eat many d. documented every 10 years kinds of food but usually feed in Kansas on: a. cheese 21. (78) In general, bat proofing of b. cereal grains buildings involves sealing of c. paper any openings greater than: 1 d. flour products a. ⁄4 inch 3 b. ⁄4 inch 15. (75) Mouse traps should be c. 6 inches spaced no more than ______d. 18 inches apart in areas where signs of mice are observed. 22. (78) Which species of skunk a. 3 feet is protected by Kansas b. 7 feet ­regulations? c. 10 feet a. tree skunk d. 16 feet b. striped skunk c. spotted skunk 16. (76) Anticoagulant baits formu- d. long-tailed skunk lated into paraffin blocks: a. are useful in dry locations 23. (79) The first step in squirrel b. are useful in damp areas control is to: c. are accepted well by mice a. tame the animals by feeding d. cause grain bait to spoil them quickly b. squirrel-proof every ­opening 17. (76) Fumigants for rodents: c. exclude them from a. are quick acting with 100% ­buildings rodent control d. remove tree branches near b. are highly toxic to humans building roofs and animals c. may control insect pests and 24. (80) When removing a raccoon house mice from an area, it must be taken d. all of the above at least ______from the capture site and released along 18. (77) The only true mammals a stream. capable of true flight are: a. 1 mile a. flying squirrels b. 5 miles b. bats c. 15 miles c. sail fish d. 25 miles d. flying red fox

82 Answers Pages 4–5 Pages 49–50 1. a 2. b 3. d 4. a 1. a 2. c 3. d 4. b 5. a 6. d 7. c 8. a Pages 6–16 1. a 2. d 3. d 4. c 5. a Pages 52–63 6. d 7. d 8. a 9. d 10. a 1. b 2. d 3. c 4. b 5. c 11. d 12. b 13. d 14. b 15. a 6. d 7. c 8. a 9. d 10. b 16. d 17. c 18. c 19. d 20.a 11. d 12. d 21. b Pages 65–80 Pages 19–26 1. b 2. a 3. a 4. d 5. b 1. b 2. a 3. c 4. b 5. d 6. c 7. a 8. c 9. b 10. b 6. b 7. c 8. c 9. d 10. a 11. a 12. c 13. c 14. b 15. c 11. b 12. a 13. d 16. b 17. d 18. b 19. c 20. a 21. a 22. c 23. c 24. d Pages 29–45 1. b 2. c 3. a 4. a 5. d 6. b 7. b 8. a 9. c 10. c 11. d 12. c 13. c 14. b 15. a 16. c 17. a 18. d 19. b 20. a 21. c 22. c 23. d 24. a 25. d 26. c 27. b 28. b 29. a 30. c 31. d 32. b

83 Frannie L. Miller Pesticide Coordinator

Authors Donald C. Cress, former pesticide coordinator, Charles Lee, wildlife specialist Donald Mock, medical and veterinary entomology specialist Steve McKinzie, Kansas Pest Control Association Al Wells, Kansas Pest Control Association

Acknowledgments Appreciation is expressed to the following for cooperation in the Pesticide Applicator Training Program: Jeanne Fox, certification and training chief, and Jerry Wilson, compliance investigator, Pesticide and Fertilizer Program, Kansas Department of Agriculture

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., Structural Pest Control, Kansas State University, April 1998.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service S15 April 1998 It is the policy of Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service that all persons shall have equal opportunity and ac- cess to its educational programs, services, activities, and materials without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. Kansas State University is an equal opportunity organization. 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, Marc A. Johnson, Director.

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