Yellowjacket Wasps

Late summer is the time of year when populations of yellowjackets and other social wasps become large and noticeable. Yellowjackets build paper nests similar to hornets, but either in the ground, a log or landscape timber or building wall or attic. If a nest is located where it is out of the way and not likely to be disturbed, it is best left alone. If, however, a nest is located in a "high traffic" area such as along walks or near doorways, control is justified to reduce the threat of being stung.

Why should I use University Termite & Pest Control for my Yellow Jacket problem?

Brown Recluse Spider

Adult brown recluse spiders are soft-bodied, yellowish-tan to dark brown, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and have long, delicate grayish to dark brown legs covered with short, dark hairs. The leg span is about the size of a half dollar. Distinguishing characteristics are the presence of three pairs of eyes arranged in a semicircle on the forepart of the head and a violin-shaped, dark marking immediately behind the semicircle of eyes with the neck of the violin pointing towards the bulbous abdomen.

The severity of a person's reaction to the bite depends on the amount of venom injected and individual sensitivity to it. Bite effects may be nothing at all, immediate or delayed. Some may not be aware of the bite for 2 to 8 hours, whereas others feel a stinging sensation usually followed by intense pain if there is a severe reaction. A small white blister usually rises at the bite site surrounded by a large congested and swollen area. Within 24 to 36 hours, a systemic reaction may occur with the victim characterized by restlessness, fever, chills, nausea, weakness and joint pain. The affected area enlarges, becomes inflamed and the tissue is hard to the touch. The spider's venom contains an enzyme that destroys cell membranes in the wound area with affected tissue gradually sloughing away, exposing underlying tissues. Within 24 hours, the bite site can erupt into a "volcano lesion" (a hole in the flesh due to damaged, gangrenous tissue).

The open wound may range from the size of an adult's thumbnail to the span of a hand. The sunken, ulcerating sore may heal slowly up to 6 to 8 weeks. Full recovery may take several months and scarring may remain. Plastic surgery and skin grafts are sometimes required. The brown recluse spider is not aggressive and normally bites only when crushed, handled or disturbed. It is aptly named since it is a reclusive creature seeking and preferring seclusion.

Why should I use University Termite & Pest Control for my Brown Recluse problem?

Scorpions

Scorpions are not insects. They are, however very closely related to spiders. Scorpions have eight legs and a pair of pedipalps, or pincers. The last segment of the tail is bulb-like with a stinger and contains poison glands. Scorpions usually only sting when they are mishandled or become trapped against the skin by crawling into shoes or clothing. The majority of scorpions found in the United States are not very dangerous. But, care should be exercised when a scorpion is encountered.

Female scorpions produce live young, which crawl onto her back until after the first molt. Scorpions can usually be located under river rock, woodpiles and other debris that will provide sufficient protection. They generally become active at night and can be located by using a blacklight, or UV bulb. When shining a blacklight on scorpions, they will fluoresce and glow in the light. To help keep scorpions from moving into your home, remove debris, seal cracks and crevices around doors and windows and store firewood away from your home

Why should I use University Termite & Pest Control for my Scorpion problem?

Black Widow Spiders

The female spider is black with red or orange markings on the underside of the abdomen. The marking is often in the shape of an hourglass. Males are much smaller and often have a mottled brown and white appearance. Females are about ½ an inch in length while males are about ¼ an inch in length. Most of the time, the female black widow will consume the male after mating. The female will create an egg sac that contains around 300-400 eggs. She will be more likely to bite if she has just created the egg sac since this uses a lot of her energy and she will be hungry. A Black widows' venom is a neurotoxin. The venom will go into your nervous system. Usually, there is little reaction at the site of the bite. Fatalities from a black widow bite are rare, but small children and the elderly are at highest risk. When first bitten, the bite may not be noticed or feel as if you're being poked with a pin. This may be followed by a dull pain and cramps, often in the abdomen. As symptoms progress, one may experience sweating, weakness, nausea, vomiting and tremors. A victim may also undergo difficulty in breathing.

Why should I use University Termite & Pest Control for my Black Widow problem?

Centipedes

The centipede is tan with slightly darker tan bands. The adults are 3 to 8 inches long. It can be found under rocks and dead vegetation. The female often guards eggs. The Centipede usually feeds on insects and has been observed feeding on mice, toads, and lizards. Despite their fearsome size, the Centipede is basically harmless but can inflict painful bite if handled.

Why should I use University Termite & Pest Control for my Centipede problem?

Conenose Bugs / Kissing Bugs

The adult Conenose bug or Kissing Bug is ½ to 1 inch long and is usually brownish black, broad, flat, but stout bodied. This bug is known to live around or with Pack Rats or other Rodents. This bug needs a blood meal to survive and will feed on rodents and humans alike. The bite is often associated with intense an intense itching or burning sensation. Small bites may disappear within 24 - 48 hours but larger ones may persist up to a week. The main concern with this bug is that it is can carry a number of diseases including Chagas and may cause anaphylactic shock in those bitten.

Why should I use University Termite & Pest Control for my Conenose Bug problem?

Occasional Invaders

There are many other insect pests that can create problems in your home or business. Crickets, Sun Spiders, Pill Bugs, Garden Spiders and Earwigs are just a few of these potentially troublesome pests. They, while not necessarily dangerous are unwelcome guests in our homes and offices. They can lead to unsightly webs, piles of droppings and can attract predator species to our homes.

Why should I use University Termite & Pest Control for my Occasional Invader problems?