Fire Ant Control Archives - Rosies Pest Control

Fire Ant Facts

Watch out, here come the fire ants.

Fire ant is the general name for quite a few species of ants in the genus Solenopsis. They are only a minority in the species, which includes over 200 species of Solenopsis worldwide. Solenopsis are stinging ants and most of their common names demonstrate this, for example, ginger ants and tropical fire ants. Many species also are called red ants because of their light brown color, though species of ants in many other genera are similarly named for similar reasons.
Fire ants reside in large colonies made up of up to 250,000 worker ants.
Fire ants are so called because of two reasons – first, they have a reddish appearance and second, they have a very painful sting.
A typical fire ant colony produces huge mounds in open areas, and feeds mostly on young plants and seeds. Fire ants often attack small animals and can kill them. Unlike many other ants, which bite and then spray acid on the wound, fire ants bite only to get a grip and then sting (from the abdomen) and inject a toxic alkaloid venom called Solenopsin. For humans, this is a very painful sting, a burning sensation, similar to what one feels when burned by fire (hence the name) and the after effects of the sting (or multiple stings) can be deadly to sensitive people. Fire ants are more aggressive than most native species and have driven many other species away from their local habitat.
Need help with fire ants? Let Rosie’s Pest Control come out and provide you with a treatment plan and estimate. Click here to have someone from Rosie’s Pest Control give you a call to set up an appointment. Memphis area residents only at this time.

By adminMWL|2017-08-20T21:15:11+00:00April 24th, 2017|Dangerous Insects, Memphis Insects, Memphis Pest Control Firm, Pest Control Memphis|Comments Off

Affulent Homes, Do They Have Less Pest Problems?

Bigger Homes Do Have More Bugs!

In a survey of indoor arthropods, the most common house spider (arthropods) was a common and repeat tenant. Now, the scientists report that wealthier areas have a wider variety of arthropods.

In wealthy neighborhoods, the houses have a varied palate … of spiders and flies. The interiors of these homes are populated by a more diverse array of arthropods than those in less prosperous neighborhoods, a new study indicates.

The explanation for this abundance actually lies in the exterior of the home. Typically, nicer neighborhoods are also richer in species. Scientists have discovered this “luxury effect” before, in plants and outdoor animals such as lizards, bats and birds. For plants, the connection is very direct; affluent tenants have more funds to direct to landscaping, or live in lusher communities. In turn, a diverse collection of plants offers more food and habitats for animals.

Previously, the team explored 50 houses in and around Raleigh, North Carolina, and determined that more than 100 arthropod species dwell within the average home (most of these tiny occupants aren’t pests). Using data from this “arthropods of the great indoors” survey, the scientists have now investigated how landscaping and socioeconomic status can affect indoor bug diversity.

“There is a general perception that homes in poorer neighborhoods are refuge to more indoor arthropods,” the team wrote August 2 in Biology Letters. Their work indicates that this perception is off-base.

Most arthropods that show up inside are actually outdoor species that made their way in by accident. The majority of indoor arthropods were flies, spiders, beetles and ants, although the scientists also unearthed some more human-dependent critters such as dust mites. Houses in neighborhoods with an average annual income of about $33,000 had denizens from about 74 arthropod families. In neighborhoods with an average yearly income of about $176,000, a given house was likely to carry arthropods from 105 families.

The entomologists expected to find more types of arthropods in big houses with more surrounding plant cover and diversity. But in affluent neighborhoods, even houses with sparse vegetation carried a wide variety of arthropod families; simply being near other, more verdant homes gave them a boost.

Though intriguing, the survey doesn’t represent bug diversity everywhere; the scientists only sampled freestanding houses in one city. But it does show how connected the interiors of our homes are to the world outside. “The management of neighborhoods and cities can have effects on biodiversity that can extend from trees and birds all the way to the arthropod life in bedrooms and basements,” the team concluded.

If worries about insects living inside your home have you down, contact Rosie’s Pest Control for a free evaluation of your needs.

By adminMWL|2017-08-20T23:38:26+00:00January 5th, 2017|Memphis Pest Control Firm, Pest Control Memphis, Rosie's Pest Control, Southaven Pest Control Firm|Comments Off

Tips For Pest Free Summer BBQ

Now is the the perfect time of year for barbeques, picnics, and tailgate parties. Attracted by the smell of delicious food and drinks, uninvited pests are known to invade outdoor parties and send guests running. Before you start firing up the grill, consider taking some preventative measures to contain the summer pests in your area. We’ve gathered a list of tips that you can use to enjoy an insect-free setting for your next outdoor entertaining.

To Do Before the BBQ

Check screen doors, screen windows, and screen coverings for any holes or tears that could allow entry to unwanted insects and repair them.
Certain types of light bulbs will attract insects, so use low pressure and sodium vapor lights outdoors.
Many insects are attracted to fragrances, so avoid using sweet-scented items like candles and instead use candles that are scented to repel insects or use citronella oil in your outdoor torches.
Make sure your lawn is mowed short, your flower beds are weeded, and your shrubs are groomed to prevent snakes and a variety of insects from moving in.
Use a homemade garlic spray on plants, shrubs, flowers, and grassy areas to repel insects.
Create an ant-free zone by sprinkling a border of baby powder or corn starch around your picnic table. Ants won’t cross the line!
Remove any pet food or any fruit that has fallen from trees that might attract insects.
Thoroughly inspect for wasp nests under porches, patios, decks, eaves, grills, playground equipment, etc. and get rid of them.
Consider hiring a professional pest control company like Rosie’s Pest Control to come out and spray the area you plan to use for guests.

To Keep on Hand During the BBQ

Use covers on your food until just before it is time to eat in order to limit the smells that insects are drawn to.
If possible, use cups with lids or bottles with twist off caps so that sweet, sugary drinks aren’t left open to attracts wasps and flies. Or at least try to provide clear plastic cups for your guests to use as aluminum cans and open bottles that you can’t see through are good hiding spots for flying insects.
Keep your trash can near enough so that you can regularly dispose of trash, but also far enough away from guests as trash bins can attract flies and other bugs. Additionally, be sure to continuously clean up any trash, crumbs or spills from the area.
Use box fans to not only cool the area for your guests, but because flying bugs hate breezes.
Pour some red wine into a few cups and place them surrounding your gathering area to attract any lingering fruit flies and keep them away from the actual glasses of wine that your guests drink from.

Keep Rosie’s Pest Control’s number on hand. Rosie’s will wage war on your bugs and help keep your home and yard enjoyable. 901-567-3800

By adminMWL|2017-08-20T21:46:34+00:00June 29th, 2016|Memphis Insects, Memphis Pest Control Firm, Pest Control Memphis, Rosie's Pest Control|Comments Off