Quick Facts Flashcards
Considered a nuisance pest because of their often high numbers and because crushing them may leave stains
Clover mites
Can be identified by their long front legs, which are longer than their bodies
Clover mites
Microscopic fecal particles and shed exoskeleton fragments become mixed with floating house dust
House dust mite
Cannot thrive when relative humidity is less than 50%
House dust mite
Mites that are occasional biting pests of humans
Bird and rodent mites
Nest area should be treated immediately to reduce risk of live mites dispersing from site and moving into other areas of the home
Bird and rodent mites - any bird or rodent nests
Small, but visible mites that can be seen while biting a human and removed from the skin with a piece of tape
Bird and rodent mites
Can bite people but do not burrow into the skin as many people believe
Chigger mite larvae
Pierce the skin and inject a digestive enzyme that disintegrates the skin cells, the skin then swells around the mite, making it difficult to see or remove
Chigger mite larvae
Itching may not occur for several hours after exposure so people may believe they’re being bitten in their home
Chigger mite larvae
Aka human itch mite
Scabies mites
Microscopic mites that cannot be seen with the naked eye
Scabies mites
Females burrow through, and feed on human skin
Scabies mites
Transmitted mostly by physical contact or bed linens recently used by an infected person
Scabies mites
Pesticides should not be applied to homes for these mites
Scabies mites
A thorough soapy shower in cool to lukewarm water. Lather and rinse several times. This is an effective treatment for what?
Chigger mite bites
Only scorpion in the U.S. that is a serious concern for human heath
Arizona bark scorpion
Anti venom for Arizona bark scorpion available if
Within two hours of the sting
Sting site will not be swollen or discolored as it would with a less dangerous species
Arizona bark scorpion
Use ice pack to reduce the pain. Do not submerge in ice water.
Arizona bark scorpion
Morphine should be avoided for Arizona bark scorpion stings because
It has a synergistic effect with the venom
Both nymphs and adults feed on blood (preferably humans)
Bed bugs
Five instars and require a blood meal for each molt
Bed bugs
Adult female requires a blood meal before laying eggs
Bed bug
Bites can be highly irritating or no reaction at all
Bed bugs
Hairs are equal to or longer than widths of their eyes
Bat bug
Female more round than male
Bed bug
Social wasps are known as
Vespids
Establish colonies in the spring and abandon them when winter approaches
Yellowjacket wasps
Populations peak in the summer and fall
Yellowjacket wasps
Generally build their nests below ground, although above ground nests do occur
Yellowjacket wasps
Opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available — often found near trash cans
Yellowjacket wasps
Relatively large colonies, range in size from a few thousand to tens of thousands
Yellowjacket wasps
Can sting multiple times
Yellowjacket wasps
Nests built above ground can superficially resemble hornet nests
Yellowjacket nests
Nests are more irregular in shape than hornet nests
Yellowjacket wasps
Nests are usually associated with holes in the ground or voids in walls, soffits, eaves, or concrete blocks
Yellowjacket nests
For ground nests, dust an area for 6” around the entrance hole and/or puff dust into entrance hole
Yellowjacket wasps
If it is an aerial nest, then an appropriately labeled aerosol works well
Yellowjacket wasps
Use dust application if application must be made during day while foragers are out so they come in contact when returning to nest
Yellowjacket wasps
Found above ground in eaves or other protected places
Paper wasps
Brood cells are exposed, but chambers are protected by umbrella shaped nest
Paper wasps
Colonies are relatively small, usually containing fewer than 200 workers — can grow quite large
Paper wasps
Nests are not typically reused the following season
Paper wasps
Do not sting, but their bites can be quite painful, especially when they inject formic acid in wound
Carpenter ants
Nest in wood or above-ground cavities
Carpenter ants
Prefer to attack wood softened by fungus and often associated with moisture problems
Carpenter ants
Active galleries are kept clean of debris
Carpenter ants
Perimeter treatment of a nonrepellent. Trim any tree branches from structure. Caulk any gaps where electrical and water lines enter
Carpenter ants
May invade human tissue, causing myiasis
Lesser house fly
Known to harbor at least 100 different pathogens
House flies
Rarely breed indoors
House flies
Most stay within 1-2 miles of their larval habitat if food is available
House flies
During the day, fly or rest less than 5 feet from ground. At night, rest primarily 5 feet above ground
House flies
Females commonly lay eggs in over-watered soil of potted plants
Fungus gnats
Aka humpbacked flies
Phorid flies
Sometimes mistaken for fruit flies
Phorid flies
Some species are known to breed in human corpses
Phorid flies
Heavy infestations in buildings are commonly associated with underground sewage lines that are broken
Phorid flies
Of great concern in health-care facilities because of their unsanitary habits and because larvae have been found in the open wounds of patients
Phorid flies
Use ILT for adults in mausoleums or temporarily until breeding source can be found and removed in commercial accounts
Phorid flies