• Date
    December 10, 2014
    The body of the female, consisting of two regions (cephalothorax and abdomen), is typically shiny black with red markings. The red is usually an hourglass-shaped mark on the underside (venter) of the abdomen, but this may be reduced to remnants. Usually there is a single red spot just behind the spinnerets, sometimes a row along the back. There is much variation in body color with southern and western specimens being more strikingly marked than northern and eastern ones. The male has the abdomen narrower, with white lines along the sides which is shown by immatures as well. Young spiderlings are orange and white, and acquire more black in later developmental stages (instars) until some have little or no red except the hourglass markings. Immatures have the abdomen gray with white curved stripes. The body length of the female is about 3/8 inch and that of the male is about 3/16 inch, but sizes within different geographical populations can vary widely. There are more than 25 Latrodectus species world wide. Contrary to common belief, the female does not consume the male in most situations, except when held together in cages from which the male cannot escape. Examination of the genitalia is […]
  • Date
    December 10, 2014
    Silverfish are found in basements, kitchens, sinks, bathtubs, in bookcases, on closet shelves, behind baseboards, wallpaper, window or door frames, wall voids, and sub-floor areas. Because they molt during their adult lives their cast skins may be a useful detection too. Silverfish diets are high in protein, sugar, or starch, including cereals, moist wheat flour, starch in book bindings, and paper on which there is glue or paste. Silverfish can damage book bindings, wallpaper, paper products and dry foods. They may eat holes, irregular shaped in the wallpaper to get to the paste. Silverfish may bite very small holes in various fabrics, including cotton, linen, and silk, even though they cannot digest either linen or cotton. Firebrats will feed extensively on rayon, whereas silverfish usually damage it only slightly. They may leave a yellowish stain on fabric. Outside, they may be found in nest of insects, birds, mammals, and under tree bark and mulch They can be found in wood shingles or sidings on houses, they may enter the home from these.
  • Date
    December 10, 2014
    Earwigs will enter homes to hide, but they don’t breed because the eggs and nymphs cannot tolerate long periods of dryness (low humidity). When inside homes, earwigs may be mistaken for cockroaches, as they tend to resemble each other when it is dark. They generally occur in groups and once inside a home they will feed on crumbs of human food as well as cat and dog food. Earwigs are attracted to outdoor lighting. Earwigs feed on a wide range of food sources. They will eat aphids, mites, and insect eggs. However, they also feed on the flowers of plants including marigolds, petunias, dahlias, and hostas. Earwigs will eat small holes in plant leaves and flowers during the night. Leaves and petals have a ragged appearance with irregular-shaped holes. Seedlings and flowering plants can be severely damaged or killed by high earwig populations. Earwigs also eat pollen, fungi, and lichens.
  • Date
    December 12, 2014
    If you have a pet it is likely that you will get fleas on your pet or in your home at sometime, and that these fleas will get on and bite you or your loved ones. The most common flea found on pets and in homes in Florida is the cat flea. If your pet scratches itself often or you notice flea bites you may be having a flea infestation. Not only are fleas an irritating biting nuisance they can be harmful to you and your pets. They can cause anemia and hot spots. Some people and pets suffer from flea allergy dermatitis, lasting up to five days and characterized by intense itching, reddening at the bite site, hair loss and secondary infection. Cat fleas also serve as hosts of the dog tapeworm. This intestinal parasite is transmitted to the pet while grooming via ingestion of an adult flea carrying a tapeworm cyst.
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