In Asia, this stink bug is a major pest that targets fruit trees and soybeans. As of now, the pest is considered a minor household pest in the United States but this stink bug does have the potential to become a major agricultural pest problem. It is expected this stink bug will continue to expand and invade agricultural areas.

Brown marmorated stink bugs have a notable shield shaped body and range in size from 14-17mm (less than an inch). You can tell native stink bugs from these bugs because brown marmorated stink bugs have antennae with alternating dark brown and light brown.

This stink bug begins to feed in May or June and are considered true bugs which have specialized mouths used to suck the liquid out of plants.  Vegetation that has been targeted by the brown marmorated stink bug will have discolored and pitted leaves.

BMSB is not the only species of stink bug that causes the same type of damage; this makes it difficult to assess how much damage this particular stink bug causes.

During the fall, the stink bug heads indoors to hibernate. They can enter the house by sliding under siding, attic vents, door frames, etc… The goal for venturing inside is to hibernate but sometimes the warm temperatures cause the bugs to become active and fly around.

The BMSB and other stink bugs emit a odor as a defense mechanism to predators such as birds and lizards, but the odor can also be released if the insect is crushed, injured or even moved.

Also, it is thought the stink bugs use their “stink” as a signal to other stink bugs that that particular location is a good place to hibernate.

Keeping BMSB out of the house is the best way to manage the stink bugs;  sealing cracks and gaps with caulk as well as repairing broken screens are good preventative steps. Having a pest control company spray the exterior of the building in the fall may prevent an infestation later in the year, but the pesticides are only temporary. If you already have an infestation, call a local exterminator.

{photo credit: Anita363}

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Rodents start to head indoors in early winter or when the temperatures start dropping; they move back outside in late spring. During this time of year, you may suspect a rodent infestation. Since rodents often move around at night when everything is quiet, it’s difficult to identify what rodent you have in your house, structure, etc… One of the best ways to properly identify your lurking creature is by taking a look at its droppings…yes, its poop.

Here’s a great visual of the differences between the three droppings.

House Mouse

House mouse droppings are the smallest of the three; their droppings are rod shaped, pointed at the ends and range between 1/8” and a 1/4” inch long.

Roof Rat

Droppings from roof rats are spindle shaped, curved and can reach about 1/4” to 1/2” in length.

Norway Rat

The droppings from the Norway rat are going to be the largest since the actual rodent is the largest out of the three. On average, Norway rat droppings are capsule shaped, vary between 1/2” to 3/4” in length and have blunt or rounded ends.

Fresh droppings can be a good indicator of a present rat infestation. Newer rodent feces are typically shiny and soft but after a few days the droppings will be dull, even grayish, and will become very brittle.

Note: Always use gloves and take precautions when inspecting or removing rodent droppings.

{photo credit (Norway rat): Losch}

{photo credit (roof rat): michaelpickard}

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There are over 10 species of skunks in the world but only two species of skunks live in California; the spotted skunk (below) and the striped skunk (left) which happens to be the most common.

There are several problems associated with skunks including:

Carry diseases – Skunks may be annoying but they are also considered a health concern because they can and often do carry rabies. If you have been bitten by a skunk, regardless of its behavior, seek medical attention. Behavior of skunks with rabies is similar to other mammals with the infectious disease; wild skunks that seem domesticated, unafraid of humans and wander around during the day may have rabies. Skunks can also carry listeriosis, canine distemper and canine hepatitis to name a few diseases.

They Stink – Skunks are infamous for their spraying. They spray as a defense mechanism and can spray up 10-12 feet. Skunk musk is a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals and is expelled from glands on their back end. The odor of skunk spray is strong enough to keep bears away and is thought to be detectable to a downwind human nose up to a mile away.

Skunk Odor Removal Note: Do not try to store this solution. A small chemical reaction occurs when the solution is mixed; the expanding gases of the mixture could explode if stored in a bottle.

Dig Your Garden and Lawn – These nocturnal animals eat insects, berries, grains, eggs and even garbage; they have no problem digging small holes in your lawn hoping to find a nice grub or two.

Have Skunks? You do have a few options but it may be best to call your local pest control company; chances are they know the most efficient way to solve your skunk problems. If you do want to try some DIY skunk removal, trapping is an option although it’s best to have experience before trapping a skunk. Beware, in California you can not relocate the skunk to another area without a permit.

Some people claim to have success with using ammonia as repellent and to “chase” them from under decks, patios, etc…

There are a few steps you can take to reduce the chances of having a skunk problem.

• Exclusion or sealing common nesting spaces such as under decks and porches is an excellent way to keep the skunks from sharing your house with you; just make sure there aren’t any skunks already in the space you plan to block off.
• Controlling the bugs in your yard is another way to prevent skunks from hanging around. Also, keep pet food, bird feed, etc… in tightly sealed containers and out of skunk reach if possible. Remember, pests look for food, shelter and water and they’ll stick around if they’re given everything they need.

{photo credit top left: Charles and Clint}

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The Mediterranean fruit fly, also known as medfly, is an exotic pest considered to be a major threat to the state of California’s agriculture. The medflies lay eggs under the skin of fruits and vegetables; the eggs hatch and the medfly larvae remains inside the fruit or vegetable. This of course makes the fruit inedible and it’s now easy to transport infected fruit all around the world. Mediterranean fruit flies are native to Africa but can now be found in counties all around the globe; the medfly was first detected in the continental US in 1929.

The Mediterranean Fruit Fly has been found infesting over 300 varieties of fruits and vegetables. California crops threatened by the fly include orange, plum, walnut, apple, apricot, avocado, bell pepper, fig, grape, grapefruit, lemon, lime, melon, nectarine,  peach, pear, persimmon, pomegranate, tangerine, tomato and grapefruit.

So what is being done to control the Mediterranean Fruit Fly? Sterile Insect Technique (STI) and quarantines. STI is the process of releasing sterile insects to disrupt the reproductive cycle of the insect. STI has been used successfully in the past and is used when medflies are found around the area. It is an ongoing process of STI and quarantines to make sure this species of fruit fly does not become established in the United States.

What can you do to help? Avoiding shipping fruits and vegetables into the state of California unless they have been looked over by an agricultural inspector. Also, it may seem like common sense, but cooperate with quarantine restrictions, they are there for a reason.

The USDA has a site specifically designated as an invasive species information center. It’s interesting to see the invasive animals, plants, aquatic species and even microbes affecting not just California but states around the US.

{photo credit: sarsifa}

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The most common ant in California is the Argentine ant but it is not indigenous to The Golden State. The Argentine ant is native to southern South America; like many other species of pests, the ant was unintentionally brought to Europe, Australia, Hawaii, and of course, North America.

These ants are one of the world’s worst invaders and part of that is because of their ant mega-colonies. It is believed there is a huge colony in California stretching for 560 miles; this colony is often referred to as Californian large. Ant mega-colonies have become a major issue because they often attack crops and affect animal populations.

For instance, Argentine ants may be responsible for the decline in the coast horned lizards in California. Argentine ants dine of several species of ants that primarily make up the diet of these lizards. The large number of ants belonging to the Argentine ant mega-colonies just devour the ants needed to sustain the coast horned lizard population.

Basic facts about Argentine ants:

• Dark colored
• Worker ants are just 3 millimeters long and queen ants vary from six to 12 millimeters in length
• Prefer sweets including fresh fruit
• Crawl quickly in clear-cut trails
• Possibility of millions of ants per colony

Argentine ants seek refuge in houses and buildings because they are looking for food and/or water or they may be seeking shelter after a heavy rain. Controlling Argentine ants can be a daunting task since killing the workers isn’t effective as a queen will just produce more workers AND one colony can have multiple queens; contacting a local exterminator is often a good idea. But if you would like to try some DIY pest control, there are some options.

Slow acting poison baits typically work best since the bait will eventually make it to the queen.  There is a homemade ant bait recipe out there that many people have had success with; dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of boric acid powder and 1 tablespoon of white sugar with 3 tablespoons of water. Place the bait in an area the ants will visit. This method of pest control can take four or five days to work since the bait needs to make it through the entire colony.

Proper sanitation and caulking ant entrances are both good ways to avoid an Argentine ant invasion.

{Bottom right photo credit: Matthew Townsend}

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First off, some history of the roof rat. The roof rat, also known as the black rat, is not indigenous to the United States; the species was brought overseas on ships and is known in history for carrying the bubonic plague.

What do roof rats looks like?

• Range in size from six to eight inches (not including the tail)
• Pointed muzzle
• A tail as long or longer than its body
• Black with a gray to white belly
• Ears long enough to cover each eye
• Smooth, sleek fur

Roof rats typically nest above the ground in attics, ceilings, crawl spaces, trees and need only 1/2” to enter a building. Because these rats are nocturnal and typically nest in higher places, the actual rats wont be seen often but there will be signs they are around. Some signs you have a rat infestation include, rat droppings, noises in the walls or ceilings, remnants or whole nests and of course rat carcasses.

Roof rats eat a variety of food but prefer nuts, fruits and insects but will also eat grain products and meat if they have to.

Preventing rodents from entering the building (don’t forget, eliminate their basic necessities including food, water and shelter) goes a long way but if you already find yourself with infestation you have a few options. Trapping and baiting are two strategies that have proved effective. Trapping is the safest, most effective and least expensive way to control rats indoors. Place traps in places where the rats are inclined to visit. If the rat population is out of control, the use of poisonous baits may be necessary but because of the risks involved, it is worthwhile to contact a licensed pest control company to control the rats.

Side note: Happy Thanksgiving from Southern California Pest Control Advice!

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The sunset moth’s scientific name is Chrysiridia rhipheus and belongs to the Uraniidae family. Its wingspan is between 2.75” – 3.5” and sometimes even 4”; the size of the moth depends on what altitude the moth lives in.

Chrysiridia rhipheus is often incorrectly indentified as a butterfly because of its colors but also because it is a daytime flier. How to tell the difference between a moth and a butterfly?

The colors of the sunset moth are its most notable feature. Surprisingly, unlike other moths, the colors of the sunset moth are not pigments but rather the result of optical interference. Curved, ribbon-like scales and an air-cuticle mulitlayer cause the bright colors; for more information read this abstract on the wings of a sunset moth. To the right is an up close picture of the moth’s wing scales. {photo credit: Charles B. Krebs}

As you would imagine, this colorful moth is sought out by insect collectors around the world, but you must travel to Madagascar (an island off the eastern side of Africa) to find this beauty.

Other weird insect posts:

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3. Cow Ant

{top left photo credit: Ivan Tortuga}

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After mosquitos, ticks are second in line for concern of transmitting diseases. Being able to identify the species of tick found is important seeing some species of ticks can carry diseases.

Brown Dog Tick – this tick can be found throughout the entire United States. It is not uncommon for a home or yard to be heavily infested with this pest because of the family dog.

Western Black Legged Tick – this tick is a species known to transmit Lyme disease…the Western Black Legged Tick can be found on the western half of North America.

American Dog Tick – this tick does not carry Lyme disease but has been found carrying Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever….the American Dog Tick can be found in various regions throughout the United States.

Rocky Mountain Wood Tick – this species of tick can carry various diseases including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Tick Paralysis and Colorado Tick Fever…as you would imagine, this tick is found in the western half of the United States.

Pacific Coast Tick – this tick is known for transmitting Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and possibly Colorado tick fever…the Pacific Coast Tick is found exclusively in California, Oregon and on occasion, Baja, Mexico

Want to know how to protect yourself from ticks?

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Indian meal moths are a very common pantry pest. I even had an encounter with indian meal moth larvae while eating crackers as a kid.

With that being said, the moths can be seen flying out of cereal boxes and cupboards; the indian meal moth larvae can be found in the actual products.

The adult moths are actually harmless, more of a nuisance if anything. But the larvae of the moths (also known as waxworms) are what munches on the dry foods in your cupboards.

The indian meal moth larvae enjoy a wide range of food from cereal and crackers to dry pet food and spices.

Have an indian meal moth infestation?  The most effective way to control the moths (and their larvae) is to completely dispose of any food that has been contaminated. The best thing is to remove everything from the cupboards and inspect each item one by one…look for the larvae and any webbing. Once you’ve disposed any items, vacuum (throw out the bag) and clean all shelves, crevices, etc…

Remember, if an item may have been touched by the indian meal moth, play it safe and throw the food away. Do not worry if you have already eaten food that has been infested with the moths, there are no known diseases or parasites carried by the indian meal moths.

Keep indian meal moths away by limiting their food sources. Although the moths and their larvae need very little food to survive, avoid purchasing bulk items that will be consumed slowly and clean up any food spills to keep the moths away. Keep an eye on spices since they often sit for more than 6 months. If you have a recurring problem with the pest, make sure you store food in tightly sealed containers i.e. mason jars with lids or place containers with snap tight lids.

Using traditional pesticides to control indian meal moths is not usually advised because of the close proximity to food.

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Carpet beetles do not bite or sting but they can cause serious damage to any natural fibers. These beetles are common pests in homes, warehouses and even museums; carpet, fur and fabric are just a few of the carpet beetles’ favorite foods.

The majority of the damage by this pest is caused by the larvae. Moths can cause similar damage and it can be difficult to tell the difference but the carpet beetles usually damage one large spot and moths will create scattered holes.

There are three species of carpet beetles in California:

 Varied Carpet Beetle

  Furniture Carpet Beetle

Black Carpet Beetle

As with most pest control, prevention (in this case housekeeping) is most beneficial. On a regular basis, vacuum carpets, remove hair and lint from carpet and shelves; avoid storing useless clothes, animal furs, etc… The goal is to remove all food sources for carpet beetles and the carpet beetle larvae.

Properly storing items is another way to prevent damage to important belongings. When possible, store items in an air tight container layered with paper. Moth balls and crystals can also be used for extra protection. There is some debate about cedar chests. Some believe the chests are effective against the beetles but others believe the cedar oil disappears as the chest ages and will only affect the smaller larvae.

Carpet beetles can be one of the most difficult indoor pests to control since they can be found all over the building in odd places. For washable items such as clothing and blankets, a thorough wash will kill all three cycles of the carpet beetle. There are carpet beetle pesticides for consumer use but professional pest control companies are typically more successful with eliminating carpet beetles.

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