Arrow is reporting that we had 3 sightings of solitary ground bees at different locations yesterday!
INTRODUCTION: The common name comes from the fact that these are solitary and not social bees, and that they usually nest in the ground while some use natural cavities. These solitary bees can become urban nuisance pests when they nest in large numbers near structures, and they can sting. They are found througout the U.S.
BIOLOGY: These are solitary bees which do not live in colonies. Adults are queens or males. Digger bee burrows are made in the ground, usually consisting of a long vertical tunnel with lateral branches off of each tunnel to each cell. Sometimes large numbers of these bees will nest close together, particularly in in bare-ground areas. They provision each cell with pollen and nectar. Both sexes overwinter in the nests.
CONTROL: These are beneficial insects and control should be made only if the problem is in range of people or homes/buildings. If control is necessary, Pest Control Professionals would use a dust formulation chemical in the bare nesting areas. Pyrethroid chemicals are particularly effective as well.
As a customer, you should be advised to eliminate all bare-ground areas as a long-term solution to discourage these bees from returning.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Washington, DC; March 17,2009 — Bed Bugs have become such a problem, federal officials will hold a summit in Washington next month. The Environmental Protection Agency called the meeting to share information and ideas on how to stop the pests that are plaguing hotels, colleges, homes, and businesses.
Some years ago, health officials thought they’d been eradicated, but there’s been a strong resurgence of the pests.
The forum is expected to draw state and local government agencies, health and housing officials, researchers, college officials, as well as those in the pest management industry.
Just last week, New York City created a task force on the issue, in light of 10,000 complaints filed in the last year. That’s double the number from one year earlier.
This bug has become a nuisance pest both indoors and outdoors when it is attracted to the outside of homes on warm fall days in search of protected, overwintering sites. It reappears during the winter during warmer sunny periods, and again as it emerges in the spring.
Before Bugs Enter a Home or Building: Mechanical exclusion is the best method to keep stink bugs from entering. Cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings should be sealed with good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damages screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced.
Exterior applicationsof insecticides may offer some relief from infestations where the task of completely sealing the exterior is impossible. Applications should consist of a synthetic pyrethroid and should ONLY BE APPLIED BY A LICENSED PEST MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL in the fall just prior to bug congregation. Unfortunately, because insecticides are broken down by sunlight, the residual effect of the material will be greatly decreased and may not kill the insects much beyond serveral days or a week.
