Spring is a time when everything comes to life, blooming into an array of lovely colors. You’ll see flowers that are pink and purple, baby bunnies that are tan or gray and insects that are red and black. Just like every other little life form emerging this time of year, insects can also be a variety of colors and it’s important not to get them confused. Some bugs you might spot frequently are of the Georgia Bulldog variety – red and black spots, stripes and even a combination of both.

If any of these insects or other pests become too much of nuisance, Northwest Exterminating has the expertise and knowledge to take care of your bug problems.  Our Director of Pest Services Adam Vannest has provided some information about these bugs that will help you know the difference and what measures to take against them.

Lady Bug

Ladybug larva and adult ladybug  – Beneficial insect

–  Overwinters

–  Feeds on aphids

Control Measures: exclusion and vacuuming for long-term prevention. When necessary, chemical contact treatments can knock down a population

Box Elder Bug

an overhead view of a bunch of Box Elder Bugs and a close-up of a box elderbug

–  Overwinters

–  Female: Box Elder trees and Silver Maple trees serve as the primary host plant

–   Control Measures: Exclusion and a contact/residual application around the foundation and base of host plant

 

Milkweed Bug

 overhead view of a bunch of Milkweed bugs and a close-up of a milkweed bug  – Found in gardens on Milkweed plants or around shelled sunflower seeds

Control Measures: Over-the-counter garden insecticides

 

Leaf-Footed Stink Bug

an overhead view of Leaf-footed stink bugs on a leaf and a close-up of one

–      Feeds on a wide variety of host plants

–       Besides birds, they do not have too many natural predators due to their taste and smell

–       Control Measures: Over-the-counter insecticides for garden areas. Outside of the garden, any contact or residual product labeled for stink bugs

Wheel Bug

Wheel Bug on a leaf and on a white surface

 

–       Semicircular cogwheel-like crest on its thorax

–       Feeds on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, aphids

Control Measures: Prevention is the key! All plants should be inspected before they enter the home. Exclusion should be performed for long-term prevention. All vegetation should be trimmed away from the home, at least one foot. Pesticides are rarely needed

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Call Now Button