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Anyone who resides in the southeastern region of the US knows that summertime means higher humidity and the buzzing sound of insects. But what’s making that sound? It’s most likely a cicada! These insects, with their distinctive buzzing calls and unique lifecycles, are a fascinating subject of study and observation. Let’s dive into what cicadas are, their habitat, and what they do.
Cicadas are large insects with transparent wings, prominent eyes, and often vibrant colors. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. However, they emerge as adults in periodic cycles, typically every 13 to 17 years depending on the species, to mate and lay eggs.
They inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests to tropical jungles, commonly found in regions with trees and shrubs, as their nymphs rely on plant roots for substance. Cicadas are particularly prevalent in areas with well-drained soil since they remain underground for long periods of time.
After spending years underground, cicadas emerge synchronously in large numbers. This mass emergence, known as a brood, is thought to be an evolutionary strategy to overwhelm predators and increase the chances of successful mating.
Once above ground, adult cicadas spend their brief adulthood reproducing. Males will produce a distinctive buzzing call to attract females, which can reach deafening levels in volume. After mating, females will lay their eggs in tree branches, where the nymphs will hatch and drop to the ground to begin their underground existence.
Despite their loud buzzing call, cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem. As both nymphs and adults, they serve as a food source for birds, mammals, and even other insects. Their emergence can also enrich the soil with nutrients as the decomposing bodies of deceased cicadas return vital nutrients back to the soil. They can also contribute to the pollination of plants during their adult stage, although to a lesser extent than bees or butterflies.
Although the buzzing sound of the emerged adult cicadas can reach high levels of sound, their adult lifespan is typically short lived and ends after they successfully mate. If you find your property surrounded by cicadas, give a pest control company near you a call!
This spring, the Great Southern Brood and the Northern Illinois Brood are set to appear at the same time, also known as a dual emergence. The dual cicada emergence will affect the Midwest and Southeast, including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The last time a dual emergence occurred was in 1803, when Thomas Jefferson was president, and the Louisiana Purchase had just been completed. Let’s just say that when the next one happens, no one alive today will witness it!
These large insects live underground as nymphs for years and emerge by the millions every 13 to 17 years, depending on the brood they are a part of. They emit a loud buzzing sound when trying to find a mate, sometimes so loud it can keep you awake at night! They don’t bite, sting, or carry any diseases, and serve as pollinators and benefit the ecosystem.
Their main goal is to mate and reproduce. During the egg laying process they will trim holes into tree branches, sometimes causing branches to break off completely. This may sound like a negative thing, but they act as a natural pruning. The holes they leave behind help aerate the soil and allow for rainwater to get underground and nourish tree roots in the hot summer months.
Keeping cicadas away can be quite challenging, especially during their periodic emergences when they appear in large numbers. There are some strategies to minimize their impact on your property:
Cicadas might be annoying, but it’s important to remember their impact on the ecosystem of our forests. Limiting them on your property can be difficult, but there are ways. If the noise begins to get too loud, give a pest control company near you a call today!
Is a daddy long legs a spider or fly? It’s a common question that often leads to confusion. Let’s delve into the facts to unravel this mystery and understand more about these fascinating creatures.
Contrary to popular belief, daddy long legs are not spiders but belong to the order Opiliones, also known as harvestmen. While they may resemble spiders due to their long, slender legs, they differ in various aspects, including body structure and behavior. Unlike spiders, daddy long legs do not produce silk, lack venom glands, and have a single body segment rather than two distinct segments (cephalothorax and abdomen).
Identifying daddy long legs is relatively straightforward. They typically have a small, oval-shaped body with extremely long, thin legs, giving them their distinctive appearance. These creatures are commonly found in damp, dark areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and garages. They are also known to seek refuge indoors during colder months, making homes a prime habitat.
While daddy long legs are harmless and beneficial predators, their presence indoors can be unsettling for some. To prevent them from entering your home, consider the following measures:
Don’t let pests like daddy long legs disrupt your peace of mind. Take proactive steps to safeguard your home with expert pest control services. Contact a pest control company near you today to request a free quote and learn more about our spider control and general pest management solutions.
You can enjoy a pest-free home and peace of mind knowing that your property is protected against unwanted intruders. Say goodbye to daddy long legs and other pests with comprehensive pest control services.
Centipedes: those creepy crawlers that send shivers down our spines when we encounter them scurrying across the floor. But beyond their unsettling appearance, many homeowners wonder: can centipedes bite or sting? Let’s dive into the facts and debunk the myths surrounding these household pests.
Centipedes are elongated arthropods with multiple pairs of legs, ranging from 15 to 177 pairs depending on the species. They typically have a flattened body and are light brown to dark brown or even reddish in color. One distinguishing feature is their long antennae and the pair of venomous claws located behind their head, known as forcipules.
Spotting a centipede indoors is often the first sign of an infestation. They tend to hide in dark, damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces during the day and come out at night to hunt for prey.
While centipedes may look intimidating, they are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, if threatened or mishandled, they can deliver a painful bite using their venomous claws. While the venom is not typically dangerous to humans, it can cause localized pain and swelling.
Centipedes can be beneficial to your property by preying on other household pests such as cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish. However, their presence in large numbers can indicate an underlying pest problem that needs to be addressed.
Prevention is key when it comes to controlling centipedes in your home. Here are some tips to keep them at bay:
Don’t let centipedes and other household pests invade your space. Take proactive steps to protect your home and family by partnering with a trusted pest control company. Contact a pest control company near you today for a free pest control quote and let our experienced technicians help you reclaim your home from unwanted intruders.
While centipedes can bite if provoked, they are generally not a significant threat to humans. However, their presence can indicate underlying pest issues that need to be addressed. By following preventive measures and seeking professional pest control assistance when needed, you can effectively manage centipedes and enjoy a pest-free home environment.
As the temperatures drop in Georgia and winter sets in, many pests seek refuge within the warmth of our homes. These unwelcome visitors, known as overwintering pests, can pose serious hazards to both our homes and our health. In this blog post, we will explore common overwintering pests, how they find their way into our homes, the risks they present, when they emerge, and most importantly, how to prevent their invasion. If you find yourself facing a pest problem, don’t hesitate to take action – request a free pest control quote today.
Overwintering pests use various entry points to infiltrate your home. Common entryways include gaps around windows and doors, cracks in the foundation, and openings around utility pipes. Once inside, they seek out warm and secluded areas to hibernate during the colder months.
While overwintering pests are generally not harmful to humans, they can become a nuisance in large numbers. Some pests may release unpleasant odors or stains when disturbed, while others, like stink bugs, emit a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism. Additionally, the presence of these pests can lead to contamination of stored food items.
Overwintering pests typically emerge in the spring as temperatures rise. The emergence can be sudden and overwhelming, leading to a surge in pest activity. This is the time when homeowners often notice an increased presence of these pests in and around their homes.
If you’re concerned about overwintering pests invading your home, take action now. Request a free pest control quote from your local pest control company and ensure a pest-free environment for you and your family.
Understanding the behavior of overwintering pests and implementing preventive measures is key to safeguarding your home. By following these tips and being proactive, you can enjoy a pest-free living space even during the colder months. Don’t let winter pests take over – request your free pest control quote today.
Contamination, disease, and property destruction are all possible in your home if a rodent invades it! Rodents, including mice and rats, can be destructive creatures and once they’ve invaded your home, it can be difficult to remove them since they reproduce so quickly! One of the best ways to ensure these pests don’t enter your Florida home is taking the necessary precautions to avoid them in the first place. We break down the types of rodents to be cautious of and our best do-it-yourself rodent prevention tips to keep rodents out of your Sunrise home.
Rodents are attracted to food, water, and available shelter, so it’s crucial to eliminate these factors from your property to avoid a rat and mouse infestation. Check out our DIY rodent prevention tips for your Florida property:
If you suspect you have a rodent infestation or are interested in getting ahead of preventing them, call your local pest control company. Professionals will provide you with a thorough inspection, identification of the rodent, possible entry points, and a rodent control and prevention plan.
It’s always alarming spotting a roach in your home. These pests are highly adaptable and seek out human environments for a food and water source. Once they’ve infested your home, it can be difficult to control and eliminate them as they reproduce rapidly! The first step in preventing roaches is understanding the signs of cockroaches and the factors that could attract them into your Florida home.
The best way to avoid roaches from entering your Sanibel property is placing preventative measures throughout! Check out our tips on preventing cockroaches:
If you’ve noticed the above signs of cockroaches, it’s best to call your local Florida pest control provider. These professionals will identify the type of roach, any entry points, and the best treatment and ongoing prevention for your home.
Georgia is no stranger to household pests. One common visitor that many Georgians encounter is the daddy long legs, a unique arachnid that often finds its way into homes. In this blog post, we’ll explore what attracts daddy long legs, how to identify them, reasons for a daddy long legs infestation, whether they pose a threat to humans, and effective ways to prevent and eliminate them. If you’re dealing with a daddy long legs infestation, read on for valuable insights and practical solutions.
Daddy long legs, scientifically known as Opiliones, are not true spiders but belong to the arachnid family. They are characterized by their long, thin legs and small, oval-shaped bodies. Unlike spiders, daddy long legs have a fused body structure and lack venom glands. Their appearance can sometimes be confused with cellar spiders, but the absence of a segmented body distinguishes them.
Understanding the reasons behind daddy long legs entering homes is crucial for effective control. These arachnids are attracted to damp and dark environments, making basements, crawl spaces, and garages ideal habitats. Additionally, they are opportunistic feeders, preying on small insects and other arthropods found in and around homes. The presence of abundant prey can draw daddy long legs indoors.
The good news is that daddy long legs are not harmful to humans. Contrary to popular myths, they do not possess venomous fangs and are not capable of biting. In fact, these arachnids play a beneficial role by feeding on other pests, helping to control insect populations around your home. While their presence may be unsettling to some, daddy long legs pose no direct threat to your health.
To keep daddy long legs at bay, consider implementing the following preventive measures:
If you’re dealing with a daddy long legs invasion or any other pest issues in Georgia, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team. Request a free pest control quote today and let us help you create a pest-free environment in your home. Protect your family and property with our reliable pest control services.
Remember, a proactive approach to pest control is key to maintaining a comfortable and pest-free living space. Contact us now and take the first step toward a pest-free home!