WebMD's Bad Bugs Slideshow

We know that bugs are gross and unsanitary but did you also know that they can be bad for our health.  WebMD discusses some of the worst bugs and the potential harm they can do to our health:

  • Ticks –Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and allergic reactions.
  • Black Widow Spiders – Poisonous.
  • Brown Recluse Spiders – Poisonous, can cause serious wounds, infection, and in some cases can be deadly.
  • Head Lice – Itchiness can lead to infection, loss of hair.
  • Fleas – Itchiness can lead to infection.
  • Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket – Painful sting, and can cause allergic reaction.
  • Fire Ants – Painful sting, venomous, red bumps that burn and itch, and can cause allergic reaction.
  • Chiggers – Itchy red welts.
  • Scabies – Itchiness, sores.
  • Bedbugs – Itchy, red bumps,  can develop infection from scratching, and can cause allergic reaction.
  • Puss Caterpillar – Poisonous, painful sting, rash, fever, vomiting, and muscle cramps.
  • Scorpions – Poisonous, painful, and can be deadly.
  • Deerflies – Infection, and Tularemia.
  • Mosquitoes – West Nile virus, dengue fever, other diseases, and scratching can cause skin infection.
  • Houseflies – Carries more than 1 million bacteria, intestinal infections by contaminating food.
  • Cockroaches – Salmonella and other diseases, dead carcasses can trigger allergic reactions and asthma.

Tips to prevent feeling the sting of these health issues:

  • Make sure your home is treated by a professional exterminator.  A professional can diagnose current problems, and prevent new issues from coming into your home efficiently and effectively.
  • Wear long clothing when outdoors.
  • Wear DEET repellant when outdoors.
  • Keep a clean, sanitary home and yard.  This will prevent insects from seeing your home as a place for them to call home.

For more information on these insects and their health hazards, visit WebMD: Bad Bugs Slideshow: Identifying Bugs and Their Bites.

 If you think you may have been bitten or stung by any of the insects above, please take note of  your body’s reaction and seek medical assistance immediately.

 

 

Granddaddy Long Legs Aren’t Spiders

granddaddylonglegs or harvestman on a leafIt may be one of the most easily identifiable pests but it’s also commonly misrepresented.  Granddaddylonglegs, or daddylonglegs, are often thought to be spiders but are actually harvestmen.  Harvestmen get their name because that is when they are usually seen…during harvest time.  There are about 150 species of daddylonglegs in North America.

When you spot a granddaddylongleg, with its long and thin legs, it is not hard to see where the “longlegs” part of their name comes from.  They use their infamous legs to catch insects, spiders, and plants that they feed on.  They are found around structures of homes and buildings, and tree trunks, presumably looking for food.  Inside of a structure they are typically found in garages, basements, crawlspaces, or other damp areas of the home.  You won’t usually find them in the common living areas.

Another common misconception about daddylonglegs is that they are poisonous or venomous…neither of which are true.  They are not harmful to humans or animals, they won’t even bite.

How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs

  • Keep pests out.  By keeping pests out of your home granddaddylonglegs won’t venture in looking to feed on these small pests.  *Maintaining your pest control service with a professional exterminating company will keep bugs out of your home.
  • Vacuum.  Vacuuming is the easiest way to remove any daddylonglegs that you find in your home.  Vacuuming also helps to remove food sources from your carpets and furniture.
  • Keep house dry.  Like most insects, daddylonglegs like moisture.  Fix leaky faucets and pipes, use dehumidifiers, and dry any standing water.
  • Sticky Traps.  Sticky traps are a great way to catch harvestmen and other insects.  Place traps in areas of the home where you have seen pests.  Check regularly to see if any pests have been trapped on the board.

Did you know that granddaddy long legs weren’t spiders?

Call Northwest Exterminating to get rid of grand daddy long legs or other pests in your home or business.

 

Granddaddy Long Legs Aren't Spiders

granddaddylonglegs or harvestman on a leafIt may be one of the most easily identifiable pests but it’s also commonly misrepresented.  Granddaddylonglegs, or daddylonglegs, are often thought to be spiders but are actually harvestmen.  Harvestmen get their name because that is when they are usually seen…during harvest time.  There are about 150 species of daddylonglegs in North America.
When you spot a granddaddylongleg, with its long and thin legs, it is not hard to see where the “longlegs” part of their name comes from.  They use their infamous legs to catch insects, spiders, and plants that they feed on.  They are found around structures of homes and buildings, and tree trunks, presumably looking for food.  Inside of a structure they are typically found in garages, basements, crawlspaces, or other damp areas of the home.  You won’t usually find them in the common living areas.
Another common misconception about daddylonglegs is that they are poisonous or venomous…neither of which are true.  They are not harmful to humans or animals, they won’t even bite.

How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs

  • Keep pests out.  By keeping pests out of your home granddaddylonglegs won’t venture in looking to feed on these small pests.  *Maintaining your pest control service with a professional exterminating company will keep bugs out of your home.
  • Vacuum.  Vacuuming is the easiest way to remove any daddylonglegs that you find in your home.  Vacuuming also helps to remove food sources from your carpets and furniture.
  • Keep house dry.  Like most insects, daddylonglegs like moisture.  Fix leaky faucets and pipes, use dehumidifiers, and dry any standing water.
  • Sticky Traps.  Sticky traps are a great way to catch harvestmen and other insects.  Place traps in areas of the home where you have seen pests.  Check regularly to see if any pests have been trapped on the board.

Did you know that granddaddy long legs weren’t spiders?
Call Northwest Exterminating to get rid of grand daddy long legs or other pests in your home or business.
 

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