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Fruit Flies Home Remedy

Sunday, April 12th, 2009 | Author: admin

Getting Rid of Fruit Flies

You might have seen small fruit flies flying around in the kitchen.  How to get rid of them?  Here are some effective home remedies for fruit flies.

With the end of summer, you will notice the fruit flies flying around the kitchen and Fruit Fly buzzing around fruitnear garbage storage area. Fruit flies can be found around fresh vegetables/fruits, rotting vegetables or fruits, garbage, drain and damp organic materials. They are characterized by a light yellow body and bright red eyes. Fruit flies are the smallest type of home flies. Generally, fruit flies are hovering around fermenting materials, overripe fruits and decaying vegetation. Due to their association with unhygienic places, fruit flies are potential carriers of bacteria and cause transmission of various diseases.  Hence, it is very essential to get rid of fruit flies.

You must be thinking about how to get rid of fruit flies? Following are some useful home remedies for fruit flies:

  • The first step you should take for getting rid of fruit flies is to remove the source of attraction. Always keep your kitchen clean and free from garbage.
  • Dry soap acts as a repellent for fruit flies. Sprinkle it into garbage cans and other areas, where fruit flies are found.
  • Spray diluted lemongrass oil in the house. For that, add 10 drops of oil to 2 ounces of hot water. It will help kill not only fruit flies, but also ants, spiders and other creepy crawlers.
  • If you put a dish with some basil near the fruit bowl and also sprinkle some basil on the fruits, then it will prevent the fruit flies.
  • You can use wine bottle trap. As wine is made from fruit, fruit flies are attracted to it. Take a wine bottle with an inch of wine in the bottom. Remove its lid and place a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening. Create several small holes in the top using a wooden toothpick. Set the bottle in the kitchen to trap the flies.
  • Hang fly strips in such a position that both their sides are exposed to flies. Fruit flies will stick to the trap and die.

Try these simple, but effective home remedies to get rid of fruit flies.

By Reshma Jirage
Published: 11/8/2008

How to get rid of fruit flies

It’s nearing the season when deliciously ripe fruit overflows grocery shelves and farmers markets reopen their stands with the summers bounty.

Non-Toxic Easy to Make Fruit Fly Trap

Everyone who gardens and brings that produce inside has at one time had to deal with fruit flies in the kitchen.

Ways to Eliminate Fruit Flies

Ever wondered how to get rid of fruit flies? It’s not always easy to get rid of fruit flies, but the right strategy will help eliminate fruit flies for good.
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Bed Bugs On The Rise

Saturday, April 04th, 2009 | Author: admin

Welts from beg bugs Stop Bed Bugs

Bed bugs problems are often reported in internet news and print newspapers. People are taking this more seriously now and not just thinking bed bugs are in science fiction movies or delusions. If you check Google News, there are some interesting articles in December 2008. On December 24th, the Sun Times in Owen Sound, Canada wrote about the an exterminator reporting that he is getting now several calls a week about how to get rid of bed bugs compared to one or two a month in past years. Grand Forks, North Dakota just reported that a senior complex which has had been treated twice earlier in 2008 once again has a serious bed bug problem. San Francisco has also seen a large increase in bed bug complaints. There are many New York City stories as well in 2008 on the bed bug problem in apartment buildings.

These aren’t parasites like scabies but nonetheless multiply and can move throughout a whole building reaching other residents and apartment dwellers. They also can leave your body with bed bug bites as they suck your blood. It isn’t always easy to diagnose the red marks as they can be similar to hives or a scabies rash. Bed bugs are brown, thin and able to get in between cracks in the home quite masterfully. Bed bugs can get into bed, waterbeds, sleeping bags, dressers and so many spots. They can be picked up in hotels and brought home or accompany the purchase of mattresses or used furniture. Some say that the banning of ddt is responsible for the increase in both bed bug infestations and scabies rash outbreaks.

Getting rid of bed bugs takes a lot of work but can be done. If you are renting, you need to contact your landlord so he can get pest control involved. If he is unresponsive, speak with others in your building before it reaches an epidemic proportion. After pest control comes in and examines the situation you will get a set of instructions regarding what you can do for home preparation yourself. It is important to follow these to facilitate the extermination. You’ll get advice about your clothing, bed sheets, linen and materials in your bedroom. If they don’t discuss this with you consider a different company. Re-infestation can start the whole process again. Some say that a bed bug can produce over 500 eggs a year.

Though many people want a natural remedy, it is suggested by experts that a pest control operator is the way to truly eradicate the problem. They will spray and may use steam cleaning as well to let heat kill. Putting a good vinyl cover on both the mattress and the box springs is recommended by many people. They cannot get through this unlike sheets and if there are no holes, they will eventually die. This can be a serious problem and needs to be addressed. Some people may not get bites so you cannot go by that as the only symptom.

Author: Dee Cohen

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dee_Cohen

Bed Bug Treatment & Prevention

Eradicating Bed Bugs in Blackpool, Southport, Lancashire, Manchester & Cheshire.

Bed Bug Infestations On The Rise And Here to Stay

The researchers explain there is no treatment that is proven to get rid of bed bugs. Bites that provoke severe reactions are treated symptomatically, but no evidence-based protocols have been established to treat bed bug bites. more…

Bed Bugs, What Are They?

Bed bugs are becoming a huge nuisance in house holds around the world. They will hide in hard to reach places, like in between mattress seems, and they will come out at night to feed on you.

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

The scary truth is that bed bugs are real blood-sucking insects that are reemerging so quickly some scientists are calling it an epidemic.

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Fruit Flies Prevention Tactics

Monday, March 30th, 2009 | Author: admin

Fruit Flies In Your Home   Photo of Fruit Fly making itself at home

Fruit flies are pesky little critters. They are smaller than regular flies and thus make less noise. In fact, it can take a while for a home owner to notice a few fruit flies hanging around some overripe fruit. Left to their own devices, these insects are bound to multiply within days. In fact, the life cycle of these flies is so fast that they have become the favorite research subject for geneticists. Known as drosophila in labs, fruit flies allow geneticists to experiment with genes and see the results several generations later, all within a few weeks.

For that reason, you should quickly and  efficiently eliminate fruit flies from your home . Keep on the alert during summer months, or, if you are living in a warm climate, throughout the year. While fruit flies are not among the most dangerous of flies, ingesting their eggs and larvae is not a good idea, and can lead to stomach aches and diarrhea. In some instances, these flies can move between drains, sewage and kitchens, creating an even greater health risk.

Preventing fruit flies from breeding and multiplying is the key in eliminating their presence. Their life cycle is comprised of three main phases. Adult flies mate and lay eggs in rotting fruit or vegetables. Larvae come out of these eggs, feeding on the fermenting material in which they were born, close to the surface of the fruit. They finally turn into adults, able to breed again, with the entire life cycle taking no more than a week.

In order to stop the cycle, you have to eliminate the food source for the larvae – and the stuff that attracts those flies into your kitchen to begin with – overripe or rotting fruit and vegetable.

Inspect your cupboards and shelves for any residue of fruit or even juice. Always clear away the remains of any fruit or vegetable. The more ecologically minded folks will throw this rich organic waste into the compost heap, taking care to mix it in and hide it away from the flies. No compost heap? Just seal it up in a bag and throw it outside into a tightly shut bin.

Another focal point in your efforts to eliminate drosophila is fruit bowls. They can be a decorative element in every home, and a nice available treat for family members and guests, but the last thing you want is a small circle of fruit flies hovering over your fruit arrangements. Even worse is the unsightly presence of larvae in the fruit, not to mention the following tummy ache! During warmer months, consider keeping all fruit and vegetable refrigerated at all times. If you do keep select fruit exposed, check it daily and remove any piece of fruit that may be too ripe.

To prevent the occasional mature fruit fly from entering your home, make sure it’s properly screened against flying insects. This is an important measure, helpful in reducing the numbers of other types of flies, as well as mosquitoes.

But what if you have taken every measure to prevent these pests from entering your home, and have made sure they have nowhere to breed, and still have these in your home? You may have to add a couple of fruit fly traps to your kitchen, just to make sure that the odd fly gets captured and removed from your home environment.

Author: Anne E. Moss

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_E._Moss

How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies at Home

Anyone who has ever left a few bananas sitting out or forgotten to change their garbage knows all too well the problem with fruit flies. It seems that once they’ve invaded your kitchen, you can’t get rid of them.

Pesky Fruit Flies

We have pesky fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), lots of them. The Genus name Drosophila translates to “lover of dew” which is definitly reflective of their habitat requirements- they need moisture.

Fruit Flies Don’t Like Wind

Try this at home: If fruit flies are buzzing around your kitchen, switch on your hairdryer and aim it at the flies. A gentle stream of air will stop them in their tracks, putting them in prime position for swatting.

Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Unfortunately, it just plain doesn’t matter how neat and clean you keep your home. Eventually you will be overrun with and need to get rid of fruit flies.

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What to Do About Bed Bugs?

Sunday, March 15th, 2009 | Author: admin

Bed Bugs: A Problem in Your Home? Bed Bug Photo

The bed Bug is a common but serious pest in homes around the world. This article provides information on how to determine if you have bed bugs and what you can do to prevent and rid your home of them.

A resurgence of Cimex lectularius, better known as the common bed bug has turned playful bedtime sendoffs into truly fearful warnings. This resurrection can largely be attributed to the halt in using the pesticide DDT that nearly eradicated bed bugs in the United States in the 1950s, leaving little to no defense against the uprising minuscule offenders today. Adding to this effect is the fact that bed bugs are nocturnal in nature, preying on sleeping people across the world. They feed on human blood, leaving only a trail of red itchy welts or localized swellings on the skin as calling cards of their appearances.

Bed Bug WeltsWhile red marks may be an indication of an infestation, they are definitely not a confirmation. Finding these critters is no easy task, as they are approximately 4-5 mm in length with a flattened form, allowing them to hide in crevices and creases with ease. While often found hiding all over the house, their favorite spot to conceal themselves-in the event that a mattress cover or pillow cover are not being used-is in or around the bed, hence their name. Being so close to their primary food source gives them the opportunity to feed every 5-10 days, though they are able to live up to 18 months without eating.

A bed bug will dine on human blood for approximately 5-15 minutes before it will be fully engorged, more than tripling its size. This change has been known to cause misidentification as it becomes round in shape, different from its naturally flat shape. Additionally, when it is an adult it becomes brown in color, except after feeding when it takes on a dark red hue due to the intake of human blood. Because of their minuscule size and innate ability to hide, bed bugs can enter the home in a multitude of ways, including any type of object that can be transferred from one home, apartment, condo, hotels, etc., to another. This transferability, coupled with their hyperactive reproduction, allows their wrath to be widespread very quickly, especially in homes that are older or have many cracks and crevices, messy cluttered homes, and homes where mattresses or pillows are not covered with some sort of allergen-reducing encasement.

To get a feel of their ability to infest an entire house, here are some reproduction facts: Females lay eggs in clusters of 10-50 in just one day. The eggs are whitish in color, pear shaped and approximately 1 mm in length A female will lay up 500 eggs during her lifetime. Eggs hatch in 1-2 weeks time. In one year’s time, three generations of can be produced. Newly hatched nymphsas they are called-begin to feed on human blood immediately. Nymphs are colorless and the size of a pinhead.  A nymph will go through five molting stages before becoming a full adult, feeding during each stage.

Though these wingless vampires have been known to be brimming with pathogenshepatitis B and plague included they have not been shown to be a transmitter of disease. Unlike mosquitoes, they are not thought of as being a medical threat, making them more of an annoyance then anything else. Some people try to live with bed bugs in their lives, though they often are covered with welts and scars from scratching all over their bodies. No distance is great enough to be protected once they have entered your home. They have been known to travel over 100 feet on their own to feed, making merely disinfesting your bed and using mattress and pillow covers a futile act.

In order to be fully rid of these pests, a home needs to be thoroughly cleaned, ensuring that every crease, crevice, floorboard, outlet and corner has been cleaned and rid of them and their eggs. Furthermore, every hole and crack should be filled and caulked, leaving little to no room for already existing eggs to penetrate the home. Once your house is rid of infestation, you should use a complete, zippered mattress encasement, a complete zippered pillow encasement, and a zippered encasement for your box spring. This traps any existing critters inside, essentially permanently removing them from their food source, and disallowing new bugs from hiding in their beloved hotbeds.

By Ben Anton Published: 6/23/2007

Bed Bugs in New York City

On WNYC on Friday, Brian Lehrer talked to Jennifer 8 Lee (of the New York Times) about bed bugs, and asked callers to share their bed bug fighting tips. There’s a mention of New York vs. Bed Bugs’ FOIA request on HPD bed bug complaints.

How To Destroy Bedbugs So That They Don’t Strike Again

Most of us grew up never thinking about the possibility of bed bugs. We could have been told that they’d been a nuisance a long time ago, but we never connected.

Bed Bugs Are Biting on Long Island

Bed bugs are digging in for the long haul in neighborhoods where they once were rare.

Slipper Infested with Bed Bugs

Close up of sole and heel of infested slipper. Normal position of slipper on floor produces a triangular shaped crevice in which the bed bugs hide.

Apartment owners sued over bed bugs

The plaintiffs believe the apartment was already infested with bed bugs before they moved in. Upon her arrival, Schmidt said she noticed black spots on the baseboards of the floor that were later identified by a pest control worker.
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Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Thursday, February 19th, 2009 | Author: admin

Identifying Bed Bugs and TreatmentsPicture of Bed Bug feeding on human skin

The first step for treating bed bug infestations is knowing what you are dealing with. You need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bed bug bites. These pests are common and it can be hard to get rid of them. One reason for this is that they are oftentimes not detected until they have reach large numbers.

Bed bugs abhor sunlight and will shun it whenever they can. They are most active mornings just before sunrise, when most folks are still in bed. For these insects, this is a most opportune time to feed, especially as their bite is not immediately felt. In fact, the victim may not feel the irritation for hours after the bite. The first symptom is usually an itching sensation, caused by an allergic reaction, and not easy to overlook.

The diagnosis of bed bug bites isn’t easily made either. In general, they are manifested as elevated reddish areas or as flatter, welt-type spots that closely resemble mosquito bites. When you have many bites that are reoccurring, it is an accurate indicator of “bed bug bites”. Since the bed bug’s saliva includes an anticoagulant that facilitates feeding off your blood, you might observe distinctive drops of blood on your bed sheets.

Now that you know that bedbugs are the problem, you will know how to best deal with them. Don’t think that they are like cockroaches who live in dirty environments. Bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide. Since we exhale carbon dioxide, they are attracted to us. It is best to take multiple measures to address the problem comprehensively.

Since the bugs we have been talking about can’t be killed by pesticides. In order to get rid of these pesky bugs, you first need to vacuum the mattress and box spring. This will suck up any bugs or eggs that are still on the surface. After vacuuming the surface, make sure to wipe your bed frame with rubbing alcohol to kill the bugs. Next, use a steam cleaner to clean the mattress and the box. This will hopefully solve your bug problem.

Once you’ve done this, eliminate any stray adult bugs you might see. If possible, buy neem oil. This is very effective in eliminating the bugs. Finally, as an added precaution, buy impermeable covers for both the bed and box spring. This should eventually take care of any others that may have been left behind.

However, the most effective treatment is prevention. Most people pick them up while staying at hotels or motels, or at friend’s homes. If you’re moving into a new place, inspect carefully for signs of dead or living bugs. Remember, once you have them, they can be difficult to get rid of.

Author: Thomas Proctor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Proctor

Bed bugs and public health at the 6th International IPM Symposium

Because of the long hiatus in bed bug infestations, many people are unaware of them and in many cases IPM strategies have not been adopted. New approaches to raising awareness and managing bed bugs on a community-level are needed.

How do Bed Bugs Feed?

Bed Bugs feed on the blood of warm-blooded mammals, such as humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, mice and even bats. In fact, Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius), that feed on humans, evolved from Bat Bugs (Cimex adjunctus) that feed on bats.

Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs With Cold Treatment

There are many supposedly home treatments to getting rid of bed bugs, but do they really work? And is it better just to get an external pest control expert in? In most cases yes, but of course that depends on your budget!

Discovering How To Kill Bed Bugs Effectively

Most of us grew up never dreaming of the possibility of bed bugs. We could have heard that they’d been an annoyance in the distant past, but we never connected them with our world at all. Things have changed in recent years, though.

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Methods to Eliminate Mice

Thursday, February 19th, 2009 | Author: admin

The New Mouse Trap

New ideas for getting rid of mice. Glue Trap for Mice

Mice can really be a problem if they are in your home. They gnaw on things that ought to be kept looking nice; they leave their droppings, which contain harmful germs, on your floor; they eat your food; they make noises in the walls; and they are very good at keeping themselves hidden and hard to catch. For these and other reasons, it is imperative that mice be gotten rid of.

The traditional method of ridding one’s home of mice is a spring-loaded mouse trap. These mouse traps are inexpensive, non-toxic, and simple to use, and, for these reasons, one may think that a mouse trap is the best way to go, but there are number of reasons mouse traps aren’t such a good idea, and why it’s time to start looking into other methods of mouse control.

One reason is that mouse traps work by severing some vital part (usually the head) from the mouse. This can be disturbing to children who may happen upon the dead mouse, or it may leave a blood stain at the site where the mouse was caught. Furthermore, sometimes mice can get the bait without triggering the trap. Apart from its gross method of extermination and its inconsistent results, a spring-loaded mouse trap can be dangerous to have around. Children or pets may play with it or accidentally set it off and get seriously injured.

If the old spring-loaded mouse trap won’t work, what can be used? Two suggestions come to mind:

  • Mouse glue traps
  • Mouse poison

The first method suggested, a mouse glue trap, has all the benefits of spring-loaded traps (i.e., they are inexpensive, non-toxic, simple to use), but these don’t kill the mice in the same unpleasant manner. These boards that are covered in very strong glue are easy to use, all you have to do is place them every few feet along the mouse’s runway, and the mouse will get stuck to them. Glue traps are ideal for use in areas where the use of poison is undesirable.

The second method, mouse poison, comes in 2 basic forms: blocks and pellets. Both blocks and pellets contain the same poison. Poisons can be placed anywhere a mouse will travel, and they are often made to resist weathering.

Mouse poisons can also be used in a mouse bait station. Mouse bait stations are small boxes that only small rodents can crawl into, which you fill with bait. The mice crawl in to eat the bait. This protects larger animals and children from ingesting the poison. It is safer than placing the poison out in the open.

By 10x Marketing
Published: 11/10/2006

Rats and Mice

So, contrary to the stereotypes about women and mice I don’t leap on the nearest chair when I spot one. Instead I top up the poison which is left in various places accessible to mice but not children or other animals.

How do you get rid of Mice?

Occasionally they told us where to put a trap. They never caught anything themselves (although they have no problem with rabbits and birds outside, even declawed and on leashes.) We did let the cats bat the mice in traps around a bit.

The Best Mouse Trap

New mouse traps include traps that use mouse poison, glue traps and mouse bait stations. Find traps that are humane and effective.

How to Control and Trap Mice

A mouse (plural mice) is a small animal that belongs to one of numerous rodent species. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse. It is found in nearly all countries and serves as a guinea pig in biology.
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What is a Hobo Spider?

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 | Author: admin

Hobo Spiders Bite!

Picture of Hobo Spider

Hobo Spiders or Tegenaria Agrestis are also known as funnel web spiders. The characteristic of these spiders is that they build webs with a funnel shaped structure at the center where they lie in wait for their prey.


Hobo Spiders: Identifying Spiders

Hobo Spiders are generally brown or rust colored. The female of the species is about 11 to 15 millimeters long, while the male of the species is about 8 to 11 millimeters long. The Hobo Spider is generally identified by a herringbone pattern on the top of their abdomens.  Also the Hobo Spider has comparatively smoother legs.

Hobo Spiders: Web

The Hobo Spiders construct a web which is a flattish or curved sheet of dense silk fibers, which curves upwards at the ends. The web then slants to one corner where it forms a tubular place where the spider rests and waits for his prey. The tube also has an escape hole at the back. The web of the Hobo Spider is not sticky.

Hobo Spiders: Prey

The Hobo Spiders prey on household pests such as silverfish, houseflies, earwigs, roaches and beetles.

Hobo Spiders: Where Are They Found

The Hobo Spiders are natives of western and central Europe. They are also found in the northwestern part of USA and southwestern part of Canada. They generally prefer moderately dry and warm climates and are normally found in gardens and fields and hedges.

Hobo Spiders: Bite and Treatment

Although the Hobo Spiders are known for being aggressive, humans are not their prey. However, they can certainly bite humans when they feel threatened or when they are accidentally squeezed or crushed by humans. Their venom is strong enough to cause a lot of pain and often the skin at and around the area of the bite will get destroyed and fall off.

When one is bitten by a Hobo Spider, care must be taken to ensure that the wound bleeds, thus washing out the venom. An antiseptic should be applied to the area of the spider bite. One should never scratch the area of the spider bite. The use of aspirin, cold or hot packs should also be avoided.

Call your doctor immediately and take the treatment that is prescribed.

By Madhavi Ghare
Published: 11/5/2007

The Truth About Hobo Spiders

Read more information at the hobo spider identification article.

Pre-baited hobo spider traps?

I saw a package of “Pre-baited Hobo Spider Traps” at Home Depot the other day. Hobo spider is a species here in the northwestern US that many people are concerned about. So what are these “baited” traps all about?

Hobo spiders search for mates in the fall

Adult hobo spiders are relatively large, dark brown and, including their long legs, about the size of a silver dollar. The males have two swollen appendages (actually the male genitalia) up front that look like a pair of boxing gloves.

Kill Hobo Spiders, Ants, and Yellowjackets

Outside, they can run free, but I can’t stand the thought of them in my house *shudder*. I probably wouldn’t know a hobo from a recluse from a cellar spider unless they introduced themselves, but that doesn’t make them any more welcome.

Hobo Spider Invasion

Hobo Spiders are also called “aggressive house spiders”. They are agressive because of two things: Their webs are not sticky so they must attack their prey if they want to eat; and they have poor eyesight.
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How to Identify Spiders

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 | Author: admin

Identifying Spiders

If you want to know the ways of identifying Spiders, here is an article for you.

Spider photo, Black Widow

Spiders are not insects contrary to the popular beliefs but insects and spiders both belong to a broader class called Arthropods, which are animals, that have hard external skeletons and limbs that are joined. There are very few people who show any particular interest in these very common creatures that can often be seen in and around our homes. If you are a person who takes keen interest in spiders then I am sure you must be very eager to know the ways to identify spiders since we see so many spiders and they are not always the same ones. So here we would discuss the ways to identify spiders.

Types of Spiders

It is said that there are approximately more than 30,000 species of spiders but most of the time spiders are confused with “Daddy Long legs” or “Harvest men” which look like spiders but have a different body structure. Spiders may be classified on the basis of their hunting techniques since some of the spiders do not spin webs to get food but actively hunt for food.

What are the Ways of Identifying Spiders?

The first thing that one should observe is the appearance of the spider so that identification becomes easy. The observation of the appearance would certainly make it clear if the spider is a mature or immature, that if it is an adult or not. One cannot determine the gender of the young spiders or instars hence it is difficult to classify them.

If it is an adult spider then there should be differences in the appearance of male and female spiders, which is commonly known as s “sexual dimorphism”, and this works for human beings as well. Adult male spiders have their “Palps” or the leg like structures in the front, modified for mating but the “Palps” of female spiders remain like short legs. So these are some basic ways of classifying a spider but when we cone to the details of family classification, which is where the confusion arises. Here we would discuss about some common types of Spiders that one might possibly come across.

Banana Spider - The scientific name of Banana Spider is Nephilidae nephila and confusions pertaining to the identification of this spider should be avoided. It is a very colorful spider, which has shades of orange, black, white and brown. It is not an active hunter and weaves the web for itself. It also has white patterns on its abdomen and can be termed as a large spider- this acts as the major feature, which helped in the identification of these spiders. The body structure also has to be taken onto consideration when trying to identify this spider. The fangs of this spider do not have much hair on it except for the spines that are there.

Red Black Spiders - This kind of spiders can be found in Australia and their size varies. They are not necessarily red in color neither do they have a red spot. These spiders live in cool places and move about from one place of habitat to the other. These spiders are black with either a hint of orange or red longitudinal strip. These spiders do not spin a web, especially male Red Black spiders; whenever they want they cling to the webs made by the female red black spiders

Black Widow Spider – The Black Widow Spider is black and has red marks. The mature male Black Widow might have a mix of black and brown and instead of red the colors can be orange and also yellow. The male spiders of this species are smaller than the female; almost half the size but the male spiders have long legs. The clue of identification is the glossy and smooth texture of the female Black widow spider, which makes it stand out among the other spiders of spiders.

Apart from the above mentioned the location and number of eye and the form of their spinnerets could be considered as markers of a spider’s identity.

By Poushali Ganguly
Published: 3/21/2008

No More Spiders

Vital intelligence of interest to arachnophobes everywhere came from an unexpected source yesterday evening when conversation during the demo CD assembly stint turned, as it does, to spiders.

More Information On Spiders

Even though most of us find them revolting, a minority of people view them as trusted companions: you can find spiders throughout nature and even in urban settings.

Musings on The Spider

Conventional depictions of the spider shows them as lurkers waiting for prey to fly into their elegant traps; after which the spider proceeds to wrap them up in a cocoon of silk and suck out the blood of the unfortunate victim.

The Truth About Spiders

While most of us find them disconcerting, though some view them as friends or even pets: you can find spiders throughout nature and even in urban settings. There are thousands of species, with some a lot more dangerous then others.
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Cockroaches in Our Home

Friday, January 23rd, 2009 | Author: admin

Cockroaches: Facts and Identification

Cockroaches are one of the frequently found domestic insects. Haven’t you ever seen them roaming around the dark corners of your home? These, often noticed household pests, are also known as “roaches”. Let us discuss about the facts and identification traits of cockroaches.Common Household Roach Picture

This disgusting pest disturbs us by spoiling our food and household items. Some of them, mostly the adult ones, make gliding flights. These deadly pests have a shining appearance, two long front antenna and spiny legs. Cockroaches are scientifically classified into the order known as “blattaria”, which comes from the Latin root word “blatta”, meaning cockroach. Cockroaches have flattened bodies, which allow them to enter buildings through cracks of loose fitting doors, windows, and electric lines or also through pipelines. They prefer to remain in the dark, moist areas of basements, floors etc.


Some facts about cockroaches:

  • Cockroaches prefer warm atmosphere and are frequently found in the corners of buildings.
  • These deadly pests can move on difficult terrains too.
  • They are mainly nocturnal in nature and run away when exposed to light.
  • They remain in dark places where many of their kin are around.
  • Cockroaches are also found in hot or subtropical climates.
  • They make hissing and chirping sounds.
  • Female cockroaches carry eggs in the end of their abdomen.
  • Cockroaches have high radiation resistance.
  • Sturdiest insect: Some cockroaches can remain alive without consuming food for a month.

By knowing the above characteristic features, we can identify a cockroach. However, for immediate identification of the species, we need to go through the following facts about cockroaches.

  • They have long feelers in front side and spiny legs.

  • Cockroaches live on food that we, human beings, and our pets eat.

Types of cockroaches:

There are almost 4,000 species of cockroaches and four of these species are known as pests. From the whole, only 30 species of them are found in human dwellings. Some of the popular types of cockroaches are:

  • The American cockroach, which is known as Periplaneta americana. The cockroaches that fall into this type, are about 30 millimeters (1.2 in) long.
  • The German cockroach, known as Blattella germanica.
  • The Asian cockroach, or Blattella asahinai.

Apart from these, there are the oriental cockroach, tropical cockroach and the Permian Apthoroblattina, which are large in size.

What Do Cockroaches Eat?

Cockroaches are mainly omnivorous. They generally feed on waste of human beings, garbage, starches, grease, plants, vegetables and fruits. However, this disturbing domestic insect also feeds on all household items like clothes, leather and also, flakes of dried skin, starch in book binding, kitchen crumbs, beer, sweets, meat products etc. There are various protozoa and bacteria in their digestive system that help in their digestion.

Are cockroaches active during the day?

No. Cockroaches are not active during the day. They are nocturnal in nature, hence, they come out at night to have their food or prey. During the daytime, they hide in the sub floors, wall cavities, corners of doors, and cracks in various places.

By Ajanta Bhattacharyya
Published: 11/6/2008

Tips to Get Rid of Cochroaches

Dab a piece of cotton using the medicated oil lemon grass keep away lizard pandan leave keep roaches away.

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Book reviews have started to come in for Killing Cockroaches. Check out what people with had to share.

Cockroaches, Great Info Tips

Oh, how that word seems to make people cringe! Cockroaches in your kitchen? Does that mean you are a dirty housekeeper? No, not necessarily so!

Bedroom vs. Shower Cockroaches

I’ve discovered that the shower cockroaches and the bedroom cockroaches are different breeds. It’s more than the habitat. The shower cockroaches are multicolored, both black and gold.
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Getting Rid of Carpenter Ants

Friday, January 23rd, 2009 | Author: admin

Carpenter Ants Damage, Facts     Picture of Carpenter Ants

To get rid of carpenter ants, you need to first get rid of aphids. The reason is carpenter ants feed on aphids. Read on to know how to get rid of carpenter ants.

Carpenter ants are aggressive destroyers of wood. They are as dangerous as the termites. One of interesting facts about carpenter ants is they do not eat the wood but create a cavity in the wood to establish or enlarge their nest. One of the reasons pest control industry is thriving is due to carpenter ants.

How Do I Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

advanced-carpenter-ant-baitThere are many pesticides to get rid of the carpenter ants nests. If you happen to find them outside your home, you should treat that area and the surrounding areas immediately with ant killer pesticides. If there are trees or bushes close to home, clear them away. Drenching the nest with boiling hot water should destroy the nest of carpenter ants.

You need to find the nest of the carpenter ants first. If there is a large colony of carpenter ants, you could hear a crunching noise. Else you would have to set up sugar or honey bait.

If the colony is a small one, you could spray any of the aerosol pesticides into the entrance of the nest. This is considered as the first choice or the first step.

If there were a large colony of carpenter ants, then it would be wise to drill holes in the wooden wall to penetrate the nests and spray any killer over it. You could also dust the nest with boric acid or spray the nest with an aerosol insecticide.

One of the home remedies to get rid of carpenter ants is by mixing diatomaceous earth with boric acid and sprinkling it over the nest. Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and safe to use.

Mix white vinegar with garlic powder and spray it around the premises of your home. Though it may stink, it repels the carpenter ants. Another home remedy is to use powdered borax and castor sugar as bait and then sprinkle the mixture of diatomaceous earth and boric acid. Placing fresh mint leaves on the doorsteps and in the areas prone to carpenter ants would stop the carpenter ants from entering your house, as will cayenne powder.

However, if the problem of carpenter ants still persists, it is advisable to get the help of a professional.

By Maya Pillai
Published: 10/18/2008

Protecting yourHome from Carpenter Ants

Unlike other home-inhabiting ants, carpenter ants cause structural damage to wood by tunneling and nesting inside wood. However, they rarely nest in sound wood, but most often invade wood that has become wet and started to decay.

Way To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants

Way To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants – How do I get rid of carpenter ants, termites and pests from my house safely. Find home remedies, pest controllers and other methods to exterminate infestations.

Carpenter Ants Extermination

Carpenter Ants Extermination – How do I get rid of carpenter ants, termites and pests from my house safely. Find home remedies, pest controllers and other methods to exterminate infestations.

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This post is on Carpenter ants and professional pest control. When dealing with carpenter ants it is wise hire a pest control company to use pest control products.

Carpenter Ant Treatment

This article is about carpenter ant treatment. It focuses on insecticides such as: carpenter ant poison, boric acid powder and ant bait.

The Damage Caused By Carpenter Ants

This article is on carpenter ants and carpenter ant damage. It looks at how to control carpenter ants by using pesticide spray.
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