Big Al the Bugman

Bedding used as pest control

2011-12-09T12:19:00.001-06:00

I thought this was pretty cool. Sometimes we think people from earlier times were not as smart as us but think again.

Bed Bug Insurance

2011-07-19T15:46:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you but this is just too funny. Bed bugs are bad but I'm not sure if you need insurance.

This is how those pesky fire ants get around

2011-05-09T10:19:00.002-05:00

After a heavy rain everyone wonders why Fire ants show up on the yards by the street, this is why.

Oak Leaf rollers

2011-03-23T10:31:00.002-05:00

I just noticed Oak Leaf Rollers falling from the Oak trees here at the office, get ready to treat the trees on your lot. I like to use BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) it is a naturally occurring bacterial disease of insects. These bacteria are the active ingredient in some insecticides. If the infestation is heavy then i will use a quick knockdown insecticide.

Spiders

2011-03-11T13:41:00.001-06:00

I guess Spiders don't always bother us in our homes.

Mexican Honey Wasp Nest

2010-04-23T08:30:00.003-05:00

Here are some more pictures of the Mexican Honey Wasp nest.

Swarmer pictures

2010-04-05T13:07:00.002-05:00

Here are some more pictures.

Swarm Castles on a telephone pole

2010-04-05T12:43:00.002-05:00

Here are some more great pictures Wendell took.

Termite Swarmers

2010-04-05T09:17:00.005-05:00

It's Spring time. I know because the Subterranean termites are swarming here in South Texas. Be on the alert for winged insects swarming in large numbers. If you see them outside that is natural, they are all around us in the trees and fences in the ground. You don't want to see them inside the house because that will normally mean they are attacking the structure. Normally you will notice mud spots on the walls usually in areas where there is plumbing or on outer walls if they are coming up the slab of the house. When they swarm inside you normally see swarm castles, these are the take off point for the swarmers. They don't know they are inside a house they just know to get to a high point and take off to try to start a new colony away from the colony that they are in. Swarmers are the mating reproductives of the termites the only job they have is to go and start new colonies to keep the species alive. Inside when they swarm they usually die in 24 hours but they let us know they are in the house and need to be stopped. Houses with pier foundations need to be inspected inside and outside and in the crawl space to find any activity. You should have your house inspected every year to try to stop them as fast as possible so they won't cause too much damage.

Mexican Honey Wasp

2010-03-01T10:42:00.005-06:00

I didn't know Mexican Honey Wasps were active in San Antonio, TX. Last week Wendell and Nick went to a customers rent house and removed a nest from the tree in the backyard, it was a pretty large nest and turned out to be Mexican honey wasps. These wasps make and store honey like a honey bee, but look like a wasp, they are pretty cool. here are some pics taken before they took it down. I will take some close-ups and post them later. Big Al the Bugman.

Cold Weather brings in the rodents.

2010-01-08T10:12:00.006-06:00

Cold snaps usually cause the insect population to dwindle, but it also marks the time for rodents and animals to look for warmer homes. A thorough inspection of the perimeter of the home will show you areas that need to be filled in or sealed up. I have seen Roof rats coming from the cable wires or telephone lines to the roof and gaining access into the attic, I also notice them getting in under the garage doors, as well as the A/C lines going into the attic. The branches overhanging or touching the roof need to be trimmed away from the house by at least 2 feet. On some rare occasions they have been known to come in through the water lines. The only way to stop that would be to install a one way flap under the toilet. These things will help lower the possibility that you will have unwelcome guests this winter. If you need any other help, let me know.
Big Al the Bugman

Roaches are not all bad.

2010-01-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

Roaches are good for something other than freaking us out. This is weird but they do move pretty quickly. Most of the time I see them they are twitching and falling off the walls , but of course that is after I have treated the house for them, LOL.
Big Al the Bugman

Black Crazy Ants

2009-12-15T10:48:00.003-06:00

These ants are really living up to their name. This winter has been the worst that I can remember that these ants are so active. I would say that 90 percent of calls have been about these Black Crazy Ants and they are very active inside homes, in bathrooms, kitchens, living areas. If you are having a problem with these ants you are not the only one. They are having a field day.

CRAZY ANT Paratrechina longicornis: Small, dark grey to black ants, that are easily recognized by their extremely long legs and antennae. Crazy ants get their name from their habit of running about very erratically with no apparent sense of direction. Colonies can most often be found living in soil, under items such as logs, stones, landscape timbers, wood, debris, and living under above-ground swimming pools. Crazy ants feed on a wide variety of foods, including other insects, grease, and sweets. They have been known to feed on the larvae of fleas and flies, and also have been observed carrying away fire ant queens immediately following a swarm.

Crazy Raspberry Ants Headed North

2009-11-18T06:58:00.002-06:00

tHIS IS AMAZING

SCIENTISTS EXAMINING NORTHWARD EXPANSION OF RASBERRY ANTS

11/13/2009

The ant has quickly spread as far north as Louisiana and Mississippi within the last year, researchers from Sam Houston State U. report.

HUNTSVILLE — Poor Texas. First it was killer bees, then fire ants. Now, it’s the Rasberry ants.

The invasion of this new species of ants has scientists intrigued, businesses concerned and fire ants running for the hills, said Jerry Cook, an entomologist at Sam Houston State University.

Cook and other scientists are at a loss to explain the fast and furious spread of the rapacious ant, which is named after exterminator Tom Rasberry, who discovered the ant in Houston in 2002.

The bug has quickly spread as far north as Louisiana and Mississippi within the last year.

“This is a species that we do not know much about. Presumably the ant came from the Caribbean through the Port of Houston,” Cook said. “We know the ant is in the Paratrechina genus and is capable of growing a population of billions and they need to eat. They especially like other bugs, like fire ants and honey bees.”

The population is growing so fast, and so large, that it is potentially an ecosystem disaster, according to Cook.

“If the Rasberry ant can virtually eliminate a pain like the fire ant, what else is it capable of doing?” he said. “If bees are eliminated, plants will not be pollinated which could result to the lack of crops producing fruits and vegetables. That in turn becomes a major problem for the agriculture community. They could become more than a nuisance, they could become a danger.”

The Rasberry ant does not have a stinger and therefore cannot inject venom into a person’s body; however, it does have formic acid, which creates an irritant reaction rather than a painful poison reaction.

“The bite of the Rasberry ant is far less painful than a fire ant’s. Essentially you can get covered with them, and it might freak you out,” Cook said.

The population of the Rasberry ant is constantly growing and scientists have not yet discovered a way to eliminate them.

“Without research, we won’t discover a solution, and without proper funding we’re not likely to get much research,” Cook said.

With a research grant, government or otherwise, scientists could reach out to the community to include industries, such as pest control, to develop products and strategies that could control or even eliminate them.

Insecticides will reduce the population and remove them for about a week, but there is no known treatment that would eliminate them for good.

“If we would have had those grants a year ago, we may have been able to start a program that would have eliminated them but now it is probably beyond that point,” Cook said.

“Until then, we need to learn how to live with them because the Rasberry, like the fire ant, is here to stay.”

Chemicals can be Deadly

2009-11-03T10:47:00.003-06:00

Before you use insecticides or other chemicals Please read the Label it is there for a reason. If you need advice about getting rid of roaches or other pest get some advice Please. It is not difficult to get rid of bugs and with the right knowledge you can do it. Send me an email or give me a call I can help you do it.

Big Al the Bugman

Larger Animals cause problems too.

2009-10-27T08:41:00.002-05:00

With the temperatures starting to drop animals and rodents will start to look for housing. They sometimes find this housing in your crawl space or attic. I always tell my customers to look around the house for signs of openings that need to be sealed or blocked, to prevent animals and rodents from setting up house. We also will go out and check if they can't. I try not to put baits or poisons in the attic or crawl space because if a rodent dies it really stinks, snap traps and glue boards for rodents and cages for animals works best. It might be a little more costly but the results are better. After trapping the rodents or animals then it is time to seal up the openings they used to get inside to keep any future rodents or animals out. Inspecting these areas yearly is advised or in a regular pest control customers case we inspect quarterly.

Big Al the Bugman

This is a big spider !

2009-10-21T12:54:00.001-05:00

Talk about scary things I would hate to find this in my house.

Big Al the Bugman

Fire Ants Kill

2009-09-25T09:18:00.001-05:00

I hate Fire Ants and now I can hate them some more. Please be careful out there.
Big Al the Bugman

Giant Cockroach

2009-09-22T13:33:00.001-05:00

How would you like to have these guys in your house ? We would need to carry bats for exterminating, LOL.
Big Al the Bugman

Crazy Ants Heading to Louisiana

2009-09-21T10:38:00.002-05:00

Crazy ants may be making there way to La. next. We have had them recently confirmed here in San Antonio, TX but I have not run into them yet. I have some tricks up my sleeve for these ants. If you have a problem with ants call me.
Big Al the Bugman

Bzzzz Bzzzz Mosquitoes

2009-09-03T10:53:00.002-05:00

Mosquitoes, We all hate them. As this article states don't let your guard down just because summer is over. Maxxthor SC works great against these biting pests.
Big Al the Bigman

Really big Texas Bugs

2009-09-01T09:14:00.002-05:00

These are Texas size bugs, LOL. This exhibit seems pretty cool, check it out.
Big Al the Bugman

Bed Bugs Itch Itch

2009-08-24T10:18:00.001-05:00

Remember when you were small and you're parents said goodnight and don't let the bed bugs bite. I always thought it was funny until i started doing pest control and found out how bad these guys are. Read this article it pretty good.
Big Al the Bugman

Giant plant that eats rodents.

2009-08-21T13:46:00.002-05:00

I have heard of fly catchers and ant catchers but i had never heard of one that could catch rodents. In the story someone asked if they could be used as a practical rodent control method but we all know there are just too many mice and rats in a given area for these plants to control them. It was a nice thought though.
Big Al the Bugman

Some Strategies for Controlling Scorpions

2009-08-20T10:04:00.003-05:00

CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR SCORPIONS

Although many people who live outside the arid southwest United States may never see a live scorpion, its shape is well known, and they can be found as far north as British Columbia. The scorpion's body form is characteristic, cephalothorax (fused head and thorax) elongate and dorsally shield-like, with an abdomen distinctly segmented with the last 5 segments tail-like ending in a stinger usually curved upward. The most common scorpion is the small, striped scorpion, Centruroides vittatus (Say) family Buthidae.

This small arachnid is only about 1½ inch long, tan, with two broad dark stripes running lengthwise down the body. It is distributed across the southern states and can be commonly found under rocks on south hill slopes in Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri. Non-fatal, poisonous species occur in Florida and in the semi-arid Southwest.

Two species are known to cause fatalities when they sting: Centruroides gertschi (Stahnke) and C. sculpturatus (Ewing) commonly called the Deadly Sculptured Scorpion or Bark Scorpion. These scorpions are from the family Buthidae are found in southern Arizona and neighboring states of California, New Mexico, and Texas. Actually C. gertschi is only a color variation of C. sculpturatus. There are about 40 species of scorpions in the U. S. - all of which can sting! Scorpions are most common in rural areas and new subdivisions.

Scorpions are nocturnal. They hide under boards, rocks, rubbish and litter during the day. Scorpions are nocturnal feeders, so they forage at night, detecting slight air movements and/or minute vibrations, seeking insects, and sometimes, small mice. They can normally withstand starvation for 4 - 5 months. Scorpions blindly grab their prey with front, crab-like claws and quickly and repeatedly sting, whipping the stinger over their back. Scorpions can not see ultraviolet light, but ultraviolet light makes scorpions fluoresce - so, go out at night with a black light and carefully hunt this pest.

Despite the scorpion's usual occurrence in dry climates, scorpions need access to water, or some moisture. Because they do need to drink water, their nocturnal feeding habits and tendencies to inhabit shady crevices and areas reduce the evaporation or loss of their body fluids. The crevices they hide in may be extended down to the moist areas of the soil.

Scorpions also find daytime hiding places in crawl spaces, attics and closets. They enter occupied rooms, especially kitchens looking for water. Scorpions avoid temperatures over 100^o F. and when the attic gets too hot they move downward into the laundry, bathrooms and/or kitchen where water is available. So, make some water traps.

Inspection - Thoroughly soak an area near the foundation with water . Then cover with a piece of OSB board, plywood, paneling or heavy cardboard with a rock on top - check this "shelter" for several days for scorpions hiding under there and remove them or make a trap of soapy water in a shallow tray under the cover. Conduct a nighttime flashlight (or better still a black light they glow a fluorescent green color) inspection. Place hands carefully when searching in scorpion habitats. Wear high boots, heavy gloves and long sleeved shirts and then:

· Carefully, look under outside harborage and in crawl spaces and attics with a black light at night.

· Scorpions avoid temperatures over 100^o F. and when the attic gets too hot - they simply move downstairs into the laundry, bathroom and/or kitchen areas where moisture is also available.

· Inspect kitchen sink cabinets and bedroom closets.

· Scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet or black light; (they can not jump) so control is relatively easy.

· Ground scorpions frequently burrow into sandboxes where they can remain without food and water for up to 6 months - you may have to screen the sand to protect the kids.

· Scorpions tend to lie still and blend into their surroundings.

· Shake and examine all clothing and shoes before putting them on.

· Move furniture and beds away from the walls.

· Don't walk in bare feet. Always wear shoes when outdoors, especially around a pool at night or when ever in damp areas.

· Be especially careful of wet/damp towels in the bathroom and pool area.

Habitat Alteration

Maintain an 18" vegetative free band around the perimeter of the building. Tighten weather-strip and/or caulk all points of entry. They usually enter by way of wall voids, so seal all visible openings. Store firewood, lumber, and garbage up off the ground.

· Remove harborage, e.g., piles of wood, debris and/or trash around buildings and homes. Repair plumbing leaks and ventilate moist areas. Install screened vents or fans and/or a dehumidifier and/or a non-leaking air conditioner. Insects are their principle food, so control the insects and you control the scorpions.

Exclusion and Controls

· Repair door thresholds, door, vents, and window screens, caulk and/or seal all openings.

· Put crib legs in clean wide-mouthed jars, pull beds away from walls, shake all clothing before putting it on - remember, scorpions tend to cling to loose objects.

· Dampen a burlap bag or piece of heavy, coarse cloth and spread it on the ground in the evening. Scorpions will crawl under it during the night and can be easily collected the next morning.

· Use a black light and vacuum dry crawl spaces and attics, as a last resort have caring certified applicators dust under kitchen sinks and in closets where scorpions are seen with desiccating dusts, e.g., food-grade DE, Foam/seal/caulk all cracks and crevices and/or voids.

· Chickens will search out and destroy this pest outside. Now, the Mexican government even puts ads on TV advocating chicken control.

· Cats usually of little value in mice control can be quite effective in controlling scorpions, but they must be trained how to do so safely!

· Water baits with boric acid, borax, food-grade DE or sodium borate or water/soap traps placed where scorpions can reach them but children, pets and wildlife cannot will work.

· No commercial baits are available, but you can experiment with the above-mentioned materials.

· In dry places, scorpions will congregate under moist burlap placed on the ground in areas of suspected activity. Carefully inspect and control the moisture seekers.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPORTANCE - Caution: Every scorpion sting should be considered dangerous. Always consult a medical professional. Children, chemically-sensitive people, people with heart problems and/or elderly people are especially susceptible to the scorpion's poison. Call a doctor or emergency room immediately and cover with ice or immerse the bitten area in ice cold water. Scorpions sting when touched, rolled over on when sleeping, stepped on, or otherwise provoked.

Remember that your initial inspection must be done very thoroughly. Some scorpions can live for 6 months without food or water and can hide for months after eating their fill. Carefully look all over - very thoroughly. Scorpions usually breed outside or under the building, possibly in the attic, but in most cases will be found in the crawl space, under logs, timbers, rocks, debris, or similar material. Thoroughly clean and caulk the entire building area so there will be no hiding places left for the scorpions. Thoroughly inspect at least an area for ten feet around the outside of the building and remove all debris, boards, rocks, firewood, etc. If you prepare boric acid or sodium borate water baits and they evaporate - simply add more water to the container - the boron products will still be there waiting to go back into the solution. Do not add any more boron to the bait container unless you first wash it. Chickens love to search out and destroy scorpions.

Inside the building, remember scorpions can and do hide anywhere, so carefully look everywhere in bathtub traps, in seldom worn shoes and boots, in areas under appliances, under sinks, in closets, and in similar dark or damp hiding places. All of these areas can be vacuumed and/or spot treated with lime, talcum powder or medicated body powder or Comet®, boric acid, silica gels and/or diatomaceous earth for effective control. Be sure to correct all leaks, routinely and thoroughly vacuum and clean the premises, use dehumidifiers apply silica gels, boric acid, Comet®, lime, talcum powder or medicated body powder lightly in all cracks and crevices, then caulk with silicone all openings. If you must use poison, follow the labeled product directions exactly and vacate the building for at least several days and thoroughly air out before re-entry.

Final Note: Use a black light inside and out. Chickens love to eat them let - let 3 to 4 chickens clean the exterior area for you for real innard-grated pest management. Food grade DE dust will kill scorpions when directly contacted. Remember, if you live in an infested area, put bed legs in wide mouth jars as scorpions can not climb on clean glass. Beds should not touch walls. Wrap bed legs with duct tape (sticky-side up) and place duct tape (sticky-side up) around walls and where you see scorpions. Do not walk without shoes or at least sandals. Look underneath all objects you pick up and take out: clothes, bedding, foot wear before getting into them. Turn on lights when getting out of bed and watch where you step and touch.

Insect Allergies can be deadly.

2009-08-17T09:43:00.002-05:00

I have known for a long time that I am allergic, somewhat, to bee stings. I really watch what and where i am walking when i treat houses. Unfortunately there are others that are highly allergic and this is when you have to be on guard constantly. Keeping Wasp-Freeze or EcoPco Jet-X handy at all times when outside is one way of watching yourself.
Big Al the Bugman

Zombie Ants

2009-08-14T11:52:00.002-05:00

In a bizarre parasitic death sentence, a fungus turns carpenter ants into the walking dead and gets them to die in a spot that's perfect for the fungus to grow and reproduce. This just shows you how nature is pretty strong.
Big Al the Bugman

Animals in the yard

2009-08-12T13:51:00.002-05:00

I've been noticing more animal activity lately, from possums all the way to skunks in my yard. If you're animal gets sprayed by a skunk the best thing I have found to treat them is this.

De-Skunking Shampoo made up of:

1 quart peroxide
¼ C baking soda
1 Tbs. liquid hand soap.

Mix all ingredients together and shampoo the animal thoroughly keeping out of eyes, nose, and mouth. Soak 5 minutes and rinse well.If the spray got into your pets eyes, flush them liberally with water, its irritating but will cause no long term damage. In the house I found if you simmer vinegar in a pan on the stove it will waft through the house and kill the skunk smell. I used it myself last year when my dog got sprayed and came and jumped on my bed, Whoa it was like someone slapped me, it was so strong. So just some friendly advice from someone that's been there.

Big Al the Bigman.

Askbugman.com

U. S. Pest

Raspberry Ants in San Antonio, TX

2009-08-11T10:31:00.003-05:00

I just saw this and it says Raspberry ants were confirmed here in San Antonio. It seems we may have to really start checking the ants that people are seeing in their homes. If you need some insects identified feel free to call me at 210-494-5800.
Big Al the Bugman
askbugman.com
U S Pest

Fire Ants

2009-08-10T14:22:00.002-05:00

Fire Ants.
I have seen this before and now you can too. this is how Fire Ants move around areas after a heavy rain. Most of the time they end up on the your property from the street where the water rushes in the gutter, or they float in under the fence from a neighboring lot. Using Ascend Ant bait will keep these guys from using your yard as a new home. Askbugman.com
Big Al the Bugman

Mosquito Magnet

2009-08-07T06:55:00.003-05:00

Are you a mosquito magnet? Do they just find you out of everyone at the party? This is a very informative article, check it out. If you need something to control the mosquitoes that are chasing you, Maxxthor is a very great control option. Treating your lawn and vegetation will control mosquitoes for up to 2 weeks compared to fogging which gives a few hours. You can see our other control options at Askbugman.com

2009-08-06T09:14:00.001-05:00

It seems the Raspberry Crazy ant is becoming more of an agricultural pest now. They have been attacking honeybee farms as well as colonies and destroying them. They haven't come to our area yet but we are watching them as well as keeping up with what types of treatment options are available for them. I'll keep you updated as we learn more.
Big Al the Bugman