Ben’s Bug Library

General Information:

Florida has their own species of carpenter ants. Both kinds are bicolored with a red body and black abdomen. They are some of the largest ants you will find in Florida, measuring up to 10mm. Winged females are the largest coming in at up to 20mm.

Where are they found?:

Carpenter ants in Florida do not ingest/destroy wood. They nest in wet decaying wood. If you find them in your home you may have a moisture problem. Exterior decaying trees, mulch beds, or wood piles may also draw carpenter ants.

Swarm Season:

Florida Carpenter ants swarm mainly from March to October. If you see large a large amount of ants with wings, this is an ant swarm. Unfortunately as with most flying insects a retreatment will not help with this population. Normal protocol is to wait out the swarm, if you see many of these ants without wings around your property, its time to call Ben’s!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are carpenter ants harmful? For humans Carpenter ants can bite. These show up as red welts. For your home or structures, they do not physically damage wood themselves, but they do take up residence in previously damaged wet wood.

How long do carpenter ants live? Up to 7 years.

How far can carpenter ants forage from their nest? Up to 100 yards.

General Information:

Big -headed ants are known and identified usually by their comically large head. They are polymorphic, which means they have different size ants in one colony. The Big-headed ant outcompetes other established ant colonies and has recently become the most pervasive ant in Florida. This ant does not sting or destroy structures, but can bite. Big-headed ants are also know for bringing large amounts of dirt inside homes, making large piles. They can sometimes be assumed or mistaken for termite tubes on the exterior of homes or termite frass on the interior, as they make debris-covered foraging tubes.

Where are they found?:

These ants are normally found out in grass and shrub areas. They can invade around your driveway, sidewalk, or pavers. Big-headed ants found inside the home will often be accompanied by large piles of sand/dirt inside. These ants can be a pain to get rid of as most of the time their colonies can extend past property lines.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why did the big headed ants just seem to appear? They are very aggressive with foraging and move quickly from location to location.

Should I treat them myself? Homeowners may have a harder time ridding themselves. They are quite aggressive and can move their queen over long distances. Making eradication of the colony difficult.

What signs should I look for with Big headed ants? And tails on the perimeter and sand piles inside the house for starters. Different sized ants within the colony, specifically much much larger.

General Information:

Ghost ants are extremely small. Their head and thorax are brownish black while their abdomen, legs, and antennae are clear/white. These ants outcompeted actual sugar ants, and are now often referred to as the sugar ant. When treating for sugar ants, it is common for them to get “worse” before they get better. Ghost ants form new colonies by budding, this occurs when established females leave the nest to form new colonies. One colony can do this up to 8 times.

Where are they found?:

These ants are often found in kitchens and and bathrooms. Either searching for a sugary snack or for a water source. They are also found on the exterior of homes by water spigots. Ghost ants usually enter a home through a small crack in the windows, doors, or walls of a home. They can nest both outdoors and indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I have ghost ants? Ghost ants are attracted to moisture and food sources, in particular sweets. They can enter homes through tiny cracks and holes in homes.

Do ghost ants bite? Ghost ants are not aggressive and will only bite if their colony is threatened. Their bite is not painful and will not cause physical harm.

Are ghost ants dangerous? Ghost ants do not pose serious health risks. Ghost ants can contaminate food and become a nuisance because of their large colony size.

General Information:

The Pharaoh Ant got its name from the mistaken belief that is was one of the Egyptian plagues. This ant is normally light yellow to reddish brown in color. This ant is polygynous, meaning each colony contains many queens, this gives them the unique ability to bud, creating multiple nests within the same space. They do utilize trails and may be easy to identify this way. The Pharoah ant is easily confused with the ghost ant. Ghost ants outcompeted these ants, so most cases are not Pharoah Ants.

Where are they found?:

Pharoah ants are a subtropical species that thrives in Florida’s climate. They are also found indoors, especially foraging for food or water.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What do Pharaoh ants eat? Pharaoh ants are omnivores and will eat a wide range of foods including sweets, grease, proteins, and often other
insects.

How do Pharaoh ants spread? They can easily move between rooms through plumbing lines, vents, and electrical conduits.

General Information:

Africanized honey bees are difficult to distinguish from European honey bees. They are slightly smaller with stiped abdomens and a fuzzy body. The main way to tell the difference is through behavioral tendencies. Africanized honey bees are more aggressive and likely to sting more than once if disturbed. These honeybees can also swarm up to 16 times a year, which is more than 6 times the amount as European honey bees. They are also able to defend a larger area around their hive, this defensive area can extend up to 100 yards from their hive. Africanized honey bees are also more likely to chase their “attacker” for longer distances than the European honey bee.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where did Africanized Honey Bees come from? They were introduced to Brazil in the 1950s in an attempt to improve honey production, but escaped and hybridized with European honey bees.

Are they more dangerous than European honey bees? While the venom is the same, Africanized bees are more defensive and attack in large numbers, making them more dangerous.

How can I identify them? Visually, they are similar to the European honey bee. Microscopic examination is needed for accurate identification.

General Information:

The European honey bee was one of the first domesticated bees. It is the species primarily maintained by bee keepers across the country used for honey production and pollination activities. They are also a nuisance pest. The European honey bee can make hives in any opening on a home, siding, eaves, roofs, wall voids, trees, shrubs, and sheds. It is identified as having a reddish brown or yellow color with bands of black and orange-yellow rings on their abdomens. Stings from these bees are considered common events. Most stings are characterized by localized pain, swelling, and redness. They are known to set off allergic reactions. If stung make sure to remove the stinger if stung, clean the area, and apply ice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do they differ from other bees? Unlike some other bees, European honey bees have barbed stingers that remain embedded in the victim when they sting. This leads to the bees death.

Do they have good eyesight? Honey bees have two large compound eyes and three smaller ocelli eyes, allowing them to see a wide range of colors.

What are bee swarms? A swarm is a large group of bees leaving a hive to establish a new colony. Swarms can be a cause for concern if they appear near human dwellings. But will most lively move on without establishing a colony.

What happens if I get stung? Honey bee stings can cause pain, itching, and localized swelling. However, some individuals can experience severe allergic reactions.

General Information:

Bed-bugs are blood-feeding parasites of humans, chickens, bats, and sometimes domesticated animals. After feeding their body is swollen and red in color, where as prior to feeding they are smaller and more of a brown color. Bed Bugs are most active at night, so an infestation may be harder to spot. These pests are usually 5-7 millimeters longs.

What to Look For

• Blood spots on your sheets or mattress
• Pale yellow eggs or eggshells
• Black dots about the size of a period(.)
• Bed bug sheds (looks similar to the bedbugs themselves)
• White oval eggs
• Splotch red bites that itch

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do bed bugs spread? Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can travel on luggage, clothing, furniture, and sheets. They can also crawl between rooms in apartments and hotels.

Are bed bugs harmful? Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause allergic reactions and secondary infections from scratching.

General Information:

Australian roaches are mostly found outdoors, but can venture inside from time to time. This pest is very similar to the American cockroach, the difference is the bright yellow bands on the upper forewings. The Australian cockroach is not associated with infestations, as most sightings in dwelling have to do with moisture issues within the property. They can venture in from outside looking for food, water, or shelter, but do not make a permanent home inside.

What To Look For:

If you are seeing an abundance (5 or more within a week) there may be a moisture issue within your wall, roof, or plumbing lines. You may also need to take a look at entry points into your home. Unsealed windows and doors are main entry points. You may also find them on the exterior of your home near decaying wood (wood piles, swing sets, tree stumps), these may need to be removed in order to get control.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What do they eat? Australian cockroaches primarily eat decaying organic matter and plant material outdoors. Indoors, they will feed on crumbs, spills, pet food, and starchy items.

How do they get into homes? Australian cockroaches can enter homes through cracks and crevices, around widows and doors, and even by hitching a ride on plants or in cardboard boxes.

General Information:

The German cockroach is the most well known cockroach. This is the pest know for abundant infestations. They get out of hand quickly and can become an absolute nightmare to get rid of. Once establishment has taken place it may take multiple treatment for eradication. German cockroaches do not enter structures from outdoors, they need humans in order to survive. They are spread entirely by humans and live only in association with people. Each egg sac contains between 30-40 nymphs, which means that one pregnant female is cause for pest control intervention.

What To Look For:

German cockroaches are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They can nest in cabinets, appliances, and voids under counters. In extreme cases they can nest in baseboards, closet spaces, light switches, and electrical components. German roaches can also be found in cars.

Warning Signs of German Roach Infestation:

• Live Roaches
• Droppings that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper
• Oval-shaped egg casings
• Musty Odor
• Nymphs (small roaches)

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do they spread? They can enter homes through cracks and crevices, hitchhike on items like groceries and furniture, and even be carried in on clothing, especially shoes.

What are signs of an infestation? Look for droppings that resemble black pepper, a musty odor, and live roaches. Especially, in kitchens and bathrooms.

What attracts them? Food, water, and warm, humid environments.

General Information:

The cat flea is the most common of the domestic fleas. This pest, unlike other fleas, remains on the host as it requires a blood meal in order to reproduce. Eggs are motivated to emerge by vibration and temperature. Flea eggs can remain dormant for week or even months. Increased temperature and humidity can activate these eggs. If fleas are a problem in your home, having your pets on flea medication is a must, if the host is unprotected no amount of pesticide application will take care of the problem.

What To Look For:

• On animals: check for tiny, moving black dots (flea dirt) on your pets skin, especially around the base of the tail, under the armpits, or the groin region.
• Red Itch Bites
• Small jumping black dots (especially on white or light materials)

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know I have fleas? On pets look for excessive scratching, chewing, or licking, especially around the base of the tail, groin, or armpits. Humans may notice small, itchy, red bumps, often in clusters, on your legs and ankles. Fleas can also be spotted on light colored surfaces.

General Information:

The Culex Mosquito is considered the common house mosquito. It is normally brown in color with a slender body, long legs, and uniform wing coloration. These mosquitos lay their eggs on the surface of still water. You will most likely see an abundance of these after large rain storms and in communities where ponds do not have adequate water circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How quickly do they reproduce? Under ideal conditions, Culex mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in as little as 10-14 days.

Where do they breed? Culex mosquitoes breed in many different water sources, including stagnant water, ditches, and even polluted water.

When are they most active? Culex mosquitoes are primarily active at dusk and after dark.

General Information:

While many people in the area believe they have seen or have a problem with Brown Recluse spiders there are no confirmed cases of Brown Recluse spiders or spider bites on the treasure coast. These pests are a dark reddish brown and have a violin pattern on their head. There are few members of the recluse family found within the treasure coast, whose bites can mimic the Brown Recluse.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where are they found? They prefer dark, undisturbed areas, such as under rocks, woodpiles, in basements, and inside stored items.

Are they dangerous? Yes, these spiders are venomous, and their bite can cause tissue damage around the bite area.

General Information:

These spiders are seen mostly in the summer and fall in wooded areas, gardens, and on walking trails. The Golden Silk Orb-Weaver feeds on mainly outdoor insects such as flies, bees, wasps, small beetles, and dragonflies. This spider will only bite if held or disturbed. The bite is less severe than a bee sting and produces only localized pain with slight swelling and redness. The Golden Silk Orb-Weaver females are significantly larger than the males. They have a golden-orange body with silvery carapace and brown and orange banded legs, plus hair like brushes on their legs. These spiders get their name because of the golden sheen their large webs often give off.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are they venomous? Yes, Golden Silk Orb Weavers possess venom that helps them capture and digest prey. However, their venom is not considered dangerous to humans, with bites typically causing mild, localized pain and redness. The bite is normally less severe than a bee sting.

General Information:

The female Southern Black Widow is recognized by its shiny black body and prominent red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. Males normally have red markings on the top side of the abdomen and are much smaller than females. Black widow egg sacks are white and may have some spikes, these are seen on widows, doors, eves and screen rooms on the treasure coast. We have had an influx in these spiders in recent years with all of the new home building. These spiders can come in on untreated sod, creating a mass influx. The Southern Black Widow’s bite is venomous. Its bite can cause localized pain, muscle spasms, nausea, sweating, and convulsions. Luckily these spiders are not aggressive and normally only bite when threatened or disturbed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are Black Widow spiders dangerous? Yes, their venom is a neurotoxin that can cause severe pain, muscle spasms, cramps, nausea, and other symptoms. However, fatalities are rare, especially with medical intervention.

How do I avoid getting bitten? Wear gloves when handling items outdoors, shake out clothing and shoes before putting them on, and be cautious when reaching into dark, enclosed spaces.

General Information:

Wolf spiders are hunters, not web spinning spiders. Meaning they stalk prey on the ground versus creating web to catch prey. Wolf spiders are normally brown, grey, or black in color. They are set apart from other spiders by their eye pattern, which is 8 eyes arranged in three rows. Two large eyes are in the first row, with the other six layered below. Wolf spiders can range in size from ½ inch to 2 inches long. These spiders can be found in many habitats including gardens, lawns, under logs, and inside homes (especially during colder months). After mating, female wolf spiders lay eggs and encase them in a silk sac, which they then carry on the their backs. Once the eggs hatch, the young spiders climb onto the mothers back and remain there for a period of time. It is important to note that their bites are rarely harmful and they are extremely beneficial in managing insect populations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do Wolf Spiders live? They prefer areas with ground cover such as leaves, mulch, or woodpiles. They also like dark, damp places such as crawl spaces or laundry rooms.

Are they dangerous? Wolf spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Their bites can be painful with some localized swelling or itching. The bite pain is considered similar to a bee sting.

General Information:

The Eastern Subterranean termite is the most common termite found in the United States. They feed on cellulose material, mostly wood, and can be found in both human made structures and natural wood. Subterranean termites need access to the ground in order to survive. They form mud tubes on the side of structures in order to gain access to the wood inside. They can be found in any wooden structures, for example in homes (including block homes) they are found in baseboards, trusses, wooden doors, wood floors, and wooden siding. An established colony can range anywhere from 20,000 workers to as large as 5 million workers. These termites do have a swarm cycle and normally swarm in Florida from February to April. In recent years their swarm season has extended all the way out to October. To tell the difference between termite and ant swarmers, you must look at the body segments. Termite swarmers only have 2 body segments, while ants have 3.

What To Look For:

• Mud Tubes on the exterior of the structure, normally near the foundation.
• Termite Wings or Swarmers
• Decomposing or “Weak” Wood
• Kickout Holes
• Termite Frass

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do Subterranean Termites live? They primarily live in the ground and build mud tubes to access other structures. They can be in interior walls, basements, crawl spaces, and damp areas within buildings.

How long does it take for them to cause structural damage? Significant structural damage typically takes 3-8 years to develop and can remain hidden for longer.

General Information:

The American Dog Tick is a large, reddish-brown tick with white or grey markings on its back. They are oval and flattened in shape. Females are much larger than males and swell considerably after feedings. They feed off of a blood host. The American Dog tick is normally found feeding off of dogs, cats, and occasionally humans. They are found in grassy fields, trails, and other outdoor spaces. The best way to handle a tick infestation is to make sure that any pets that reside within the home need to be on tick medication.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where are they found? American Dog ticks are normally found in wooded areas, grassy fields, walking trails, and rural/secluded areas. They are normally found on vegetation low to the ground.

Do they transmit diseases? They can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

General Information:

The Brown Dog Tick is a uniformly reddish-brown color with no distinguishable markings. Unfed adults are small but can grow significantly when engorged with a blood meal. This pest if primarily found on dogs, in kennels, and in homes where dogs are present. The best prevention of this pest is to have your pet on flea/tick medication.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where are they found? They are often found on animals, but indoors they can infest homes, kennels, and other indoor spaces where dogs frequent.

General Information:

Mud Daubers are solitary wasps. They are typically 3/4inch – 1inch long, and can vary in color from black to black with yellow markings. They are normally identified by their extremely thin waist. Their nests are constructed from mud and be found in sheltered location such as under eaves, on walls, sheds, or porches. The Mud Daubers nest can be tubular (pipe looking), or mound-like depending on the species. While most consider the Mud Dauber a nuisance pest, they can be extremely beneficial in controlling spider populations. While adult Mud Daubers feed on nectar and pollen, they feed their larvae paralyzed spiders. These wasps larvae hatch from eggs laid withing the mud cell. Mud Daubers while able to sting, are not known to be aggressive and rarely sting unless they feel threatened or are disturbed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do Drywood termites bite? No, they do not bites humans or animals.

Are they dangerous? No mud daubers are not aggressive and rarely sting. Their venom if stung is generally mild, and stings are normally less painful than other wasps of bees.

Are mud daubers beneficial? Yes, Mud dauber s feed on nectar, honeydew, and spider fluids. Which means they are helpful in controlling spider populations and pollination.

Do mud daubers damage property? Their nests can stain walls and block vents, but they do not cause significant structural damage. Their nests can be an eye sore and inconvenience, but they generally do more good than harm.