HOUSEHOLD PESTS

Guest Columnists & Pest Experts

Many wonderful pest experts contribute to PestWorld. Browse the latest articles from our guest columnists and bug experts below.

Invasion of the Coneheads!

By Dr. Barbara L. Thorne - Department of Entomology, University of Maryland

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A hungry and rapidly growing species of termite snuck into Florida from the tropics and is living in sections of the Dania Beach area of Ft. Lauderdale. This species, scientific name Nasutitermes corniger, is now nicknamed the “Conehead Termite” because of the distinctive cone - or teardrop-shaped head of the soldier caste.
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Kissing Bugs

By Dr. Jim Fredericks - National Pest Management Association

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Kissing bug. With such an innocuous name, it may seem as if this bug should be the official mascot of Valentine’s Day. However, the insect - named for its habit of biting humans on and around the lips - is a pest and is in no way a symbol of Cupid’s holiday.
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The Truth About Stink Bugs

Dr. Michael J Raupp - College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland

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With the arrival of autumn comes the annual invasion of brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) as they seek winter refuge inside homes and businesses. A native of Asia, BMSB first appeared in the United States in the middle 1990’s near Allentown, PA and are now found in 38 states ranging from coast to coast, border to border, with the epicenter in the middle Atlantic region.
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The Three Most Common Ant Species

Dr. Laurel D. Hansen - Spokane Falls Community College and Washington State University

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Ants remain one of the most common insects for whom homeowners request services from pest management professionals (PMPs). In the recent NPMA survey of PMPs, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants were the three most cited as structural and nuisance pest ants. However, the list is much longer for ants that plague homeowners and businesses around the country.
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Protecting Yourself from Tick-Borne Diseases

Ed Brandt and Candace Brassard - Office of Pesticide Programs, EPA

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The increased occurrence of Lyme disease, as well as other tick borne diseases, is raising awareness and concern about the impact of these diseases on public health.
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Seven Steps to Maintain the Value of Your Home

By Erik Braunitzer - Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company

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Purchasing a home is a serious investment, so homeowners should be sure to do as much as possible to maintain or even increase the value of their home.
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