Stranger than Fiction: Real Pest Facts that Sound Fake
There are a lot of facts out there that don’t sound real. And honestly, a lot of those facts come from the pests that buzz around us every single day. Bugs and rodents are often more unbearable than people realize. From surviving the winter months to preparing their colonies for the spring, the world of pests are strange creatures.
A lot of these facts might sound false to you, but they’re backed by years of experience in the pest control industry. When you spend time understanding these factual statements, you’ll know why pests are so difficult to get rid of. You’ll also realize why we always recommend hiring professionals.
Now, let’s dive into some real pest facts and discuss why people don’t often believe them.
Termites can eat through concrete
I know you’re probably tired of hearing about termites. But it’s important to educate yourself on them, especially this time of year. One of the most surprising facts involves these creepy critters. A lot of homeowners believe that homes made out of concrete are fully protected from termite damage. But that is further from the truth.
While termites don’t actually eat concrete, they will work their way through tiny cracks in it. Further, if there’s even the slightest opening, termites will squeeze their way through to start searching for wood inside the foundation. Once they find the source, they’ll begin gnawing on the wood creating thousands of dollars in damage. Act sooner than later, and let us start treating your home before the problem gets worse.
This is just one reason why termites are the most destructive bugs in the United States. You can read more on the truth about termite damage here.
Cockroaches can live without their heads
Okay, I’m going to get completely real with you here. You might think you’re reading a horror book, but this is real life. Cockroaches are able to survive for a short period of time without their heads. In order for them to do this, they breathe through small openings in their bodies. They aren’t like you and I, or most bugs on this earth.
A headless cockroach is able to continue living for several days. The reason they pass on is either dehydration or starvation. I know what you’re thinking, “you just ruined my appetite!” Don’t get me wrong, I felt the same way when I learned about this. And while this news can be very unsettling, it also highlights how resilient cockroaches actually are.
The next time you think you killed a cockroach, think again. They might just have another life that you don’t know about.
Ants create living bridges
Now, let’s dive into our friends, the ant colony. Ants are most active in the spring, so this is a must-read section.
Like most sports teams, ants are also known for their teamwork. Army ants are capable of forming what’s called a “living bridge” by using their own bodies. But they can’t do it alone. They work together to accomplish this. When they come across a gap in the foundation or some sort of challenge, they will form a temporary bridge that allows the rest of the colony to safely cross over.
When the last one crosses the bridge, the ants break off of each other and continue searching for their nutrients. While you’re sitting there amazed at how intelligent ants are, take this as a sign to call the professionals.
Spiders can “balloon” through the air
I’m sure you’re probably wondering, what does this even mean? Trust me, I thought the same thing.
Some spiders travel through the air using a method called ballooning. In this method, they’re able to release strands of silk that catch the wind, which allows them to lift off a surface and float through the air.
Spiders can travel over 1,000 miles using this technique. So, this is your sign to never underestimate a spider’s authority. As you can see, ballooning explains why spiders can suddenly appear in places you wouldn’t expect to see them in.
Ticks can survive for years without feeding on their prey
How many of you struggle with being patient? If you answered yes, ticks are the complete opposite of us.
Ticks are known to be incredibly patient insects. For instance, one of their most shocking abilities is how long they can survive without food. I mean, how can anyone go a day without eating something?
Certain tick species can live for several years without finding a source. During that time, they will continue hiding in tall grass, piles of leaves, wooded areas, or along the fence lines of your home. All it takes is one human or animal to walk by for them to latch on to. When they hitch a ride on you or an animal, they’re able to start feeding. And this happens to be the best day of their life.
This long period of survival makes ticks difficult to eliminate from outdoor areas. That’s why it’s important to keep up with yardwork, move all wooded areas at least 100 feet from your home, and stay on top of your pest control services.
LadyBugs secrete a stinky and toxic fluid
I bet you didn’t know this about LadyBugs. They’re often viewed as harmless and helpful insects for the environment. For example, they help protect your garden from pests that are trying to destroy it, like aphids. But keep in mind that LadyBugs have a strange defense technique.
When they feel threatened, LadyBugs release a yellowish fluid from their leg joints. That liquid has a strong odor and can even be toxic to most predators. It leads animals in a different direction, which allows LadyBugs an opportunity to save themselves from danger.
If you start smelling a strong odor in your home this spring, please be mindful of stains on walls, fabrics, and furniture. We know this can be super annoying, especially when you just want to keep your home spotless for everyone this summer. We have the proper tools and knowledge to keep LadyBugs outside protecting your gardens. Give us a call today!
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth
When it comes to dangerous animals, you might be thinking of sharks, snakes, tigers, or any other large creatures. However, the deadliest animal on Earth is actually much smaller than most people realize.
In fact, mosquitoes are held responsible for more human deaths each year. This is because they spread diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Even though most mosquitoes in the U.S. are known as annoying, their ability to transmit diseases worldwide makes them incredibly dangerous. So, we suggest stocking up on bug spray and keeping up with your Mosquito, Flea, and Tick services this spring!
Brown recluse bites can be hard to notice at first
You might notice the spider itself, but it’s extremely difficult to notice their bites at first. Most people fear these spiders because of their poisonous bite.
In most cases, a brown recluse bite can be painless when it happens. Symptoms might not appear for several hours or even days later. But over time, the bite area can develop redness, blistering, and even tissue damage in your body.
While the early stages of a brown recluse bite are often easy to overlook, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry. As your friends, we want to remind you that waiting until it gets worse is not the best idea.
Fleas typically lay up to 50 eggs per day
Okay, I am confident that this will blow your mind. Are you ready for it?
Fleas have the ability to reproduce extremely fast. That’s why these kinds of infestations can get out of control in the blink of an eye. This happens because a single female flea can lay up to 50 EGGS each day. And these eggs typically fall off your pets into the carpet, furniture, bedding, and cracks in the floor. In just days, those eggs can hatch into larvae and eventually become adult fleas. And those adult fleas are just waiting to reproduce again.
This rapid life cycle is why flea problems often require more than a simple DIY treatment. It’s absolutely crucial to bring in people who know what they’re doing. We will do whatever it takes to quickly eliminate fleas, so you can get back to the peace of mind you’ve been praying for.
Cockroaches can survive nuclear radiation
Okay, I’m terrified by this fact. You didn’t think I’d leave you with just one, did you?
This is another shocking fact on cockroaches. They have the best resistance to radiation. Meaning that, they’re not completely immune to radiation, but they can tolerate much higher levels than humans can.
Scientists believe that this is due to cockroaches having slower cell cycles. During that cycle, radiation tends to damage cells during division, so slower cell turnover gives cockroaches a surprising level of resistance.
All in all, this unique ability has contributed to the myth that cockroaches could survive a nuclear apocalypse. What do you think?
Recap
As we wrap up this blog, we want to remind you that pest facts are never going to sound normal. Pests can grow to be incredibly adaptable to the things of this Earth. Their unusual survival techniques allow them to thrive in places like your home, yard, and other environments.
From termites silently sneaking in through tiny cracks to fleas multiplying faster than the speed of light, pests have evolved. It’s a game with them these days. That’s why it’s important to prevent infestations and address your pest problems early with the pest experts.
So, get ahead of the game by scheduling your free inspection or give us a call at 615.590.1260.
