Pests Archive | Page 9 of 16 | Bug Out - Pest Control and Extermination Services

Mud Dauber

Mud Daubers in Jacksonville FL

Just as their name implies, mud daubers are solitary wasps that construct nests or brood chambers from mud. There are many species of mud daubers and they are commonly found throughout the United States. Besides its unique nest, one of the easiest ways to identify a mud dauber is by its thread-like waist separating its abdomen and thorax, which helps differentiate it from other types of wasps. Mud daubers are not aggressive and typically do not sting unless their nest is directly threatened.

Mud Dauber Habitat

Mud daubers live in nests constructed by the female population of the colony. Mud daubers build cylindrical nests that look much like an organ pipe. Nests consist of short mud tubes constructed side by side and are most often located in shaded areas like porch ceilings, under eaves, or in sheds and barns. The female mud dauber collects spiders, paralyzes them with her sting, and then places them inside mud chambers within the nest. She deposits an egg on top of one of the spiders in the chamber before sealing it off. The larval wasp hatches and feeds on the spiders provided, molting several times before pupating and transforming into an adult wasp. When nests appear to have round holes on the outside, this is an indication the wasps have emerged and the nest is inactive.

Mud Dauber Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Mud daubers do not defend their nests and are rarely aggressive. These wasps are beneficial insects as they reduce spider populations. Although mud daubers aren’t dangerous, they can still be a nuisance when they are nesting in or near your home. If a nest is found on your property, nest removal should always be handled by a professional wasp control company, as any wasp handling can be dangerous.

Varied Carpet Beetle

The varied carpet beetle, which gets its name from the various colors on its back, is considered to be the most common carpet beetle in Jacksonville FL. Carpet beetles are small insects that eat carpet and other natural fibers.

Identifying Varied Carpet Beetles in Florida

Carpet beetle larvae are usually the first to catch a homeowner’s eye, as they are frequently striped and are covered in bristles, causing them to appear furry. As these larvae mature, they will shed their “shells,” which is another common way that carpet beetle infestations are identified. The beetles themselves are tiny, oval-shaped insects, usually 2-3 mm long and are one of the more distinctive Florida beetle species. They have characteristic scales with a colorful mix of black, white, brown, and yellow patterns on their backs, giving them a mottled appearance.

If you suspect a problem with varied carpet beetles, it’s best to seek advice from a professional beetle control company like Bug Out.

Where in Florida Do Varied Carpet Beetles Live?

Varied carpet beetles in Florida are commonly found in homes, with the larvae particularly fond of dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and storage spaces containing natural fibers such as wool, silk, and leather, as well as stored food products. The adult beetles are often found near windows, light sources, or on flowering plants, where the adults feed on pollen.

Outdoors, female beetles search out spider webs, bees, wasps, or bird nests as locations to lay their eggs. These nests and webs contain dead insects, beeswax, pollen, feathers, or other debris that can serve as larval food. Varied carpet beetles are present in many homes without being noticed. In small numbers, they can actually be beneficial to your home in the sense that they are good at breaking down old organic matter and “cleaning up” after other insects. Adults usually appear in spring or early summer.

Carpet beetles are scavengers. In homes, particularly large, old homes, this species commonly becomes entrenched in attics feeding on dead insect remains; it then moves down into the home to infest Oriental rugs, wall hangings, and wood-based wall-to-wall carpeting. The varied carpet beetle has been recorded feeding on a great variety of animal and plant products such as carpets, woolen goods, skins, furs, stuffed animals, leather book bindings, and dead insects and spiders. If you believe that your home has fallen victim to a carpet beetle infestation, contact a beetle control expert.

How Common Are Varied Carpet Beetles in Florida?

Varied carpet beetles are quite common in Florida due to the state’s warm and humid climate, which creates favorable conditions for their growth and reproduction. Florida’s year-round mild temperatures allow these beetles to thrive both indoors and outdoors. Regular inspection and pest control measures are important to prevent infestations, as their larvae can cause damage to fabrics and stored food items.

Are Varied Carpet Beetles Dangerous?

Varied carpet beetles are not considered dangerous to humans, as they do not bite or sting. However, in addition to natural fiber damage, they may infest stored food items, leading to contamination. While not a health threat, early detection and control measures can prevent infestations and protect valuable belongings.

FAQS

How to get rid of carpet beetles in Florida?

To eliminate carpet beetles, start by vacuuming all infested areas, including carpets, furniture, and crevices. Wash affected clothing and fabrics in hot water or dry clean them. Seal food items and ensure proper storage. Professional pest control may be necessary if the infestation is severe, especially in Florida’s humid climate, which can accelerate beetle growth.

Should I be concerned if I find a carpet beetle?

Yes, finding carpet beetles can be a cause for concern. While adult beetles typically feed on pollen, their larvae can damage natural fibers, clothing, upholstery, and carpets. Early detection can help prevent significant damage to your belongings.

Are varied carpet beetles harmful?

Varied carpet beetles are not harmful to humans in terms of health, but their larvae can cause damage to natural fibers like wool, silk, and leather. They may also infest stored food items such as cereals and grains, leading to contamination.

Cellar Spider

Identifying Cellar Spiders in Florida

Cellar spiders are inconspicuous, harmless, fragile spiders with extremely long, thin legs. They are sometimes referred to as daddy longlegs spiders, which are quite different and unrelated. Some species of cellar spiders are very common in homes, especially in garages, basements, and cellars, hence the common name. These spiders can be seen in corners and ceilings, usually hanging belly-up. Cellar spiders are the natural enemy of large house spiders that live in homes, and will also feed on flies, bees, wasps, and even other cellar spiders when food is scarce.

Cellar spiders have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other common house spiders in the state. Typically, their bodies are about 1/4 inch long, with legs reaching up to 2 inches. They are usually pale yellow, light brown, or gray, and their slender bodies are covered with a fine layer of hair, giving them a somewhat fuzzy appearance.

Where in Florida Do Cellar Spiders Live?

In nature, cellar spiders usually live in the openings of caves or crevices in cliffs and other protected places. Cellar spiders thrive in environments with moisture and darkness, making many parts of Florida ideal for habitation. Given Florida’s humid climate, these spiders are commonly found in residential areas where moisture accumulates. Indoors are often found in damp cellars, basements, crawl spaces, garages, and dark, quiet places such as attics and closets. Cellar spiders build irregular, messy webs, are highly sensitive to vibrations, and will rapidly close in on an unsuspecting insect if it wanders into their web. Male and female cellar spiders may be found in climate-controlled structures year-round. Outdoors and cellar spiders might inhabit shaded areas like under decks, in sheds, or within piles of debris and leaves.

In urban areas of Florida, cellar spiders have adapted well to human environments. They are widespread in older buildings where cracks and crevices offer ideal nesting sites. The high humidity levels in coastal areas also contribute to their prevalence in this region.

How Common Are Cellar Spiders in Florida?

Cellar spiders are common throughout Florida. Their presence is often more noticeable in the wet and humid seasons, which provide ideal conditions for their survival and reproduction. As one of Florida’s most prevalent house spiders, it’s not unusual for residents to encounter them frequently.

These spiders are found in residential areas and common in commercial buildings and warehouses where similar environmental conditions exist. Due to their non-aggressive nature and relatively harmless status compared to other spider species, many people might not be aware of their presence unless they actively look for them.

The population of cellar spiders can increase significantly if their environment is unchecked. Areas with high humidity and minimal disturbances can see a higher concentration of these spiders. Regular cleaning can be challenging, and moisture control effectively keeps their numbers at bay.

Are Cellar Spiders Dangerous?

Although cellar spiders do have venom, they aren’t a cause for concern. Historically, cellar spiders are not known to bite humans and, therefore, do not pose a health threat. Cellar spiders are considered nuisance pests, due to the large amounts of webbing they produce. Many species of spiders consume their old web before making a new one, but cellar spiders do not. They continuously add to it, creating large amounts of webbing which becomes a nuisance to remove and an eyesore in homes and commercial buildings. Regular cleaning and web removal are essential to managing their presence in homes and buildings.

Cellar spiders are very reluctant to bite humans. Their small fangs are not strong enough to penetrate human skin easily. Even if a bite occurs, the venom of a cellar spider is mild and typically results in no more than minor irritation or redness at the site.

Cellar spiders can still be distressing for individuals with arachnophobia or those who prefer not to have spiders around. We are here to help—our Florida spider exterminators can take on the challenge and provide peace of mind by managing these and other common house spiders in Florida.

If you are dealing with cellar spider problems in your home, contact your local spider exterminators.

FAQs

What do Cellar Spiders Eat in Florida?

Cellar spiders primarily feed on small insects and other arthropods such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, beetles, and even other spiders. Their predatory behavior helps control the population of various pests within homes.

Are Cellar Spiders Harmful in Florida?

No, cellar spiders are not harmful to humans. Their venom is mild, and their fangs are too small to cause serious injury. They are non-aggressive and rarely bite, posing no significant threat to people. The primary concern with cellar spiders is their unsightly webs, which can be managed with regular cleaning.

How Can You Prevent Cellar Spiders in Florida Homes?

To prevent cellar spiders in Florida homes, it’s essential to reduce moisture levels using dehumidifiers, seal entry points, maintain regular cleaning, and keep the home’s perimeter free from debris. Natural or chemical repellents can also help. However, these essential remedies may not be enough to entirely prevent cellar spiders from invading your home.

For a more comprehensive solution, consider contacting us for expert Florida spider control. Our professional services are designed to effectively manage and prevent cellar spider infestations.

Brown Widow Spider

Identifying Brown Widow Spiders in Florida

Brown widow spiders, also known as cobweb spiders because of their irregular webs, are common in Jacksonville FL. The brown widow originally entered the U.S. in Jacksonville FL and spread its range in the 1990s. The brown widow resembles the black widow, however, the hourglass of the brown widow is yellowish-orange or reddish-orange instead of bright red as in the black widow. Males do not bite, however, the female brown widow is a venomous spider that injects a neurotoxic venom when it bites its prey.

Additionally, brown widow spiders often have geometric patterns on their backs and legs, adding to their distinct appearance. The legs of a brown widow spider may also have dark bands. Their size is comparable to that of other widow spiders, with females measuring about 1.5 inches long, including the leg span, while males are generally smaller and less noticeable. Recognizing their web is another important aspect of spider identification. Brown widow webs are irregular and messy, typically found in secluded, sheltered areas like outdoor furniture, garages, or window sills. These tangled and sticky webs are designed to trap unwary insects, distinguishing them from the orderly orb webs of other spiders.

Where in Florida Do Brown Widow Spiders Live?

The brown widow builds its web in secluded, protected sites around homes and in woody vegetation with branches. Some typical sites selected by brown widows for web building are empty containers such as buckets and nursery pots, mailboxes, entryway corners, under eaves, storage closets and garages, and on the undersides of outdoor furniture and wrought iron railings. They choose places that are more exposed than sites chosen by black widows and therefore, appear to be at higher risk for interactions with humans regarding the potential to be bitten.

Brown widow locations are not limited to a specific part of Florida. They are widespread throughout the state, from the Panhandle to the Keys. This widespread distribution means you could encounter these spiders in a bustling city or a quiet rural area.

How Common Are Brown Widow Spiders in Florida?

The prevalence of brown widow spiders in Florida has increased in recent years. They are becoming increasingly common, which makes it essential for residents to be aware of their presence and take steps to manage them.

Brown widow spiders have adapted well to the human environment in urban areas. They are often found in residential neighborhoods, parks, and other places with plenty of cover and food. Their adaptability and the abundance of suitable habitats contribute to their growing numbers. Brown widow spiders are also common in rural areas, particularly in areas with plenty of vegetation and sheltering structures. Farms, barns, and other agricultural settings can provide ideal habitats for these spiders.

Despite their increasing numbers, brown widow spiders are often overlooked because they tend to stay hidden. They are not aggressive and will typically retreat when disturbed. However, their growing presence means that more people are likely to encounter them, making it essential to know how to identify and manage them.

Are Brown Widow Spiders Dangerous?

The bite of a brown widow spider is minor in comparison to that of a black widow and does not cause the same symptoms as a black widow bite. Brown widow spider venom is twice as potent as black widow venom, however, it is believed the brown widow does not inject the same amount of neurotoxin. This species is timid and avoids human interaction. In fact, males and immature brown widow spiders do not bite at all. While brown widow spider bites are typically not medically threatening, it is important for sensitive individuals to seek medical attention in the event of severe pain and swelling.

If you are dealing with a brown widow spider problem in your home, contact your local spider exterminators for help.

FAQs

How Do Brown Widow Spiders Differ From Black Widows in Florida?

Brown widows are light brown with an orange or yellow hourglass marking, whereas black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass marking. Brown widows often have geometric patterns on their bodies, unlike black widows. They are less aggressive and create irregular, messy webs, while black widows’ webs are more structured.

Can Brown Widow Spiders Cause Health Issues in Florida?

Brown widow spider bites can cause localized pain, redness, and swelling, with potential symptoms like muscle cramps, nausea, and headaches. Severe reactions are rare but can occur, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Most symptoms subside within a few days with proper care. Brown widows are not aggressive and bite only when threatened. If bitten, clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Confused Flour Beetle

Confused Flour Beetles in Jacksonville FL

A number of beetles infest flour and grain-based products and are known as flour beetles. Of these species, the confused flour beetle and the red flour beetles are the most economically dangerous. The confused flour beetle occurs commonly in the northern part of the United States. This beetle is omnivorous, eating both plants and animals. Flour beetles are extremely important pests of flour, being the most commonly encountered pests in flour mills. They feed on grain dust and milled cereals, but are unable to attack sound and undamaged grain.

Confused Flour Beetle Habitat

The confused and red flour beetles live in the same environment and compete for resources. Flour beetles can be found not only inside infested grain products but in cracks and crevices where grain may have spilled. Flour beetles infest cereal, cake mix, cornmeal, crackers, and dry pet food, chocolate and nuts, and seeds (such as birdseed). Both adults and small, off-white larvae will be found in an infested food item. The adult beetles often wander away from the infested material and will be found inside pantries and cupboards or anywhere in the home.

Confused Flour Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Confused flour beetles do not bite or spread disease, however, they give off a displeasing odor, and their presence encourages mold growth in grain. They are attracted to grain with high moisture content and can cause a grey tint to the grain they are infesting. Common signs of an infestation are visual sightings of actual beetles crawling or flying throughout the home, seeing them in flour or cereal products, and “leaky packages.” Small bits of meal or grain spilling from a package, or small holes chewed through packaging, are signs that an infestation is present.

If an infestation is present in your Jacksonville FL home, locate and discard all infested material. Contact your local pantry pest control experts for help or advice with confused flour beetles!

Fox Squirrel

Fox Squirrels in Jacksonville FL

Fox squirrels are found throughout the eastern and central United States and have also been introduced into cities in the western U.S. Fox squirrels spend most of their time in trees during the day, foraging for food. These squirrels are omnivores, eating everything from plant matter to insects and birds. Like other tree squirrels, fox squirrels will enter homes, building nests in attics, walls, chimneys, rooflines, and inside garages. Fox squirrels carry diseases such as tularemia and ringworm that are transmissible to people.

Fox Squirrel Habitat

Fox squirrels prefer open, savannah-like habitats, where trees are widely spaced and the understory is open. Fox squirrels need large trees with cavities or holes in them for building nests to raise their young. They are most common in oak-hickory forests but are also found in live oak, mangrove swamps, and pine forests. Because of this habitat preference, fox squirrels do well in urban and suburban settings. These pests will enter homes and attics, causing damage to wiring, gardens, and lawns.

Fox Squirrel Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Fox squirrels sometimes cause damage around homes and gardens, where they feed on immature and mature nuts, fruit, and a variety of other plants. During the fall, squirrels dig holes in gardens or in turf where they bury nuts or other seeds. This storing of food, which they may or may not ever retrieve, raises havoc in the garden and tears up a well-groomed lawn. Squirrels sometimes gnaw on telephone cables and may chew their way into wooden buildings or invade attics through gaps or broken vent screens. They also have a tendency to strip bark to feed on the juicy inner bark layer (cambium), causing injury to trees. If you are having an issue with fox squirrels, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.

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