Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ant Identification

Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate their nests in wood, creating smooth tunnels and galleries. Sometimes mistaken for termites, carpenter ants are wood-destroying pests that tunnel through wood to construct nests. Their nest-building activities destroy the structural integrity of homes and businesses.

What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?

Carpenter ants are one of the larger ant species, with sizes varying from 0.3 to 1 inch. They are typically black but can also be red or brown. Key identifying features include their evenly rounded thorax and a single node, or ‘bump’, between their thorax and abdomen. Unlike termites, carpenter ants have a distinct waist and elbowed antennae.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include sightings of large, winged ants emerging from structures, piles of wood shavings (frass) beneath wooden items, and faint rustling noises inside walls or woodwork.

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Bites

 

Where Do Carpenter Ants Live?

Drawn to moisture, carpenter ants can establish nests in a number of different locations. These locations can be either inside or outside of a home or structure and generally near damp, decaying wood. In homes and buildings, the parent nest is generally located outside in a tree, stump, or stack of firewood. Nests are more likely to be found in wood dampened by water leaks, such as attic rafters, roof overhangs, wall voids, hollow doors or columns, and in crawl spaces and behind dishwashers. Indoor carpenter ant infestations are always associated with moisture issues in homes or businesses.

Diet of Carpenter Ants

Feeding on a wide variety of foods, carpenter ants prefer the sugary honeydew excreted by plant-sucking insects.They are known to forage far from their nests in search of food. Carpenter ants do not eat and digest wood, but instead, bore through the wood and hollow it out for nesting. Over time, they seriously damage wood, reducing solid structures to hollow shells.

 Life Cycle of Carpenter Ants

The life cycle of carpenter ants includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The queen lays eggs, which hatch into larvae. Workers then tend to the larvae, which eventually pupate and emerge as adults. The entire process can take several weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions.

Carpenter Ant Bites

Carpenter ants can bite in self-defense. Their bites can be painful due to their large mandibles, and they may inject formic acid, causing a burning sensation.

 

Are Carpenter Ants Dangerous?

Carpenter ants are not dangerous to humans but. Carpenter ants can pose a serious threat to homeowners. Even though carpenter ants rarely bite and are not generally thought of as dangerous, their burrowing activity can weaken and destroy the structural integrity of homes and businesses. Carpenter ant swarms usually occur in the spring and are a sure sign that a colony is nesting nearby. Seeing tiny piles of sawdust, or hearing faint rustling noises in walls are both indications of a carpenter ant infestation. While carpenter ants are not as dangerous as termites, if left unchecked, they systematically destroy homes and valuable wood objects within them. If a carpenter ant infestation is suspected, it is best to contact a professional ant exterminator.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

Getting rid of carpenter ants typically involves identifying and destroying their nests, reducing moisture levels in your home, and creating a barrier against their entry. This can be challenging, as nests are often hidden within structures.In most cases, professional pest control services are needed to effectively eliminate the infestation – contact your local Bug Out experts to arrange a property inspection.

Carpenter Ant Prevention Tips

To prevent carpenter ant infestations, eliminate sources of moisture in and around your home. Repair leaks, replace damp or damaged wood, and ensure proper ventilation in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Regularly inspect your home for signs of carpenter ants and maintain a barrier of cleared space around the foundation.

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FAQs

 

Should I Be Worried if I Find a Carpenter Ant?

Finding a carpenter ant in your home can be a sign of an infestation. It’s important to investigate further, as their presence could indicate structural damage due to nest building.

What Causes Carpenter Ants in a House?

Carpenter ants are often attracted to houses with moisture issues. Leaks, damp wood, and humid environments create ideal conditions for them to establish nests.

 

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter Bee Identification

 

What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like?

Carpenter bees are large, robust bees with a distinctive appearance. They typically measure around 1 to 1.5 inches in length. Carpenter bees have shiny, black abdomens with varying degrees of yellow or white markings on their thorax. Their bodies are robust and cylindrical, with a relatively hairless appearance compared to other bee species. Carpenter bees have a characteristic round head with large, compound eyes and strong mandibles. They also have two pairs of wings and six legs.

Unsure which type of stinging insect you are dealing with? We can help you to identify common bee, wasp & hornet species.

Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation

Signs of a carpenter bee infestation include:

  1. Round entry holes: Look for perfectly round entry holes about ½ inch in diameter in wooden structures such as eaves, siding, or decks.
  2. Sawdust piles: Carpenter bees push sawdust and debris out of their nests, creating small piles beneath entry holes.
  3. Sounds: You may hear a buzzing sound near wooden structures as carpenter bees fly in and out of their nests.
  4. Wood damage: Over time, carpenter bee activity can lead to visible damage and weakening of wooden structures.

Contact our wasp and bee exterminators if there is a sign of infestation

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Stings

 

Where Do Carpenter Bees Live?

Carpenter bees are not social insects and create individual nests in trees, eaves, or sides of structures. Males and females overwinter in old nest tunnels and emerge in the spring to mate. The mated female selects a suitable piece of wood for nest construction while the males are nearby the nest sites. The female excavates a gallery using her mandibles, furnishes her nest with “bee bread” (a mixture of pollen and regurgitated nectar), deposits an egg, and closes the cell with chewed wood pulp. A carpenter bee infestation is usually detected by observing a large amount of sawdust and pollen on the ground below the area being chewed and excavated.

Diet of a Carpenter Bee

Carpenter bees primarily feed on nectar and pollen obtained from flowers. They are important pollinators and play a role in pollinating a wide range of flowering plants. Carpenter bees use their long proboscis to access nectar deep within flowers, while pollen collects on their bodies as they forage. While adults primarily feed on nectar for energy, they also collect pollen to provision their nests for their developing larvae.

Life Cycle of a Carpenter Bee

The life cycle of a carpenter bee begins when a mated female emerges from overwintering to establish a new nest in spring. She excavates a tunnel into wood, typically soft or weathered, to create a gallery for her offspring. Within this gallery, she constructs cells and provisions them with a mixture of pollen and nectar. She lays eggs on top of these provisions, and once hatched, the larvae feed on the stored food until fully developed. Larvae then pupate within the cells and emerge as adults later in the season. This process repeats annually.

Do Carpenter Bees Sting?

Female carpenter bees are rarely aggressive but will sting if provoked. If a person is stung by a carpenter bee and is allergic to bee venom, they should seek immediate medical attention.  Male carpenter bees do not possess a stinger but can be extremely defensive when protecting and defending their nest. Although carpenter bees can be helpful pollinators, they can cause significant damage to structures. Windowsills, wooden siding, decks, railings, outdoor furniture, and fences can be attacked. While the damage to wood from the excavation of individual carpenter bees may be slight, the activities of numerous bees over many years can result in considerable destruction. If you suspect a carpenter bee infestation, it is recommended to contact a bee control professional.

Are Carpenter Bees Dangerous?

Carpenter bees are generally not considered dangerous to humans. Although their nesting habits may cause structural damage to wooden structures, they do not pose a significant threat to human health or safety.

Carpenter Bee Prevention Tips

To prevent carpenter bee infestations:

  1. Paint or stain wooden structures to seal the wood and make it less attractive for nesting.
  2. Fill existing carpenter bee holes with wood putty or caulking to discourage re-infestation.
  3. Use hardwoods or treated lumber for outdoor structures, as they are less prone to carpenter bee damage.
  4. Hang carpenter bee traps near potential nesting sites to capture adult bees.
  5. Inspect wooden structures for signs of carpenter bee activity and address any issues promptly to prevent infestations.

Contact our professional wasp and bee exterminators to help with getting rid of Carpenter bees 

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FAQs

 

Are Carpenter Bees Good to Have Around?

Carpenter bees play a role in pollination, making them beneficial making them beneficial to the ecosystem. They are effective pollinators and contribute to the reproduction of many plant species.

Are Carpenter Bees Harmful?

Carpenter bees are generally not harmful to humans, although they can cause structural damage to properties, particularly wooden structures, through their nesting activities. 

Should I Get Rid of Carpenter Bees?

While carpenter bees play a role in pollination and are generally not harmful to humans, their nesting activities can cause structural damage. If their presence is causing significant damage or posing a nuisance, contact your local Bug Out team today to help protect your property.

Cicada Killer Wasps

Cicada Killer Wasp Identification

 

What Do Cicada Killer Wasps Look Like?

Cicada killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus) are large, solitary wasps known for their distinctive appearance. They typically measure around 1.5 to 2 inches in length, making them one of the largest wasps in North America. Cicada killers have a robust body with a black abdomen marked with yellow or orange bands. Their thorax is reddish-brown with yellow markings, and their wings are clear with brown veins. Male cicada killers have a yellow face with green eyes, while females have a black face with green eyes.

Unsure whether you are on deadline with a Cicada Killer Wasp? We can help you to identify common bee, wasp & hornet species.

Signs of a Cicada Killer Wasp Infestation

Cicada killer wasps appear as adults in late June or July and are mostly seen visiting flowers or digging burrows in sandy or light soil. The cicada killer wasp nests in the ground near cicada populations. Frequently, dozens of their burrows are located on lawns and on golf courses. A pile of soil often surrounds the entrance. The male wasp flies guard duty over the lawn, chasing away potential predators.

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Stings

 

Where Do Cicada Killer Wasps Live?

Cicada killer wasps are commonly found throughout North America, primarily in the eastern United States and parts of the Midwest. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including suburban areas, meadows, and open fields. Cicada killers prefer well-drained, sandy soils in sunny locations. They often nest in burrows dug into the ground, particularly in areas with sparse vegetation. These burrows can be found in lawns, gardens, along sidewalks, and near structures such as buildings or fences.

Diet of a Cicada Killer Wasps

Cicada killer wasps are carnivorous insects that primarily feed on cicadas. Adult cicada killers primarily feed on flower nectar, which provides them with energy for flight and other activities. However, female cicada killers also hunt cicadas to provision their nests for their larvae. They capture cicadas in flight or on vegetation using their powerful mandibles and carry them back to their burrows. Once inside the burrow, the female lays an egg on the paralyzed cicada, providing a food source for the developing larva when it hatches.

Life Cycle of a Cicada Killer Wasps

The life cycle of a cicada killer wasp begins when a mated female excavates a burrow in well-drained soil, typically in late spring or early summer. She provisions the burrow with paralyzed cicadas, laying a single egg on each cicada. After hatching, the larva feeds on the cicada until fully developed. It then pupates within a cocoon inside the burrow. In late summer or early fall, the adult wasp emerges from the burrow, and the cycle begins anew.

Do Cicada Killer Wasps Sting?

Unlike other wasp species, cicada killers are not very aggressive and rarely sting humans or pets unless they are disturbed. Males are aggressive and territorial but do not possess a stinger. A sting from a cicada killer wasp can be painful and their venom may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

 

Are Cicada Killer Wasps Dangerous?

Cicada killer wasps are generally not considered dangerous to humans. While they are large and intimidating, they are solitary insects and not aggressive unless provoked. Male cicada killers do not have stingers, and females are not inclined to sting unless they feel threatened or their nest is disturbed. Their sting is mild and is primarily used to subdue prey. 

Our professional wasp and bee exterminators can help you if you have an infestation problem 

Cicada Killer Wasp Prevention Tips

To prevent cicada killer wasps:

  1. Maintain a well-manicured lawn with dense vegetation to discourage nesting.
  2. Fill in bare patches of soil and address drainage issues to reduce suitable nesting sites.
  3. Avoid planting flowering plants that attract adult cicada killers.
  4. Keep outdoor lights off at night, as they may attract cicada killers.
  5. Regularly inspect your property for signs of burrow activity and address them promptly.
  6. Contact the professionals! Contact our professional wasp and bee exterminators today to help manage an infestation.

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FAQs

 

What Do Cicada Killer Wasps Do?

Cicada killer wasps are solitary wasps known for hunting cicadas. Cicada killer wasps play a role in controlling cicada populations and contribute to the ecosystem as pollinators.

Are Cicada Killers Wasps Aggressive?

Cicada killer wasps are not typically aggressive towards humans. While large and may appear intimidating, they are solitary insects and do not defend their nests as aggressively as social wasp species.

Do Cicada Killer Wasps Come Back Every Year?

Yes, cicada killer wasps can typically return yearly, although individual wasps have a relatively short lifespan. While the individual wasps may not survive through the winter, new generations of cicada killers continue the cycle in subsequent years, with new females establishing nests and continuing the population.

Funnel Weaver Spiders

Funnel Weaver Spider Identification

 

What Do Funnel Weaver Spiders Look Like?

Funnel weaver spiders are a common spider species found in North Carolina and are often confused with wolf spiders or called ‘grass spiders’ because they construct their webs in tall grass, heavy ground cover, and the branches of thick shrubs. They are medium-sized, usually brown or gray, with striped patterns on their legs and a characteristic, elongated abdomen. They are known for the funnel-shaped webs they create.

Signs of a Funnel Weaver Spider Infestation

Indicators of a funnel weaver spider infestation include spotting their distinctive funnel-shaped webs, often found in grass, bushes, flower beds, woodpiles and secluded corners of buildings. Frequent sightings of the spiders near these webs, especially in dark undisturbed areas, can also signify an infestation.

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Bites

 

Where Do Funnel Weaver Spiders Live?

Funnel weaver spiders typically inhabit areas with ample vegetation, such as gardens and fields. They are also commonly found around homes, in window wells, basements, and walls where their funnel webs can be anchored.

Diet of a Funnel Weaver Spider

Their diet primarily consists of insects that wander into their webs, including flies, mosquitoes, ants, and small moths. They are sit-and-wait predators, capturing prey that enters their funnel-like webs.

Life Cycle of a Funnel Weaver Spider

The life cycle of funnel weaver spiders involves the female laying eggs in a silk sac, often hidden within her web. The spiderlings emerge and grow through several molts to reach maturity. These spiders can live for several years.

Funnel Weaver Spider Bites

Funnel weaver spiders, or ‘grass spiders’ are not poisonous, but are venomous. They contain venom, as all spiders do, but because of the small size of their fangs, they have difficulty penetrating human skin.

 

Are Funnel Weaver Spiders Dangerous?

Funnel weaver spiders are not dangerous to humans. While they can bite when threatened, their venom is not harmful to humans, and they are generally considered beneficial due to their insect control.

However they are more of a nuisance pest as they molt several times before becoming adults, leaving cast-off skins around the house.

How to Get Rid of Funnel Weaver Spiders?

To control funnel weaver spiders, reduce their habitat by keeping gardens, lawns, and the perimeters of buildings clean and free of debris. Regularly clearing out webs and inspecting corners and crevices can also help. Need assistance, contact our professional spider exterminators today.

Funnel Weaver Spider Prevention Tips

Prevent funnel weaver spiders by maintaining a tidy outdoor environment, reducing clutter where they might build webs. Ensure that windows, doors, and walls are sealed to prevent indoor intrusion.

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FAQs

 

Are Funnel Weaver Spider Bites Harmful to Humans?

Funnel weaver spider bites are not harmful to humans. They might cause minor irritation but are not medically significant.

Is a Funnel Weaver Spider Poisonous?

Funnel weaver spiders, part of the Agelenidae family, are not considered highly poisonous to humans. While they have venom for prey, their bites typically cause mild, localized reactions, rarely severe.

Are Funnel Weaver Spiders Aggressive? 

No, they are not typically aggressive towards humans.

Does the USA Have Funnel Web Spiders?

Yes, the United States has funnel weaver spiders, which are members of the family Agelenidae. However, it’s important to note that the term “funnel web spider” can be confusing, as it is often associated with the more venomous Australian funnel-web spiders (family Hexathelidae), which are not found in the United States. 

The Agelenidae family of spiders in the U.S. includes various species known as funnel weavers, but they are generally not considered dangerous to humans.

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Funnel Weavers? 

No, brown recluse spiders belong to a different family and have different web structures. 

Unsure about which spider you have found, see our common spider species list to assist in identifying the species.

Fox Squirrel

Fox Squirrels in North Carolina

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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Ground Beetle

Ground Beetles in North Carolina

Ground beetles make up one of the largest groups of beetles in North America, with more than 2600 species. Most ground beetles are shiny, black or brown and iridescent, and are sometimes confused with cockroaches. Both are dark in color and move quickly, however, ground beetles are harmless, while cockroaches may create larger issues. Ground beetles are very common outdoor insects that occasionally become pests by wandering into houses and buildings by mistake.

Because there are many different types of beetles in North Carolina, they can be difficult to distinguish, however our common beetle species can help with this.

Ground Beetle Habitat

Ground beetles are commonly found outdoors under objects such as wood, logs, rock, and other debris on the ground. During the summer, in many parts of the country, ground beetles appear in tremendous numbers. They feed mostly at night and are attracted to porch lights and other exterior lights. Ground beetles can become an annoyance by crawling into homes and buildings through small cracks or openings, or through open doorways and windows. Once inside, they can be found in hidden, damp areas in the basement or under boxes or other objects on the floor.

Why do Ground Beetles Come into Your House?

Ground Beetles may enter homes accidentally while searching for prey or shelter, especially during extreme weather conditions like heavy rains or drought. They are attracted to areas with ample food sources, such as other insects, and often wander into homes through cracks and gaps in the foundation or doors.

Ground Beetle Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Ground beetles do not damage household structures or furniture and are harmless to people and pets. When exposed, ground beetles move quickly to find shelter but rarely fly. Outdoors, are actually considered beneficial because they feed on insect larvae. However, during summer, ground beetle infestations inside a home or commercial building can be overwhelming for any property owner. Although certain species have been known to release odorous secretions when threatened, none will bite or attack humans.

If you are dealing with a ground beetle infestation, always contact your local beetle exterminators.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why Do Ground Beetles Come into the House?

Ground Beetles typically enter houses accidentally while searching for prey or due to changes in outdoor conditions. They might be driven inside by heavy rains, drought, or in search of food. These beetles often enter through small openings, cracks, or gaps in buildings.

Why Are Ground Beetles Good for the Garden?

Ground Beetles are beneficial in gardens due to their predatory nature. They feed on a variety of garden pests, including slugs, snails, cutworms, aphids, and caterpillars, helping to naturally control these populations without the need for chemical pesticides.

How Do I Attract Ground Beetles to My Garden?

To attract Ground Beetles to your garden, create a habitat they prefer. This includes having areas with moist soil, mulch, and leaving some leaf litter or logs where they can find shelter. Avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides will also help maintain a healthy population of these beneficial beetles.

What is the Most Common Ground Beetle?

One of the most common and widely recognized Ground Beetles is the genus Carabus. These beetles are known for their large size, metallic sheen, and voracious appetite for garden pests. Their presence is often a sign of a healthy, balanced garden ecosystem.