?…ask the Bugman

Classifying ants into one of three artificial groups makes their identification a little easier. Group one is composed of ants with one node (the node is the projection on the pedicel separating the thorax from the “gaster,” or abdomen) and a tuft of hair at the tip of the gaster. Group two is composed of … Continue reading »

One of the first control methods for bed bugs was to hang the foot of a stag at the foot of the bed. That probably didn’t work very well. One of the first exterminators for bed bugs was a company called Messrs. Tiffin and Son, known as “Bug destroyers to Her Majesty and the Royal … Continue reading »

A pest is an organism so designated by the pesticide industry to promote the use of their chemicals. In reality, most so-called “pests” are nothing more than nuisances we occasionally encounter in our homes or business. Bed bugs don’t carry any diseases and are not dangerous. But they are one of the most profitable “pests” … Continue reading »

I drove over 700 miles recently. There is no radio in my truck and if I sing to myself it isn’t at all entertaining. Also, I can’t get to be entertained by talk radio. So what do I do? Usually just daydream, but this trip I met a fly.

Drywood termites are a major wood destroying insect that cost consumers many millions of dollars in damage and control. One estimate suggested Californians spend $250 million dollars a year on this insect. For many years the primary method of controlling drywood termites was to use sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) as a fumigant. The house had to … Continue reading »

About 15 years ago or so, I was collecting insects in the Gila Wilderness in southwest NM. I came across several salamanders and I knew right away they were an undescribed species. I have a background in herpetology before I went into entomology. I captured four adults and brought them home with me. I asked … Continue reading »

This is the first post of “Bugman’s Bug Bites.” In it I will mention simple pest control methods you can use around the home and any latest important pesticide news. Feel free to share it with your friends or post it on your Facebook wall. If your cat gets ear mites, simply dab a Q-tip … Continue reading »

Many people have their homes sprayed every month to protect themselves from all sorts of crawling insects. But, what do you do about the flying bugs that can cause problems in your home? There are a number of pests that can fly into our homes or are otherwise introduced. Several species of moths and a … Continue reading »