Bumper Crop of Summer Insects

This year may be one of the worst times in quite a while for some summer insects. Blame it on two factors: The blistering summer heat and how there was practically no winter in some regions of the United States.

As we head into the dog days, ask yourself: Are you prepared to tackle a pair of the worst kinds of warm weather bugs?

We’re talking about Black Widows and Mosquitoes.

Black Widows

 

For adults, a bite from the black widow spider can be very painful for a couple of days. For children, elderly folks and those with compromised immune systems, getting tagged by this insect could be fatal.

They build their nests close to the ground. The thing is that their webs are under piles of things like firewood, between boxes, under lumber. The newly born black widow seek high ground, releasing a web that’s a little like a para-sail. That natural tool allows them to actually float from their old location to a new one. Not all make the journey successfully, though.

A semi-myth about these spiders is that the female always eats her mate. The key word is always. The orange hour-glass ladies sometimes don’t dine on their male counterparts.

Avoiding a Bite

Here are some tips on how to avoid getting bit by one of these poisonous monsters:

• If you see a web, scrutinize the area very thoroughly. You might want to think twice before sticking your hand under the structure.
• Black window control is not a DIY project. Call a professional company such as Vulcan Termite and Pest Control.
• When moving things that have been sitting there for a long time, whether it’s inside or out, throw on a pair of heavy gloves.
• Before you slip into your shoes, give them a good shake to extract anything hiding inside. When not in use, store your footwear in large zip-lock type bags.

Mosquitoes

These guys have been around for tens-of-millions of years. Because of their long survival, they’ve become quite good at biting things to feed off its blood. Their sophisticated sensors can hone in on their prey using visual, heat and chemical detectors. Mosquitoes can find something to eat up to 100-feet away by detecting carbon dioxide or lactic acid at a distance. They also like to buzz around dark stuff, like a nice black t-shirt. And their little heat sensors can take your body temperature when they drop by for a close-up.

One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes from taking a snack on your blood supply is to simply stop breathing. They’re attracted to you because you exhale carbon dioxide. That’s pretty hard to do. So, try not sweating when you’re outside.

Impossible? You say you can’t be “sweat-free?” Try these other methods and see if they work for you:

• Don’t wear perfume or body scents when outdoors.
• DEET appears to be effective for most people, but since mosquitoes are attracted to different folk based on their smell, it may not work for you.
• Light colored clothing doesn’t attract these buggers, black clothing does.
• Cover as much of your body as possible when outside.
• Stay away from places that are harbors to mosquitoes, like harbors. These flying menaces are attracted to water.