Bugs – To Kill or Not to Kill…
The natural inclination for most people is to kill just about any bug they see. Psychologists have examined our fear of insects and come up with a number of theories for why most people automatically hate anything with more than four legs. Some fears are rational, but there’s no denying insects play an important role in the ecosystem.
Some bugs deserve the death sentence while others are best left alone. Our certified pest control technicians are trained to know which insects need to be eradicated. Here’s an abbreviated list of bugs that should be killed and others that you may want to pardon.
Insects That Should Be Killed
The second you see these bugs it’s time to take action to get rid of them, because they pose a danger to people, property, pets and plants.
Termites
The most destructive pest on the planet is the termite. This wood destroying insect doesn’t discriminate between the wood fibers of a tree and the boards that are used to build a home. They particularly love to chew through water-damaged wood. If they are given the opportunity to chew, it could end up costing you thousands of dollars to fix the damage.
Mosquitoes
The problem with mosquitoes (besides the itchy bites) is they spread disease to people and pets. If you see them buzzing around your property the first thing you should do is look for standing water. Mosquitoes need still water to lay their eggs and reproduce. Effective mosquito control includes getting rid of the water, preventing eggs from hatching and killing the full-grown adults.
Black Widows
One of the few truly dangerous insects is the black widow. Most spiders don’t bite, and even if they do it’s just temporary pain from the pincers. However, the venom of the black widow is powerful enough to kill a person if the bite isn’t treated quickly.
Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluses aren’t as dangerous as black widows, but their bite can cause serious problems such as infections and permanent skin damage.
Wasps, Yellow Jackets and Hornets
No one wants to get a painful sting from one of these insects. They usually won’t bother people unless they feel like they’re under attack, but it’s best to go ahead and get rid of the nests.
Ticks
Ticks are notorious for spreading diseases that can have long-term affects on your health. Deer ticks, which are prevalent in the south, are known to spread Lyme disease in people. Pets are at an even higher risk for getting ticks and can be temporarily paralyzed when a tick is under their skin.
Insects You May Want to Let Live
Believe it or not, some insects shouldn’t be given the death sentence. The bugs below don’t pose a threat, and they help keep the environment in balance.
Bees
By now you may have heard about the decline in the bee population, which is a serious concern in the agriculture industry. Bees help to pollinate plants, and the USDA estimates that their efforts are equal to $15 billion a year in improved crop quality and yields.
American Household Spiders
Many people fear spiders, but mainly because they look more ominous than they actually are. Black widows and brown recluse spiders may pose a threat, but common house spiders won’t. They can actually be beneficial since they feed on other insects.
Ladybugs
This is another bug that can help keep other insects in check. They are especially helpful in the garden. Adults and larvae feed on soft-bodied pests like aphids before they can destroy garden plants.
Praying Mantis
The praying mantis is another predator that will kill and eat any insect it catches.
This is just a quick list of bugs that should be killed and ones that deserve to live. For more advice on insect control in Central Alabama give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. a call. Our experts can tell you what to watch out for in our area, and we can provide customized pest control treatments that are targeted at specific insects.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-pest-control/bugs-kill-not-kill/