I hate them. You hate them. We all hate them.  You know you do. No, I am not talking about the Police Academy movies.

There is perhaps no living thing on earth more reviled than the cockroach. These pesky insects can make a grown man or woman scream, tremble and run for cover. Frankly, they have no redeeming qualities and most people just want them eradicated.

Based on fossil evidence, cockroaches have lived on Earth for more than 300 million years, or as long as gas prices have been on the rise. Their sizes vary considerably, with some species growing up to several inches long.

There are approximately 4,000 – 7,500 species of cockroaches worldwide and approximately 60 species are found in the United States. They are in nearly every part of the world, in a wide range of habitats. Unfortunately, many of the biological characteristics that make them so successful also make them one of the most difficult pests to manage.

Cockroaches, especially the German cockroach, are the most commonly encountered household insect pests in much of the United States.  However, only a few of the cockroach species found in the United States routinely enter and infest our dwellings. In addition to the German cockroach, the most common of these found throughout America are the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, the Smokey Brown cockroach, the Australian cockroach and the Florida Wood cockroach.

These six species represent the majority of all cockroach infestations in and around buildings. In some parts of the U.S., one species may be more prevalent than the others. Other species may infest homes or other buildings, but will generally be localized. Some will exist under unusual circumstances such as inhabiting ant, wasp, termite colony nests, caves, animal burrows, and even mines.

Because cockroaches contaminate food with their excrement, as well as emitting an unpleasant odor, these insects are considered by homeowners and entomologists to be among the worst household pests, even worse than your in-laws.

Many of the environmental requirements of cockroaches (high humidity, warmth and food sources) can be found in a typical home. Cockroaches evolved as scavengers feeding off decaying plant materials, and they will readily feed on carbohydrates. But they will also feed on a variety of other foods, including paints, wallpaper pastes and book bindings. Homes also provide shelter and a multitude of warm and humid niches.

Some of my suggestions for dealing with cockroaches include:

• Cutting down on their food supply by sweeping the floor after every meal and keeping trash in a tight-lidded container
• Drying up their water supply by fixing dripping faucets and not overwatering houseplants.
• Keeping them out of your home by sealing common roach entryways and caulking cracks around windows and doors

Do you freak out when you see a cockroach?  Have you ever stayed at a roach motel? Let’s hear about a scary encounter you’ve had with this reviled pest.

Barry The Bug Guy

Each of us has heard someone say at one time or another, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite!” While many children probably think this is just an old-time saying and that there’s no such thing as a bedbug, they couldn’t be more wrong.

In fact, bedbugs have been prevalent in the news throughout the country after investigative reports found some hotels crawling with them. This is how bedbug infestations usually happen: People bring these unwanted guests home with them. Add in the fact that bedbugs can live up to 18 months without feeding, and that a female bedbug can lay over 500 eggs in a lifetime, and it’s not hard to understand how an infestation can occur.

The truly disheartening fact is that outbreaks can occur anywhere – there are documented outbreaks within the last six months at hotels in New York, apartments in Texas and residential homes in California.

Adult bedbugs are reddish brown, and can grow one-eighth to three-sixteenths of an inch in length. Plus, they are not fast movers, so it is relatively easy to spot one on beds, linens, sofas and other places.

Two of the more common bedbug types are the western bat bug (Cimex pilosellus Horvath) and the swallow bug (Oeciacus vicarius Horvath). While these insects prefer other hosts, they can, when stressed, feed on humans.

Cleanliness has nothing to do with an infestation: Bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, which every human puts out. They feed on blood, not dirt. So no matter how well-scrubbed a dwelling is, an infestation could happen. Heavily used hiding places are evident by black or brown spots of dried blood excrement on the surfaces where the bugs rest. Eggs, egg shells, and cast skins may be found near these places.

Usually there is an offensive odor where bedbugs are numerous. In early infestations, bedbugs are found within mattress folds and daybed covers. If left unchecked, they will work their way behind baseboards, moldings, wallpaper, and any other cracks and crevices in a home.

The most effective way to get rid of bedbugs is a thorough check of belongings after a hotel stay. If you are trying to control bedbugs in your home, consulting a pest control professional will be your best bet as they will be able to provide treatment for the problem and help assist you in finding where these creatures may be hiding.

Have you ever encountered a bedbug? Do you think Oklahoma City’s new NBA team should be called the Bedbugs? Let me know…

Barry The Bug Guy

With Major League Baseball’s 2008 All-Star Game less than one week away at Yankee Stadium, the “All-Star” list of summer pests reads like a who’s who of insects that can make your life that much more difficult.

Leading off with quite a buzz are bees, because they are not comfortable around people or animals, and any disturbance near their hives puts them on immediate alert. They will set up nesting sites in cracks in buildings, trees, underneath mobile homes, flower pots, old tires, playground equipment, woodpiles, and even at baseball games. In fact, in 2005, a spring training baseball game in Arizona had to be stopped in the fifth inning when a swarm of Africanized Honey Bees attacked pitcher Darren Oliver, who was fortunate to escape without injury. If that had been me, I probably would have had to change my name to Barry “The Bee Guy”.

Next in the classic lineup are fleas, which are equally pests towards humans and animals. They prefer dark places like sand, cracks and crevices and bedding and prey on blood. Fleas are responsible for spreading disease such as Murine Typhus and were the cause of the 14^th Century Black Plague that killed over 100 million people.

Like the other classic pests, Bedbugs can be quite a nuisance. Using humans as their preferred host, they are blood feeders that greatly enlarge after completing a meal. They are tough to control because they normally prey on their victims while they sleep. They are also not shy about moving from room to room in search of their next meal.

The American Roach often makes itself known by flying into a home through an open front door. Also known as Palmetto or Flying Water Bugs, they are the largest type of roach and are attracted to sweets, grains, hair and soap. They are normally found in home foundations, under wood and near pools.

Because they often carry illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Encephalitis, mosquitoes may be the most feared of all classic pests. Mosquitoes breed in standing, stagnant water and females need a blood meal to lay their eggs. Despite a very short life cycle, mosquitoes wreak a tremendous amount of havoc during that time.

Much like a pickoff attempt at first base, in terms of prevention, the exterior of the home is a pest’s natural environment. Eliminating mulch and decaying vegetation from around the home can help limit their access into the home.

Besides George Steinbrenner, is there a pest you think should make the “All-Star” lineup that I omitted? Should the U. of California-Irvine Anteaters warrant special consideration for an honorary “Degree in Pestology?” Are there players from today that translate well into certain insects? Look forward to your thoughts…

Barry The Bug Guy

When people hear the initials CSI, they think of a TV show where David Caruso got a second chance after foolishly leaving NYPD Blue. In the insect world, CSI actually stands for Crime Solving Insects.

Did you know that insects can help solve murders by pinpointing the time and location of death, the month a crime was committed and chemicals ingested in a body. They also can help determine if there was abuse and even the circumstances of automobile accidents. Meet the newest brigade of crime fighters: insects.

Forensic entomology has been in existence for centuries; however, it has only in the past decade gained widespread application toward criminal investigations. The use of insects in murder cases and other crimes is becoming quite significant — with police, FBI and other crime investigators now being trained in this area.

In fact, insects provide a level of objectivity to an investigation that should not be overlooked. Often, entomology is more accurate than what pathologists or coroners can do alone, because they must make approximations only on visual decomposition. Experts agree that insects are the only entirely objective way to determine the time of death, often within a range of two hours. Knowing that information can lead to who could have committed the crime.

Insects are usually the first to arrive to the scene of a murder crime – sometimes as early as minutes after a person’s death. Wiithin 30 minutes, insects begin to lay eggs.

The growth and reproduction of cold-blooded insects correlates with temperatures in their surroundings. By observing the stage of insect development and matching temperatures with the weather station nearest the crime scene, forensic entomologists can very closely estimate the time of death. The accuracy of the forensic entomologist is very important as a difference in even three degrees in temperature could cause a variation of three or four days.

Insects can also help determine where someone was killed or if a body was moved after death, according to M. Lee Goff, entomologist and author of A Fly for the Prosecution: How Insect Evidence Helps Solve Crimes. Different species of bugs are native to certain areas of the country, and some are characteristic to specific areas within a region.

Forensic entomologists have also been called onto the scenes of automobile accidents where the presence of bee stings or wasps have been suspected of cause and in perplexing accidents, remains of bugs impacted on parts of cars have been examined to determine location and direction of travel.

In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before there’s a reality television show devoted to forensic entomology.

What are your thoughts on forensic entomology? Would you watch a reality show involving this crime-solving technique? Which CSI show do you watch the most? But I digress…

Barry The Bug Guy

As I am traveling later today to Palm Desert, CA for a Tuesday morning television appearance, I am adding this entry today instead of Tuesday for I don’t know how much writing time I will have tomorrow.

I will be discussing mosquitoes, West Nile Virus and prevention tips on Tuesday, June 24 between 5:30 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. Pacific on KPSP-CBS 2. Their website is www.cbstv2.com.

Now, if you are 40 or under in this country, when you hear the word Flea, you probably think of the guitarist from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. However, with summer on the horizon, the only flea that should be top of mind is the kind that can cause problems for humans and animals alike.

The most common species of flea found throughout America is the cat flea, a reddish brown insect that feeds on cats, dogs, rodents, skunks, raccoons and other animals. Despite only being 1/16 of an inch in length, they can host tapeworms and quickly spread diseases if not controlled. More common than dog fleas, they may be found on dogs or cats and they nest in areas where dust or organic debris accumulate.

The best defense for pet owners from cat fleas is to take special care to wash pet bedding and vacuum and clean floors frequently. Active areas inside and outside of your home can be treated by your local pest control professional.

Meanwhile, the adult flea should be taken seriously by more than just animals. These reddish brown to black pests were responsible for the Black Plague that killed over 100 million people during the 14^th century. They are pests of humans and domestic animals all over the world. Their larva feeds on organic debris and animal blood, while adults feed on human or other animal blood. They transmit diseases such as Plaque and Murine Typhus.

Some suggestions for dealing with adult fleas include:

• Monitor areas to confirm whether a large indoor flea population exists.

• Protect yourself. Wear long pants tucked into your socks or boots. Use an insect repellent on pant legs and footwear.

• Remove any wildlife nesting in or under the building.

• Remove organic debris from the exterior of the property.

• Treat any pets that might have a flea infestation. A veterinarian may be required to control fleas on heavily infested animals.

• Vacuum or steam clean infested areas. Often fleas live indoors in carpets; thoroughly clean carpets. In uncarpeted areas, vacuum along baseboards, under furniture, behind doors, or in areas where dust collects and flea eggs are protected from foot traffic.

• Apply an insecticide, if needed. Follow all label directions and wear appropriate protective clothing.

• Call your local pest control professional if the problem persists.

By following these simple precautions and noticing the first sign of a flea outbreak, you can begin to relax and enjoy the summer season.

Has your favorite pet been exposed to fleas previously? Have you ever attended a flea circus? Feel free to share…

Barry The Bug Guy

SPLAT! If you’re over the age of 16 and have driven in Florida on the Turnpike during the summer, you’ve definitely encountered a flock of love bugs (not to be confused with A Flock of Seagulls and no, there is no truth to the urban legend that the insect was created in a University of Florida genetic lab). In fact, by the time you reach your destination, there are hundreds of acidic marks on your windshield that can affect the paint on your car if not washed off.

Yet, something is different in 2008. I just read a story that love bugs are mysteriously disappearing this year. A drier-than-normal May is the reason most experts believe the insects have not yet exploded on the scene like they normally do.

It seems likely that as rain picks up this summer, the love bugs will return in droves as they always do, people will begin refilling their windshield wiper fluid, and all will be okay with the world.

Speaking of low numbers, while we’ve only had eight cases of West Nile Virus in the U.S. in 2008 as of today (including Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma), it’s important to be prepared and take precautions that will help prevent mosquitoes from ruining your summer.

Disrupting mosquito breeding grounds is the key in helping to prevent the spread of West Nile or any other mosquito-borne virus. It is important to drain any sources of standing water in the yard. In addition, emptying old flower pots, tires and other containers of water can also help prevent the spread. Still water is a magnet for breeding mosquitoes.

Besides removing still water, any attempt to prevent mosquito bites should also include the following elements:

• From now until October, minimize your time spent outdoors, especially at dawn and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Apply insect repellent repeatedly to exposed skin and clothing.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

I will be discussing mosquitoes, West Nile Virus and my prevention tips this Thursday, June 19 at 12:45 p.m. Central on KVIA-ABC 7, which is in El Paso, TX and reaches Las Cruces, NM as well. Their website is www.kvia.com.

Las Cruces is near and dear to my heart, as I have been fortunate to have a weekly column in the Las Cruces Bulletin since January 2007. I encourage you to visit their website at www.lascrucesbulletin.com, as the newspaper is one of the countries’ best weeklies.

Do you miss the love bugs? Does the name Herbie mean anything to you? Do you know anyone who has ever been affected by West Nile Virus? Let me know…

Barry the Bug Guy

I was recently asked to help diagnose a potted plant issue that was causing some stress for a woman in New Mexico. With an arena for basketball in New Mexico affectionately nicknamed “The Pit”, my first thought was perhaps it was something in the air that was causing problems.

Then I examined the problem a little more closely. The woman bought a cheap bag of potting soil and transplanted a plant they had received as a gift. The plant died, but not in a normal plant way. Instead, the plant became slimy, began to rot and fell over.

As there are no warning labels on potted soil bags, it was probably an unforeseen circumstance that something like this could happen. Therefore, here are some reasons why this may have occurred:

For starters, a potted plant has a very limited amount of space and soil to grow; therefore, the plant will normally die if there’s an issue with the soil. Research at the University of Arizona suggests the most common cause of bad soil is a build-up of salts. Whether it’s fertilizers or tap water, small deposits can become a huge problem over a period of time. A great sign that there may be a salt issue with your plant is when a white crust appears on your pot rim or sides. Fortunately, the plant can be cured of the build-up by running a slightly-warm water in the amount three to four times a normal watering through your pot. The drainage hole will allow the dissolved excess salts to exit your plant. Doing this every three to four months can make a huge difference in your plant’s life expectancy.

A second possibly could be if the soil has been over watered. Slow-growing plants can be easily damaged if too much water is applied. Excess water has difficulty draining, which will cause roots to become injured and eventually rot. It is important to keep track of when you are watering your plants so as not to end up over watering them.

A by-product of soggy soil is the attraction of insect pests. From aphids, red spider mites and white flies to springtails and gnats, these insects can cause a whole slew of problems for your plant if not treated quickly. For most insect plant problems, general-purpose houseplant dusts and sprays and should do the trick, but your local pest control professional can also provide helpful advice.

While not everyone has a green thumb, hopefully these helpful tips will keep your plants on the right path to a long and fruitful life without worrying about any recurring soil issues.

Do you have any plant horror stories? Have you ever had an invasion of insects that took out a plant in record time? Or do you possess the Midas touch and have your own plant tips? I’d love to hear from you…

Barry The Bug Guy

The 2008 hurricane season began June 1, and with one named Tropical Storm (Arthur) already in the books, opportunistic pests will be looking for a chance to invade and infest homes. Much like your in-laws, you’re not going to want these pests to pay you a visit.

Did you know the high winds and flooding brought on by a hurricane create new breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, termites, and other pests and dangerous species such as fire ants and brown recluse spiders seeking shelter and food?

While 2006 and 2007 were fairly quiet hurricane years, people all around the United States discovered firsthand in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne) and 2005 (Katrina, Rita, Wilma) the destruction hurricanes can bring. From an insect perspective, the biggest problems we see during hurricanes and floods are standing water which is a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes. In fact, the mosquito larvae feed on the organic matter in standing water and this can lead to an outbreak of the West Nile virus in areas where West Nile is present in the mosquito population.

Another nuisance is a species of fruit rat (also known as a ‘roof rat’) that normally feeds on fruit, but when trees are damaged or destroyed during a hurricane, the rodents will enter a home in search of a new food source. Rats can fit through an opening the size of a quarter and mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. People may not realize that rodents are the number one cause of accidental electrical fires.

Insects can find opportunity when a roof is not intact. A roof that has been damaged in a hurricane provides easy access for a variety of insect pests. Insects are not a lot different than humans. They’re seeking safe harbor in a more pleasant environment.

I encourage homeowners to consider these helpful pest control tips when making their hurricane plan:

• Address low-lying areas on your property that need to be drained to properly prevent long term accumulation of standing water.

• Seal any openings or repair damage in the roof, walls, or windows of your home to keep out insects.

• Overturn plant pots, bird feeders and other containers that could create mosquito breeding grounds.

• Secure any trash containers so discarded foodstuff are not scattered by the winds and become magnets for rats and other pests.

• Trim overgrown grass or shrub areas before a hurricane to prevent those areas from becoming pest refuges during and after a storm.

Do you have any additional questions about how best to stave off insects during a storm? Have you ever had a close encounter with an insect during a tropical storm or hurricane that gave you a case of the willies? Has Flick from A Bug’s Life been to your Hurricane Party? Let me know…

Barry The Bug Guy

Crazy is often defined as being affected with madness. One insect that drives homeowners mad, ironically, is the dreaded Crazy Ant – ironic because this particular pest doesn’t have the ability to sting or bite.

Named for their quick and erratic movements, Crazy Ants typically invade homes in huge numbers and feed on sugar, any type of food crumbs and other insects. During a recent outbreak in Houston, they were discovered to have damaged electrical equipment, clearly showing an eclectic taste to try something new to eat.

These critters have been identified on the top floors of skyscrapers on both U.S. coasts, outdoors throughout South Florida, and have even been found indoors over much of the eastern U.S. and in California and Arizona. Their lineage suggests they were first discovered in Florida back in the mid-1950s; however, they have become a severe nuisance over the last 10 years especially.

What makes them especially challenging is that they will nest indoors or outdoors. Their trails have been observed along sidewalks, buildings and gardens.

Due to their sheer numbers during an infestation, Crazy Ants can be especially tough to eliminate. One sure way to begin the elimination process is making sure all food in a home is sealed in containers and sealing any existing foundation crevices. As their contact with food is eliminated, Crazy Ants will begin to disappear.

Crazy Ants, like most ants, are also attracted to water, so drain your sink after washing the dishes and be sure to dry your counter tops. In addition, granular bait formulas applied outside a structure have proven to be the most effective treatment for controlling indoor ant infestations. Howeve,r this bait is only available to licensed pest-control operators who have proper training and equipment. Homeowner versions are available, but not as effective.

Have you ever experienced a Crazy Ant outbreak? Have you ever played Crazy Eights? Send me your crazy stories…

Barry the Bug Guy

When most people hear the words “Killer Bees”, they think of a classic Saturday Night Live skit involving John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd or a 1980’s World Wrestling Federation Tag Team.

Unfortunately, when sifting through the daily news, we find more and more serious bee attacks, and it’s no coincidence that Africanized honey bees, or so‑called killer bees, have posed a serious public threat in the United States since being discovered in Texas in October 1990. Their appearance ended a 34 year migration from Brazil when they were accidentally released from research hives.

Known for their extremely aggressive behavior ‑‑ there are documented cases of fatal attacks on human beings and animals – Africanized honey bees have begun to appear throughout the United States over the last two decades. There have been sightings from California and Arizona to Texas and Florida, and unlike Bigfoot, we know they exist. In fact, they are known to inhabit warmer states with tropical weather patterns and swarm and move their nests all 12 months, which makes prevention a year-round concern.

As anyone who has seen them in action can tell you, there’s nothing cute about Africanized bees. In fact, it’s almost impossible to tell an Africanized bee apart from the regular honey bees you’re accustomed to seeing in our yards. What distinguishes killer bees is their aggressiveness, i.e. their touchiness. The slightest vibration, odor or movement near a colony is interpreted as an attack and they come after you with the relentlessness of kamikazes, chasing you for much greater distances than a swarm of angry parents at a school board zoning boundary rally.

When killer bees decide to take up residence in a rain gutter or appliance duct or in the eave of a roof, homeowners and their family members can be subjected to the serious threat of injury if and when the bees attack. My advice – at the first site of any bee or hive, do not run – slowly walk into the house and call the local fire department. They can assist in bee removal.

In terms of prevention, there is new technology that plays on the way insects communicate through chemicals called pheromones. Researchers are now learning this chemical language. Through an attractant, the bees can be drawn to a manmade hive. Once they enter the hive, it can be sealed and the bees can be eliminated with soapy water. Your local pest control professional may offer services to help seal the hives.

Have you had a memorable experience with Bees? Do you like the musical group A Taste of Honey? Send me your memories…

Barry the Bug Guy