| Indoor & Outdoor Pests - May 2008
Please Note: All recommendations are for central Maryland. Time frames shift two weeks earlier in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore and two weeks later for Western Maryland. Check publications for further information.
Indoor Pests
Grain beetles and Indian meal moth larvae are pantry pests that can be controlled by carefully checking all opened packages, throwing out infested foods, washing infested storage containers, storing cereals and grains in closed containers and vacuuming and thoroughly cleaning pantry shelves and floors. No chemical controls are recommended.
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Outdoor Pests
Before applying an insecticide be sure that you have correctly identified the cause of your problem. Have you tried other solutions to the problem? Is a insecticide application warranted? If yes, select the least toxic pesticide, spray it only at the targeted pest on the affected plants. Spray early in the morning or at dusk to avoid harming pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Avoid mosquito and midge problems by turning over any pots, lids or saucers that might collect water and create a breeding site.
Mining bees are active now. They are solitary bees that nest in underground burrows, fly low over the ground and make ¼ inch holes in loose soil. They are not aggressive and the males have no stinger.
Wasps and bees are also very active. Carpenter bees cause concern at this time of year. They make clean, round holes about ½ inch in diameter. They usually will not bother wood that is freshly painted or stained. They can be a problem in weathered and untreated wood. Use a water based permethrin product labeled for bees and wasps when spraying inside or outside your home. Contact a pest control professional if you’re having a serious problem with carpenter bees.
Fleas are sometimes observed in homes where there are no pets. The most likely source is an animal living in the attic, crawl space, fireplace or some other sheltered area connected to the inside of the home.
Ticks are active now. Wear light colored clothing and get in the habit of checking yourself, your children and pets closely for ticks after spending time outdoors. Repellents are also effective at keeping ticks at bay. Deer tick populations are especially high around the Chesapeake Bay.
Termites and ants are swarming. Ants have a pinched waist like a wasp and termites have a straight waist. Ants have elbowed antennae and termites have straight antennae. Ant forewings are longer than the back wings and on termites they are the same length. Different types of ants may appear in your home. Try using bait stations to control minor infestations. Liquid and gel formulations are usually quite effective.
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Organics, IPM and Beneficials
Attract beneficial insects by planting a large variety of flowering plants especially in the mint, dill and aster families. These flowers will provide nectar, pollen and cover for beneficials. Birdbaths and pans of water will provide the necessary water to keep beneficials from leaving your yard. Be sure to refresh regularly to avoid mosquitoes.
Household Hazardous Waste
Do not buy more pesticide product than you need for the growing season. It is better to re-purchase than to store pesticides for extended periods. Check with your county/city recycling office to learn about amnesty days at local landfills for household hazardous wastes including pesticides. Also check containers that are old, have been stored improperly or were exposed to extreme temperatures. Call the manufacturer’s phone number on the container for assistance with these types of problems or contact the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 1-800-858-7378.
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