|
month 7
Carpenter Ant
(Length: ¼” to 5/8”)
These large ants are very common outdoors and vary in color from red or brown to
black. Carpenter Ants earn their name because they nest in wood, both outdoors
and inside structures. Frass or “saw dust” is sometimes found near entrances to
their nest. Although not usually as destructive as termites, these insects can
cause structural damage. When nesting inside a home it is usually because of a
leak or moisture problem.
These tips will help you limit carpenter ant infestation:
• Store any firewood away from your home and remove any dead wood or wood scraps
from around the foundation.
• Trim dead limbs from trees and remove stumps. Rid your yard of these potential
nesting sites.
• Make sure that all plumbing or roof leaks are sealed, and check crawl spaces
for excess moisture.
• Water from rain gutters should be directed away from your home and not be
allowed to accumulate close to the foundation.
Flea
(Length: 1/32" – 1/16")
Fleas are small, hard-bodied, wingless insects with a flattened body and legs
adapted for jumping on to a host. The cat flea, most commonly encountered in
Tennessee, seeks mammals for the blood meal needed to sustain them. They can be
a direct health hazard, transmitting disease and tapeworm. Humans are often
attacked when other food sources aren’t available. Their bite leaves a red,
itchy spot on the skin. Their saliva is irritating to the host, causing
dermatitis and hair loss in allergic animals.
|
