Well it didn’t surprise at all, when you see this many crickets you are bound to see a spider or two. Let me tell you this Black Widow was huge, she was almost the size of a quarter. Rodent stations are ideal for hiding, minimal intrusion and plenty of space until we show up that is.
Two recent articles on rattlesnakes in the news, great information as many people are know hiking and interacting with critters in the desert. Our calls have increased on snakes in backyards etc. The pictures below are of a Gopher snake that got caught up on a glue board and I’m trying to set it free.
“Newly approved rattlesnake ant-venom under UA study.
“Tucson Poison Center warns baby rattlesnakes may be a Danger.”
One of the calls I get this time of year concerns this little fellow above, the Crane Fly. It looks like a mosquito on steroids and are in the same Order Diptera (= two wings) as mosquitoes. Crane Flies are found throughout the world, in Arizona generally right after the Spring rains we see them and then all of a sudden they are gone (usually living only 10 – 15 days). The larvae are found near water and eat organic materials and become food for fish and other small insects.
Just after emerging from her pupa case she seeks out a male, mates and lays eggs in moist soil. So hang in there they won’t be around long. Oh I almost forgot they don’t bite so no worries.
tree
I think this is a Orchid Tree, Bauhinia variegate. The honeybees were going crazy, it sounded like a whirling buzzing noise and the tree was covered with bees pollinating.
When the bees are out gathering nectar and pollen generally speaking they will not attack, if you bother them or swat at them they may defend and sting you but they are not in hive defense mode. A lot of people panic when they see a few bees on a tree or bush, the honeybees are just there to gather the fruit of their labor. The same goes with water areas, this could also be your pool or water fountain. Swarms occur and should be left alone, they will probably move on. Let them be and more than likely they will leave you be. We as humans can come into contact with bees daily so just take care and if you notice them coming and going from your home – just check them out and see exactly where they are coming from.
Bee safe
“Carnivorous mice that howl likes wolves”
The northern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys leucogaster) is rather squat and blocky, has a white tummy and a white tip to its short tail. They’re not fast runners but are very agile – able to twist and turn to subdue prey in their longer-and-stronger-than-average jaws.
Isn’t it great to hear and read about cool stuff like this, thank goodness they aren’t real big. But anyway that’s why I’m here, to pass along stories like these.
Over the years I have noticed that Canada is tougher on pesticides than we are in the States and was just curious why that was? “Citronella safety debate”
Back in 2004, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency completed a review of citronella-based insect lotions and sprays and said it was not convinced the products were safe.
I’m a fan of being on the safer side of things, but we must also weigh the risks that the bugs bring. It turns out that the people often are the lead in these laws. They fought to keep pesticides out of lawn and gardens applications and this ban (Canada) took effect in 2009. I also found this article “Organic pesticides can be worse than synthetic: study”
OK my point is this, I believe pesticide in moderation or IPM – use the tools available, then if you must, then use pesticide.
Normally I have noticed that they cut the extra cable and fill it in with cement. Post tension slabs, pull the concrete together by cables within the concrete. This helps to keep the concrete tight and prevent the concrete from cracking.
OK we all have quirks that make us unique or so I’m told. If we all the same, the world would be a boring place. This news article brought up one of my past foibles to light. “Women called cops over stick insects gift”
I was recently on a trip and encountered two dead insects – a Jerusalem Cricket and an Assassin Wheel Bug. I recovered both and put them in a medicine vial and placed them into the freezer, expecting to take them home. Yep, you guessed right, I forgot and guess who found them.
Surprise, thank goodness she knows me well enough not to go screaming from the place. A good laugh, I hope so I really like the cabin and would like to return for another visit. Thanks Michelle….
“Big or small, mammals take 21 seconds to pee“
I guess my other question would be the picture of the dog and mention he probably thinking – why are they taking a picture of me peeing?
But once again, that is the one of reasons why I live – to find these incredible and one of a kind stories. I know you’re laying awake at night wondering about this kind of stuff? I guess my next real plan of action is to time myself, know we will find out who is really reading my home seal…
“Ants are so passe, You need a termite farm of your desk“
Photo by PPMA
Not sure how this will play out with customs but I think it would be cool to watch their activity. I will keep watch and keep you up-to-date on the progress.
