mud Archives - Arizona Pest Control - Pest Management Services

Large mosquito or Crane Fly?

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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.

Grass eating termites

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Termites eat dead wood and often they can find it on live trees. They can eat the bark or sometimes a tree limb will die and they can eat that.

Here is Arizona they consume dead grass, dead cactus and anything that contains cellulose.

Don’t panic, they are just doing what they are supposed to do – consume dead wood.

I often recommend just keeping any eye out for the termites, it isn’t always necessary to treat especially since they are just eating the dead wood.

mud dauber wasp not termites

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Mud dauber wasp

Mud dauber wasp – Every once in a while we get a call from someone thinking they have termites. The picture is a mud dauber wasp, the female constructs this nest out of dirt. Shen then paralyzes a few spiders and deposits an egg within – providing lunch for her offspring. Mud daubers don’t generally sting or defend their nest but that isn’t a reason to harass them because they can sting if provoked. You might find them collecting water to help build their nest.

Just wait for the baby wasp to hatch out or use a shovel to dislodge the mud nest.

Arizona termites – sneaky and they will get in.

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Arizona has some rather sneaky termites but very capable of gaining entry into our homes. They usually make termite tunnels over the outside foundation but can also make their way in by way of that crack or where concrete meets another piece of concrete. This photo was the only evidence within this home but looks typical of those mud tubes or tunnels on the foundation.

So if you notice something that looks like this or a drop tube from the ceiling it’s time to call ProBest Pest Management at 480-831-9328.

Have you inspected your home for termites?

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In Arizona these little mud trails can pop up just about anywhere within your home. The termites make there way up from the soil and make these tubes or tunnels to protect themselves from ants or the heat. Once inside they will soon be munching away on your wall or ceiling studs.

So if you notice something like this I think its time to call a Termite Professional.

R U Seeing Signs of Termites?

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No matter where you you live, OK maybe not Alaska but you probably will encounter termites. In Florida and the east Coast chances are that you might find them in the early Spring – sometime near March and April depending on temperatures and weather. In Louisiana it might be different depending on the type of termite and in Arizona our main push of termites is usually after monsoon and the rains, August – November give or take.

This picture above is typical of our Western Subterranean termites, they will find their way up into a wall and then sometimes make a little hole and mud it up or they will make down tubes. But anyway you look at it, this is what you are looking for.

My recommendations for your home and a termite inspection:

You can look yourself, since you’re on my home seal – type in termites to see what it looks like.
Normally you can get a free inspection, unless it’s for a sale of a home or business.
When your doing housework, glance around for anything you haven’t noticed before.
Looks for mud tubes on the foundation of your home, garages are an excellent place for termites – look at expansion joint.
You can always call ProBest for our opinion, you can send photo’s to [email protected]

Termites are plentiful here in Arizona…

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Always be on the lookout for something that looks like these pictures, termites build these tubes to protect themselves and to gain entry into your home.

Subterranean termites live in the ground and these mud tubes are often visible on your foundation. So if your checking your home and see something like this, it is time to call a Pest Management Professional.

Mud daubers are not Termites!

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Mud daubers are not Termites!

I sometimes get called to homes to find that they see a Mud dauber nest and not a termite mud tunnel.

Picture #1 is a Mud dauber wasp nest and there are a variety of shapes and styles but basically a glob of dirt molded by the female wasp to hide/protect her eggs. She will lay an egg and usually provide it with paralyzed spiders.

Picture #2 and #3 are Subterranean termite mud shelter tubes, typically much more slender in size.

http://en.wikipedia.org

The good news – if it is a Mud dauber – just scrape the mud off the house – that’s it. The bad news if it’s termites – I think you should call ProBest Pest Management!

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Mud dauber wasp