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.”
“72,000 Ladybugs released in High School as Senior Prank”
OK I was intrigued when I read this and of course since it was bug related had to pass it along. I was interested in how it started and because I don’t remember doing one when I graduated some 40 years ago. Gosh I’m old! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senior_prank
So as I was researching, here are a few I thought different (I’m not advocating any of this, don’t break into building or destroy property):
http://www.dose.com/lists/1287/13-Absolutely-Genius-Senior-Pranks-ab637-1
http://www.buzzfeed.com/keelyflaherty/the-best-senior-pranks-of-2014#.ggyem67PR
Soapbox Alert —– Soapbox Alert
One of the hardest things that I run across when dealing with termites in the garage are built in shelves. The problem is their location in regards to the expansion joint. Now I agree where else would you build the shelves, certainly not the center of the garage – that would be impractical. Here is my suggestion – don’t secure the bottom shelf. This would allow us the option of removing that shelf and drilling our necessary holes to prevent termites.
One of the many benefits of belonging to a Professional Association are the great benefits and this benefit actually helps consumers find a “PRO” in their area. There are also tips on helping you find that Pro.
“Study: Gerbils, not rats, brought plague to Europe”
Climate data may clear the Black Rats from the scourge of the Plague.
“Scorpion sting woman on plane”
A flight out of LA had a bit of an issue with a feisty scorpion. Scorpions can hitch a ride but accidently getting into boxes and or other objects. It doesn’t happen often but bugs and other type of wildlife will take advantage of opportunities, maybe there was water or food present or maybe it was for warmth. If you are moving boxes from an attic or shed always wear gloves and take care.
Bugs and certain animals may be smarter than we think. Actually I think its about keeping themselves clean and not walking through their own excrement. I’ve known for a long time that when honeybees or ant encounter death they discard the body away from their home. So it just makes good sense to keep the poo at an arms length away from the home. To bad we didn’t think of this sooner, many diseases could have been prevented.
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
