|
|
|
Ants
Fireants
Though Lubbock and adjacent counties are not officially designated as part of the rapidly
expanding range of the fire ant, they are not unheard of here. Fire ants are aggressive
and with their powerful sting they have been known to kill pets, calves, and even people.
Fire ant mounds are large and extremely hard. There are documented cases of farm implements
being ruined by trying to plow under a mound. Use common sense and caution when dealing
with fire ants of any sort.
Pharoah Ants
This relatively small ant (1/16") is a major nuisance in both commercial and residential
environments. Pharaoh ants have been known to infest hospitals, where they cause
damage ranging from contamination of medical supplies to direct infection of patients
through bites. Colonies of these ants are small, typically under 400
members, but they are not territorial and hundreds of colonies may be located within a
single wall, each occupying an area the size of a thimble. It is estimated that 90%
of the ants will not leave the colony, so controlling these pests through conventional
means is difficult. Modern usage of baits and professional treatments are necessary to
eliminate these problem infestations.
Carpenter Ants
The Carpenter Ant is one of the more destructive pests found in homes. Colonies that
remain undetected and untreated can grow to as large as 8,000 workers and can cause severe
structural damage. Contrary to popular belief, Carpenter Ants do not actually eat the
wood. They remove it, leaving smooth holes and halls through the wood. Small inexplicable
piles of shavings similar to pencil shavings below windows or below openings in baseboards
are one possible sign of an infestation. Locating and eliminating the actual colony is
the only way to effectively treat this problem.
Roaches
Termites
Spiders
Ants
Rodents
Fleas and Ticks
Other Pests
|
|
