Associate Certified Entomologist Blog by Jeff Rice, ACE

Joro Spiders, Spotted Lantern Flies, Stink Bugs. What do all of these animals have in common? They are all invasive species! An invasive species is an organism that is introduced to its nonnative environment and begins to spread or expand its range. Many invasive species can cause damage to their new environment, the economy, and to human health. The Joro Spider is a relatively new invasive species that was first introduced to the United States around 2013 and is thought to have hitched a ride on shipping containers from its native Japan. Since that time, they have thrived in the climates of southern states like Georgia and South Carolina. Recent studies, though, have shown that they are resistant to colder temperatures and may soon venture north to states up and down the east coast. Thus far, these spiders show no indications of harming the environment or humans, so while they may look intimidating, they are not dangerous. Another invasive species that is a relatively new [...]

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Termites, known as the “silent destroyers”, are one of the most destructive pests, causing an estimated $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States. Eastern subterranean termites, which are found throughout Pennsylvania, can be so destructive because once damage becomes evident, it is usually the result of many years of infestation. Home owners can take steps to help prevent termites from becoming a serious problem. Routine inspections of the home should be performed to check for signs of termites or termite damage such as mud tubes, cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. In Pennsylvania, termite infestations are most often found in basement or cellar areas or the structural timbers immediately above the cellar walls, so those areas should be thoroughly inspected. Home owners should also reduce moisture around their home, monitor all outside areas of wood, and seal cracks on the exterior of the home. Signs of an active termite [...]

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Remember the childhood rhyme, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite”? For most Americans, bed bugs were only a thing of nursery rhymes until the 1990’s when they began to make a resurgence in the United States, showing up in hotels and motels. Since that time, bed bug populations in the United States have increased exponentially, creating a need for increased awareness and education across the country. The Facts: Bed bugs are small, flat-bodied, oval shaped insects that can vary in size from about the size of a pin head (nymphal stage) to an apple seed (adult bed bug). They do not fly or jump, rather they move from host to host or place to place by crawling, often “hitch-hiking” on items such as luggage, purses, or book bags. Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood and, on average, live for 6 to 12 months. In optimal conditions, a bed bug population can double every 16 days. Bed bugs spend the majority of their time hiding in cracks and [...]

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