Drought Conditions
Q. I’m having problems with ants invading structures. I’ve sprayed outdoors as usual and have been using bait but the ants seem to be ignoring it. What’s going on? (J.C., Ga.)
A. Your area of the U.S. is experiencing a drought and hot conditions. Without water, ants and other pests respond by moving toward other resources. Usually, this is moving to structures with lower temperatures and water.
Ants respond this way even in short drought situations. In these cases your "normal" treatment regimens may have to be altered. Spraying perimeters may not be as effective because of the warmer temperatures and dry conditions. The better choice may be to use a granular material. At the same time, dry baits for ants may not be taken as readily. Water is a priority for insects and if supplies are short then liquid or gel baits may be the formulation they accept.
A damp environment
Q. We are experiencing a problem with earwigs invading in huge numbers. One of our customers complained about an odor in certain areas of the structure and all we found were earwigs. Are they the cause of the odor? (J.F., Md.)
A. Earwigs like moist conditions. The rain we have had is providing an optimum environment for these insects to complete a couple of generations quickly — and the populations are growing. They invade structures readily and I bet if you look outside around the foundations you will find lots of them.
Earwigs also have an odor and even "squirt" this substance in some situations. From what you have described, it may be that when vacuuming, the homeowner disturbed the earwig population and the insects then emitted this odor.
Treat the cracks and crevices in the area with an insecticide dust and inspect well outside. The perimeter treatment will have to penetrate the mulch or the homeowner will have to rake the mulch back to keep it dry.
The author is president of George Rambo Consulting Services, Herndon, Va. Fax questions to him at 703/709-9637 or e-mail questions to grambo@pctonline.com.
