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ENTOMOLOGY: INSECT PESTS [continued]

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  MG Manual Reference
Ch. 3, pp. 46 - 48
[ Insect Pests: ipm | landscape; foliage, sap, trunk, root | turf grass; root, leaf, sap, nuisance | household; structures, living quarters, products | outdoor | citrus | fruits | gardens ]


HOUSEHOLD PESTS [continued]
PESTS OF STORED PRODUCTS Top
Carpet Beetle Larva
Carpet Beetle Larva

Carpet Beetle Adult
Carpet Beetle Adult
Coleoptera

Carpet Beetles
Adults are from 1/8 to 1/3 inch long, with mottled gray, brown and white markings on the hind wing-covers. Some look like they have been "flocked." The larvae are hairy worms, usually with fringes of stiff dark hairs encircling the body and tufts of longer hairs at the rear. Unlike other insects, they often leave numerous cast skins laying about from molts. The larvae feed on dried foods and materials of plant and animal origin within the house such as: woolen rugs, blankets, clothing, furs, hides, feathers, cereals, dog food and other animal feeds, etc.
Control requires fumigating or freezing the infested materials at below 0° F for 4 days and vacuuming and/or treating cracks and crevices nearby. Rugs that are vacuumed and/or used regularly are rarely infested.
Saw-toothed Grain Beetle
Saw-toothed Grain Beetle
Red and Confused Flour Beetles
Adults are 1/8 inch long and are flattened. They are shiny red to reddish brown, with an enlarged region (club) at the end of their antennae. The larvae feed in flour and cereal products. For control procedures, see grain moths below.
Saw-toothed Grain Beetle
Adults are 1/8 inch long and are flattened. They are dark brown with 6 tooth-like projections on either side of the thorax. The larvae infest cereal products and grains. For control procedures, see for grain moths below.
Indian Meal Moth
Lepidoptera

Grain Moths
The Indian meal moth is example of moth larvae that infest coarse flours, grain products, and dried fruits. The adults are 1/2 inch long with wings that are tan to gray at the base and coppery brown at the tip, giving the moth the appearance of having been dipped in chocolate. Another moth found in foodstuffs is the Mediterranean flour moth. The adult moth has a wingspan of about an inch, with gray and black fore wings and white hind wings. The tip of the abdomen is raised when the moth is at rest.
The larvae of grain moths leave fine silk webbing in infested materials. When infestations occur, shelves should be cleaned regularly and infested materials should be destroyed. If the materials are to be saved, they may be exposed to 140° F for over 30 minutes or freezing temperatures for a few days.
Always inspect new food purchases and keep stored products in containers with tight-fitting insect-proof lids.
SPIDERS (CLASS ARACHNIDA)
As well as insects, there are many species of spiders in Arizona which may be found in houses. Most are beneficial because they feed on insect pests, such as cockroaches or house crickets, and should be left alone. A few may be of concern, however, because they have a venom which may be poisonous to humans.
Black Widow Spider
Black Widow Spider
Black Widow Spider
The adult female is a glossy-black color with a bright orange to red hour-glass shaped marking on the underside of its abdomen. The body of the female is about 1/2 inch long and with legs extended may be up to 2 inches long. The males also have the red hourglass on the underside of their abdomen, but are cream and tan in color and much smaller in size. Newly hatched black widows are white with black spots on their abdomens with a cream-colored hourglass. Later, as they mature, they become cream and brown striped. All stages are venomous. Even the egg sacs contain poison, and should be carefully removed and crushed.
The webs are known for their irregular shape and "messy" appearance. The spiders hide during the day and hang upside down in their webs at night. Black widow spiders do not "hunt" humans, but rather bite to defend themselves. Be cautious when picking up or moving objects, particularly in sheds or garages. Also, check clothing before putting it on. Although bites are generally not fatal, they should be considered dangerous and medical attention should be sought immediately. If possible, the spider should be captured for identification.
Brown Recluse
Cephalothorax of Brown Recluse Spider Showing Violin-Shaped Marking
The Brown Recluse versus Arizona Brown Spiders
Although it has received much attention, the brown recluse spider is not a resident of Arizona. Brown recluse spiders are found very infrequently in luggage or belongings of persons who recently moved to the state. Of more concern are two closely related species, known as Arizona brown spiders. Adults of these species also have a dark brown marking on the front portion of their body which resembles a lyre or violin. They appear two-toned, with a tan front and gray rear body region. These spiders have three pairs of eyes in a crescent shape across the top, rather than the four pairs of most other spiders. These spiders normally nest under wood or dead cacti in the desert, are frequently encountered in dry washes, and only move into irrigated areas on firewood or pieces of cactus skeleton acquired for landscapes.
Crab Spider
Crab Spider

Sun Spider
Sun Spider
Persons bitten at first feel no discomfort, but as time progresses a blister forms, which may become an open ulcer. Other symptoms include fever and nausea. Persons bitten should make every attempt to capture the spider for identification and should seek medical attention immediately.
Other types of spiders that may enter houses include crab, wolf and jumping spiders. Although they are not at all aggressive towards humans, it is best not to handle them with bare hands because they can bite if threatened. Place a clear glass or jar over the spider, and then slide a heavy piece of paper or the jar lid under to seal the spider inside. Try to avoid trapping its legs. Invert the glass and lid, and carry your prisoner outside for release in your yard or garden.
Sun spiders or solpugids are relatives of spiders that enter homes once in awhile. They have large mouthparts that project forward, but they really are not aggressive at all. They should be removed as suggested above.

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