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HOUSEHOLD PESTS [continued]
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PESTS OF STORED PRODUCTS
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Carpet Beetle Larva
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 |
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Always inspect new food purchases and keep stored
products in containers with tight-fitting insect-proof lids. |
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SPIDERS (CLASS ARACHNIDA) |
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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
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. |
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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. |
Cephalothorax of Brown Recluse Spider
Showing Violin-Shaped Marking |
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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
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. |