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Insect-Infested Language

Encyclopedia Article

Way back in 1999, our attention was focused on the “Y2K Computer Bug,” a reminder of a point known well to entomologists; that is, “bugs” are everywhere.  Of course we see the real things throughout the landscape and garden but even more common are references and allusions to insects that pepper our daily speech.

How to Manage Ant Mounds in Lawns, Gardens, and Pastures

There are many species of ants that occur in lawns or along and under sidewalks. Most ants are beneficial and do not require control. However, ants may become a nuisance by constructing mounds or small hills in the lawn, landscape, prairie planting, pasture, CRP field, roadside, or on the sidewalk or patio, or by invading the home in search of food.

Insects on Christmas Trees

Encyclopedia Article

Description of insects on Christmas trees

For many families, part of the joy of holidays is bringing a live, fresh-cut evergreen tree into the house to decorate. It is a long-standing tradition to have this small part of the natural, outdoor world in our homes at this time of year.

The Insects of Spring

News Article

Are flies buzzing around your lights and bonking against your windows?  One of the less pleasant signs of Spring and warming temperatures is that the insects that have been overwintering in the attic and wall voids of homes become active and often wander into the living space delighting cats and irritating homeowners.
 

Clover Mite

Encyclopedia Article
A black and white diagram of a clover mite.

Clover mites are very tiny arachnids that live and reproduce outdoors, but are frequently encountered as a household pest in early summer and in the fall when they migrate into dwellings by mistake. They are only 1/64th inch long, soft, oval, and flattened from top to bottom. They vary in color from rusty brown to dark red. A distinguishing characteristic is the very long pair of front legs that extend forward like antennae as the mites crawl.

Black Vine Weevil

Encyclopedia Article
Three black vine weevils against a white background with a ruler next to them.

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/pidc/insectThe black vine weevil is an uncommon insect pest in Iowa. It has been reported in only 8 Iowa counties. Almost all reports have come from homeowners who were bothered by the adult weevils appearing as accidental invaders inside the home between October and March. Black vine weevils are oblong oval in shape, about 1/2-inch long and have a short, broad snout with elbowed antennae. The body is slate gray to blackish brown and the wing covers have numerous small pits and patches of short yellow hairs.

Imported Longhorned Weevil

Encyclopedia Article
Image of imported longhorned weevils

Descripiton of imported longhorned weevils

The imported longhorned weevil, like its close relative the strawberry root weevils, is a common "accidental invader" that crawls into houses and buildings from outdoors by mistake. The weevils are harmless; they do not damage the house or furnishings; they can not bite or sting people or pets. They are merely a nuisance by their presence.

Millipedes

Encyclopedia Article
Millipede on carpet. Photo courtesy of Diana Pounds.

Millipedes live outdoors in damp areas such as under leaves, needles and dead plant debris, or in cracks and crevices. They feed on damp and decaying vegetable matter and are beneficial as "recyclers" of organic matter. However, they become a pest when they migrate into buildings as accidental invaders. Millipedes are usually found in the garage, basement or lowest level although they may wander into other parts of the house. They are most active at night and usually hide during the day in cracks and other moist locations.

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