$1 billion. That’s the staggering amount of structural damage the wharf borer beetle, known as the Nacerdes melanura, can cause each year in the United States alone. This wood-boring pest belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Oedemeridae, also known as false blister beetles. It is a cosmopolitan species found throughout temperate regions, including…
DetailsDid you know that a single infestation of the old house borer, Hylotrupes bajulus, can cause over $1 million in damages to a residential property? This destructive wood-boring insect is a prevalent threat to older homes, especially in the eastern United States, where infestations are alarmingly common along the Atlantic Seaboard. The old house borer…
DetailsDid you know that a single female warehouse beetle can lay up to 90 eggs in a single infestation? These tiny insects, measuring just 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) in length, are a common pest found in storage facilities across the United States. Their larvae, which can grow up to 1/4 inch (7-8 mm) long, can…
DetailsDid you know that a single female webbing clothes moth can lay up to several hundred eggs during her lifetime? This staggering reproductive capacity is just one of the many fascinating facts about these persistent and destructive fabric-eating pests. The webbing clothes moth, also known as the common clothes moth or clothing moth, is a…
DetailsDid you know that a single elm tree can host up to 500,000 elm leaf beetles at the peak of an infestation? These invasive pests pose a severe threat to the health and appearance of elm trees throughout the United States and Canada, including in the state of Idaho. Elm leaf beetles are common insects…
DetailsDid you know that the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) is one of the most common and destructive insect pests for stored grain and food products in the United States? These tiny, reddish-brown beetles are found in silos, warehouses, grocery stores, and even our own homes, infesting and damaging an estimated 10% of the world’s…
DetailsDid you know that click beetles can flip themselves over with a distinctive clicking sound? These fascinating insects are known for their unique physical characteristics, diverse habitats, and intriguing life cycle and behaviors. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of these ingenious creatures, covering their appearance, global distribution, feeding habits, ecological importance, and interactions…
DetailsDid you know that the odd beetle, also known as the tissue paper beetle, is a peculiar insect that belongs to the family Dermestidae? This monotypic genus contains a single species, Thylodrias contractus, and is native to Asia, but has been widely introduced to North America. Despite its name, the odd beetle does not actually…
DetailsDid you know that there are over 50,000 clover mites swarming in the typical Idaho home during peak spring and fall seasons? These tiny, red arachnids, related to ticks and spiders, can literally blanket the exterior and interior of residences, creating an unsightly nuisance for homeowners. Clover mites, measuring just the size of a pinhead,…
DetailsDid you know that pillbugs, those unassuming backyard creatures, are actually more closely related to lobsters and crabs than to insects? This surprising fact sets the stage for an intriguing exploration of the pillbugs found throughout the state of Idaho. Beyond their taxonomic classification, these small crustaceans exhibit a fascinating array of traits and behaviors…
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