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Insects

Insects play a very large role in the circle of life on earth. They represent a large population of the animal kingdom. Fascinating to some,creepy to others but always present in our daily lives. Questions about any sort of bug go here.

7,726 Questions

Will a spray that is meant to kill flies and wasps work to kill daddy long legs?

Probably. Most insecticides will work on spiders. But why would you want to? Daddy long legs are perfectly harmless. Whether you're talking about Daddy-longlegs (Opiliones) or Daddy-longlegs spiders (Pholcidae), neither one has ever caused harm to a human. Chase them into a small cardboard box and throw them outside. They will bite what they want to, which isn't you, your children, or your pets, unless you keep small insects or decomposing vegetation as pets.

What is a black insect that looks like a bee but doesn't fly away when disturbed?

You may be referring to a black carpenter ant. They largely resemble bees, but are in fact ants. They live inside wood and do not move much when disturbed (they also cannot fly away, as they do not have wings).

If you turn on the microwave when an Ant is in it why would it not die?

The same reason a paper towel will not get hot. Microwaves are made to only heat certain particles and I suppose the ant does not have what it takes. I saw a guy on Oprah showing how stuff works.

What can be sprayed on the exterior of a lake house to prevent gnats spiders and other insects from covering walls and ceilings of porches?

I have had good luck with a product called "Demon". I get it from a local farm supply store, but some Ace Hardware stores carry it. I use it about twice a year and it provides excellent protection.

How can you get rid of water striders?

You can try disrupting their habitat by reducing standing water sources, such as removing excess vegetation or surface debris. Additionally, introducing natural predators like fish or installing a surface skimmer can help control their populations. It's important to avoid using chemical pesticides as they can harm other beneficial organisms in the ecosystem.

How do you get rid of strange little insects in the pool?

We have here in Belgium exactly the same problem in a pool that was built last year. The problem of the insects started in five months after building it. The cold seems to diminish them but, they are not gone. I looked at the insects with a microscope and they seem to be fleas. Our pool professional doesn't know the problem and chloor shock doesn't kill them.

We live near Palm Springs, California and have the same small flea like bugs. They first appeared last fall and just reappeared last week. Our pool man did some local research and found out that the bugs appear twice each year and seem to be related to the blossoms on citrus trees (we have several near the pool). According to the local expert the bugs last from several days to several weeks and cannot be killed (yikes!).

UPDATE: We have found that a solution of dishwashing liquid (Dawn) and water squirted on them kill right away. There may still be more tomorrow but this helps. Try using about 3 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid to 3 cups of water. Good luck and please share your experience.

I just tried the soap. 1 tablespoon dishwashing soap to 1 cup of water. DOA instantly. don't know if they will be back but will spray the outside of the screen enclosure with some bug spray. They were small bugs that float on the top of the water and appear to hop around. They do have wings bacause I saw them after the died.

Glad to hear the soap trick is working. Yesterday was the first day we wanted to use the pool (it was over 100 degrees outside). I put the soapy water in a spray bottle and went around the edge of the pool about 30 minutes before we got in. Bugs were dead and all filtered out!Unfortunatly, new bugs started to appear after a couple of hours...but more soap to the rescue!

We had a similar situation when we moved into our new home. We had just put in a pool and new sod and noticed small, black insects almost identical to a flea that tended to cluster around the pool pilings and started to come into the house. We found out that they are 'springtails'. If you look them up, they look like a flea but are not as they do not bite. We were informed that they tend to show up wherever new grass is laid, or where there is disruption to the ground (i.e. digging hole for pool). !

Well i live in Maryland. my home is deeply wooded . i have never had that problem i use a special shock that isnot as powerful.Normal shock can attract bugs. try using the dawn solution and not shocking you pool for a month . remember if you try this don't enter you pool for that month.

Hello again from Europe, there seem to be nobody else here with the same problem. We live in Belgium and certainly don't have citrus trees because it is far to cold here. We do have other plants in the proximity of the pool like bammoo,lavendel ,taxus ... We tried an insecticide with bio-alletrin, permetrin and piperonylbutoxide for some weeks twice daily. Every day we still see some bugs. Today I tried the soaptrick (thanks !) and I have the impression it gives equal results. I do feel more comfortally spraying soap on my pool instead of insecticide. I wil keep in touch !

After searching for "springtails" on-line, I am convinced that is what we have on our pool. And I believe that citrus trees are probably not the cause. We do live on a golf course in a hot, generally dry climate (Palm Springs, CA) but the grass is always kept quite moist (springtails seem to like moisture).

I find that by using a little soap spray around the edges of the pool in the morning (and sometimes again mid-day), the bug population is being kept somewhat under control.

I really do agree they must be springtails (in Dutch springstaarten). I found on Dutch websites that the soap works because you change the surface tension and they drawn. We also spray the edges of the pool now twice a day while the coverdeck is closed. Most of the European sites agree that insecticides do not work very well, and that there is no great need for because they are harmless (although creapy).

I put a very diluted solution of soapy water in a dish soap bottle and just squirt it along the water's edge, especially where there are a lot of the bugs. They die instantly. I also try to squirt the liquid into any cracks in the tile that the bugs may use as a "passage way" from the soil to the pool. Good Luck!

Soapy water will NOT kill your grass or other pool-side plants; if anything it will act as a mild phosphoric fertiliser!

I tried the soapy solution, worked on what was there, but they just kept coming back. Hiding in the grout of the tile. I called for help. First, if you are using the soap mixture, stop before you mess up the filtration system of your pool. Next you need to purchase algaecide. You will need to treat initially with 1 to 2 bottles depending on the size of your pool. Then continue to treat with 2 to 6 ounces each week all summer. The winter should help to kill of any further infestation. The algaecide will break the surface and allow the little critters to go to the bottom and drown. My first treatment is taking place today, I'll let you know of the results.

Well, good luck with the algaecide. Did no good for us. The soapy water really seems to do the trick. We're talking such a small amount of soap it shouldn't hurt any pool equipment (we use Dawn...it's PH balanced and it's the stuff used to clean up birds after oil spills in the sea).

After a few months, we are seeing almost no more bugs. Yeah!!

We live in Florida and have been in our new home with caged swimming pool for 3 years. Our rainy season began in June and this is the first year that our pool's surface has been coated with clusters of dead gnats, or whatever they are. This is also the first year we signed up with a company for lawn spraying of pests and fertilization. In checking the internet for solutions, I came across a site, http://www.jimspoolmart.net. Under Troubleshooting I found "Problem: small, black gnats on pool surface. (Looks like pepper)." They listed the "Possible Cause" as "Insects are coming from lawn. Have pest control spray entire yard." I'll be calling our pest control company today and have them redo the lawn. Just wanted to pass on the info. Hope it helps.

My pool started having the lil black flea like bugs last year after I got new sod. In the summer/wet months my pool is the popular hangout for these seemingly immortal bugs that float/hop along the water and then take a break from their hopping on the corner side tiles of my pool. We put an insane amount of shock in the pool(the chlorine test came out red for weeks even with chlorine neutralizer)and I think this ruined our pool finish but it killed them cause nothing living could possibly breath the chlorine fumes! Getting professional pest control for my yard and house didn't seem to help. Today I tried Dawn. Seemed to do the trick very fast. I have the bottle ready to spray tomorrow. If that's all I have to do every day I'll be happy. Thanks for the Dawn tip!

I am visiting my parents in Newville, PA and I noticed about a million small hopping little insects on the top of the water and in clumps around the edges of the pool as I was about to jump in. Thank goodness I noticed them before I jumped in. Anyways, I began to research them online and I found myself at this site. Nice to know we're not the only ones with this problem! My father just went outside and sprayed the pool with soapy water and it worked! They are dying as we speak! Thanks for the advice... Darn Springtails! Yuck!

I just found the same bugs in my pool. I had no dawn but tried Palmolive 1 tbsp to 2 cups pool water in spray bottle, sure enough the bugs dropped off instantly! and the Palmolive had a nice apple scent! I'll get some dawn later. but for the time being it seems to work. I used to swim in a lake, so a few bugs won't kill me? I hope!?

There isn't any pool chemical that I have ever seen that eliminates or prevents bugs from getting into the pool. The only chemical that I have seen on the market is a product called Bug Out by GLB. We have had mixed results with this chemical.

use a solution of pyrethin based conditioning flea shampoo(Zodiac or like) as a barrier around the pool area(full strength). and 2 tablespoons per thousand gallons of water. This breaks the surface tension, and provides a gentle pesticide to prevent re-occurance.

Okay after reading all the questions & comments it sounds like most of you may have an infestation of Springtails. Springtails are harmless, small flea like creatures that jump quickly, reproduce almost instantaneous and die within minutes. They are definitely drawn to moisture and are very difficult to get rid of permanently; but it can be done. My brother had this problem three years ago in his pool and I more recently had a problem in my guest bathroom. Springtails do not bite so those of you with biting insects will need to continue your search. The rest of you should probably look further than the "soapy" quick fix as it will not permanently rid you of the insect infestation. I found a good website that helped us get rid of our problem and hopefully will help you all too.

the reason the bugs are killed when you spray detergent on them is not because the detergent kills them, but because it changes the surface tension of the water, and the bugs can no longer walk on top, so they drown. if you spray the bugs on the lawn with the detergent, they may die if it helps them stick to the grass and water already on the lawn, otherwise you will just have cleaner bugs.

when considering algaecides, you should be aware that there are three types. one has copper in it to kill living green algae, one is a "polyquat" which kills algae spores, and the other is a "quatinary ammonia", which is a detergent and is the cheapest algaecide available. it is not very effective as an algaecide, but helps chlorine have a greater effect on killing it. the label will generally say "amonium chloride" of such on it. this should kill the bugs as well, and has been very effective on killing the ones that swim below the water. in their case the soap keeps the bugs from being able to attach and air bubble to them, which they pull below water and then breath from like a scuba tank. this is just added to the water, but you may have a greater effect on the bugs by spraying them, which will also get the ones on the tiles washed into the water to drown.

the dawn dishwashing detergent will not bother your pool chemistry when used in small amounts. it will simply help break down the oils in the water. if used in larger quantities, it will cause foam to appear on the surface and will create discomfort to the swimmers ey

my answer is to put clorine

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You can kill them with a spray bottle of skin-so-soft oil and water mixter spray all around the sides of the pool and put son directly on the water. It makes the pool smell good and doesn't hurt anyone or anything! Oh and your skin is so soft after swimming!

I knocked em down in an hour and killed them completely off in a couple days!

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What are small orange or red shrimp-like insects and how do you get rid of them?

These tiny (8 mm. long), shrimp-like creatures are called Lawn Shrimp, House Hoppers or Landhoppers. This land-dwelling crustacean, Talitroides Sylvaticus (Order Amphipoda), is related to the beach flea. It is not dangerous, but sometimes the numerous corpses draw ants. They lay their eggs in leaf mold under shrubs and ground covers. Common in Southern California, they are frequently found in large numbers shortly after a heavy rain in Autumn. They appear on sidewalks or inside homes on carpets, but have also been found in tennis courts. They die soon after the vain attempt to escape their flooded habitat. It would appear the best way to prevent the infestation would be to eliminate shrubs and ground covers near the entrances to your home. See the Related Links for "My Orange County: House Hoppers;" "What's That Bug.com: Lawn Shrimp;" "Wayne's Word: Southern CA Arthropods" and "SignOnSanDiego.com: Diane Bell/Raining shrimp" at the bottom for more information. == ==

What insect lives in grass and eats grass?

It depends on how large the grassland is. But usually between 700,000 and 5,000,000.

Why are my feet really veiny?

Veins in the feet can appear more prominent due to factors such as genetics, age, excessive standing or walking, or dehydration. If you are concerned about the visibility of your veins, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Which insect is the vector that transmits the material parasite plasmodium vivax into your blood?

The Anopheles mosquito is the vector that transmits the malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax into the bloodstream. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects the parasite into the bloodstream, where it multiplies and causes malaria.

Is a hibiscus an insect pollinated flower or a wind pollinated flower?

Hibiscus flowers are primarily insect-pollinated, relying on bees, butterflies, and other insects to transfer pollen between flowers for successful pollination. This is due to the structure of the flower, which is designed to attract and accommodate specific pollinators.

What would cause a red ring around an insect bite?

Red rings around an injection wound are indicative of an insect bite, from an insect that can inject toxin. Most often this is a spider, and the target shape likely means the toxin is hemolytic, i.e. it destroys blood cells.

If you have reason to think the bite is new (less than a day), you can hotpack it, using wet compresses not more than 110F (less might be better) for about 20 minutes. If the animal seems to be in pain -- stop. Perform this procedure once. Rinse with wound with a gentle detergent and then rinse with water.

Observe the wound over the next two weeks or so. If it doesn't seem to be healing or becomes an open lesion, head for the vet forthwith. If it acts like a mosquito bite and heals promptly, you're probably fine.

Check the dog's bedding for spiders and the like.

What insects live in an apiary?

In an apiary, you will typically find honeybees (Apis mellifera) which are kept and managed by beekeepers for their honey production. Other insects that may be found in an apiary include bumblebees, wasps, and occasional ants attracted to the sweet honey.

How does a Blue Morpho Butterfly communicate?

Blue Morpho Butterflies communicate primarily through visual cues like their vibrant blue coloration, which helps attract mates and deter predators. They also use their striking wing patterns and fluttering flight to communicate with other butterflies in their species. Additionally, they release pheromones to signal reproductive readiness and mark their territory.

Why do insects destroy crops in Kenya?

Insects can destroy crops in Kenya due to factors such as climate change, lack of natural predators, poor pest management practices, and vulnerability of crops to insect attacks. Additionally, some insects have developed resistance to certain pesticides, making it harder to control them effectively.

Do Blue Morpho Butterflies Hibernate?

Caterpillars are usually in a cocoon or chrysalis by the end of summer and in the process of developing in to a moth or butterfly. Development in cold regions slows during cold weather but they do not hibernate per se.

Would a cat eat a grasshopper?

Yes, they do. My cat eats centipedes, beetles, and even wasps. I used to think it was because he liked chasing them down, but he even eats dead ones with lint and dust on them! He also insists on eating house plants and my hair.

How many stages in complete metamorphosis?

Complete metamorphosis consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process is characteristic of insects such as butterflies, beetles, and flies. Each stage has a distinct appearance and purpose in the insect's life cycle.

Where can you get butterfly in a jar at?

Well i got a butterfly in a jar in my hometown Georgia!

Also, if you are looking for those fake butterflies in a jar that you tap the top and they flutter around, go to a local Cracker Barrel store/restaurant.

Do butterflies have mustaches?

No, butterflies do not have mustaches. They have sensory organs on their legs and antennae that help them navigate and locate food sources. Their feeding parts consist of a proboscis for drinking nectar.

Are butterflies fairies in disguise?

Well I think they are. I read a book entitled "Fablehaven" and it was all about magical creatures. Magical creatures were said to be in disguise. Such fairies are disguised as insects, satyrs as regular goats, Golems as pile of dirt, and lots more. In order to see them you need to either drink milk from magical cows and eat butter from the milk of walruses. these creatures are preserved in refuges for their protection and to shun them from people. People are blind to magical creatures thus they seem regular creatures in the naked eye. I really want to convince myself to believe in such creatures. I want to know what creatures dwell in our planet. Call me crazy but I do believe in them. I recommend "Fablehaven" it is not only about magical creatures and adventures it includes thrilling twists, family values, betrayals, good relationships, and also love stories of some characters. Here you will discover that reading can be fun, and that reading is not totally boring! So get up and discover the world of magical creatures! God bless. :D

What do the lyrics of black butterfly by Denise Williams mean?

The lyrics of "Black Butterfly" by Deniece Williams convey a message of hope and encouragement to a loved one who may be facing challenges or feeling lost. The black butterfly symbolizes transformation, growth, and resilience in the face of adversity. The song encourages the listener to embrace their strength and beauty, reminding them that they have the power to overcome obstacles and soar to new heights.

Can butterflies and daisies be members of the same community?

Butterflies and daisies can both be part of the same ecosystem or habitat, where they interact with each other and other organisms. However, they are not considered members of the same community in the ecological sense, as communities typically refer to interacting populations of different species within a specific area.

What do vine moths eat during winter?

Well I have no idea, but I thought I'd take an educated guess at it. I would think they migrate to areas where they have a food source.