Fumigants are used to control pests in fields, post harvest, and in structures. The main difference between regular pest control products and a fumigant is that the fumigant, being a gas, is under pressure in cylinders or is a solid which forms a gas when moisture in the air comes in contact with the solids. Fumigants, or the process of fumigation, can only be done by people specially trained to apply a fumigant. Entering a fumigated area requires the use of a self contained breathing apparatus, similar to what divers use. Also, security must be provided in order to make sure that people do not wander into the fumigated area.

Fumigants are different from space sprays or foggers in that the space sprays and foggers are pressurized but are not gases. These others create liquid droplets which enter the air and settle. Gas fumigants remain in the room until aerated.

State regulatory agencies have specific requirements for the use of fumigants. At the very least, a certified applicator or someone under the direct supervision must be in charge. Homeowners cannot buy fumigants nor can a professional who does not hold the proper license.

Fumigants penetrate all areas of a fumigated area. This allows the fumigant to penetrate to areas where the pests are living; the pests do not have to contact the material by wandering onto it as with a surface treatment. Fumigation is used to control stored product pests, drywood termites, bed bugs, and rodents.
The most common fumigants today are methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, and phosphine. Methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride are gases in pressurized containers, and phosphine is in a solid form.

Fumigants must be used very carefully. After the proper time elapses to control the pests, the area is aerated and air readings are taken. Once cleared, people can reenter. There is no residual effect or long term control after aeration.

Many members of this order have sucking mouthparts but some have undeveloped mouthparts. If the species does not have developed mouthparts, the adults do not feed.
The moths have life cycles of complete metamorphosis meaning that the eggs hatch into larvae, the larvae pupate, and the adults then emerge to start the life cycle over. Life cycle time varies with conditions and species but generally the adult stage is short.

Some stored product pests are moths. These include the Indianmeal moth, the Angoumois moth, the cocoa moth, and others. The Indianmeal moth is interesting in that it is one of the most common stored product or pantry pests found in food facilities and homes. The moth larvae usually feed on grains or grain based products such as dry dog food. When the larvae are ready to pupate, they move away from the food source to pupate or rest and prepare to emerge as adults. Upon emerging, these moths breed and lay eggs but do not feed.

Some moths will infest clothing and will make holes in fabric to the frustration of the owner. In the case of the two most common clothing moths, the Casemaking clothes moth and the Webbing clothes moth, the larvae do the damage. They then make a case to pupate or web depending on the species. Upon emerging, the adults will breed and start the cycle again.

Moths are particularly susceptible to traps which will reveal if there is an infestation. Commonly, the chemical to attract males is placed on a sticky trap and if moths are caught, then the professional can determine species and best control methods. By them themselves, pheromone traps will usually not control a population.

Bed bugs have varying appearances depending on the life stage. Most people only seek information about the appearance of adults; however, it is important to understand the appearance of all life stages of bed bugs.
As adults, the most commonly seen stage of life, bed bugs are red to tan to mahogany in color. In fact, they are sometimes called “mahogany flats.” The adults will be more of a crimson color if they have recently fed on blood. They are about three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter when fully grown and if they have not had a blood meal recently, they will be flat. The shape of the bed bug has been described as lentil shaped meaning that looking down on a bed bug, they are rounded.

Insects have three segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. The area of the thorax just behind the head, called the pronotum, has hairs protruding from the sides. These hairs are shorter than the width of the eye. This is important because there is a similar insect called the bat bug which has longer hairs and doesn’t prefer to feed on humans. The hairs are the most distinguishable difference between the two insects.
“Instars” or juvenile bed bugs resemble adults, especially as they reach adulthood. The very youngest of the instar stages are more tube shaped and will swell up in a bulbous fashion after feeding. These younger instars are clearer in color so their engorged color will be closer to blood red. The early instars are very difficult to see, commonly compared to mites due to their size.

Finally, eggs are only about one thirty second of an inch long and are tubular in shape. Each egg contains a “flap” which will act as a door for the hatching process. Most eggs are glued by the mother onto inconspicuous areas such as folds of upholstery or other out of the way places.

There are many natural methods that you can use to deter rats if you have them in your home. As with any pest control method, be sure and keep all hazardous materials away from pets or areas with children.

Some of the methods that have been proven to be very effective include peppermint oil (NOT EXTRACT), urinal cakes, cat litter and predator urine pellets. Peppermint oil is a substance that rats cannot stand. Douse a few cotton balls in the oil. Place the cotton balls in areas where rats are found. Also, sprinkle some oil along their runs. This should drive them out. Professional rat catchers will block openings where rats enter the home with peppermint oil soaked rags. They then drive the rats into bags or cages to remove.

Other natural deterrents are urinal cakes or toilet bowl cakes. These pungent cakes should be broken up into pieces wearing gloves, and spread around in the rat holes. Mix the cake pieces with cedar shavings to get rid of other pests as well.

Used cat litter is also a deterrent to rats. The litter needs to be sprinkled with a little ammonia to intensify the scent and then placed in the area where the rats dwell. The cat is a natural predator to rats, so this method proves to be quite effective.

Lastly, urine pellets from rat predators can be purchased from garden shops. This method works in a similar fashion to the cat litter and is easier to obtain if you are not already a cat owner. These pellets are safe for pets and children, as well.

Using these methods is a more humane way to deal with rats. However, they must be replaced frequently to keep the scents strong. If you have a large rodent problem, it’s often safest and more effective to contact a pest control professional.

There are approximately 25 species of scorpion that will cause harm to humans. Some scorpions can be fatal, so it?s important to know the types of scorpions and what they look like so you can avoid them. Typically, though, most scorpions are not aggressive, and they will only sting when provoked or threatened.

The deadliest scorpion in North America is the bark scorpion. These scorpions are found mostly in Arizona and Mexico, but they have spread to other areas of the southwestern United States. The bark scorpion is a member of the Buthidae family of scorpions, which are the most dangerous to humans. This is also the largest family of scorpions. Other members of this family include the fat-tail scorpion and the deathstalker.

Scorpion venom is made up of a combination of neurotoxins and enzyme inhibitors. The combination and the amount used is regulated when the scorpion stings. The effect of the venom is different on each type of prey the scorpion hunts. The venom is very fast acting, and it can also be used as a defense mechanism against predators.

Most scorpions that are poisonous to humans are found in Asia and Africa. These scorpions have larger tails and smaller pedipalps, or pincers, than other species. The large tails are strong and can emit a powerful sting. Scorpion stings are rarely fatal. The people most susceptible are the elderly, children and people with compromised immune systems.

Scorpion venom is also studied for its medicinal use. Research is currently being done on the toxins in scorpion venom to help with the treatment of a number of autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. The venom is also being studied for its effect on several types of cancers.

These spiders are only found on Hawaii's island of Kauai and dwell in caves and lava tubes there. They are located within a rather small geographic area, where they remain within a few cave systems. The Kauai wolf spider is currently on the endangered species list and faces threats of habitat destruction from development as well as population reduction from pesticides and predators.

The Kauai wolf spider does not build webs, but hunts for its prey, which consists of Kauai cave amphipods. These are a type of small crustacean, which is also endangered.

The health of the land above the caves is critical to the spiders' and amphipods' survival. For instance, if plants thrive on the land above, their roots will extend into the caves and provide a source of food for the amphipods, which in turn, provide food for the spiders. In addition, the roots help increase the humidity level in the caves, which Kauai wolf spiders need.

These spiders measure about 1/2″ to 3/4″ in size and appear brown or reddish brown in color, sometimes with a beige-colored abdomen or lighter striping on the dorsal side. These spiders also appear hairy.

The female Kauai wolf spider will lay up to 30 eggs at once in a silken egg sac. She will actually carry the sac in her mouth until the spiderlings hatch. Once they do so, they will climb onto her back and stay there until they reach maturity and can take care of themselves.

The Kauai wolf spider does not pose a threat to humans and, due to its relatively isolated home, probably encounters people on very rare occasions.

Adult jumping spiders are quite hairy, usually measure 1/8 to 3/4 inches in body length, and are somewhat stocky compared to other spider species. Their legs are short and the front two are thicker than the others. Each leg bears two claws.

Jumping spiders have eight eyes in three rows-four in the front row, then two more rows of two. The two eyes in the center of the first row are characteristically large.

Along with their ability to jump great distances, these spiders have excellent vision and are able to move quickly backward and sideways. They do not built webs to catch their prey, but will attack it as it passes by or even stalk it until they decide to pounce. However, they do build webs as places to retreat, molt, or lay eggs. It is believed that they may even create a separate web for each of these functions.

Jumping spiders are usually seen on bushes, fences, among leaves or bark, and on trees. If found indoors, these spiders are usually spotted near windows and doors where they can locate prey. When they jump, these spiders will utilize a silk thread as a safety line.

The legs and carapace of this spider are dark brown to black, and its abdomen is gray with a chevron-type (V-shaped) pattern on the back. Like many other spider species, the female black house spider is a good deal larger than the male, often twice the size. The female's body can reach almost ¾” in length, while a male can grow to a little less than half an inch. These spiders are covered with fine hairs.

The webs of black house spiders appear loosely woven and have a lacelike appearance. They usually have a few entrances and a hollow tunnel for retreat where the spider can also await prey. These webs can be found in dry, sheltered places like logs, window frames, or crevices, and are sometimes found on tree trunks. Their prey includes insects and flies.

The females usually do not leave the web. When a male wishes to mate, he communicates this to the female by plucking her web. They will often mate several more times over the next few days.

When she lays eggs, the female will construct silky, whitish egg sacs, which she attaches to the web. She will remain with the eggs until the spiderlings hatch.

The bite of a black house spider is not extremely dangerous, but some people have experienced symptoms following a bite. These include pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting or sweating.

One scorpion, the lesser brown scorpion, makes its home in tropical areas around the world. Most of them are found in Hawaii throughout many of the islands.

Lesser brown scorpions are similar to other species of scorpions. They are members of the arachnid class, as are spiders. Lesser brown scorpions have two front pincers, which they grab their prey with. These pincers, also called pedipalps, are like the claws of a crab. They hold the prey while the scorpion stings it repeatedly. Small prey, like insects, can be grabbed and crushed in the pedipalps, so the scorpion doesn't have to sting.

Lesser brown scorpions go through elaborate courting rituals, as do other scorpions. Female lesser brown scorpions do not lay eggs like other insects. Instead, they carry their eggs and when the eggs hatch, the young will travel onto the back of the female. They will ride there until they reach the next life stage, which usually takes place in 1 to 3 weeks.

After the lesser brown scorpions reach their nymph stage, they will seek food by leaving the female and searching for prey. Lesser brown scorpions are nocturnal and will hunt at night. They are also prone to moisture loss, so they will remain out of sight during the day. They will seek shelter in shady areas where they are protected.

Lesser brown scorpions use their stinger, which is located at the tip of their tail, to sting their prey quickly and repeatedly. Some scorpion prey can be larger than the scorpion itself. The stinger and the pedipalps make short work of these big insects, as well as other small creatures like lizards or snakes.

Gophers or “Pocket Gophers”, so named because of their cheek pouches used to carry food, are the ultimate underground creatures. They have strong forelegs, flat heads and short necks- perfect for digging and burrowing. Gophers are medium-sized rodents with very soft fur that ranges in color from black to light brown to almost white. They range in length from 5 to 14 inches.

Gophers can be identified easily by the horseshoe-shaped mounds of dirt found near the opening of their burrows. These burrows, which are up to several hundred feet in length, can destroy lawns and gardens. The burrows are usually built underground at a depth of a few inches to several feet. Gophers and moles do similar damage to lawns but volcano-shaped dirt mounds identify mole burrows.

Gophers are fairly solitary and remain underground burrowing except to breed or raise their young. They have usually 1-2 litters per year of 3-4 young depending on the portion of the country they inhabit. In late summer and early fall, the younger gophers leave the burrow to seek out mates to begin their own families.

Gophers are herbivores and can do serious damage from underground to roots, bulbs and plants. An average gopher consumes 60 percent of its body weight per day, which can be devastating to yards and gardens.

One effective way to control gophers is through trapping. Home remedies, such as using certain sounds or repellant plants have not been shown to work effectively. Gophers will also detect any poisonous gases and block off areas of their tunnels to protect themselves. There are a number of ways to set the traps so that the gophers will be caught unharmed in their burrows. This can be done easily with the help of a pest control professional.