MyFoxD.com reported earlier this month about beetles that are putting many homes and people at risk. Homeowners in California that have a house located on the Chesapeake Bay cliffs are in a bit of a pickle. An endangered beetle is rapidly eroding the cliffs, making the homes in danger of sliding into the bay. Check out the news story below.
The amount of West Nile Virus cases in California have decreased from previous years. There have been five cases of the virus this summer so far. Experts claim that dead birds in the area make up for the origin of the West Nile. It’s imperative that community resident report dead birds and animals to the city or town so disposal can be done quickly.
We have reported a lot in the past about mosquitoes, how to prevent them and what the side effects are. Foreclosed homes are a perfect breeding area for mosquitoes because of standing water in pools that are left untreated. Wear bug spray, long pants, eliminate standing water and look into organic control measures to assist in creating a West Nile-free environment.
When we all think of California the first thing that comes to mind is sand, surf and movie stars, but what about California’s wildlife? We have our share of wildlife, from Bears to even tarantulas.
The California Tarantula (Aphonopelma sp.) can be found throughout California in areas such as the California desert, the Central Valley, many state and regional parks including Mount Diablo State Park. As most tarantula’s they are docile, and only if provoked they may rear up in an aggressive posture to give you a warning. Now by no means would I recommend trying to handle one in the wild, attempting to handle one could result in a bit or you injuring the tarantula. Always keep in mind they are afraid of us just as much as we are to them.
The Aphonopelma sp. Can be seen in hordes, love struck male tarantulas searching for their mate, that forms the annual “tarantula migration” hikers, park goers and even those driving in vehicles witness this migration across paths, paved roads and trails each and every year in September and October.
California Tarantulas are terrestrial, meaning they burrow and make their homes under ground, a tell tale sign of a tarantula burrow is webbing on the ground outside of their hole. Tarantulas are very fragile, sure they are big, but… if a tarantula falls from 6 inches it could be severely injured and a fall from a foot it will most likely be fatal.
Just as most tarantulas, the California Aphonopelma sp. Is not poisonous. If bitten swelling will appear, it will be painful for several hours, reactions vary from person to person, and some have harsher reactions than others. In any event if bitten while out adventuring I would recommend seeing a doctor.
If you are ever faced with a tarantula in your home, before smashing it you may want to try and trap it then release it back into the wild, they are not out to get us they just get lost sometimes! I hope this has given you a little bit of insight on the tarantula.
This was a guest post written by Clark Pest Control, located in California. JP McHale Pest Management thanks them for writing a great post for us!
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