Insects Can Migrate Hundreds Of Miles By Way Of Windstream

Posted on February 10, 2010 with 1 Comment

Everybody knows that birds fly south for the winter, however, some have wondered what do butterflies or moths do when it gets cold up north? Recently, the answer to that question has begun to get answered. It has been found that insects are able to get into complex windstreams, or a “wind highway”, and can be taken for thousands of kilometers to the Mediterranean for the winter and back north for the summer. These windstreams go up to 60 miles per hour, and carry these insects where they need to go. The amazing thing is, that through all the study that has been done so far, these insects very rarely go in the wrong direction.

Now the question remains, how does this work? The system is extremely complex, and further study is needed to fully understand how this works. Some wonder how do butterflies and moths, two fragile creatures, handle these high winds. The researchers figured that this is due to some mechanism that eliminates the turbulence that they would feel during the trip. The insects use their internal compass to find these wind highways, and each insect is thought to use the same method to get into these highways. The whole process is complex and there is still tons of information yet to be discovered about what exactly goes on. However, once that information is revealed, maybe these insects will be mentioned with birds when migration is talked about each winter.

BBC wrote about this story first.

Picture Credit

New York’s Top 10 Most Annoying House Pests

Posted on October 24, 2009 with No Comments

Here in New York we see many different pests that can be annoying to a homeowner. We have compiled a list of the 10 ten most common annoying pests that could invade your home.

10.       Ants: While not so harmful they can come in large swarms.  Ants, as you know, are tiny little critters that are world –class food gatherers.  If you leave a mess in your house and you have ants, get the vacuum out because they will come! [more about ants (carpenter ants)]

9.         Earwigs: These small insects are just an eyesore to look at and can also give you a sore if you are tagged by their pinchers.  They tend to migrate to moist areas, normally bathrooms and sinks, as well as towards plant life.  While not as common as ants or spiders, they will appear in your house if you don’t keep your residence maintained. [more about earwigs]

8.         Moths: While normally not harmful, moths are just a nuisance.  Leave a light on at night time with your sliding door open and you will for sure see shadows flying around the walls.

7.         Fleas: Dog owners beware!!! Make sure your dog or cat is treated for flea prevention or sooner or later your whole family will be itching.  After days of nasty shampoo and soap regiments you will be wishing you gave your dog a bath! [more about fleas]

6.         Bats: If you live in a more rural area, bats might be a little further up on your list.  Not only one of the dirtiest animals, they also are a main carrier of rabies.  Find one of these in your house in the morning time and you should have the family get rabies shots. [please contact our wildlife partners for bat control]

5.         Spiders: The cause of many panic attacks and screams.  These 8 legged crawlers can be large and poisonous.  While some parts of the U.S. aren’t home to poisonous spiders, you can still wake up with a spider bite on your arm.  Unfortunately a spider bite won’t turn you into Spiderman. [more about spiders]

4.         Bedbugs: If you have bad case of bedbugs, you and your partner will for sure know that it is time to get rid of them.  These tiny insects feed on blood and have a needle sharp bite that allows them to get the blood.  The morning after you will feel irritation along with a nasty looking bite mark. [more about bed bugs]

3.         Flies: Don’t try and have a summer lunch with the patio door open without expecting a few flies trying to land on your food.  The pound for pound champion of bacteria, these are just not clean insects.  One suggestion, screen doors! [more about flies]

2.         Mice: Not only one of the most common household pests, they can be the dirties and most unsanitary creatures that roam the earth.  Don’t leave a pile of old clothes or insulation in the basement or someone will have a major mouse problem. [more about mice, more about rodents]

1.         Cockroaches: Natures story of perfect evolution, these critters have been a pests for longer than any other pest.  Don’t believe that they only exist in restaurants, if you get a couple to start reproducing you are in a boat load of trouble. [more about cockroaches]

JP McHale Pest Management offers services for all these pests, (excluding bats) if you are interested and would like a free home inspection please contact us!