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Wish I had some small children's toys I could stuff in my big pockets for times like this
http://Missionharvest.freeservers.com
This small light gift and the rest of these items just make my day!
I also need: Chap Sticks for my lips, cotton Q-Tips to clean out my ears, hand lotion to refresh my skin and foot powder to santize my boots.
Right now I need: Eye drops, hand sanitizers, small toothpaste and brushes, and small size mouthwash
When you are in the field for weeks at a time, with no opportunity to shower, those wipes and deodorant pads make a difference
The owners of Peninsular Pest Control of Jacksonville, FL, have asked Dr. Phil Koehler from the University of Florida and UF/IFAS (Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences) to visit a nesting site here on the First Coast. Dr. Koehler, who holds a Ph.D. in Entomology, has been nationally recognized for his leadership in developing new pest management technologies. Dr. Kohler will meet with George Richardson, Technical Director for Peninsular Pest Control, on Tuesday, August 12, 11:00am at 2096 Dennis Street, Jacksonville, FL. The meeting will be open to the media as Dr. Kohler and Mr. Richardson observe the activity of the ants at one of the six nesting sites discovered on the First Coast by Peninsular Pest Control.“The ants are major concern due to their infestations in large numbers and have actually caused the abandonment of one building here in town,” said Mr. Richardson. “Treatment is challenging due to the large colony size and characteristics of these particular ants so we’re hoping to receive input from Dr. Koehler concerning the most effective method of eliminating the colonies.”Peninsular Pest Control has been providing quality pest control service to Northeast Florida homes since 1954. The following is information obtained from The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences website entitled: Creature Features, located at URL http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/ants/caribbean_crazy_ant.htm
Crazy ants are so called due to their characteristic erratic and rapid movement. They also do not follow typical ant trails as frequently as other ants. Worker ants are 1/16- to 1/8-inchs (2.3-3 mm in length).The crazy ant can be distinctive. They are dark brown to blackish in color although the body often has faint bluish iridescence. The antennae are extremely long containing 12-segments, the first being the longest at twice the length of the head. Their legs are also extraordinarily long. The petiole is wedge-shaped, with a broad base, and inclined forward. The crazy ant has no stinger. However, the ants have a fringe of setae (hairs) on their abdomen and along the body that contain formic acid. The ant curves its abdomen forward to inject this venom into its enemies for both defense and predation purposes. The ant also bites. The ant has long coarse hairs are grayish or whitish in color and are scattered along the body and head.
Crazy ants are so called due to their characteristic erratic and rapid movement. They also do not follow typical ant trails as frequently as other ants. Worker ants are 1/16- to 1/8-inchs (2.3-3 mm in length).The crazy ant can be distinctive. They are dark brown to blackish in color although the body often has faint bluish iridescence. The antennae are extremely long containing 12-segments, the first being the longest at twice the length of the head. Their legs are also extraordinarily long. The petiole is wedge-shaped, with a broad base, and inclined forward. The crazy ant has no stinger. However, the ants have a fringe of setae (hairs) on their abdomen and along the body that contain formic acid. The ant curves its abdomen forward to inject this venom into its enemies for both defense and predation purposes. The ant also bites. The ant has long coarse hairs are grayish or whitish in color and are scattered along the body and head.
Colonies contain a large number of ants. Composed of up to 2000 workers. A single colony may have eight to 40 queens. Occasionally they completely abandon a nesting site and relocate to another. Fertile ants, or swarmers may arise at any time of the year in warmer regions, however in cooler climates, they are seasonal, appearing from May through to September. Large numbers of males gather outside nest entrances during warm and humid evenings, whilst workers patrol nearby for protection. During the ritual females (queens) will periodically emerge. Although mating has not yet been observed it is thought to occur in groupings around the nest entrance.
Foreground: Phil Koehler, Ph.D., University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department; George Richardson, Technical Director for Peninsular Pest Control
The crazy ant is highly adaptable, and nests in both dry and moist habitats. The foraging area is extensive. Nests are typically found in such places as trash,
refuse, soil, rotten wood and in plant and tree cavities even under building debris. They gather around human dwellings attracted to the light. Gasoline stations, convenience stores, and sidewalk cafes are particularly attractive, anywhere, were food is dropped. During the winter months, in cold climates, the ants may nest indoors, feeding on many household foods.
refuse, soil, rotten wood and in plant and tree cavities even under building debris. They gather around human dwellings attracted to the light. Gasoline stations, convenience stores, and sidewalk cafes are particularly attractive, anywhere, were food is dropped. During the winter months, in cold climates, the ants may nest indoors, feeding on many household foods.
Left to Right in Photo:
Dr. Faith M. Oi, Assistant Extension Scientist, University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department; George Richardson, Technical Director for Peninsular Pest Control; Phil Koehler, Ph.D., University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department; Terry Shephard, Peninsular Pest Control
Dr. Faith M. Oi, Assistant Extension Scientist, University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department; George Richardson, Technical Director for Peninsular Pest Control; Phil Koehler, Ph.D., University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department; Terry Shephard, Peninsular Pest Control
The crazy ant has achieved pest status across the United States. It can even been identified on the top floors of tall buildings from New York to California. In Florida and the Gulf States the crazy ant has already been a pest for over 60 years.
Their full potential is however seen on Christmas Island were they are devastating the fauna and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Tens of thousands of red crabs are killed every year, along with harassing sea birds, bats and reptiles. Such is the problem that a desperate attempt to control the ant population is currently underway.
Their full potential is however seen on Christmas Island were they are devastating the fauna and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Tens of thousands of red crabs are killed every year, along with harassing sea birds, bats and reptiles. Such is the problem that a desperate attempt to control the ant population is currently underway.
Crazy ants have a varied diet of seeds, honeydew, fruits, plant exudates, practically any household food, and other insects. During the summer crazy ants require a high-protein diet, for the production of eggs. This is important when choosing bait for the traps since during the summer they may refuse honey or sugar baits. In the spring and fall they prefer honeydew, the sweet sugary stool of aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, leafhoppers and other sap-sucking insects. They tend to these insects and protect them from their natural predators. If the availability of honeydew outdoors is reduced due to rain, then they will enter dwellings in search of sugary foods. Crazy ants are predators themselves, attacking large insects and even animals in groups. They're known to have killed dogs and pigs in the Seychelles, and the red crab on Christmas Island.
The crazy ant is an import to the United States, originating from Asia or Africa. It is found in tropical cities worldwide. In the United States the crazy ant can be found outdoors, from Florida to South Carolina and west to Texas. However it also is found indoors over much of the eastern U.S. and in California and Arizona.
Due to the large numbers of ants that occur, and the long distances that they forage away from their nests, they are often difficult to control. Reduce household crazy ants by eliminating their contact with food. Remember that ants can get into non-sealed jars by following the thread on the top of jars. They can be prevented from entering dwellings by pest-proofing (sealing exterior penetrations and installing weather-stripping.
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