Texas' smallest citizens abound throughout

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

July 14, 2005 - The summer heat can create an unbearable feeling that is often made worse by the presence of annoying creatures like ants and grasshoppers.

Ants are prominent this year. Texas is home to several hundreds of ant species. The three most common are pharaoh ants, carpenter ants, and red imported fire ants.

The imported fire ant has established itself in the eastern two-thirds of Texas. Dr. Allen Knutson is an Extension entomologist in Dallas. He explained this year's large ant population.

"Last year was a rather wet summer, and this generally favors fire ant survival and spreading," he said. "Thus, there are probably more fire ants this summer because of the favorable conditions last summer."

While dry weather is not favorable for most species of ants, they can survive. During dry weather they will travel indoors in search of food and water.

The pilgrimage of ants indoors can be disrupting for humans and pets alike. Many species of ants bite, and the red imported fire ant has the ability to sting.

In his publication, "House-infesting ants and their management," co-authored by Bill Summerlin, Dr. Bart Drees, Extension entomologist, addressed the first cause of concern - the nasty bite or sting that some ants pack.

"Some species of ants that sting, such as red imported fire ants, can endanger young children, confined pets, and bedridden people," said Drees in the publication. Some victims may be sensitive to the bites or stings and require medical attention.

"Fire ants are a health hazard, a nuisance, a threat to many agricultural pursuits, cause damage to electrical systems, and basically the list goes on and on," said Knutson.

Ants, known to have colonies with more than 200,000 members, can infest a house in a matter of weeks. Ants can be found in carpets, furniture, electrical housings, near faucets, and food sources. Every species prefers different spaces, as well as foods, according to Drees.

An ant species must be identified before the problem can be treated correctly.

"A bait station approach is the best way to go," said Drees. Many bait stations will work for a variety of ants, and some are labeled for use on a specific ant. Ants, drawn to the bait station, will carry the bait back to the colony and most importantly, to the queen. This encourages the fall of the entire colony, rather than killing a few ants along the food trail.

Ants use pheromones to mark trails. They travel to and from the colony on these trails. Drees warned against spraying trails.

"Spraying trails can break up colonies and make problems worse," said Drees. When colonies are separated, new colonies are may formed, only multiplying ant problems.

"You can always call a professional pest control specialist," said Drees. He encouraged a good flow of communication if this option is pursued.

"Ask them to explain the treatment program and why," suggested Drees. "Sometimes the cheapest isn't always the best."

He said the pest control specialist should be aware of dwellers' concerns. The effect, if any, on those living in the house and pets should be discussed. In addition, he recommended getting an estimate from more than one specialist. Estimates should contain a detailed treatment program.

Some pest control companies require contracts, and the terms of that contract should be fully understood before entering into an agreement.

Knutson noted that while large populations of ants can be frustrating, small numbers of ants may be beneficial.

"Fire ants till the soil, like earthworms, and in cotton fields are beneficial predators of bollworms, bollweevils and other cotton pests," he said.

Drees noted the ants also prey on ticks, chiggers, caterpillars and other arthropods, so a number of fire ants should be tolerated.

Another common annoyance this year is the grasshopper.

Drees explained why grasshoppers are flourishing.

"It's hot, it's dry," he said. "Hot and dry conditions are conducive to the development of grasshoppers."

When the conditions are hot and dry, grasshoppers are given a greater chance to reach maturity.

"During wetter seasons, there are diseases that control grasshopper populations," explained Drees. He added that after a relatively wet spring, conditions became more dry and grasshoppers were able to take advantage of the dry heat. Now, many grasshoppers are reaching maturity, according to Drees, and are beginning to migrate.

Grasshoppers pose little threat to human or pet health and unlike other nuisance insects, will rarely infest a home. But, they can damage desirable plants in lawns, gardens, and pastures.

Grasshoppers are necessary in many ecological systems. Knutson noted the benefits of having grasshoppers.

"Grasshoppers recycle grasses into soil nutrients," he said. "The influence the composition of vegetation and are important in the ecology of prairies and grasslands."

Knutson suggested a few steps that can be taken to discourage grasshoppers from getting too comfortable. "Mow tall grass and weeds which provide food for young grasshoppers," he recommended. "If necessary, use an insecticide which is labeled for the site and grasshopper control."

He added, "For landscapes, products containing the active ingredients cylufthrin, bifentrhin, or permethrin are effective on grasshoppers."

As an alternative, Knutson suggested plants be covered with floating row covers for protection.

Drees warned that treating grasshoppers can be difficult. Because the insects fly and migrate, eliminating grasshoppers at a location does not guarantee the location will be grasshopper-free the next day.

For both grasshoppers and ants, Drees said the pests must be treated at the ideal time, which is different for each.

He advised that grasshoppers should be eliminated before they are fully mature and can fly. He admitted that even this precautionary measure only exterminates grasshoppers in the area at that specific time.

"For fire ants, control is best implemented in the spring and fall," said Drees.

Weather conditions this year will strongly affect pest populations, and certain pests are likely to flourish in specific conditions.

"It's a set of conditions that have happened this year," explained Drees. "That is going to aggravate some populations and maximize others."

For more information about treating a variety of pests, visit http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/insctans/ and view "Insect Help Publications."