They may come from nature, but certain pests are anything but natural as far as the area they’re found is concerned. When left unchecked, invasive pests can run rampant in new ecosystems, destroying plants, upsetting the food chain and wreaking general havoc. Here are some of history’s most extreme pest invasions.

Asian Citrus Psyllids: This small insect transmits a disease called Huanglongbing, or greening disease, which is one of the most virulent threats out there to citrus plants. Originating in Asia, these pests were first introduced to Florida in 1998 and have spread from there to Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina. They crossed the border from Mexico a decade later and now represent a serious threat to California orchards.

Erythrina Gall Wasps: These flying pests have threatened ecosystems all over the world, but they’re at their most dangerous in Hawaii. First discovered in 2005, these wasps complete their life cycles in just … Read Full Post »

Bugs can cause all sorts of problems for allergy and asthma patients. The symptoms they trigger range from sneezing and itchy eyes to severe, life-threatening asthma attacks or anaphylaxis. If you’re allergic to bees, wasps, ants or other pests, it’s fairly easy to avoid triggers. At an early age, you probably learned to run when you saw them. Unfortunately, some insects affect allergy or asthma patients in a less obvious way. You may not even know they pose a threat. Of all the pesky allergens you avoid to keep your airway open, roaches probably aren’t even on the list.

Roach Parts and Other Gross Triggers

According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, 78% to 98% of homes in America have cockroaches. If you see one, there are probably many others secretly hiding in your walls. While stings are the major source of trouble in most insect allergies, roaches don’t have … Read Full Post »

…And What You Can Do to Stop Them

There’s nothing worse than putting the finishing touches on a cool, green expanse of springtime grass and promptly finding an insect or arthropod infestation within its confines. Unfortunately, the San Antonio area is home to many lawn-destroying pests that cause serious financial and time-management problems for local homeowners. Learn more about the most common types of lawn-eating insects and the steps you can take to limit the damage they cause.

Fire Ants

Few insect species cause as many problems for San Antonio-area homeowners as the dreaded fire ant. These critters establish extensive colonies in sunny, open spaces, including cultivated yards. Fortunately, fire ant infestations are immediately recognizable: Each infestation produces at least one conical mound that can reach over a foot in height.

While fire ants don’t feast on turf grasses, they can weaken your lawn’s root structure and create unsightly dirt patches. To get rid … Read Full Post »