Living With Pests: Common Insects and Unusual Invaders

Living in harmony with nature means occasionally dealing with pests, especially insects. From roaches to more unusual invaders like spiders, scorpions, and even wild bee hives, these critters can make life challenging. This article explores common pest issues and a memorable encounter that involved an uninvited bee colony.

Common Pests and Management

Unlike spiders and scorpions, which are arachnids, roaches are more common in human dwellings. Certain species thrive in environments with humans, such as apartments and homes. To prevent persistent infestations, maintaining cleanliness is key. Regularly disposing of any food crumbs, ensuring that all food is stored properly, and promptly removing any roach intruders can help manage their numbers. Roaches take time to reach adulthood, so disposing of juveniles can prevent them from establishing a population.

Uncommon Pests: Spiders, Scorpions, and Earwigs

While spiders and scorpions are not insects, they are often considered pests due to their arachnid nature. Spiders typically maintain a population that ensures there is enough prey, which is usually insects. Therefore, they are generally manageable as long as there is enough insect prey. Earwigs, on the other hand, are less common as pests, but infestations do occur. Proper care for your home and garden, including regular cleaning and sealing cracks, can help prevent earwig infestations.

A Memorable Bee Hive Encounter

Ida, a retired elderly lady who lived in a small country town, experienced a memorable invasion of honey bees. For weeks, she found bees in her living room, despite closing windows and doors. Her partial deafness and blindness made it difficult for her to detect the presence of these insects. Finally, her friend discovered a wild bee hive inside the east wall of her living room, which had been there for at least five years. The friend reported a loud humming noise coming from the wall, which turned out to be the bees’ activity.

The local beekeeper, along with several neighbors, helped extract the hive. They used smoke to calm the bees and opened the wall to remove the honeycomb and relocate the bees. The process revealed a significant amount of honey and a large hive, which Ida never realized was there until the wall was opened. This encounter highlights the importance of proper pest management and safety when dealing with unexpected invasions.

Conclusion

Dealing with pests, whether common insects or unusual invaders like honey bees, is a challenging but necessary part of living in a natural environment. Proper maintenance, sealants, and professional help can make a significant difference in managing these issues. Whether it's securing screens or removing bee hives, staying informed and proactive can help ensure a pest-free and safe living space.