China Beetles Threaten Gooseberry and Amla Trees in Arunachal Pradesh
Scientists have found evidence of China beetles infesting gooseberry and amla plants in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The infestation, first detected in 2017, involves the beetle Aristobia reticulator, which feeds on tender twigs and causes girdling during summer. The pest, known to affect litchi and longan trees in China and Myanmar, is suspected to have migrated to the region due to geographical proximity. Experts warn of potential spread to other major fruit-growing states like Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand if quarantine measures are not implemented.
Understanding Vole Damage to Apple Trees and Gardens
A gardeners' guide explaining how voles (field mice) can damage young apple trees and crops through girdling and feeding. The article highlights signs of vole activity, such as irregular gnaw marks, tunnel systems in snow, and damage to crops like alfalfa and potatoes. Prevention strategies include maintaining short grass, using hardware cloth, and avoiding mulch around perennials. It also distinguishes vole damage from that of rabbits and notes natural predators.
Lawsuit Alleges Rodent Infestation at New Mexico Prison
Two former inmates have filed a federal lawsuit alleging yearslong rodent infestations at the Western New Mexico Corrections Facility, claiming staff and a food-service contractor failed to address sanitation issues, resulting in food contamination, health risks, and constitutional violations. The suit targets prison officials and Summit Food Service, citing exposure to rodent feces, urine, and potential Hantavirus risk, and seeks punitive damages.
Family Awarded $5K After Living in Rat-Infested West Auckland Rental
An Auckland family received $5,129 in damages and compensation from the Tenancy Tribunal after living in a rental property with severe rat infestations, poor maintenance, and unsafe conditions including broken windows, mould, no smoke alarms, and a leaking toilet. The tenants, who recently emigrated to New Zealand, reported the infestations caused distress, especially to their daughter, who found it upsetting that rats gnawed on her toys. The property manager failed to act despite repeated warnings, and the tribunal found that pest control measures should have been taken promptly.
South African Provinces with the Most Species of Home-Invading Insects
A study by Cleanipedia analyzed over 430,000 pest observations from iNaturalist to identify home-invading insects in South Africa. The Western Cape recorded the highest number of insect species, with 124 different types reported. Common destructive insects include moths, carpet beetles, cockroaches, silverfish, firebrats, and house crickets. The report emphasizes prevention through sealing entry points and secure food storage.
Bird droppings have been covering walkways and building windows around the Branch County Courthouse and Annex during the fall and winter months. Maintenance efforts, including power washing, have been limited in effectiveness, especially in freezing temperatures. A 'backup beeper' installed on the courthouse roof initially deterred the birds but they became accustomed to it. The birds, likely a mix of crows and blackbirds, roost in trees like the Ginko tree and are drawn to areas with abundant food. Wildlife experts note the flocks create 'predator confusion' and disperse by late March to begin nesting. Some birds are year-round residents, others migrate from northern latitudes.
THESE ARE THE MOST BED BUG–INFESTED CITIES IN THE U.S. New York City isn't even in the top 10
Pest control company Orkin released a list of the 50 most bed bug–infested cities in the U.S. based on treatment requests from December 2019 to November 2020. Chicago tops the list, followed by Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Detroit. New York City ranks 12th, down from 6th in 2020, while Los Angeles moves from 4th to 9th worst. Toledo, Ohio, jumps from 50th to 27th in just one year. The data highlights that bed bugs are a widespread issue beyond major urban centers.
Rats 'breeding well' in Bristol homes and 'could spiral out of control'
Bristol's rat population is rising rapidly, with Pest.co.uk estimating 950,000 rats in 2020—a 25% increase from the previous year. The surge is attributed to migration from commercial to residential areas during lockdown, combined with growing rat immunity to poisons and limited control resources due to funding cuts.
Wilt Disease Kills Hundreds of Trees in Tokyo Parks
A fungal disease transmitted by ambrosia beetles has killed over 500 broad-leaved trees and infected more than 1,700 in Tokyo parks this fiscal year, with the disease spreading due to higher-than-average summer temperatures following a rainy season. Infected trees show withered, brown or reddish-brown leaves and do not recover. The Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association plans to remove affected trees in phases, with wood repurposed for biomass and papermaking. Tama and Inagi cities have included funding for disease control in their budgets.