#citronella ant

[jonnysinsectcatalogue]

Smaller Yellow Ant - Lasius claviger

Before covering the nuptial flights of this subterranean dwelling insect colony, I have some announcements for the blog. Firstly, the blog's text highlight color has finally been fixed. Text should now be highlighted in orange; give it a try. Secondly, I'm finally taking the step to enter YouTube, start a channel* and share these insects there. I hope you'll join me in this new venture. There will be an additional post covering this, but in the meantime you may refer to this blog link for additional information. Finally, yesterday was this blog’s 5 Year Anniversary! I feel quite sheepish in hindsight that the highlight color took 5 years to fix, but I'm not much of a programming whiz. My focus is, and always will be on the insects I find and to share the photography and videography I make with all of you, my dearest readers. Wow! 5 years. What a journey it has been. I'm incredibly grateful for all my followers (both old and new), the readers who frequent my blog, and the fellow bug-hunters on this website that have inspired me! I sincerely thank you! Furthermore, none of this would've happened or continued without the contributions, encouragement and support from my closest friends and my family. To them, I give all the thanks in the world and my deepest appreciation! And now, let's talk about Ants, nuptial flights and usurping queens! While tidying the yard due to the weather beginning to change , I was greeted by a flurry of winged alates emerging from the ground near a collection of buried backyard stones.

These images don't do the sheer volume of winged Ants justice, but there must've been hundreds emerging from their nest! It's a mad rush to spread out and secure a colony before the cold sets in (more on that to come). The backyard plays host to many Ant species, but this was the first time I've seen these before. False Honey Ants came to mind first since they don't mind the cold, but with no size disparity (and timing of emergence) it was clear that these alates were something else. The lemony-yellow color of the wingless worker Ants provided a clue, and I was directed immediately to the genus Lasius, more commonly known as Lemon Ants or Citronella Ants. They are named for more than just their colorful body; they can defend themselves and rouse a colony defense whose fragrance is similar to the scent of lemon. Though it may smell pleasant to us, I'm not sure if these Ants would taste very lemony. With the risks from bites, formic acid and soil sanitation conditions, I can't recommend you eat them; observing them should be enough. While I observed them, the scent was in action, and while the alates where docile and airborne, the workers are alert and I did get nipped a few times while poking near their colony's entrances. Compared to the worker Ants, the winged alates are much larger and appear to have more defined sclerotization, but they didn't seem inclined to bite me.

Naturally the winged Ants are stored up with fat reserves to prepare the young queens for initial building of a colony and the first wave of offspring that will tend the queen. Why so many alates though? Well, the answer is one even I didn't expect: this specie of Citronella Ant reportedly usurps (parasitizes technically speaking) the colonies of of other Citronella Ants that have already established nests slightly earlier in the year! Since they don't make their own colonies and competition is fierce, many individuals are born to grant the best opportunity possible to find a colony, infiltrate it, depose the queen inconspicuously and take her place! It is madness, but with winter on the way, it's every Ant queen for herself! However, it is reported that these Ants can forage during the colder months, similar to the False Honey Ant, assuming of course the specie I chose is accurate. I've ultimately settled on L. claviger as the time of emergence lines up (right on the edge of October) within the North American environment and from the sheer number of alates in flight. Distinguishing between species is very technical without an close-up observation of individuals, consideration of range and emergence flight, but identification down to the genus is easy if you smell lemons. If you wish to search for them, check under large stones or in the soil beneath rotting stumps. Since I know they're in the yard now, I'll see if I can share future posts with foraging Ants searching for colony provisions. Yellow coloration should make them easy to spot, but they may stay underground.

Pictures were taken on September 30, 2023 with a Google Pixel 4. Thank you all for an interesting 5 years, and for more years to come!

*Note: The channel was deliberately started so as to coincide with the anniversary of this blog. This makes tracking the anniversaries of both platforms much easier. Now onto the next media publishing step...

[johnschneiderblog]

A bug that smells like bug repellant

"Did you smell citronella ...?"

It seemed like an odd question coming from a bug man, but as a matter of fact ...

Yes; once we started poking at the winged ants swarming in the dirt along one side of our pole barn, the odor was unmistakable: citronella. Evidently these subterranean ants emit the odor when they feel threatened.

The bug man said the ants happened to be coming up from the soil all over the county. It's their time of year, I guess. To his credit, he added that they were harmless and that no treatment was required.

As I wrote here, I got introduced to acrobat ants a couple of weeks ago after little piles of frass (wood residue) start showing up under a window sill. Unlike the citronella ants, the acrobats had to go.

Two new entries in my personal ant-species catalog in a matter of days ... Life's funny that way.

[ahb-writes]

[antjellies]

I had a dream last night that I found a bush with caterpillars making cocoons in the leaves and there were some parasitoid wasps laying their eggs in the caterpillar cocoons and one time I fell in the bush and got stung by one of the wasps and it hurt like hell for like one minute before it was just a mild sore sensation. Basically my mind took a bunch of traits from different parasitoid wasps and put them together into my mind wasp. It was pretty cool

[crevicedwelling]

A long time ago, when I was a kid at a summer camp, one of the camp guides showed us a particular ant that lived in the area. They said that if you licked its abdomen, it'd taste like lemons. I licked it, and sure enough, that ant's butt tasted like lemons. I can't remember where this camp was or what ant it was, though.

Anyway I'm sending this ask partly because I thought you might find the story interesting and partly because I'm curious if you have any guesses about what ant I may have licked all those years ago.

Lasius in the L. claviger group secrete lemon-secented compounds, which is why their common name is “citronella ants”

[mad-hare]

I’ve noticed in my digging I often see these citronella ants having dwarf white isopods(?) living in their colonies and tunnels. Maybe some sort of symbiotic relationship but google doesn’t have info.

[invisibleraven]

Imagine your OTP where both partners want to surprise the other one with a wonderful date but all of their cleverly thought-out plans fail and it looks like this is going to go down in history as the worst Valentine’s Day ever. + if it’s actually not that bad in the end /Jayla

Kayla looked over her gathered supplies, ticking each one off in her mind-citronella candles, blanket, basket, food, sunscreen. Everything was there, ready for an amazing picnic with Julie to celebrate their first Valentine's Day together.

They had both agreed not to plan anything, as everything would be crazy and booked, and a quiet night was all they needed.

"Why celebrate our relationship only on special days?" Julie had asked.

But Kayla had always been a romantic so she couldn't not do anything. She figured a nice picnic was a great date and special since it wasn't something they did often.

Unfortunately, Julie was not home yet. She had gone out this morning to help Flynn get ready for her date with Carrie-a date which Kayla knew they were both planning on proposing on. But she had expected Julie back long before now.

"I'm home!" Julie said, finally entering the house a half hour later. "Sorry, Flynn lost the ring and then Bobby lost Carrie, and it was a whole thing. You look nice."

"Thanks," Kayla replied, accepting a kiss. "Go get ready, we have lunch plans."

"I thought we were just staying home?" Julie asked, a nervous expression on her face.

Kayla shrugged. "Figured I should put in some effort. Nothing fancy, but a nice lunch, just the two of us."

"That sounds nice," Julie replied. "Be back in two shakes."

"One... two..." Kayla drawled as Julie raced to their bedroom, earning her a glare. Though soon enough Julie was back in a nice sundress, her hair flowing freely. Kayla spun her around with an exaggerated whistle, then grabbed her horde of stuff and lead them towards the car.

The park was a little more crowded than Kayla had counted on, but she managed to find them a spot under a large maple tree, setting out the blankets and candles before instructing Julie to sit, laying out the food.

"This is delicious," Julie said, digging into her container of salad. "Hope the ants stay away."

"That's what the candles are for," Kayla replied, peeling her clementine and popping a segment into her mouth.

No sooner had she said that, but an errant ball hit one of the candles, knocking it over, the flame catching the edge of the blanket and the picnic basket. Kayla swore, stomping out the flame and dumping her water bottle over the rest.

"Well fuck," Kayla grumbled. "Guess I'm not getting my deposit back."

"It's okay, we have plenty of food left," Julie assured her.

Kayla nodded, but mourned the now ruined cupcakes she had in the basket. There were more at home, but these ones had the perfect little love hearts on top and now they were a mushy pile of melted sugar and boot prints.

"Hey, you wanna dance?" Julie asked as they finished their food. There was a guy playing guitar nearby, giving them the prefect soundtrack.

Kayla grinned, and pulled her up, the two of them swaying with shared smiles as the songs progressed from soft to boisterous. Even after the playing ended, they still danced, though Julie glanced off to the side where her phone was blinking with messages on the blanket.

"You waiting for Flynn to text?" Kayla asked.

Julie murmured her agreement then shook herself. "Yeah, sorry. A little distracted." She kissed Kayla then; a sweet, lingering thing. "I'm all yours."

Kayla was about to reply when the heavens opened up, soaking them both in a deluge of rain. They had been so wrapped up in each other that they hadn't noticed the gathering rain clouds and darkened sky. They dashed for the shelter of the tree, but it didn't offer much protection. So they threw the blanket over themselves, gathered up their things and ran off to the car.

"Well that was a bust," Kayla said, biting back a giggle at their waterlogged appearances.

"I dunno, up until the rain, it was okay," Julie replied, but then shivered. "How about we head home and dry off?"

Back home in dry clothes, hair wrapped in towels, they ventured into the kitchen where Kayla found a plate of ceviche waiting for them.

"Tia?" she asked.

Julie's shoulders slumped. "Yeah, I asked her to whip up something for us for tonight, that was the other half of the messages on my phone. There's arroz con pollo and pastales in the fridge to warm up. She just left, so this should be fine to eat."

Kayla had never eaten ceviche before, but found it was pretty good, liking the bite of the citrus and fish together. However, a few bites in, she started feeling itchy.

"Jewel, what's in this?" she asked.

"I made sure to buy the good imitation stuff, why?" Julie asked, then gave a little sneeze, then another. "Stupid rain."

"I think your aunt might have used real shrimp," Kayla replied, already feeling the swelling and hives. "Benadryl please."

"You need your EpiPen?" Julie asked, rushing to get the pills.

Kayla shook her head, swallowing the pills. "Nah, that's only for nuts. Shellfish is uncomfortable, but not deadly."

Julie nodded, biting her bottom lip. "I am going to be having a talk with tia later, I swear she knows you're allergic!"

"Hey hey, it's okay," Kayla assured her. "But maybe go get the calamine lotion so I don't scratch my skin off?"

Julie nodded, then let out a litany of sneezes before rushing off.

So they ended their night with Julie sneezing and sniffling up a storm, Kayla swollen and itchy, and demolished cupcakes littering the table.

"Some Valentine's Day huh?" Julie asked, clutching the box of tissues to her.

"A banner one that's for sure," Kayla replied, popping another allergy pill. "Though I mean, we had two nice meals, if we ignore the one that caused all this."

"We got to dance," Julie added. "Even if the rain had other plans."

"And we spent it together, which is the most important part," Kayla concluded. Julie grinned, leaning in to kiss her cheek. Or whatever part of her face wasn't broken out without giving Kayla the cold she had developed.

"Maybe next year we go to a restaurant anyways?" Julie suggested with a giggle.

"Definitely," Kayla replied with a laugh, and snuggled into Julie as much as she could, reaching for another cupcake for them to share as the both of them squealed when Flynn finally texted them both, showcasing a picture of her and Carrie wearing engagement rings and promising to tell them the story tomorrow.

And Kayla resolved to make sure when it was their turn to get engaged... she got Flynn to plan it all.

[wolfram-afternoons]

ants trailing under your bed. ignore the acid. lick the acid. sweet. envy. black acid on tongue. they originate from your cyanidic carouselle. have to inscribe pattern four times tomorrow. spider leaking from vein. acetone leak on aisle awareness. attendant please go away. envious of structures of various complexities. ate a big citrus. bigger than yesterday but less content. spider deterritorializes. smeared the table with citronella oil. migrane. forgot the fog pill again. will spider instead. migrane. itches. forehead meets wall. wall is rude. migrane. work in the park today instead.

[cantankerouscatfish]

the fun thing about digging in the dirt is that sometimes you find a grub, or a little nest of millipedes, or citronella ants, or a cool rock. literally zero downsides to digging holes.

[mintykiwi]

i planted carrots in a pot despite not liking carrots because i thought it might be fun and a group of citronella ants have made their home in the dirt

[johnschneiderblog]

Dishing the dirt

Three afternoons out of four, you'll find this hen turkey hunkered down in a strip of dirt along the south side of our pole barn.

I knew she must have had her reasons ... Was it the warmth of the sun she sought ... ? Or did she come to snack on the citronella ants that seem to favor the area ... ?

It was a mystery, but after careful and patient study from our kitchen window, I think I know what the attraction is: the dirt itself.

The dirt along the barn is especially loose. Several times now I've seen this hen - using her head, wings and claws - throw the dirt all over herself, as though it were dusting powder. And, in a way, that's what it is to our girl. Here's what the Internet says:

" ... bathing in dust and dirt actually helps turkeys get cleaner. Dusting removes pests and parasites and keeps the birds' skin healthy and feathers from getting matted, which could impede flight."

[xaeyrnofnbe]

rolan deep would fall for those traps you put around your house to kill ants and flies. he’d put his face right on that gross sticky stuff you put up to catch fruit flies and he’d make himself sick eating the ant poison stuff accidentally. he can also be warded off using citronella.

[ciircuitdragon]

Starting the new year out right by bugposting

The bugs: common citronella ant (Lasius claviger), Brachyiulus millipede, and dwarf spider (subfamily Erigoninae)

[wain-wright]

stress smells like the chemical smell people are describing, never associated citronella with ants. interesting. nobody describes how stress and exhaustion smells though.

[sreepestosloutions]

The Secret to Effective Pest Control: Tips and Tricks by Sreepesto Solutions

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding Common Pests

Identifying Pest Infestations

Preventive Measures for Pest Control

Natural Pest Control Methods

Chemical Pest Control Options

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

DIY Pest Control Tips

Professional Pest Control Services

Seasonal Pest Control Tips

Specialized Pest Control

Pest Control for Gardens

FAQs About Pest Control

Conclusion

Introduction

Let's face it, pests are the uninvited guests that no one wants. Whether it's ants marching across your kitchen counter or mice scurrying through your attic, these critters can cause a lot of headaches.

That's why effective pest control is crucial. Today, we're diving into the secrets of keeping your home pest-free with tips and tricks from the experts at best Pest Control Services in hyderabad.

Understanding Common Pests

Before you can tackle a pest problem, it's essential to know your enemy. Household pests come in many forms, including insects like ants, roaches, and termites, as well as rodents like mice and rats. Each type poses different threats, from health risks such as allergies and diseases to structural damage to your home.

Identifying Pest Infestations

So, how do you know if you have a pest problem? Common signs include droppings, unusual smells, damage to structures or belongings, and visible pests. If you spot any of these indicators, it's crucial to act quickly. While some infestations can be managed with DIY methods, others may require the expertise of a professional.

Preventive Measures for Pest Control

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some key preventive measures:

Maintaining Cleanliness

Keeping your home clean is the first line of defense against pests. Regularly vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and taking out the trash can deter many pests.

Proper Food Storage

Pests are often drawn to food sources. Store food in airtight containers and keep counters free of crumbs and spills.

Sealing Entry Points

Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes where pests could enter. Sealing these entry points can prevent many pests from getting inside.

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Natural Pest Control Methods

If you prefer to avoid chemicals, there are plenty of natural pest control options:

Using Essential Oils

Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus can repel pests. Simply mix with water and spray around your home.

Plants that Repel Pests

Certain plants, such as basil, marigolds, and citronella, naturally repel pests and can be an attractive addition to your garden or home.

Homemade Pest Traps

DIY traps, like a vinegar and dish soap mixture for fruit flies or a sugar and borax mix for ants, can be effective and eco-friendly.

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Chemical Pest Control Options

Sometimes, natural methods aren't enough. Here's what you need to know about chemical pest control:

Types of Pesticides

There are many types of pesticides available, from insecticides to rodenticides. Each targets specific pests and has different applications.

Safety Precautions

Always follow label instructions and use personal protective equipment when handling pesticides. Keep them away from children and pets.

Environmental Impact

Consider the environmental impact of chemical pesticides. Opt for eco-friendly options when possible and avoid overuse.

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that combines multiple strategies:

What is IPM?

IPM involves using a combination of methods, including biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools, to manage pests effectively and sustainably.

Benefits of IPM

IPM reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides, minimizes environmental impact, and promotes long-term pest management.

Steps in Implementing IPM

Identify the pest and understand its biology.

Monitor pest activity and set action thresholds.

Use preventive measures and mechanical controls.

Apply pesticides as a last resort.

DIY Pest Control Tips

Want to tackle pests on your own? Here are some tips:

Effective Home Remedies

Use household items like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to create pest deterrents.

Tools and Equipment

Invest in basic pest control tools such as traps, baits, and sealants.

Pros and Cons of DIY Methods

DIY pest control can be cost-effective and immediate but may not always provide a long-term solution for severe infestations.

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Professional Pest Control Services

When DIY isn't enough, it's time to call in the pros:

Choosing the Right Pest Control Company

Look for licensed, experienced, and reputable pest control companies. Check reviews and ask for recommendations.

What to Expect from Professional Services

A professional will assess your situation, create a treatment plan, and follow up to ensure the problem is resolved.

Cost Considerations

Costs vary based on the type of pest, severity of the infestation, and the treatment required. Always get multiple quotes before making a decision.

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Seasonal Pest Control Tips

Pest control isn't a one-time job. Here are some seasonal tips:

Spring Pest Control

Spring is prime time for many pests. Focus on sealing entry points and removing standing water.

Summer Pest Control

Summer heat brings out insects. Keep your home cool and dry, and be vigilant about food storage.

Fall Pest Control

As the weather cools, pests seek shelter indoors. Clean gutters and store firewood away from the house.

Winter Pest Control

Rodents are common in winter. Use traps and ensure your home is sealed tight.

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Specialized Pest Control

Different pests require different approaches:

Bed Bug Treatment

Bed bugs are notoriously hard to eliminate. Professional heat treatments are often the most effective.

Termite Control

Termites can cause significant damage. Regular inspections and baiting systems can keep them at bay.

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Rodent Control

Rodents reproduce quickly. Traps, baits, and exclusion methods are crucial.

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Pest Control for Gardens

Gardens can attract pests too:

Organic Gardening Solutions

Use natural predators and organic pesticides to protect your plants.

Common Garden Pests

Aphids, slugs, and caterpillars are common culprits. Handpicking and natural repellents can help.

Protecting Plants Naturally

Companion planting and natural barriers like row covers can safeguard your garden.

Modern Tools and Techniques

Ultrasonic devices, smart traps, and drones are becoming common in pest control.

Future Trends in Pest Control

Biotechnology and AI are paving the way for more effective and eco-friendly pest control solutions.

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FAQs About Pest Control

How often should I have my home inspected for pests?

It's recommended to have a professional inspection annually, but if you notice signs of pests, call immediately.

Are natural pest control methods effective?

Yes, they can be, especially for minor infestations and as a preventive measure.

Can pests cause health problems?

Absolutely. Pests can carry diseases, trigger allergies, and contaminate food.

What is the best way to store food to prevent pests?

Use airtight containers and store food off the floor and away from walls.

Is professional pest control expensive?

Costs can vary, but consider it an investment in your health and property. Always get multiple quotes to compare.

Conclusion

Effective pest control requires a blend of prevention, identification, and treatment. Whether you're handling a minor issue yourself or calling in the pros, staying informed and proactive is key. Sreepesto Solutions offers a range of services and tips to help you keep your home pest-free year-round. Remember, the best offense is a good defense when it comes to pest control.

[terrifickid]

Hmm because ants. It's citronella.