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As in previous years, 2022 was anything but normal. Aside from family drama, illness, and politics as usual (or unusual), bugs worried a lot of people. In 2022, people across the country searched the internet to learn more about stink bugs, spotted lanternflies, fire ants, and several other destructive and creepy pests. Here at Bob Vila, we know which bugs have really caught people’s attention, along with a few fun facts about them.
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Spotted Lanternflies
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Spotted lanternflies have been around in the United States for less than a decade. Since arriving from Asia in 2014, these destructive pests have spread along the east coast, wreaking havoc on crops such as apples, walnuts and grapes. Spotted lanternflies feed on living tissue of vascular plants and secrete a sticky liquid called honeydew onto the plant. As more honeydew accumulates on the plant, mold begins to grow, which can block sunlight from reaching the leaves. Getting rid of spotted lanternflies can be a challenge. It’s best to look out for signs of spotted lanternfly eggs that look like a patch of mud to eradicate them before they hatch.
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stink bugs
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Even if you’ve somehow never heard of stink bugs, their name should tell you almost everything you want to know. As the name suggests, these bugs can emit an undesirable odor when threatened. You are more likely to see stink bugs in your home during the fall or winter. These pests prefer to stay outside to feed and mate during the warmer months, but tend to seek shelter indoors when the weather turns colder. They often enter a home through cracks in the exterior of the home and are more likely to enter homes with a yard or higher moisture levels. If you notice stink bugs in your home — or want to prevent them from entering your home — take steps to find and seal off potential entry points. You can also get rid of stink bugs by vacuuming them up, spraying them with a mixture of detergent and water, or hanging a bug killer in your attic or basement.
fire ants
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Fire ants are another pest that no one wants to find in or around their home. When a fire ant bites, it causes a painful, burning sensation that is very itchy. Aside from their nasty bites, fire ants can also cause significant damage to crops, electrical equipment, and buildings. Fire ants are usually found in warmer environments. If you see a fire ant on your property, you should find the nest and kill the ants. If you’d rather not hire an exterminator to do this job, you can try getting rid of these pests yourself. Food-grade diatomaceous earth can effectively kill fire ants that are indoors, while stronger chemical treatment may be required to get rid of ants outside the home. You can also pour boiling water on the ants’ tell-tale mounds.
hammerhead worms
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Hammerhead worms look just like you might imagine. They have a long and thin body – similar to that of an earthworm – with a large, flat head that sits perpendicular to the body. However, unlike earthworms, which are very useful for gardens and crops, hammerhead worms have been classified as a menacing invasive species. If you see hammerhead sharks in your yard, you should remove them. Wear gloves to pick up the worms and place them in a sealed container or bag. Then spray vinegar on the worms in the container, reseal and freeze for 48 hours. Be sure to notify your state’s Department of Natural Resources so they can trace where the worms were found. A word of advice: although you may be tempted to cut up the worms to get rid of them, don’t do so. Parts of a hammerhead worm’s body grow back into a fully developed worm.
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Little black bugs
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If you’ve been wondering “what are all those little black bugs near my windows” you’re not alone. However, there is no one correct answer to this question. Many bugs are small and black and could cause infestations in your home. These include ants, drain flies and mosquitoes. Regardless of what pest appears to be invading your window, there are a few steps you can take to keep it out. Some ideas include caulking gaps and holes along the windows, applying perimeter treatment around the window and other potential entry points, or even replacing your windows with updated security options.
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Little red bugs
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Some homeowners are concerned after finding tiny red bugs in their homes. If you spot a small red bug in your home, it’s probably a clover mite. Clover mites, which are related to spiders and ticks, are only about the size of a pinhead. While not harmful, seeing numerous clover mites all over your home is not pleasant. However, you should avoid flattening clover mites to get rid of them. Their red body color can leave a red stain that is very difficult to remove. You can hire a professional exterminator or try spraying the bugs with hairspray. The sticky hairspray will make it harder for the clover mites to hide again, making it easier for you to remove them from surfaces around your home.
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Japanese beetles
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When you have a garden, one of the last things you want to rest on your plants is a Japanese beetle. Although they originated in Japan, Japanese beetles can now be found in many areas of the United States where their feeding habits can lead to the destruction of many species of plants, including roses, fruit plants, and trees. Japanese beetles are easily identified by their copper-colored wings and metallic (either bronze or green) backs. It is best to catch a Japanese beetle infestation early, as these beetles can reproduce quickly. Methods that can help you eliminate a Japanese beetle infestation include spraying the pests with soapy water or neem oil, using Japanese beetle traps, and using row covers to protect your plants during the peak period of their feeding.
Huge hornets
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Don’t poke around in the wasp’s nest is more than just a saying. It’s good advice to follow. Giant hornets, also known as murder hornets, were first sighted in the United States in 2019. They are exactly what they sound like. The queen can be more than 2 inches long with a wingspan of about 3 inches, and the workers can be up to 1.5 inches long. While they do not typically pose a threat to humans, they do pose a serious threat to bees. They target and destroy honey bees and their hives. So far in the United States, murderer hornets have only been sighted in Washington state along the Canadian border.
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kiss bugs
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Kissing bugs may sound cute, but they’re actually some sort of assassin bug. These pests are known to transmit diseases that can sicken both humans and animals. Some kissing bugs are carriers of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. If bitten by one of these carriers, a person or animal can develop Chagas disease. It goes without saying that you want to work on getting rid of kiss bugs in your home. Some removal tips include sealing entry points, turning off outside lights if possible, and storing woodpiles away from the home. In some cases, an insecticide spray containing pyrethroid may be needed to get rid of the bugs.
bed bugs
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Nobody wants to deal with bed bugs. These pests look similar to an apple seed and are attracted to humans. They look for human blood to survive, which is why they often hide in mattresses and bedding and feed when humans sleep in the bed. They are strongly attracted to carbon dioxide that surrounds a person’s head while they sleep. Because of this, many bed bug bites are found on the head or neck. If you think you have bed bugs, you should consult a professional. Each female lays up to 250 eggs, making it very difficult to eradicate an infestation.
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Boxelder bugs
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Boxelder bugs are members of the same family that includes cicadas and stink bugs. They prefer warmer climates and are most likely to be found in buildings that face south or west. Boxelder bug infestations are unlikely to occur in the summer, but as the weather gets colder they can enter buildings to stay warmer. They often travel in larger groups, which means if you see a Boxelder in your home, there are likely more of them. Boxelder bugs are about half an inch long. They are black with orange spots on their backs and have wings that overlap and look like an “X”. You can try to eliminate a boxwood bug infestation by spraying the beetles with a strong jet of water, spreading diatomaceous earth around the property, or removing female boxwood trees from the property (the beetles feed on the seed pods).
