The creepy crawlers hiding in your backyard

photo by Andre Moura

The summer heat brings joyful pool fights and fresh-squeezed lemonade this season, and as we enjoy the weather, so do the unwanted visitors in our homes and backyards. The pests are always inviting themselves into our homes and backyard, especially during the summer, but we can help you prevent and fight against them so you can stress less. Here is a list of the five top dangerous insects and pests that could be hiding in your backyard. 

1. Southern Black Widow Spider 

This insect is known for the red hourglass markings on the bottom of its abdomen. Many people don't know the female black widows have hourglass markings and are more poisonous. These insects are a problem during the spring and summer seasons since this is when they lay their eggs. One egg sac could obtain more than 200 spiderlings. The spiders prefer shaded, humid, secluded corners to build their webs. They are found in frequent wooded areas but may be found near buildings, under tables and chairs, and in crevices.

2. Eastern Velvet Ant

This insect is the largest-bodied velvet ant in the United States; they are usually three-fourths of an inch in length. The ant can be noticeable for its bright colors, which indicates its toxicity to other prey. The eastern velvet ants' color pattern consists of brownish-orange and black stripes, making it a conspicuous part of its habitat. There has been much debate on how excruciating the pain is, compared to other members in their genus, but most would agree the sting is excruciating. 

3. Kissing Bugs 

They are universally known as pests. Unlike other insects in this genus, kissing bugs are not beneficial to an ecosystem. Kissing bugs are known as vectors for a parasite called Chagas disease. This is an inflammatory infection disease that can lead to heart problems and cardiac arrest if left untreated. The disease is transmitted through the feces of the bug, as the pest drinks your blood it defecates. As the bite site gets irritated, the host will scratch opening up the wound and allowing the parasite to enter the body. 

4. Asp Caterpillar 

​The Asp or Puss caterpillars are out and about during the late spring and summer months, they lay eggs in trees and wooded areas. They are usually found in shaded areas such as trees and shrubbery, located around schools, homes, and parks. They are known for their furry appearance as they are covered in grayish-white thick hair all over their body. Upon contact they discharge venom. They produce a painful rash containing spines. Even the larva is poisonous  

5. Striped Bark Scorpion 

This non-insect arthropod is found outdoor and indoors; in a wide variety of habitats. They are yellowish-tan marked with two black stripes on the top of their abdomen. Scorpions remain sheltered in the daytime and become active at night. They are the most widespread scorpion in Texas. Their stings are painful and produce local swelling and itching that may persist for several days.