Paul the Octopus predicting the outcome of the World Cup

Well we stumbled across some subterranean termites–yes we’ve devolved a little bit here–that may have been trying to tell us something. Or it could be that “Whitworth Admin” is very tired at the moment and may be hallucinating.

Consider this picture of subterranean termite damage to a book:

Subterranean Termite Damage To Book

The patterns created are quite amazing and almost art-like:

Close-up of Subterranean Damage To Book

But upon closer inspection, we discovered this:

"The horror.....the horror...."--Marlon Brando (Apocalypse Now)

Are the termites implying they’re for smaller government by destroying a book that explains the Medicare drug plans? Has the world gone crazy? Do we really need another celebrity offering their completely uneducated opinion during this already nasty political season? As far as destroying books, why couldn’t the termites pick these:

The Passion, Secrets, Soul & what the...?

God Help Us.....

It seems Paul now is parlaying his celebrity status with a book deal? How ironic. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-10/octopus-oracle-paul-swims-clear-of-euro-gets-tentacles-on-book-film-deal.html. A book deal. It figures. Hmm…. Hmm….I could be the termites’ agent–they could have their book and eat it too! –Aargh

*Note: Whitworth Pest Solutions takes no official stance on government, politics, Paul or other Octopi . The views expressed in this blog entry do not necessarily represent the views of Whitworth Pest Solutions or its qffiliates. They are, however, representative of someone who perhaps possibly may stay up too late at times and possibly may think about pests way too much.

WHAT DO CARPENTER ANTS LOOK LIKE?

They are the largest black ants occurring in Washington State.  Workers range in size from 1/8”-3/4” and are solid black or their midsection may be reddish brown.  Female swarmers are winged and up to 1” long.

WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Carpenter ants are abundant in wooded areas where they live in hollow trees and fallen logs.  In the spring, swarmers fly from the woods to search for new nest sites.  Often, when woods are cleared for new construction sites, the displaced ants will invade the new buildings, whether they’re homes or businesses. The most common way nests are established is when worker ants swarm from parent colonies and migrate into buildings to form satellite nests.

I ONLY SEE A FEW ANTS PER DAY, SO WHY SHOULD I WORRY?

Occasional winged ants may just be wandering in, but if you regularly see wingless workers, they are gathering food for a colony and a nest must be nearby.  Most ants stay in the nest and only 1-5 percent of the colony ever leaves it.  For every worker you see, there may be 99 more in the nest.

I ONLY SEE ANTS DURING THE SPRING. DO I NEED TO WORRY?

Carpenter ants are extremely active during the spring and become more secretive during the summer, fall and winter.  Their apparent disappearance during much of the year is typical of established nests when workers begin foraging outdoors.

HOW DO I TELL IF MY HOME (OR BUSINESS) IS INFESTED WITH THEM?

If you regularly see large black ants in the kitchen or bathroom, you probably have a carpenter ant nest somewhere inside.  If you see ants regularly along the foundation, sidewalks or patio, you have a nest nearby, possibly inside.

ARE CARPENTER ANTS REALLY A SERIOUS PROBLEM?

Yes, they are the most common wood-destroying insect in the Pacific Northwest. Carpenter ants can chew into the major structural timbers of your home (or business-they don’t discriminate) while building their nests and runways.  If ignored, they may cause serious damage, costing you thousands of dollars in structural repairs. For this reason, Whitworth Pest Solutions will take an aggressive approach (when required) when treating a building. We’ve seen what they can do when they’re ignored:

View of Carpenter Ant Damage in Wood

View of Carpenter Ant Damage Close-Up: Same Piece of Wood

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Pierce-county-investigating-series-of-serious-wasp-stings-97880649.html

Pictured: A Whitworth Pest Solutions certified technician removing a dangerous “bald-faced hornet” nest.

2012249996_westnile01m.html

Terry Whitworth, owner of Whitworth Pest Solutions, is quoted in this AP story:

Mosquitoes are bugging Grays Harbor folks

To this day, mosquitoes are still a major issue in this neck of the woods, affecting Grays Harbor County and Pacific County residents every year.

ITCHIN’ FOR SUMMER? WELL, THE PEST IS YET TO COME, BUG EXPERTS SAY

PUGET SOUND: Area homeowners bugged by ladybug plague

Ladybug issues have subsided substantially since this publication in 1994, although Whitworth Pest Solutions still receives its fair share of calls every year regarding ladybugs.

Taking the bite out of spider myths

Avoiding Mosquitoes