New Soy-Based Wiring Attracting Rats

Rat caught in the act of chewing through wires in an engine compartment. (AP Photo: WFTV.com)

     Early February, Forbes Magazine published an article stating that several car companies are experiencing problems with using soy-based wiring in newer cars. This has effected automobile brands such as Honda, Volvo, Mazda and Toyota.
    While older cars are often swapped out for newer vehicles that offer better fuel efficiency and meet the emission standards required by state, many are realizing that older cars are not being effected by the rats. 
    "Some newer model cars use materials like soy that are more biodegradable than plastics. It’s all part of an effort to make car parts more environmentally-friendly" (Dunne, 2017). While intentions are good,  dealerships are finding that the environmentally friendly wiring is attracting rodents in both rural and suburban communities, causing more harm than good. 
     Have you purchased a new car recently? It wouldn't hurt to take it into the nearest dealership and inquire if the new soy-based wires are covered by the warranty. You will thank us later!
     
      

References

Dunne, M.J. (2017, February 19). Rats! New Cars' Soy-Coated Wires Give Rodents Plenty to Chew On. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/rats-new-cars-soy-coated-wires-give-rodents-plenty-to-chew-on/ar-AAn7aey?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartanntp

WFTV.Com. (2016, December 20). Florida woman sues Toyota for rodent chewed wires. Fox25 WFXT. Retrieved from http://www.fox25boston.com/news/florida-woman-sues-toyota-for-rodentchewed-wires/477497824

The Bullet Ant

Parponera Clavata

aka "Bullet Ant"

Thought you had an ant problem? Try living in the Amazonian Forest and having to deal with Bullet Ants. If your living in Nicaragua, Honduras, Paraguay or Costa Rica you know just what kind of ant I am talking about. The Bullet Ant is also known as the 24hour Ant which describes the lasting pain after a sting. A sting from the Bullet Ant can leave its victim weak, swollen and wiped out. In question to whether or not a Bullet Ant can kill a human is most likely only if the victim has an allergic reaction to the bite  or not.

Be Warned

The Bullet Ant will never attack unless provoked. They will first release a strong odor to serve as a warning before it will attack. While they are intimidating they will warn you first, don't say I didn't tell you so.

Tribe Rituals

Some native tribes use the Bullet Ants in initiation ceremonies for bringing young men into adulthood. The elders of the tribe first gather many of the ants and sedate them with a drug to make them drowsy long enough to place them into large woven mitts. Next, the young males must wear the mitts filled with the angry waking Bullet Ants for 10 minutes. They must endure the continuing pain of the bites for at least the next 24hours.  This ritual is done a total of 20 times in order to bring the young men into adulthood. Good thing we do not have Bullet ants here in the states!

Just Plain Ants

While you probably don't have a problem with angry Bullet Ants on your hands you may have a pesky plain ant problem taking over your kitchen, and if that is the case you need a Professional to help you with that. Call Black Knight Pest Control and ask about our Ant Control Service. We have a plan that will work for you!

The Brown Widow

Brown Widow Spider

We all know about the black widow spider but did you know that there is also a brown widow spider?  Brown widow spiders can be found in Southern California  and actually out number the black widow spider. They are brown, tan and gray covered in a spotted pattern. Like the black widow spider they have a yellowish or bright orange hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen. There are dark bands that wrap around their legs, with their front legs longer than the others. Black widows are usually a little larger than the brown widow, and the brown widow spider's bite is also less venomous. You can find brown widows hiding in and around our home in places such as; solid / plastic patio furniture, wood fences and plastic playground equipment. They are not limited to these areas so be sure to keep an eye out.

Think you have a brown widow spider problem? Send Black Knight Termite and Pest Control to help you out with the problem. 951.694.8100. A Pest Control Service may be just what you need. Some one to take care of them and the webs they leave behind, not to mention their eggs!