For the second consecutive game, bat invades court at San Antonio’s AT&T Center, but this time, the Spurs’ mascot, The Coyote, was ready. Source: USA TODAY
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Survey Underway (via Lancaster Farming)
A nationwide survey is currently underway to gather information from farmers and growers on the economic impact of the brown marmorated stink bug on agriculture. Source: Lancaster Farming
Car not starting this winter? Rats! (No, really!) (via New Jersey 101.5)
People aren’t the only ones trying to stay warm in winter. Source: New Jersey 101.5
Ant colony queen dies at 20 years old (via Cat Viglienzoni)
Montshire Museum of Science will replace its ant colony in the Spring. Source: Cat Viglienzoni
Tracking ticks: Experts say deer ticks are surviving Maine winters (via WCSH)
Researchers also say that Lone Star ticks, which are common in the south, are surviving winters in Southern Maine. A bite can cause people to develop a red meat allergy, and in some cases a reaction to dairy products. Source: WCSH
Common insect repellents mask human odors from malaria mosquitoes (via r20.rs6.net)
Researchers found that two commonly used insect repellents, including DEET, mask human smell, making people invisible to Anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit malaria. “Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to find us, and my lab is interested in studying the mosquito’s sense of smell in order to figure out ways to stop them from finding us, and ultimately from biting us … Read More
How the cold will impact insects like fleas and ticks (via WKBN)
Many believe a long, cold winter means fewer bugs come spring. Source: WKBN
Oh, Rats! The Rodents Scurrying Among Us (via Carmen Baskauf, Lucy Nalpathanchil)
They live underground and gorge themselves in dumpsters. This hour, we’re taking a long, hard look at creatures you’d probably rather not think about: RATS Source: Carmen Baskauf, Lucy Nalpathanchil
Rat alarm raised at Starrs Mill High School – The Citizen (via The Citizen)
School system official says 1 rat found in 2 months A Jan. 25 article that appeared in the Starrâs Mill High School newspaper said the school is showing signs of rat infestation. School system Facilities Director Mike Satterfield said one rodent has been caught in the past two months, adding that his department is aware … Source: The Citizen
The good news about the freezing cold: Invasive insects won’t survive (via KMSP)
Despite the chill, there’s a bit of good news to come out of all this frigid weather. Source: KMSP
