We will most likely continue Seeing fire ants until the end of the summer. Source: Samantha Day
Powassan, West Nile viruses cause Zika-like damage to fetuses (via CNN)
Pregnant mice infected with either West Nile or Powassan virus, both related to Zika virus, led to fetal death for some, a new study found. Source: CNN
Wildlife Refuge to Authorize Hunts to Eliminate Spread of Deadly Tick (via Christian Von Preysing)
The hunts are scheduled for Apr. 7 and Apr. 8. Source: Christian Von Preysing
Two Highly Venomous Spider Families Are Closely Related, Genome Analysis Finds (via International Business Times)
The two arachnid groups, funnel-web spiders and mouse spiders, were earlier thought to have diverged — evolving separately from a common ancestor — over 200 million years ago. Source: International Business Times
An Athens neighborhood concerned over beaver dams causing flooding and mosquitoes (via WAAY News)
An Athens neighborhood county is voicing their concern tonight after they say the city of Athens isn’t doing enough to take care of beaver dams in the area, which they also say is leading to flooding and excessive mosquitoes. Source: WAAY News
5 Zika-Free Destinations For Spring Break | Washingtonian (via Washingtonian)
From Hawaii to Martinique, these destinations offer plenty of relaxation for growing families, without the worry. Source: Washingtonian
Insect legs? Mouse feces? Here are the disgusting things you can find in your food (via WRIC)
Would you like some mouse hair in your peanut butter? How about some bugs in your broccoli? It may sound gross, but our food contains everything from rodent hairs to small insects. Source: WRIC
City of Watertown preparing to battle invasive beetle (via INFORMNNY)
Watertown is preparing its defense in case of an attack from the Emerald Ash Borer. That’s the beetle known to destroy ash trees throughout the country. Source: INFORMNNY
‘It’s a bad year for rats’ in Oregon cities: Here’s how to fight them (via OregonLive.com)
An uptick in urban rats has homeowners frantically trying to figure out ways to thwart infestations. Source: OregonLive.com
Rodent droppings on plates, elsewhere result in restaurant’s closure (via Northwest Florida Daily News)
MIRAMAR BEACH — A snack bar at a local resort was shut down for a day after health inspectors found eight health violations, including at least 40 rodent droppings throughout the kitchen. Source: Northwest Florida Daily News