*Pest Alerts*

2008

Spring 2008

A.) Ticks [re-issuance]: It's that time of year again. High populations of deer and dog ticks are being reported statewide. The deer tick is of most concern since it is the carrier of lyme disease and can be very difficult to spot due to its small size [sesame seed].

Click 'here' for additional tips on tick avoidance, detection and other tick related topics [inlcuding Lyme disease]

Fall 2007-

Ladybugs - (re-released) This is the time of year when this otherwise beneficial insect can make an unwelcome presence within our homes. This year, many have reported extremely high numbers of ladybugs trying to enter their homes. Lightly colored homes [white, tan, yellow, etc.] exposed to full sunlight attract the most ladybugs. Click 'here' for more information.

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Alerts from previous years

Summer / Fall 2007-

A.) Mosquitoes (re-issuance) Recently there has been a lot of concern regarding mosquito related diseases in Massachusetts. There are some practical steps homeowners and others can take to both reduce mosquito populations and the likelihood of mosquito bites. Click 'here' for additional information.

b.) Stinging Insects- Stinging insects, such as yellow jackets, are serious pests which result in numerous emergency room visits each year. The risk of being stung increases in late summer through early fall due to increased foraging activity. Click HERE for additional information on controlling stinging insects as well as sting prevention.

Spring 2007 - Defoliator caterpillars (re-issuance) For the last couple of seasons winter moth caterpillars along with the gypsy moth, eastern tent & forest tent caterpillars caused localized severe defoliation of trees and shrubs. As of May 2007, reports of winter moth larvee are starting to come in. Click 'HERE' for addition information & resources on defoliator caterpillars
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Autumn 2006

A.) (re-released)- Winter Moth (advisory): Last summer (2006) an unprecedented outbreak of the winter moth caterpillar resulted in widespread defoliation of trees and shrubs throughout our area. Southeastern Massachusetts was particularly hard hit by winter moth. The adult (or moth) stage of the winter moth are now (late November) starting to emerge in significant numbers. Click here for additional information

B.) (re-released)- Western Conifer Seed Bug: As the weather turns cooler in the fall, the western conifer seed Bug often seeks shelter, from the winter cold, within residential homes. This otherwise harmless pest can become a significant nuisance in large numbers. Click here for more information.

Summer / Fall- Mosquitoes (re-issuance) Recently there has been a lot of concern regarding mosquito related diseases in Massachusetts. There are some practical steps homeowners and others can take to both reduce mosquito populations and the likelihood of mosquito bites. Click 'HERE' for additional information.

Spring / Summer 2006 - Defoliator caterpillars (re-issuance) Once again, experts are expecting another outbreak of defoliator caterpillars. In 2005 winter moth caterpillars along with the gypsy moth, eastern tent & forest tent caterpillars caused localized severe defoliation of trees and shrubs. Southeastern Massachusetts is of particular concern, this year, for a potential outbreak of the gypsy moth caterpillar. Click 'HERE' for addition information & resources on defoliator caterpillars

Winter / Spring 2006 - Bedbugs (re-issuance): Due to increasing reports of bedbug activity we are re-issuing our bed bug pest alert first issued in 2004. Click HERE for additional information.

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2005

Autumn / Winter 2005 - Winter Moth (advisory): Last spring and summer an unprecedented invasion of the winter moth caterpillar resulted in widespread defoliation of trees and shrubs throughout our area. Southeastern Massachusetts was particularly hard hit by winter moth. The adult (or moth) stage of the winter moth are now (late November) starting to emerge in significant numbers. Click here for additional information

Autumn 2005 (re-released)- Western Conifer Seed Bug: As the weather turns cooler in the fall, the western conifer seed Bug often seeks shelter, from the winter cold, within residential homes. This otherwise harmless pest can become a significant nuisance in large numbers. Click here for more information.

Autumn 2005 (re-released)- Ladybugs: This is the time of year when this otherwise beneficial insect can make an unwelcome presence within our homes. Click here for more information

Spring 2005- : Defoliator (Caterpillars and Winter Moth) Pest Alert: Many experts are predicting localized severe infestations of winter moth and other tree defoliators this spring & summer. Click 'HERE' for additional information.
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2004

Winter 2004-2005- Bedbugs: Until recently, bedbugs were largely forgotten about as a significant household pest. Many of us only associated bedbugs with a familiar childhood rhyme"Sleep tight don't let the bedbugs bite." Unfortunately, bedbugs have staged an alarming national comeback over the last two years. Click HERE for additional information.

Late Summer 2004- Mosquitoes: Recently there has been a lot of concern regarding mosquito related diseases in Massachusetts. There are some practical steps homeowners and others can take to both reduce mosquito populations and reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites. Click 'HERE' for additional information.

Late Summer/Fall 2004- Yellow Jackets: Stinging insects, such as yellow jackets, are serious pests which result in numerous emergency room visits each year. Late summer & fall is a time of year when yellow jackets become more aggressive. Click HERE for additional information on controlling stinging insects as well as sting prevention.

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2003

Autumn 2003- Western Conifer Seed Bug: As the weather turns cooler in the fall, the western conifer seed Bug often seeks shelter, from the winter cold, within residential homes. This otherwise harmless pest can become a significant nuisance in large numbers. Click here for more information

Autumn 2002- Ladybugs: This is the time of year when this otherwise beneficial insect can make an unwelcome presence within our homes. Click here for more information

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2002

Summer 2002- Giant Hogweed: The potentially hazardous Giant Hogweed plant was confirmed in Massachusetts this Summer. Click Here to learn more about how to identify & report suspected Giant Hogweed