What is That Annoying Bug?

sam • May 13, 2024

In this article, we will lightly discuss a few insects that many people find highly annoying. Each of these has a rather distinct season and generally are best to be left alone unless it is affecting your ability to enjoy life. These insects are not dangerous to humans. 
This list is organized in order of general emergence in north Texas. We thought about listing them in order of annoyance, but decided we didn’t want to rock that boat too much. 
And a forewarning... if you are looking for highly technical information, this is not for you.  This is intended to be a fun conversation with some pertinent information here and there.

CRANE FLIES

Who are they?  Crane Flies are those long legged flying bugs in early spring that are everywhere. 
What do they do?  The larvae eat organic decaying matter. The adults do not eat anything. 
Where do you find them?  Almost everywhere outside, especially in tall grass and heavy shrubbery. 
When do they emerge?  March-April just before mosquitos really start.
How are they best treated?   The best thing is to leave them be. Treating for them is often a waste of chemical and money. If it’s really bad, spraying the area will reduce their numbers significantly. 
Why are they annoying?  In large numbers, they will fly in short bursts as you walk through your lawn and bounce off you. 

June Bugs

Who are they?  The reddish brown beetles that end up on your porch in massive numbers in early summer. 
What do they do?  The larval stage (grubs) eat grasses and roots of weeds. The most common grasses they eat are Bermuda and St Augustine. The adults just annoy you. 
Where do you find them?  The grubs you can find under damaged grasses. The adults will be under lights mostly, hence your porch. 
When do they emerge?  June Bugs emerge in late May but mostly in June. 
How are they best treated?  If their numbers are over the top, a perimeter bait is likely best. 
Why are they annoying?  They will fly up and hit you in the forehead and it actually hurts a bit. Then they crunch under your feet as you walk. 

Crickets

Who are they?  They are the dark brown (usually) jumping insects that are out at night, attracted to light, and make a chirping sound akin to your own ears ringing after a concert. 
What do they do?   They feed on garden plants, dog food or chicken mash. Indoors they can damage clothing, carpets and the like. 
Where do you find them?  During the day you will find them in dry dark cracks and crevices, under a rock, or in a drain. At night, you will find them in your garden, on your porch or in your vehicle if it’s left open. 
When do they emerge?  They are in their highest numbers in late summer into fall. 
How are they best treated?  The best option is a perimeter bait. A targeting threshold spray will help keep them out of buildings. 
Why are they annoying?   They jump all over the place! In an open parking lot at night that is well lit, you may find your self dodging them on the way to your car. Their numbers can get very high. 

When it comes to insects such as these, the best action is often no action at all.  If you consider the residual effect of over treating for insects such as these it often is not worth the cost.  Only in situations where it is really affecting the livelihood of your home or business should treatment be considered, and even then a multi stage approach should be taken. 
Contact us if you need help with any of these insects or similar.  We can advise on the best route forward whether that is modifying the environment, cleaning up debris, trimming the grass and foliage, or spraying in some manner.
Stay safe out there!

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