Bedbugs
Bed bugs are small and reddish-brown wingless insects that feed off the blood of humans and other mammals, such as birds and bats. Whereas they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, their bites can cause local irritation or allergic reactions and disrupt sleep and mental health.
Beg bugs are a serious matter and should be investigated immediately to begin control efforts.
Facilities & Campus Services Pest Control will immediately investigate any report of beg bugs. Contact the Facilities Service Center at 413-545-6401.
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Bats
More than 40 species of bats live in the United States; they can be a range of colors, including red, tan, brown, and gray. Bats can spread various diseases, such as rabies and histoplasmosis.
If a person is bitten by a bat on campus, UMass is responsible for following specific procedures, report the exposure, and have the bat tested, in pursuance of 330 CMR 10.00. Do not attempt to capture the bat yourself. Contact EHS regarding suspected animal bites, bat scratches or saliva exposures by calling 413-545-2682 or emailing askehs@umass.edu.
Rabies
A fatal disease caused by the rabies virus. People can become infected when bitten by an infected bat, or when saliva of an infected bat comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound. Any bat that bites or has possible contact with a person or pet should be tested for rabies.
Histoplasmosis
A disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. It can be anywhere there is a large amount of bat droppings (guano). People can become infected if they breathe in the fungal spores. Symptoms are similar to pneumonia (including trouble breathing and coughing) and should be treated early to avoid severe disease.
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Mosquitos
Infected mosquitos can spread diseases to humans, such as dengue, malaria and viruses including: Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya.
Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a repellant with one of the following active ingredients:
- Deet
- Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023 or icaridin
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-methane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undesanone
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Ticks
Deer ticks/the blacklegged tick, the American dog tick, the brown dog tick and the lone star tick are all found throughout Massachusetts. Each can carry their own complement of diseases. If you work or play in tick habitats, particularly wood-line areas, forested areas, and landscaped areas with ground cover, you should take precautions and check yourself regularly for ticks.
Reduce exposure to ticks:
- Avoid tick habitats
- Use insect repellent
- Wear protective clothing
- Shower after outdoor activities
- Put closed in the dryer
Properly remove an attached tick by using pointed tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and firmly pull it straight out. Disinfect the skin and consider visiting your physician, particularly if you develop a rash, fever/chills, or aches and pains.
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Cockroach
Description:
1/2 inch or larger, brown to black, long antennae with flattened body. Often seen at night.
Health Repercussions:
Proper prevention techniques go far in keeping roaches out of undesired areas. Keep food in airtight containers and remove trash regularly. They do not bite and are not poisonous but do carry health risks.
Management:
Bait can be placed to detect these pests. Contact Pest Control. Cockroaches can go weeks without food or water and will hide in your furniture and trash.
Lady Bug (Asian Lady Beetle)
Description:
Color variable, orange to red, some with spots, 1/4, round beetle, around windows, screen porches, typically on a sunny day in fall.
Health Repercussions:
These insects are not “equipped” to handle our winter weather and often seek indoor shelter. Though they cause no direct damage, they do cause allergic reactions and promote asthma in sensitive individuals as well as staining textiles with a yellow compound they release as a defense.
Management:
Sweep up indoors and release outside. Seal up entry points to the space.
Stink Bug
Description:
Dark-and-light-banded antennae and alternating dark and light markings along the rear edge of its body. The adult is slightly longer than ½”.
Health Repercussions:
Although it does not bite people, it may release a foul odor when handled. They do not sting, suck blood, or spread diseases.
Management:
They can be captured by mixing warm water and dish soap in a jar or cup. The bugs are attracted to the scent and will fall in but can’t swim. After a few days, dump the contents out and make a new cup. There is no pesticide to prevent stinkbugs.
- During the transition from summer to fall, these pests are attempting to find an indoor spot to settle in for winter. These harmless insects make their way indoors through small cracks and crevices.
Fruit Fly
Description:
The adults are 3-4 mm in length, dull yellow-brown in color, and have dark bands or solid black present on their abdomen. Eyes are usually a distinctive bright red and they have 3-segmented antennae with a bristle-like appearance.
Health Repercussions:
Considered a nuisance pest, they are quite common indoors where fruit has started to go bad. Common anywhere food is kept.
Management:
When possible, store fruit or vegetables in the refrigerator. Do not keep fruit or vegetables on counters for extended periods. Rinse cans and bottles for recycling.
Mice
Description:
House mice are small rodents with relatively large ears and small, black eyes. They weigh about 1/2 ounce and usually are light brownish to gray. An adult is about 5 to 7 inches long, including the 3- to 4-inch tail. Droppings, fresh gnaw marks, and tracks indicate areas where mice are active. Mice are active mostly at night, but they can be seen occasionally during daylight hours.
Health Repercussion:
House mice consume and contaminate food meant for humans, pets, livestock, or other animals. In addition, they cause considerable damage to structures and property, and they can transmit diseases.
Management:
To prevent rodent infestations, clean up food sources and close off pest entry points. Indoors, keep doors closed, remove trash, and vacuum all cracks and crevices from floor to ceiling. Mice only need 1/4 of an inch opening to get in. If you suspect mice in your space, call the Facilities Service Center at 413-545-6401. Pest Control will evaluate and set traps.