“WHAT’S HAPPENING?”

The University of Tennessee/Agricultural Extension Service

Entomology & Plant Pathology - EPP #60

Volume No. 13 - August 29, 2003

EVER BEEN ASKED TO SOLVE A BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER PROBLEM, BUT NO BROWN RECLUSE WERE FOUND?

by Karen M. Vail

This past year I have presented information on management of brown recluse, Loxosceles reclusa, and other Loxosceles species to pest management professionals around the state. By the way, did you know we have another Loxosceles species found in our state? Ric Vetter of University of California - Riverside has identified Loxosceles rufescens, the Mediterranean recluse, as present in Knoxville. Thus far we have only found L. rufescens on the UT campus. The differences between the two are slight and require a comparison of the male genitalia or pedipalpi. I don’t expect you to distinguish the two species. You can forward specimens to me for species identification, but most of you should know the identification characteristics of Loxosceles: three pairs of eyes in a semicircle arrangement along the front edge of the cephalothorax (“head”), darker brown violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax, and second pair of legs as long as or longer than the first pair. As far as management is concerned, because we believe the effects of a bite would be similar, both of these Loxosceles species should be managed similarly. Control recommendations can be found in The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service Publication, Brown Recluse Spiders PB 1191 available from your county Extension agent or on our web site at http://www.utextension.utk.edu//publications/pbfiles/pb1191.pdf

The purpose of this article is to discuss the wound or necrosis produced by brown recluse and the many other causes of skin necrosis. The brown recluse bite is initially painless. The wound starts with a central pimple and produces an irregular red reaction in 6-12 hours, followed by blister formation and/or skin death. The resultant skin ulcer heals slowly and may require skin graphs or flaps to reconstruct the defect (PB1191). According to the Vanderbilt University Brown Recluse Spider Bite Information Line (615-322-2483), less than 10% of people bitten will have areas of skin damage or complications. Unfortunately, many necrotic wounds are misdiagnosed as being caused by brown recluse or other Loxosceles species. On Ric Vetter’s Spiders and other Arachnids at UC Riverside web site (spiders.ucr.edu), especially the Misdiagnoses of Brown Recluse Bites site, he lists about two dozen other causes of skin afflictions that could or have been misdiagnosed as brown recluse bites including the following:

Bacterial infection (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus); viral infection (infected and chronic Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster), arthropod-induced wounds (bull's-eye wound of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, bite of Ornithodoros coriaceus tick, many insects, other spiders such as a yellow sac spider), chemical burns, fungal infections, poisonous plants (poison oak/poison ivy), reaction to drugs, unknown causative agents, blood and other disorders, misc./ multiple causative agents (bed sores, etc.), and underlying disease states (diabetic ulcers, etc.).

One affliction that has been making the news lately is MRSA or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureas. According to the CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 22 Aug 2003 (Vol 52 #33), http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5233a4.htm, MRSA skin infections were usually associated with health-care situations, but recently have been found in several locations around the country associated with competitive sports participants. In addition, an Editor’s note says, “Outbreaks of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) occur in various populations, including children attending child care, prison inmates, …”

There are many causes of skin necrosis and often the health-care provider will assume it is a brown recluse bite because it “is the most common and, unfortunately, most dynamic cause of necrotic wound that they have read about.” (R. Vetter, Causes of Necrotic Wounds other than Brown Recluse Spider Bites http://spiders.ucr.edu/necrotic.html.) What if you are called to a site where a brown recluse bite was suspected to have occurred, but extensive monitoring with glue boards does not reveal any brown recluse? Could the client be at risk of a community-acquired MRSA (have they been in a childcare, prison, health club, health-care facility, or participated in a sports program, etc.) or other cause of necrosis? If extensive monitoring does not reveal any brown recluse, you may want to suggest the client revisit their health-care provider and you may also want to refer them to Ric Vetter’s web site at http://spiders.ucr.edu.

NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON SAFE STORAGE OF PESTICIDES, OTHER HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS TO PROTECT CHILDREN

by Gene Burgess

In an effort to protect children from poisons, clinics, health departments and hospitals around the country will shortly begin receiving display posters urging consumers to store pesticides and other household chemicals

up high in a locked cabinet. The educational campaign, a collaboration between EPA and the American Association of Poison Control Centers and other stakeholders, is being launched in August as many parents take their children to clinics for immunizations in preparation of the upcoming school year. Storing pesticides and other chemicals out of children's reach, up high in a locked cabinet, can be a simple but effective means of

poison prevention. The campaign will also publicize a toll-free number for people to call if a child may have been poisoned. For possible poisons, consumers should immediately call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222. From anywhere in the country, this toll-free number will automatically reach local poison center experts. Commuters in the Washington, D.C. area will continue to see "EPA's "Read the Label First!"

message on local Metro buses and trains. The Agency's safe storage label campaign is part of a broader program called the Consumer Labeling Initiative, a partnership involving federal, state, and local government

agencies, industry, and other entities interested in improving product labels on pesticides and toxic substances. To view a copy of the poster, go to:

http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/publications/lockitup-poster.pdf

Information from EPA Pesticide Program Update 7-31-03

EPA ORDERS 'STOP SALE' OF BIO-STOP FOR UNREGISTERED MOLD-CONTROL CLAIMS

by Gene Burgess

On July 23, the EPA ordered Bug Source Inc. of Wauwatosa, Wis., to stop selling the unregistered pesticide "Bio-Stop" through its Web site. Bio-Stop is manufactured by BioChem Environmental Technologies, which

claims on Bug Source's Web site that the product Bio-Stop eliminates "toxic molds" such as "Stachybotrys" and "Aspergillus" and sanitizes bacteria and viruses. EPA will be monitoring compliance with this stop

sale order and will continue to monitor the Internet for illegal pesticide sales. Bio-Stop is a mixture of bacterial enzymes used in building remediation. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide

Act, products claiming to prevent, destroy, or repel pests, which includes molds and other microorganisms, are considered pesticides and must be registered. During EPA's comprehensive pre-market registration process, a

company must first prove that the product is safe and effective for consumer use before a legal claim can be made that a product protects people from disease-causing microorganisms. The label of all EPA registered products must bear the EPA registration number along with directions for use and any safety precautions.

Information from EPA Pesticide Program Update 7-31-03

INSECTS: NOT THE CAUSE OF ALL ITCHES!!!

by Karen M. Vail

About this time of year, we are often consulted about unexplained itches and this year is no exception. Because the cause cannot be seen, many folks conclude that insects are responsible and apply an insecticide. Unfortunately, insecticides seldom work in these situations and they may even cause further irritation and additional health problems.

There are many possible causes of itches and irritations other than pests. Allergies, cosmetics, medications and environmental contaminants all can result in reactions similar to insect bites. While this makes the experience no less real or unpleasant for the affected individual, it emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind to the possibility of non-insect causes of such reactions. You should attempt to rule out all potential sources of irritation through the process of elimination.

I often see an increase in calls pertaining to itches in August and the winter months of the year. I assume it is due to a decrease in humidity causing the skin to dry and itch. Coarse fibers from carpets and upholstery are other common causal agents, as are small shards of paper that are electrically charged.

As you handle these cases, remember, we are not health care professionals and any dermatitis should be referred to a doctor or other health care professional. UT Extension entomologists are not health care professionals, therefore our labs do not accept body fluids, scabs, blood products or any substance originating from the body, including clothing or products that may have come in contact with these substances, for identification. These types of products should be sent to a health care professional. If they isolate and preserve an insect, we will then aid in the identification process.

If a person believes that insects are too small to be seen crawling over his or her skin, strips of clear cellophane tape may be patted over the affected area as the "crawling" sensation is occurring. Most small biting arthropods move slowly and will stick to the tape if present. Tape samples should be carefully attached to a white index card so as not to crush any specimens and labeled to indicate from where they were collected. Glue boards can also be placed against edges of surfaces where insects are suspected.

The following can be used as a checklist to aid clients in determining the cause of an itch:

I. Obscure Biting Arthropods (Many of these pests are large enough to be seen without magnification except those indicated with an *. One should also consider the possibility of delayed irritation such as from bites obtained while outdoors.)

• mites

bird and rodent - (tiny, dark specks that move)

scabies* (burrows into the skin - fingers,elbow, knee, and shoulder blades)

• lice (head and other hairy areas of the body)

• fleas (usually bite people around the ankles)

• chiggers * (constriction between skin and clothing - ankles, knee, or waistline.

• biting midges/mosquitoes

• ticks

• bedbugs (1/4 inch, oval, flattened bugs which are becoming more abundant)

• hairs from stinging caterpillars

II. Household Products

• detergents (especially phosphate-based)

• soaps

• cosmetics/hair products

• ammonia-based cleaners

• medications

• printing inks (e.g., carbonless)

• clothing (especially fire retardant)

III. Environmental Factors

A. Physical irritants

• paper, fabric, or insulation fibers

• low humidity

• seasonal changes in temperature

• static electricity

B. Chemical irritants

• formaldehyde (e.g., from particle board, wall and floor

• coverings

• ammonia

• solvents/resins associated with paints and adhesives

• tobacco smoke

• volatiles from asphalt and tar installation

IV. Health-Related Conditions

• pregnancy

• communicable diseases (e.g., chicken pox, measles)

• stress (home or work)

• diabetes, liver, or kidney disorders

• food allergies

• insect phobias

Delusory parasitosis is a more serious emotional disorder characterized by an irrational fear that living organisms are infesting a person's body. These cases often have similar symptoms and patterns of behavior. Patients typically report "insects" invading their ears, nose, eyes, and other areas of their body. These "creatures" frequently disappear and reappear, but can’t be caught, and change colors while being observed. Specimens brought in for identification usually consist of bits of dead skin, hair, lint and miscellaneous debris. The skin of the individual is often severely irritated and sometimes infected from desperate scratching, excessive bathing and application of ointments. While these occurrences may seem bizarre to persons who are not affected, they are frighteningly real to the patient. Delusions of parasitosis, as well as other suspected emotional or medical conditions, should be brought to the attention of a physician.

We hope to develop an UT publication on itches, but until we do, I have found it helpful to refer clients to Mike Potter’s publication, Invisible Itches: Insect and Non-Insect Causes (http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ent/ent58/ent58.pdf).

Modified from:

Public Health Pest Management a Training Guide by Michael F. Potter and G. Mark Beavers. 6/95. University of Kentucky,

Invisible Itches: Insect and Non-Insect Causes by Mike Potter http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ent/ent58/ent58.pdf

VELVET ANTS - LARGE, FUZZY, RED/ORANGE AND BLACK WASPS

by Karen M. Vail

We started receiving calls about large, fuzzy “ants” about the middle of August, a few weeks later than last year. Often folks are concerned that these are fire ants and are amazed when I explain that velvet ants are wingless wasps. Most are also amazed that they are found in Tennessee because they have not seen them in the 30 or more years they have resided here.

Useful questions and answers that will help identify the mystery “ant” as a velvet ant are listed below:

1. Q: Does it resemble an ant? A: Yes.

2. Q: Is the insect hairy or velvety? A: Yes.

3. Q: Does the insect have a bump on the waist? A: No.

4. Q: Is it orange or red with black stripes on the abdomen? A: Yes.

5. Q: Is it difficult to crush? A: Yes.

6. Q: Does it produce a rasping sound when stepped on? A: Yes.

7. Q: Are there many of these ants in a trail? A. No.

The velvet ant’s common name is a misnomer. They are actually more closely related to wasps than ants and are often called wingless wasps. The wingless females resemble an ant, but lacks a node or bump on the waist. Males, on the other hand, do have wings and actively fly. These ants are orange or red and often have black stripes toward the back of the abdomen. A dense coating of velvety hair covers this insect. An image of Tennessee velvet ants can be found at http://web.utk.edu/~extepp/profiles/insects/velvetant.htm .

Biology. Velvet ants are solitary wasps. Larvae, the immature feeding stage, feed externally on the prepupal or pupal stages of ground-nesting bees, other wasps and some flies and beetles. Females actively search for hosts on which to deposit eggs. The host is attacked after the cocoon has been spun or the fly puparium formed. Upon locating a host, the female uses its long ovipositor (which can also function as the stinger) to penetrate the cocoon or puparium and deposits one or two eggs. Eggs hatch and larvae feed on the host, devouring it. After feeding, the larval velvet ant spins its own cocoon inside that of its host. Overwintering occurs as the prepupal stage inside the host's cocoon.

Upon emerging as adults, winged males search for mates. The male is attracted by a specific sound produced by a rasping structure located between their second and third abdominal segments of the female. The rasping sound also occurs when the wasp is pressed or attempted to be crushed. Mating usually lasts just a few seconds. Males may also be seen visiting flowers in search of nectar.

Importance. Females spend much time in sandy areas searching for hosts and may be encountered by adults and children. The females can sting repeatedly. The stinger is long and produces quite a painful sting --perhaps the reason that the large common species is called the"cow killer". People are most often stung by velvet ants while walking in infested areas without proper footwear. The intensity of pain and allergic reaction to the sting will vary according to the immune response of the person stung. These are solitary creatures and the possibility of being stung by a number of these insects at one time is unlikely. Ground-dwelling bees, which may be important pollinators of some crops, are known to be hosts for velvet ants. Other species are reportedly pests of white grub parasites, a condition known as hyper parasitism. Therefore, velvet ants can be considered either beneficial or pestiferous depending upon the host species attacked.

Control Measures. Chemical control of velvet ants is rarely needed. The best methods for dealing with velvet ants are: 1) to inform people, especially children, not to handle these insects and 2) to wear shoes in infested areas to avoid accidental encounters. On occasion, the numbers of velvet ants in an area such as gardens or underneath houses, trailers or other raised structures may be high enough to warrant control. In these cases, the best control tactic would be to eliminate ground-nesting wasps or bees on which immature velvet ants feed. Although the exoskeleton seems uncrushable, individual velvet ants can be killed by crushing. Household aerosol formulations labeled for wasp control can also be directed at the velvet ant.

If you are still unsure of the “ant’s” identification, more information on ant, including fire ant, identification and management, can be found in the following publications:

Managing Structure Invading Ants - PB 1629

http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pbfiles/PB1629.pdf

Managing Red Imported Fire Ants in Urban Areas (Regional Pub B6043)

http://tcebookstore.org/tmppdfs/219609-B6043.pdf

Managing Red Imported Fire Ants in Agriculture (Regional Pub B6076)

http://tcebookstore.org/tmppdfs/219609-B6076.pdf

Modified from: Drees, B. 1988.VELVET ANTS. UC-001 Texas Agricultural Extension Service.

HEAD LICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM THE CDC

by Karen M. Vail

Q. I have heard that head lice medications do not work, or that head lice are resistant to

medication. Is this true?

A. A recent study done by Harvard University did show that SOME, but NOT ALL (or even most) head lice are resistant to common prescription and over-the-counter medications (OTC). There is no information on how widespread resistance may be in the United States. Resistance (medication not working) is more likely in people who have been treated many times for head lice. There are many reasons why medications may seem not to work. Below are some of those reasons:

1. Misdiagnosis of a head lice infestation. A person has head lice if they have crawling bugs on their head or many lice eggs (also called nits) within a quarter inch (approximately the width of your pinky finger) of the scalp. Nits found on the hair shaft further than 1/4 inch from the scalp have already hatched out. Treatment is not recommended for people who only have nits further than one-quarter inch away from the scalp.

2. Not following treatment instructions fully. See instructions below for how to treat a head lice infestation. Using medication alone is not likely to cure a head lice infestation.

3. Medication not working at all (resistance). If head lice medication does not kill any crawling bugs, then resistance is likely. If the medication kills some of the bugs, then resistance to medication is probably not the reason for treatment failure (see item #2 and #4).

4. Medication kills crawling bugs, but is not able to penetrate the nits. It is very difficult for head lice medication to penetrate the nit shell. Medication may effectively kill crawling bugs, but may not affect the nits. This is why follow-up treatment is recommended. See instructions below for a detailed summary.

5. New infection. You can get infested more than once with head lice. Teach family members how to prevent re-infestation.

Q. How can I treat a head lice infestation?

A. By treating the infested person, any other infested family members, and by cleaning clothing and bedding.

Step 1: Treat the infested person/any infested family members

Requires using an OTC or prescription medication. Follow these treatment steps:

1. Before applying treatment, remove all clothing from the waist up.

2. Apply lice medicine, also called pediculicide (peh-DICK-you-luh-side), according to label instructions. If your child has extra long hair, you may need to use a second bottle.

WARNING: Do not use a creme rinse or combination shampoo/conditioner before using lice medicine. Do not re-wash hair for 1-2 days after treatment.

3. Have the infested person put on clean clothing after treatment.

4. If some live lice are still found 8-12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not retreat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair. The medicine sometimes takes longer to kill the lice.

5. If no dead lice are found 8-12 hours after treatment and lice seem as active as before, the medicine may not be working. See your health care provider for a different medication and follow their treatment instructions.

6. A nit comb should be used to remove nits and lice from the hair shaft. Many flea combs made for cats and dogs are also effective. Finer-toothed nit combs, available through Wal-Med* and the National Pediculosis Association*, may also be helpful.

7. After treatment, check hair every 2-3 days and use a nit comb to remove any nits or lice you see.

8. Retreat in 7-10 days.

9. Check all treated persons for 2-3 weeks after you think that all lice and nits are gone.

Step 2: Treat the household

1. To kill lice and nits, machine wash all washable clothing and bed linens that the infested person touched during the 2 days before treatment. Use the hot water cycle (130E F) to wash clothes. Dry laundry using the hot cycle for at least 20 minutes

2. Dry clean clothing that is not washable, (coats, hats, scarves, etc.) OR Store all clothing, stuffed animals, comforters, etc., that cannot be washed or dry cleaned into a plastic bag and seal for 2 weeks.

3. Soak combs and brushes for 1 hour in rubbing alcohol, Lysol*, or wash with soap and hot (130E F) water.

4. Vacuum the floor and furniture. Do not use fumigant sprays; they can be toxic if inhaled.

Q. My child has head lice. I don't. Should I treat myself to prevent being infested?

A. No, although anyone living with an infested person can get head lice. Have another person check the back and sides of your head for lice and nits. Check family members for lice and nits every 2-3 days. Treat only if crawling lice or nits are found within a 1/4 inch of the scalp.

Q. Is there a product I can use to prevent getting head lice?

A. No.

Q. Should my pets be treated for head lice?

A. No. Head lice do not live on pets.

Q. My child is under 2 years old and has been diagnosed with head lice. Can I treat him or her with prescription or OTC drugs?

A. No. For children under 2 years old, remove crawling bugs and nits by hand. If the problem persists, consult your pediatrician.

Q. What OTC medications are available to treat head lice?

A. Many head lice medications are available at your local drug store. Each OTC product contains one of the following active ingredients.

1. Pyrethrins (pie-WREATH-rins): often combined with piperonyl butoxide (pie-PER-a-nil beu-TOX-side):

Brand name products: A-200*, Pronto*, R&C*, Rid*, Triple X*

Pyrethrins are natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. Though safe and effective, pyrethrins kill only crawling lice, not unhatched nits. A second treatment is recommended in 7- 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Sometimes the treatment does not work.

2. Permethrin (per-meth-rin):

Brand name product: Nix*

Permethrins are similar to natural pyrethrins. Permethrins are safe and effective and may continue to kill newly hatched eggs for several days after treatment. A second treatment may be necessary in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Sometimes the treatment does not work.

Note: If OTC permethrin (1%) does not effectively kill crawling bugs, prescription- strength (5%) permethrin will not be any more effective. If lice are resistant to 1%, they will also be resistant to 5% permethrin.

Q. What are the prescription drugs used to treat head lice?

A. 1. Malathion (Ovide *): Malathion has just been reapproved for the treatment of head lice infestations. When used as directed, malathion is very effective in treating lice and nits. Few side-effects have been reported. Malathion may sting if applied to open sores on the scalp caused by scratching. Therefore, do not use if excessive scratching has caused a large number of open sores on the head.

2. Lindane (Kwell*): Lindane is one of the most common treatments used to treat head lice. When used as directed, the drug is usually safe. Overuse, misuse, or accidentally swallowing of Lindane can be toxic to the brain and nervous system. Lindane should not be used if excessive scratching has caused open sores on the head.

Q. Which head lice medicine is best for me?

A. If you aren't sure, ask your pharmacist or health care provider. When using medicine, always follow the instructions.

When treating head lice:

1. Do not use extra amounts of the lice medication unless instructed. Drugs are insecticides and can be dangerous when misused or overused.

2. Do not treat the infested person more than 3 times with the same medication if it does not seem to work. See your health care provider for alternative medication.

3. Do not mix head lice medications.

Q. Should household sprays be used to kill adult lice?

A. No. Spraying the house is NOT recommended. Fumigants and room sprays can be toxic if inhaled.

Q. Should I have a pest control company spray my house?

A. No. Vacuuming floors and furniture is enough to treat the household.

Modified from Treating Head Lice at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/headlice/factsht_head_lice_treating.htm

*Use of trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Public Health Service or by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider.

SHOULD SCHOOLS ENFORCE A NO-NIT POLICY?

by Karen M. Vail

The National Association of School Nurses (www.nasn.org/positions/nitfree.htm), the America Academy of Pediatrics (Frankowski et al. 2002), and the American Public Health Association (Roberts 2002) discourage school policies that require children who had been diagnosed with head lice to be nit free before they are allowed back into school. After proper treatment (see management references below), a child should be allowed to return to school. Nit presence alone was not a good indicator of whether a child would develop an active head lice infestation (Williams et al. 2001, CDC release 2001). Frankowski et al. (2002) state that screening for nits has not been documented to be cost-effective and because of lack of evidence for efficacy, classroom or school wide screening should be discouraged. Nit removal is still a good idea because it may reduce the chance of being misdiagnosed with an active infestation, may reduce the chance of an unnecessary retreatment, and may reduce the risk of self-reinfestation when nits within 1 cm of the scalp are removed.

More opposition to no nit policies can be found in the literature and one example follows. Roberts (2002) states, “Excluding children from school because of head lice results in anxiety, fear, social stigma, overtreatment, loss of education and economic loss if parents miss work - a classic case of the cure being worse than the disease.” Unlike mosquitoes, for example, that transmit the organisms that cause West Nile Virus and LaCrosse Encephalitis, and are a potential health threat to a small percentage of Tennesseans, head lice have not been documented to transmit diseases under field conditions and, therefore, a head lice infestation should not result in hysteria.

Schools should provide information on accurate diagnosis, treatment and prevention to their school community (see references below). When a child is determined to have an active infestation (Frankowski et al. 2002), parents should be informed that “prompt, proper treatment of this condition is in the best interest of the child and his or her classmates.” To deal with this infestation in an elementary school, parents or guardians of children in the infested child’s classroom should be informed of the head lice occurrence and encouraged to inspect their children, and manage the head lice, if they are present, before the children return to school the next day. Excellent images of different stages of head lice can be found at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice/photos.html.

See my accompanying What’s Happening Newsletter article on head lice as well as the following sources for information on managing head lice and other answers to your head lice questions:

Help on identification of various head lice stages:

Pollack, R. 2000. Harvard School of Public Health,

Head Lice Information, Head Lice Q & A, http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html#children

Images of head lice, http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice/photos.html

Presentations on head lice for parents and administrators to view:

University of Florida, How to Control Head Lice, Pdf file, http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/doc/liceipm.pdf

University of Florida, How to Control Head Lice, PowerPoint:

http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/doc/liceipm.ppt

General information on head lice management:

University of Tennessee, Head Lice, http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/spfiles/SP341S.pdf

CDC, DPD Head Lice Infestation, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/headlice/default.htm

Ohio State University, Head Lice, http://ohioline.osu.edu/b893/

Nit pickin’ or techniques for removing nits from hair and other head lice information:

National Pediculosis Association Web Site, http://www.headlice.org

University of California Riverside, Head Lice,

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html#REFERENCES

Head Lice Resistance to Peduclicides

Burkhart, C.G. and C.N. Burkhart. 2000. Clinical Evidence of lice resistance to over-the-counter products. J. Med Surg. 4(4)199-201.

Pollack, R.J., A. Kiszewski, P. Armstrong, C. Hahn, N. Wolfe, H.A. Rahman, K. Laserson, S. Telford III, and A. Spielman. 1999. Differential Permethrin Susceptibility of Head lice Sampled in the United States and Borneo. http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/hlice/pollack-1999.pdf

Bibliography of Lice Parasitic on Humans

Speare, R. School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University Townsville 4811, Australia http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/hlice/hlrefs.htm

References mentioned in this article:

CDC release. 2001. Update on Head Lice in Schools: Do ‘No-Nit’ Policies Work?

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/headlice/factsht_head_lice_treating.htm

Frankowski, B.L., L.B. Weiner, the Committee on School health; and the Committee on

Infectious Disease. 2002. American Academy of Pediatric, Clinical Report, Head Lice. Pediatrics 110(3):638-643. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/110/3/638?maxtoshow=?eaf

Roberts, R. 2002. Clinical Practice, Head Lice. N. Engl. J. Med. 346(21); 1645-1650. www.nejm.org

Williams L.K., A.Reacher, W.R.MacKenzie, A.W. Hightower, P.A. Blake. 2001. Lice, nits, and school policy. Pediatrics107:1011-1015. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/107/5/1011

SUMMER DEFOLIATORS

by Frank A. Hale

This time of year, small to medium size trees can be defoliated by caterpillars. Last night I drove by some 15-20 ft lindens planted in the median that were stripped of all their leaves. The only thing left were the petioles. Being an entomologist, I had to stop and take pictures. I found a few attached bagworm cases and two other types of caterpillars crawling on the trunk and the ground. They were the variable oakleaf caterpillar (green to orange with red and white sometimes broken stripes down the back and one or two yellowish stripes on the sides) and the yellownecked caterpillar (red and yellow or black and yellow striped). I expect that the variable oakleaf caterpillar did most of the damage. They attack many hardwoods including linden and all species of oak, especially white oak. They have been known to periodically cause severe defoliation over millions of acres in eastern North America. The yellownecked caterpillar usually attacks oak or river birch and it tends to move around the tree, defoliating one branch at a time. Bagworm caterpillars are full grown and have stopped feeding. They have attached the bag to the twig with silk (their head end is pointing toward the tied off end). They will pupate soon and the male moths will emerge and fly off to find a female still inside her protective bag. They mate and the female will lay a couple hundred eggs inside the bag. She then drops to the ground and dies and only the eggs overwinter to hatch out by mid-May. If you want to learn more about these defoliators and others, order a stack of the new fact sheet in the Trees for Tennessee Landscapes series entitled “Insect Defoliators of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, SP609.” There are even 11 color images of some of my favorite defoliators, including the variable oakleaf caterpillar and the yellownecked caterpillar.

The orangestriped oakworm is another caterpillar that can commonly defoliate trees. It is black with eight narrow yellow stripes and 2 inches long when full grown. On the second thoracic segment, there is a pair of curved “horns” that some might think are antennae. They can not be though since they do not arise from the head. These pests of red and white oaks have been recently reported to the PPDC from Cumberland, Fentress, Blount, and Johnson Counties. Fortunately, a late season defoliation doesn’t do much harm to the tree and you won’t have to worry about raking the leaves.

WASPS PARASITIZE WHITE GRUBS

by Frank A. Hale

Dozens of small, brownish wasp with two yellow spots on the abdomen have been seen flying low to the ground over turfgrass. These are Scolia dubia Say, a digger wasp parasitoid of green June beetle white grubs. Green June beetles like soil with high organic matter. They are also usually the main white grub found in mulched, ornamental plant beds. The wasp will dig into the soil and enter the grub tunnel to sting the grub and lay its egg on the paralyzed green June beetle grub. The larva of the wasp then feeds on the still living white grub, eventually killing it. These wasps, along with some fungal diseases are known to be important natural control agents for green June Beetle grubs. Try to discourage homeowners from spraying these important parasitoids. The wasps will be gone soon and like most parasitoid wasps, they are only interested in stinging their prey, not dogs, cats or humans.

PLANT & PEST DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC HIGHLIGHTS

by Tom Stebbins and David Cook

The following are samples submitted to the clinic August 15 through August 28, 2003

TOBACCO:

Phytophthora root rot, frogeye leaf spot, pod and stem blight on soybean; frogeye leafspot, bluemold, and black shank on burley tobacco.

ORNAMENTAL AND TURF:

Bacterial leaf scorch on pin oak; phomopsis canker on dogwood; volutella canker on boxwood; tubakia leaf spot and powdery mildew on pin oak; powdery mildew on sycamore.

Turf problems: Anthracnose, curvularia leaf spot and take-all patch on bentgrass; brown patch and on tall fescue; Gaeumannomyces graminis spp. graminis on creeping red fescue.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES:

Septoria leaf spot on tomato; microdochium blight on pumpkin; root knot nematodes on pea and bean roots; hollow heart in Irish potatoes.

INSECTS: Green stinkbug injury on tomato; twospotted spider mites on tomato, broad mites on red maple and azalea; obscure scale on pin oak; euonymus scale on euonymus; orangestriped oakworms on oak; fall webworms on birch; giant bark aphids on weeping willow, Asian woolly hackberry aphids on hackberry, crape myrtle aphids on crape myrtle; pine bark adelgids on white pine; tuliptree scale on tulip poplar; oak phylloxerids on red oak, redheaded ash borer on sassafras.

In and around the home: Horse flies, moth fly larvae, house centipedes, saw-toothed grain beetle larvae, drugstore beetles, foreign grain beetles, Indianmeal moth larvae, psocids (booklice), carpenter ants, odorous house ants, brown recluse spiders, long-bodied cellar spiders, eastern Hercules beetle, fungus gnats, American dog tick, carrion beetle (Silpha surinamensis), wheel bug (assassin bug), Phorid fly, Syrphidae fly larvae, minute pirate bug, dobsonfly (female), hickory horned devil caterpillar, Cecropia moth caterpillar, wood cockroach.

Precautionary Statement

To protect people and the environment, pesticides should be used safely.

This is everyone’s responsibility, especially the user.

Read and follow label directions carefully before you mix, apply, store or dispose of a pesticide.

According to laws regulating pesticides, they must be used only as directed by the label.

Persons who do not obey the law will be subject to penalties.

Disclaimer Statement

Pesticides recommended in this publication were registered for the prescribed uses when printed. Pesticide regulations are continuously reviewed.

Should registration or a recommended pesticide be canceled, it would no longer be recommended by

The University of Tennessee.

Use of trade or brand names in this publication is for clarity and information; it does not imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others that may be of similar, suitable composition, nor does it guarantee or warrant the standard of the product.

The Agricultural Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex, veteran status, religion or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK IN AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture,

and county governments cooperating in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

Agricultural Extension Service Charles L. Norman, Dean