Consumer Alerts

What's important to consumers. This is where we put more newsy items of current issues relating to pests and pesticides in and around the home, food, and the environment.

Questions about Stink Bugs, Asian Lady Beetles, Bed Bugs

Consumers need to be very careful spraying pesticides - especially in living areas. Chemicals are not always the best solution for home pest control. If you choose to use a chemical, READ THE LABEL before buying any pesticide and before you use it. Check out these factsheets and information for help:

• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

• Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

• Bed Bugs - Factsheets

• Bed Bugs - How to Choose a Safe Control and Other Info

Questions about venomous insects and spiders

• Encounter with a Black Widow - a true life story from Virginia.

• Information Sheet: Black Widow Spiders (Blue Ridge Poison Center - University of Virginia)

• Nuisance Insects (and related arthropods) of the Home and Yard (Virginia Cooperative Extension)

• Widow Spiders (Virginia Cooperative Extension)

• Wolf Spiders (Virginia Cooperative Extension)