The Unromantic Gestures of the Insect World
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, which means love is in the air all around – but humans aren’t the only creatures on Earth with elaborate mating rituals. Although you probably won’t see any insects lined up at the convenience store with heart-shaped boxes of candy under their wings this Valentine’s Day, some species of insects go through just about as much pomp and circumstance as we do when it comes to courting a mate.
Romantic Rituals from the Animal Kingdom
Crickets, for example, compose a sort of love song for their potential mates. Fireflies put on a light show to attract mating partners. And jumping spiders do what they do best – dance their way into each other’s hearts.
But don’t let these bugs charm you into thinking everything comes up roses in the world of insect romance, because there’s a dark side to the reproductive rituals of many species of insect.
Those cute little fireflies dazzling each other with light? Females of some species have learned how to imitate the distinctive light patterns of other species, which they use to lure unsuspecting male fireflies in for the kill. Apparently, like humans, fireflies’ appetites increase after they’ve been fertilized, because the females eat the slaughtered males after they’re dead.
Water striders also exhibit a particularly savage mating practice, but in this instance it’s the males tormenting the females. Although typically fairly laid-back, sometimes male water striders get to acting a bit “macho” during mating season.
One of the ways they show off is to trap a female water strider above the surface of the water, making her easy prey for the predators beneath. Then the males literally make waves by tapping the water surface, which nearby fish interpret as a dinner bell. Since the female is most at risk, she has little choice but to permit her pursuer to proceed quickly so that they can both exit safely (along with her newly-fertilized brood).
The most violently romantic species of all, however, might very well be bed bugs. Male bed bugs fertilize females by stabbing the female in the abdomen with their genitalia, inseminating her body cavity. Occasionally, male bed bugs will do this to other males, who can’t survive the attack the way females can.
As fascinating as the animal kingdom is, it’s best to appreciate these and other animal behaviors from a distance, with the creatures safely ensconced in their natural habitat. If they start invading your home, on the other hand, it won’t be long until mating rituals such as these result in a full-blown infestation.
Proactive, preventative measures are the best way to combat any potential pest problems, especially when you focus on areas they prefer to do the Valentine’s “deed.” Keeping your home and yard free of trash, clutter and debris, making sure water drains properly from both your plumbing and outside property, as well as sealing up any holes in exterior walls as soon as you notice them will all go a long way toward keeping your home free from pests.
Not sure where, how, and when these common household pests typically breed? This is when the expertise of a pest management professional comes in handy, as they can help to custom-design a pest prevention plan to fit the individual needs of your property.
Don’t let your Valentine’s Day get crashed by unwelcome houseguests. Speak with a representative today about how a Home Protection Plan can help keep all the love bugs at bay.
