Identifying local pests, controlling critters Published April 7, 2014 By Senior Airman Lisa Sottiyothin 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- With the weather starting to warm up, bugs and wild animals will begin to come out of hibernation. Those not familiar with the area should be aware of the snakes, flies, and occasional spiders they may encounter during their stay at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Common snakes found in New Mexico include bull snakes, prairie and western diamondback rattlesnakes. Bull snakes are nonvenomous predators that are usually yellow in color with brown, black or sometimes reddish colored markings. Although they are nonvenomous, bull snakes are quite aggressive and are sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes because they mimic the rattling sound. Prairie and western diamondback rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers that have rattle segments at the end of their tails, pits below the midline of their eyes and nostrils, elongated pupils and triangular-shaped heads. Some ways to prevent snakes from becoming a problem include mowing lawns regularly, which helps to eliminate the snakes' habitat, removing their food sources and ensuring any holes around facilities and homes are properly filled. Should an individual happen to encounter a snake, the best thing to do is NOT panic. Snakes will usually not attack humans unless they feel threatened. Avoidance is the key; leave the snake alone and contact entomology or animal control to have the snake removed. Be aware of surroundings at all times. The warm climate and dairy farms surrounding the area ensure the presence of our next common pest: flies. Some common flies include the black fly, horse fly and blow fly. Flies carry millions of bacteria and can transmit diseases. To keep fly populations under control, it is important to limit the places where they can breed and feed. Proper sanitation and housekeeping are crucial in fly control. Here are some common tips to help prevent a fly infestation: - Remove garbage at least twice per week. - Make sure garbage cans or dumpsters have tight fitting lids. - Keep doors and windows closed or screened. - Pick up animal excrement and droppings. - Keep exposed food covered. - Do not over-water houseplants. - Use fly traps, sprays or baits such as fly paper and electric zappers to kill and control flies indoors. Spiders are all venomous and predatory. The spiders Air Commandos may encounter in New Mexico include the Brown Recluse, Black Widow, Wolf Spider, and Camel Spider. Spiders like to inhabit cool, dark places such as closets and storage units and will only bite humans in self-defense. The Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders are the most medically serious bites. If an individual suspects they may have been bitten by one, they should seek medical attention immediately. One way to identify the Brown Recluse spider is by the violin shaped mark on their bodies, which vary in color. Female Black Widows are dark or black in color with a red or orange hourglass on the bottom of their abdomen. Black Widows are considered the most venomous spider in North America. Some suggestions for preventing spiders from inhabiting homes include: - Patch up cracks and holes leading from outside. - Practice good housekeeping and removing vegetation from the perimeters of homes. - Vacuum spider webs wherever necessary. - Apply a residual insecticide containing pyrethroid in the corners or cracks of households. Having basic knowledge of the pests in the area helps to safely handle situations as they arise. When in doubt, leave it to the professionals. Entomology can be reached at 575-749-2439 for animal control on base. For animal control in Portales, call 575-356-4404; to contact animal control in Clovis, call 575-769-7893.