Wacky Pest Wednesday: Praying Mantis

A very happy Wednesday to you, dear Tri-County Pest Control fans, and welcome to our latest edition of Wacky Pest Wednesday!  Today, we invite you to join us as we cover a very funky pest: the praying mantis.

Praying mantids (yes, that is actually the plural form of “mantis”) are pretty cool critters that you may come across in your yard during this time of year.  With their spiky forelegs that can snatch other bugs at the speed of near-lightning, it is no wonder as to why people love having these guys around.  From flies to spiders and even to roaches, praying mantids will feast on them all.  But, there are some facts that you may not know about them that truly makes them a “wacky pest.”

Our favorite fun facts about mantids is that they only have one ear.  Yep—two eyes, yet only one ear—located on its abdomen.  What’s more?  The mantis can turn its head a full 180-degrees, adding to its clout that it is a true predator out in the wild.

While you may be inclined to keep the mantis around your garden for some natural pest defense, keep in mind that they will eat anything in their sight, which may just be a beneficial insect.  Your friendly neighborhood bee may be on the next menu for the mantis, so just be weary.

There some pests out there that are definitely wacky, and you can learn more about them every Wednesday!  Just check back in to see our latest edition, and learn all about the wonders and craziness that are the pests around you.

Until then, we say “so long!”