Ticks are one of the smallest insects, yet they carry diseases that can change lives. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is a department of the National Institutes of Health, tick bites are becoming more of a problem as people increasingly build on formerly uninhabited wilderness areas. Most people and pets…
Ah, the ancient cockroach, symbol of disdain and disgust. Cockroaches have to be one of the most loathed insects on the planet! And yet, they are fascinating insects as well. According to Pest World for Kids, cockroaches have been around since the age of dinosaurs. That fact alone is stunning! They are extremely hardy insects and can live without food…
Mosquitoes are pesky creatures that find a way into homes, pool parties, cookouts, and just about any other summer activity. At times, they can seem impossible to get rid of, acting as a constant nuisance in the warmer parts of the year. Furthermore, mosquitoes are more than just annoying, they carry diseases that can be extremely dangerous…
Considered members of the Diptera Order, they’re as common as palm trees and abundant sunshine. Unfortunately, unlike the latter, these Texas staples are known to deliver ferocious bites that may transmit parasites. As such, they need to be controlled for the health and comfort of all involved. Although there are multiple species of biting gnats, most…
One of the scariest things a homeowner deals with is termites, especially in older homes made of wood. It’s not pleasant to think that these bugs are literally eating the house out from under you. Before you start packing your bags, there are four simple steps you can take to tell if you have termites or not….
Fire ants are notorious pests, known for their aggressive nature and burning, painful stings. For you and your family’s safety, is important to know these essential facts about fire ants: Fire ants are invasive. They are native to Brazil and Argentina and were introduced to the United States in the early to mid-1900s. This makes…
It starts small: phantom noises in the middle of the night; a missing apple from the table; is that skittering in the wall? And then the undeniable proof: droppings in the hall. Rid the mice in your home. Once you’ve established that mice are living in your house, it is imperative to act quickly. Mice are curious and…
The bite of a bed bug is painless. After using their sharp beak to pierce the skin of a host, bed bugs inject a salivary fluid containing an anticoagulant that helps them obtain blood. The salivary fluid typically causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed, although individuals can differ in their sensitivity. Bed bugs feed during a…
While summer is a favorite time of the year for camping, swimming, and other outdoor activities; it is also the favorite time of year for the mosquito! Mosquitoes are pesky insects that carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and encephalitis. These insects can cause painful, itchy bites. Some people are very allergic to mosquito bites and…