Why skunks spray: Skunks release a sulfur-based liquid as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened, producing a powerful, long-lasting odor. Tip: Knowing the warning signs a skunk displays before spraying can help you avoid an encounter; these include stamping their feet, hissing, and raising their tail. Health effects: Skunk spray isn’t poisonous but can irritate your eyes and lungs…
Basements can be a haven for various pests, providing insects like spiders and termites with an ideal environment to thrive. The combination of dampness and darkness in basements creates the perfect hideaway for these unwanted guests. Understanding what attracts these pests to your underground space is the first step in removing them from your home. Here, we delve into the…
Finding a bee nest near your home can be concerning, especially when there are many different types of stinging insects to consider. However, you can often determine whether it’s a honey bee nest from a safe distance! By observing their behavior, the type of nest they’ve built, and its location, you can gain valuable insights. Knowing these subtle clues can…
Bed bugs have earned a reputation as relentless travelers. They readily hitch rides in various places where people gather, such as hotels, offices, schools, and even public transportation. Their ability to move unnoticed is the primary reason why they are difficult to eradicate once they establish themselves in a new environment. The Importance of Inspecting Your Vehicle for Bed Bugs…
Are Mice Actually Blind? You’ve likely heard since childhood—perhaps even learned a nursery rhyme about it—that mice are blind. But are mice truly blind? The Truth About Mouse Vision The truth is that mice are only completely blind for a short time after birth. Within about 13 to 14 days, their eyes begin to open, and by three weeks, they…
The notion of bugs or spiders crawling into people’s ears while they sleep often circulates in the form of horror stories. These tales typically lack scientific backing and are usually dismissed as urban legends or old wives’ tales. However, emergency room doctors might hold a different perspective, having seen firsthand the consequences of such nocturnal invasions. In reality, the phenomenon…
If you’ve discovered drywood termites infesting your home and other treatment methods have proven ineffective, you might want to consider fumigation. This method is the most prevalent approach for controlling drywood termites in residential structures. Fumigation is a specialized treatment that requires comprehensive preparation. It’s essential to understand both the process and the necessary steps to ensure a successful fumigation.…
If you’ve ever locked eyes with an opossum, you might be asking yourself, “Are opossums blind?” or “Can opossums actually see?” These fascinating creatures, often referred to simply as possums, break many preconceived notions about mammals. Let’s delve deeper into their vision, debunk common myths, and explore the intricacies of their sensory world. How Opossums See When you catch a…
The Season of June Bugs: What You Need to Know As the days lengthen and the summer sun approaches, many homeowners find their outdoor spaces illuminated by vibrant lighting. However, this time of year also marks the onset of June bug season, when these pesky beetles become more active than ever. What are June Bugs? The term “June bug” encompasses…
Sand fleas, also referred to as beach fleas, sand hoppers, or beach hoppers, are small, leaping crustaceans that belong to the family Talitridae and the order Amphipoda. Despite their name, sand fleas are not actually fleas or insects. These tiny crustaceans resemble shrimp and are commonly found in moist, sandy habitats such as beaches. Several pests are often confused for sand fleas, which…