The year 2022 has one encouraging success story: The so-called “murder hornets” (Vespa mandarinia) don’t seem to be making inroads into the United States or Canada. In May, scientists set about 1,000 traps in areas of Washington state suspected of containing these insects. None of the traps revealed any specimens when examined at the end […]
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They’re called fire ants because of their stings. That’s probably an exaggeration: While people can feel a little twinge from a stinging ant, it’s hardly like being burned with fire. But the aftereffects can be uncomfortable for anyone unlucky enough to disturb a nest and feel the swarm’s wrath. The most severe problem is allergic […]
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Your lawn has made it through the scorching months of another Florida summer. That’s good. But winter presents its own set of challenges. No dormancy here Lawns up north spend much of the winter covered in snow and ice. That allows them to go dormant and rest for a season. In Florida, however, there’s no […]
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The spotted lanternfly is pretty to look at, but don’t be deceived by the charming appearance. These destructive insects have invaded the U.S. from China and pose a threat to our trees, especially fruit-bearing ones. They’ve been moving through New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other northern states, but people are concerned the pests could be headed […]
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If you see signs of a mouse in your home, it’s a certainty there are many of them lurking inside. That’s because these mammals are tremendously prolific breeders. Population explosions The house mouse (Mus musculus) has a gestation period of a mere 19 to 21 days. A litter consists of up to 14 young. Females […]
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Even when the economy is down, some businesses remain indispensable. Pest control is a service people always need, regardless of what’s going on in the economy. After all, termites, rodents, cockroaches and other pests don’t take time off. Homeowners are loath to share their residences with such creatures. As a result, calls keep coming in […]
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As hurricanes barrel through the Space Coast, they tend to wipe out adult mosquito populations. That’s the good news. The bodies of these insects are simply too delicate to survive such high winds. But that doesn’t mean these ferocious storms reduce mosquito numbers in the long term – far from it. Standing water provides a […]
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When the storm such as Hurricane Nicole passes, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Then come the cleanups and insurance claims. Before long, life goes on as normal. Except there may be one thing the homeowner hasn’t considered: a new pest problem. Rodents can be a particular concern as rats and mice displaced by a […]
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Slug-A-Bug is collecting non-perishable foods during November that will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank. It’s part of our effort to help provide meals and hope to children and their families in need this holiday season. A quarter of a million meals Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit […]
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The Eastern lubber grasshopper (Romalea microptera) is a large flightless insect common to Florida. The word “lubber” is derived from an old English word meaning clumsy or lazy, which is a perfect description for these lumbering pests. You may have seen them around your home, and if so, you’ll probably want to do something about […]
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