29 Mar 2024
A woman's hand petting a horse on the head

Slug-A-Bug supports Harmony Farms to help children with disabilities

Animals can provide wonderful support to children with disabilities by forming life-enhancing connections. That’s why Harmony Farms, a nonprofit in Cocoa, engages such children through horseback riding experiences. Riding benefits individuals of all ages who are dealing with cognitive, physical and emotional challenges. Recently, Slug-A-Bug sponsored Harmony Farms’ fundraising event, the Buckaroo Ball, held on February […]

Read More
22 Mar 2024
A crane fly perched on a leaf

You shouldn’t squish the humble crane fly

We see them quite often this time of year. They flutter around our yards and sometimes get into our homes. Unfortunately for them, they resemble jumbo mosquitoes. But resist the urge to swat crane flies. They’re mostly beneficial. The crane fly is a fascinating insect with a unique lifecycle. Despite their size and appearance, crane […]

Read More
15 Mar 2024
Millipede crawling on a rock

Millipedes are beneficial, as long as they stay outdoors

They’re not centipedes. They don’t bite or sting. Still, some people recoil from them.  Often misunderstood creatures, millipedes play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Members of the class Diplopoda, these multi-legged arthropods act as nature’s decomposers. They break down decaying matter in the environment, contributing to nutrient recycling and soil enrichment.  Millipedes are fascinating […]

Read More
08 Mar 2024
A dead cockroach under a magnifying glass

Fast-multiplying cockroaches can overrun your home in a hurry

If you see one, you can be certain there are many more – and a whole lot more on the way. Cockroaches are notorious for their prolific breeding habits, and will swiftly overrun a home if left unchecked. These resilient pests reproduce rapidly, with some species capable of laying a teeming multitude of eggs during […]

Read More
01 Mar 2024
Map of Florida showing grass on the state

Damaging grass virus showing up in Brevard County

St. Augustine grass, a popular choice for turfgrass in various regions, is facing a formidable adversary: the sugarcane mosaic virus (SMV). This insidious virus, belonging to the potyvirus family, has become a cause for deep concern in some areas of Florida, including Brevard County.  The repercussions of SMV on St. Augustine grass are potentially severe. […]

Read More
23 Feb 2024
A rat sticking its head through a hole in cardboard.

Roof rats take the high road into your home

Roof rats can become a menace when they infiltrate homes or businesses. Capitalizing on small openings around utility lines, vents and pipes, these rodents easily find their way indoors. Their climbing abilities allow them to scale trees, utility lines, or nearby structures, allowing them to reach the roof effortlessly. Once on the roof, rats seek […]

Read More
16 Feb 2024
Man with wheelbarrow putting mulch on his landscaped area

For super landscapes, use the super power of mulch

When it comes to landscaping, most homeowners focus on plants, flowers and shrubs to beautify their yards. However, one often overlooked element in achieving a vibrant and healthy landscape is mulch. This includes wood chips, pine straw, organic materials or any number of materials available at your nursery. Mulching not only adds to the aesthetics […]

Read More
09 Feb 2024
A beautiful home showing a termite infestation

Formosan termites: a present danger to Florida homes

Multitudes of crawling invaders are here in the Sunshine State. Unfortunately, they have a ravenous appetite for your home. The Formosan termite (Coptotermes formosanus) is a highly destructive species of subterranean termite that has become a concern in Florida. Native to East Asia, it arrived in the United States via ships. The species is renowned […]

Read More
02 Feb 2024
An ibis, a blue jay and a mockingbird

These birds are your allies against yard pests

Florida is home to a plethora of bird species that play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance. Among these feathered residents are insect-eating birds, natural pest controllers that can help keep your yard free from bothersome insects. Here are just three of the many birds you should welcome onto your property. Ibises  Ibises, […]

Read More
26 Jan 2024
A nicely manicured lawn with edging

Edging adds bold definition to your lawn

A well-manicured lawn not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also reflects the pride you take in your home. One often overlooked, yet crucial, aspect of achieving a polished and refined lawn is mastering the art of edging. Why edging matters Edging is more than just a finishing touch; it’s a landscaping […]

Read More