24 Nov 2023
Ghost ants

The mystery of ghost ants, tiny phantoms in our homes

The tapestry of nature contains many fascinating creatures, each contributing to the delicate balance of ecosystems. Among these, the ghost ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum) stands out as a tiny, elusive enigma. Despite its diminutive size, this ant species has captured the curiosity of entomologists and homeowners alike. The ghost ant, also known as the black-headed ant […]

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27 Oct 2023
An ant on a piece of wood

Prevention is your first line of defense against ant invasions

Ants are remarkable insects with impressive teamwork and communication skills. But when they decide to make your home their new colony, they can quickly become unwanted guests. Prevention and early identification are crucial in keeping your home ant-free.  Know thy enemy: identifying ant species Each species of ant has its own characteristics and behaviors. Some […]

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02 Jun 2023
Termites & Ants

Winged ants or winged termites? Know the differences!

In a recent blog, we discussed termites and how Slug-A-Bug deals effectively with these ravaging pests. Their appearance in a home can cause considerable distress because of the damage they’re capable of inflicting. For that reason, it’s helpful to know if winged insects showing up in your home are termites or ants.  Distinguishing flying termites […]

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31 Mar 2023
Close-up of fly

Arthropods: The creatures we call ‘bugs’

A lot of people lump all creepy-crawly creatures under the umbrella term “bug.” That’s true whether we’re talking about roaches, spiders, centipedes or millipedes.  “Bug” really is a useful, colloquial shorthand for various arthropods (after all, it’s in the name Slug-A-Bug). But just what are arthropods and how do we distinguish between their various classes? […]

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03 Mar 2023
carpenter ants

Carpenter ants: home invaders that trash your timber

Carpenter ants are unwelcome guests that can cause significant damage to residential and commercial properties. They are among the most common insect pests in the United States. Their presence can be a source of distress to homeowners who catch a glimpse of them walking up walls or across the floor.  These pests get their name […]

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29 Dec 2022
Fire Ants

When fire ants attack!

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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18 Nov 2022
Pests after Storm

Pests can plague your home in a storm’s aftermath

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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08 Aug 2022
Ant next to electrical symbol

Invasive ant zaps electrical devices, resists treatments

The tawny crazy ant is an invasive species that has called Florida home since the 1990s. Dubbed “crazy” because of their erratic movements, these insects cause electrical devices to malfunction by swarming inside. The insect came to the United States from South America. Native to Brazil, it was introduced to Colombia in 1930s and 1940s […]

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20 May 2022
Fire ant nest

To fire ants: ‘Get off my lawn’

There are things you can do to keep fire ants from thriving on your property. First, keep a watchful eye on the lawn. The real key is to take action at the first sign of a problem. The more often you look for indications of fire ants, the more effectively you can deal with them. […]

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18 Feb 2022

Pyramid ants: Good if they stay outdoors, bad if they’re in your house

You see them all the time outdoors: small, cone-shaped nests in the dirt. These are the homes of pyramid ants which, unfortunately, also like being in your home. When you see one in the house, thousands are likely living in a nearby nest. Pyramid ants are named for the pyramid-shaped protrusion on the top of […]

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