22 Mar 2024
A crane fly perched on a leaf

The crane fly: ‘Don’t swat me, I’m not a giant mosquito’

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 […]

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15 Mar 2024
Millipede crawling on a rock

Forget the ‘yuck’ factor: Millipedes good for clearing yard debris

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, breaking down decaying matter in the environment, contributing to nutrient recycling and soil enrichment.  Millipedes are fascinating creatures […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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19 Jan 2024
Closeup of a silverfish next to a pile of old books

Unveiling the mysterious world of silverfish

Silverfish, those seemingly harmless insects that skitter across bathroom floors and into dark corners, have long been a mysterious presence in many households. Despite their unassuming appearance, these tiny creatures are as fascinating as they are unwelcome.  Understanding silverfish Silverfish are of the species Lepisma saccharina, characterized by their flattened bodies, long antennae and three […]

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12 Jan 2024
A sign warning about ticks in a forest

Dealing with ticks is a year-round battle

As temperatures cool, it’s tempting to think the threat of ticks has subsided. However, these persistent pests demand our attention throughout the year. In the subtropical climate of Florida, ticks remain active. Venturing outdoors, especially in areas with tall grass, calls for protective measures against these arachnids. Most common types in Florida A common human-biting […]

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29 Dec 2023
A wasp on the bark of a tree

Staying safe from the sting: Watch for wasps and hornets

It’s intimidating to hear a buzz and see a wasp or hornet flying in close. Of course, if they don’t feel threatened, chances are, they’ll leave you alone. But you may be threatening them without knowing it and suffer a painful sting. That’s what makes these insects so feared. When stingers sting When a sting […]

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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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17 Nov 2023
Cat scratching

Prevention and treatment can help you defeat flea invasions

Fleas, those tiny but resilient pests, are a common nuisance that can turn a comfortable home into an itchy nightmare. These blood-sucking insects not only target our pets but can also infest our living spaces. The most common flea encountered in homes is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), which infests not only cats but also […]

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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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