The term gypsy moth is one that has an odd reputation in pop culture. Because of the destructive power of their caterpillars, gypsy moths are often associated with death or decay in horror tropes, much like flies. They’re often featured in promotional posters for suspense and horror films, as well as other media. In recent … Read more
Bees are heralded as the only species to produce food consumed by humans, although they have a lot of other qualities. Unfortunately, some of these qualities also make them problematic. Depending upon the species, they can be aggressive or even cause damage to your home. The worst part is that other stinging insects can be … Read more
Grasshoppers are quite common in the summer. Some kids love catching them and watching them “spit tobacco” on their hands. Others just enjoy chasing a grasshopper so they can watch those amazing jumps. But for adults, grasshoppers are quite the nuisance. These garden pests will defoliate your flowers and crops at a surprising rate. So … Read more
While some people overreact towards flies, it’s tough to fault anyone for panicking when they encounter a female horse fly. These pests live up to the phrase “vicious bloodsuckers” despite being related to regular houseflies. Surprisingly, they do have some environmental benefit and often breed in protected areas, making it impossible to completely get rid … Read more
Chances are, you’ve run into a camel cricket while exploring the great outdoors, especially when exploring caves. Unfortunately, when they get into your home, they can wreak far more havoc than a true cricket. Here’s all you need to know about these critters, as well as several ways to get rid of camel crickets and … Read more
Popular throughout the 1980s, parents were usually mortified when they found a WASP infestation in their teenagers’ bedrooms. Unfortunately, more recent generations have only known the smaller, stingier type. But you might be surprised to learn that not all wasps are created equal and it’s not always best to get rid of wasps. There are … Read more
Summer can be a great time for vacations or enjoying the great outdoors, but it also comes with some serious problems. Ants, bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and many other critters are far more active during this time of year. But there’s one that seems to generate a lot more fear in some people: crane flies. Just … Read more
Summer is one of the most annoying times of the year when it comes to insects. From June bugs and mosquitoes to gnats and midgees, bugs seem determined to frustrate you all summer long. Sweat bees are no exception, and these particular pests can become a literal pain when attracted. Let’s take a look at … Read more
There are a lot of critters that invade our homes, some of which get confused with other pests. One in particular is a tiny group of beetles that are often mistaken for roaches. These beetles are quite common, yet few people know their true identity beyond the nickname carpet beetle. These critters are a strange … Read more
We usually talk about critters that cause damage to your home or garden, but sometimes even beneficial critters can be considered a pest. Enter the hoverfly (family Syrphidae), an important species that’s often misunderstood and sometimes even feared. Let’s take a closer look at these critters, what they do, and how to get rid of … Read more