term to be feared. These little pests can pose some health risks and are rather unpleasant to be around. Even worse, there’s a lot of false information about these nasty little bugs out there, making it harder to diagnose and treat the problem. Before we get into discussing how to get rid of palmetto bugs, … Read more
If you’ve ever had a garden (or even just a back yard), there’s a good chance you’re going to have an encounter with a garter snake at some point. While pretty much harmless, these little guys can be pesky. The good news is that garter snacks are very different from what you might think by … Read more
When it comes to small birds, few are as well-loved as the sparrow. However, that love isn’t universal and these wonderful little critters can become a nuisance or even a pest. But nearly all of the problems caused by sparrows in the US are blamed on one particular species: the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). But … Read more
There are four different categories of venomous snakes in the US: copperheads, coral snakes, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. Out of these, there are seven different species of rattler and one each of the other three native to the US. All of these are considered dangerous and should be avoided. But today, we’re going to focus on … Read more
Birds are some of the most beautiful critters, but not everyone loves them. Some birds are incredibly beneficial, while others are total nightmares. One excellent example of the latter is the European starling, better known as the common starling. Starling is the name given to the Sturnidae family of birds, many of which have become … Read more
One of the most notorious legends in Victorian England was a manlike creature called Spring-Heeled Jack. This creature resembled a tall, thin human with clawed hands and terrorized the countryside for more than 60 years. But what gave Jack his name was the ability to leap impossible heights to evade capture. In the insect world, … Read more
It seems like something out of Tales from the Dark Side or some other horror series. One moment you’re out and about, minding your own business, and the next you’re itchy and sore for apparently no reason. This almost phantasmal attack feels a lot like a series of mosquito bites, but hurts worse and there … Read more
When someone mentions crows, your first association may be an all-black bird, the “caw caw” sound they’re famous for, a murdered individual coming back for justice (“The Crow”), or the need for a better scarecrow in the garden. But these birds are very complex critters, and what you may know about them might not be … Read more
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