Education and Prevention

The Best Beneficial Insects for a Healthy Fall Garden

A bright green praying mantis on a white flower petal.

  It’s that time of year again! As the summer heat starts to cool down, fall garden preparation begins. A garden is a unique micro ecosystem. The soil, the sunlight, and the moisture all affect the survival of delicate plants that are trying to take root. There’s one other thing we can’t forget— our insect…

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Is Your Dog Eating Cicadas? Here’s What You Should Know

dog digging up cicada in the ground

  The great cicada awakening of 2024, which we detailed in this blog earlier this year, is now happening in real time as we’re writing the current one you’re reading.  However, if you’re not seeing or hearing this phenomenon ensue quite as our blog predicts, one of these factors may be the reason:  You’re not…

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How to Keep Fireflies Alive in a Jar this Summer

  Fireflies, or lightning bugs, bring a beautiful bioluminescence to humid summer nights in Alabama and throughout the Southeast. Capturing and observing these flying beetles can be a delightful experience, especially for young children and families. In this guide, our experts in integrative pest management share a safe and enjoyable way to catch and keep…

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How to Feed Birds Without Attracting Rats: What to Do

    Birdwatching is an entertaining, family-friendly, and educational activity. Here in Alabama, the opportunities for birdwatching are abundant, considering the  400+ species of birds and 200+ sites designated for birdwatching statewide. One common nickname for our lovely home is “The Yellowhammer State,” named after our state bird. Although there are so many cool birdwatching…

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