Education and Prevention
Why You Need to Skip the DIY Termite Treatment & Call a Professional
Original Publish Date: March 01, 2022 | Updated: April 10, 2025 Unfortunately, bears in the forest and little squirrels on your lawn are not the only critters emerging from wintertime hideouts (e.g., a nest, burrow, den, or cave). Termites emerge in the spring, too. Though, instead of hibernating, they spend the winter in…
Read MoreThe Cellar Spider vs. Brown Recluse Spider: Differences and How to Get Rid of Them
Spiders have many symbolic meanings across cultures throughout history, representing patience, creativity, and resilience. However, when a spider crawls into your home, it means nothing more than the fact you want it out. Many people fear spiders because some types, such as the brown recluse, have potent, dangerous venom. Other spiders, like the cellar spider,…
Read MoreWhy Are There So Many Bugs Outside Right Now? How Rising Temperatures Affect Insects
As September draws nearer and August wanes, department stores are stocking their shelves full of autumn-themed home decor, and warm spiced pumpkin beverages have just made their highly-anticipated return to the menus of coffee shops nationwide. However, if you live in the deep south of the United States as we do, you probably aren’t…
Read MoreIs Your Dog Eating Cicadas? Here’s What You Should Know
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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreWhy Are There So Many Ladybugs in My House?
Did you know that a group of ladybugs is called a “loveliness?” It’s true! Still, “loveliness” is likely the last descriptor you’d use when you’re wondering: Why are there so many ladybugs in my house?! If that describes you, congrats; you need no longer wonder—keep reading for our insect experts’ answers to all your ladybug…
Read MoreAre Opossums Pests?
Are opossums pests? Well, it depends on how you define “pest.” Any creature that causes safety, comfort, or cleanliness problems on your property is considered a pest. This may surprise you, but opossums rarely fit that description! There are many slandering myths out there about opossums, but the real truth is it is extremely rare…
Read MoreWhy Do Some Animals Hibernate in the Winter?
At this point in winter, Alabama’s forests, woodlands, and wetlands are much quieter than usual. Many creatures that commonly roam these habitats in the spring, summer, and late fall have migrated to warmer climates. However, there is still plenty of winter wildlife nearby. During the day, herds of white-tail deer and a few other species…
Read MoreHow Intelligent Are Insects, Actually?
You may be under the impression that insects are pea-brained creatures without conscious or emotional capability. For most of history, entomologists would have agreed with you on that. However, more recent research in entomology (the study of insects) reveals that there may be more to the creatures than meets the eye. Read on to learn…
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