Brown Recluse Spiders

When you put-on your pair of shoes and you feel a pin prick, be forewarned, you may have just been snapped by a Brown Recluse Spider (BRS). These guys are nasty little arthropods. They are shy. They live in dark places. They can go for around a half-year without any water or food. How do…

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The House Mouse

Face it. If they didn’t eat your food, spread disease and gnaw away at the foundation of your house, the Mus musculus would be pretty cute. The thing is, unless you catch one scurrying across the floor, you may never know that these critters are slowly destroying your way-of-life. If you see any droppings or…

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Know Your Cockroach

As they say at the War College, “Know thy enemy.” Cockroaches are nasty, carry diseases and seem nearly impossible to eliminate. What we want to do is give you some facts – fun or not – about the most common roach in these parts. They’re technically known as Periplaneta fuliginosa or smokybrown cockroaches. You’ll recognize…

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West Nile in Alabama

We are now seeing the worst outbreak of West Nile virus in Alabama in years. The State’s Public Health Veterinarian, Dee Jones explains that most people won’t exhibit any signs. But he notes that 20% will. They’ll experience flu-like symptoms, fever, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash and general malaise. Then there’s a small…

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Is It a Termite or an Ant?

A common misconception is that termites are related to ants. In fact, termites are part of the cockroach family. Taking it one step further, can you tell the difference between an ant and a termite? If you have an infestation of either of these pests, you’re going to want to be able to tell them…

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What Makes a Good Pest Control Company?

Not all pest control companies are created from the same cloth. They are as individual as salt crystals. Factor into that equation the reality that some are national, regional or local businesses. You’re now faced with a calculus that can be a little confusing when you’re picking a business to rid your property of undesirable…

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Orange Oil and Drywood Termites

Every so often a “wonder product” comes along, claiming to be a natural way to rid your structures of drywood termites. The verdict is not conclusive when it comes to the effectiveness of orange oil. Some manufacturers herald the stuff as not only an insecticide but also a herbicide. The big question: Is this product…

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Proactively Protect Your Home From Termites

It can be done. But to prevent an invasion of termites takes a little work. Most of the job involves preventive stuff that can have a beneficial effect on more than simply the keeping this terrible insect at bay. First of all, what brings termites to your home? Like most living creatures, they’re looking for…

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Termites and Mulch

What did we ever do without pre-packaged mulch from the lawn-and-garden shop? Using this woody ground cover helps keep plants moist, prevents outbreaks of weeds and insulates all the living things it surrounds from the ravages of nature. There is a downside. Termites thrive on wood. The big question is: Are you inviting these close…

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