Pest Profiles

These Are Some of the Largest North American Spiders

close up of Golden silk orb-weaver on his web

  If you recently found a huge spider crawling around your home, you might be terrified and curious about how it measures up to other spiders. Today, we’ll help you get to know the largest North American spiders and highlight the ones that could someday wander onto your property in Birmingham, Alabama (or a nearby…

Read More

Don’t Let These Beach Bugs Ruin Your Summer Vacation

closeup shot of tiny sand flea

  What kind of wildlife do you expect to see when planning a beach trip? You may have an idea; perhaps you intend to continue a crab hunting tradition, enjoy fishing on the pier, or have had your fair share of food stolen by pelicans. Much like in the forests, woods, and mountains here in…

Read More

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Their Amazing Metamorphosis

butterfly metamorphosis shown in stages on a stick

Butterflies are captivating, peaceful creatures that are the most prevalent example for demonstrating metamorphosis: a fascinating series of growth and development with distinct stages; there is a complete and incomplete variety. Both types of metamorphosis have a series of stages in which insects repeatedly outgrow and have to shed a hardened outer layer of their…

Read More

What’s the Difference Between a Moth and a Butterfly?

blue and pink butterfly sitting on a dandelion

Moths and butterflies have very different reputations. When a butterfly floats past, onlookers are in awe of its whimsical, delicate beauty. Some even believe there is spiritual significance if a butterfly lands on them. Moths, on the other hand, are more often perceived as pests or nuisances that hover near porch lights and chew through…

Read More

Are Bats a Type of Pest?

a common brown bat being held in a hand

  Bats—in all their leathery-winged, fuzzy-faced glory—are staples of Halloween lore and decor, much like spiders. It’s easy to see why bats are associated with spooky, creepy Halloween tales, due to their almost ghoulish or goblin-like appearance, nocturnal habits, and one particular species even having a taste for mammal blood. Many people also (misguidedly) believe…

Read More

Pest Friends! Your Guide to Lesser-Known Summer Garden Insects

summer garden insects

If you’ve been following our blog for a while now then you’re probably already acquainted with the more common and beneficial insects that may be inhabiting your garden. You know—spiders, ladybugs, bees, and more! We can’t forget, however, the lesser-known summer garden insects that you might see from time to time.  Here is a list…

Read More

Plain Batty: Topsy-Turvy Bat Facts

bat facts

It’s no secret that bats get a bad rap—they’re creatures of the night, after all. But did you know that bats play a huge part in our ecosystem? Not only are they actually pretty cute, but they pollinate our favorite fruits, eat annoying insects, and more. In fact, the last week in October is actually…

Read More