Pest Profiles
Do Stink Bugs Smell Worse Than Skunks? And Is Their Odor Harmful to People? Here’s the Surprising Truth.
Originally Published September 26, 2024 | Updated September 24, 2026 Plenty of pests are unpleasant to find around your home, but few announce themselves quite like a stink bug. Brown marmorated stink bugs are notorious for the strong odor they release when disturbed or crushed, and people have compared that stench to everything…
Read MoreGnats vs Fruit Flies: How to Tell the Difference and Get Rid of Them Both
Gnats and fruit flies are annoying because they zip past you, through your front door into your house, and multiply before you can stop them. You might think, “They’re all a nuisance, so what difference does it make?” Although they both appear similar in their small size, it is crucial to know the difference…
Read MoreThese Are Some of the Largest North American Spiders
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 MoreHow Does a Honey Bee Become a ZomBee? Discovering the Parasitic Zombie Fly
Have you ever heard of a zombee (as in, a zombie bee)? It sounds ridiculous, but it’s actually a real thing. To learn more about what a zombee is from our experts in pest management, just keep reading. What is a “Zombee?” The portmanteau Zombee—which blends the words zombie and bee—refers to a bee that…
Read MoreWhy Some Ladybugs Don’t Have Spots: Differences Between Lady Bugs and Asian Lady Beetles
Ladybugs are notorious for their inky black polka-dots sprawling red, yellow, or orange armored backs. However, as you may have seen, there are also beetles practically identical to ladybugs, with the same warm-toned coloring and shape—that don’t have spots. You have probably even seen more of these than the classic spotted ladybug. Are you curious…
Read MoreDon’t Let These Beach Bugs Ruin Your Summer Vacation
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 MoreThe Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Their Amazing Metamorphosis
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 MoreWhat’s the Difference Between a Moth and a Butterfly?
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 MoreAre Bats a Type of Pest?
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 MorePest Friends! Your Guide to Lesser-Known 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…
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