Opossums, sometimes inaccurately called possums, are North America’s only native marsupial. Possums are actually a species of marsupial native to Australia, New Zealand, and China. Though they’ve gotten a bad reputation among people, they are actually one of nature’s best vacuum cleaners — killing up to 5,000 ticks per season, … Read More
Yes, snakes can bite underwater. Most snakes you encounter in the water are harmless, though. In North America, the ones you need to look out for are rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. These snakes are venomous and a bite could be deadly. Which Snakes Should I Worry About? … Read More
There are a lot of ways to keep bees and other flying insects from taking over hummingbird feeders that don’t involve pesticides. It’s important that hummingbirds are still able to safely use the feeders, so there are a few things you should avoid — but don’t worry, you can still … Read More
There are over 40,000 species of spiders worldwide and the U.S. is home to a couple thousand species. Lifespans vary, but on average, most house spiders have a life cycle of about a year or two. In optimal conditions, spiders can live several years. Spiders can also survive for some … Read More
Silverfish may be tiny, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore their presence in your home. These small, wingless pests can damage cereals, books, clothes, wallpapers and other starchy items. Managing these pests can be challenging. But there are several methods that homeowners can use to eliminate silverfish both inside … Read More
Mice are some of the most common pests and they annoy millions of households around the globe. In addition to getting into and contaminating food, they also damage property and belongings with their constant chewing. And they’re carriers of many diseases that can be transmitted to people and pets. Keeping … Read More
Everyone has had to deal with ants, and they seem to be everywhere. Your house can serve as a haven for these tiny insects. It can provide them with food, water, and shelter in one convenient location — protecting them from the elements as well as predators like birds and lizards. … Read More
Bedbugs spread primarily through human contact. If you’re finding bedbugs on your mattress or other furniture, chances are they came home on your clothes, purse, or luggage. What are Bedbugs? Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are tiny, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. They … Read More
Yellow lights are sometimes sold as “bug lights” and promise not to attract insects. And it makes sense — sort of. It’s true that many insects are least attracted to yellow light and more attracted to ultraviolet light, like those used in bug zappers. But depending on which insects you’re … Read More
Bats love chimneys — they’re dark, secluded and offer enough space for them to hang upside down. Humans are less thrilled when we discover bats in our homes, but they’re not as bad as you might think. While bats can pose some health risks, including rabies, they can usually be … Read More
