Creeping Charlie? It sounds like a character out of a horror movie, but in reality, this is a flowering plant in the mint family that is sometimes used for medicinal and culinary purposes. However, for many gardeners and landscapers, Creeping Charlie can be a true nightmare. This insidious weed has a way of creeping into
It’s a fun time to be a gardener because there are no hard and fast rules anymore. Your garden can have no style at all, or be 15 different types of gardens combined; choosing the best design for your space is ultimately about how the result makes you feel. The best part is that modern
Commonly thought of as a tropical plant, the fern is actually one of the most versatile commonly grown plants. Select the right type and you can grow a fern almost anywhere, both indoors and outside. Choosing the right types of ferns can be daunting. Especially when there are so many different types of ferns on
Shrews are fascinating little animals with a unique appearance and lifecycle. Though not considered rodents, they’re often confused as such and are typically seen as pests by the common American. The truth is, Shrews are an important part of a healthy ecosystem and are even protected in specific regions throughout the United States and even
Many people have an inherent fear of creepy crawlies. Most of these fears are unfounded, and most insects in the world are beneficial and essential to a healthy ecosystem. However, there are some insects that are dangerous, and having a healthy fear of these types of bugs could wind up keeping you out of harm’s
Fleas are much more than a nuisance pest – they can carry and transmit serious diseases to both people and pets. Flea control and protection are important for your home, yard, and family, but it’s easy to wonder if chemical flea killer is simply the lesser of two evils. The truth is, many flea killers
Roaches tend to be perceived as public enemy number one when it comes to pests in American households. They are synonymous with filth and are even known to exacerbate allergies, heighten asthma symptoms, and spread bacteria. There are plenty of products on the market geared towards getting rid of roaches, but one of the best
Although leaf cutter ants are not relatively wide-spread pests when it comes to residential areas, they are becoming a larger problem than ever before. Typically seen as agriculture pests, leaf cutter ants are slowly making their way into our communities where they can wreak havoc on a variety of foliage. Are you dealing with leaf
When we think of mosquitoes, most of us compile them into one lump of annoying, biting pests. But like most insects, mosquitoes come in a wide variety of species – over 3,000 species, to be exact. The Asian Tiger Mosquito, or the black and white mosquito, is one such pest that many of us know
Fleas on humans. It’s something very few people want to consider, let alone talk about. However, it is much more common than many people realize. The good news is that fleas don’t LIVE on humans, though they can and do feed on human hosts. More good news – fleas cannot survive long without a blood
Commonly known as the house gecko due to his propensity for sneaking into our homes, the gecko is more of a beneficial animal than a pest. However, his presence in your home could be a sign of a more serious infestation of insects. Worse, if a house gecko dies in your home without your knowledge,
The brown banded cockroach is one of the most common cockroach species in the United States. Small and sneaky, these pests can infest homes in the hundreds and often carry bacteria and allergens on their bodies that can lead to serious health issues in people and pets. Worse, once inside your home, the brown banded
Flies are certainly annoying. Worse, they can be hazardous to our health and even lead to a larger pest infestation if they’re not quickly taken care of. Unfortunately, flies can be difficult to get rid of, especially during warmer months or in regions with lots of land, property with a number of animals, or commercial
There are many species of biting flies in the United States, which can make it difficult to identify a particular pest that’s bothering you. Biting flies are not only annoying, but they can also be harmful to your health. These pests typically feed on both human and animal blood and can even transmit harmful diseases.
Bagworms are unique pests that can cause serious damage to over 120 species of trees in the United States. Native to North America, bagworms have long been a problem for gardeners and landscapers, though they remain a mysterious pest to many. Are you dealing with bagworms? Identifying an infestation can be tricky if you don’t
How are flies getting in my house? This is likely a question you’re asking yourself, especially if you’ve noticed an influx of flies around your home. An abundance of flies in your house could be a sign of a serious infestation, and the more flies you have the worse the infestation is. Flies are problematic
Mattresses are expensive. Even the mid-range mattresses in the United States can cost you upwards of $1,000. When you drop that kind of money on a piece of furniture, you want it to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the mattress is also where we humans spend roughly a third of our lives. So, while
I once had a bug bite I was blissfully unaware of on my forearm. My mother, the ever-present jokester, gave it a scratch and then looked at me, totally dead-eyed and said, “I activated it”. She laughed, I laughed, we all laughed. But then I slowly realized that what she’d said was true; she had
Electronic spider repellents and other ultrasonic pest repellents like them are nothing new. In fact, research shows that studies began on the effectiveness of these devices as early as 1948, though it wasn’t until the 1950’s when patents were effectively implemented and these products began hitting the market. With that being said, there is some
Pavement ants are a serious nuisance all throughout the United States. You’ve likely come across pavement ants at some point in your life, and chances are if you’re here, you’re looking for how to get rid of them. Unfortunately, these pests can be extremely difficult to control. They live in large colonies with multiple queens,
Mice are some of the most common pests we deal with here in the United States. And with over 70 different types of mice and rat species roaming about North America, it’s easy to see why. However, not all of those 70 species are the culprits creeping into your home and building nests, chewing wires,
Slugs are some of the most damaging pests when it comes to your garden. Prolific reproducers, slugs can give birth to nearly 40,000 offspring in their short lifetime, and a single generation of slugs can destroy an entire garden in just a few days. So, it’s no wonder you’re here looking for the best slug
Have you ever heard of oak mites? Since you’re here, we’ll assume you have. And since you’re here, we’ll also assume you already know how annoying these pests can be. Luckily, oak mites don’t cause serious damage to our beautiful oak trees, but they do cause painful and itchy bites, breed prolifically, and spread from
Have you ever considered investing in a snake grabber? Even if you’re not afraid of snakes, we highly suggest purchasing one just to have on hand. Snakes are certainly beneficial reptiles, helping to control a number of pest populations by consuming rodents, birds, bats, insects and even other reptiles. However, did you know that there
It’s summer, which means pests like mosquitoes are out ten fold. In some regions of the country, mosquitoes are problematic year-round. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some sort of, oh I don’t know, intermittent system that worked on a remote or timer that could spray these pests so you don’t have to? Well,
Ground squirrels may be cute, but they can be a serious problem in large numbers. This is especially true if you have ground squirrels denning on your property. These burrowing rodents can wreak havoc on lawns and even cause structural damage to homes and buildings. Worse, they are carriers of fleas, which can transmit serious
Rats are serious pests that are becoming more and more common both in urban and suburban areas throughout the United States. Not only are they unsanitary and disease-carrying rodents, but they are also incredibly destructive. When rats get into your home, they can cause a wide range of damage that extends to your health and
We already know fleas are bad. These small, wingless parasites not only affect our pets and spread serious illnesses like typhus, but they have also been known to infiltrate our homes and infest humans, bedding, carpets, and kitchens. Yuck! Worse, getting rid of fleas can be difficult. This is especially true if fleas get into
You spend a good amount of time in your garden nurturing your plants and vegetation, and it can be unnerving when you notice damage to your plants. It can be worse when you discover that the culprits are little white bugs on plants that you don’t quite recognize. There are thousands of different plant-eating pests
If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’ve discovered maggots in your trash can. Coming across these fleshy colored worm-like grubs can be nauseating, but the good news is that it’s actually not that difficult to figure out how to kill maggots and keep them from coming back. The bad news is that if you
Do you have a water garden or any water fixtures in your yard or on your property? If so, you already know how relaxing and beautiful these backyard pieces can be. Of course, you also already know that they can also be serious mosquito magnets. Unfortunately, using pest control methods like pesticides and other chemical
St Augustine Grass is a dense, lush, and very popular type of grass used in lawns across the Southern United States. This type of grass does best in warmer environments like Florida or Texas, but it can also thrive in other parts of the US if properly cared for. Also known as carpet grass, St
Flies. They are a nuisance pest throughout the entire world. Flies are common in almost every region and active during almost every season. Flies are annoying, but they can also be dangerous and unsanitary. Luckily, there are a plethora of products and systems put in place to help repel and prevent flies from becoming overwhelming
Raccoons are often considered pests in many regions throughout the United States. They are messy little scavengers that tend to hang around the same places humans do in the hopes of scoring a quick meal. Still, while many people see raccoons as a nuisance, others point out that these animals are an intricate part of
Frogs and toads may be fun to come across when you’re exploring a forest or pond, but they’re not as exciting to come across in large numbers, especially when they’ve infiltrated your property. Frogs especially are known for their loud croaking, which can go on and on in the middle of the night. Worse, if
We have yet to meet anyone who is an avid fan of mosquitoes. Not only do these pests pack an annoying punch with their itchy, stinging bites, but their bites can also transmit a number of serious diseases like West Nile, Zika, Encephalitis, Chikungunya, and more. Unfortunately, we also have yet to meet anyone who
Earwigs are some of the least appealing insects to come across for a number of reasons. They’re fast, damaging to gardens in large numbers, and they pinch! The good news is that earwigs are not dangerous to people or pets. You’re also not very likely to run into an earwig infestation inside or outside of
If you’re not a fan of mosquitoes, then you’re most certainly not a fan of mosquito larvae. Though they are harmless in this stage of their life, mosquito larvae can hatch by the hundreds and often emerge from the water within weeks of being born to live as flying, biting adults. We always say it’s
Garter snakes are one of the most diversified snakes in the United States when it comes to habitat and habit. They live in a variety of regions and are active during the strangest of times! This may be why you seem to see more of these types of snakes than any other. The good news
Ants. They are a common pest throughout the United States and even the world. In fact, they greatly outnumber humans and can cause a variety of problems both inside of our homes and out. It’s no wonder you’re looking for a solution to these annoying insect pests. But while many ant repellent products are effective,
Are you wondering how to get rid of Japanese beetles? If so, you already know how problematic these pests can be. Highly damaging and common in abundance throughout the Eastern United States, Japanese beetles are quickly becoming some of the most damaging urban pests to gardens and landscaping. The trouble is, they lay low before
As more and more people become interested in organic gardening and pest control, the idea that plants can help repel certain pests has been rising in popularity. But does companion planting and adding plants that repel mosquitoes to your garden really work? And what if you want to keep these annoying and disease-carrying insects away
Fleas are not only disgusting pests, they are also capable of spreading serious diseases to both you and your pets. One of the most common pests in the United States, fleas are certainly something to be concerned about. Cats are particularly vulnerable to fleas, especially if they are outdoors often and enjoy roaming the neighborhood
Termites are some of the most problematic pests in the United States. Not only are they an incredible nuisance, but they are also incredibly damaging. In fact, it is estimated that pests like termites can cause nearly $5 billion worth of damage in a single year to homes and structures. A single household will often
If you have arachnophobia, you’re not going to enjoy running into a spider cricket. Named for their long, spider-like legs and the ability to jump about three feet into the air when frightened, spider crickets are certainly an unnerving sight in any American household. Unfortunately, they’re more than just off-putting. Spider crickets can congregate in
Have you noticed bugs in rice? If so, you’re not alone. Bugs in rice, also known as rice weevils, are considered some of the most common and destructive pantry pets in the United States. Likely originating from India, rice weevils are common now throughout most of the world. It can be difficult to manage a
With spring finally upon us, more and more pet parents are spending time outside with their furry family members. Unfortunately, spring is also a time when we see an uptick in pests both inside and out. So, how do you effectively manage pests while at the same time keeping your pets safe from toxic chemicals
Ground hornets may look intimidating, but these solitary wasps are actually not known to be inherently aggressive towards people. That said, they can cause serious lawn damage and even potential health hazards to those with allergies or sensitivities. Besides, most people aren’t too keen on having one of the world’s largest hornets nesting in their
Is your yard riddled with dead patches of grass, wilted tree leaves, and gloomy looking flowers? If you’ve noticed that your yard and garden is suffering no matter how much you water or care for it, you may be dealing with a pest infestation. Determining which type of pest you’re dealing with is key to
Squirrels may be cute and cuddly looking from afar, but if they get into your home they can wreak serious havoc. In some cases, squirrel infestations can even be dangerous. Not only do they procreate rapidly, but squirrels are intelligent, mischievous animals who can cause structural damage, electrical damage, and even carry deadly diseases in