Outdoor Pests

  • What Happens to Insects in the Rain?

    We all know that April showers bring May flowers, but are they also ushering unwelcome guests into our homes and yards? It seems like springtime is prime time for wet weather pests – whether they are of the creeping, crawling, or flying variety. What happens to insects when it rains… and how does that impact…

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  • What Do Mice Do in Winter?

    No one likes being cold. We all want to be somewhere warm and toasty during frigid Long Island winters. Unfortunately, humans are not alone in this desire. Mice and other rodents are also looking for somewhere warm to stay until the mercury climbs again. These uninvited guests have a bad habit of taking up residence…

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  • Raccoon Intelligence

    Raccoons are curious and persistent creatures with a penchant for mischief. Evolution has gifted them with excellent hearing, visual acuity, manual dexterity, and superior climbing skills. Perhaps the most impressive thing about raccoons, however, is their intelligence. Are Raccoons Smart? Raccoons are incredibly smart with complex, creative problem-solving skills. They are capable of overcoming obstacles…

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  • 5 Tips for Preventing Firewood Pests

    Nothing says “cozy season” like settling down for an evening in front of the fireplace. The sound of a crackling fire on a cold night might even create a core memory, but nothing kills the vibe before it begins like grabbing a log to throw on the fire and finding out it’s full of bugs.…

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  • What You Should Know About Crickets

    In some countries, crickets are considered good luck. Because of their ability to reproduce prolifically, they are a symbol of abundance and prosperity. In these cultures, finding a cricket in your home is an auspicious sign, thought to be a harbinger of good fortune. In most of the United States though, these chirping orthopterans are…

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  • Fall Leaves and Pests

    Playing in a pile of autumn leaves is a core childhood memory. We all remember crisp, cool weekends spent raking leaves and jumping into the ever-shifting heap of reds, yellows, and golds. When you were younger, you probably didn’t realize that those piles of pure joy had a hidden ick factor. Before you share the…

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  • Squirrels and Your Garden

    Watching squirrels frolicking is a late summer pleasure. Let’s face it, they’re adorable – chasing each other across the yard and gathering food for the cooler months to come. They may be cute, but are squirrels truly welcome on your property? And what about your garden: do they do more harm or good for your…

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  • Ant Intelligence

    Dealing with an ant infestation can be frustrating. Just when you think you’ve eliminated them, they mysteriously pop up in a different location and work in concert to avoid your extermination efforts. You think surely, they’re gone… but there they are, marching in lockstep into your pantry. How can these tiny insects with minuscule brains…

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  • What is the Difference Between a Bee and a Hornet?

    Bees and hornets may look similar at first glance. But they have some clear differences if you know what to look for. They have distinct physical characteristics, nesting locations, diets, aggression levels, and sting severity. How can you tell a Bee from a Hornet? The easiest way to differentiate a bee vs. hornet is that…

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  • How to Identify a Carpenter Bee Hole

    It’s summertime, and suddenly there are a few mysterious holes in your siding, deck, or other wood areas of your home. You prod one of the holes and a little sawdust comes out. Then you see it… a dark, fuzzy bee that has been droning around the yard enters the hole. “What in the world…

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