What will never get an invite to the cookout? Mosquitoes. Yet as we know, those blood-sucking pests love to crash a party. But being the eco-friendly, sustainability-minded Austinites we are, we tend to shy away from chemical-based anything, even when it comes to pest control, opting for all-natural methods, instead. One […]
The Richmond area is blessed with a climate that promises plenty of warmth, rain, and a long growing season. But the spring showers that bring May flowers also herald the gardener’s annual battle with the bugs. Here are the most destructive, invasive pests in Richmond. White Grubs White grubs are […]
“Don’t let the bedbugs bite” used to be easy advice to follow in the United States. Thanks to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, bedbugs were virtually nearly wiped out in the U.S. from World War II through the 1990s. But since the bedbug success story began: We banned […]
If the words “head lice” make your skin crawl, you’re not alone. While these nasty little suckers evoke fear or disgust, they’ve been with us for millions of years. Scientists believe they hitchhiked on our scalps when humans first left Africa. And they show little sign of disappearing anytime soon. Yes, […]
At first glance, bugs might not seem like something you would want in your yard or garden, but you should welcome some insects. There are more beneficial bugs than bad ones, according to Virginia Tech entomologist Dr. Thomas Kuhar. “They’re part of a natural living system where different species hold each […]
No one likes when those creeping, crawling, and flying bugs come around. Killing them becomes one answer. But educating oneself on other options other than pesticides can help you and other living things in your home and garden. And even when using pesticides, many people don’t do it right which […]
Richmond’s amenable climate allows wildlife to make themselves at home in your yard. Most of us love seeing the occasional deer or bunny romping through our yard. But we draw the line at the creepy crawlies that make it indoors. Two, in particular, are enough to make your skin crawl: […]
Why spend money on an exterminator to get rid of bugs when you can simply squash them, spray them, or trap them? After all, there are hundreds, if not thousands of products on the store shelves to kill pests, right? Wrong! Pesticides are poisons, and when used improperly can make […]
When news stories flash across the television about an infestation of bed bugs at a hotel or college, people cringe. Those pesky, biting insects just seem to gross people out. But bed bugs can happen anywhere and come from anywhere. In fact, Columbus ranked No. 5 out of 50 U.S. […]
Only a few years ago, the answer to ridding your home of unwanted pests was simple: chemicals – and lots of them. We sprayed pesticides on our lawns, covered bodies with bug spray (which had to contain Deet) and set out all kinds of poisonous bait. Granted, these methods are […]