Emily Archer

Both mosquito bites and chigger bites will itch a lot and can stick around for quite some time to annoy you. Luckily, there are some differences to help distinguish between the bite marks of these two pesky insects.

Mosquito vs Chigger Bites:

• Chigger bites can be present and itchy for up to two weeks
• A chigger bite usually itches more than mosquito bites
• Mosquito bites can occur on any part of your body, high and low

Let’s investigate further to see the differences between these bite types.

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Mosquito vs Chigger BitesRead More »

No matter who you are or what you do in the world, there is one thing that we all have in common besides paying taxes and dying at the end of our story here — at some point, we’ve all been bitten by mosquitoes.

And this means we all know what a mosquito sounds and looks like, with its incessant and annoying buzz, and its long and dangling legs.

But what about mosquito hawks? Are they even the same thing, and should you be afraid of them?

In this article, Mosquito Hawk vs Mosquito, we sort the buzz from the real truth so that you can tell the difference between these two kinds of insects.

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Mosquito Hawk vs MosquitoRead More »

This long-legged, flying insect may look like a giant mosquito. They can be found outdoors in the garden, and you might observe these insects inside your house. These mosquitoes display unusual flying behavior, characterized by slamming into ceilings and walls.

It’s common for insects to gather in large groups outside the house. Exactly what are mosquito hawks?

• A mosquito hawk is another name for a crane fly, and are also called “mosquito eaters“. 
• They look like mosquitoes with long legs and wings but are unrelated to them.
• A mosquito hawk is not harmful to humans. They don’t bite or sting you.

These insects are commonly mistaken for mosquitoes but don’t worry, they are harmless and don’t transmit disease. Read on to learn about what a mosquito hawk is, what damage they can do and how to prevent them from entering your home.

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What Are Mosquito Hawks?Read More »

Yep, we get it — centipedes, the creepy scampering insects that can travel up to almost 1.5 feet per second, can cause alarm when you spot one in your house. However, you should also know that they are actually helpful insects to have around.

You just saw something that looked like a centipede. What was it? Are there centipedes in Virginia?

Yes, there are centipedes in Virginia. And before you grab your shoe to squish a centipede the next time you see one, try not to be intimidated by its appearance, especially if you live in Virginia.

In this article, I’ll explain why.

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Are there Centipedes in Virginia?Read More »

Although they may look terrifying to you, centipedes can appear like a fun toy to your cats. The strange movements of these multi-legged creepy crawlies can fascinate cats. 

You’ll be pleased to hear that centipedes are more afraid of you than you are of them, and they don’t generally bite humans. But should you be worried about what these scary bugs can do to your furry friend? 

Are centipedes poisonous to cats?

Yes, centipedes are dangerous to cats if cornered, though they will almost always try to flee danger. Try to prevent your cat from engaging with a centipede.

I’ll go into more detail below.

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Are Centipedes Poisonous To Cats?Read More »

Fire ants are among the most feared bugs in the world. They are relentless and have a powerful sting that many are allergic to (including me!). They are widespread in warm climates. Are there Fire Ants in California?

Yes, there are fire ants throughout much of Southern and coastal California, including LA county, San Diego, and even though the San Joaquin valley. There’s even an ant called the California Fire Ant.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at fire ants in Cali.

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Are There Fire Ants in California?Read More »

You’ve seen small black bugs in your house, scurrying around. What could they be? Of course, many insects are of no concern to people, but some are dangerous.

In this article, I’ll go over several of the most common black bugs that might be found in a house. Here are the most common ones that set up camp in homes:

• Black ants live in large colonies and groups, making them social insects that love invading homes.
• Anobiidae is a family of small beetles that are spider beetles or wood-boring beetles. Their appearance is similar to that of a small spider, also commonly found in the home. 
• Termite bodies are black, and their wings are clear and veined. These bugs will destroy your home.

We’ll examine the various types of black insects that inhabit our homes. Learn how to differentiate between them, what damage they can cause, and how you can prevent them. Do you know how to identify which bugs are harmless and that will cause damage to your home and your health?

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Small Black Bugs In Your House: What Could They Be?Read More »

Mosquito bites are an inevitibility. No matter how much bugspray you use, you’ll get bitten eventually. So what do you do to deal with the nasty welt?

One of the most popular remedies is Vicks for mosquito bites. Does it really work?

Yes, Vicks Vaporub works well to soothe itchy mosquito bites! I use it on my kids all the time!

Here are some reasons why you should apply Vicks on mosquito bites:

• The ointment contains eucalyptus oil which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• It also has a cooling effect that will make your skin feel better when applied to the affected area.
• The soothing menthol in Vicks helps to reduce itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites. 

In this article, I will explore some information about Vicks and how it calms mosquito bites.

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Vicks for Mosquito Bites: Does It Work?Read More »

Bed bug infestations are a nightmare, and there are no easy solutions. The most common remedy suggested is heat, a Bed Bug Heat Treatment.

People often ask whether a bed bug heat treatment will work if an infestation is present in your home.

Here are the basics on bed bugs and heat:

• If bed bugs are exposed to 113 degrees and more for more than 90 minutes, the bugs will die
• Heating your home will cause them to flee to cooler places
• Using heat in the dryer will kill bed bugs living in your clothes and linens

We know that heat, in general, kills bed bugs. So let’s find out if a heat treatment alone will work.

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Bed Bug Heat Treatment: Does It Work? What Is the Success Rate?Read More »

Several insects can often be seen hovering around a light source, especially in dark areas or at night. Moths are famous for this. You may wonder if mosquitoes are one of these insects, and if turning the light off in your sleeping area would help.

Are mosquitoes attracted to light? 

No, mosquitoes are not attracted to light. Here are the basics:

• Mosquitoes are not attracted to light. Light sometimes disorients them, depending on the kind of light. 
• They are mostly drawn to odors, particularly the carbon dioxide humans breathe during respiration.
• The level of carbon dioxide determines how many mosquitoes are drawn. Hence larger humans or ones with higher metabolism attract more mosquitoes because they breathe out more carbon dioxide. 

This article will address if mosquitoes are drawn to light or not, highlight what they are drawn to, and discuss precautions to avoid getting bitten. 

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Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?Read More »