Emily Archer

There is one simple truth about bed bugs: if you find one, there are certainly more lurking in the shadows. How do they live together?

Do bed bugs build nests?

No, bed bugs don’t build nest structures in the sense that ants and bees do. But they congregate together in specific areas to live and reproduce, which in a sense could be considered nests.

If you are dealing with an infestation, you’re probably wondering whether or not they build nests, and how to target the nest. In this article, I’ll go over the details of bed bug nests, and give you some pointers to get rid of them.

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Do Bed Bugs Build Nests?Read More »

The fleas are out! These tiny creatures are known for causing a lot of trouble. Fleas feed on domestic pets like cats and dogs and find warmth and comfort in your home. 

Fleas can be very annoying for pet owners. When fleas come into contact with humans, a bloody rash can form. Victims can also suffer persistent itching, and infections may develop.

• During the Black Death, fleas helped spread the disease. Can you believe it?
• Within 21 days after one flea infects your pet and home, it can turn to 1,000
• There is a chance that fleas can be frozen and then come back to life after as long as a year

Whatever their size and however irritating they may be, nature’s tiniest hitchhikers are fascinating to learn about. Here are some fun facts about fleas!

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8 Fun Facts About FleasRead More »

If you’re like most Americans, then you grew up eating one of the country’s all-time favorite sandwiches — peanut butter and jelly. In fact, you may be a kid at heart and still enjoy having a PB&J to satisfy your stomach even to this day.

But you’ve probably heard the rumors.

Does peanut butter have bugs in it?

Yes, there are at least some bugs in your peanut butter. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows companies to include insect parts in what is basically the country’s favorite bread spread.

Wait, what?

Read on to learn the details!

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Does Peanut Butter Have Bugs In It?Read More »

Mosquitoes can be a major problem in Florida. The state is home to the most mosquito species in the country. Unfortunately, it also has the highest number of mosquitoes that carry diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Yellow Fever, Dengue, West Nile Virus, and potentially even Malaria.

So, are mosquitoes bad in Florida?

Oh yes, mosquitoes are definitely bad in Florida! Of course, they’re much worse in swampy rural areas than they are in cities like Miami.

Generally, mosquitoes are a nuisance to have around. Here are the main reasons why these bloodsucking insects are considered pests.

• Mosquitoes bite you at night, leaving itchy marks on your skin. 
• They can transmit diseases like Malaria and Zika that can be deadly. 
• In many cases, they can also cause harmful allergic reactions.

There is no way to eliminate mosquitoes completely, but there are ways to reduce their population and make them less of a nuisance. In this article, I’ll discuss mosquitoes in Florida and how to combat them.

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Are Mosquitoes Bad in Florida? Do You Need to Be Prepared For Them?Read More »

While Orajel is traditionally used for instant relief of tooth and gum pain, it can also be used for mosquito bites. It’s also something many of us have in our medicine cabinet.

Does using Orajel for mosquito bites help?

Yes, Orajel can soothe the itching and burning of a mosquito bite and can help prevent infection.

Here are a few things to know going in:

• Orajel helps with the itching and burning of mosquito bites
• It also helps to prevent infection of the bite area
• Orajel is a proven germ killer

In this article, I’ll investigate how Oragel will help as a temporary relief for mosquito bites.

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

The first time you saw insects that resembled mosquitoes (but larger and with longer legs) at home or in the garden, it probably didn’t occur to you that they aren’t the most dangerous types of mosquitoes. In fact, they aren’t even mosquitos – they’re called mosquito eaters.

So what is a mosquito eater, exactly?

These creatures are known as crane flies, and they feast on mosquito larvae. Here are the basics:

• Crane flies look like mosquitoes, but they are not in the same family.
• They eat mosquito larvae, not adult mosquitoes.
• They’re larger than mosquitoes, but they can’t physically kill mosquitoes.
• Crane flies are categorized as European and common.

In this article, I’ll take a close look at crane flies.

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What Is a Mosquito Eater? The Crane Fly ChronicleRead More »

Centipedes are usually easy to spot due to their unique morphological features. It may be difficult to distinguish between centipedes and other myriapods, such as millipedes and symphylans.

So what do centipedes look like?

Centipedes are long, thin, segmented, multi-legged creatures, typically having their legs splayed out from the body, with two antennae in front, and two rear appendages as well.

I’ve put together this article, and several photos, so you can see what most common centipedes look like and how they differ from other bugs like millipiedes.

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What Do Centipedes Look Like? Explained With Pictures and Details!Read More »

Although centipedes are essentially harmless, they’re creepy and no one wants them in their home. Unfortunately, centipede infestation is a common problem facing many homeowners. The good news is that you can take care of them with some natural methods.

What kills centipedes naturally?

Borax and diatomaceous earth work well to kill centipedes, and sticky traps will catch them. Tea Tree oil will kill them or keep them away, but the best solution is to seal the cracks to prevent them from coming in.

In this article, I will discuss various ways you can get rid of centipedes naturally. 

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What Kills Centipedes Naturally?Read More »

Centipedes can be a nuisance indoors, but how do they get inside an apartment? Apartments are usually more secure than standalone homes, but centipedes will find their way into anything! Once they invade the place, they will not leave. When you spot one there are others are hiding somewhere. 

So, where do centipedes come from in apartments?

• Centipedes migrate from different places in search of food and shelter
• Centipedes can be brought in unintentionally by tenants who carry them on articles that are often stored outside 
• These pests can quickly multiply and spread to other units within the same apartment

In this article, I’ll go over the details of the movement of centipedes in apartments, and how to get rid of them. 

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Where Do Centipedes Come From in Apartments?Read More »