Bed bugs have evolved from inhabiting bird nests to taking shelter in human homes. These small, wingless insects feed exclusively on the blood of mammals, particularly humans. The two species that have specifically adapted to the human environment are known as Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus. These
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When you spot a small, furry creature in your home, unless you own a pet, it is likely a mouse or a rat. However, it can be difficult to definitively determine which one you are dealing with, especially at a distance. Both rats and mice can cause
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Honey bees and wasps are often mistaken for one another because of their similar physical traits and ability to sting. They both serve important ecological roles such as pollinators of flowers and fruit. While these insects may be close in size, they are quite different. Identifying key
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It’s not unusual to have a fly or two enter your home. However, when you see masses of them that seem to suddenly appear, check again — chances are these are not the house flies you normally expect. They are likely cluster flies, moving in groups and
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Earwigs are dreaded by many people. Long ago, people thought earwigs crept into people’s ears during sleep and caused insanity. This was the origin of the name “ear wiggler.” While this theory was proven nonsensical, the fear of earwigs has persisted. In the garden, earwigs actually provide
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