PESTS
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Q: After coming back from a recent vacation, I’ve noticed some bites on my arms and legs. I’m worried that I could ha...
If you’re curious about palmetto bug vs. cockroach differences, you’re not alone. In addition to how to kill palmetto...
Like all creatures, bugs have their rightful place on this earth, but most of us don't want that place to be in our h...
Q: Driving home from work the other day, I noticed several trees on my street painted white. Why paint tree trunks wh...
As has been the trend over the past few years, 2022 was anything but normal. Beyond family drama, illness, and politi...
If you live in the Southeastern United States, you might be dealing with a mole cricket problem. These pests (which a...
Typical Range: $1,500 to $8,000 National Average: $4,750Discovering insects in a home is never a pleasant experien...
Q: Recently I’ve been finding small black pellets in the basement, and I hear scratching noises when I go down there....
On the list of household pests that homeowners dread the most, bed bugs rank fairly high. The reason? Bed bugs infilt...
Q: I’ve seen some small bugs near the baseboards of my home, along with some small holes in the wood. I’m worried tha...
One of the most frustrating experiences is when pests like roaches invade the home. Home is supposed to be a safe spa...
It might start with scuttling sounds coming from the attic or bite marks in cereal boxes, but if you have roof rats, ...
Q: I was bringing boxes down from the attic, and I noticed a pile of droppings on the floor. I think they look like m...
Cabbage worms can pose a real threat to cruciferous vegetables in the garden. These velvety green caterpillars nibble...
Whether hunting for a food source or seeking shelter from the elements, mice often find their way into cottages, hous...
Whether you just spotted a grasshopper inside the house or have noticed a recent uptick in grasshopper damage in your...
Typical Range: $172 to $543 National Average: $357The pitter-patter of little feet isn’t a welcome sound when it’s...
Q: I’ve seen signs of mouse activity around my home, but I’m not sure what attracts mice. How do I know what food att...
Finding signs of termites in a home can understandably send homeowners spiraling. They may wonder how long they’ve ha...
The presence of maggots is a dreaded sight for homeowners unlucky enough to have attracted them. These slimy white wo...
A termite infestation is every homeowner’s nightmare. These small but mighty insects feed on wood and other dead plan...
A mouse infestation can be enough to make anyone skittish. Those pesky critters can carry a plethora of dangerous dis...
For anyone who's ever spotted a snake or snake nests in their yard, the feeling can be a bit unnerving. Though snakes...
Woodworms are one of those common household pests that many have heard of, but most people know little about. In fact...
There are many insects that can dine on your garden, lay waste to the structural integrity of your home, or even pose...
Crickets and grasshoppers are commonly confused with one another. While the two insects are both members of the Ortho...
Decoy plants are plants used to keep pests away from prized vegetables by luring hungry insects to their own leaves a...
It would be difficult to find a person who welcomes pests into their home with open arms: When left unchecked, pests ...
Typical Range: $100 to $1,300 National Average: $375Discovering a hornet nest can be unnerving. Some signs of a ne...
Q: Recently, there has been a strange smell coming from one area in our home. It’s rancid, almost like rotten cabbage...
Many homeowners deal with various types of bees swarming their homes at one point or another. Whether they’re ground ...
Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, eating almost anything they get their paws on. However, like many animals, they...
When all a homeowner wants to do is relax in their backyard, but mosquitoes won’t stop buzzing or biting and a citron...
Have you started noticing orange ladybugs congregating around windows in your home or swarming in the attic? These ar...
Can you move a bird’s nest? Well, the answer is not as simple as you may think. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service h...
If your vining vegetables are crawling with striped or spotted beetles, chances are that they aren’t ladybugs but the...
Voles—also known as meadow mice—are small rodents that tunnel underground and can wreak havoc in yards and gardens if...
Dogs bring endless joy to our lives, but they can also be menaces. Whether it’s because they’re marking furniture, tr...
Whether you’re trying to prevent your pets from scratching that new couch or keep neighborhood cats out of your flowe...
The starling bird is an invasive, sometimes aggressive species. These birds can wreak havoc on your yard, drive away ...
You might be wondering what animal is digging holes in your yard, or perhaps you even caught a glimpse of the animal ...
Mosquitoes are an undeniable nuisance, and mosquito bites also can be dangerous by spreading diseases like malaria, y...
Q: I’m concerned my house has termites. How can I tell if what I found are termite droppings? Is it possible there ar...
While moths aren’t a dangerous creepy-crawly to find in a home, they can be destructive, so it’s worth preventing or ...
Lizards might not come to mind when homeowners are thinking of common household pests, but they’re certainly creature...
Q: I’ve recently spotted small, tiny brown bugs in my house. I kill them when I see them, but they keep coming back. ...
Q: We have been opening the windows in our home a lot more, and that’s how I recently noticed tiny black bugs in my h...
Bed bugs are an unpleasant home pest that can contaminate mattresses, sheets, couches, and chairs and cause itchy and...
If your garden is your pride and joy, it can be exceedingly frustrating when animals nibble on your plants or dig aro...
Dragonflies and damselflies are known for their colorful appearances—but they aren't just pretty to look at. They're ...
Q: I’ve heard some howling at night, and my neighbor has spotted a few coyotes at the end of our street. I’ve noticed...
Opening your home and your heart to a special pet—be your buddy of the feline or canine persuasion, or an animal more...
May is a month worth celebrating. As the days become warmer and sunnier, seasonal to-dos both inside and outside the ...
Ugh! The aptly named stink bugs (any of several insects in the pentatomidae family) won’t do damage to a home, but wh...
Many gardening errors can be blamed on impatience, as we often endeavor to make our plants bear fruit (or flowers) as...
Snakes give many people the creeps, but spotting a garter or corn snake in the backyard probably isn’t cause for conc...
Q: Something is moving around in my attic, and I think it may be a raccoon. How do I get rid of a raccoon in the atti...
Finding cockroaches in the kitchen can be a nightmare—especially when they’ve made it into your cabinets and pantry. ...
Q: I keep finding mysterious holes all over my lawn. How do I determine what type of animal is digging holes in my ya...
A Michigan State University article notes that “moderate-intensity level activity” such as gardening practiced for 2½...
When warm weather rolls around, so does an annoying houseguest: flies. Houseflies are a nuisance at best and a vehicl...
Some homeowners may try to handle critter control independently, but wildlife trapping is best left to the profession...
Investing in high-quality home services is an important way for customers to take care of their properties. There are...
Although skunks may be a less common nuisance to homeowners than other pests, when they do come calling, they bring w...
As a gardener, you know how frustrating it is to put hours into your plot only to see it ravaged by pests. Every gard...
Nothing puts a damper on an outdoor meal or gathering like a swarm of mosquitoes—and they’re more than just a nuisanc...
Behind every pest problem, there's a cause. Learn some of the factors that may be responsible for your infestation, and how to keep pests from parading into your ...
Pest control is a significant issue for many homeowners. According to recent census data, about 14. 8 million owners ...
If your garden has shown excessive rabbit damage in recent years, it might be because the critters are growing in num...
There’s an abundance of information available about how to attract hummingbirds to your yard and feeders, but informa...
While pigeons are well known for living in cities, they’ll find their habitats anywhere. And whether you have an outd...
People and squirrels usually live in peace, with squirrels minding their business in the trees while we go about the ...
Q: Driving home from work the other day, I noticed a huge tent completely covering a house in our neighborhood. What’...
Typical Range: $50 to $280 National Average: $100Termites can be devastating, and their presence can take a homeow...
While wasps can be a helpful insect to have in the yard, eliminating grubs and other pests that can feast on your lan...
Q: I’m about to move into a new apartment, and I’m concerned about bed bugs. I heard that they can hitch a ride on mo...
Q: I have itchy, red bites but no signs of bugs in my home. Honestly, I’m not sure if they’re a rash or bites. How ca...
Dealing with bed bugs can be stressful, but with some patience and a good plan, you can be rid of these bloodsucking ...
Thanks to the half-moon shape of their heads, hammerhead worms are known by many names, including hammerhead flatworm...
While furry rodent invaders can strike pretty much anywhere, people living in warmer climates face another kind of th...
Q: I’ve recently come across small, brown bugs that look like cockroaches in my home. What do roaches look like? Coul...
Q: I recently noticed bugs that look like bed bugs in my home, and I’m concerned about an infestation. What do bed bu...
Scale on your indoor plants can appear seemingly out of nowhere, but these little insects can come from several sourc...
Moths present something of a mystery. Unlike their lepidopteran kin the butterfly, most moths are nocturnal. We typic...
Support bat conservation and give these creatures a safe space to live, while benefiting your home and garden at the same time.
Q. I think this rash on my skin might be bed bug bites. I have an exterminator coming, but I’m worried about any bed ...
Canada geese are fascinating birds to watch at a lake or pond. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and may weigh as ...
Q: I recently spotted feces in my yard that doesn’t look like it came from a dog or cat. I suspect that it’s raccoon ...
Q: While working outside, I noticed holes in the grass, and I’m concerned there may be snakes inside them. Do snakes ...
A squirrel is a squirrel, right? Think again. More than 65 different types of squirrels live in the United States. Th...
Oh, rats, the dreaded rodent infestation. These pesky creatures are tenacious when they’ve found a new place to nest....
Q: I just noticed a bunch of tiny white bugs inside my home. How can I tell what kind of bugs they are, and how can I...
Q: Help—I found lots of small red bugs in my home! How can I get rid of them and keep my home free of these mysteriou...
From a young age, most children are taught to shy away from contact with hornets or wasps. Certainly, it’s wise advic...
Books can be used in several ways in the home, sometimes as decor on a bookshelf or as reference materials in a libra...
Q: We like to decorate our front porch and walkway with carved jack-o’-lanterns, but the last two years, squirrels in...
Q: After a friend got infected with Lyme disease from a tick bite a few years ago, I’ve always been a bit worried abo...
Q: While my family and I were on vacation, our living room security camera caught a mouse scurrying over the couch. N...
Are there creepy-crawlies living in your garage’s dark corners? Here's how to identify the pests that are invading your space, and how to get rid of them.
Q: I’m noticing some damage to the wood in my home. What are the signs of carpenter ants in the house, and how can I ...
Q: I’ve been noticing a few cockroaches throughout my home lately. What attracts cockroaches, and how can I stop my h...
Q: Help—I found spiders in my home! What attracts spiders so I can prevent them from returning?A: While many spiders ...
Q: Ants, spiders, and bugs, oh my! Every year, I seem to struggle to keep insects out of my house and garage. What is...
Fleas aren’t an unusual houseguest when there are pets around, but they’re not exactly welcome inside a home. These t...
Q: My wife and I recently purchased a hummingbird feeder and hung it from a hook on our deck so we could watch the bi...
Do tiny insects fly up into your face every time you water your houseplants? Then you’ll want to know how to get rid ...
Many garden pests are easy to spot, but thrips often evade detection until they’ve completely taken over. This is due...
If ants, ants, and even more ants are making you rant, try a new slant with the following eight plants.
Beckon these fanciful flyers to your outdoor space for major mosquito control.
Although they share specific characteristics, termites and ants are two different types of insects. They each present...
Owning a home comes with some inevitable responsibilities, including maintaining and repairing problems before they w...
Don’t be fooled by the seemingly harmless name: Kissing bugs, which are a specific type of assassin bug, carry diseas...
An armyworm infestation can wreak havoc on your yard. These caterpillars have a reputation as destructive garden pest...
House mice or deer mice can quickly infest a home, particularly during fall or winter when they’re looking for a warm...
Q: I have a bed bug infestation, and I’d like to take care of it quickly at home. Does bleach kill bed bugs?A: For ho...
Ticks are insects found all over the United States that can be dangerous to your family and pets. That’s because tick...
Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail may be awfully cute, but they also wreak havoc on the garden, nibbling away at vegetabl...
Q: A neighbor told me they found mold containing mold mites in their home. What are mold mites, and are they dangerou...
Q: I purchased my first houseplant a few months ago, and things were going great. But recently its leaves have starte...
Q: I’ve noticed some odd insect activity in and around my home, as well as some soil tunneling near wood features out...
Due to their dwindling habitats, coyotes are venturing into neighborhoods and yards in search of food and water. For ...
The first sign of a budding whitefly infestation may be a host of tiny white flying insects rising from a plant when ...
Though they don’t typically bite or act as vectors of disease, gnats can be a nuisance when they invade a home or gar...
They’re both somewhat fuzzy, they are both very buzzy, and they are both members of the Apidae family, which includes...
Crane flies look like large mosquitoes. They can have a 2. 5-inch wingspan, and they are often yellow, brown, red, or...
For homeowners living in the American Southwest, armadillos can be annoying pests with potentially devastating effect...
Tick season starts in the spring and ends in the early fall. At least, that’s when these 8-legged arachnids are most ...
Hornets are a vital part of any garden ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean they are welcome buzzing around the patio or ...
Don’t let skeeters, slugs, and other uninvited guests make you miserable! Keep insects and vermin away with these green-minded methods.
Typical Range: $300 to $5,000Bed bugs (or Cimex lectularius) are persistent, pervasive, and proficient at escaping ...
Typical Range: $111 to $261 National Average: $176A sudden bloom of spiders in the springtime, a trail of tiny ant...
For some, a garage is simply a place to store yard equipment, cars, and the family’s fleet of bikes, but for many, it...
Q: I’m noticing some insects that look like ants in my home. However, they have different characteristics and I’m won...
Foxes are stealthy, opportunistic hunters who can be the bane of farmers and suburban homeowners. Getting rid of foxe...
Among all types of insect infestations, bed bugs are among the most feared for homeowners. These tiny insects like to...
When it comes to daring hijinks, astounding feats of agility, and sheer persistence, it’s hard to beat your average b...
Q: It seems like I’m always battling infestations of ants, especially in my kitchen, bathroom, and garden. What attra...
Tick bites spread dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Once they attach themselv...
This naturally-occurring, affordable powder has a plethora of practical, eco-friendly uses.
Most caterpillars are harmless, but there are a few that require caution. These caterpillars have stings and pokes you’d rather avoid.
The opossum needs a new publicist. This nocturnal animal—America’s only marsupial—is much maligned, but why? Is it th...
Typical Range: $221 to $916 National Average: $568Dealing with termites is a necessary task for many homeowners. H...
Frogs are exciting and beneficial creatures to have in your yard—in moderation. The loud croaking that might draw a l...
People easily confuse possums and opossums. These small marsupials have names so similar that they’re often used inte...
Termite infestations can be a real problem for homeowners, with some causing significant, lasting damage. These pests...
An encounter with a scorpion can be frightening. By and large, scorpions have no interest in humans and only attack w...
Use this natural oil for safe, effective pest control and more.
Pill bugs, or roly-poly bugs, are found in gardens across the country. They get their “roly-poly” moniker from the ba...
Q: I keep finding spiders all over my house, and I’m not sure how they’re getting in. Why are there so many spiders i...
Bug sprays that use DEET might be the most effective means of preventing mosquitoes and other pests from biting, but ...
While you may want your yard to be a tranquil place for kids or pets to play while you prepare meals on the grill or ...
Piles of tiny droppings, scratching noises in the walls, tiny footprints on a dusty shelf, and holes chewed through f...
Insulating expanding foam sealant makes quick work of reducing sound transfer, stabilizing a wobbly showerhead, or ev...
Ever notice when something notable happens in the environment it is hyped to garner public interest? Typical headline...
Chiggers: Good News, Bad NewsWhen it comes to the creepy-crawly buggers known as chiggers, there is good news and bad...
Protecting kids from biting insects during warmer months is important, especially with the potential for these bloods...
Bees are wonderful insects that help create healthy, abundant gardens. What’s not so wonderful is when carpenter bees...
Possums and opossums, while both marsupials, are different animals. While opossums (with an “o”) are native to North ...
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, do more than just forecast the seasons. If they wander into a yard, they can ca...
In the case of ticks and bed bugs, there is one thing they share in common—causing disgust. Just the thought of eithe...
There are few moments more enjoyable than sipping a cup of coffee outside in the morning sun or relaxing under the st...
It’s almost impossible to imagine what Earth looked like 208 million years ago. For one thing, humans weren’t even a ...
Slugs are great for cleaning up dead garden debris and providing nitrogen-rich fertilizer that can help a garden thri...
Carpenter bees are relatively peaceful insects that aid in vegetation pollination and rarely attack humans. This is m...
Your yard and garden should be a refuge from the hectic day-to-day grind—a place where you can sit back and relax, gr...
Japanese beetles might be harmless to humans but that doesn’t mean you want them around. This invasive insect feeds o...
Cracking the windows is an effective way to air out your house when the weather is nice—but an open window can also b...
Here’s a riddle: What’s nearly blind, eats insects, and can be found in both your backyard and the local arcade? If y...
The chirping of crickets may be a pleasant sound of summer, but these insects can become a real nuisance—especially i...
Although many ant varieties can cause problems in a home, few are as potentially damaging as the carpenter ant. This ...
Across the country, many people contend with common pests such as mice, roaches, and ants, but those who live in hot ...
First detected in the United States in 2014, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) has made its way across the ...
Bird feeders provide entertainment for bird-watchers and other nature enthusiasts, but unwanted guests such as squirr...
The insect realm is rife with creepy-crawlies, be they smelly stink bugs, sneaky weevils, or simply slimy cockroaches...
It's heartbreaking to watch your pets itch and scratch all day when they are infested with fleas. What’s even worse i...
No matter how many locks there are on your doors and windows, there’s still a chance tiny invaders are sneaking into ...
No one likes sharing their home with bugs, so when flies, moths, and other winged pests make their way inside, you wa...
A flea fogger is a flea treatment that uses many active ingredients to create a lethal pesticide for flea control and...
Like other creepy crawlies, fire ants can wreak havoc on a yard and home. But unlike merely annoying insects, fire an...
Most backyard barbecue attendees would agree that swatting mosquitoes away from their exposed skin really bugs them. ...
Itchy and painful welts on your skin; brown stains on the sheets; a musty smell in the bedroom—these warning signs co...
For both new construction and remodeling projects, installing a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) water-supply system i...
At the park, on a walking trail, and even in your yard, birdwatching is a fascinating hobby. However, you may not wan...
A version of the fly swatter may be as ancient as the fly itself. Since the beginning of time, humans have been insti...
Fruit flies are small, irritating insects that are attracted to fruits, as indicated by their name, but also vegetabl...
You may not be the only one admiring your beautiful tree. Unwanted visitors may have scoped it out and settled in, and it’s time to tell them to bug off!
Citronella candles add elegance to your patio or yard and protect you from insects. This plant extract masks the huma...
Indoor insects can pose problems throughout the year. There could be insects living in your walls, under your applian...
It’s time to disprove once and for all some of the most commonly held misconceptions about dealing with bugs, rodents, and other unwanted critters.
Cockroaches are pervasive pests that can move very quickly, survive without a head for days, and squeeze through narr...
Whether you’re finding fleas on your pet, in your yard, or all of the above, you may need a quality flea treatment th...
Foraging deer can cause major damage to home gardens. These adorable woodland critters can ravage your yard by munchi...
Controlling the mosquito population on your property is a matter of not only comfort but also health: These miserable...
If you have young children and pets, dealing with an insect or rodent infestation can be a hassle and even dangerous....
Pantry pests can be a real pain. Here’s how to identify eight of the most common insects that lurk in your pantry or cupboards.
The first signs your pet has fleas might come in the form of frequent scratching or biting at a part of its body, but...
If you’re noticing more wasps too close for comfort in your outdoor living spaces, or even invading your home, it mig...
If you see tiny droppings in your cupboard and hear scratching noises in the walls, you most likely have a rodent pro...
A mouse’s ability to fit through a hole the diameter of a pen (approximately 6 millimeters) allows it to get into nea...
For homeowners, DIYers, and renters concerned about rat infestations or prevention, the best rat poison can take care...
To help prevent mosquito bites and repel these irritating insects you need an effective repellent. The best mosquito ...
With a few ounces of prevention, you can keep these insect invaders at bay—but if things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals.
From swatting mosquitoes around the campfire to batting away blackflies on the lake, insects can really put a damper ...
Pesticides are supposed to make pests go away, but the truth is that your reliance on pesticides could be making the problem worse.
Warm weather means lots of comings and goings to and from the yard, deck, and patio. But when bugs barge in with you,...
Moles can be a difficult pest to get rid of once they establish themselves in your yard. But, mole repellents come in...
Although they can't really harm you, gnats are certainly annoying. The mere presence of these pesky insects in your h...
Termites are elusive pests that can quickly form colonies in your home before showing significant signs of the infest...
No need to use chemicals—instead, use these herbal, fruity, or soap-laden solutions for problems with pests like ants, mice, and mosquitos.
Bed bugs (cimex lectularius) are tiny insects that feed on human blood, hiding in blankets, sheets, mattresses, and m...
Some people handle sudden and unexpected encounters with serpents surprisingly well, while others not so much. Most h...
Controlling flies can seem like an impossible battle. They reproduce quickly, and they’re unbelievably challenging to...
Mosquitoes have a special ability to ruin a great time. Gardening, backyard barbecues, fireworks at the park, and fishing at the lake are loads of fun, as long as...
Try these pest control tips before calling an exterminator.
Summertime sees a surge in tick-borne diseases, so learn how to prevent bites before they occur.
North America is home to 3,000 species of spiders. The vast majority of these arachnids are not dangerous; they’re mo...
While you’re sleeping, these nocturnal insects and critters are busy scavenging your property, pillaging your garden, and may even be making their way indoors.
Small home annoyances are sometimes indicators of a bigger structural problem. Learn to recognize the signs of these maintenance issues that need to get addressed...
Cockroaches find their way into houses, apartments, sheds, and even vehicles, and can quickly become a full-blown inf...
Decode the clues that sneaky garden gremlins leave behind and banish the little buggers with these pro tips.
The earth is home to some 20 quadrillion ants, according to a recent study, so folks shouldn’t be surprised if an ant...
With the exception of Iceland and Antarctica, almost every place on earth has some sort of mosquito problem. While the pesky insects can be found throughout the U...
Your garden inevitably attracts unwelcome visitors like aphids and tomato-loving caterpillars that can destroy your hard work practically overnight. But not all g...
You're probably all too well acquainted with some of the pests that can damage a house, but you might be surprised to learn about others that can wreak havoc, cau...
The much-anticipated arrival of spring also brings a plethora of insects. Some, like ladybugs and honeybees, are bene...
A clean house doesn’t necessarily keep bugs away. In fact, infestations can strike even the tidiest homes. Pests are determined and inventive, so when you're hunt...
From roaches and rats to bedbugs and spiders, creepy-crawly pests—like their human counterparts—seem to enjoy living in large cities.
Follow these tips to stay cozy indoors without worrying about pesky pests invading your space. This content is paid advertising created in partnership with t...
Even animal lovers should take active steps to get rid of mice because they can carry bacteria, which in turn can inf...
Q: Eek! I woke up last night to use the bathroom and when I turned on the light, a bug with many legs scurried under ...
Outsmart biting bugs while bringing new beauty to your garden with these superhero plant species.
Q: Until this year, my tall fescue lawn has always been plush and green, but a few weeks ago, some yellow spots devel...
Mosquitoes are an unfortunate reality of summer. As soon as the weather warms up and the humidity rises, any small body of stagnant water can become an instant br...
An enjoyable afternoon spent working in the garden, a lovely evening relaxing in the yard: the exterior of your home provides plenty of opportunities to recharge ...
If your backyard and garden have become a buffet for deer, these 10 Bambi-resistant plants will encourage them to forage elsewhere.
Roll out the welcome mat for friendly insects that will get on your garden's good side. While some insects like aphids and grasshoppers can wreak havoc on gardens...
Summer is here at last, along with all the fun and pleasurable outdoor activities that come with it. But as we spend these longer, warmer days outside, gardening,...
Surely one of the cuter rodents you’ll ever counter, chipmunks are also among the most destructive. These small, stri...
If you want a pest-free kitchen, the name of the game is CLEAN. You’ll be more successful in deterring bugs if you keep crumbs and food waste to a minimum. So, to...
Q: Yesterday I spotted a tick on my bathroom floor, and last week I found one on my clothing. Is it possible that I h...
There's nothing more annoying than having your summertime fun ruined by the buzzing and biting of the season's peskiest foes—mosquitoes. Before they breed, congre...
Strategic landscaping choices can help you get rid of ticks, protecting your family and pets from the danger posed by these insects, even in the seeming safety of...
Usually found marching along a kitchen sink, the tile near a baseboard, or outside on the porch by your welcome mat (some welcome!), ants are tiny and persistent ...
Q: I squashed an ant on my kitchen countertop this morning only to spot more circling the sink. Where did all of thes...
Summertime is packed with fun activities: barbecues, beach vacations, afternoon swims, and backyard games. But the warm weather also summons pesky bugs and creepy...
Landing on the food at your backyard barbecue. Buzzing around your face as you do yard work. Zipping through your fro...
If mice, voles, or spiders have taken up residence on your lawn or in your garden, consider befriending their enemy: ...
If you’ve ever been out on a summer evening outdoors only to be startled by an inch-long, slow-flying beetle crashing...
Q: I recently took my favorite sweater off of its hanger only to discover small holes in its knitting. Could this me...
Sugar truly deserves its place of honor in pantries around the world. It's indispensable for sweetening up beverages like coffee and tea, and it adds delicious fl...
Keychains, postcards, t-shirts and seashells: These are some of the most popular mementos that people bring home from...
There's no doubt that homeowners go to great lengths to make a house into a home, and the results of their hard labor...
Q: For the first time in my life, I have mice. I had thought that I dreamed the scratching and skittering sounds I he...
Squash bugs take root on the undersides of leaves or near the crown of the plant, where they’ll lay clusters of oval-...
Although spiders are a great help in the garden—catching flies and other creepy crawlers—most of us would prefer not ...
Flying ants may seem more formidable than their tiny ant counterparts. Interestingly, though, flying ants—also known ...
Despite having tiny wings and dozens of legs, insects aren’t entirely different from people. They require sleep, food, and shelter to survive—and like you, they m...
Q: Woodpeckers recently swooped in on my property and did a number on my cedar tree, siding, and roof. How do I plug ...
Homeowners with seed-bearing boxelder trees on their property may be all too familiar with the insects that lay eggs ...
As you enjoy outdoor fun this summer, keep family, friends and pets safe from disease-carrying ticks. CM_BVNOTES-1734...
Your beautiful garden and potted indoor greenery are equally vulnerable to mealybugs, tiny yet destructive pests that...
Fruit flies may be tiny, but they can be a huge pain. If your arms are tired from all that swatting, here's a homemad...
Are your garden plants stunted, shriveled, yellowing, or curling at the leaves, despite your best efforts to keep the...
They may be perceived as sneaky, slimy, and scary, but most snakes are not dangerous to humans. And, to their credit,...
If garden pests are bugging you, but you’d rather not nuke them with toxic chemicals, maybe you should give insectici...
Ticks are a fact of outdoor life throughout the United States. These blood-feeding arachnids become active every year...
Find yourself in a stinky situation? If a skunk strikes close to home (or in your home!), take action against the un...
Deer are delightful romping through the forest but can wreak havoc in a garden, decimating vegetables, fruit trees, l...
While children love big-eared Bugs Bunny chomping on a carrot, gardeners can identify closely with his cartoon nemesi...
When the weather warms up, people spend more time outside. Unfortunately, mosquitoes, flies, and other biting insects have the same idea. These winged pests see y...
Hearing strange scurrying sounds coming from the attic? No, your mind isn't playing tricks on you. The more likely ex...
No horror movie can match the terror of a mouse skitter across the living room floor at night—because where there’s o...
Finding small bugs in the house, and the infestation is "bugging" you out? Here's how to identify the invaders, and the best ways to get them out of your home.
Tiny, sap-sucking arachnids known as spider mites can be a problem any time of year, not only in your garden but plag...
Day after day, largely unnoticed, gutters perform a critically important role by channeling storm water and snowmelt a safe distance away from your home. At least...
This article has been brought to you by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). One of the biggest threats t...
Q: I keep hearing noise coming from upstairs and am fairly sure that a family of squirrels has taken up residence in ...
You might enjoy their pastoral presence, but there’s no doubt that deer wreak havoc on garden vegetables, plants, and...
A healthy outdoor ladybug population is a good thing. Gardeners appreciate their voracious appetite for the destructi...
Although fire ants are more common in southern states, they can thrive nearly anywhere. Ranging from reddish brown to...
Q: I’ve found not one but multiple wasps hanging out inside my house over the past few days, but no nest. Where could...
No matter how scrupulously you clean your kitchen, you may still open your cabinets one day to find them crawling wit...
If you see an ant or two, chances are you’ll see more—many more—especially if there's something tasty lying around ne...
With Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses on the rise, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the mosquito contr...
A love of gardening often goes hand in hand with a hatred toward the pests that pervade the fruits of your labor, bot...
When you get back from the grocery store with bags full of juicy strawberries, peaches, and cherries, your kids won’t...
Do you hear suspicious scrabbling behind your walls? Are you finding questionable black pellets in the basement? Does your pantry have a sharp, musky odor? Chance...
Nocturnal and relatively shy, skunks aren’t often seen—but they certainly are smelled! Though the black-and-white cre...
The bald eagle may be our national symbol, but virtually every American has encountered the crow. These highly intell...
They don’t care who you are or where you live. You won’t see them coming, and by the time they make their presence kn...
Itchy bites make mosquitoes a nuisance in any setting, but they’re especially aggravating when they violate your back...
While a fixer-upper can be a lot cheaper than a home that's move-in ready, some fixer-uppers just aren't worth the headache. If the home you have your eye is plag...
It seems like annoying bugs are everywhere this time of year. Whether they're destroying plants in your garden, infesting your kitchen, or buzzing around your ear...
If you’ve never actually seen a vole, it’s not surprising. The 7-inch-long rodent also known as a meadow mouse is rat...
Millions of people and animals are swarmed and stung every year by fire ants. Their burning (hence the name) bites ar...
When most homeowners refer to a "waterbug," they're actually employing a delicate colloquialism for an insect whose m...
They enter your home in a myriad of ways: hitching rides on cut flowers, clothing, or pets, or simply flying in throu...
Even if you’re not an avid cultivator of prized begonias or caretaker of an expensive golf course like Bill Murray’s ...
Though far from pleasant to think about, there’s a good chance your home is ridden with dust mites—microscopic organi...
This winter, you may find yourself with uninvited guests—orange-red Asian ladybugs. Imported to combat garden pests, ...
Notice an inexplicable mass destruction, yellowing, or defoliation in your evergreens? A close and careful look throu...
Centipedes, with no shortage of legs and alarming speed, seem to have been designed to make squeamish homeowners shri...
Stop! If you encounter an unfamiliar pest in your home, think twice before swatting it with a magazine. If you do any...
Time never seems to be on our side, and it can especially work against us in the case of certain home repairs. A suspicious water spot on the ceiling, a slight cr...
Don't let the name fool you: Silverfish are nothing like the goldfish you nurtured as pets in your childhood bedroom....
Under normal circumstances, I would have hated to give up on something I’d so eagerly anticipated. But I have to admi...
From the return of football on the weekends to the arrival of pumpkin coffee at the local donut shop, there are so ma...
Just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean you should. Attempting to DIY some home projects could lead to trouble.
Mention DEET in a crowded room, and you’re likely to hear a chorus of different opinions regarding its toxicity and h...
Even the smallest slugs play a big role in the ecosystem, feeding on decomposing matter and in turn providing protein...
Nothing spoils a backyard barbecue faster than a swarm of bugs moving in on the food and beverage stations. For that matter, you probably don’t want creepy-crawli...
Given enough time, carpenter bees can bring down an entire house. The good news: These bees prefer to nest in untreat...
Nothing can ruin a summer barbecue or evening by the pool like the threat of a wasp’s sting. Mind you, wasps aren’t a...
Everyone looks forward to summer vacation, but unwary travelers may get more than they bargain for when checking into a hotel: bed bugs. Though small in size and ...
Ants are one of those annoying pests that seem to pop up everywhere they're unwanted during the summer—picnics, kitch...
It’s inevitable—just as you sit down to enjoy a quiet moment in the garden, the irritating buzz of an insect approaches. Your hopes of enjoying a cup of coffee in...
Drain flies, also known as moth flies, are a common nuisance in many homes. These pests live and breed inside your pl...
There’s no time like summertime. It’s a season of pool parties with the pattering of chlorine-soaked feet trailing in...
With the official start of summer just days away, we can’t help but think about the coming days of relaxing by the po...
For many homeowners, summer means one thing: spending time outdoors. Whether we're lounging on the porch or entertain...
What’s the best way to keep those persistent squirrels from pigging out at your bird feeder? Here's an assortment of ...
With ancestors tracing back more than 280 million years, cockroaches have been around for an incomprehensibly long time, and they're here to stay. Because no othe...
There's nothing that can stand in the way of your best garden ever—until the pests arrive, that is. Perhaps your harvest is being raiding by tiny aphids, cabbage-...
While insects are important in the chain of life, their buzzing and biting can ruin a backyard picnic. Take note and then take aim using these 10 tips that will h...
As warm weather persists, so does an annual nuisance: houseflies. The small black pests that get in your face, buzz i...
The blooming flowers, sunny skies, and much-anticipated return of warmer weather across the country are not the only ...
Don't let the bushy tails fool you. They may be cute and and bright-eyed, but if left unchecked, squirrels can do an ...
Different people have different opinions about raccoons. Some think they're terrible pests, while others consider the...
Fleas are irritating—not only for pets but also for people. If you have fleas in the house, you can usually expect so...
Most people know that spiders benefit our homes and gardens by eating insects such as mosquitoes, flies and ants that...
Homes make strange noises on a regular basis, from groaning and creaking to popping and scratching. As a homeowner, you should be able to tell whether that noise ...
Sure, raccoons are sort of cute, but know this: If it feels threatened, a raccoon can be dangerous, particularly if i...
Like their closet-lurking cousins, pantry moths are destructive pests. Act fast before they eat through (and lay eggs...
Tineola bisselliella, the common clothes moth, wreaks havoc on wardrobes, destroying shirts and socks, pants and swea...
The good news: Bats are not aggressive. The bad news: If there are bats in your house, it’s only a matter of time bef...
What's keeping you up at night? Basement flooding? Bathroom mold? What about termites?It's possible that among the ma...
Say goodbye to Stuart Little! A mouse infestation can be enough to make anyone skittish. Those pesky critters can carry a plethora of dangerous diseases and cause...
Modern mosquito repellents generally do a pretty good job of keeping the bugs away, but toxic chemicals often top the...
The stench of a skunk is strong and unmistakable, even when you’re in a car with the windows closed, driving through ...
There's no mistaking when a mole or two have invaded your lawn and garden. Though you're not likely to see one above ...
Bedbugs haunt homeowners' nightmares like the bogeyman. These nasty little critters that feast on your blood while yo...
There's great satisfaction in making something you could just as easily purchase ready-made. Besides that special fee...
Spring and summer are lovely times of the year, but they do usher in a host of seasonal hazards, perhaps none more fe...
Summertime, and the livin' is easy—until stinging winged arthropods crash your backyard BBQ. Standard protocol calls for lighting a few citronella candles and rub...
Though deer look innocent, home gardeners know they can be a menace to plants and trees. Gardeners also know that bar...
You’re not alone in wanting to get rid of roaches. These creepy-crawly insects are a major problem around the country...
A terrific way to maintain good health is to stick to a diet chock-full of fruits and vegetables. But few things spoi...
Termites and other pests can cause expensive damage. Here's what to look for. The sawdust-like accumulations of fra...
Homes often make strange noises. They’re built of many different materials—glass, concrete, wood—that expand and co...
None of us loves the idea of little Mickeys and Minnies scurrying around our homes. Some people insist they're cute, ...
Here's how you can tell if your house has termite damage. First, examine obvious areas of wood rot for termites. Som...
There are more than 2,000 species of termites, and chances are some of them live in your neighborhood. The most commo...
Fighting pests at home? The best offense is a clean, dry, and air-tight defense. The importance of sanitation cannot ...
The Tick-Borne Disease Alliance reports that as many as three-quarters of all Lyme Disease cases are caused by tick b...
Are you an amateur exterminator? Test your knowledge of these common house pests to find out!
Preventing and treating termite infestations is a top priority for many homeowners. Termite control is not a do-it-yo...
While Ratatouille might have been a runaway blockbuster film, no one wants rats in the house — or mice or squirrels o...
Every creature has its place in nature—I firmly believe that. But if that creature is a rodent, I want its place to b...
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? A natural remedy waits in your backyard: locally produced honey. To date, scie...
Living in the city has its perks. But it also has its pests. From mice to roaches to bed bugs, dreaded pests can and ...
The advent of spring is generally welcome, but warmer temperatures also bring out unwanted pests, namely termites. Of...
We’re all drawn to the warmth and shelter of a cozy house, so it’s not surprising that critters like squirrels, oposs...
Most people react to deer, groundhogs, and rabbits with a smile acknowledging their adorableness. But gardeners know ...
It’s the time of year when garden pests become especially irritating. Your ripening harvest might be snacked on by ap...
Late summer’s when you see ‘em, but now’s not actually the best time to mess with a bee or wasp nest. The queen esta...
To control garden pests without using toxic chemicals, work with nature, not against it. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON ...
Encouraging birds and bats to visit your yard is a great way to keep BUGS down without spraying. LISTENListen to BOB ...
Bob Vila recently contacted me because he had a bee infestation in his attic. I've made several visits to his house s...
Carpenter ants damage wood by hollowing it out for nesting. Unlike termites, wood damaged by carpenter ants does not ...
Carpenters replace a rotted deck, and a rotted porch column is reconstructed with concrete.
Damaged sill is replaced, the house is protected against insects and rot, and sliding doors with custom trim molding are installed.
Ken Micklow and Trent Culleny talk with Bob about native, storm-resistant gardening. Then Carm DiBella shows Bob an environmentally friendly termite protection s...
The restoration of the front porch continues with workers putting the decking down and replacing the old columns. In addition, anti-termite control stations are p...
The front porch is undergoing full restoration, due to excessive water and pest damage to the columns and other structural elements. Demolition begins and repair ...
Bob and contractor Bob Ryley join exterminator Dean Bailey (of Fowler and Sons) to discuss termite control in and around the garage. Also, concrete contractor Sha...
Bob reviews termite damage at the Naples project house and looks on as exterminators cover the home with a tent to enclose the space prior to fumigation.
Bob confers with contractor Al Stouse about the termite and dry rot damage on the roof overhangs. Next, Bob helps build and install new roof brackets, or outriggers.
Rick Kleiner (from the Southern Forest Products Association) joins Bob to talk about using pressure-treated deck members. Such lumber resists fungal growth, termi...
