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Art from an Anthill?

. Posted by in • Austin

New viral videos spring up all the time, but one involving fire ants has really managed to capture people’s imaginations. Instead of showing the pests swarming around a field or invading someone’s home, the video shows an artist pouring molten aluminum into an anthill to create an incredible sculpture of sorts. It’s called anthill art, and it’s creating a lot of buzz. Some folks are enthralled by the gorgeous sculptures, which look a lot like metal Christmas trees, while others are upset that entire fire ant colonies are destroyed in the process (even though fire ants are technically an invasive species). No matter how you feel about the subject, there’s no denying the awesome artistic results.

What’s Under There?

Have you ever seen an anthill and wondered what lies below the surface? There are obviously tunnels and chambers where the ants carry on their day-to-day business, but what do they really look … Read Full Post »

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Preventing Scorpion Infestations from the Inside Out

. Posted by in • San Antonio

The thought of having stray scorpions crawling in and around your house is an uncomfortable one to say the least. These resilient pests are known to thrive even in the most extreme temperatures and can survive very well in the cracks and crevices of your home and yard. Infestation by these nocturnal arthropods is becoming increasingly common in the San Antonio area. All species of scorpions can sting with their characteristic venom, but very few of them are known to be actually deadly to human beings. Having these pests in your vicinity can be overwhelming. Taking a few simple measures can be extremely helpful in detracting the pests and keeping your property safe from their occupation.

Say No to Scorpions

Like a lot of other household pests, scorpions love clutter. Leaking pipes, holes, cracks and vents on the walls and sewage drains can serve as the perfect entry points into your home. … Read Full Post »

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Do Dirty Homes Attract Pests?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth

Good Housekeeping Habits Won’t Necessarily Keep Pests at Bay

Like many people, you may have always thought that pests won’t invade your home as long as you keep it neat and clean. If only it were that simple. While it’s true that some pests are drawn to less-than-sanitary conditions, many others will make themselves at home in even the tidiest of places. Therefore, you shouldn’t take an infestation as a sign that your housekeeping skills need honing.

With that being said, it’s never a bad idea to keep the premises as clean as possible. Pests like cockroaches, rodents and ants seek out places where they can easily find food, and homes that aren’t swept, vacuumed and scrubbed down regularly attract them like moths to a flame. You’ve probably seen this in action yourself. In some parts of Texas, leaving even a few crumbs on a patio will instantly attract large numbers of … Read Full Post »

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Built to Last: How the Bed Bug Got Its Groove Back

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station

Though they were thought absent from the U.S. for the past 50 years, bed bugs have made a big comeback across the nation. Much to the chagrin of travelers and homeowners, these pests can establish colonies quickly. For homeowners in the Bryan-College Station area, getting rid of these troublesome pests can seem impossible. Before you tackle a bed bug infestation, you’ll need to know a little about how this pest is built.

Why Are Bed Bugs So Hard to Eliminate?

One of the big reasons bed bugs have shown up in the news so much recently is that they’re very difficult to get rid of once they’ve established a colony. It’s the bed bug’s unique anatomy that allows this pest to establish itself so quickly and cause problems for homeowners.

These flat, oval-shaped, reddish-brown bugs often make their way into homes via the luggage and clothing of travelers. Once they reach maturity, bed … Read Full Post »

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Why Commercially Available Pesticides Might Be a Bad Idea

. Posted by in • Houston

If you’re like many people, your first reaction to a pest control situation might be to head to your favorite mass-market retail store, searching for pesticides to help eliminate the infestation. Although these products can work in some cases, it’s generally a better idea to seek the help of a professional. These are just a few reasons commercially available pesticides can be bad.

They’re Costly

Even though it might seem like store-bought pesticides make pest control more affordable than hiring a professional, these products’ costs can add up. Few people see accurate results the first time they purchase sprays and traps; most buy bottle after bottle in hopes of getting rid of their pest-related issues.

They Often Don’t Work

Unfortunately, commercially available pesticides generally don’t work as well as pest control companies products. Many don’t treat certain species of insects or don’t work well in general. This can be frustrating and leave you with … Read Full Post »

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Compost Piles: Do They Attract Insects?

. Posted by in , • Houston

One of the easiest ways to get rid of kitchen scraps and other organic waste from around our homes is to compost. Maintaining a healthy compost pile doesn’t take much space or attention. The benefit is nutrient-rich soil that develops in just a few months and can be used to improve soil in gardens and around the yard.

Composting reduces the amount of solid waste that would otherwise go to landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 20% to 30% of what we throw away is organic material that can be composted. By composting, we get good soil and cut down on what goes to landfills.

A compost pile doesn’t need fancy equipment, just a space in your yard or garden that isn’t too wet or too sunny so that the organic materials will get the right amount of air and water to decompose quickly. The climate in the Houston area … Read Full Post »

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How to Properly Remove a Tick

. Posted by in • Austin

Ticks are tiny, spider-like parasites that fasten themselves to your pet’s skin to feed on its blood. Although these creepy little critters prefer to feed on the blood of animals, they’ll attach themselves to people if necessary. Typically, they can be found in areas where there are a lot of trees or underbrush.

Tick Prevention

Since ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, you’ll want to do your best to prevent them from hopping on you or your pet. Products such as Frontline and Advantix can help to prevent ticks from collecting on your dog or cat. Additionally, the following tips can help keep ticks at bay as well.

• Stay away from heavily wooded areas.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• Tuck your pants into your socks.
• Wear light-colored clothing.
• Spray insect repellent on yourself and your pet when outdoors.
• Keep your pet away from … Read Full Post »

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Is That Spider a Troublemaker?

. Posted by in • Houston

No one likes to see spiders in their home, but it’s essential to understand which of these eight-legged pests is dangerous for you and your family. After all, making this distinction will make it easier for you to determine whether or not it’s appropriate to scream when a tiny arachnid unexpectedly appears in your living room.

The Most Dangerous Spiders in Texas

There have been several news stories about venomous spiders finding their way to unexpected regions by hitching a ride in produce. However, for the most part, Houston residents only need to worry about two dangerous arachnid family members. Unfortunately, both terrifying pests have a habit of being found indoors and outdoors. Because of this, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the brown recluse and the black widow.

Black Widow: The venom that the black widow injects into its intended prey is a highly dangerous neurotoxin that has led … Read Full Post »

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How to Ease the Burn of a Fire Ant’s Bite

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth

When a fire ant bites you, you’ll notice it. The venom that fire ants secrete causes pain, itchiness and small red welts. Symptoms usually go away within a couple of days, but those days can seem like an eternity. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize the sting of fire ant bites.

Allergen Warning

Very few people are allergic to fire ant venom. Pain and slight swelling are to be expected in the case of a fire ant bite, but you should waste no time in going to the emergency room if any of the following symptoms manifest, as they may indicate a serious allergic reaction:

• Parts of your body other than where the bite occurred begin to swell, itch or break out in hives
• Stomach discomfort, vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Tongue, throat or lip swelling
• Trouble swallowing
• Dizziness or blackouts

How to Deal with Fire Ants and Their Bites

Since fire ants … Read Full Post »

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Caught Between a Web and a Hard Place

. Posted by in • Orlando

If you have long been afraid of spiders, you will likely look for signs of infestations during all seasons of the year. Arachnids, however, are savvy creatures and can often begin building nests in out-of-the-way locations. Before you’ve had time to respond, you’ll be dealing with an infestation that can be very tough to eradicate. By checking for spiders in hidden areas, you can ensure that your house remains free of pests (and keep your anxiety from exploding into full-blown arachnophobia).

Furniture Items

Though spiders most commonly spin webs in the rafters, a rarely moved piece of furniture may also make a lovely home. Couches or chairs that have remained in one place for several weeks should be closely examined. In nearly all instances, the critters will be found on the underside of the upholstery.

Sinks

Sinks are perfect havens for spiders that are looking to breed. The cabinet areas underneath sinks usually feature … Read Full Post »

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