Brazilian Spider Video Not for the Faint of Heart
The town of Santo Antonio de Platina in southern Brazil has recently experienced a spider explosion of mammoth proportions. Scientists are still trying to determine the type of spiders that created huge communal webs over the town, but say they appear to be a social species of spider.
Continue readingWhat Is that Bug?
We all occasionally find an insect in our house that we can’t identify. It’s quite alarming when one unidentified bug suddenly has friends and you’re dealing with an small invasion. Some “occasional invaders” are more serious than others, so it’s good to know what you’re dealing with.
Continue readingBug Stowaways in the Mail
We are a culture that orders anything and everything online, from all over the world. The opportunity for insects and invasive species to arrive along with your order is probably more likely than you think, despite the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s container inspections at our ports.
Continue readingIt’s Valentine’s Day! Be Glad You’re Not A Bug
It’s Valentine’s Day! Be Glad You’re Not A Bug
Continue readingNew Discovery about Red Fire Ant Socialization
Scientists have been investigating the reason that some red fire ant colonies have one queen while others have many queens. The answer, a chromosome variation, may help fight this highly invasive species.
Continue readingCockroach, You’re So Vain
Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) think they have finally found the cockroach’s Achilles heel, and it’s probably not what you’d expect: Vanity.
Continue readingVideo: Impact of Pests Visible from Space
While large scale pest infestations are not generally our focus, they do impact the world around us, especially here in the western United States. Warmer temperatures and drought conditions have increased the life cycle of mountain pine beetles to such an extent that scientists are now tracking the infestations via satellite to get a better understanding of the “widespread epidemic,” according to the National Park Service.
Continue readingWinter Exposure to Rodents Threatens Health and Property
More than 21 million American homes experience a rodent infestation every winter. Apart from the general annoyance of having rodent loose in your home, these infestations can spread disease and cause serious property damage
Continue readingBeing President Doesn’t Mean Flies Give You A Break
A very persistent fly made a buggy appearance at President Barack Obama’s press conference to nominate the new head of the Securities and Exchange Commission this week. The large fly not only buzzed the president but landed on his forehead, making for a photo opportunity that the President would surely prefer not become the most “liked” photo for the week.
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