PEST CONTROL

Jan 30 2025SCIENCE

Friendly Gut Microbes: The Secret Weapon Against Fruit Flies

Ever heard about the tiny microbes living inside fruit flies that could turn the tables in our fight against these irritating pests? Scientists are uncovering how these gut microbes can boost the flies' immune system and even block diseases. This breakthrough could transform how we handle fruit fly infestations on our farms. By harnessing these helpful microbes, we c...

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Jan 17 2025LIFESTYLE

Cleaning Up After Pests: A Step-by-Step Guide

Living in a city like New York means you might encounter pests like mice and roaches at some point. Don't worry, it happens to everyone. The key is to clean up properly to prevent more pests from showing up. Here's what you need to do: First, seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior with steel wool or caulk. This stops pests from getting in. Keep your out...

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Jan 16 2025ENVIRONMENT

Watching Bats Over California's Rice Fields: A Closer Look at Pest Control

Imagine a world where bats, those winged creatures of the night, are busy munching on our agricultural pests. A recent study used weather radars to keep an eye on these helpful critters in California's Northern Central Valley during the peak season of 2019. This area is known for its valuable crops and pest problems like midges and mosquitoes. The research showed tha...

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Dec 19 2024ENVIRONMENT

Goodbye 'Murder Hornets': US Wins First Battle

"Ever heard of the 'murder hornet'? This giant insect, known for its killer sting and ability to destroy a whole honey bee hive in hours, has been wiped out in the US. That's right, after first showing up in Washington state in 2019, scientists and locals have worked together to eradicate this invasive species. Scientists captured one of these hornets and tracked it...

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Dec 19 2024ENVIRONMENT

The Great Hornet Hunt: Saving Bees, One Colony at a Time

Imagine a real-life detective story unfolding in the Pacific Northwest, but with a twist – the main suspects were giant hornets, nicknamed "murder hornets. " These aren't your typical insects; they have a brutal habit of decimating entire bee colonies. The first hint of this invasion was piles of dead bees, sparking a buzz among authorities. They sprang into action, ...

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Nov 30 2024ENVIRONMENT

Bugs in the Garden: From Enemies to Allies

Have you ever thought about bugs in a new light? What if some of the "pests" in your garden could actually be your helpers? The Royal Horticultural Society in Great Britain has done just that, removing the "pest" label from slugs and snails. These slimy creatures might seem like garden nightmares, but they play a vital role by eating rotting plants and becoming food ...

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Sep 10 2024LIFESTYLE

The Uninvited Guests: Are Bedbugs Really a Public Health Issue?

Bedbugs are tiny apple-seed sized creatures that feed on human blood. The EPA warns of potential consequences like allergic reactions, secondary skin infections and even mental health problems such as anxiety and insomnia. However, the reality may not be as scary as it seems at first glance.

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