the action of getting rid of tiny animals that usually have several legs; some insects have wings and some are capable of flight; several kinds of insects can spread infections and diseases and affect crops and animals
Most people like the taste of honey. That sweet gooey substance that is good in teas or on toast. Honey is made by the honeybee. Although many people have a good healthy fear of any bee due to the sting, honeybees are important to the Florida agricultural industry. Even if you do not eat honey, […]
The latest news tells us that researchers are actively seeking FDA approval to release millions of genetically modified mosquitoes into the Florida Keys. When the news story first broke, millions of Floridians reacted in horror at the thought of adding more mosquitoes to an area that is sometimes already overloaded with mosquitoes. In an effort […]
We’ve seen lots of stories in the news lately decrying the dwindling honeybee population. Although this is an important topic, what’s less well known and discussed is that the once populous Monarch butterfly has also seen a drastic drop in their numbers. During autumn, the brightly colored Monarch butterfly migrates from the cold northern regions […]
With school back in full swing now, kids have a much easier time sharing things. Some share crayons. Some share homework or answers. And unfortunately, others share things such as chickenpox, lice and even, as some parents complain – chiggers! In Florida, the rates of reported chigger bites have been increasing steadily since 2008. However, […]
There have been a lot of news stories lately about what’s known as the Puss caterpillar. Simply touching this little creature can send you to the hospital in excruciating pain. It is considered the most venomous caterpillar in the United States. The nature of the venom is such that it is extremely painful and irritating. […]
Unlike wasps or honeybees, bumblebees are usually not considered to be aggressive or dangerous. In fact, the fluffy black and yellow insect has been the inspiration for several songs, multiple poems and even fun cartoon characters. So –in homage to the bumblebee, here are some fun facts for you! Although bumblebees create honey, they only […]
Floridians don’t love the Love Bug – especially, when these critters start feeling amorous in the months of May and September. During these months, these red and black flies swarm around the roadways and make themselves a nuisance to Florida drivers. What is the Love Bug? In reality, a Love Bug is not a bug […]
There are some people who absolutely refuse to kill ladybugs. If they find them inside, they will gently move them outside so as not to harm them. For more than a thousand years, ladybugs have a reputation for being “helpful” bugs. In medieval times, ladybugs were thought to be sent from heaven in order to […]
No one likes the mosquito. They spread infectious diseases. They bite and their bites can cause us to itch for days at a time. The bottom line is that they are a nuisance and no one wants them around. In many communities, the public works department will spray to kill the larvae. Personal use insecticides […]