Assassin bugs (family Reduviidae) are predatory insects that are of great benefit to gardeners. They are proficient at capturing and feeding on a wide variety of prey including other bugs, bees, flies, and caterpillars. Prey are captured with a quick stab of the assassin bug’s long mouthparts. After being immobilized by a paralyzing toxin, the … Read more
Lets talk about a not-so-friendly houseguest: bed bugs. These pesky little critters have a knack for finding their way into our pillows, causing sleepless nights and itchy bites. But fear not because were here to help you tackle the issue of bed bugs in pillows head-on! In this article, well explore why bed bugs love … Read more
Imagine youre tidying up your garage or attic, and you spot a spider. Is it a black widow? More importantly, what kind? Most people are familiar with the famously venomous female black widow, but what about her male counterpart? Were about to shed some light on the enigmatic males of one of the most feared … Read more
Spiders and insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda and have similar characteristics, including segmented appendages (legs), segmented bodies that are divided into two or three fairly distinct regions, and hard exoskeletons. Although similarities exist, these arthropods are not in the same group or class. Insects are in the class Insecta, and spiders are in the … Read more
Have you ever seen a bright yellow and black spider in your garden and wondered if it’s good or bad? Yellow garden spiders are more than just eye-catching; they help keep harmful pests away. This article will explain how these spiders benefit your garden and when you might need to manage their numbers with pest … Read more
Missouri is home to a fascinating diversity of spider species These eight-legged creatures can be found in backyards, fields, forests, and even inside homes across the state While some spiders get a bad rap, most are harmless or even beneficial to humans. This article will provide an overview of some of the most notable spiders … Read more
Ant mimicry or myrmecomorphy is mimicry of ants by other species. Why would other organisms want to pretend to be an ant? This has to do with ants being either unpalatable or known to be aggressive towards certain species. The mimicking species might hide among ants, infiltrate their nests and steal or feed on their … Read more
When I became a beekeeper, little did I know that so much of my time would be taken up by insects that are NOT honeybees. Like bumblebees, solitary bees, varroa mites, woodlice and wasps. I even encountered a very rare Death’s Head Hawk Moth at one stage! As beekeeper, I am often asked to remove … Read more
Massachusetts is home to a diverse array of spiders, with around 39 different species documented in the state. While many people fear spiders, most of the species found in Massachusetts are harmless to humans. Only a couple of venomous spiders exist in the state, and bites are rare Understanding the most common spiders found around … Read more
Cockroach poop is one of the most telltale signs of an infestation. As gross as it is, being able to identify roach droppings can help you catch an invasion early. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about cockroach feces – what it looks like, where to find it, how to clean … Read more