If you thought deer mice were called deer mice because they hung around in the same places as deer, you would be right, almost. Supposedly they got the name because their coloration and markings are similar to those of white-tailed deer – with a light-colored belly and legs, and a tawny brown upper body. And
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When human workers get sick with an infectious cold or flu, they (hopefully) alter their behavior and stay at home to protect other workers. When humans are faced with the spread of a pandemic, even more dramatic changes in behavior towards others would be expected. Like us, ants are social animals, living in extended colonies
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Two of the main wood-damaging insects in our region are active right now: carpenter ants and subterranean termites. Most homeowners can probably point to a section of damaged wood in their home but the question might remain, which pest caused the damage? And what needs to be done about it? If the wood is damp
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Many of us are stuck at home and learning how to fend for ourselves, taking on tasks and gamely attempting home projects beyond our realm of experience. Humorous tales are circulating about Harry Homeowner trying to install a skylight or tile a shower stall. Even if these jobs don’t quite work out as expected though,
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Various types of ants will nest in firewood piles, usually just for the protection in crevices. Chances are, though, that your ants are carpenter ants that are actually living in and excavating the wood (see Are These Carpenter Ants?). Ants, termites, and other insects that call a woodpile home are usually lured by damp wood,
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So, summer is half over for some of us and ticks haven’t been a big issue yet. Maybe we’ll get a break this year! Maybe not. In the world of ticks, things are just getting started. Ticks are not just summer pests anymore. In fact, in some areas of the U.S., ticks are practically year-round
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Many of us have had to deal with mice in our home or garage on occasion, but rats! Thanks to COVID and resulting business shutdowns, rats are running amok in some cities. Why is that? you wonder. Think garbage – a rat’s number one food source. No restaurants or other food establishments open, no spilled
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It’s August, maybe too early to think about getting out the wool sweaters but not too early to think about fall-invading insects. By that we mean the various insects that don’t die when the weather gets cold outside, but instead move into your home for the winter. They don’t wait until winter either, they’ll be
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Yes, the early ant season is well underway with calls about trailing ants that have suddenly appeared indoors and seem reluctant to leave. People say they’ve never had to deal with ants like this. Perhaps…but the fact that people are home more than ever now and bonding with their environment could mean they are noticing
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