Do Swimming Pools Attract Mosquitoes? Mosquito Repellent for Pools All kinds of flying pests love pools for different reasons. For example, wasps, bees, and hornets have strong senses of smell, are drawn to chlorine-treated pools, and enjoy taking a dip to cool off and bring some water back to their nests or hives. So, what about mosquitoes? Why are mosquitoes always congregating around my pool? Do swimming pools attract mosquitoes and for what reason? Do Swimming Pools Attract Mosquitoes? Yes, swimming pools attract mosquitoes, especially if the water is stagnant, still, or standing. Mosquit ..read more

How to Keep Wasps Away from My Pool: Tips and Tricks Why Do Wasps & Other Flying Insects Love My Pool? Every living creature needs water to survive, and your pool is a large, predictable water source for nearby insects.  In the summer, hornets, bees, and wasps don’t just drink the water they can find: They often bring it back to their nests for the rest of their broods. Pool floats and other accessories out in the sun can be intriguing places for them to build nests and lay eggs. Wasps, in particular, are a little peculiar: They crave pool water because they love the smell of chlorin ..read more

  Summer 2024 will go down in U.S. history for a wildlife event occurring for the first time in at least 200 years: The simultaneous summer “awakening” of five-year (also known as annual), 13- and 17-year periodical cicadas. “Look through the following sections for all the facts you need to know about cicadas, this summer’s massive emergence, and humane cicada control solutions!”    —Our specialists, Vulcan Termite & Pest Control of Birmingham, Alabama  Cicadas 101 Periodical cicadas are winged insects, considered “true bugs.” More than 150 species of periodical c ..read more

Today, we’re taking a deep dive into carpet beetles, an invasive pest in Alabama and the rest of North America. What Are Carpet Beetles? Carpet beetles are insects of the Anthrenus genus and verbasciare species.  What Are Carpet Beetles Like in Each Life Stage? As a “true insect” with a metamorphic life cycle, each carpet beetle has four stages of life: egg, pupa, larva, and imago (adult). Their entire cycle of life lasts ~150 to 420 days. Let’s break down the appearance, duration, behavior, and more about carpet beetles in each life stage: Egg Days Spent in this Stage: In a warm environ ..read more

  Skunks are notorious for digging up yards and gardens. Their famous defense mechanism makes them a tricky foe to deal with. While they often don’t want to have to spray you or your pet, the stench can linger for weeks. It’s best to watch for these creatures that may have made themselves at home near yours. Below, we will give some clear signs of a skunk as well as what you can do. Why You Might See Skunks More Often Skunks are commonly misunderstood creatures. As more and more people move to residential areas, skunk’s natural habitats are taken from them. For this reason, they tend to ..read more

  Houseplants can often be a major attractor for pests. Many wonder why these plants draw so much attention. Gnats are a common culprit, drawn to the damp soil of houseplants where they lay their eggs. These annoying bugs, who more specifically are often fungus gnats, can also cause major damage to houseplants through their feeding habits. What Are Gnats Anyway? Commonly mistaken for tiny mosquitoes or fruit flies, gnats are flies that are slender and have long legs. They are actually a part of the Orfelia and Bradysia species. Gnats will not bite people or pets, but they can do damage t ..read more

With nearly 5,000 species worldwide, you’ve likely seen your fair share of lizards. Here in Alabama, there are 17 species of lizards, 13 of which are native to the state. Lizards are fascinating reptiles, and many people keep them as pets. However, even if you appreciate these scaly reptiles as we do, we understand that you may want to keep them off your property—or at least reduce their abundant presence. If you want to learn more about lizards and how to keep them off your property humanely and harmlessly, just keep reading! Reasons to Love Lizards You likely are here because you’re asking ..read more

Did you know that a group of ladybugs is called a “loveliness?” It’s true! Still, “loveliness” is likely the last descriptor you’d use when you’re wondering: Why are there so many ladybugs in my house?! If that describes you, congrats; you need no longer wonder—keep reading for our insect experts’ answers to all your ladybug questions! Are These Ladybugs or Lady Beetles? If you didn’t know, the lore of the ladybug in the U.S. runs deep.  First, a much smaller population of native ladybug species exists in the U.S. now than a century ago. Now, you may think we’re crazy for saying that if ..read more

Now that we’re in March, springtime is almost here! Concerning spring pest control, you may need something preventative based on which critters you’ve dealt with in the past. On the other hand, you might be dealing with a totally new infestation this spring. Whatever the case may be, we’re here to help! This time, we’re sharing highlights of common spring pests to look out for in Alabama, some of our best tips and strategies for a pest-free season, and when professional spring pest control services are necessary.  Springtime Pests in Alabama Here are just a few of the critters found in A ..read more

If a woodpecker starts pecking at the structure of your home, they can cause a costly amount of damage. Learn about woodpecker repellent and our experts’ best strategies to protect your Alabama home from woodpeckers. Woodpeckers 101 To protect your home from woodpeckers, it’s good to understand a woodpecker’s habits and behaviors. Why Woodpeckers Peck  When you hear a woodpecker knocking at a tree, do you know what they’re doing? If your first guess is looking for food, you’d be partially correct. There are actually quite a few reasons: for sustenance, shelter, and mating. We’ll elaborat ..read more