Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes seem to swarm at some people while almost ignoring the person beside them? The reason is surprisingly complex. Mosquitoes rely on a combination of sensory cues to locate and select their prey. To explain what gives some unlucky people that certain je ne sais quoi that drives mosquitoes wild,… Read more »
Tick season is here! Ticks are among the most problematic pests in the world. Not only do they bite people and exsanguinate wildlife, but ticks can also carry a multitude of transmissible diseases and are notoriously hard to kill. How did ticks earn their reputation as invincible arachnids? Here’s what these bloodsucking scourges can endure:… Read more »
What is Trophallaxis Communication is required to maintain order in highly structured groups, and insects are no exception. While they may not have developed verbal language, they do utilize a nuanced and detailed method of transferring information to one another: trophallaxis. Trophallaxis is a unique means some social insects use to communicate with each other. Insects… Read more »
Winter may have provided a temporary respite from invertebrate pests- but don’t get too comfortable! Insects will soon start to emerge for Spring. It can sometimes seem like insect arrival occurs in one sudden influx, but there are several stages to their Springtime resurgence. During the Winter, insects and arachnids enter a state of suspended… Read more »
Chances are you’ve seen a larder beetle before. If someone described a small, oval bug with a dark-colored body and a light stripe around, it would probably sound familiar. Larder beetles are a common and frequent guest in both residential and commercial settings. The name comes from their presence in dried, cured meats stored at… Read more »
It’s European Hornet season again! European Hornet activity begins in Spring, when the fertilized queen seeks a new nest site for her colony. As more workers hatch throughout the summer, the colonies grow. They become a significant problem by mid- to late-summer when the colonies reach their peak numbers. Hornets are social insects and will sting repeatedly if they feel… Read more »
Squirrels, with their spirited climbing antics and endearing habit of nibbling on nuts and acorns with almost human-like grace, are beloved creatures of the wild. Yet, should they venture into your domain, they can wreak havoc with their tenacious determination to find food and shelter. Despite their charm, it’s crucial to keep these furry little… Read more »
Ants are a common nuisance pest in New England, indoors and out. Once they infest your home, they can be hard to get rid of. Luckily, Modern Pest can help! There are also things you can do to help keep them out of your home. So, what kind of ants do you have, and what… Read more »
Spring is the time of year when termites become more active in New England and homeowners should take steps to protect their homes from these destructive pests. Termites are social insects that live in large colonies, which can contain between 60,000 and a million individuals. They feed on cellulose, which is found in wood, paper,… Read more »
Waterfront homes might be the epitome of New England summer living, but they present their own issues when it comes to pests. Pests common in waterfront and lakeside homes in New England can range from mayflies and mosquitoes to giant water bugs and lots of other species in between. You don’t want these annoying creatures… Read more »