Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Why Pests Don't Need an Invitation to Enter Your Home
You don't have to leave the front door open for pests to find their way inside.
Insects and rodents are remarkably good at taking advantage of tiny openings, food sources, moisture and comfortable hiding places.
A small crack around a window or door can become an entry point. Gaps around pipes and utility lines can provide another route. Even damaged screens can turn a home into an easy target.
And then there's food.
A few crumbs on the counter might not seem like much to you, but pests aren't exactly known for being picky diners.
Keeping food stored properly, cleaning spills promptly and taking out trash regularly can help reduce attractive food sources.
Moisture is another factor. Leaky faucets, damp areas, clogged gutters and standing water can create conditions that attract certain pests.
Your yard matters, too.
Overgrown vegetation touching the home can provide pests with a convenient pathway. Firewood, leaves and other organic material piled close to the structure can also create potential hiding places.
The key is prevention.
You don't necessarily want to wait until you see a parade of ants marching across the kitchen counter or hear something scratching inside a wall before thinking about pest control.
Regular inspections and professional pest-management services can help identify potential problems early.
Because when it comes to pests, an ounce of prevention can be worth a whole lot of frustration.
Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
Monday, August 17, 2026
Why Do Bugs Seem to Find Their Way Into Your Home?
Have you ever wondered how insects seem to discover the tiniest opening in your home?
It's almost impressive.
Unfortunately, it's not usually impressive when they're inside your kitchen.
Homes provide many things pests are looking for: food, moisture, shelter, and protection from the elements. That's why pest prevention often starts with understanding what attracts unwanted visitors in the first place.
Food Is an Invitation
Crumbs, spilled drinks, open food containers, pet food, and improperly stored garbage can all provide easy opportunities for pests.
Even small amounts of food can attract insects.
Keeping food sealed and cleaning up spills and crumbs promptly can remove some of those attractions.
Water Can Be Just as Important
Moisture is another major factor.
Leaky pipes, standing water, clogged gutters, damp crawl spaces, and areas of excessive moisture can create conditions that are attractive to certain pests.
Fixing moisture problems can therefore be an important part of prevention.
Small Cracks Can Be Big Doors
Pests don't need a giant opening to enter.
Gaps around doors, windows, pipes, vents, foundations, and other entry points can provide access.
A thorough inspection can help identify areas where unwanted guests may be getting inside.
Your Yard Matters Too
Pest prevention doesn't stop at the front door.
Overgrown vegetation, piles of leaves, standing water, excess mulch, firewood stored against the house, and other outdoor conditions can create places for pests to live or hide.
Maintaining the area around your home can help reduce potential pest-friendly environments.
Prevention Is Easier Than an Unwanted Houseguest
Seeing one insect doesn't always mean you have a major infestation. But recurring activity may be a sign that something is attracting pests or providing them with access.
Professional pest control can help identify the source of the problem and develop an appropriate treatment and prevention strategy.
After all, your home should be welcoming to family and friends.
Not ants.
Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Why can parrots talk? - Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright
Explore the specialized anatomy that allows parrots to talk, scream, curse, and recite facts like humans.
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Whether they’re belting Beyoncé, head-banging to classic rock, or rattling off curse words at zoo-goers, parrots are constantly astounding us. They are among the only animals that produce human speech, and some parrots do it almost uncannily well. How is this possible? Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright dig into the anatomy that allows parrots to talk, scream, curse, and recite facts.
Lesson by Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright, directed by Anton Bogaty.
Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
742 Santa Anita Court
Eugene, OR 97401
541-688-0580 Eugene
503-371-8373 Salem
Monday, August 10, 2026
Bug Myth or Fact? Let's Set the Record Straight
There are plenty of myths about insects. Some are funny, while others have been passed down for generations. Let's see which ones are fact—and which ones aren't.
Myth: Daddy Longlegs Are the Most Venomous Spider
Fact: This popular claim isn't supported by scientific evidence. The name "daddy longlegs" is used for several different animals, including harvestmen, which aren't spiders and don't have venom glands.
Myth: All Spiders Are Dangerous
Fact: The vast majority of spiders pose little risk to people. Most prefer to avoid human contact and spend their time catching insects.
Myth: Bees Die After Every Sting
Fact: Honey bees typically die after stinging mammals because their barbed stingers become lodged in the skin. However, many other bee species, including bumble bees, can sting more than once.
Myth: Mosquitoes Bite Because They're Hungry
Fact: Only female mosquitoes bite, and they do so because they need proteins from blood to help produce eggs. Male mosquitoes feed on nectar.
Myth: Every Caterpillar Becomes a Butterfly
Fact: Some caterpillars become butterflies, while others become moths. Both belong to the order Lepidoptera.
Myth: All Bugs Are Bad
Fact: Many insects provide important benefits. Bees pollinate plants, ladybugs help control garden pests, butterflies support pollination, and countless insects serve as food for birds and other wildlife.
Learning About the World Around Us
Nature is full of surprises, and insects are no exception. The more we learn about them, the easier it is to appreciate the important roles they play—even if we'd rather not share our homes with some of them!
Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
742 Santa Anita Court
Eugene, OR 97401
541-688-0580 Eugene
503-371-8373 Salem
Friday, August 7, 2026
Meet Your Backyard Neighbors: Common Summer Insects
Summer brings sunshine, longer days—and plenty of insects! While you may notice more buzzing and crawling during the warmer months, many of these tiny visitors play important roles in nature.
Let's meet a few of the most common summer insects.
Dragonflies
Often seen near ponds and lakes, dragonflies spend much of their lives as aquatic nymphs before becoming the fast-flying adults we recognize. Adult dragonflies commonly feed on mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects.
Grasshoppers
These impressive jumpers use their powerful back legs to leap great distances. Grasshoppers are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and other plants.
Praying Mantises
Known for their distinctive front legs, praying mantises are patient hunters that feed on a variety of insects. Their ability to blend into leaves and branches helps them surprise their prey.
Cicadas
One of the signature sounds of summer comes from male cicadas, which produce loud songs to attract mates. Most annual cicadas emerge every summer, while periodical cicadas spend 13 or 17 years underground before emerging in large numbers.
Bumble Bees
These fuzzy pollinators are important for many flowering plants and crops. Despite their large appearance, bumble bees are generally focused on collecting nectar and pollen.
Appreciating Nature Up Close
The next time you're outside, take a closer look at the insects around you. From pollinators to predators, these remarkable creatures each have a unique role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
742 Santa Anita Court
Eugene, OR 97401
541-688-0580 Eugene
503-371-8373 Salem
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Watch Jellyfish Go Through Their “Stack of Pancakes” Phase | Deep Look
When grown-up jellyfish love each other very much, they make huge numbers of teeny-tiny potato-shaped larvae. Those larvae grow into little polyps that cling to rocks and catch prey with their stinging tentacles. But their best trick is when they clone themselves by morphing into a stack of squirming jellyfish pancakes.
Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
742 Santa Anita Court
Eugene, OR 97401
541-688-0580 Eugene
503-371-8373 Salem
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