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.

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

Website

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

Website

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

Website

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

Website

Saturday, August 1, 2026

8 Amazing Bug Facts That Might Surprise You

Whether you love insects or prefer to admire them from a distance, there's no denying they're fascinating. Here are eight fun facts about some of nature's smallest creatures.

1. Ants Can Carry Many Times Their Own Weight

Depending on the species, ants can carry objects many times heavier than their own body weight. Their small size and strong muscles make them surprisingly powerful.

2. Butterflies Taste With Their Feet

Before laying eggs or feeding, butterflies use sensory receptors on their feet to help identify suitable plants.

3. Honey Bees Communicate Through Dance

When honey bees discover a good source of nectar, they perform a "waggle dance" inside the hive. The dance helps other bees find the location by communicating direction and distance.

4. Dragonflies Are Skilled Fliers

Dragonflies can fly forward, backward, hover, and even change direction quickly. Their remarkable flight abilities make them effective hunters of mosquitoes and other small insects.

5. Ladybugs Are Helpful Garden Visitors

Many ladybug species feed on aphids and other small insects that can damage plants, making them valuable allies for gardeners.

6. Crickets Hear Through Their Legs

Instead of ears on their heads, crickets have hearing organs located on their front legs.

7. Fireflies Use Light to Communicate

Fireflies produce light through a chemical reaction in their bodies. Different species have unique flash patterns that help them find mates.

8. There Are More Insect Species Than Any Other Animal Group

Scientists have identified well over one million insect species, and many more are believed to exist. Insects are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Tiny Creatures, Big Impact

Insects pollinate crops, recycle nutrients, provide food for wildlife, and play important roles in ecosystems around the world. Even the smallest bugs have fascinating stories to tell.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Butterflies: More Than Just Beautiful Wings

Butterflies are admired for their colorful wings, but these delicate insects play an important role in healthy ecosystems. Their life cycle and behavior make them some of nature's most fascinating creatures.

Every butterfly begins life as a tiny egg before hatching into a caterpillar. During this stage, caterpillars spend most of their time eating and growing. Once fully developed, they form a chrysalis, where an incredible transformation takes place.

This process, known as metamorphosis, completely changes the insect's body. When the butterfly emerges, it has wings, compound eyes, and a long feeding tube called a proboscis that allows it to drink nectar from flowers.

As butterflies travel from flower to flower, they help transfer pollen between plants. While bees are often considered the most important pollinators, many butterfly species also contribute to the reproduction of flowering plants and the health of gardens and natural habitats.

Butterflies are also considered environmental indicators. Because they're sensitive to changes in climate, habitat quality, and pollution, scientists often monitor butterfly populations to better understand the health of local ecosystems.

Creating butterfly-friendly gardens with native flowering plants, sunny spaces, and shallow water sources can help support these beautiful insects throughout their life cycle.

Butterflies remind us that even the smallest creatures can have a big impact on the natural world—and that transformation is one of nature's most remarkable processes.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Sunday, July 26, 2026

The Bee Is Not What You Think: A Chemical Dictatorship

You've been told the bee is a sweet little worker. That's a lie. Behind that golden image hides one of the most ruthless societies in nature — a chemical dictatorship where the queen is a prisoner, the males are executed every autumn, and honey isn't a gift.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Why Fireflies Light Up Summer Nights

There's something magical about watching fireflies blink across the evening sky. These glowing insects are a favorite sign of summer, but their light serves a very important purpose.

Fireflies produce light through a natural chemical reaction called bioluminescence. Unlike a light bulb, this process creates very little heat, making it one of the most energy-efficient forms of light found in nature.

The flashes are actually a form of communication. Different firefly species have unique flash patterns that help males and females find one another during mating season. It's almost like each species has its own secret language.

Fireflies begin life underground as larvae, where they spend months—or even years—feeding on small insects, worms, and slugs before becoming adults. Adult fireflies typically live only a few weeks, making the most of their short time above ground.

Unfortunately, firefly populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticide use. Simple actions like reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting, preserving natural spaces, and planting native vegetation can help create a more welcoming environment for these remarkable insects.

Whether you're chasing them as a child or admiring them from your porch, fireflies continue to remind us that some of nature's greatest wonders are also its smallest.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

7 Fascinating Facts About Ants You Probably Didn't Know

Ants are among the most common insects in the world, but there's much more to these tiny creatures than meets the eye. Their incredible teamwork and survival skills have fascinated scientists for decades.

1. Ants Live in Highly Organized Colonies

Each ant colony has a specific structure, with queens, workers, and, at certain times of the year, reproductive males and females. Every ant has a role that helps the colony survive.

2. They Can Carry Much More Than Their Own Weight

Many ant species can carry objects several times heavier than their own body weight. Their small size and body structure make them remarkably strong for their size.

3. They "Talk" Using Chemicals

Instead of speaking or making sounds, ants communicate by releasing chemical signals called pheromones. These scent trails help other ants find food, warn of danger, or locate a new nest.

4. Some Ant Colonies Have Millions of Members

While many colonies contain only a few thousand ants, some species form supercolonies that stretch for miles and contain millions of individuals working together.

5. Ants Are Excellent Farmers

Leafcutter ants don't eat the leaves they collect. Instead, they use them to grow fungus, which serves as their primary food source—making them one of nature's earliest farmers.

6. They Help the Environment

Ants improve soil by digging tunnels that allow water and air to reach plant roots. Many species also help spread seeds, supporting healthy ecosystems.

7. They're Ancient Insects

Ants have existed for over 100 million years and survived dramatic changes to Earth's climate and landscapes.

The next time you spot a trail of ants, remember you're watching one of nature's most organized and successful communities at work.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Friday, July 17, 2026

Why is it so hard to get rid of bed bugs? - Gale E. Ridge

Dig into how bed bugs establish a colony in your home, and find out what makes it so hard to prevent these itchy invasions.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Which Bugs Are Most Active Each Season?

Have you ever noticed that certain pests seem to appear at different times of the year? That's because insects respond to changes in temperature, rainfall, and food availability. Knowing what to expect each season can help you stay one step ahead.

Spring: The Season of New Beginnings

As temperatures warm, many insects become active after winter. Ants begin searching for food, termites start swarming to establish new colonies, and wasps begin building fresh nests. Spring is one of the best times for preventative pest control.

Summer: Peak Pest Season

Warm weather means mosquito season is in full swing. Flies, ants, spiders, and stinging insects are also highly active during the summer months. Outdoor gatherings can quickly become less enjoyable when pests decide to join the party.

Fall: Looking for Shelter

As the weather cools, many insects begin searching for warm places to spend the winter. Boxelder bugs, stink bugs, spiders, and rodents often find their way indoors through tiny cracks and gaps around the home.

Winter: Hidden Guests

While fewer insects are visible outside, indoor pests can remain active all winter long. Cockroaches, pantry pests, and rodents continue searching for warmth, food, and water inside homes.

Stay Ahead of the Seasons

Every season brings different pest challenges, but regular home maintenance can reduce the risk of unwanted visitors. Sealing entry points, eliminating standing water, trimming vegetation away from your home, and scheduling routine pest inspections are all effective ways to keep pests under control.

The bugs may change with the seasons, but one thing stays the same: early prevention is easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation. Knowing what pests are active throughout the year can help you protect your home before problems begin.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Meet Your Backyard Neighbors: Helpful Bugs vs. Household Pests

Not every bug is bad news. In fact, many insects play an important role in keeping our environment healthy. The trick is knowing which ones are welcome visitors—and which ones are better left outside.

The Helpful Bugs

Ladybugs are tiny garden heroes. They feast on aphids and other plant-damaging insects, making them a favorite among gardeners.

Praying mantises are skilled hunters that eat flies, moths, beetles, and even some garden pests. They're fascinating to watch and beneficial for outdoor spaces.

Honeybees are some of nature's hardest workers. As pollinators, they help flowers bloom and crops grow, making them essential to our ecosystem.

The Pests You Don't Want Indoors

Ants may seem harmless at first, but once they find food or water, they often invite the rest of the colony inside. What starts as a few ants can quickly become a persistent problem.

Cockroaches are resilient insects that thrive in dark, damp spaces. They can contaminate food, trigger allergies, and multiply rapidly if left untreated.

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that enjoy humid environments. While they don't bite, they can damage books, wallpaper, clothing, and stored paper products.

Why Bugs Come Inside

Most insects enter homes for three simple reasons: food, water, and shelter. Tiny cracks around doors and windows, standing moisture, crumbs, and clutter all create inviting conditions.

Prevention Is the Best Protection

Keeping food sealed, fixing leaks, reducing moisture, and sealing entry points can go a long way in preventing infestations. Regular inspections can also catch small problems before they become major ones.

The next time you spot a bug, remember that not every insect is the enemy. Some belong in your garden, while others belong nowhere near your kitchen. Knowing the difference helps protect both your home and the environment.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

You Can’t Unsee the Assassin Bug’s Dirty Work | Deep Look

Under the bright yellow petals of a tarweed plant, an insect known as the assassin bug kills its caterpillar victim by stabbing it over and over. But does this perpetrator have an accomplice? Sticky droplets all over the plant could be a clue.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Spiders: Helpful Hunters or Unwanted Houseguests?

Spiders often get a bad reputation. Thanks to scary movies and Halloween decorations, they're usually the first critters people want out of the house.

But here's the twist: most spiders are actually beneficial to the environment.

Nature's Pest Controllers

Spiders are predators that feed on insects like flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small pests. Outdoors, they play an important role in keeping insect populations balanced.

In many ways, they're nature's own pest control specialists.

Not Every Spider Spins a Web

When people think of spiders, they usually picture large webs stretched across corners or between trees.

However, many spiders don't build webs at all.

Jumping spiders actively stalk their prey using excellent eyesight, while wolf spiders hunt by running after insects instead of waiting in a web.

Why Are Spiders Coming Inside?

Like many pests, spiders enter homes looking for food, shelter, or a place to avoid changing weather conditions.

If you're seeing more spiders indoors, it may also mean there's an abundant food source—other insects.

Reducing insect activity around your home often helps reduce spider activity as well.

How to Make Your Home Less Inviting

Simple steps can help discourage spiders from settling in:

Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows.
Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects near entryways.
Keep garages, basements, and storage areas organized.
Vacuum corners, ceilings, and webs regularly.
Limit clutter where spiders may hide.

Fun Spider Facts

Spiders aren't insects—they belong to a different group of animals called arachnids.
They have eight legs instead of six.
Most spiders have multiple eyes, although the number varies by species.
Scientists have identified more than 50,000 spider species around the world.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Occasionally spotting a spider indoors isn't unusual. However, if you're seeing large numbers of spiders or noticing recurring webs throughout your home, it may be time for a professional inspection.

A pest control expert can determine whether spiders are simply passing through or if another pest problem is attracting them in the first place.

Whether they're spinning webs or chasing insects, spiders are fascinating creatures—but most homeowners still prefer to admire them from outside the house!

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Friday, July 3, 2026

The Secret Life of Ants: Tiny Insects with Big Personalities

If you've ever spotted a trail of ants marching across your kitchen counter, you may have wondered, "Where are they all coming from?"

As it turns out, ants are some of the most organized creatures on Earth.

Ants Are Incredible Team Players

Unlike humans, ants don't need a boss giving instructions every minute. They work together using chemical signals called pheromones.

When one ant discovers a food source, it leaves behind a scent trail for the rest of the colony to follow. That's why you often see one ant quickly turn into dozens.

There Are Thousands of Species

Scientists have identified more than 13,000 species of ants worldwide, with many more still being studied.

While most ants are harmless outdoors and even help the environment by aerating soil and recycling organic matter, some species become unwanted houseguests when they discover food or moisture inside your home.

They Can Lift More Than You Think

Ants are famous for their strength. Depending on the species, an ant can carry many times its own body weight. If humans had the same strength-to-size ratio, we'd be lifting cars with ease!

Why Do Ants Invade Homes?

Most indoor ant problems begin for one simple reason: they're searching for resources.

Ants are attracted to:

Crumbs and sugary spills
Pet food
Standing water
Leaky pipes
Easy entry points around doors and windows

Once they find what they're looking for, they invite the rest of the colony.

Prevention Tips

Keeping ants outside starts with a few simple habits:

Wipe up food spills promptly.
Store pantry items in sealed containers.
Repair water leaks.
Seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
Trim vegetation away from your home's exterior.

Fun Fact

Some ant colonies contain just a few hundred workers, while others can include hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of ants working together.

That's impressive...unless they're working together inside your kitchen!

If ants become frequent visitors, professional pest control can identify the species, locate the source of the infestation, and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Monday, June 29, 2026

Wee Weevil Drilling an Acorn

Title says all that I know about what's going on, but I thought it was neat how his head looks like a ball socket joint.

He reminds me of Gilbert Gottfried's beetle character in the old Thumbelina cartoon.

p.s. I am blown away by how many people besides me are interested in a cootie close-up.

p.p.s. doesn't anyone else think that since I disturbed the wee weevil by putting it up on the coop, maybe it was trying to pull out and was stuck?

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Friday, June 26, 2026

The Truth About Spiders: Friend, Foe, or Unexpected Roommate?

Few household pests create stronger reactions than spiders.

For some people, spotting a spider means grabbing a shoe. For others, it means carefully relocating the eight-legged visitor outdoors.

The reality is more interesting than most people realize.

Spiders Are Natural Pest Hunters

Many spiders help control populations of flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other insects. In nature, they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Why Are Spiders in Your House?

Most spiders enter homes for one simple reason:

They're following their food.

If a home has a steady supply of insects, spiders may stick around because the hunting is good.

Common Spider Hiding Places

Spiders prefer quiet areas such as:

Garages
Basements
Attics
Storage rooms
Closets
Corners of ceilings

How to Reduce Spider Activity

Reduce Other Insects

Less prey often means fewer spiders.

Keep Areas Clean

Regular dusting and vacuuming help remove webs and egg sacs.

Seal Entry Points

Check around doors, windows, vents, and utility openings.

Reduce Outdoor Lighting Near Entryways

Lights attract insects, which can attract spiders looking for dinner.

A Balanced Perspective

Most spiders found around homes are harmless and prefer to avoid people. However, homeowners should still address spider activity when it becomes excessive or when potentially harmful species are a concern.

The next time you see a spider, remember: it's probably less interested in you than it is in catching the bug flying around your living room.

That said, it's still perfectly okay to prefer that it do its hunting somewhere else.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Butterfly: A Life | National Geographic

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Ants: Tiny Insects, Huge Determination

If you've ever spotted one ant in your kitchen and thought, "No big deal," you may have discovered a universal truth:

Where there's one ant, there are usually more.

Ants are among the most successful insects on Earth. They live in highly organized colonies and communicate using chemical trails called pheromones. When a worker ant finds food, it leaves a scent trail behind, essentially creating a GPS route for the rest of the colony.

That's why a single ant can quickly turn into dozens.

Why Ants Love Homes

Ants are usually searching for three things:

Food
Water
Shelter

Sugary drinks, crumbs, pet food, and even moisture around sinks can attract them.

Common Ant Myths

Myth: Killing the Ants You See Solves the Problem

Not necessarily. The ants you see are often just a small portion of the colony.

Myth: Ants Only Invade Dirty Homes

Ants are opportunity seekers. Even clean homes can experience ant problems if food or water is accessible.

Myth: DIY Sprays Always Work

Many over-the-counter products only address visible ants and may not eliminate the source of the infestation.

How to Make Your Home Less Attractive to Ants

Wipe down counters regularly.
Store food in sealed containers.
Repair leaks promptly.
Seal entry points around doors and windows.
Remove outdoor debris near the foundation.

Ants may be impressive engineers, but that doesn't mean they belong in your kitchen.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Monday, June 15, 2026

Your Home Is Not a Hotel: 7 Ways Pests Sneak Inside

If pests could leave online reviews, your home might be getting five stars.

Warm? Check.

Dry? Check.

Free food and water? Double check.

The truth is, most pests don't appear out of nowhere. They're surprisingly good at finding tiny opportunities to move in and make themselves comfortable.

Here are seven common ways pests sneak into homes:

1. Tiny Cracks and Gaps

Mice can squeeze through openings much smaller than most people realize, and insects need even less space. Small cracks around doors, windows, foundations, and utility lines can become pest highways.

2. Food Left Out

A few crumbs on the counter may not seem like much, but to ants and cockroaches, it's an all-you-can-eat buffet.

3. Standing Water

Mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other pests are attracted to moisture. Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and standing water around the property can create ideal conditions.

4. Overgrown Landscaping

Trees and shrubs that touch your home can act like bridges, giving pests easy access to your roof and walls.

5. Cardboard Storage

Many pests love dark, undisturbed spaces. Cardboard boxes in garages, basements, and attics can become cozy hiding spots.

6. Pet Food

Food bowls left out overnight can attract ants, rodents, and other unwanted visitors.

7. Open Doors and Windows

Sometimes pests don't need an invitation—they just walk right in.

Termites are sneaky. Most damage happens long before homeowners notice anything.

A few warning signs:

Hollow-sounding wood

Mud tubes along foundations

Peeling paint that looks like water damage

Tiny piles of discarded wings near windows or doors

Mosquitoes don’t need a pond to breed. In fact, they can lay eggs in something as small as a bottle cap filled with water.

Common mosquito hotspots include:

Bird baths
Clogged gutters
Plant trays
Kiddie pools
Buckets left outside

Dumping standing water weekly can dramatically reduce mosquito activity around your home and yard.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Why Do Ants Always Show Up in the Kitchen?

You clean the counters. You sweep the floors. Then somehow… ants still appear out of nowhere.

Ants are constantly searching for food and water, and even tiny crumbs can attract an entire trail. Once one ant finds a snack, it leaves a scent trail for the others to follow.

Quick Prevention Tips:

Wipe down counters daily
Store food in sealed containers
Fix dripping faucets
Take trash out regularly

The faster you stop the trail, the easier it is to keep ants from settling in.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Spotted Lanternflies are The Ultimate Party Crashers

You wipe the counters, take out the trash, and still—there they are. A steady line of ants marching through your kitchen like they own the place.

Ants are experts at finding food and bringing their entire colony along for the reward. Even the smallest crumb or drop of something sweet can attract them, and once they’ve mapped out a path, they won’t give up easily.

What makes them especially frustrating is how they get in. Tiny cracks in walls, gaps around windows, and openings near doors are all they need to sneak inside. And while DIY sprays may slow them down, they rarely solve the root of the problem—the colony itself.

Prevention helps. Keeping food sealed, wiping surfaces regularly, and sealing entry points can reduce the chances of an invasion. But if the ants keep returning, it’s a sign that the source hasn’t been eliminated.

Professional pest control doesn’t just treat what you see—it targets the colony, stopping the cycle so your home stays truly pest-free.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Leaf Miner Fly Babies Scribble All Over Your Salad | Deep Look

This fly’s larvae tunnel inside bitter-tasting greens like arugula and kale, leaving squiggly marks behind. The plants fight back with toxic chemicals. So before laying her eggs, the fly mom digs into a leaf and slurps its sap – a taste test to find the least toxic spot for her offspring.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Friday, April 17, 2026

Cockroaches: The Uninvited Survivors

Cockroaches have been around for millions of years—and for good reason. These pests are incredibly resilient, able to survive on minimal food, squeeze through tiny cracks, and even go weeks without water.

But while their survival skills are impressive, they’re not something you want sharing your space. Cockroaches can spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and quickly multiply if left untreated.

The good news? Prevention goes a long way. Keeping surfaces clean, sealing entry points, and eliminating excess moisture can make your home far less inviting.

If you spot one, there’s a good chance more are hiding. That’s where professional pest control comes in—targeting the problem at its source so you can get back to a clean, comfortable home.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Fleas: How to Identify and Deal with the Little Pests

Fleas are tiny, pesky parasites that can cause big problems for both pets and homeowners. These small, wingless insects thrive by feeding on the blood of mammals, often making their home in your pet’s fur. If your pet is scratching more than usual or you notice tiny, dark specks in their coat, you might have a flea problem.

Fleas can cause itching, skin irritation, and in some cases, transmit diseases. They’re not just a nuisance for pets—fleas can also infest your home, hiding in carpets, bedding, and furniture.

The key to getting rid of fleas is a multi-step approach:

Treat your pet with flea prevention treatments like topical medications, collars, or oral pills.

Clean your home thoroughly, vacuuming carpets, furniture, and washing bedding to remove eggs and larvae.

Use flea sprays or powders in areas where fleas are likely to hide.

By staying proactive with treatment and cleaning, you can get rid of fleas and keep your pets—and home—comfortable and pest-free.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Clothes Moths

The larvae of clothes moths (mainly Tineola bisselliella and Tinea pellionella) feed on fabrics and carpets, particularly those that are stored or soiled. The adult females lay batches of eggs on natural fibres, including wool, silk, and fur, as well as cotton and linen in blends. The developing larvae spin protective webbing and chew into the fabric, creating holes and specks of excrement. Damage is often concentrated in concealed locations, under collars and near seams of clothing, in folds and crevices in upholstery and round the edges of carpets as well as under furniture. Methods of control include using airtight containers for storage, periodic laundering of garments, trapping, freezing, heating and the use of chemicals; mothballs contain volatile insect repellents such as 1,4-Dichlorobenzene which deter adults, but to kill the larvae, permethrin, pyrethroids or other insecticides may need to be used.

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Happy Easter

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website

Friday, April 3, 2026

Deep-sea marine snow is on the menu for the vampire squid

Despite the ominous name, the vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is neither a vampire nor a squid, but the sole surviving member of an ancient group of cephalopods.

Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator

742 Santa Anita Court

Eugene, OR 97401

541-688-0580 Eugene

503-371-8373 Salem

Website