Because it's hoarding protein. Not just for itself, but for the butterfly it will become and every egg that butterfly will lay. And it's about to lose its mouth... as it wriggles out of its skin during metamorphosis.
Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
Monday, August 31, 2026
Friday, August 28, 2026
Pest Control: Why Pests Don't Always Wait for an Invitation
Nobody puts "invite insects into the house" on their to-do list. Unfortunately, pests don't always wait for an invitation.
Ants, rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and other unwanted visitors are constantly looking for food, water, shelter, and suitable places to live. Your home or business can provide some pretty attractive options without you even realizing it.
Weather can also influence pest activity. Changes in temperature, moisture, and seasonal conditions can affect where pests seek shelter and how active they become.
That's why seeing one pest doesn't necessarily mean the problem will stay at one. Some pests reproduce quickly, while others may remain hidden until there is a larger infestation.
The good news is that you don't have to guess what's happening.
At American Pest Management, our trained professionals can inspect your property, identify potential pest issues, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on what we find.
Whether you've spotted something suspicious or simply want to protect your property from unwanted pests, we're here to help.
Because the best time to deal with a pest problem is before it becomes the problem everyone in the house knows about!
Jeff Verges/Owner/Operator
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
The Tiny Invaders You May Not Notice: Common Household Pests
Most homeowners don't think about pests until they see one.
Unfortunately, by the time a pest becomes noticeable, there may already be a reason it found your property attractive.
Homes provide many things pests are looking for: food, water, shelter, and protection from the elements.
Understanding what makes a property attractive to pests can help homeowners recognize why professional pest management is important.
Ants Are Looking for Resources
Ants can enter properties in search of food and water. Once they find a reliable source, other ants may follow.
Seeing a few ants doesn't necessarily tell you how large a colony may be or where it is located.
Rodents Want Shelter
Mice and rats are remarkably adaptable. Buildings can provide warmth, food, water, and protection.
Rodent activity can be particularly concerning because rodents may contaminate areas, damage materials, and create other problems within a property.
Spiders Are Often Accidental Guests
Many spiders enter buildings because conditions are favorable or because their food source is nearby.
While most spiders aren't dangerous to people, discovering webs or repeated spider activity indoors can indicate that other insects are present as well.
Cockroaches Are Built to Adapt
Cockroaches are among the most adaptable household pests. They can find food and shelter in surprisingly small spaces, making them difficult to manage once an infestation becomes established.
Professional pest management can be particularly valuable when recurring activity is involved.
Prevention Is About More Than One Bug
One of the biggest misconceptions about pest control is that it's simply about eliminating the pest you can see.
Effective pest management involves understanding why pests are present in the first place and developing a strategy appropriate for the property.
That's where professional experience matters.
Don't Wait for a Bigger Problem
If you're repeatedly seeing pests around your home or business, professional evaluation can help determine what's happening and what type of treatment may be appropriate.
Different pests require different approaches, and every property has its own circumstances.
The good news is that homeowners don't have to figure it out alone.
A professional pest control company can help identify the problem, determine potential contributing factors, and develop an appropriate plan to protect your property.
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
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
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