?…ask the Bugman

I said before that Invisible Biting Bug Syndrome (IBBS) is reaching epic numbers. I have received a half dozen emails in the last week from people suffering from this, and I am not a doctor! I believe, after looking at this for many years that I have an idea what the problem is. I am … Continue reading »

I am often asked how reliable a termite inspection is before you buy the house? In some cases, depending on where you live and the construction of the house, it is completely reliable. In other cases, it is probably a waste of money. If you live in an older part of town and the homes … Continue reading »

Are you having issues with invisible biting bugs? Do you want control pests on your pets? Want to learn more about those strange bugs we encounter and how to manage our homes without toxic chemicals? Well be sure to check out the Bugman Insider News. My new newsletter is available now. The first issue gives … Continue reading »

My newest book, “The Bugman’s Bug Book” Do-it-Yourself Safe Pest Management is now available. It will tell you how to control most household pests without using any toxic pesticides. I do have to say that anything you use to kill bugs has to be used carefully as nothing is completely safe. The materials I recommend … Continue reading »

Classifying ants into one of three artificial groups makes their identification a little easier. Group one is composed of ants with one node (the node is the projection on the pedicel separating the thorax from the “gaster,” or abdomen) and a tuft of hair at the tip of the gaster. Group two is composed of … Continue reading »

One of the first control methods for bed bugs was to hang the foot of a stag at the foot of the bed. That probably didn’t work very well. One of the first exterminators for bed bugs was a company called Messrs. Tiffin and Son, known as “Bug destroyers to Her Majesty and the Royal … Continue reading »

Drywood termites are a major wood destroying insect that cost consumers many millions of dollars in damage and control. One estimate suggested Californians spend $250 million dollars a year on this insect. For many years the primary method of controlling drywood termites was to use sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) as a fumigant. The house had to … Continue reading »

Many people have their homes sprayed every month to protect themselves from all sorts of crawling insects. But, what do you do about the flying bugs that can cause problems in your home? There are a number of pests that can fly into our homes or are otherwise introduced. Several species of moths and a … Continue reading »