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Brown recluse spiders are attracted to homes in search of warm, dry, and dark spots that provide easy access to insects. An existing bug problem is a primary attractant, as spiders follow their food source. Other factors that attract brown recluse spiders include the presence of anything that might lure insects, such as food left out or poorly sealed trash cans. They are also drawn to excessive outdoor lighting, untended wood or cardboard boxes, and dark areas with nooks and crannies for nesting, like woodpiles or dirt piles.

Honey bees are most likely to swarm during spring and early summer, typically from April through June, as colonies expand and prepare for new growth. Swarming occurs when a hive becomes overcrowded, prompting the queen and a group of worker bees to leave in search of a new nesting site. During this time, you may notice a temporary increase in bee activity around your property.

It is very difficult to remove a colony entirely without using some kind of insecticide. However, some treatments are safer than others. Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic powder application that creates barriers that insects can’t pass through. Some pest control companies offer liquid nitrogen treatments to freeze out termites without using pesticides. Some chemical treatments are safer to use around plants, water, and wildlife than others. Bait stations are generally less damaging to the environment than sprayed termiticides.

Carpet beetles do not bite humans, but their larvae can cause skin irritation that’s often mistaken for bites. These tiny, bristly larvae have barbed hairs that can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, resulting in red, itchy welts or rashes. While the irritation may resemble bug bites, it’s actually a response to contact with the hairs or shed skins, not an actual bite. Adult carpet beetles are harmless and primarily feed on pollen, but their larvae can damage natural fibers like wool, fur, or leather in carpets, clothing, and upholstery.