Author page: Dr. Eleanor Vance (PhD, BSc Hons)

Gopher Behavior: What Plants Do Gophers Eat?

Gopher Behavior: What Plants Do Gophers Eat?

Preparing for Gopher Season: Essential Insights As winter fades and spring approaches, it’s crucial to prepare for the resurgence of pesky creatures like gophers. With the warming weather, you may begin to notice increased gopher activity in your yard. Not only do these animals create unsightly holes, but they also pose a threat to your beloved plants. A common question…

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What to do If You’re Sprayed by a Skunk

What to do If You’re Sprayed by a Skunk

Why skunks spray: Skunks release a sulfur-based liquid as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened, producing a powerful, long-lasting odor. Tip: Knowing the warning signs a skunk displays before spraying can help you avoid an encounter; these include stamping their feet, hissing, and raising their tail. Health effects: Skunk spray isn’t poisonous but can irritate your eyes and lungs…

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What Types of Bugs Live in Basements?

What Types of Bugs Live in Basements?

Basements can be a haven for various pests, providing insects like spiders and termites with an ideal environment to thrive. The combination of dampness and darkness in basements creates the perfect hideaway for these unwanted guests. Understanding what attracts these pests to your underground space is the first step in removing them from your home. Here, we delve into the…

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What Does a Honey Bee Nest in Your Home Look Like?

What Does a Honey Bee Nest in Your Home Look Like?

Finding a bee nest near your home can be concerning, especially when there are many different types of stinging insects to consider. However, you can often determine whether it’s a honey bee nest from a safe distance! By observing their behavior, the type of nest they’ve built, and its location, you can gain valuable insights. Knowing these subtle clues can…

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Are Mice Really Blind? | What Can Mice See?

Are Mice Really Blind? | What Can Mice See?

Are Mice Actually Blind? You’ve likely heard since childhood—perhaps even learned a nursery rhyme about it—that mice are blind. But are mice truly blind? The Truth About Mouse Vision The truth is that mice are only completely blind for a short time after birth. Within about 13 to 14 days, their eyes begin to open, and by three weeks, they…

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How Often Do Bugs Crawl Into Sleeping People’s Ears?

How Often Do Bugs Crawl Into Sleeping People’s Ears?

The notion of bugs or spiders crawling into people’s ears while they sleep often circulates in the form of horror stories. These tales typically lack scientific backing and are usually dismissed as urban legends or old wives’ tales. However, emergency room doctors might hold a different perspective, having seen firsthand the consequences of such nocturnal invasions. In reality, the phenomenon…

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Understanding the Termite Fumigation Preparation Process

Understanding the Termite Fumigation Preparation Process

If you’ve discovered drywood termites infesting your home and other treatment methods have proven ineffective, you might want to consider fumigation. This method is the most prevalent approach for controlling drywood termites in residential structures. Fumigation is a specialized treatment that requires comprehensive preparation. It’s essential to understand both the process and the necessary steps to ensure a successful fumigation.…

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Are Opossums Blind? How Possums See

Are Opossums Blind? How Possums See

If you’ve ever locked eyes with an opossum, you might be asking yourself, “Are opossums blind?” or “Can opossums actually see?” These fascinating creatures, often referred to simply as possums, break many preconceived notions about mammals. Let’s delve deeper into their vision, debunk common myths, and explore the intricacies of their sensory world. How Opossums See When you catch a…

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