From amazing survival tactics to strange mating rituals, the animals we refer to as headaches are some of the most fascinating characters in nature. While pests are generally the unwanted guests in our homes, they actually have quite fascinating lives that you might be surprised about!
Next time you are reaching for the bug spray, pause to appreciate these amazing little critters and their remarkable adaptations. However, you still need to be cautious and bid them goodbye. For this, you can reach out to Saela Pest Control, and they will assist you in getting rid of these pests permanently.
In this blog post, we will explore some hilarious and downright weird facts about common household pests that will make you see them in a whole new light (even if you still do not want them in your kitchen!).
Fun Facts About Each Pests
- Mosquitoes
Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? The males are actually vegetarians who prefer flower nectar. Plus, mosquitoes are terrible flyers – they can only reach speeds of 1.5 miles per hour. No wonder they’re so easy to swat!
- Honey Bees
Honey bees communicate through dance! They perform a “waggle dance” to tell other bees where to find food. Even funnier, a single worker bee produces just 1/12 teaspoon of honey in its entire lifetime. Talk about a small but mighty contribution!
- Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can survive for up to a year without feeding! They are like the camels of the insect world. They also prefer to bite humans around 4 am. Apparently, they are early risers who like breakfast in bed.
- Ants
Ants can carry objects 50 times their body weight. If humans had this strength, we could lift cars over our heads! Some species even “farm” aphids, protecting them from predators and “milking” them for their sweet secretions.
- Cockroaches
Cockroaches can live without their heads for weeks because their brains are spread throughout their bodies. Even headless, they only die eventually from dehydration. They can also hold their breath for 40 minutes and survive being submerged in water for half an hour.
- Wasps
Wasps get drunk on fermented fruit and become more aggressive and erratic – they are literally tiny flying barflies! Some species of paper wasps can even recognize each other’s faces, making them excellent at remembering who is who at wasp parties.
- Earwigs
Despite their name, earwigs do not actually crawl into people’s ears to lay eggs in their brains. This myth likely started because they like dark, warm spaces. Their scary-looking pincers are mainly used for courtship and capturing prey, not pinching humans.
- Rats
Rats laugh when tickled! Scientists have discovered that rats emit high-pitched sounds (inaudible to humans without special equipment) when playing or being tickled. They are also excellent swimmers and can tread water for up to three days straight.
Does This Mean They Are Not Harmful?
Although these facts may render pests more humorous, there are many that remain dangerous for one’s health. Mosquitoes transmit diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus, rats transmit hantavirus and plague, cockroaches induce asthma attacks, and bed bugs cause welts that itch and lead to psychological discomfort.
Prevention remains crucial. You can utilize window screens, plug cracks, have good hygiene, and call pest control experts whenever necessary. Also, it is important to understand that DIY treatments will only give temporary results. When you use a professional pest control service, you will be able to identify the cause of the bugs and get rid of them entirely. The moment you see pests, call the top pest control firm in your location for help!