Teaching the Difference Between Good Bugs and Bad Bugs

Summer is winding down and school is right around the corner, meaning it’s time to get out and enjoy the last summer days while you can! But before you send your kids off to school this year, why not finish the summer with a valuable lesson about good bugs and bad bugs? Our experts explain which are good for your kids to collect as a summer fun activity, and others that should be avoided.

Good bugs

You’re probably familiar with fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, which you may have caught in a jar at some point during your childhood. But did you know they are actually beetles? These fascinating insects have light organs located under their abdomens. They take in oxygen and combine it with luciferin to produce light with very little heat. So grab a jar and spend an evening catching lightning bugs with your little ones!

While you and your children may not want to hunt for spiders, they are actually beneficial as they prey on other insects. Just be sure your child knows the difference between good spiders and dangerous spiders. Most house spiders are not something to be afraid of, but if you come across a black widow or brown recluse spider, take caution and learn more here.

The weather may be hot right now, but it will soon become colder. Cooler temperatures attract ladybugs as they seek warm cozy spots inside walls and attics. Before you think about getting rid of ladybugs, remember they are considered good luck and are often used as a pest control method for gardens! Ladybugs have a short lifespan of three to six weeks, but they are known to eat about 5,000 aphids, also known as plant lice, during their lifetime.

Bad bugs

One of the most irritating pests are mosquitoes, but you can teach your child how to help L.I.M.I.T. their exposure to them. Remind them to wear light colored clothing and to apply an insect repellent containing DEET before playing outside to reduce the likelihood of getting bitten.

Ants are interesting insects as they can lift 20 times their own body weight – that’s like a second grader lifting a car! However, they can be a nuisance year-round. Help your kids develop good habits by having them pick up after themselves, especially if food or liquid has been spilled. On playing fields, its important to report any ant mounds to an adult so they can be treated, especially since they may be fire ants, which can deliver a painful sting. Learn more fun facts and tips to prevent them from invading your home.

The last bugs you want to have an encounter with are cockroaches. They are thoughts of as one of the most disgusting pests and they can actually live without their heads for a week or longer! Not only are these pests bothersome, they can be a threat to you and your family’s health. Cockroaches are tough to combat, but you can be proactive to prevent them with these tips. It’s important to teach children not to touch them.

If you or your kids have any questions about good bugs or bad bugs, visit www.pestdefense.com for more information! You can also call HomeTeam Pest Defense at (877) 461-7378 to schedule your yearly pest control plan in case you have a problem with bad bugs.