#mm pest control

[mmpest098]

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Pest-Free

Introduction

Pests can be a serious problem for homeowners, causing damage to property and posing health risks. Whether it’s termites, rodents, cockroaches, or mosquitoes, keeping your home pest-free is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the top five ways to prevent pests from invading your home.

1. Maintain Cleanliness

A clean home is the first step toward preventing pest infestations. Follow these simple cleaning tips:

Regularly sweep, mop, and vacuum floors to remove food crumbs.

Dispose of garbage daily and keep trash bins covered.

Clean kitchen counters and dining areas to eliminate food residue.

Store food in sealed containers to avoid attracting pests.

2. Seal Entry Points

Pests can enter your home through small cracks and openings. Here’s how to block their access:

Inspect doors, windows, and walls for any gaps or cracks.

Use caulk or weather stripping to seal small openings.

Install mesh screens on windows and ventilation areas.

Repair broken tiles, pipes, and drainage systems to prevent moisture buildup.

3. Remove Standing Water

Water sources attract pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches. Reduce water accumulation by:

Fixing leaky pipes and faucets.

Emptying stagnant water in flower pots, bird baths, and coolers.

Keeping the kitchen and bathroom dry.

Cleaning water drains to prevent clogging.

4. Use Natural & Professional Pest Control Solutions

Preventive measures help keep pests away. Try these solutions:

Use natural repellents like neem oil, vinegar, or essential oils.

Set up traps and baits for rodents and cockroaches.

Use pest control sprays in areas prone to infestations.

Hire professional pest control services for deep and long-lasting treatment.

5. Schedule Regular Pest Control Services

Even with preventive measures, some pests can be persistent. Hiring professional pest control experts ensures:

Thorough home inspection for hidden pest infestations.

Use of eco-friendly pest control treatments.

Long-term pest prevention strategies.

Peace of mind for a pest-free home.

Why Choose MM Pest Control?

✅ Expert pest control solutions in Patna.

✅ Safe and eco-friendly treatments.

✅ Affordable pricing with guaranteed results.

✅ 24/7 customer support.

📌 Get a free pest inspection today! Visit www.mmpestcontrol.in or call 7563835462.

Conclusion

Protecting your home from pests is easier than you think. By following these five preventive measures and choosing professional pest control services, you can ensure a safe and healthy living environment. Stay pest-free with MM Pest Control!

[uncharismatic-fauna]

No Tears for the Southern Black Widow

Latrodectus mactans, more commonly known as the southern black widow, is the most common species in the black widow family. While it can be found throughout North America, they are found most often in the southern United States. Within this wide range, L. mactans enjoys a variety of habitats. They prefer areas that are close to the ground, dark, and sheltered; in the wild this may mean dense brush or under logs, while in inhabited areas they may be found in basements, log piles, or under trash lids.

In addition to being the most common black widow, L. mactans is also the largest member of the family Theridiidae. The females are larger than the males, averaging at about 8-10 mm (0.31- 0.39 in) in length and weighing about 1 g (0.04 oz); however the male's legs are generally longer than the females. Both males and females are black, with small thoraxes and extremely large, round abdomens. The female can be distinguished by the iconic red hour-glass shape on the underside of her abdomen, while the male has 4 pairs of red and white stripes on each side of his abdomen.

The southern black widow is mainly solitary, spending most of its time in or near its web. Only the females live long enough to build a web for catching prey, and are the sole source of black widow bites. While bites do require medical attention, no human fatalities have been reported since 1983.

During the day, females hang in the center of the web to expose the bright red warning on their abdomen; when startled they drop to the ground and play dead. Though the webs they construct are haphazard-- the stereotype of cobwebs-- they are extremely strong and are capable of catching woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, other spiders, and occasionally small mice. Once an animal becomes trapped in L. mactan's web, the spider envenoms its prey and wraps it in a thick cocoon. After the animal dies the spider injects it with digestive enzymes and consumes the resulting fluid. Despite their strong venom, the southern black widow can be victim to several predaotrs; namely wasps, the brown widow spider, praying mantises, and large centipedes.

The southern black widow mates primarily in the spring and summer. Mature males build small webs and deposit semen along the threads. He then coats his mouthpieces-- palps-- with sperm and sets out to find a female mate. To court her, he vibrates the threads of her web until she is receptive. On rare occasions, a displeased female may eat the male. Afterwards, if he survives, the male leaves the females web and dies soon afterwards. From just one encounter, the female can store enough sperm to last her a lifetime of reproductive cycles.

After fertilization, the female builds a small web where she lays her egg sac, which can contain up to 400 eggs. She guards these eggs until they hatch about 20 days later, and immedietly disperse to establish their own territories. Until they become fully mature, at about 90 days old, juveniles have no venom and are extremely vulnerable to predators- including adult black widows. Typically only about 30 individuals from a single clutch survive to adulthood. Once mature, males can live for only one year, while females can live up to three years in the wild.

Conservation status: The IUCN has not evaluated the southern black widow, but due to its large range and population size it is considered stable. It is able to adapt to most habitats, and thus the species' only threat comes from extermination via pest control.

If you send me proof that you’ve made a donation to UNRWA or another organization benefiting Palestinians, I’ll make art of any animal of your choosing.

Photos

Mark Kostich

James L. Castner

Meghan F. Murphy

[bestanimal]

Round 2 - Arthropoda - Insecta

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Our last athropods, the hexapod crustacean class Insecta, is one of the most successful groups of animal on earth. They are the most diverse, with over a million known species, comprising more than half of all eukaryote (animals, plants, fungi, etc) species, making them the “Default Animal.” They are comprised of three main groups: Archaeognatha (“Jumping Bristletails”), Zygentoma (“Silverfish” and “Firebrats”), and Pterygota (winged or secondarily wingless insects).

As hexapods, insects have a three-part body plan: head, thorax with 6 legs, and abdomen. They have compound eyes (some in addition to ocelli) and a pair of antennae. Many groups have 1-2 pairs of wings as adults. Insects have many means of perceiving the world: compound eyes and ocelli for seeing, tympanal organs for hearing, and receptors on the antennae and mouthparts for smelling. They live in almost every environment and occupy almost every niche. Many are aquatic, or have aquatic larvae. They are the first animals to have evolved flight. Some are solitary, some are social, some live in large, well-organized colonies. Some communicate with pheromones, some with sounds, some with bioluminescence. Some are venomous, some are poisonous. Most insects hatch from eggs, though some are birthed live. Some hatch as miniature adults, some go through a partial metamorphosis in which the larval stage looks vastly different from the adults, and some go through a complete metamorphosis in which a nearly immobile pupa is formed. Some insects provide maternal care. Some are carnivores, some herbivores, some omnivores, some parasites. Some spend most of their lives in their larval stage, and don’t even feed as adults. Due to the high diversity of insects, it would be impossible for me to summarize them further!

Fossil insects are known from the Paleozoic Era, during which they achieved large sizes, such as the giant dragonfly-like Meganeuropsis permiana, with an estimated wingspan of up to 710 millimetres (28 in), and a body length from head to tail of almost 430 millimetres (17 in).

Propaganda under the cut:

Insects are absolutely critical in all ecosystems, forming the base of the food chain, turning and aerating soil, controlling pests, encouraging or controlling the growth of plants, scavenging and recycling biological materials, and creating topsoil. Without insects, our planet would die.

There are many contenders for “largest insect.” The Giant Stick Insect (Phobaeticus serratipes) is the longest insect in the world, with specimens recorded at over 56 cm (22 inches), including their legs. The Giant Weta (Deinacrida heteracantha) is the heaviest, with a record of 2.5 ounces. Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) has the largest wingspan, which reaches up to 30 cm (1 foot) wide.

Meanwhile, the smallest known adult insect is a parasitic wasp, Dicopomorpha echmepterygis, commonly called “Fairyflies”. Males are wingless, blind and measure only 0.127 mm long.

Many insects are popular pets, including various species of mantis, cockroach, beetle, moth, and ant! Some are even domesticated, including silk moths and honeybees.

Many insects are eaten by humans, and farming insects for food is considered more sustainable than farming large chordates. These farmed arthropods are referred to as “minilivestock.”

Shellac is a resin secreted by the female Lac Bug (Kerria lacca) on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. It is used as a brush-on colorant, food glaze, natural primer, sanding sealant, tannin-blocker, odour-blocker, stain, and high-gloss varnish. It was once used in electrical applications as an insulator, and was used to make phonograph and gramophone records until it was replaced by vinyl.

One of the biggest ecosystem services insects provide for humans is pollination. Crops where pollinator insects are essential include brazil nuts, cocoa beans, and fruits including kiwi, melons, and pumpkins. Crops where pollinator insects provide 40-90% of pollination include avocados, nuts like cashews and almonds, and fruits like apples, apricots, blueberries, cherries, mangoes, peaches, plums, pears, and raspberries. In crops where pollinators are not essential they still increase production and yield. Important pollinators include bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, and moths.

Many insects are sacred to humans. In Ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were used in art, religious ceremonies, and funerary practices, and were represented by the god Khepri. Bees supposedly grew from the tears of the sun god Ra, spilled across the desert sand. The Kalahari Desert's San People tell of a legendary hero, Mantis, who asked a bee to guide him to find the purpose of life. When the bee became weary from their search, he left the mantis on a floating flower, and planted a seed within him before passing from his exhaustion. The first human was born from this seed. Dragonflies symbolize pure water in Navajo tradition. In an Ancient Greek hymn, Eos, the goddess of the dawn, requests of Zeus to let her lover Tithonus live forever as an immortal. Tithonus became immortal, but not ageless, and eventually became so small, old, and shriveled that he turned into the first cicada. Another hymn sings of the Thriae, a trinity of Aegean bee nymphs. Native Athenians wore golden grasshopper brooches to symbolize that they were of pure, Athenian lineage. In an Ancient Sumerian poem, a fly helps the goddess Inanna when her husband Dumuzid is being chased by galla demons. In Japanese culture, butterflies carry many meanings, from being the souls of humans to symbols of youth to guides into the afterlife. Ancient Romans also believed that butterflies were the souls of the dead. Some of the Nagas of Manipur claim ancestry from a butterfly. Many cultures use the butterfly as a symbol of rebirth. And the list goes on…

[lilacliquors]

kinktober day two: edging

pairing: soldier boy x reader

word count: 425

notes: im so tired from work but here's day two! plus i'm on my period early so that knocked me on my ass today but the show must go on, even thought it's shorter —

he’d never felt so helpless before, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it. he was at your mercy, and it took every bit of restraint he had not to pounce on you, pinning you beneath him before pounding into you mercilessly. but he had made a bet with you, and he wasn’t going to give in. 

you’d been edging him for hours now, seeing just how long he could last, and to his credit, he was doing a lot better than you had expected. because you knew who and what he was.

everyone knew soldier boy was a sex fiend, a sex pest, a pervert, you name it. but he didn’t care, he never gave a single fuck. but he was used to the instant gratification, knowing that he was going to get off when he wanted to, not when someone else made the decision for him. so when you made the challenge, betting him a free fuck in whatever position the winner wanted, that he couldn’t handle the lack of control. and now he wasn’t sure if he regretted this decision. but he was never one to back down from a challenge.

“how — oh, shit — how much longer?” he growled.

“mm, not sure. however long i feel like,” you replied, your voice laced with mock uncertainty. you had him right where you wanted him, and you knew he was getting frustrated. you could see the fire in his eyes, and you swore you saw him twitch, just eager to pounce on you. but he was determined now, he was going to see this through. he was lucky that the v gave him enhanced stamina, but he was getting antsy, and he was about to tear a hole in the sheets.

“you’ve had your fun, now fucking —” he arched slightly as you squeezed his aching cock, his breath catching in his throat. all you did was smirk and squeeze again, and he groaned quietly.

“the more you keep begging, the longer this’ll take. and if it goes on just a little bit longer, this bet is mine for the taking,” you said, and he threw his head back.

“you’re gonna regret this … when we’re done here, and i get my hands on you …”

“ah, ah, ah, be a good boy for me and take it, like a real man,” you purred, then laughed as he grabbed the nearest pillow and pressed it over his face, huffing and groaning into it as he bucked his hips.

he was in for a long night.

[loominggaia]

SLIME MONSTERS

(lore under cut)

Name: Slime [SLY-mm]

Class: Monster

Subclass: Terrian, Weightclass varies

PPL Category: 2 - Mostly harmless to peoples but invasive or detrimental to the environment.

Forger: ???

OVERVIEW

Slime monsters (also known as "slimes") are an ancient species of monster. Their place and time of origin, as well as the identity of their divine creator, remains unknown. There are several subspecies of slime monster, and some researchers theorize that they do not all share the same creator. While most slimes are not dangerous to people, all of them are considered harmful to the world's natural ecosystem.

HABITAT

Slimes cannot survive in hot, dry conditions for long. They prefer cool, damp environments such as caves, dark forests, and swamps. They are a common pest in basements and gardens worldwide. They often venture away from their lairs in search of food after dark, then return home at sunrise.

BIOLOGY

Different species of slimes have different properties, but all of them are covered in a thick layer of mucus which may be slimy, sticky, corrosive, malodorous, or neutral. They have no organs, only a permeable membrane of skin with gelatinous goo for innards. Though they have no brains or nervous systems at all, slimes are considered living creatures, as they react to stimuli and actively participate in their own survival. It seems that their intelligence is quite low, behaving purely on their mysterious, magical instincts. How they are able to sense their prey is still unknown, but researchers theorize that their mucus membrane can detect odors and sense vibrations in the air.

Because they have no bones, slime monsters are able to squeeze themselves through tiny spaces. They have quickly spread themselves across the globe by infiltrating ships and carriages, going undetected for long periods of time until they have multiplied out of control.

Slimes breed asexually by dividing themselves into two individuals. They can keep dividing until their offspring is the size of a pea. They gain more mass by eating, and lose half of their mass each time they divide. Exactly what prompts a slime to divide naturally is unknown, but they can also be forced to divide by cutting them into pieces.

Slimes will dry out and die if conditions are not moist enough. They can also be killed by freezing them solid, boiling them with flame, and exposure to large amounts of salt, which harms their mucus membrane and dries them out. (Note: red slimes are resistant to boiling)

Slime monsters cannot be killed by smashing, puncturing, or cutting them. They can survive heavy physical trauma, and gouging pieces from them only causes them to lose mass or divide into multiple slimes. They must be destroyed on a cellular level, which can be accomplished via magic spells or advanced weaponry.

There seems to be no limit to how big a slime can grow. However, they slowly lose mass over time, and the bigger they get, the more food they require to maintain their mass. They also lose half of their mass each time they reproduce. Because of this, a slime's growth is limited by its access to food, so they tend to top out to a certain size in the wild rather than growing endlessly.

The world's largest recorded slime was as big as an elephant, and in fact, had just absorbed an entire elephant when it was discovered.

SUBSPECIES

5 subspecies of slime monster have been documented by the World Athenaeum. They can be visually identified by color, but each has other unique properties as well.

GREEN

Green slimes are believed to be the oldest and most common subspecies. Their mucus is very slippery, making them nearly impossible to pick up. They are not dangerous to humans or animals, but they are a scourge to farms and forests, as they have a ravenous appetite for plants. Curiously, these slimes only eat plantlife which is green. They ignore flowers, bark, or any part of the plant which is a differnt color. They appear to suck the life right out of plants, leaving them gray and withered after feeding upon them. They are usually found in shady wooded areas.

Green slimes are sometimes kept as pets or even zoo attractions, as they are hardy, easy to find in the wild, and even easier to care for. While they are loathed by gardeners, some people have capitalized on green slimes by making products out of their slippery mucus, such as hair gels, soaps, and lubricants.

BLUE

Their mucus is very sticky. They use this stickiness to anchor themselves tightly to surfaces and catch prey. While they're most commonly found in caves, blue slimes may also dwell in shady riparian areas. They feed on liquids, but not just any liquid will do. Blue slimes require balanced electrolytes to survive, meaning their best source of food comes from living creatures. They feed on sweat, saliva, urine, bile, or any other electrolyte-rich liquid that seeps from other organisms.

Some natural streams contain enough minerals to sustain blue slimes, as the water cascades over mountains and vegetation, collecting nutrients as it goes. This is why blue slimes like to colonize damp caverns in particular. These slimes can feed off of rocks and algae alone, although they will grow very slowly or not at all on this diet. To grow bigger, they must hunt living creatures and harvest their nutrients.

Blue slimes are opportunistic ambush-hunters. They are known to anchor their "feet" to the cieling and drop their "heads" down upon living prey, which becomes stuck in their sticky mucus. Larger prey may have the strength to escape their clutches, but blue slimes seem to be able to judge the size of their prey before they strike, and they rarely attack prey they can't handle. Small slimes only hunt small game like insects and rodents, but larger specimens can become a danger to peoples too.

Once a blue slime has ensnared its prey, it begins passively absorbing their liquids. Their prey struggles hopelessly, and the harder they struggle, the more they sweat, nourishing the slime. As time passes, they may even begin to cry or wet themselves, and the slime grows even stronger. Eventually they perish, surrendering their blood and all other liquid nutrients.

Once every last water molecule is extracted, the blue slime leaves behind a pile of dry bones, dessicated flesh, and any clothes or objects their prey may have been carrying. These grisly piles are a good indicator that large blue slimes could be lurking nearby, so explorers should exercise caution.

However, some people actually go looking for these creatures, as their sticky and dessicant properties are useful many applications.

RED

Red slimes are considered the most dangerous subspecies, as they actively seek out and attack living creatures--including peoples. They feed exclusively off of living flesh. Their mucus is highly corrosive, causing damage to most materials including fabric, plastic, wood, and even metal. This mucus is especially harmful to skin. Brief contact with this slime may cause mild burns, but the longer material stays in contact with it, the more damage it takes. Red slime mucus can completely dissolve human flesh in just a matter of minutes. Harder materials take more time to dissolve, but given long enough, it seems to be able to dissolve just about anything.

Only a few rare materials, such as pyriad skin and hair, are completely resistant to the red slimes' effects. Curiously, red elves also boast some resistance to it. Red slimes repel water and do not respond to boiling. Salt and flash-freezing can still kill them just as effectively as other subspecies. They are prey to some fire-breathing dragon species, who don't seem to suffer any negative effects from eating them.

Red slimes are thankfully not as common as the others, as their diets are more complex, they are prey to certain animals, and their scary reputation makes peoples are more eager to eradicate them when they're found. These slimes cannot survive on plants or minerals, so they only haunt areas where people and animals dwell. Wherever there are large concentrations of critters, such as vermin, there may also be red slimes lurking about. Abandoned buildings, livestock farms, and sewers seem to be the red slimes' favorite places.

Unlike blue slimes, which only attack prey they can handle, red slimes are much less discriminating. They are notorious for attacking creatures much larger than themselves. They may even divide themselves to launch a ranged attack, "spitting" their other half at prey from a distance. This of course costs the slime some mass, but it may also slow their prey down enough to be worth it.

Not only are they dangerous to animals and peoples, but these slimes can cause considerable damage to property as well. As they slop around an area, their mucus slowly corrodes everything it touches, and this is bad news if they happen to be near walls or foundations. Though these creatures are loathed worldwide, some brave souls actually farm them and use their byproducts to make things like industrial solvents.

AMBER

Also known as "gold" or "brown" slimes, amber slimes are often smelled long before they are seen. Their oily mucus emits a foul odor, and the bigger the slime grows, the stronger this odor gets. It's no wonder they smell so bad, for this subspecies feeds entirely on decaying matter, and they are not picky about what it is. Rotting vegetables, old manure, and even decaying corpses make a delicious feast for these creatures.

Amber slimes won't consume anything that's still fresh. They only move in once matter is in the moderate stages of rot. Their mucus is only faintly corrosive and not strong enough to break down fresh matter, but it can finish digesting matter which is already breaking down. This mucus is not harmful to people or animals unless it is ingested, and it is not harmful to all species. The foul stench of these slimes is actually pleasant to trolls and ogres, and their stomachs happen to be strong enough to eat them too. In some trollish and ogrish cultures, amber slime jelly is considered a delicacy.

Peoples worldwide have used these slimes to cheaply dispose of unwanted waste. However, this has been outlawed in most regions because unlike worms and fungi, amber slimes do not produce beneficial byproducts. Worms and fungus nourish the soil with their waste as they break down matter naturally, but amber slimes just add mass to themselves while giving nothing back to nature. Because of this, they are considered harmful to the environment.

Trolls and ogres are the only creatures known to eat amber slimes, and while they may be tasty to these species, they don't actually offer much nutrition. Amber slimes are illegally farmed for culinary purposes, but for the most part they are considered loathsome pests. They tend to congregate near dumpsters, compost piles, battlefields, or anywhere flies and other vermin congregate. Large amber slime colonies are often found in sewers, where their stench might go unnoticed for a long time. But domestic infestations are rare, as home and business owners quickly catch onto the rancid odor suddenly coming from the walls, where these slimes may try feeding on rotting wood or dead vermin.

PALE

Pale slimes are the most recent subspecies to be discovered. It's rumored that they were secretly developed by a divine working with the World Athenaeum, in an experiment to control other slimes. However, Athenaeum officials have not confirmed or denied this. Pale slimes first appeared in the Midland Jungle region, but over the years their numbers have grown and sightings have spread all over the world. They are found wherever other slimes are, for they are exclusively cannibalistic, feeding only on other slimes.

This subspecies has a colorless, transluscent appearance. Their mucus is described as "neutral", not particularly sticky or slippery. It does not have corrosive properties and it is copletely odorless. Pale slimes seek out and absorb other subspecies of slimes. When they absorb a smaller slime, they temporarily take on its properties until they finish digesting it, which may take hours to days. If the pale slime tries to absorb a slime that is larger than itself, it may take on its properties permanently, essentially transforming into another subspecies.

The Peoples Protection League has tried using pale slimes to control other slime infestions with mixed results. In some cases it has proven effective, but in other cases it only made the infestation worse. This subspecies is still quite new to the scientific community and research is still ongoing, so their full potential and abilities are not yet known.

TRIVIA

-The world's largest known slime monster was a red slime, discovered deep in the Midland Jungle. It was digesting an entire elephant when researchers stumbled upon it. This was considered a highly unusual specimen, as the largest slimes overall tend to be green and amber. Blue and red subspecies are more likely to stay on the smaller side due to their complex feeding habits.

-Hunting wild amber slimes to make jelly is legal worldwide, but farming amber slimes is illegal in all Great Kingdoms.

*

Questions/Comments?

Lore Masterpost

[cosmicoceanfic]

fuck it posts Claireverse two electric boogaloo

season six

“Bananaaaaaas,” Claire sings as Dean puts breakfast on the table. “Bananas, bananas, bananas, bananaaaaaaaaaas.”

“Time for the banana song, huh?”

“I like the banana song.”

“Yeah, it’s a pretty good tune.” Dean sips his coffee. “You remember what we talked about, okay, kid? No more hair pulling.” Claire hmphs. “Claire. Come on. What’s the rule?”

“Only hair pullin’ if there’s demons,” she mumbles.

“That’s right. Only hair pulling if there’s demons. Is Stacey at daycare a demon?”

“Maybe.”

“No, she isn’t.” Dean puts his mug on the table. “Sounds like someone doesn’t want to go to Grandpa Bobby’s for the weekend after I pick them up early from daycare.”

“Noooooooooooo,” Claire whines. “Papa, I wanna go to Grandpa Bobby’s!”

“You do?”

“Yes!”

“Well then, someone’s just gonna have to stay away from hair pulling today, huh?”

She pouts. “Fine.”

“Atta girl.” Dean’s not opposed to a little blackmail to get ahead in parenting. “Come on. Eat your breakfast and I’ll let you choose the music on the way over to the daycare, okay?” Claire brightens and immediately shoves a gigantic chunk of banana into her mouth. He huffs out a laugh. “Okay, okay, Claire, not that fast, okay? You’ll choke.”

+

“Grandpa Bobby!” Claire hollers as soon as Bobby opens the door. He leans down to catch her and haul her up into his arms.

“Hey, kiddo!”

“Papa swore at a crossing guard.”

“Well, that wasn’t very friendly of him.”

Dean scowls. Fucking Deborah has it out for him- he knows it, she knows it, Lisa knows it even though she insists she doesn’t, everybody knows it. “Hi, Bobby.”

“Hey, kid.”

“What’re we doin’ this weekend?”

“I’m gonna show you how a carburetor works and Rufus is gonna swing through town and he offered to take you down by the pond so you can go looking for tadpoles.”

Claire beams. “I love tadpoles!”

“Good luck getting her to sit still long enough to look at a carburetor.” Dean puts the bag with Claire’s stuff in it on the floor.

“I have my ways.”

“Chocolate?” Claire asks hopefully.

“Could be, could be.”

Dean groans. “Bobby, don’t pump my kid full of sugar and then stick her on a car ride home with me.”

“Can’t help you.” Bobby looks at Claire. “Say goodbye to your dad, kid, before he takes all my chocolate.”

Claire waves. “Bye, Papa!”

Dean leans in and kisses her forehead lightly. “Bye, chickadee. Be good for Grandpa Bobby, okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

+

“You’re hysterical, man.”

Dean laughs, taking a sip of his water. “Why?”

Sid grins. “You get all excited for that kid to have weekends at her grandfather’s and then you’re all mopey once she’s gone.”

“Hey, what can I say, I like having the kid around.”

“This whole suburbia thing really suits you, huh?”

Dean snorts. “Shockingly, yeah.”

“Yeah? You’ve traveled around a lot, then?”

“Mm-hmm. Yeah, my whole life, pretty much.”

“And?”

Dean shrugs, feeling a little needled. “I don’t know.”

“Aw, come on, man, I’ve been to your place! I’ve watched football with you. I’ve played with your kid. Don’t you think I’ve earned at least a couple gory details?”

Dean sighs. “There's not much to tell, you know? It's, uh... we lived on the road... I took, uh, crap jobs that nobody else wanted.”

“Like?” Sid prompts.

“Like...” Dean flails. “Pest control.”

“Really? Pest control.”

“Yeah. You get to work with a partner. You get to help people. You have no idea what's in some people's walls. It could eat 'em alive.”

“Yeesh.” Sid takes a sip of his beer. “So Claire’s mom was your partner?”

“No, Claire’s mom. Uh. That’s complicated. Her mom was…” Bizarrely, Cas’ face flashes across his mind. “An angel. She was an angel. But she’s… not around. Not really.” Not for Dean, anyway. “Claire still talks to her all the time. It’s. Yeah. It’s complicated.”

“I’m sorry, man, I didn’t mean to-“

“You didn’t know. It was, uh. My brother, actually. We got up to some… crazy shit. But he’s… not really around, either. Besides, those days are gone. It was harder once Claire came into the picture, but now…”

“You're practically respectable.”

Dean blinks, thrown. “Yeah. Wow. I guess so. That's kind of scary, actually.” Kinda nice, though. Claire deserves to be respectable.

The waitress comes up and hands Sid their receipt. “Thanks, guys.” She brushes a hand against Dean as she goes.

“I think she likes you,” Sid tells him as she walks away.

Dean huffs, amused, as he sees the name and number written on the back of the receipt. “Yeah, you think?” He shows Sid, who groans.

“What is it with you? Like, every time!”

“Chicks dig single fathers, man.”

“You gonna keep it?”

“Nah.” Dean rips it in two. “Just wanna… focus on raising Claire for a little while.”

“I dunno, man, Claire’s gone for the weekend, just you in that big apartment all alone…”

He snorts. “That apartment ain’t big, Sid.”

“…yeah, fair enough.”

“I’m happy where I’m at, man.” Dean stands, shrugging on his jacket. “I’ve got my kid, I’ve got my home, I’ve got my friends. What else do I need?”

[backyardentomologist]

A candy striped leafhopper, also known as the red-banded leafhopper, perches on a milkweed plant in the middle of the night. Like most leafhoppers, candy-striped leafhoppers feed mostly on plant sap, which can be harmful to crops and other cultivated plants. They are actually vectors of certain plant diseases, such as leaf scorch. Leaf scorch has been responsible for the decline of certain ornamental tree populations, such as oak and elm trees.

Despite the harm they can inflict on plants, leafhoppers like this one are important sources of food to predators like ladybugs and assassin bugs, who act as a sort of natural pest control, eating harmful insects that would have otherwise damaged crops or other plants.

These guys are on the larger end of leafhopper species; adults measure 6.7-8.4 mm in length, which is much, much larger than some other species—some are small enough to fit on the head of a pin!

There are three named subspecies of the candy-striped leafhopper, which is bizarre to me. Who was the first person to notice that? Hopefully, they’ll figure out how to combat leaf scorch disease—without the pesticide.

[aubrietarose]

There are estimated over 100,000 species of wasp, most of them nothing like the ones you're used to seeing. The smallest (which is also the smallest insect) is 0.139 mm in length.

Many hunt and parasitize other types of insects so specific that they can be used as non-chemical solutions for pest control on crops.

There are about 1000 species of fig tree. There is an individual wasp species that co-evolved with almost every single one and pollinates it.

Wasps are awesome.

DON'T BELIEVE MAINSTREAM MEDIA

WASPS ARE OUR FRIENDS

[goddesstrolls]

🌱🐒💝 for Helios?

🌱 - Do they have a green thumb or are they a plant killer? He's pretty damn good at growing things, largely due to his research access via his abilities.

🐒 - What’s their favorite animal? A popular domesticated pet native to Gammet. They're... Vaguely cat-like, though they're insectivores and were historically used for pest control. It's effectively the equivalent of his favorite animal being cats. (He does like a lot of animals in general, though.)

💝 - What gestures do they really appreciate? How do you get on their good side? Mm, it's hard to say. I guess it would just be like. Legitimately making him feel listened to, loved, and cared for. He's severely lacking on that front.

So that's it, really. Make an effort, and he'll appreciate it.

[plumberbeaconsfield]

Complete Guide to Get Rid of Drain Flies

If you've noticed tiny flying insects hovering around your kitchen or bathroom drain, you may be dealing with drain flies. These small pests, also known as sewer flies or moth flies, thrive in moist environments and can quickly become a nuisance. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to get rid of drain flies and prevent them from returning.

In this guide, we’ll explain what drain flies are, why they appear, and, most importantly, how to eliminate them and keep your home pest-free.

What Are Drain Flies?

Drain flies are small, fuzzy, grey or black insects with wings that resemble those of a moth. They typically measure 1.5 to 5 mm in size and are often seen resting on walls near sinks, showers, or floor drains. These pests are attracted to stagnant water and organic buildup, where they lay their eggs and feed on decaying matter.

Why You Have Drain Flies

Drain flies typically appear for the following reasons:

Standing water in drains, sinks, or overflows

Organic debris such as food particles, hair, or grease inside pipes

Poorly maintained drains in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms

Humidity and moisture in basements or near leaking pipes

Understanding the cause is the first step to effectively get rid of drain flies.

How to Identify a Drain Fly Infestation?

Before you begin treatment, it’s important to confirm the presence of drain flies:

Visual Inspection: Check walls near drains. Drain flies are often seen resting in groups.

Tape Test: Place clear tape (sticky side down) over a suspected drain at night. If you see flies stuck to the tape in the morning, you likely have an infestation.

Larvae Search: Look inside the drain with a flashlight. You may see larvae wriggling in the slime coating of the pipe.

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

1. Clean the Drain Thoroughly

The key to eliminating drain flies is removing their breeding ground. Here’s how to clean your drain:

Boiling Water: Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain twice a day to dislodge debris and kill larvae.

Drain Brush: Use a stiff drain brush to scrub the inside of the pipe and remove sludge.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour ½ cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar into the drain. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Enzyme Cleaners: These break down organic material and are safe for plumbing. Ideal for long-term prevention.

2. Use a Drain Fly Killer

If cleaning alone doesn't work, consider:

Bio drain gels: Specifically designed to eliminate organic buildup where flies breed.

Insecticides: Use sparingly and only if necessary. Choose one labelled safe for indoor use.

DIY trap: Mix apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap in a bowl and place it near the drain overnight to trap adult flies.

3. Eliminate Standing Water

Fix leaking faucets, clear clogged drains, and ensure good ventilation to reduce moisture. Drain flies thrive in damp conditions—removing this element is crucial.

4. Repeat Until They’re Gone

Persistence is key. You may need to repeat treatments for several days until all larvae and adults are gone.

Preventing Drain Flies from Returning

Once you get rid of drain flies, the next step is keeping them away:

Regularly clean all drains with boiling water or enzyme cleaners.

Run water in infrequently used drains to prevent stagnation.

Install drain covers to block access.

Maintain plumbing and promptly address leaks.

Disinfect and deodorise your sink and surrounding areas.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still see drain flies, it might be time to contact a pest control expert. A professional can:

Identify hidden breeding sites

Use industrial-grade drain treatments

Inspect your plumbing for deeper issues

Final Thoughts

Drain flies are a common household nuisance, but with a little effort and consistency, you can get rid of drain flies and prevent future infestations. Start by cleaning your drains thoroughly, use natural and chemical treatments as needed, and maintain a dry, clean environment.

By understanding what attracts these pests and following the steps outlined above, you’ll reclaim your home from these unwelcome visitors in no time.

[camberwellplumbers]

Complete Guide to Get Rid of Drain Flies

If you've noticed tiny flying insects hovering around your kitchen or bathroom drain, you may be dealing with drain flies. These small pests, also known as sewer flies or moth flies, thrive in moist environments and can quickly become a nuisance. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to get rid of drain flies and prevent them from returning.

In this guide, we’ll explain what drain flies are, why they appear, and, most importantly, how to eliminate them and keep your home pest-free.

What Are Drain Flies?

Drain flies are small, fuzzy, grey or black insects with wings that resemble those of a moth. They typically measure 1.5 to 5 mm in size and are often seen resting on walls near sinks, showers, or floor drains. These pests are attracted to stagnant water and organic buildup, where they lay their eggs and feed on decaying matter.

Why You Have Drain Flies

Drain flies typically appear for the following reasons:

Standing water in drains, sinks, or overflows

Organic debris such as food particles, hair, or grease inside pipes

Poorly maintained drains in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms

Humidity and moisture in basements or near leaking pipes

Understanding the cause is the first step to effectively get rid of drain flies.

How to Identify a Drain Fly Infestation?

Before you begin treatment, it’s important to confirm the presence of drain flies:

Visual Inspection: Check walls near drains. Drain flies are often seen resting in groups.

Tape Test: Place clear tape (sticky side down) over a suspected drain at night. If you see flies stuck to the tape in the morning, you likely have an infestation.

Larvae Search: Look inside the drain with a flashlight. You may see larvae wriggling in the slime coating of the pipe.

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

1. Clean the Drain Thoroughly

The key to eliminating drain flies is removing their breeding ground. Here’s how to clean your drain:

Boiling Water: Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain twice a day to dislodge debris and kill larvae.

Drain Brush: Use a stiff drain brush to scrub the inside of the pipe and remove sludge.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour ½ cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar into the drain. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Enzyme Cleaners: These break down organic material and are safe for plumbing. Ideal for long-term prevention.

2. Use a Drain Fly Killer

If cleaning alone doesn't work, consider:

Bio drain gels: Specifically designed to eliminate organic buildup where flies breed.

Insecticides: Use sparingly and only if necessary. Choose one labelled safe for indoor use.

DIY trap: Mix apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap in a bowl and place it near the drain overnight to trap adult flies.

3. Eliminate Standing Water

Fix leaking faucets, clear clogged drains, and ensure good ventilation to reduce moisture. Drain flies thrive in damp conditions—removing this element is crucial.

4. Repeat Until They’re Gone

Persistence is key. You may need to repeat treatments for several days until all larvae and adults are gone.

Preventing Drain Flies from Returning

Once you get rid of drain flies, the next step is keeping them away:

Regularly clean all drains with boiling water or enzyme cleaners.

Run water in infrequently used drains to prevent stagnation.

Install drain covers to block access.

Maintain plumbing and promptly address leaks.

Disinfect and deodorise your sink and surrounding areas.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still see drain flies, it might be time to contact a pest control expert. A professional can:

Identify hidden breeding sites

Use industrial-grade drain treatments

Inspect your plumbing for deeper issues

Final Thoughts

Drain flies are a common household nuisance, but with a little effort and consistency, you can get rid of drain flies and prevent future infestations. Start by cleaning your drains thoroughly, use natural and chemical treatments as needed, and maintain a dry, clean environment.

By understanding what attracts these pests and following the steps outlined above, you’ll reclaim your home from these unwelcome visitors in no time.

[mmpest098]

Top-Rated Pest Control in Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, & Beyond!

Looking for reliable pest control services in India? MM Pest Control offers safe, eco-friendly, and effective pest management solutions for homes and businesses. We specialize in termite control, rodent control, mosquito treatment, bed bug removal, cockroach control, and more!

📞 Call us now at +91-7563835462 for a FREE consultation or visit www.mmpestcontrol.in to book your service today!

[plumberbayswater]

Complete Guide to Get Rid of Drain Flies

If you've noticed tiny flying insects hovering around your kitchen or bathroom drain, you may be dealing with drain flies. These small pests, also known as sewer flies or moth flies, thrive in moist environments and can quickly become a nuisance. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to get rid of drain flies and prevent them from returning.

In this guide, we’ll explain what drain flies are, why they appear, and, most importantly, how to eliminate them and keep your home pest-free.

What Are Drain Flies?

Drain flies are small, fuzzy, grey or black insects with wings that resemble those of a moth. They typically measure 1.5 to 5 mm in size and are often seen resting on walls near sinks, showers, or floor drains. These pests are attracted to stagnant water and organic buildup, where they lay their eggs and feed on decaying matter.

Why You Have Drain Flies

Drain flies typically appear for the following reasons:

Standing water in drains, sinks, or overflows

Organic debris such as food particles, hair, or grease inside pipes

Poorly maintained drains in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms

Humidity and moisture in basements or near leaking pipes

Understanding the cause is the first step to effectively get rid of drain flies.

How to Identify a Drain Fly Infestation?

Before you begin treatment, it’s important to confirm the presence of drain flies:

Visual Inspection: Check walls near drains. Drain flies are often seen resting in groups.

Tape Test: Place clear tape (sticky side down) over a suspected drain at night. If you see flies stuck to the tape in the morning, you likely have an infestation.

Larvae Search: Look inside the drain with a flashlight. You may see larvae wriggling in the slime coating of the pipe.

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

1. Clean the Drain Thoroughly

The key to eliminating drain flies is removing their breeding ground. Here’s how to clean your drain:

Boiling Water: Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain twice a day to dislodge debris and kill larvae.

Drain Brush: Use a stiff drain brush to scrub the inside of the pipe and remove sludge.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour ½ cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar into the drain. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Enzyme Cleaners: These break down organic material and are safe for plumbing. Ideal for long-term prevention.

2. Use a Drain Fly Killer

If cleaning alone doesn't work, consider:

Bio drain gels: Specifically designed to eliminate organic buildup where flies breed.

Insecticides: Use sparingly and only if necessary. Choose one labelled safe for indoor use.

DIY trap: Mix apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap in a bowl and place it near the drain overnight to trap adult flies.

3. Eliminate Standing Water

Fix leaking faucets, clear clogged drains, and ensure good ventilation to reduce moisture. Drain flies thrive in damp conditions—removing this element is crucial.

4. Repeat Until They’re Gone

Persistence is key. You may need to repeat treatments for several days until all larvae and adults are gone.

Preventing Drain Flies from Returning

Once you get rid of drain flies, the next step is keeping them away:

Regularly clean all drains with boiling water or enzyme cleaners.

Run water in infrequently used drains to prevent stagnation.

Install drain covers to block access.

Maintain plumbing and promptly address leaks.

Disinfect and deodorise your sink and surrounding areas.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still see drain flies, it might be time to contact a pest control expert. A professional can:

Identify hidden breeding sites

Use industrial-grade drain treatments

Inspect your plumbing for deeper issues

Final Thoughts

Drain flies are a common household nuisance, but with a little effort and consistency, you can get rid of drain flies and prevent future infestations. Start by cleaning your drains thoroughly, use natural and chemical treatments as needed, and maintain a dry, clean environment.

By understanding what attracts these pests and following the steps outlined above, you’ll reclaim your home from these unwelcome visitors in no time.

[bestanimal]

Round 2 - Arthropoda - Branchiopoda

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Branchiopoda is a class of small, mainly freshwater crustaceans that feed on plankton and detritus. They are comprised of 9 orders: Anostraca (“Fairy Shrimp”), Anomopoda (“Water Fleas”), Ctenopoda (also “Water Fleas”), Cyclestherida (“Clam Shrimp”), Laevicaudata (also “Clam Shrimp”), Spinicaudata (also “Clam Shrimp”), Haplopoda (“Predatory Water Fleas”), Onychopoda (“Water Fleas” again), and Notostraca (“Tadpole/Shield Shrimp”).

Branchiopods are found mainly in freshwater, including temporary pools and hypersaline lakes, and some in brackish water. Those that live in temporary pools are known for having eggs that can dry out for long periods of time and hatch once they are submerged in water, as an adaptation to drought. Only two families, one in Onychopoda and one in Ctenopoda, contain marine species. Most eat detritus or plankton, catching them in the setae on their appendages. Notostracans are opportunistic omnivores that will feed on algae, bacteria, other branchiopods like Anostracans, and even small fish.

Branchiopods are characterized by the presence of gills on many of the animals’ appendages, including the mouthparts. Most have compound eyes and a carapace. In the Clam Shrimp, the carapace prevents the use of the legs for swimming, so the antennae are used for locomotion instead, as they are in nauplius larvae.

The oldest known branchiopod was Rehbachiella kinnekullensis of the Upper Cambrian. Notostracans in particular have a good fossil record, with the oldest known species being Strudops goldenbergi from the Late Devonian. Notostracans are often described as “Living Fossils” due to their lack of major morphological change over 250 million years.

Propaganda under the cut:

Both Triops (a genus of Notostracan) and Artemia (a genus of Anostracan) make popular low maintenance aquarium pets, respectively called “Dinosaur Shrimp” and “Sea-monkeys” in the pet trade.

Triops longicaudatus helps control the West Nile virus, as they prey on Culex mosquito larvae.

In Japan, Triops cancriformis are used as biological pest control, kept in rice paddies to eat weeds.

Most branchiopods feed on small plankton and detritus, but some are large(r) predators, and Notostracans aren’t the only ones! The Giant Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta gigas) can get up to 86 mm (3.4 in) long, lives in hypersaline lakes and rivers, and eats copepods and other branchiopods: mainly other fairy shrimp.

The genus Artemia, also known as Brine Shrimp, are commonly bred to feed fish and crustacean larvae, both in fish farms and in aquarium tanks, due to their ease of rearing, richness in nutrients, and tendency to be the preferred snack of small fish. Daphnia, a genus of Anomopod, are also often bred as fish food, as well as for amphibian larvae.

Artemia urmiana was once abundant in Lake Urmia of Iran, but drought has caused their population to drastically decline, leading to fears that they were nearly extinct. However, a second population has been discovered in Koyashskoye Salt Lake of Ukraine, giving hope for their recovery.

Scientists have taken the eggs of Artemia salina to outer space to test the impact of radiation on life. The brine shrimp eggs traveled on U.S. Biosatellite 2, Apollo 16, and Apollo 17 missions, and on the Russian Bion-3 (Cosmos 782), Bion-5 (Cosmos 1129), Foton 10, and Foton 11 flights. On Apollo 16 and Apollo 17, the cysts traveled to the Moon and back. Unfortunately, the results showed A. salina eggs are highly sensitive to cosmic radiation… 90% of the embryos died at different developmental stages.

Clam shrimp convergently evolved a shell similar to a bivalve. Both valves of the shell are held together by a strong closing muscle. The animals react to danger by contracting the muscle so that the valves close tightly and the crustacean floats motionlessly to the bottom of the water.

Daphnia are used in scientific studies as a model organism. Because they are nearly transparent, their internal organs are easy to study in live specimens. They are often used to test the effects of toxins and climate change, assisting with the assessment of ecological impacts caused by human disturbance.

One time, while looking at pond water under microscope, I saw a Chydorus sphaericus and squealed out loud cause it was so cute, and my professor made fun of me. But look at this. The Cheat lookin ass:

[mmpest0923]

MM Pest Control provides specialized Pre anti-termite treatments that prevent and eradicate termite infestations. Using advanced solutions, they target termites at the source, protecting wooden structures and furniture from damage, and ensuring long-term defense for homes and businesses. When building a new home or business, one of the most important steps to ensure long-term structural integrity is preventing termite infestations before they start. Pre-construction anti-termite treatment is a vital measure to protect your property from these silent destroyers. Termites can cause significant damage to your foundation and wooden structures if not controlled early on, and implementing the right prevention methods during construction can save you from expensive repairs in the future. Contact MM PEST CONTROL Today! Phone:7563835462 Email: mukeshmishra2468@gmail.com Website: https://mmpestcontrol.in/

[rippestmanagement]

Signs To Cockroach Eggs Infestation and How Pest Control Can Help?

Experiencing cockroach infestations in your property can be unsettling, especially when you come across the signs of cockroach eggs. These pests pose serious health risks and can spread bacteria while triggering allergies. Early detection can ward off a full-blown infestation. Continue reading this article to understand how a professional cockroach control services in Northern Beaches eliminate such pests and prevent them from returning. Knowing when to call the experts is the key to maintaining a hygienic surrounding.

What Do Cockroach Eggs Appear Like?

Roach eggs are held within extremely small, egg-like cases called ootheca. They come in various colors and sizes based on species. Most are brown or dark red and are about 5 to 10 mm long. Each ootheca can contain about 16 to 50 eggs. Early detection with cockroach control experts in Northern Beaches is necessary to prevent mass infestation.

Common Places Where Roaches Can Lay Eggs Keep an eye on the following spots where roaches can lay eggs:

Behind the kitchen appliances

Inside the cupboard and pantries

In wall cervices and electrical outlets

Under sinks and bathroom cabinets

Inside furniture and cardboard boxes

How Cockroach Pest Control Can Help in Your Home in Northern Beaches?

Complete Inspection - Cockroach control experts will locate all the nesting and egg laying sites in your Northern Beaches home. These include the hard to reach areas.

Specialized Treatment Plans - Experts use advanced insecticides and growth regulators to break the roach life cycle. This eliminates both the bugs and eggs.

Safe Solutions - Experienced professionals use pet-friendly and family-safe treatments in favor of your surrounding environment.

Advice on Prevention - Cockroach pest control services in Northern Beaches follow certain prevention strategies like sealing entry points, moisture control, and regular monitoring

If you are seeing cockroach eggs or suspect infestation, don’t wait for it to grow worse. Early intervention is necessary to avoid health risks and costly damage. Rely on professional cockroach control services in Northern Beaches to treat and prevent future infestations. It is high time to restore comfort and hygiene to your home.