Boss Bugs - May Exterminating (2024)

You’re probably familiar with common insects around your home and yard, but did you know that approximately 80% of all living species on Earth are insects? There are over 900 thousand different species, and they can range from as small as 0.139mm to over 62cm long.

Meet the bugs that are the BOSS: the loudest, strongest, dirtiest and cleanest insects around. They dominate their insect realm like a boss!

The Loudest

When scientists first studied what would be the loudest insect in the world, a wide range of crickets, grasshoppers, and cicadas were put up to the test. The final vote? An African cicada, Brevisana brevis, which generated sounds up to 106.7 decibels. By the way, a jackhammer and a farm tractor are typically about 100 decibels in volume! Coming in a close second, at 105.9 decibels, was the North American Walker's Cicada, Tibicen walkeri.

The Strongest

The dung beetle is already a well-known species, but many don't realize how strong they are. The horned dung beetle, Onthophagus Taurus, ranks at the strongest bug in the world. It can pull 1,141 times its weight. To put in perspective, that is a 150-lb person lifting six FULL double-decker buses.

The Largest

The largest bug in the world is the appropriately named, Goliath beetle. When considering size, bulk, and weight, the Goliath beetle in larval stage takes the gold. The beetle lives in the tropical forests of Africa. In its larval stage, can be anywhere in the range of 60–110 millimeters (2.4–4.3 in) in size, and 80–100 grams (2.8–3.5 oz) in weight. That’s a big boss baby insect!

The Smallest

The smallest insects in the world are fairyflies. They are very tiny flying parasitoids that feed on other insect’s eggs to survive. Fairyflies bodies measure only 0.139 millimeters in length. That’s nearly 400 times smaller than an average ant.

The Longest

The record for longest insect continues to increase, but 'stick-bugs' are the reigning champions. The current record for longest insect is a Malaysian stick insect, Phoebaeticus chani, at 62.4cm. That’s about 24 inches, folks. You’d easily mistake it for a tree branch!

The Cleanest…and Dirtiest?

It might be difficult to believe, but the co*ckroach might be the “cleanest” species of insect. (That doesn’t say much for the rest of the insect world, does it?) co*ckroaches can spread bacteria around and are often found in dirty environments, but because hey use their antennae to smell and clean themselves daily in an almost non-stop fashion, they don’t “keep” that bacteria as long as other insects or animals.

We can appreciate these amazing insects from around the world. But, no matter how “BOSS” they may be, we still prefer to keep your home pest-free! #nobugsnoproblem.

Boss Bugs - May Exterminating (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardest bug to get rid of? ›

The three most difficult pests to exterminate are:
  • Termites.
  • Bed Bugs.
  • co*ckroaches.
Oct 15, 2019

What is the world's cleanest bug? ›

It might be difficult to believe, but the co*ckroach might be the “cleanest” species of insect.

How do you get rid of a bug infestation? ›

Each of these pests can show up at different times of the year, and some are more problematic in certain parts of the countries than others.
  1. Don't Let Bugs Feel at Home. ...
  2. Seal Up Cracks & Openings. ...
  3. Clean Up the Kitchen. ...
  4. Dry Up Damp Areas. ...
  5. Clean & Sweep Regularly. ...
  6. Keep the Outside Free of Debris. ...
  7. Kill the Bugs You See.

Are co*ckroaches one of the cleanest insect? ›

Myth #4: co*ckroaches are clean.

They are known for carrying over 33 different strains of bacteria, parasitic worms, and human pathogens.

What kills bugs instantly? ›

Pyrethrin. Extracted from the chrysanthemum flower, this insecticide affects an insect's nervous system. Spray pyrethrin on mosquitoes, moths, flies, fleas or any hard bodies insect to kill them quickly.

What is dirtier than a co*ckroach? ›

When it comes to germs, both of these pests carry plenty around. However, flies tend to have twice as many germs as co*ckroaches, which makes them an even bigger health hazard at dining establishments.

What is the Filthiest co*ckroach? ›

The Oriental co*ckroach is considered the filthiest among the filthy. Oriental co*ckroaches are larger and darker compared to other co*ckroach species. They dwell in dirty, cooler places and create a strong smell. They eat garbage and organic material.

What is the smelliest bug? ›

Stink bug

Native to China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan, Stink Bugs are now found in almost every area of the United States after being accidentally introduced. They get their name from the unpleasant odor of the chemical they produce in glands on their abdomen when they are threatened.

What do bugs hate the most? ›

Lemongrass, citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, catnip, and lavender oils all possess properties that repel bugs. The oils can be used individually or combined to make a simple anti-bug potion. Mix about 1 cup of water with 25-30 total drops of oil into a small spray bottle.

How do you keep bugs away permanently? ›

Contents
  1. Seal Your Doors.
  2. Add Screens.
  3. Maintain Your Yard.
  4. Repair Cracks.
  5. Seal Around Pipe Penetrations.
  6. Cover Large Openings.
  7. Don't Invite Bugs To Dinner.
  8. Store Trash Properly.
Dec 7, 2021

What attracts a lot of bugs? ›

Perfumes, cologne, deodorant, skin lotion, hair products, and laundry detergent are common culprits, especially floral and musky fragrances. By switching to unscented products or trying different products instead, you just might solve your problem.

Will roaches leave if you clean? ›

They will hurriedly come to your home even after a thorough cleaning. To prevent co*ckroaches from coming, remove moisture in your house. From gutters down to the kitchen sink, it must be dry at all times. Spotting a few roaches is already a problem so you have to call pest exterminators to get rid of them.

What country has the least co*ckroaches? ›

A: Supposed Myth: Roaches are everywhere. The Facts: That's a myth, but just barely. There are species of roaches on every continent except one. Roaches are adaptable and find ways to survive in most environments, just not in Antarctica.

Which country has the most co*ckroaches? ›

The largest co*ckroach farm is near Xichang, Sichuan, southwestern China, where it breeds six billion co*ckroaches a year.

What smell do bugs hate the worst? ›

Those most closely associated with repellency are citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and catnip oil, but others include clove oil, patchouli, peppermint, and geranium.

What actually keeps bugs away? ›

Peppermint oil can also be extremely useful in pest control, especially at keeping mosquitoes away. Most pests cannot stand the smell of peppermint oil, even though a lot of humans love it. It's also toxic to many insects.

Does Dawn and vinegar keep bugs away? ›

One of the easiest homemade bug sprays, simply mix one cup of white vinegar with three cups of water. You can also add half a teaspoon of dishwashing soap to help the solution adhere. Shake thoroughly and apply to the affected areas.

Do bugs like clean or dirty houses? ›

With that being said, it's never a bad idea to keep the premises as clean as possible. Pests like co*ckroaches, rodents and ants seek out places where they can easily find food, and homes that aren't swept, vacuumed and scrubbed down regularly attract them like moths to a flame.

What smell do house bugs hate? ›

Many bugs are repelled by certain smells, such as peppermint, tea tree oil, and lavender. As such, it makes sense that bed bugs too, would be repelled by certain smells.

Do bugs hate clean house? ›

But here's a fun fact: no matter how clean you keep your home, bugs can still get in. Creepy crawlies love being inside your home for the same reasons you do – it's warm, dry, and has food and water. The tiniest gaps around doors and windows might as well have a giant “Welcome” sign for bugs on them.

What are co*ckroaches afraid of? ›

These pests are usually picky about the color of the light and are most sensitive to red light, which they will try to get away from it as fast as they can. co*ckroaches hate red light and will always move away when they are in its presence.

What is stronger than a co*ckroach? ›

Dung Beetles

Not only are these pests strong, but like co*ckroaches, they are incredibly durable. Dung beetles can be found in nearly every habitat, including deserts, farmlands, forests, savannas, and mountainous regions.

What are the worst co*ckroaches to have in your house? ›

Of the many species of roaches that might invade your home or business, the German co*ckroach is the worst roach you can encounter. It is identified by two dark, parallel strips that run from head to wings and is typically smaller than other roaches, coming in at under half an inch in most cases.

What repels co*ckroaches instantly? ›

Roach Repellents

Peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil are essential oils that effectively keep co*ckroaches at bay. Additionally, these insects hate the smell of crushed bay leaves and steer clear of coffee grounds. If you want to try a natural way to kill them, combine powdered sugar and boric acid.

What smells repel co*ckroaches? ›

What Smells Repel co*ckroaches?
  • Lavender. co*ckroaches hate the smell of lavender, and that is good news for you. ...
  • Citrus. You may love the smell of fresh citrus, but co*ckroaches hate the scent. ...
  • Eucalyptus. Koala bears may love the smell, and the taste of eucalyptus, but co*ckroaches find it quite disagreeable.
Jul 15, 2018

What bugs smell when killed? ›

Stink Bugs

In most cases, you will smell a stink bug once they have been disturbed or killed. Curious pets like dogs or cats may cause a stink bug to emit the odors as well. The strong scent has a nature vibe to it but stands out on its own for being unique and recognizable in the world of insects.

What bugs smell when you crush them? ›

Stink bugs invade our homes when the weather turns cold and make their presence known when we try to shoo them away. They are harmless to humans, but they emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed, so don't swat them.

What is the long bug that smells when killed? ›

Stink bugs use chemical odors to attract others to winter hiding spots. Remove stink bugs by hand or with a vacuum. Killing or vacuuming stink bugs may release a foul odor. This odor will not attract other bugs.

Do dryer sheets repel bugs? ›

Dryer sheets are designed to provide a pleasant scent to laundry, not to repel insects, so any insect-repellent properties may wear off quickly. In summary, while some people claim that dryer sheets can repel mosquitoes, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.

Do dryer sheets repel stink bugs? ›

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheet odor offends stink bugs, so rubbing dryer sheets on window screens or at home entry points can be a great way to keep bugs at bay.

What color do bugs hate? ›

Which Paint Colors Repel Insects? Because bugs see colors on the UV spectrum, they cannot register hues of green or blue. Painters even use blue paint to repel bees and wasps. Painting your porch ceiling in a blue tone could repel wasps, leading to fewer wasp-eating spiders around your home!

Does vinegar keep all bugs away? ›

While vinegar is an excellent tool for repelling certain insects, not all bugs hate vinegar. Specifically, aphids and fruit flies love the scent of vinegar and will seek it out.

What cleaner do bugs hate? ›

In addition to being a great cleaning agent, vinegar is effective in deterring many types of pests. Ants despise the smell of vinegar, and vinegar will wipe out the scent trails they leave around the house to navigate.

What can I put outside to keep bugs away? ›

How To Keep Bugs Away From Your Patio
  1. 1) Use Bug Blankets. Bug blankets provide easy (and cozy!) ...
  2. 2) Keep Your Patio Clean. ...
  3. 3) Install Fans. ...
  4. 4) Burn Citronella. ...
  5. 5) Add A Fire Pit Table. ...
  6. 6) Change Your Outdoor Lighting. ...
  7. 7) Harness The Power Of Patio Plants. ...
  8. 8) Spray Your Way To A Bug-Free Patio.

What season are bugs most active? ›

Summer is prime-time for insects. Warmer weather provides perfect conditions for pests to prosper. Ticks and fleas are two parasites that are plentiful during the summer months. With more lush greenery and food readily available, these hitchhikers will latch on to humans and animals alike.

Do exterminators attract more bugs? ›

However, after a professional pest control treatment you may see more bugs than normal… Because sheltering pests come scrambling out of sheltering areas as they try to escape the product application. Hence, seeing more pests after pest control service is normal as they come out and die.

What kills bugs best? ›

Windex – Windex is one of the most common and most effective DIY household products for pest control. Windex is toxic to most pests, especially spiders. Spraying window cleaner directly onto small insects like ants or mosquitoes will kill them within a few moments.

Why am I getting roaches all of a sudden? ›

Food & Grime

The dirtier your home, the more likely you are to have a roach infestation. Crumbs, spills, and food that has been left out are a great way to end up with a roach infestation quickly. The key to keeping roaches out is to keep your home, but most importantly your kitchen, as spotless as possible.

Why do I suddenly have roaches? ›

Getting into your home

co*ckroaches are very resourceful insects that can enter your home in a number of different ways, including: Crawling inside through small holes and cracks in the building. Hitching a ride on bags, backpacks, suitcases and other containers. Finding openings around doors and windows.

How do I make sure all roaches are gone? ›

The best way to get rid of roaches fast is to sanitize your home, eliminate hiding spots and stagnant water, store food in airtight containers, and use glue strips, bait, boric acid, or liquid concentrates.

What states have the worst roach problems? ›

Top 20 Most Roach Infested Cities In America
  • Roaches, as creepy as they are, are some of the most incredible insects on the planet. Existing for over 200 years, co*ckroaches come in many different shapes and sizes. ...
  • San Francisco, CA. ...
  • Kansas City, MO. ...
  • Washington, DC.
  • Riverside, CA.
  • Memphis, TN. ...
  • Dallas, TX.
  • Los Angeles, CA.

What state has the most amount of roaches? ›

But it is, of course, the southern-most areas of Florida where the largest-sized and most populous co*ckroach communities can be found, at least when it comes to population density.

What state in the US has the least bugs? ›

North Dakota

Just like South Dakota, North Dakota makes the cut for states with the least bugs. The residents in North Dakota say they have few problems with bugs all year round.

What state is known for roaches? ›

co*ckroach troubles seem to be a common problem across Tennessee with search volumes for co*ckroaches amongst the highest in the country. The second best state for co*ckroaches to live in is Texas. The insects love the Texan climate with the average temperature giving them optimum survival conditions.

What is the biggest co*ckroach ever found? ›

Megaloblatta is a genus of co*ckroaches in the family Ectobiidae. It includes the largest living species of co*ckroach, Megaloblatta longipennis, which can grow to 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) in length and have a wingspan of up to 22 centimetres (8.7 in).

What is the largest co*ckroach ever found? ›

The world's largest winged co*ckroach is Megaloblatta longipennis found in Peru, Ecuador and Panama. A preserved female in the collection of Akira Yokokura of Yamagata, Japan, measures 97 mm (3.8 in) in length and 45 mm (1.75 in) across.

What bug can't be killed? ›

The diabolical ironclad beetle is one tough critter, as its name might suggest. Equipped with super-tough body armour, the insect can survive being stamped on or even run over by a car. Now scientists have investigated the secrets of how the beetle can withstand forces up to 39,000 times its body weight.

What is the hardest co*ckroach to get rid of? ›

German roaches are one of the most common household pests and also one of the most difficult to get rid of. It is important to understand how to identify these co*ckroaches live and what they are attracted to in order to understand how to get rid of them.

Which is harder to get rid of co*ckroaches or bed bugs? ›

If you're trying to get rid of these pests, the good news is that co*ckroaches are easier to control than bedbugs. Here's why: co*ckroaches are omnivores, and they will eat anything. This makes them very susceptible to poisoning baits or traps that have food in them like glucose.

What bug has killed the most humans? ›

Spreading diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis, the mosquito kills more people than any other creature in the world.

What bug hurts the worst? ›

Pain Level 4 is the highest level in the Schmidt sting pain index. Schmidt's original index rated only one such example, the sting of the bullet ant, as a 4. Schmidt described the sting as "pure, intense, brilliant pain...

What bug can you not touch? ›

I think I found a triatomine bug. What should I do? If you find a bug you suspect is a triatomine, do not touch or squash it.

Why shouldn't you squish a co*ckroach? ›

The different body parts, waste, and saliva of co*ckroaches are allergens for certain individuals. Even dead co*ckroaches can still cause some allergic reactions. Therefore, it is not advisable to step on a co*ckroach, as its crushed body parts can trigger some allergies.

What kills roaches 100%? ›

Boric Acid

It's extremely toxic and can kill multiple generations of roaches. Mix a combination of equal parts of boric acid, sugar and water to make a dough. Roll that dough into balls or cylinders and place them where roaches will find them. The first roaches will eat the dough, head back to their home, and die.

Why not squish a roach? ›

The World Health Organization also advises against crushing them, for reasons of hygiene. According to the body, which classes co*ckroaches as “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements”, squashing them can spread bacteria into the environment that can lead to asthma, allergies and illnesses.

How do I get rid of roaches completely? ›

The best way to get rid of roaches fast is to sanitize your home, eliminate hiding spots and stagnant water, store food in airtight containers, and use glue strips, bait, boric acid, or liquid concentrates.

Do co*ckroaches stay in beds? ›

Again, it's uncommon for roaches to be found on mattresses, but it's not uncommon for them to hide in your bed frame and bedside furniture. When you remove your mattress and dismantle your bed to move, check for signs of co*ckroaches and remove or sanitize items as necessary.

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