Sarah Smith

I'm a co-founder of this website. I have my BSc degree in Entomology from the University of Alberta (Canada) and my Master of Science in Entomology from McGill University, Canada. In 2005 I earned my Ph.D. in Entomology from The University of Adelaide, Australia. I currently reside in California and conduct bug studies. Most of my time is spent with spiders, bugs, and bees. Since I usually see ants wherever I go, I've always been intrigued about them as a child. I started studying entomology to learn more about them and eventually came to love it. I've always believed that people should exchange information; therefore, my friend Mathew and I set up this website for this purpose.
Top 10 Insects We Love to Hate

Top 10 Insects We Love to Hate

It’s ok to hate some pests, no one likes pests around where they live. Here is a list of the top 10 insects we love to hate. You do not need to feel any guilt about it.

A Stinging Ant Profile of Red Velvet Ants and Cow Killer Ants

A Stinging Ant Profile of Red Velvet Ants and Cow Killer Ants

In this article, we will discuss red velvet ants and cow killer ants. How do they sting, is their sting poisonous, what’s the pain level, and what to do in case of red velvet and cow killer ant sting?

Pissant: A Comprehensive Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Pissant: A Comprehensive Guide – Everything You Need to Know

These ants are named pissant because they produce urine (piss means urine) like odor when squeezed, and their nest gives the same odor due to the presence of formic acid. Also, pissant are sometimes called sugar ants or pharaoh ants.

Pregnant Wolf Spider – Learn About Its Facts & Reproduction

Pregnant Wolf Spider – Learn About Its Facts & Reproduction

The pregnant wolf spider carries the silk sac with her wherever she goes after mating and lays her eggs in it. Until the spiderlings hatch, the female carries the sac and protects the eggs. The spiderlings jump onto their mother’s back as soon as they emerge and remain there for a while before scattering.

Swallow Bugs Infestation: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Solutions

Swallow Bugs Infestation: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Solutions

Swallow bugs are ectoparasites that mostly infest birds, especially swallows, and their nests. They are often referred to as swallow bugs or swallow bug nymphs. They are closely related to bed bugs (Cimicidae), belonging to the same family. People often confuse bed bugs and swallow bugs.

How to Get Rid of Termite Safely and Prevent Infestation

How to Get Rid of Termite Safely and Prevent Infestation

What are Termites? Termites live in groups and are in the order Isoptera. They eat cellulose, which is the main building block of plant cell walls. Termites are very important to ecosystems because they break down dead and rotting plants and wood, which helps the cycling of nutrients. Here are some important facts and traits…

Identifying Carpenter Ant and Termite Droppings: A Guide for Homeowners

Identifying Carpenter Ant and Termite Droppings: A Guide for Homeowners

Termites and carpenter ants do more than just damage to homes. When they have an outbreak, they also leave behind frass, which is a mess of droppings and feces that look like sawdust or wood shavings. When insects infest your building or home, these also have bug waste or pieces of wood.

Everything You Need to Know About Cricket Eggs

Everything You Need to Know About Cricket Eggs

Cricket eggs, which are also called cricket ova, are the reproductive structures that female crickets make. As a way to reproduce, female crickets lay eggs. In this process, the female usually uses her ovipositor to lay eggs in a good place, like the ground or another safe place.

The Science Behind Flies: Why Are Flies Attracted To Me?

The Science Behind Flies: Why Are Flies Attracted To Me?

Flies are an unwelcome presence in any environment, often buzzing around and landing on us without warning. You often wonder, why are flies attracted to me? Is it something about your pheromones, body heat, or even the colour of your clothing?

How to Understand and Care for a Pregnant Spider

How to Understand and Care for a Pregnant Spider

In contrast to mammals, who lay eggs after becoming pregnant, spiders reproduce through a process known as mating. The female spider usually spins silk to form an egg sac in which she lays her eggs after mating. The silk aids in shielding the eggs from the elements and potential predators.