Insects and Pests

Insects and pests can be found all around you. Learn about how they can affect your health.

View More in:

Here’s What Spider Bites Look Like—and When to Call the Doctor

Spiders are probably more scared of you than you are of them. They'd sooner scurry away than chomp on you. But if you get bitten, here's what you should do.

Is Tea Tree Oil Really a Treatment for Lice?

Millions of people get head lice every year. Tea tree oil may offer a natural solution for treating infestations.


10 Home Remedies for Lice That May Really Work

Lice is the four-letter word all parents dread hearing. Before you panic about an infestation, take a deep breath and...


Here’s Why There Are So Many Ticks This Summer, Say Experts

Tick populations are thriving in all 50 states. Experts explain why this is, and how to protect yourself from...


This Is the #1 Worst Soap Fragrance for Repelling Mosquitoes, Says New Study

Can't stop itching from bug bites? It may be time to swap out your soap, according to Virginia Tech...

Tout icon

Dust Mite Bites vs. Bed Bugs: What’s the Difference?

Dust mites vs. bed bugs is like comparing the lesser of two evils. Here's what to know about their similarities,...


Tout icon

10 Products That Help Get Rid of Head Lice

A head lice infestation is common among school-aged children. Here are products to help get rid of lice and...

Tout icon

A Guide to Head Lice Symptoms and Treatments

Is the itchiness on your scalp from dandruff or lice? Here's how to tell if your symptoms could be head...


Tout icon

Hobo Spider Bites: Everything You Need to Know

Hobo spiders are not actually aggressive and they rarely bite. However, if you get a hobo spider bite, here's...


Wolf Spider Bites: Everything You Need to Know

Wolf spiders have a menacing hairy appearance, but they rarely bite. Here's why—and what else you should know about...


18 Products That Can Help You Get Rid of Fleas

Experts reveal their recommendations for the best products to get rid of fleas for pets and the...

Black Widow Spider Bites: What They Look Like and How to Treat Them

Black widow spider bites are venomous, but rarely fatal to humans. Here's how to recognize the spiders, avoid them,...


Brown Recluse Spider Bites—Everything You Need to Know

The good news: Brown recluse spiders aren't as common as you might think. The bad news: Their bite can...


12 “Innocent” Tick Mistakes That Are Putting Your Health in Danger

Being vigilant about ticks takes a lot more than keeping your lawn short, scanning your arms, or wearing long pants...


9 “Facts” About Bed Bugs That Just Aren’t True

If you want to get rid of bed bugs, you need to know the myths from the facts. We asked...


How to Find Bed Bugs in Your Car—and How to Get Rid of Them

Mattresses and sofa cushions are among the most obvious places to check for bed bugs. But these sneaky creatures can...

12 Unexpected Ways You Can Get Head Lice

You know that lice can spread quickly—but do you know how and where? Here are the actual ways the...


Tout icon

11 Ways You Think You Can Get Lice—but Won’t

As it turns out, getting infected with these little buggers is a lot harder than you probably thought.


Tout icon

14 Expert Tips for How to Get Rid of Head Lice

These lice professionals offer their expert advice on how to get rid of head lice and dispel all...


Tout icon

12 Myths About Head Lice that Won’t Go Away

Think your child has head lice? Here are some myths about these parasites, and what you really need to...


7 Clear Signs Your Child Has Head Lice

While they might give you the creepy crawlies, head lice shouldn't be cause for panic. Still, you'll want to...


Tout icon

Prevent Tick Bites: 13 Things Ticks Won’t Tell You

Protect yourself from tick bites, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne diseases with these tips on everything from how to remove...


10 Naturally Derived Tick Repellents That Actually Work

If you're worried that certain insecticides may be harmful to your health, your pets, or nature, read on for natural...


10 Things to Do Right Now If You’ve Been Bitten By a Tick

Follow these steps if you're bitten by a tick—and learn how to protect yourself from getting bitten in the first...


Tout icon

17 Silent Signs You Could Have Lyme Disease

Lyme disease goes beyond bulls-eye rashes and flu-like symptoms. This bacterial infection, spread by ticks, can affect every system in...

This Video Shows Exactly How to Remove a Tick (And What Not to Do)

Ticks are disgusting little blood suckers, and when they bite you, they can make you sick. Here's what to do...


This Map Shows Where Lice Has Become Resistant to Standard Treatments

Lice is a four-letter word in more ways than one, as many parents will tell you. What's worse, it's becoming...


16 Secrets Bed Bugs Don’t Want You To Know—But Are Crucial For Keeping Them At Bay

We may be tiny buggers (about the shape and size of an apple seed), but our presence elicits a massive...


Tout icon

These Are the Most Dangerous Places in America for Lyme Disease

Almost all cases of Lyme disease happen in 14 states. Is yours on the list?


Tout icon

This All-Natural Tick Repellent Works, and Here’s Why

Your risk of getting bitten by a tick may be highest in the summer, but depending on where you live...


Tout icon

9 Foolproof Tricks to Avoid Tick-Borne Illnesses—Including One That’s More Dangerous Than Lyme

Avoiding a tick bite is the best protection against tick-borne illnesses. Enjoy the great outdoors in safety this summer...