Arrow Answers Even More Burning Bug Questions

In the world of pest control, there is no shortage of opinions, old wives’ tales, and “facts” passed down from generation to generation. The problem? Not all of them are true.

So once again, we went straight to the source. Arrow’s Region Technical Training Manager, Al Demby, Board Certified Entomologist, is back to help separate pest myths from reality. As a BCE, Al’s here to provide answers to more of the most-asked (and most interesting) burning bug questions.

Can Essential Oils Help Keep Bugs Away?

Yes, but with limits.

Many essential oils do act as natural repellents. Scents like cedar, citronella, lavender, peppermint, and thyme can all make your space less appealing to pests.

The catch? Essential oils don’t stick around. Unlike professional treatments, they don’t bind to surfaces or leave behind a lasting residual. That means their effectiveness fades quickly, especially outdoors or in high-traffic areas. So while they can work in the short-term, there are better long-term options. 

Can Bees Really Only Sting You Once?

It depends on the bee.

Worker honeybees have barbed stingers that lodge into skin when they sting. When the bee pulls away, the stinger stays behind, and the bee doesn’t survive the encounter.

Other bees, including queen bees, have smooth stingers. That allows them to sting multiple times if needed. So while the “sting once” rule can be true, it’s not universal across all species.

What Even Is a No-See-Um?

This is actually a nickname used for two types of pests — midges and sand flies. They’ve earned this nickname because they’re incredibly small and hard to spot. You’ll usually only notice them after they leave you with a bite. 

No-See-Ums are most active at dawn and dusk, and like mosquitoes, their larvae develop in standing water. So if you’re getting mysteriously bitten, these tiny pests could be the culprits.

Do Insects Sleep?

Not in the way humans do. However, they do enter periods of rest where they’re inactive. During these times, their bodily functions slow down to conserve energy and resources.

Some insects even adopt specific “sleep-like” postures during these rest periods. So while they’re not tucking in for a full night’s sleep, they do take breaks.

Is It True That Daddy Longlegs Are Venomous but Can’t Bite People?

This myth gets extra confusing because it involves two different arachnids. 

The name “daddy longlegs” is commonly used for both the harvestman and the cellar spider. Harvestmen aren’t venomous at all and don’t have fangs. Cellar spiders are venomous, but not to humans.

If we’re just talking about cellar spiders, then this rumor is true. But you can take comfort in knowing that neither species has mouthparts large enough to bite even the smallest folds of our skin.

What Do Bugs Do When It’s Raining?

They take out an umbrella, of course.

Joking aside, most bugs do need to find some sort of shelter. While moisture is essential for insect survival, too much water can be dangerous. Heavy rain can cause an insect’s body to rupture, so most will find cover until conditions improve.

That said, there are some insects — like mosquitoes — that are capable of navigating through rain if they’re determined to find a blood meal. So rain might slow pests down, but it doesn’t always stop them completely.

Could We Live Without Bugs?

Short answer: absolutely not.

Insects play a critical role in our ecosystem. Without them, dead plants and animals wouldn’t break down properly, leaving the world buried in organic waste. Pollinators are also essential for supporting life. If not for bees and butterflies, food production would plummet, leading to widespread shortages and famine.

Some insects are even responsible for major medical advancements, including anti-venoms and certain cancer treatments. So while bugs can be frustrating to deal with, the world quite literally couldn’t function without them.

Have a Question We Didn’t Answer?

Al might have answered it in our last edition! Whether you’re dealing with a pest issue or just want answers you can trust, contact us for any of your pest-related needs.