pests

Illinois is known for its fluctuating weather conditions, which makes the Prairie State a hospitable hideout for tons of pests.

Illinoisans have known for years that Chicago has an over-supply of vermin and pests, although the majority of us probably thought most of them were elected officials.

Chicago isn't in first place with other animals like Bears, Cubs, and Bulls, but when it comes to rats, Chicago is title-town once again. The Bulls grabbed six titles for Chicago at one time, but the rats may just keep on repeating.

I think that may be the first headline I've ever written that actually gave me the creeps. It's not often you can work the words stink, bugs, crawl, and your house into the same sentence unless you're the subject of a TLC series.

Not that misery loves company or anything like that, but I really hope that my house isn't the only place in the Rockford area that has become some sort of June bug hangout spot. Not to burst anyone's bubble, but June bugs aren't named June bugs because they're only around in June. June is usually when they're just getting started.

I'm sure the red-and-black insects hanging around your home (or workplace) need no introduction, but just in case, please say hello to Boisea trivittata, also known as the box elder bug.

I guess you could call this a follow-up to yesterday's piece, "Rockford's Weather is Getting Warmer, Mosquitoes Getting Thicker." After mentioning how we've been dealing with those biting pests around our house, several of you emailed me with other ideas.