While some pests can be active both at night and during the day, the following pests are most likely to be active at night and some are even photophobic (afraid of the light).

In short, all bugs are insects, but all insects are not bugs. Bugs are a sub-category of insects within taxonomy (the scientific identification and classification of organisms through the use of hierarchical categories). The term “insect” derives from the class name Insecta, which is part of the phylum Arthropoda (members of the animal kingdom that have exoskeletons). Broken down with taxonomical classification, it looks like this: Domain – Eukaryota Kingdom – Animalia Phylum – Arthropoda Class – Insecta The scientific term for ‘bugs’ is Hemiptera, which is an order. It is taxonomically divided as such: Domain – Eukaryota Kingdom – Animalia Phylum – Arthropoda Class – Insecta Order – Hemiptera While this is the technical scientific distinction between the two terms, they are colloquially used interchangeably.

The leading theory behind why moths seem so obsessed with sources of light revolves around “transverse orientation.” This means that moth’s travel by the guiding light of the moon and stars similar to how sailors used to use stars for navigation. Evolution built moths to be able to inherently implement the same technique, but in a far simpler way. What their evolution could not account for, however, was the introduction of artificial light sources at night. Artificial light confuse moths and in the presence of extremely bright lights or even multiple light sources, their senses can easily be overwhelmed. This accounts for their erratic flying and seemingly senseless obsession. They are programed to fly based on very distant light sources, so when they are super close to lights, they basically “malfunction.”

Surprisingly, not all mosquitos have a taste for human blood. There are roughly 3,500 different species of mosquitos alive today. Of that vast number of species, only a few target humans. Also, out of the species that do target humans, it’s only the females that seek out sanguine meals, while the males tend to dine exclusively on nectar from flowers. But why do the females need blood? Blood is rich in both protein and iron, which are two substances that female mosquitos require in excess to produce their eggs. Oddly enough, as much as we seem to be the main targets of mosquitos, we are often not their first choice for a blood dinner. Far often mosquitos greatly prefer the local wildlife, but when humans are easily available, they have no qualms with feasting on us instead.

Unlike their cousins’ wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, honeybees are considered exceedingly docile creatures that attack only when they believe that their colony, or their own person, is in mortal danger. These social, hardworking insects fulfill a vital role for the environment as they pollinate hundreds of different plants within each of their given territories. This pollination is a fundamental process for the sustainability and survival of the world’s ecosystems. In addition to this major contribution to the planet, honeybees also provide a precious and widely enjoyed commodity to our tables: honey. Unfortunately, in recent years there have been various reports suggesting a major decline in bee populations across the planet. In response to this clear decline in Earth’s pollinators, many states within the U.S. have begun enacting programs to help protect honeybees and remove them from lists classifying them as ‘pests’ or ‘vermin,’ instead advocating for relocation programs for any hives in problematic or unideal locations. As such, honeybees can be considered protected creatures and not pests.