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Pop Goes Pest – Buggin’ Out 4: Down to the Last Insect
It’s Music Monday!
For our fourth installment in the ongoing series we’ve titled “Pop Goes Pest,” we’re looking at 10 more pop artists who have immortalized our favorite subject: bugs! Of course, as before, you can follow/stream our playlists on SPOTIFY!
1) Sonic Imperial – Call of the Dung Beetle
In our first Hip Hop contribution to our “Pop Goes Pest” series, Sonic Imperial calls out a guy who is hanging with the wrong crowd. This former friend is “listening to the call of the dung beetle” and Sonic Imperial is trying to bring him back from his bad choices.
“You were the coolest one I knew / most distinguished of the pact
But now you bug with beetles / and invest in something wack”
2) The Cure – Lullaby
From their “greatest hits” album, The Cure offers up a tragic song… masked behind a pleasant title and a soothing background music, The Cure gives a lyrical riddle that can be taken a number of ways: “The Spiderman is having me for dinner tonight…” Plenty of speculation has been made about the meaning beneath the lyrics, but Robert Smith (lead singer of The Cure) has simply stated that it was based on a “childhood nightmare.”
3) The Smashing Pumpkins – Bullet With Butterfly Wings
Despite the song containing “butterfly” in the title, the most popular line from this song (which is arguably the most popular of TSP’s hits) is about a different pest: rodents. Bang your head and don your grungiest plaid button-up and ripped jeans as you scream along to “despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage.” This song became the anthem for disillusioned teens, adult workers, and an entire generation when it came out. And it still holds up, years later.
4) Sarah Brightman – The Fly
Perhaps known best for her involvement with Broadway (and Andrew Lloyd Weber), Brightman released this song in 1995. Ironically, though, the album has been released in multiple countries… but has never been officially released in the US. It’s an eclectic dance-pop sort of song (typical of the mid 90s) that seeks to fuse industrial/pop with operatic vocals. It can be difficult to decipher the lyrics (in fact, we’re still scratching our heads over it, to be honest), but it definitely makes for a good track to put on when running or exercising.
5) Stone Temple Pilots – Army Ants
STP’s single, “Army Ants,” tells the story of someone trying to break out of the norm. Feeling different from the crowd and unhappy with falling in line with everyone else — much like the titular ants. STP rails against falling in line and conforming simply to “complete the plan.”
6) Alien Ant Farm – Bug Bytes
Though not as catchy as their cover of Smooth Criminal or as “feel-good” as their other hit single, “Movies,” “Bug Bytes” remains a strong offering. Much like Kafka’s Metamorphosis, AAF becomes something other than human in this single… much to the chagrin of the female in question. It’s a remorseful retrospective, and AAF loses its humanity in stages, owed to an inconsiderate attitude.
“It’s quite a web you’ve spun around her,
And now she’s scared and hanging
It’s quite a web you’ve spun around her…”
7) Gary Beck – Pollinator
For the Trance fans out there, we have “Pollinator” By Gary Beck. It’s a remix of Miki Litvak’s original, and though lyric-less (ok, maybe we fudged the rules a little on this one), it’s a pretty good track. This piece has steady beat that, much like Brightman’s “The Fly” would fit on any exercise playlist (we’d probably queue it up for a spin class).
8) TMBG – Spider
They Might Be Giants are one of the most consistently… odd… bands that we can think of. Their subject matter in most of their songs is off the wall. “Spider” is no exception. It could be speculated that Spider is a roundabout ode to the Amazing Spider-Man, though no definitive evidence exists (though they have done their own version of the theme song in the past). Nevertheless, “Spider” is an odd addition to break up the monotony of your listening routine.
9) U2 – The Fly
U2 is a band known for their hits spanning DECADES. Though “The Fly” didn’t top the pop charts when it was released, it’s a single that fits right in with the rest of the album (Achtung Baby). Killer guitar riffs in the musical interlude and lyrics rife with metaphor (“It’s no secret that a conscience can sometimes be a pest”) provide a pop-rock ballad that would be welcome on practically any playlist.
10) Gorillaz – Empire Ants
That odd band that isn’t really a band (the “members” are all cartoons… even in concert), the Gorillaz certainly create the feeling of marching ants working for the empire (especially once the beat changes underneath lyrics “Little memories marching on / Your little feet working the machine.” The song marches on, round and round, just as ants do.
______BONUS TRACK_______
11) PUSA – Boll Weevil
Though The Presidents of the United States of America are perhaps more well known for their ode to peaches, PUSA puts out another fun song with “Boll Weevil.” It is another perfect example of PUSA’s eclectic style… full of nonsense and fun. This song makes for a good “in the car” jam or a mid-morning pick me up at work… just try not to get too animated as you bop along!
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So there you have it, our latest installment of “Pop Goes Pest.” Who do you think we should include in our next episode?
Contact us today if you have a pest control problem!
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Ten Tips for Keeping Pests Away
At Pro Pacific Pest Control, we provide efficient, certified protection for your home using the latest, most state-of-the-art equipment available. Often, though, we get questions from our long time customers, wanting to know what they can do to help prevent pests from invading. Of course, being on a regular pest control plan is one of the most efficient ways to avoid pests, but what ELSE can be done to avoid the creepy crawlies? Here are some handy DIY tips…
1 ) Repair structural deterioration or piles of debris around the home.
Insects and other pests are attracted to any place they can hide and feel comfortable. Rotting wood can be a big attractant, and rodents often like to nest in fallen flora.
2) Make sure all storage items are off the floor.
This makes it harder for insects and rodents to get inside your bins.
3) Try to keep storage items 2-3 feet away from walls.
This is especially helpful if you have a basement or a garage, as it makes it easier to inspect for pest entry.
4) Check out second-hand items for bugs and rodents before you bring them inside.
NEVER bring home furniture that has been left outside
5) Keep landscaping plants (shrubs, bushes, etc) trimmed.
It’s harder for insects to gain access if you keep your landscape plants neatly trimmed and spaced away from your home.
6) Check your home every few months for potential access points.
Cracks in walls and flooring, window seals, exterior doorways, improperly sealed siding, and roofing are all major access points. Try to check them regularly. If you have a hard time remembering when to do so, plan to do it whenever seasons change.
7) Keep doors and windows shut.
…or, at the very least, screened (Some bugs are small enough to get through screens, but a screen door will at least deter MOST insects).
8) Discard paper grocery bags and cardboard boxes.
It can be tempting to keep boxes and bags for future use, but they can sometimes carry insects or their eggs. Invest in reusable bags to cut down on the likelihood of pests hitching a ride home from the grocery store (AND it will reduce your carbon footprint, as well!)
10 ) Do the Taylor Swift and just “Shake It Off!“
If you’ve been outside (whether working in the yard, hiking, or whatever), before you go inside, be sure to shake out your clothes and wash them as soon as possible.
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So there you have it, Ten Tips For Pest Prevention! Have any additional tips you’d like to share? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments section! Contact us today!
Ants, Bees, Birds, FAQ, Featured, Fleas, food, General Pest Control, General Rodent, Pest Control, Spiders, Ticks, Uncategorized, Wasp
A Bug-Free BBQ
The countdown has begun! One of our favorite holidays has to be the Fourth of July! It’s a perfect time to spend with family and friends, enjoying each other’s company and commemorating the birth of the nation. Many Americans choose to celebrate with pool parties, BBQs, and major events. But just like every other outdoor activity, Pests can strike without warning! Let’s face it, bugs are JUST AS American as mom, baseball, and apple pie… in fact, bugs are worldwide!!! This year, though, we’re going to help you avoid those flying,crawling, and squirming party crashers. Below are our top tips for having a bug-free Fourth!
1) Stay Away From Water
“One if by land, two if by sea!” doesn’t just apply to Paul Revere! Given the chance, insects will come from any direction possible… Land, sea or air! Stagnant bodies of water are particularly popular with insects… in fact, that’s where many insects breed and lay their eggs.
As picturesque as having your outing by the lake may seem, consider moving the festivities (or at least the food) a bit further away to cut down on insect presence.
Also, be sure to scout out the area before setting up. If you notice there there is already a heavy insect presence, then BY ALL MEANS don’t set up shop there! Remember, prevention is ALWAYS easier and far less hassle than dealing with it after the fact!!!
2) Cover Your Food
Let’s face it… in a lot of ways, insects are just like us… they love, love, LOVE sticky sweets. And with that fine spread out on the table (hot dogs, potato salad, watermelon, and cobblers), it acts like a big target sign to attract bugs looking for a meal. The best way to stop them? Cover up! Use Tupperware containers for an eco-friendly solution, or cover your food with plastic wrap or tinfoil.
3) Put the Off ON!
Bug repellent comes in many forms, most notably in lotions (or sprays) that you can apply directly to your skin. This is useful for kids especially, as they are often unaware of potential “bug zones” and these lotions may assist in providing a barrier as they play.
If you’re averse to the idea of putting repellent on your body, there are other methods available. Some people swear by pest repellent candles or citronella “torches.” Another alternative (and not quite so “eye-grabbing” is to use insect-repellent incense. Incense can come in the form of small sticks, or in a spiral shape that slowly burns down and repels most insects (notably mosquitoes).
4) Clean Up!
Just like setting up shop near a lake can be ideal, it can also be tempting to put the trash receptacle very close to the table or close to where everyone is congregating. After all, who wants to walk away from the action just to throw food away? Well, aside from obvious health concerns about having garbage in the midst of activities, the trash can also be a HUGE attractant to wayward insects. They just LOVE the smell of fresh food! Walk a few extra steps to throw away trash and it can help you eliminate the need to swat flies or wasps while eating!
Sure, these methods won’t guarantee 100% bug eradication, but they’ll definitely reduce the amount of unwelcome visitors at your Awesome 4th of July celebration! Have additional tips or tricks you’d like to share? How about a favorite BBQ recipe? Let us know in the comment section or Tweet us so we can share it with the Pro Pacific Community! Call us today for all your pest control needs!
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Top 10: “Buggiest Cities” in the US
“You can run, but you can’t hide.”
It’s a well-known fact that insects are EVERYWHERE… from rural locations to sprawling cities, from mosquitoes to scorpions to mayflies, every spot in the US has its fair share of pest issues… especially as warm summer months kick into full gear and bring plenty of sunshine-filled days. These longer, warmer days encourage more bugs to make their presence known… and they often do it with buzzing, biting, and bothering us in general.
Recently, the National Pest Management Association compiled the list of the “Top 10 Buggiest Cities,” based on traffic to their website (www.pestworld.org).
The “Top Ten Buggiest Cities” break down as:
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Washington, DC
- Philadelphia
- Atlanta
- Boston
- San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose
- Dallas-Ft. Worth
- Houston
“While these 10 cities may be the buggiest, pests are plentiful in every city and state. As Americans spend more time outdoors during the summer months, we encourage them to take precautions to protect themselves, their families and their pets from the multitude of health risks posed by pests,” noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA.
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The BEST deterrent is, of course, a targeted barrier against pests via regular pest control applications. Whether it’s spiders, ants, or even fleas, we offer solutions for a variety of pest problems from LA to San Diego and surrounding areas. CALL NOW to see how we can provide you with focused protection for your home and family.
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Best Value Pest Control – Which One Should I Choose?
As soon as pests pop up, it can open the floodgates for LOTS of questions: “How did the pests get in my house?” “How do I get rid of pests?” “What pest control is best” and even “What’s the cheapest pest control in my area?”
You mind is instantly bombarded with plenty to think about, and we understand. That’s why we do things like this blog: We want to put your mind at ease and provide you with simple, effective solutions and answers for all your pest control needs.
Everyone is looking for “a deal.” We know, and we get that. That’s why we have a myriad of services designed to fit any situation and any budget. Read on for some great insight on finding the best value service!
How do I decide Pest Control Treatment Frequency?
Simply put, you need to bring in the experts. Pest Control technicians are trained to spot evidence of pests quickly, and they can also identify the source. Not all pests are “highly visible.”
When the experts are done, they will have recognized your issues and how extensive they are. Using that info, they’ll design a treatment schedule that will keep the pests away. And they will ensure to turn up timely for every appointment with an advance confirmation call to remind you of their visit.
How often should I have a Pest Control Treatment done?
Frequency really depends on the location of your house and the pest density… Although each infestation is different, the most cost-effective pest control is a bi-monthly (every two months) pest control service.
Our bi-monthly service generally covers bugs like spiders, ants, crickets, silverfish, earwigs, and more. Some infestations, such as major wasp nests or rodent issues, may be measured a specialty pest.
Why the bi-monthly service?
Usually, pesticides are helpful in eliminating and abating insects for up to two months after distribution. After that, your friendly neighborhood technician will be able to re-apply the products so you always have a protection barrier for your home.
After the first few services on the bi-monthly pest control plan, all nuisance pests in your home should be eliminated. From here, a “preventive” approach is taken. We will continue to address any pest issues that arrive, but our main focus is heavier stress on recognizing potential pest problems…. and eliminating them. At this point, most pest problems can be controlled completely from the exterior.
Another benefit of our bi-monthly pest control service is the fact that we’ve established a policy of free re-treats between services for our active customers. If you happen to notice insects getting a little too “friendly” in your yard or home, we’ll gladly send your technician to your residence to rectify the problem – at no extra charge. Essentially, a bi-monthly pest service gives you pest control whenever you call for it.
Though we DO offer one-time treatments, they are often only are a temporary solution. Though we guarantee our “One-Time” services for 30 days after application, what about after that? What about the pests that come AFTER the application wears off? You might as well put a “welcome” mat out for the ants and other creepy crawlies! That’s why it is SO imprtant to have ongoing protection for your home and family!
Why not just go for DIY Pest Control?
You can try looking online, or get pest control products from a hardware store. You can try the latest “lifehack” and you can employ all the hocus pocus and voodoo you want, but in the end you’ll most likely spend more time and effort than you originally intended. And it may cost you. We’ve mentioned this several times before.
Are you ready to put in the time, effort and money into do-it-yourself pest control products?
…OR you could simply obtain a bi-monthly pest control starting at only $69 every other month. That bimonthly pest control service includes your own technician/specialist, who will arrive on a schedule that is convenient for you, all to protect your home and family!
Instead of breaking your back with DIY solutions that may or may not work, you’ll have your pest control requests fulfilled (and guaranteed), and enjoy in a pest free home!
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Call us NOW to get your home protected TODAY!
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Pop Goes Pest – Buggin’ Out: Episode III
It’s Music Monday!!!!
We’ve reached Part Three of our ongoing “Pop Goes Pest” series. As before, we’re looking at popular artists who have immortalized bugs, spiders, and other pests in their songs. We’ve avoided including artists based solely on band name or song title. To make our compilations, lyrics have to allude to or include pests in some way. And of course, you can always click the individual songs to listen… or you can follow our playlist on Spotify… the perfect companion for your morning commute!
A Taste of Honey – Barbra Streisand
Truth be told, this could probably have fit in our “Love” Playlist, but we’ll settle for including it here. In this single, Barbra sings what she knows best – a ballad for the hopeless romantics out there. Love will keep her warm in the distance from her lover… Babs states that “He’ll come back for the honey and me.” That honey is “sweeter than wine.”
Attack of the Giant Ants – Blondie
Blondie rocks out of the gate with a strong drum presence before finally adding instruments and going full out in the whimsical (yet somewhat morbid) tune… It even has its own “la-la-la refrain to offset the countless deaths being chronicled! We wonder if this song is based on the classic horror movie, “Them!” or if it was inspired by (its closely related cousin) “Empire of the Ants.” Either way, it’s a crazy jaunt… the “interlude” even includes sounds from the “invasion” – people screaming, destruction, and more. It really DOES sound like it was ripped out of a movie!
The only country music entry in this installment of our music series, Brad Paisley gets “romantic” … well, as romantic as you can be when ticks are involved, we suppose. A common ritual for kids who spend their childhood outside in tall grass (our readers from the South will be very familiar with this practice), “checking for ticks” is, apparently, more than just disease prevention. We suspect that Mr. Paisley has ulterior motives in this scenario…
Probably most well known for its inclusion on the soundtrack for Stealth (starring Jennifer Biel and Jamie Foxx), Bug Eyes is an interesting introspective… the lyrics “Your journey back to birth is haunting you” seem to indicate that the author (or the listener, as you prefer it) is looking back on his or her life. This song brilliantly sums up the feeling you get when you realize that things aren’t the way you planned them to be – the past is gone and the future is fast approaching (“Your departure from Earth is haunting you.”).
Butterfly Caught – Massive Attack
A driving beat underneath a single with little to no complete sentences, “Butterfly Caught” seems to allude to innocence lost and the struggle against self… the classic Man vs Id scenario. The Eastern influence on Massive Attack’s single is evident from the first notes, and in Eastern cultures A butterfly is symbolic of beauty and the soul. It can also symbolise transitions. A butterfly being captured could mean a soul being confined, abused, and damaged — or something beautiful being stifled and repressed– or even the loss of innocence.
The King Beetle on Coconut Estate – MeWithoutYou
An existential dilemma, the lyrics of The King Beetle on Coconut Estate uses imagery to describe one of life’s biggest questions: what is out there beyond us? The beetles seek to answer this question for themselves, and only when the king beetle is on his death bed does he come to a conclusion to the life beyond. MeWithoutYou is a band that is know for their allegory, and this song is no exception!
Before she went Full Miley and “came in like a wrecking ball,” Billie Ray’s little lady did her best at channeling Britney Spears for this lesser-known single. We’ve ALL wanted to be a fly on the wall at some point… though maybe not for Miley’s life events (we seem to get enough of that in the news and MTV already). Lyrically not amazing, and the power chords overwhelm what little lyrical content the song has, but hey — it’s pop music, what did you expect?
Butterflies and Hurricanes – Muse
This song takes its title from The Butterfly Effect of chaos theory — “when a butterfly flaps its wings in one place, it can create a hurricane in another part of the world.” Muse is one of those rare bands which can deliver musically strong singles while ALSO providing deep lyrics. Some people assert that this single is an optimistic outlook on life… that we can change to be better, change in order to change the world (much like a butterfly metamorphosis). Others attest that this is more of a cynical song, pointing to lyrics about changing and being the best as all the pressures that we have stacked upon us to excel, and that we are forced to change or perish. Either way, the deep lyrical content (backed by catchy yet complex music) makes for a memorable single.
Speaking of pop fluff, Owl City presents their closest imitation of The Postal Service, and their resulting effort is hit or miss (depending on who you ask). Nevertheless, this single got quite a bit of radio play once it was released. It’s been the subject of parody and praise, but it’s a relatively whimsical song that can easily fit into any laid back playlist you might compile.
As with other songs involving butterflies, this song can symbolise both death and rebirth… a death of the old self, a rebirth of self toward a new creature… though some of the lyrics suggest that the transition in this single is merely a surface change, and that the old creature is still under the surface, submerged, but waiting to come out again. It’s a melancholic set of lyrics, pasted against an upbeat tempo and “sing-along” sort of chorus.
BONUS TRACK
Most famous for its use as the theme for “The Dating Game,” Spanish Flea has enjoyed pop culture references by Eddie Murphy, The Simpsons, and even in the 2013 movie, White House Down. (OK, we MAY have cheated a little on this one… there are no lyrics, but it’s such a popular tune that we felt it HAD to be included!)
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So what do you think? How does this installment stack against the others? Any songs that we should include on our next portion of the series? We’ve been amazed at how many bug songs there are out there (and we have managed to stay AWAY from kid’s songs, to boot)! Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+… and of course, if bugs start bugging YOU, we can get rid of them SAME DAY! Just give us a call!
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Top Ten: Reasons YOU Should Have Pest Control!
Pest control is essential in order to protect your and your family’s health and your home from the harmful pests. Many large businesses and small homes use pest control, do you? If not, we’ve compiled a list of ten reasons YOU should use pest control.
1). Rodents eat up nearly one fourth of the world’s food supply.
2). Rodents also chew up the wiring of electricity leaving exposed wires everywhere… which can cause fire/safety hazards.
3). Rat bites can cause bubonic plague, trichinosis, leptospirosis.
3). Rodents, raccoons, and other pests are also responsible for carrying dangerous pests like ticks and mites that can transmit diseases to human from animals.
4). Every year thousands of people are admitted to hospitals due to insect bites and bee stings, often because of allergic reactions.
5). Pests like mosquitoes transmit malaria, dengue, plague, West Nile virus, and more.
6). A single termite queen lays thousands of eggs. These larvae can cause extreme structural damage to your home.
7). Bedbug bites can cause severe irritation and rashes.
8). Without proper pest management, pests would destroy almost 50% of food crops.
9). Cockroaches carry various bacteria and pathogens that can make you sick, and can trigger severe asthmatic attacks.
10). Pests can often prey on native fauna, endangering the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
…..so have you signed up for pest control yet? It could literally save your life!
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“The Down and Dirty” of Roach Control
One of the most common pests (and to most, one of the grossest!) is the cockroach. If you shudder at the thought of hundreds of roaches scurrying at the flip of a light switch, then this week’s foray into roach control is right up your alley!
About Roaches
Most people just think “roaches are roaches.” Like most animals, however, there are a variety of breeds. The two most common in houses are the American cockroach (which, ironically, is found all over the world) and the German cockroach. German cockroaches are the more famous variety, as they lay far more eggs than other types of roaches, which leads to a much larger scale infestation.
Roaches are most active at night. they prefer dark, moist spaces, often hiding under the refrigerator or near leaky drains/pipes. In apartment complexes roaches REALLY thrive, as they are able to move freely between units.
Roaches aren’t picky about what they eat. Garbage is prime eats for the pests… especially anything that is high in starches or sugars. They’ll also eat the corpses of their fellow roaches.
Why Roaches Are Dangerous
It’s more than just “negative PR” when it comes to WHY we should get rid of roaches. Roaches leave feces and partially digested food. Since roaches are so attracted to dine on garbage and other human waste, they often pick up (and can potentially transmit) different diseases. Roaches can not only cause skin irritation or respiratory issues, but have also been associated with dangerous diseases such as cholera, leprosy, plague, polio, and typhoid fever, among others.
How to Prevent Roaches
Cleanliness is an important factor in preventing roach infestation, but unfortunately, it’s not a silver bullet. Even the cleanest apartment can become infested with roaches due to shared walls (most often the original source comes from a neighbouring apartment). We’ve seen roaches in the cleanest of locales! Nevertheless, be sure to clean scraps of food, and keep leftovers in sealed containers. Bleaching trash containers every few weeks can also avert potential infestation. Seal any places where cockroaches could come in… a gap beneath the door or even an opening near sewer pipes. Make sure to get rid of or fix any sources of standing water.
How to Get Rid of Roaches
Unfortunately, even the best prevention methods sometimes fall short for whatever reason. Many people will try to do their own pest control with DIY roach kits. These can occasionally be effective, but more often than not, by the time you notice roaches in the house they have a whole colony hiding away somewhere. A certified pest control technician can assist in eradicating your roach issue. And of course, you can always contact us for any questions you may have!
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***NOTE: Generally, pest control companies will schedule more than one visit to make sure that the adults AND their offspring (and any unhatched eggs) are disposed of. Without this attention to detail, the roaches can come back (and even worsen) once they mature.
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Pop Goes Pest: Part Deux
For the second portion in our ongoing “Pop Goes Pest” series (Part one is here), we’re looking at ten more songs (and of course, a bonus track) that focus on insects. As before, you can click each song to play in Spotify, or you can follow the playlist as a whole.
Any child of the late 90s will remember this tune. It was at the top of the charts for a while, but unfortunately Crazy Town just couldn’t come up with another hit to follow the success of “Butterfly.” Lyrically, the song doesn’t have much to offer, but it is typical of hits at the time: a catchy chorus with not a lot to say (attractive “bad boy” band members didn’t hurt, either).
In this song, Nada Surf uses metaphor to describe “the human condition.” Matthew (the lead singer for Nada Surf) is unhappy with how things are, but much like the fruit flies mentioned in the song, he’s gassed out and can’t find any other solution that to just go on. Whether you dive deeper into the lyrics for commentary on existentialism or just take them at face value, this is definitely a track worth checking out.
An upbeat track, “Butterfly” (not to be confused with the aforementioned venture by Crazy Town) is definitely a song that can get stuck in your head for the entire day. It’s a funky ballad of sorts, definitely a song that can be easily danced to, but the lyrics get creative as well, with such gems as “Eskimo your nose real close to mine” and “Butterfly well you landed on my mind / You landed on my ear and then you crawled inside”
Red House Painters – Dragonflies
Though the Red House Painters are best known for “Song for a Blue guitar,” “Dragonflies” is another solid offering by the band. It’s that mellow, haunting tune that the band has developed over time. “Dragonflies” is the perfect ballad to listen to on a rainy / dreary / lonely day.
More famous for their affinity for a “life in plastic,” Aqua released “Bumble Bees” after “Barbie Girl” took the world by storm. It’s just as ridiculous as you would expect from the band. “Bumble Bees” didn’t rank on the charts… but it also didn’t land them in the same amount of hot water as their one hit did, either (MCA Records — Aqua’s record label — was sued by Mattel when “Barbie Girl” was released).
Bessie Smith – Mean Old Bed Bug Blues
Jazz legend Bessie Smith is one of the original vocalists for this particular single. It was later done by other great artists such as Dave Van Ronk, Furry Lewis, and Lonnie Johnson. Smith adds a soulfulness to her rendition that others can’t quite imitate. the way she hangs on the the notes is a haunting display of skill and technique.
This is actually a cover of the song “Buzz” by Throwing Muses (which for some reason is not included in the artist’s collection on Spotify). The lyrics are vague enough that the listener can impose his or her own interpretation, but specific enough that they make one wonder what inspired them. Are the lyrics a metaphor for something in Kristin Hersh’s life? What are the bees buzzing around her? Do they represent her life hangups, her character flaws? Or is the song simply a song, written with words that will fit with a common theme but no underlying message? We’d be interested to get the inside scoop!
A very old song, this has been covered by a plethora of artists, but Burl Ives is arguably the most famous artist to perform it. The song itself is pretty dated, stylistically speaking. There’s no chance that a casual listener could mistake this song for a modern era hit…. though we think it WOULD be pretty interesting to hear Lady Gaga do her own version of this. Who would win: Gaga’s “Monsters” or Ives’ “Ugly Bugs?”
HIM – [Rip Out] The Wings Of A Butterfly
HIM gained a large amount of popularity as the result of being featured by professional skateboarder Bam Margera (who actually ended up directing several music videos for the artist). “The Wings of a Butterfly” is a power chord-driven song. It’s also a bit angst-driven, but it’s got a good beat behind it and the hook itself is pretty catchy as well.
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum – Cockroach
In their best impression of Rex Harrison (of “My Fair Lady” fame), SGM speak-sings this “ode” to the cockroach. The progression of chords gives a sinister edge, much like the public perception of the cockroach itself: a loathsome thing. Listening to this song, it’s easy to imagine the lead singer of SGM as an old villain from vaudeville: twirling his moustache as he sings of dark, despicable things. Luckily, there are no damsels in distress, merely creepy crawlies (which are easily smashed or exterminated if needed by our San Diego pest removal services. )
BONUS:
James Brown – I Got Ants in My Pants (And I Want To Dance)
The “Hardest Working Man in Showbiz” gives us some extra soul to complete our list. James Brown has NEVER been known for standing still, and this song finally reveals the cause of his constant motion: He’s got an entire colony of ants in his slacks, apparently! This song is classic James Brown, and we challenge you to listen and NOT feel the urge to move!
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So there you have it, 11 great songs to get your bug fix with. Feel free to rock out, get down, and funk things up with our playlist this weekend. And if some REAL critters get into your headphones (or if you get ants in your pants like the “Godfather of Soul,”) call us for same-day service!
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Infographic: “Fun Facts”
Here’s a very useful infographic about common household pests, courtesy of Improvement Center (click for full size). Of course, if any of these pests DO pop up in your home, remember that we provide FREE Same-Day Estimates and can often do same day services, too!!!