Above: A harmless hover fly feeding on sweaty skin. These flies appear in mid- to late-summer. The 1860s song of this title has retained some popularity through the years. Who has not been annoyed by ...

"Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me,” “Blue Tail Fly (Jimmy Crack Corn),” “Polly Wolly Doodle,” “Turkey in the Straw.” What do these songs have in common? They’re American folk songs, children’s songs, songs ...

You’ve seen the images. Pest-control operators in full-body suits, tanks of toxins on their backs and spray guns at the ready. These guys are dressed to kill. But that’s history. “I think the industry ...

“Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me,” “Blue Tail Fly (Jimmy Crack Corn),” “Polly Wolly Doodle,” “Turkey in the Straw.” What do these songs have in common? They’re American folk songs, children’s songs, songs ...