Consumers and pest control operators alike value their pest control technicians.

For the consumer, a skilled and attentive technician keeps their families safe from dangerous pests like stinging scorpions, poisonous Black Widow spiders, and disease carrying cockroaches. This VALUE is immeasurable but in terms of a monetary COST; it’s about $50 a month, depending on the size of a home, location, and treatment methods.

For the pest control operator, a reliable and experienced technician creates immense value for the company. A high-quality technician retains customers through their expertise and superior customer service. This value and monetary cost is a little more challenging to calculate, but really got me thinking: How much does it cost to replace an excellent pest control technician?

What It Costs To Replace A Pest Control Technician

Determining what it costs to replace a pest control technician is a difficult task, especially since there are so many different variables. These direct cost calculations are a very rough estimate. The dollar figures used come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which estimates the average pest control tech makes $14.59 hour; and pest control manager makes about $50K a year. These are the numbers I went by.

Please note that these figures are direct costs only. There are many more indirect costs like: loss of productivity while other techs run partial routes, lost manager and supervisor productivity, and a drop of customer satisfaction due to a temporary loss of customer service or even losing their once favorite tech. These indirect costs are nearly impossible to calculate.

Want Ads. In order to replace an old technician, you need to find a new one. An online pest control technician want ad runs about $40.00.

Interview Process. Management must spend time going through applicant resumes and conducting 30 minute interviews. I estimate this to be about a half day’s work/ salary ($50K yr/ 260 work days yr/ 2 for half day = about $100). Multiply this by two, because two managers are usually present for interviews. $200.00.

HR Administrative Time. After hiring an employee, a company must get them ready for the work force. This includes, collecting records, on auto insurance, gas cards, company phone, etc. I figure this is about a half days work ($50K yr/ 260 work days yr/ 2 for half day). About $100.00.

Background Checks. Make sure your new hire is safe to send into your customer’s homes. $36.00.

Driving Records. Make sure your new hire is safe on the roads. $15.00.

Licensing. Each new technician needs to be licensed. This is about $50.00.

Uniforms. Five shirts ($30 each), uniform hat ($40), uniform jacket ($60), protective boots ($100) and individual technician manual/treatment guide ($100). This equates to $330.00. Note: some PCO’s require new technicians to purchase these.

Training. A new technician requires 2-3 weeks of paid training. This training includes working on-site while a manager or supervisor is present. Calculating the paid training ($14.59/hr for 3 weeks @ 40 hrs a week = $1750.00), plus three weeks of a manager’s or supervisor’s time/salary (Approx $1000 a week for 3 weeks = $3,000), equates to $4750.00.

Technician Overtime. Overtime that goes to technicians who are covering the vacant route also need to be factored in. If the vacant tech was working 40 hrs a week, then I figure about 40 hours of overtime for all other staffed technicians, per week ($14.59 an hr @ time and a half multiplied by 40 = $875.00). If it takes a month to hire and train a new technician, you’re looking at $3500.00 in overtime paid to other techs covering the vacant route.

Summary:

Want Ads–   $40.00
Interview Process–   $200.00
HR Administrative Time–  $100.00
Background Checks–   $36.00
Driving Records–   $15.00
Licensing–   $50.00
Uniforms–   $330.00
Training–   $4750.00
Technician Overtime-   $3500.00

Total:   $9021.00

WOW! When factoring in direct costs alone, it costs $9021 to replace a pest control technician. That’s a significant hit! If the average technician makes $30,340 per year, the financial hit is about 109 days of a technician’s pay. This doesn’t even take in to account any indirect costs of losing a technician.

The Value Of A Good Technician To The Consumer

For customers of pest control services, your home is your castle. It’s also your biggest investment. A good pest control technician protects this investment from destructive pests like termites and Carpenter ants.

A quality pest control technician also keeps your family safe from dangerous pests like stinging scorpions, poisonous Black Widow spiders, and disease carrying cockroaches.

A first-class technician will do all of this, all while being punctual. You are busy and need a technician to be on time. An excellent technician is somebody you can trust; somebody you feel comfortable letting inside your home and around your family. They make you feel safe, and not just from the bugs. On top of it all, a good technician is somebody you have rapport with; somebody you can talk to about your day.

There is immense value in having a good pest control technician.

The Value Of A Good Technician To The Employer

We already determined the cost of replacing a good technician. It’s just over $9000. The VALUE of a good technician is something completely different.

Pest control technicians are the face and image of your company. They are face-to-face with your customer daily; customers who rely heavily on first impressions. Good pest control technicians create value. They are the first ones you send to service troubled accounts. They get excellent online reviews. They have high customer retention rates. They are reliable, dependable, punctual, and keep your customers satisfied.

Not only do good pest control technicians add value to your business, they are the backbone!

What It Costs Keeping A Bad Tech Too Long

We determined that good pest control technicians are extremely valuable to both consumers and pest control operators alike. It’s also a big financial hit to replace a technician ($9021); But bad technicians are equally bad for business.

We’ve all seen it before in the business world… An employee who is unproductive, burnt out, and ready for a change. For PCO’s these employees have both direct and indirect costs associated with them as well. Low productivity, bad company morale or culture, and lost customers are some of the costs that come to mind. Sometimes pest control operators hold on to bad employees too long, because they don’t want to have to hire a new tech (with accompanying costs). As for a direct monetary number associated with these bad pest control technicians; that’s another blog post for another day. I’m guessing it’s comparable to the costs associated to losing a good technician.

What It All Means

Pest control technicians are very valuable to both the pest control operator, and to the consumer.

For pest control operators, technicians are the backbone of your business. Maximum effort must be utilized to not only hire these good technicians, but to retain them. The old saying goes, hire tough, manage easy. Do this, and retain your technicians through compensation and motivation, and you’ll be one step closer to succeeding in business.

For pest control consumers, let your technician know how much they are valued. Give them a good review on Yelp or Angie’s List. There isn’t a lot of glory in keeping you free from dangerous pest, but these excellent pest control technicians show up everyday and work hard, so you can live pest free.

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Anthony Ball

Scorpions on a stick (Photo credit: ming1967)

How do you know if somebody is doing CrossFit?

They will be sure to tell you all about it!

The CrossFit community is a passionate group to say the least. With all seriousness, you can definitely tell if somebody is avid about CrossFit, and has been doing it for awhile… Their muscles will be bulging out of their shirt.

With this growing nationwide Crossfit trend, many CrossFit enthusiasts are practicing the accompanying Paleo diet.

As a bug guy, this Paleo lifestyle struck my curiosity… “Are insects Paleo?”

What Is Paleo?

You’ve heard it called the caveman diet. Others call it the ancestral, primal, real-food, or nutrient-dense diet. Whatever you call it, the Paleo way of eating mimics the eating habits of our ancient ancestors.

Paleo (short for Paleolithic) is about eating the foods that were prevalent during the Paleolithic era. Sorry, jelly-filled powdered donuts where not available back then. Needless to say, eating Paleo is very challenging for most. In terms of weight loss, and changing your body shape; results can be amazing.

Paleo foods include lean meats, seafood, grass-fed beef, veggies, roots, berries, various nuts, and eggs. Pasteurized dairy products, grains, legumes, and refined foods are strictly off limits. So where do insects fit in on the spectrum?

Eating Scorpions (Photo credit: istolethetv)

Are Insects Paleo?

While the thought of eating bugs is repulsive to some; insects are a healthy, protein packed, meat alternative food option.

So is this healthy meat alternative Paleo? Short answer… Yes.

According to Paleo traditionalists, anything with a face is Paleo; and that includes insects. With this definition, apparently cannibalism is also Paleo.

A Paleo diet is less about avoiding grains, legumes, pasteurized dairy and refined foods; and is more about eating nutrient rich foods that work well with your body. Insects like crickets, scorpions, grubs, and grasshoppers are packed with protein and are actually very healthy when prepared correctly.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, some insects contain twice the protein of raw meat and fish, while others, particularly in their larval stage, are also rich in fat, vitamins and minerals. Now that’s Paleo!

Paleo Flow Chart

Entomophagy- The Practice Of Eating Insects

Eating insects might seem like a gross act, better left for ‘Bizarre Foods’ host Andrew Zimmern. The truth is Entomophagy, or the act of eating insects, is a way of life for millions of people worldwide. People in less developed countries rely on insects for protein and other nutrients needed for survival. Scientists have long been touting insects as a protein-packed meat alternative that could help meet the world’s growing food demand.

While the practice of eating insects, may be unsettling for some people’s palates, different species of beetles, ants, bees, grasshoppers and crickets are eaten in 23 countries in the Americas, 29 countries across Asia, and 36 countries in Africa. In Thailand alone, 200 different insect species are consumed and are commonly sold as street snacks throughout the country.

Learn more about different country’s insect cuisine by clicking here.

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Anthony Ball

Pest Of The Week: Bagrada Bugs

Bagrada bugs, sometimes called painted bugs, harlequin bugs, or cabbage bugs, can commonly cause pest control problems in select areas of the United States. They are very common in Southern California, where they were first discovered in 2008. Since then they have migrated to parts of Southern Arizona.

Bagrada bugs measure about 6 mm in length, and have a very recognizable shield shaped body. Their orange, black, and white markings also make the insects very recognizable. Those not familiar with bagrada bugs, sometimes mistake them for ladybugs; even though they are orange (not red) and are a different shape.

Bagrada bugs commonly harm garden plants like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnip, and radish. When one of these garden plants are attacked by bagrada bugs, they can sustain significant damage. Bagrada bugs will destroy their plant host by inserting their needle-like mouth parts, and suck out the vital juices the plants need to survive.

Pest Control Links Round-Up For May 17, 2013

Glow In The Dark Scorpions At Neon Splash Dash

Bulwark Exterminating was a big hit with their scorpion trucks and glow-in-the dark scorpions at the Neon Splash Dash 5K in Scottsdale, AZ. More…

Beware of Cockroaches

Roach droppings can be dangerous, but the worst part of it is that the legs and feet can track germs throughout a home very quickly. This easily spreads very dangerous diseases. More…

The Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

Wood roaches are common to wooded areas (not just in Pennsylvania), from late spring through summer, and live in hollow trees and stumps. Do not to store firewood indoors or against the side of your home as it can attract these roaches. More…

Controlling Mosquitoes That Find Their Way in Your Home

Rest Easy Pest Control offers these preventative measures this summer to ensure your home remains mosquito free. More…

North Carolina Braces For Cicada Invasion

The east coast is bracing for the 17 year cicadas, and the residents of North Carolina are no different. Here’s an informative Q & A article about the noisy cicada’s invasion of the Tarheel state. More…

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Anthony Ball

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

Desert Hairy Scorpion (Photo credit: lilspikey)

Pest Of The Week: Desert Hairy Scorpion

Found in the rocky desert regions of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah; the Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion is quite an intimidating pest. Reaching lengths of almost six inches, it is the biggest scorpion that is naturally found in the U.S. Their huge size allows Desert Hairy Scorpions to feed on smaller scorpions like Arizona Bark Scorpions. They will also eat snakes, lizards, spiders, large insects, and small vertebrates like mice.

The Desert Hairy Scorpion is a dark gold in color with a dark top. Like all other scorpions, the Desert Hairy scorpion has lobster-like pincers or claws. It received the name “Hairy” because of the fine brown hairs that cover its body, which detect vibration in the soil. While the Arizona Desert Hairy scorpion is very intimidating looking, its venom is not very potent. A sting will fill very much like a bee sting.

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

Earwig-Scorpion-Grasshopper-Dragonfly Discovered In Brazil

You have to see the pictures of this newly discovered insect. It has wings like a dragonfly and pinchers like a scorpion or earwig. More…

Bed Bug Prevention Tips

Our summer vacations are almost here, and there are a few things we can do to prevent bringing bedbugs back home with us. More…

Landscaping Tip: Garter Snake Pest Control

Garter snakes are common garden pests, and there are things that can be done to prevent them from slithering their way onto your property; without having to kill them. More…

West Nile Already Confirmed In Maricopa County

Oh man. Here we go again… And so early this year. The West Nile Virus has already been discovered in Arizona’s Maricopa County. Cities like Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and Queen Creek will bee a mosquito hot-bed again this year. More…

Deal With Potential Ant Problems Before They Happen

Take a few preventative measures this spring to ensure you home remains free from ants. More…

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Anthony Ball

Live Roach Cam

Live video by Animal Planet L!ve

Have you ever wondered what pests like scorpions, ants, spiders, and roaches do when we’re not watching them? Well, wonder no more! I bring you the live roach cam. It’s a 24-7-365 live feed of cockroaches living in a miniature apartment, aka a dollhouse.

Watch the roaches eat, mate, crawl around, and just hang out.

It’s like watching an episode of The Jersey Shore, except more exciting and with less disease.

The window in the apartment looks to be a green screen that’s playing something on a loop. Today it happens to be the Ellen DeGeneres Show; yesterday it was cars driving by. Watch closely, and you can see the roaches crawling around on top of the furniture and under the fridge… Much like a roach would do in a standard apartment.

What’s next, a live feed of penguins, sea nettles, or leafcutter ants?

Yup! You guessed it!

You can watch about any critter you want on a live cam nowadays. All of these live feeds of living creatures, including the live roach cam, come to you via Animal Planet, and their new website APL.TV.

If you’re interested in watching something with a few less legs, check out the live kitten or puppy cams… You won’t feel quite as itchy afterward.

There are also live feeds for Beluga whales, calves, osprey, chicks, wild birds, and the Pacific Reef.

Roach (Photo credit: Are W)

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of this country’s most hardy pests, and maybe the most disgusting. They come into our homes in search of food and water, spreading disease as they go. Cockroaches will eat almost anything. In fact, cockroaches have been known to eat blood, hair, wood, glue, leather, and fecal matter.

Cockroaches in the home spread diseases like: polio, typhoid fever, leprosy, and bubonic plaque. They have also been shown to cause allergic reactions in humans, and are linked to asthma. Other unpleasant side effects roaches can cause are food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, parasitic worms, and urinary track infections. In addition to all of those, cockroaches also carry over 40 different types of bacteria.

Did I mention cockroaches are disgusting insects? Roaches are better left to watch on a live roach cam, and are definitely not something you want in your home. If you do have them in your home, get Bulwark Cockroach Control.

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Anthony Ball

Desert Hairy Scorpion

Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus hirsutus) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Arizona Desert Hairy scorpions are a nocturnal, warm-desert species; specially adapted to the hot and dry desert conditions. Occupying the western two thirds of Arizona, the Colorado and Mojave desert regions of southern California, southern Nevada, and extreme southwestern Utah, the Arizona Desert Hairy scorpion is one of the largest species of scorpions in North America; growing to a length of 5.6 to 6 inches. Its large size allows it to feed on other scorpions, and a variety of other prey; including lizards, snakes, large insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. The Desert Hairy Scorpion is usually yellow, with a dark top; and lobster-like claws/pincers. It received its common name “Hairy”, from the brown hair that covers its body; used to detect vibration in the soil.

Although this scorpion is big, its venom is not very potent. The sting from an Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion, is commonly perceived to be as painful as a honeybee’s sting. Nevertheless, an allergic reaction to its venom can be fatal. Symptoms can include: difficulty breathing, excessive swelling, and prolonged pain.

Most commonly encountered in rocky habitats, the Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion will sometimes stray; into sandy soils. Known as a burrowing scorpion, the Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion will dig elaborate burrows (up to 2.5 meters deep) and emerge at night to forage for prey and mates. This pest may also be discovered under rocks, containing traces of moisture.

Also see: scorpion pest control

Anthony Ball

Links Round-Up: 5 For Friday

Rasberry Ants Spreading Through Texas

The Rasberry ant (not raspberry) was first discovered in Houston, TX in 2002, but has now spread to 24 different counties in the state of Texas. They are now also found in North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. More…

NPMA Legislative Day in Washington – Clark Pest Control

Clark Pest Control participated in NPMA Legislative Day sending two executives, Here’s what they learned. More…

Bulwark Scorpion Control Makes The Evening News

With the scorpions making an earlier than usual appearance in Arizona this spring, residents were in need of some answers. CBS 5 News in Phoenix called Bulwark Exterminating for some those answers. Watch the video here.

Wolf Spiders: Pests or Diamonds

We’ve all had an experience with a wolf spider at least once in our lives. Here’s EnviroTech’s experience with the hairy looking spider. More…

Spring is Bee Season

Aww, spring is finally here… For some of the country anyway. Be on the lookout for hives popping up on your property. Here are a few tips on what to do, and what not to do, if you have a bee hive(s). More…

Pest Of The Week: Black Widow Spider

Female black widow spider guarding an egg case – Species Latrodectus mactans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the most recognizable, and perhaps the most feared, spiders in the United States is the Black Widow spider. This distinction comes from the female’s notoriously venomous bite. While the female Black Widow spider is generally shy in nature, she can become aggressive and bite when she is provoked, or when she is protecting her young. Her venom is one of the most potent venoms found on the planet. Only female Black Widows will bite humans. The males, who are brown and white in color, cannot bite because of their size.

The female Black Widow spider measures about 1/2 inch in length, with a shiny black body, long thin legs and large oval abdomen with a red “hourglass” pattern on the underside. Black Widows make their webs wherever there is water or other insects. They are common among the garages, patios, sheds, and storage areas of a home. Professional spider control methods are successfully used to eliminate them from around the home.

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Anthony Ball

Western Carpenter Ant, Camponotus modoc (Photo credit: ArranET)

Pest Of The Week: The Western Carpenter Ant

One of the most common types of Carpenter ants is the Western Carpenter ant; which are located west of the Mississippi River. They are easy to differentiate, because of the gold hairs on their abdomens that circle the ant like a ring. Like other Carpenter ants, the Western Carpenter ant has a dull black body with reddish legs. They can bite, but do not sting.

Western Carpenter ants eat the honeydew from plants, as well as other insects, and even people food. They like the same food as we do… Meat, sweets, and anything greasy. One misconception about the Western Carpenter ant is that they eat wood. The truth is, these ants only build their nests in rotting, dead wood; they do not actually eat the wood they remove during nest-building activities. Instead, they deposit it in piles just outside the entrances to the colony. The wood is used solely as a nesting site. Western Carpenter ants nests require professional pest control to eliminate.

Friday Links Round-Up of Pest Control Articles

Report: Microscopic Scorpions Crawl On You While You Sleep

Learn the horrifying truth about these near microscopic scorpions, here.

Would You Eat Bugs?

Mmmmm! Ant lollipops and chocolate covered grasshoppers. More…

Gearing Up For Termite Season In New England

Know the signs of a termite infestation. More…

Don’t Let Carpenter Ants Munch Away On Your Biggest Investment

Carpenter ants, like our pest of the week the Western Carpenter ant, can compromise the integrity of your home. These ant pests are often times confused with termites because they destroy wood. More…

Fire Ant Stings

Here’s some information on fire ant stings, including common reactions, treatment, and a disturbing picture. More…

The Truth About Ticks

For a few unpleasant facts about ticks, and some steps to take about preventing them, click here.

Termite and Ant Swarmers in Springfield Joplin and Branson Missouri

Here’s an excellent article on how to tell the difference between swarming termites and swarming ants. More…

Gallinippers – Monster Mosquitoes That Pack A Mean Bite!

“ I’ve just been stabbed! No wait…it was just a mosquito bite.” More great info on the Gallinipper. More…

Garden/Black Ants

Everything you need to know about black ants, including: habitat, breeding, behavior, and control. More…

Bulwark Paintball Summit 2013

Bulwark Pest Control had a fun time taking a break from exterminating bugs, and instead exterminated each other in competitive matches of paintball.

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Anthony Ball

It’s April Fools Day and all of us are on high alert; making sure our family, roommates, friends and coworkers don’t pull one over on us.

For all of you pranksters out there, there’s no easier prank to pull off than a classic bug prank. Whether you’re going to dump a jar of crickets on your buddy as he takes a shower, put a fake fly in somebody’s spaghetti, or put a tarantula on your boss’s desk; a creepy bug can be the cornerstone of any successful prank. Here are a just a few April Fools pranks involving bugs:

Scorpion Prank

Thumbs up for scorpions! Watch what happens when a massive Emperor Scorpion is let loose on this poor girl in the bathroom. “Get it away; it’s going to KILL ME… HE WILL KILL US ALL!!!” You may want to turn down the volume on your computer for this one.

Bug Exterminator Prank!

Note to pest control professionals everywhere… Here’s how you don’t spray for cockroaches. While technically the prank doesn’t involve any actual bugs, a bug exterminator is equally effective.

Spider Prank

Don’t get startled this April Fools Day if a spider mysteriously lands on you from the sky.

The Cockroach Prank

This cockroach prank was featured on one of our previous blogs entitled A Roach Is Not A Love Bug. It is too good to not share again. Enjoy!

Cricket Prank – Infesting Your Coworker’s Truck

I just found another definition for the word MADNESS… The sound of 2000 crickets chirping in unison inside your truck.

Drive Thru Bug Prank

As if fast food employees didn’t have it bad enough already, now they have to put up with giant cockroaches on there hands. Let’s just hope the only cockroaches found at your favorite drive thru are fake– just like the one in this prank.

Giant Hairy Spider Dropped On Boyfriend

It’s easy. It’s a classic. It’s a simple spider on a string, and this poor sap lets his girlfriend get the best of him.

Mixed Nuts and Worms Prank

One thing we know for sure, food and worms don’t mix. Watch what happens when a bag of meal-worms is placed in a unsuspecting woman’s favorite snack.

Roach Prank

Why haven’t I ever though of this before… A giant plastic roach tied to some fishing line. The possibilities are endless! It can definitely go a long way in making most anybody squirm.

Big Scary Spider Prank

Who knew dogs were just as scared of spiders as we are? My dog just eats them! I guess when the spider is as big as a domesticated cat, even a dog will run.

All of us bug guys here at Blog Pest Control and Bulwark Exterminating would like to warn you to be on the lookout this April Fools Day for scorpions, roaches, crickets, and spiders. Have a safe April Fools Day. Happy pranking!

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Anthony Ball

WARNING! If you ever want to enjoy an Oreo cookie ever again, don’t read this article.

Pictures have surfaced on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumbler of a spider that has allegedly been found inside of one of America’s favorite snacks… The Oreo Cookie!

Spider Found Inside Oreo Cookie

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

The Oreo spider pictures come with the following caption:

“This is why you always take Oreos apart before eating them, always. Now think of all the Oreos you’ve ever eaten foolishly.”

After seeing the above picture, the public is left wondering if the Oreo was found this way by the consumer, or it was an easily replicated hoax. Is it real or fake?

The idea of finding a spider in your favorite milk dunking cookie is not unbelievable–After all, we have evidence of a maggot stuffed cookie.

Theories On The Oreo Spider

• It’s fake. Somebody untwisted an Oreo and then smashed a living or dead spider into the cream. They posted a picture of what they “found in their cookie.” The cookie even appears to have some dirt attached. 

• It’s real. The Nabisco plant is in desperate need of spider control as it deals with a full-fledged spider infestation. Maybe they should call Bulwark Exterminating. 

• Introducing the newest flavor of Oreo: Spider Oreos! The Oreo R & D department took things too far this time after their success with the Candy Corn Oreos last fall. 

• The cookie was one of those generic Oreos, from Mexico, where the Mexican Council of Food regulations are a little lax. Spiders run rampant throughout their cookie factories. 

• The spider Oreo is a prototype of the upcoming Halloween Oreos that will be hitting supermarket shelves this fall. Watch for the Oreos with bats, mice, and centipedes inside too. 

• The Oreo is from another country, where eating spiders, scorpions, ants, roaches, and other insects is common practice. 

• Somebody was in need of an extra protein boost for their afternoon snack. Just imagine, an Oreo with nutritional value. The spider might be the healthiest part of that Oreo. Anybody could rationalize that!

Is The Spider Found In The Oreo Real Or Fake?

My professional opinion, as a bug guy, is that this Oreo spider is a hoax. Obviously there is a spider implanted in the Oreo’s cream, but it was likely put there on purpose.

We did the same thing here at the office with a scorpion. Here is a Scorpion Birthday Bash Oreo:

At first glance, the spider seems to be a simple garden spider. These spiders are rarely ever associated with indoor environments, and wouldn’t make its home in the very clean, and very FDA regulated, Nabisco factory.

Spider In Oreo Undetermined

The truth is that nobody is 100% sure if this is just an easily replicated hoax, or if a spider was really mashed between an Oreo during the manufacturing process. Oreo has yet to release a public statement. Investigative websites like Snopes are uncertain about the photographs authenticity; its hoax status is labeled undetermined as of March 1, 2013.

Us bug guys will keep you updated when we know more. Until then, maybe you should untwist your next Oreo before you eat it… Just to be on the safe side.

One thing we do know for sure at this point– The only thing worse than finding a spider inside an Oreo cookie you’re eating, is finding half a spider.

Happy dunking!

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Anthony Ball