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Editorial Policy

Updated

The Pest Guide aims to help readers identify what to investigate before deciding what to do. An article should answer its stated question, distinguish observations from assumptions, and explain when local expertise matters.

Sources and research

Our research process prioritizes university extension publications, government agencies, product labels for the specific product concerned, and original research. Research dossiers inform the writing process; they are not published as finished articles. Local agency guidance takes precedence over a general description when the rules or species differ.

AI assistance and review

AI tools assist with research organization, drafting, revision, and illustration. Their output can contain mistakes. The publication is responsible for its editorial choices; AI output is not a substitute for checking evidence. A publication byline does not imply that an article received a professional medical or entomological review. No specialist credential or endorsement should be inferred unless it is explicitly documented on the page.

Identification and safety

Descriptions and stylized illustrations are starting points, not a confirmed identification. Bite appearance alone is not a reliable way to identify the animal involved. Articles cannot prescribe care or authorize a pesticide use. Consult the actual product label and the appropriate local professional or public agency.

Dates and changes

The date displayed on a content page reflects the date recorded for that text. Rebuilding the website does not automatically make an old article newly reviewed. If a factual statement is wrong or outdated, report the specific passage through our contact page. The corrections policy sets out what a useful report contains.

Commercial independence

The current site does not display advertising or use affiliate purchase links. If that changes, commercial relationships and the associated data practices must be disclosed. Payment is not evidence that a product or treatment is suitable for a reader's circumstances.