Finding a strange bug in your home can be a little unsettling, especially if you’ve never encountered one before. Big, small, or with a thousand legs, any surprise bug can be unwelcome in your home or backyard.
Before you try to squash your intruder, you may want to take a step back and try to see what type of insect you actually have in front of you. Identifying your unwanted houseguest is crucial; you never know how dangerous a pest may be.
A quick look can help you discover if you have a termite or a winged ant. So, how can you find out exactly what you have? Google Lens may be about to help. Here’s how.
What is Google Lens exactly?
Google Lens is an app created by Google to help offer information through photographs. All you have to do is take a picture of an object, and you can use Google Lens to look up information about it. It’s really that simple, but you have to be sure you have a good and clear picture of whatever you want to look up. The application is available through Google Photos and Google Assistant. Plus, you can find the app on most Android phones.
Google Lens works well with plenty of different subjects: apparel, home goods, books, business cards, buildings, and especially, plants and animals. So, if you have the app, here’s how you can use it to identify your pest problem.
How does Google Lens work?
Using Google Lens is extremely easy. Simply take a picture, click the Google Lens icon on your phone or tablet, and the app will go to work finding compatible images. You can also use the Google Voice Assistant to perform the search as well. The app will scan and translate, giving you any information that coincides with similar or identical photos. Just be sure you have a clear photo, otherwise, you may have some trouble finding matches.
Using Your Phone to Identify Insects
So, you’ve got your Android phone or tablet. Now it’s up to you to get a good photo. Try and get a few different shots – you may not get proper results. This can be difficult, especially if you don’t want to get too close. Getting a clear picture is crucial for identifying and let’s face it; some bugs can be quite small. To get good use out of the app, you have to get close.
Also, make sure the insect is visible. If you are snapping a photo and the bug is blending into the background, Google Lens may not be able to distinguish the difference between the insect and the surface. Once you’ve snatched a picture, you can let the application do its job and see what you might be up against.
Ups and Downs of Using Google Lens
Having an easy way to identify your insect intruder in the palm of your hand is a great way to at least get an idea of what you have. You can snap a photo, do a search, and almost instantly know what you’re up against. This is a great option, especially if you’ve never encountered the bug before. Plus, knowing what kind of creature it is can put your mind at ease, or have you looking up pest control experts to take care of the issue.
Unfortunately, the app has a few downsides. If you can’t get a clear or close enough picture, you may not be able to identify the type of insect you have. Insects can be quite small and evasive, so catching a photo that works can be…well, a lot of work. Additionally, if the insect blends into the background, Google Lens may not be able to identify it at all.
Another issue you might encounter if you can’t get a clear picture is a false identification. If your photo isn’t clear or close enough, Google Lens may give you multiple possible answers, leaving you to play the guessing game.
This isn’t something you’d want to do if you were trying to find out if you have a harmless spider or a black widow. While the app can give you an idea of what you might have in your home, depending on your image, the information may not be the most accurate.
A Snapshot Possibility: Concluding Thoughts
When it comes to identifying bugs on your own, Google Lens can be a great tool, provided you are able to snap a great photo. You don’t have to be a photography expert, but the image should be clear, close, and the insect needs to be visible against the background.
Google Lens can help you get an idea of what you’re up against and possibly ease your fear. However, when it comes to identifying pests, if you can’t get a photo, it may be better to refer to the experts.
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