Posts Tagged ‘pack rats’

Interesting photo – ProBest Pest Management!

Merry Christmas!

Every once in awhile you run across something unique and the picture is worth a thousand words. This is one of those pictures.

Snakes shed their skin to grow and discard this skin by brushing up against something rough scratching the old skin into peeling. This was probably the case here with the architecture of this building, rough edges creating the ability to start the process of shedding.

Rodents will get in!!

Rodents will do their best to gain access into a structure and once in they will continue to nest and quite possible raise their young. As you will notice from the damage to this structure, the rodents have brought in food (seeds) and this is mixed with fecal material and other nasty things. The trouble is not only the animals but parasites and all the nasty urine and fecal materials that are being left behind. Notice that everyone was wearing breathing masks to prevent the possibility of breathing in any fungal spores or contaminated urine or feces dust.

What’s all the fuss? Firewood and pests.

I’m reminded from time to time about experience and why it matters. When does experience come into play and why would a customer benefit from experience and knowledge? I have over 20 years experience with bugs, termites and wildlife.  I have seen a lot of unique things in that span of 20 years! From damage to extensive damage and then way beyond damage.

Sometimes in these busy times people forget or have other more important issues on their minds. So maybe a few reminders are good for this time of year.

1. Don’t store firewood next to your home.
2. If you take firewood in this time of year, use it all – don’t store firewood inside, other pests may come out of the wood like PowderPost  Beetles.
3. Wildlife & animals also live in wood, so be careful when handling the wood.
4. Spiders etc may be hanging out in the woodpile, use gloves.
5. Don’t spray firewood with pesticides, the fumes could get you.

Stay safe this season….

Kissing Bugs, Assassin Bug, Coneose Bug, Triatoma or Wheelbugs these bugs have a nasty bite and a even nastiest-er reputation. A recent article from Austin, Texas “Chagas Disease May Be a Threat in South Texas, Says Researcher” points out the bad points about this disease causing little bug. I ran across these pest in Florida on a few occasions, mainly when people had horses or cattle on their property. These bugs would accidentally get into a home and start to bite someone in that home, they prefer the cattle and horses but push goes to shove they will bite and suck blood from wherever they can. The reason they got that name Kissing Bug was due to their proclivity to bite near your mouth where they can get to the blood better. I actually think the bug itself looks quite stunning, see what you think and comment.

Everyone thinks they’re cute – until…

I often try to talk about those things that either catch my eye or just somehow relate to our everyday lives. I can’t remember exactly the numbers of calls I have received over the years, but probably at least 10 of wires being chewed by something. This article by George Gombossy got my attention ” Rodents Damage Cars By Chewing Electrical Connections: Tips On How To Avoid Costly Repairs”. I found this article at http://ctwatchdog.com in Connecticut and not exactly sure how it ties in but http://www.DrivenCt.com.  But anyway there are a number of photo’s which definitely point the finger at rodents and remember they also chew or gnaw wires in homes. One thing mentioned in the article was the use of moth balls, I discourage there use because if they become dislodged, someone or something may eat them.