This story is from Texas but brings to light how fast a situation can become a tragedy. “Man killed in bee attack near Rio Hondo, Texas”
Photo by PPMA
What criteria do you use when you decide to use a pesticide, do you read the label and decide the bug is listed on container or do you just buy it because?
One of my biggest pest peeves (yes I said pest) is using a rodenticide in the open where anything could find it and eat it. All and I said all rodent baits require that they be sealed in locked or secured devices.
and my other pesticide pest peeve
Is the use of DE or Diatomaceous earth or aerosol foggers. I have seen mounds of DE placed on floors and carpet for the prevention of Bed Bugs, this stuff can become airborne and you can breath this stuff into your lungs. I have also seen people use way to many aerosol foggers for what they are attempting to kill. Some of these foggers only make the critters hide deeper and become more difficult to treat.
There are of course some tips to using pesticides and of course I recommend you contacting a Professional (like ProBest Pest Management) as we are trained in these products and there usage. But if you are going to Do It Yourself here are some tips.
- Read the label, SDS and any other materials associated, and follow the directions.
- If your are going to store the product, make it safe. If your storing in garage remember it gets hot and if the bait has oil in it it might evaporate and become useless. I’ve had people complain that a product wasn’t working and it was really old and had spoiled.
- Does the product allow interior, exterior treatments, can it be mixed, can it be used around water or if it is raining or just rained?
Over the years I have been an advocate of spreading the news about outside versus inside bug spraying. I’ve actually walked away from people demanding it be done. I’ve held to my guns that it just wasn’t necessary or good for you. This story “Indoor pesticide exposure tied to childhood cancers” is the proof that science and pest management has come towards an IPM approach to issues such as this. I have stated for at least 10 years that indoor spraying just isn’t necessary, there are exceptions like German Roaches that may require a one or two treatment service and there are now gels and dry baits which can be used. I remember 20+ years ago when I would notice a dry powder forming around the edges of rooms and you know that this becomes airborne when children, pets or people walk over it. Breathing that just can’t be good for you! Soapbox alert……
IPM is an abbreviation for Integrated Pest Management.
Integrated Pest Management is a process involving common sense and sound solutions for treating and controlling pests. These solutions incorporate three basic steps: 1) inspection, 2) identification and 3) treatment. Treatment options vary from sealing cracks and removing food and water sources to pesticide treatments when necessary.
Trust me on this folks, stop the every month inside spraying of homes and businesses, your lungs and body can thank me later. Many schools have adopted this program and thanks to a few here in Arizona we are on track to promote more and more schools towards these programs. “Integrated Pest Management – The most effective way to manage pests in your school by AZ Cooperative Extension office U of A
“11 Things you can eat to repel bugs” I got a kick out of reading this article, some of those things repel me or at least a few people. I figured out a few before reading the article, such things as garlic, onions and peppers. Interesting enough I have tried Vegemite and wasn’t a big fan, but hey I didn’t grow up eating this stuff. A lot of this stuff on the list is really great for you, boosting your immune system etc.
Photo by PPMA
Of course there is. You all know my feelings on IPM or Integrated Pest Management, always my first choice on treating a home for bugs that try to get in. This article “Genetically engineered mosquitoes reduce dengue transmitters by 95 percent“, doesn’t this make great sense?
Mosquitoes the number killer of man and fleas ranking a close second.
Home sealing is the way to go, hands down and here is the way to handle the scorpions.
- Inspect the outside of your home, high and low. Look for honeybees or wasp nest. Are the weep hole screens in place?
- Check for entry spots where scorpions or bugs can get into your home.
- Use a mirror and check the jtrim (that’s the thing that holds the bottom of stucco up). Ideally it should be flush against the foundation, the holes are OK and are there to allow the wall to breath and allow moisture to escape.
- Make sure you check corners, use some type of foam (use rigid not expanding foam) and secure in place with caulking.
- Repair leaky pipes, check flood irrigation and drip irrigation.
- Check window and/or door screens.
- Install garage door sweeps, call ProBest or check out our webpage https://callprobest.com/home-seal
- Remember scorpions need water, food and shelter just like you and me. Get rid of their food source, crickets and other small bugs. Consider calling a pest professional like ProBest Pest Management? Setting a schedule is essential, we won’t forget and we will call you in advance.
Pollinator Health – Bee Aware Be Safe.
Did you know that there are more pollinators than just honeybees? Check out this website to find out what they are. There are a number of factors that are affecting honeybees these days and the USDA, EPA and the National Pest Management Association and others are working towards a plan to continue to save the bees.
I probably get more calls about these two things than anything else and to make matters more exasperating not much can be done.
#1 – Honeybees coming to your pool or other water feature to drink. This is tough, because in the big picture we probably don’t have a clue where they are coming from. Now the good news, generally speaking the bees are not in defensive mode. What do I mean by that statement? When bees swarm or are out looking for water or flowers they are not defending their hive and won’t be as aggressive as if they were defending their home. A lone bee out looking for food is just looking for food, while the bees at their home are on guard against possible intruders. They have bees that are just guard bees and just like we would defend our homes they are pre-wired to be on guard against intruders. With the extreme HEAT here in Arizona they need water just as much as we do. So please don’t panic, just try to avoid them if possible. Now it may be difficult especially if they are near your pool or water feature, one thing you might try is placing a dish in shaded area with a few rocks to keep them from drowning. Refresh the water frequently and maybe they might move.
#2 – Mosquitoes are almost impossible to control once they become adults. The prime time to get them is when they are wigglers or in their larval stage within the water. Some mosquitoes will fly over a mile to get to their food = you or your pet. Check your property for stagnant water, any amount can raise a family of mosquitoes. One area often overlooked is the catch basin for potted plants. I have a back door that opens in and I’m constantly getting flying insects that get sucked in when I open that door. I use the device below once a flying insect makes it into my home. I highly recommend it, after just a few days the glue board has a variety of flying insects. By the way this also fits into my IPM program. We do sell them at my office – ProBest Pest Management 602-249-7378.
. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and ProBest Pest Management recommends the following tips for safeguarding homes against pests that cause asthma and allergies:
- Keep food sealed and stored properly, and clean kitchen floors and counters daily.
- Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
- Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes and in screen doors and windows.
- Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
- Should you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or shortness of breath, call 911.
- If allergic to stinging insects, learn how to use an epinephrine kit and carry it with you at all times.
- If you suspect an infestation or notice a hive or nest on your property, contact a licensed pest professional to safely remove the threat.
- Read our home seal https://callprobest.com/home seal frequently to stay up-to-date on what you can do to protect your family against bugs and bug issues.
This story is out of London but really fits with everyday life and Do It Yourself issues with Pest Control. These bug bombs have there place, primarily dealing with flying bugs. In my opinion, all they do is make the bugs go into their hiding places deeper and that makes it more difficult to really get them out.
BOOM!