All posts in “fleas”

How about the Olympians of the Bug World?

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How about the Olympians of the Bug World?

Olympic Games 27 July – 12 August Official London 2012 website http://www.london2012.com/

The Olympic Games are soon to begin in London and I thought this was the perfect time to discuss some of the bug world super stars.

  1. Fleas are well known as the insect world best jumpers, they can jump up to  1200 to 2200 times their own body length, making the flea one of the best jumpers of all known animals (relative to body size), second only to the froghopper. According to an article in Science News, “researchers with the University of Cambridge in England have shown that fleas take off from their tibiae and tarsi—the insect equivalent of feet—and not their trochantera, or knees.
  2. Dung Beetle -After months of grueling tests, a species of horned dung beetle takes the title for world’s strongest insect.The beetle, called Onthophagus taurus, was found to be able to pull a whopping 1,141 times its own body weight, which is the equivalent of a 150-pound (70 kilogram) person lifting six full double-decker buses. While the study researcher knows of a mite that can take on a hair more, that organism is an arachnid, not an insect. On the other hand, rhinoceros beetle can carry 850 times its own weight. To put that into perspective that would be like one of us lifting a 65 ton armored tank.
  3. If you want to know the record holder for the fastest insect in the world, then you’re in the right place. The fastest insect in the world are divided into ground speed and flying speed. The fastest insect on the ground is the cockroach. In an experiment carried out at the University of California, Berkeley in 1991, an American cockroach registered a record speed of 5.4 kilometres per hour (3.4 mph), about 50 body lengths per second, which would be comparable to a human running at 330 kilometres per hour (210 mph).
  4. The fastest flying insect is the dragon fly. It was claimed that the Southern Giant Darner flying at nearly 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in a rough field measurement, but a more reliable record shows a 35 mph speed.

 

So stand back and watch the insects for their size they may be fast and furious…

Watch out for ring worm!

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Watch out for ring worm!

 

What does the term ringworm mean?

The term ringworm refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The name is derived from the early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungal infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name ringworm has stuck. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment.

Ringworm is contagious, but contact doesn’t always result in an infection.Transmission occurs by direct contact with the fungus — by touching an infected animal or person, or by handling contaminated objects or touching contaminated surfaces.The fungal spores may remain dormant on combs, brushes, food bowls, furniture, bedding, carpet or other environmental surfaces for up to 18 months.Elderly people, young children, and adults with immune system weaknesses or skin sensitivities are especially susceptible to ringworm infection. Check with your family physician immediately if you suspect a ringworm infection.

There are a number of direct transmissions which occur when parasites such as kissing bugs, fleas, lice, ticks, worms etc. move from animals or wildlife to humans.

Safety Precautions for Total Release Foggers

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Safety Precautions for Total Release Foggers:

EPA has prepared this fact sheet to help users reduce potential hazards associated with total release foggers. Total release foggers, also known as “bug bombs,” are pesticide products containing aerosol propellants that release their contents at once to fumigate an area. These products are often used around the home to kill cockroaches, fleas, and other pests. Because the aerosol propellants in these foggers typically are flammable, improper use may cause a fire or explosion. In addition to this hazard, failure to vacate premises during fogging or reentering without airing out may result in illness.

There are several video’s that outline the proper use of these tools for pest control (vacate residence, do not use more than on label and ignition sources)  and with all the stories over the last few years its probably time for a detailed guideline on usage. I will add one more item, there is a place for this type of tool within pest control but bear in mind that improper use may make the bug go deeper into the walls or hiding place. This may actually make the situation worse and more difficult if you then must hire a Pest Management Professional.

I truly don’t understand! To use pesticides or not to, that is the question?

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I truly don’t understand! To use pesticides or not to, that is the question?

For the record I will start with this statement “Insects have killed more humans than anything else, period!” Mosquitoes and fleas primarily, mosquitoes continue to kill 1 million people each year and yet we allow these radical left wing groups to push us toward silliness.  Matt Dalen of the New Canaan, Connecticut http://www.acorn-online.com wrote this article “Could ban on pesticides at schools be lifted” 1 1/2 years ago someone decided that no pesticides were a good idea and this law was passed HB-5155.

Now to another case in point, Ohio has been pushing to get a pesticide re-approved because of the big resurgence of Bed Bugs.

So I guess here is the question – How is it that in Ohio they need pesticides but Connecticut doesn’t? Frankly I’m getting tired of people jumping to the conclusion that all pesticides are BAD, the Pest Control Industry has known for years that an approach called Integrated Pest Management (IPM) works.

So what exactly is IPM – this is straight from the EPA site “

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

The example below is based on Cockroaches:

  1. Acceptable pest levels – One cockroach may not trigger issues but maybe 10 might, set by school
  2. Preventive cultural practices – How did the roaches get into the school, prevent boxes from being delivered into the inside of the school.
  3. Monitoring – The use of glue boards to trigger action, by the way the use of glue board may eliminate the problem.
  4. Mechanical means –  use of traps, glue boards, stepping on the roach or even the use of an Insect Growth Regulator.
  5. Biological controls – use of different micro-organisms to control pest.
  6. Responsible Pesticide Use – There are several products available that are considered low risk – least toxic that could be incorporated into a program. A number of years ago there was a product which was a fungus that the roaches ate, baits are also useful.

I’m sick and tired of people jumping to conclusions before they have all the facts, without pesticides insects might make a big comeback like ie Bed Bugs. Without adequate resources at our disposal people would die, so don’t blame the pesticide without the facts. The Pest Management Professional isn’t just a bugman – they are trained to use what they know and are not out to kill the world with pesticide. I’m a PROFESSIONAL and proud of that fact, I’m ticked that the first response is to get rid of the pesticide before we have all the facts. My company uses home sealing, caulking and other equipment before we bring out the pesticides in our toolbox. We use IPM daily and to prove that point we are Gold members of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program – we live it EVERYDAY. I have been in homes where pesticide was the only answer, roaches and I mean roaches (100,000 upwards) children at risk from asthma, disease etc but I guess that doesn’t matter. Maybe we should ban everyone from using pesticides,  using 1 can of whatever to kill 1 spider. OK rant is over!!!

Comments anyone or are you to scared to stand up and be counted. Sheeple….

Could your neighbors give you the bugs?

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Could your neighbors give you the bugs?

What do you know about your neighbors? Do they visit you, do their children come and play at your house? Do you exchange things, do you borrow luggage? Do their children bring toys over, including stuffed bears or animals? Do their animals visit your home? Are you expecting guest who may spend a few days at your home?

All these questions seem somewhat benign but are they really? ProBest has seen some really bizarre ways that Bed Bugs are traveling these days. Spring break may be the perfect chance for these little blood suckers to get their travelin on. By the way it’s not just Bed Bugs but fleas, ticks, parasites of all sorts. No sense panicking but we just want you to be prepared and contemplate the options and consequence of a visit.

Read this survey – Bugs without Borders conducted by National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and University of Kentucky – Where are Bed Bugs found these days?

Don’t throw away furniture because of Bed Bugs!

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Don’t throw away furniture because of Bed Bugs!

I know they are creepy and the mere mention of the word strikes fear in many, don’t respond to PANIC! I have watched these shows on TV like “Infested” and you don’t have to throw away all your furniture. Don’t panic, think it through and create a plan of attack. Here are a few of my rules when it comes to Bed Bugs!

  1. I’ll say it again, don’t panic. Look for them or evidence of them – IDENTIFY them first!
  2. Think about how they got there, did someone travel or did you have guest over?
  3. Don’t start taking the furniture outside or moving it from room to room – you may spread the problem.
  4. If someone is being bitten, isolate the area (example) if they are being bitten on the right side by the knee – check out that area of the room not just the bed but I would start there.
  5. My personal opinion is this is something that you shouldn’t do yourself (by the way NO BUG BOMBS please) I think it just makes them go deeper into a crack or crevice trying to get away from the pesticide. This often leads to creating a harder treatment program for the Professional.
  6. OK you have Bed Bugs and you called a Pro, follow their Prep Sheet – the more you participate the better and faster the program will work. Vacuuming is very important, just make sure to empty the bag or container. Many years ago a homeowner had fleas and used the vacuum, didn’t empty the bag and the eggs hatched in the closet. There were 1000’s of fleas in that closet and trying to get out into the home, empty the vacuum you’ll thank me later!

These bugs are tiny, elusive and very difficult to get rid of but not impossible. As I said and I will say it again “Don’t Panic” and don’t give up. If you have any questions you can always send me an for my opinion [email protected]

http://www.allthingsbedbugs.org/

Don’t throw away furniture because of Bed Bugs!

Pets versus Pests…

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     Pets versus Pests…

I think I speak for many of us with our fondness of our pets, Americans love their pets and cats have recently overtaken dogs in popularity. I have two dogs Lilly my Beagle and Gracie my Beagle Corgie mix (I think).

What kind of pests can attack our pets? Fleas, ticks are just a few, so what can we do to protect our beloved pets? Many people use those products that are put onto the pets, the pests bite and die from the pesticide. I prefer the ones with an IGR or Insect Growth Regulator which inhibits the growth of the flea or tick.

 Remember that on any trips to the desert or even to the dog park, your pets can pick up ticks or fleas. The other way the pests may get at your pets is from traveling critters such as squirrels, raccoons or skunks or maybe feral cats getting into your yards.

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