All posts in “National Pest Management Association”

What is the #1 pest, ants you say?

Comments Off on What is the #1 pest, ants you say?

Ants can be a major issue, they can get into our homes and businesses. They can find their way into food storage and pantries and spoil food. I have even seen them in refrigerators, stoves and microwaves. They  can also get into restaurants, this can cost the restaurant business revenue and lost of patrons. Pest control is essential for business that rely on patrons and also that serve food or beverages. There are a number of species that can get inside homes including nuisance Pharaoh,  Ghost and even Carpenter ants will trail to sweet or protein foods. It is really important to understand the habits of the nuisance critter you are dealing with, in this way you know when they need protein and/or sweets as carbs.

ants

ants

Some great information from the National Pest Management Association

 

 

 

 

Honeybee’s having a rough time, EPA may have to investigate

1 Comment

Federal Bill Suspending Neonicotinoid Use Forthcoming

 An Oregon Congressman last week announced plans to introduce federal legislation suspending certain uses of neonicotinoid pesticides until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reviews these chemicals and makes a new determination about their proper application and safe use. The measure specifically suspends the use of neonicotinoids for foliar treatments on bee attractive plants, soil applications and seed treatments within 180 days.

Congressman Earl Blumenaer’s Save America’s Pollinators Act was precipitated by a massive bee kill last month in suburban Portland that state investigators determined was caused by an application of a neonicotinoid pesticide application. here to read Congressman Blumenaer’s press release announcing the Congressman’s intention to drop the bill.

Statementby National Pest Management Association (NPMA) (I wanted to personally share this message as a former beekeeper I’m greatly concerned about these deaths).
Most bees, including bumblebees, are beneficial insects. As such, our industry is firmly committed to the protection of bee health and the vital role bees play in pollinating flowers and crops, thereby strengthening our food supply. The death of tens of thousands of bees earlier this month is undoubtedly an important loss. An investigation is currently underway and although we cannot speculate on the pesticide application process in question, the event stresses the necessity for label instructions to be strictly followed at all times. Pesticide labels are mandates, not recommendations, set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency after years of rigorous testing.

What worries me?

2 Comments

What worries me the most is when I did a Google and Bing search for  “Do It Yourself (DIY) products for Bed Bugs”  (About 5,710,000 results (0.35 seconds) and Bing 8,900,000 results. There is so much information out there and I want to know who is right and who is wrong? Everybody is an expert these days, well I have to tell you – do your homework and if you need an opinion find someone knowledgeable. Remember the adage “If it sounds to good to be true”. Don’t fall for all these claims, make sure you get all the facts and don’t use things that could hurt you worse. Hire a professional because they know how better pest control helps protect public health and improves our quality of life.

http://www.pestworld.org this is the site for the National Pest Management Association and is a wealth of useful information.

Leave it to the Pros – Find a Local Pest Control Company

When pests find their way indoors, homeowners are often tempted to try and control the problem on their own. However, the truth is that most pests – from bed bugs and termites to wasps and other stinging insects – are better left to professionals. The professionals listed in our exterminator directory have the knowledge, tools, and training to safely and properly eliminate pest infestations. If you are concerned about an infestation on your property, it’s best to hire licensed, local exterminators to assist in proper identification and treatment of the household pest problem.

ProBest is a member of the NPMA - no worries

ProBest is a member of the NPMA – no worries

 

 

Just another house in flames, as homeowner attempts to rid home of Bed Bugs.

Comments Off on Just another house in flames, as homeowner attempts to rid home of Bed Bugs.

A New Jersey homeowner used a combination of a space heater, hair dryer and a heat gun to get rid of the Bed Bugs BUT that set-up caused an explosion and BOOOOOOM. Please use caution and common sense in dealing with Bed Bugs. Please check out our website and the National Pest Management Association for helpful tips and the way to contact a Pest Management Professional near you.

 

probestpestmanagementImageFile002

 

Bed Bugs – Health Checks by Dr. Parada

Comments Off on Bed Bugs – Health Checks by Dr. Parada

 

[embedplusvideo height=”281″ width=”450″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/3ALNAR90u1w?fs=1&hd=1″ vars=”ytid=3ALNAR90u1w&width=450&height=281&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=1&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep9337″ /]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bed Bugs are NOT known to transmit disease to humans. They also do not transmit MRSA, or methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Thanks to the NPMA (National Pest Management Association) for this great information about Bed Bugs.

 

Pride and Professionalism

Comments Off on Pride and Professionalism

Public Health and you

While underestimated, the pest control industry plays a vital role in protecting health and property. Pest control professionals are truly everyday heroes!

[embedplusvideo height=”350″ width=”450″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/xZ__QvOhuMk?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=xZ__QvOhuMk&width=450&height=350&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep6719″ /]

 

 

 

 

 

A big thank you to PPMA and NPMA (National Pest Management Association) for producing this video.

 

Bed Bug Awareness Week begins April 22nd

Comments Off on Bed Bug Awareness Week begins April 22nd

bedbugweek    Bed Bug Awareness Week  begins April 22nd. 

As part of National Pest Management Month, PPMA is launching “Bed Bug Awareness Week,” April 22 – 26 to promote public vigilance and provide essential prevention advice about bed bugs in advance of the summer travel season.

What do bed bugs look like?

Adult bed bugs are brown, about a quarter of  an inch in diameter and resemble a flat apple seed or lentil.

How pervasive is the bed bug problem in the United States? 

There has been a  significant increase bed bug infestations in recent years. According to 2013 research conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky, almost 100 percent of pest control companies have treated for bed bugs in the past year, compared to just 25 percent in 2000. In addition, an earlier NPMA survey conducted in January of 2011 found that one  in five Americans has encountered bed bugs in their home or knows someone who has.

Why are bed bugs such a problem now?

While there is not one clear answer for the resurgence in bed bugs in recent years, the majority of pest professionals point to  increased travel, lack of public awareness, and changing pest control  products and methods.

What states have been affected?

Pest control companies have reported bed bug activity on a national scale. Today,  bed bugs can be found throughout almost every region of  the world and in all 50 United States.

Where are bed bugs found?
Bed bugs are not limited to any one specific type of dwelling. Pest control companies have been reporting infestations everywhere
including single family homes, multi-­‐family housing, apartments, hotels and motels, hospitals, schools and college campuses,
office buildings, retail stores, movie theaters, libraries and even public transportation.
Are bed bugs just in beds?
While bed bugs are most often found in bed parts, such as mattresses, box springs and folded areas, they can also survive in  alternative habitats.  Bed bugs often conceal themselves behind  baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, picture frames, electrical switch plates and in furniture crevices.
What are some common signs of a bed bug infestation?

Telltale signs of a bed bug infestation include: • Small red to reddish brown fecal spots on mattresses, upholstery or walls • Molted
bed bug skins, white,  sticky eggs or empty eggshells • Very heavily infested areas may  have a characteristically sweet odor • Red,
itchy bite marks, especially on the legs, arms and other body parts which may be exposed  while sleeping

Why are  bed bugs so hard to treat?

Bed bugs are elusive, hardy pests that are easily transported from one place to another. They can live for several months without
eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
How does  someone control bed bugs?

Any effective bed bug control strategy should start with a careful, thorough inspection by a licensed pest professional of all known
and suspected spots where the  bugs may be hiding. This is not a pest that can be controlled effectively with do-­‐it-­‐yourself measures.
Once bed bugs are discovered, a  pest professional will develop a treatment and control strategy with their customer depending on
the extent of the infestation. It is  imperative for the customer to fully follow the advice, including removing infested items and laundering clothing.

Information provided by Professional Pest Management Alliance

Male     mattress      Bed     bed2      A common bedbug is engorged with blood after feeding on a human arm.      bed bug male, female, and eggs       bed5      feed1npma

Can kind of concern do rodents pose?

Comments Off on Can kind of concern do rodents pose?

Can kind of concern do rodents pose?

 

  • Rodents pose a serious threat of spreading disease, I read reports weekly about the spread of disease and rodents are right at the top generally speaking. What are some of those nasty little diseases I’m talking about. —Plague, salmonellosis, Hanta Virus, leptospirosis, rickettsialpox and lymphomactic choriomeningitis.
  • Gnawing, they can gnaw electrical lines, pool pump lines, all the while possibly triggering an explosion or file within homes or businesses. They also cause damage to the structure itself by creating holes or entry points.
  • They carry parasites like fleas and ticks and if you get rid of the rodent may have only you to feed upon.
  • They contaminate about 20% of the world’s food supply by either eating it or spreading filth like feces or urine into it.
  • They can also make you fearful, have nightmares and have anxiety attacks.

So I think it is extremely important to keep them out and in check, if you have an issue call a  Pest Management Professional today or ASAP.

DON’T LET THESE COMMENSAL RODENTS – SHARE YOUR TABLE!

Travel Bugs = Bed Bugs.

Comments Off on Travel Bugs = Bed Bugs.

A little play on words, what is the travel bug – Bed Bugs of course!

 

Well in just about a week people will begin the Holiday traveling season, traveling to see relatives or friends. Hopefully not many will be bringing back any hitchhikers like Bed Bugs. So with traveling just ahead of us, here are a few tips for safety from National Pest Management Association and ProBest Pest Management:

  • Thoroughly inspect the entire room with a flashlight before unpacking, including behind the headboard, under lights, and inside dressers, drawers, sofas and chairs. I prefer to leave my luggage in the bathroom and hand my clothes on the shower rod.
  • Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams and box springs, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains, spots or shed bed bug skins.
  • Place suitcase in a plastic trash bag during the duration of your trip to ensure that bed bugs cannot take up residence there prior to departure. *Tip: Pack clothes in zip lock bag for easy cleaning upon returning home.
  • Do not place luggage on upholstered surfaces. The safest place is in the bathroom in the middle of a tile floor or on a luggage rack after it has been thoroughly inspected. Do not use a luggage rack if it has hollow legs, where bed bugs may hide unseen.
  • If you notice bed bugs in your room, notify management and request to change rooms immediately.
  • Do not move to a room adjacent and/or directly above/below the suspected infestation.
  • When you return home, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into the house.
  • Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly before bringing indoors and storing away.
  • Wash all of your clothes – even those items you haven¹t worn – in hot water to remove any bed bugs or eggs that may have traveled home with you. Dry clean only clothes should be thrown in the dryer and run on high heat.

Maybe someone could explain this 3rd picture?

1 Comment

Maybe someone could explain this 3rd picture?

 

               

1st picture – beehive fell from wall, maybe is was so HOT it melted – OK I’m teasing but it did fall.

2nd picture – beehive wasn’t attached to tree limb but wall.

3rd picture – this was no where close to the wall but the bees were just settling there – hot asphalt somewhat in the shade under the tree, was it a swarm. They would move if I touched them with something like a stick but wouldn’t fly away. I thought maybe honey was dripping – no hive above, I thought maybe the Queen landed there – no I looked and couldn’t find her. Any ideas????????????????

Contact Us