All posts in “prevention”

Rat borne diseases

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Rat borne diseases can be a serious threat

With the advent of commercial type construction it seems that our cities are a megalopolis of people. So we come into contact more often with rat borne diseases. Most noteworthy you recently might remember a child died from Rat Bite Fever and many people have heard of rats biting people across the world. These types of diseases including rat bites and scratches can result in death and rat-bite fever. Rat urine is responsible for the spread of leptospirosis, which can result in liver and kidney damage. While it can also be contracted through handling or inhalation of scat. Especially relevant is that they are still animals and can return to a wild nature and they will bite and scratch.

So if you see one rat or mouse it is time to consult with a Pest Management Professional, call ProBest today at 602-249-7378

rat borne diseases

rat borne diseases

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Beware the cave of death!

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probestpestmanagementIMAG0952

Beware the cave of death! Not really but it does hold the Arizone Bark Scorpions. It is fun to show off these little pests that can easily make it into homes and businesses.

One of the perks of my teaching or events that I attend is the fact that I have bugs and stuff to show off. That is a big draw for children of all ages, they all want to see the collection.

probestIMAG0965     probestpestmanagementIMAG0962

Always on the job, who are they?

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We probably don’t realize what they do but we probably couldn’t live without them – the U.S. Custom and Border agents. Every day they intercept bugs and all kinds of things we don’t need in the U.S. “Custom and Border Protection intercept unwelcome pests“.

In fiscal year 2012 — from Oct. 1, 2011 until Sept. 20, 2012 — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists in South Texas intercepted 13,553 pests. They also intercepted 22,518 quarantined animal materials and 100,338 quarantined plant materials, according to the agency.

Notice, that is just one border station and kind of scary when you really think about it. Arizona Game and Fish have an action plan in place for mussel movement on boats.

mussel

Stink bugs and other True Bugs

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Stink bugs and other True Bugs…

How many True Bugs can you guess? How about Assassin Bugs & Wheel Bug, Aphids, Bed Bugs, Boxelder Bugs, Leafhopper, Milkweed Bug, Squash Bug and of course Stink Bugs.

All true bugs have similar mouthparts, which is what characterizes the true bugs. True bugs suck. That’s right, the true bugs have specialized mouth parts used to suck juices.

The brown marmorated stink bug, or simply the stink bug, is an insect in the family Pentatomidae, and it is native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. They have invaded the East Coast and have made their way across the U.S. They get their name because release an unpleasant odor when you crush them or when they are protecting their homes. Stink bugs do not hurt humans, but they can cause a lot of damage to crops and plants.

Tips to prevent them from getting into your home from National Pest Management Association (NPMA):

  • Seal cracks around your house.
  • Replace damaged screen on doors and windows.
  • If you see a stink bug indoors vacuum them up and throw away the bag immediately.
  • If you see a stink bug in your garden, lightly spray the area with approved insecticides. Keep weeds around the garden in control and clean up the garden at the end of the growing season.
  • Hand pick stink bugs in early morning when they are slow moving.

Stink bugs were not even reported in the United States until the late 1990’s!

Tips for Finding A Pest Control Pro

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Tips for Finding A Pest Control Pro

  1.  Always deal with a qualified and licensed pest management company. Consider asking to see the license or other credentials of the pest control professional that comes to solve your pest problem.
  2. Evaluate pest control companies that are members of national, state or local pest management associations.
  3. Consider an NPMA QualityPro company. Visit www.npmaqualitypro.com for more information.
  4. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend pest control companies they have used successfully and how satisfied they were with the service.
  5. Be wary of the exterminator who comes to your home uninvited and offers to give your house a free inspection for pests. He or she may try to scare you into authorizing immediate and costly treatments.
  6. If a sizable amount of money is involved, get bids from several pest management companies.
  7. Don’t rush a decision. Since you are paying for professional knowledge as well as skillful application of pesticides, look for someone whose judgment you can trust.
  8. Before signing a contract, be sure to fully understand the nature of the household pest to be exterminated, the extent of the infestation, and the work necessary to solve the problem.
  9. Find out if the pest control company has liability insurance to cover any damages to your house or furnishings during treatment.
  10. If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force, and what kind of continuing control, prevention and management are necessary.
  11. Buy value, not price. Beware of exterminators that offer bargains that sound too good to be true.
  12. Homeowners can call state pest control regulatory agencies for information regarding the status of pest management companies. In most states the regulatory agency is the State Department of Agriculture.

ProBest Pest Management       425 W. Guadalupe Road Gilbert, AZ 85233 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176

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