All posts in “ProBest”

Are you protecting yourself against the summer biters?

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Only 22% of people responding to a survey,  purchase products to protect themselves from annoying and biting insects, according to National Pest Management Association (NPMA). If you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors I would suggest purchasing insect repellents to use as an aid in dealing with some real biters. There are some nasty bugs out there, let’s be safe.

One point I found useful about this article was this quote:

“When buying insect repellent always select one containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535,” said Dr. Jorge Parada, medical advisor for the NPMA. “Vector-borne diseases are a growing concern in the U.S., so it is essential that we understand how to protect ourselves and recognize the signs and symptoms of these diseases.”

 

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Photo by PPMA

Have you ever taken a real close look at a Cactus in bloom?

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The beauty of the cactus is a wonderful spectacle to behold but watch out for those stickers, spines, barbs and the nasty ends. We have some wonderful cacti in Arizona, many bloom at various times of the year to trigger the reproduction mode and they attract many flying insects. People often ask and are concerned about all those flying insects – my answer is simple let them do their job and they will generally leave you alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite bug in the news – “Kissing Bug”

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“Kissing Bug” aka Triatoma, Assassin Bug, Cone-nose, Wheel Bug, or Ambush bug and sometimes called the Masked Bedbug Hunter “Arkansans spot the dangerous “kissing bug“. This bug is considered a predatory insect, it generally goes after other bugs and suck their fluids right out of their bodies. It gets that Kissing Bug name from the way they attack humans at night if they get into your home – they go to the area of our bodies that allow easier penetrations, like our mouth.

There are a variety of species (7000) and most look cool with their coloration but watch out for their piercing sucking rostrum. They live in the Southern States and Mexico. They transmit Chagas Disease with that painful bite wound where people accidentally scratch and introduce the organism into their bodies .

Best way to keep them out of your home:

  • Make sure screens are in place.
  • Don’t leave doors open.
  • Use door sweeps or correct low thresholds.
  • Home-seal and prevent them from sneaking in.

QualityPro – 10th year Anniversary

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Leading the Industry

QualityPro is administered by the Foundation for Professional Pest Management, an independent organization that develops good business practices and standards. Designed specifically for pest management companies in the US and Canada, this certification is offered voluntarily to companies that are currently members of the National Pest Management Association. Created in 2004, we are proud to represent over 450 of the best companies in the pest management industry.

ProBest Pest Management has been a proud member since 2005, that was when ProBest was purchased and we decided from the start that we wanted to be a part of leading the industry and setting the standards.

ProBest Pest Management has the following QualityPro advanced certifications: GreenPro, QualityPro Food Protection and QualityPro Schools.

Recognized by EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, GreenPro, is a stringent yet practical, sustainable, and eco-effective solution that has been tailored for today’s environmentally conscious consumer.

I located a honeybee colony in my house and had it removed, now what?

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Most times if you located it early enough you are probably alright but if its been there for a long time you may have some issues.

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Normally I ask questions and hope for the best but from time to time you never know what might happen. I’ve seen times when not only was there a distinct smell, but there was Wax Moths everywhere. I don’t know how they do it but they got into the house and were flying and flirting around in every room. So here are my tips:

  • Monthly checks of your home during Honeybee season – Africanized Honeybees swarm in Arizona as soon as it becomes warm and wills swarm right up to our mild winters.
  • If you see bees going in and out it is time to call a Pest Management Professional.
  • Keep an eye after the bees have been removed for any signs of leakage. The beeswax and honey will melt and secondary pests will come by for something to eat.
  • Leakage may be inside or outside, pay attention to smells and spotting on walls or ceilings.
  • Honey won’t mold but dead bees might so again pay attention to the smells.

Hey how did that Cicada Killer get in my home?

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Cicada Killer – Wasp or Hornet? Wasp it is.

 

Large digger wasp (inch to inch and a half) and solitary in nature. Females look for cicadas and then dig a hole and lay one egg on that poor little cicada. That little larva eats the cicada and then pupates and finally in the Spring digs it’s way out and looks for a mate.

So probably just accidentally flew into a door which was open and then became trapped. I’ve heard that they seldom sting, the one in my office looked mad and if it was able to get out I think it would have gone after me. OK probably not but if able to release it would go on its way to find some more cicadas, helping with pest control.

Why worry about the pests?

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Throughout history we humans have done some terrible stuff to each other, wars only to mention one. But did you know that compared to all the wars ever fought the bugs have killed more of us.

  1. Yes number one the list is Mosquitoes, they have killed lots of humans and animals. Malaria, Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever are among the biggest threats to us still to this day.
  2. Fleas probably rank as number 2 and may have contributed to killing 1/3 of the people in Europe during 1340’s  known as Bubonic Plague, still with us today.
  3. My number 3 may not have killed as many as above but worldwide cause more damage to food, foodstuffs including grains and other type products. Rodents including mice and rats may spoil 1/3 of all grains worldwide and may directly lead to food shortages or starvation than any other insect or wildlife.

So yes I worry that as we progress as a society that we consider the wise use of pesticides. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is very useful within the confines of general pest management but there are reasons why pesticide use must continue. This article “Kissing Bug disease prompts growing concern in U.S.” shows that the concerns are justified. Here is Arizona we deal with Bark Scorpions and there is no magic bullet to stop them. The only method is home sealing and proper use of pesticides, so until that day arrives where we can target this critter I see no alternative than to spray them before they make it into our homes.

Do you have pet peeves, I do?

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As a business owner I’m reminded frequently of customer service and the opportunity to lose or gain a customer.  So here are a few questions I ask myself daily about service.

Does your technician have a clean uniform?

Is the vehicle clean?

If there was an appointment was he/she on time? Many times we perform outside only services this helps you to free up your time.

Does your technician ring the doorbell to let you know they are there? Do they ask if you’ve had any issues? Do they let you know they are done?

 

My favorite quote on customer service – If you don’t take of your customer someone else will.  Do you have any horror stories about service companies?

 

Do you own a reptile?

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I enjoy a few different hobby type things, like our little Bug Zoo at our office. Did you know this about reptiles and amphibians?

Are there any restrictions about owning amphibians or reptiles?

Since 1975, it has been illegal in the United States to sell or distribute turtles with shells that measure less than 4 inches in length. This size was chosen because small children are more likely to treat smaller turtles as toys and put them in their mouths. This ban prohibiting the sale of small turtles likely remains the most effective public health action to prevent turtle-associated salmonellosis.

Despite this ban, such turtles are still found in some pet stores, flea markets, with street vendors, or sold over the Internet. In addition, children still catch wild turtles and lizards and bring them home to keep as pets. Whether purchased or caught in a backyard, a reptile or amphibian can carry Salmonella and might not be the best choice of a pet for your family, especially if there are young children or persons with weakened immune systems in the household.

Just thought I would share this information because many of my friends have snakes or reptiles as pets. So please take care and follow the guidelines from the CDC.

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