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Rodents – why are they scary?

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Did you know Rodents encompass 43% of all mammals on earth, the mouse is #2 and Norway rat is #3.

There are about 4260 species of mammals known on this planet at the moment, though taxonomists are still arguing and species are still being found.

Diseases directly transmitted by rodents (thanks to the CDC)

It was far easier to report information directly from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) site, click the link for more information.

Hey I saw a fuzzy ant, is it dangerous?

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Yes and no, actually it’s a wasp and yes it can sting. They were actually called “Cow Killers” and can add a real punch when stung – it was said that a female sting was so painful that it could actually kill a cow. They are a solitary wasp and are found throughout the U.S., the females are large, wingless and hairy. They are 1/8 to 1 inch in length and can be orange, red, yellow black or white. The males don’t have stingers and also they have wings. They are rated Class IV and a tarantula sting at a Class II. Remember wasps, hornets, yellow-jackets all can sting multiple times while honeybees can only sting once (unless its the Queen – no barbs on her stinger). Do you know why – Comment below.

NO need to worry, just don’t pick them up or accidentally step on one and you will be fine. Another reason to always wear shoes in Arizona, scorpions to Velvet ants (wasps).

The love of adventure – the quest for knowledge!

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The quest for knowledge continues at our Bug Zoo at the Chandler Environmental Education Center. I really enjoy teaching the kids about the bugs and wildlife. It is gratifying to learn that one little one learned about Bark Scorpions and got Mom or Dad to catch the little interloper inside the home and dispatch it to to scorpion heaven.

Check the schedule on the side panel calendar and stop by for our Bug Zoo at Chandler Environmental Education Center.

Is there Lyme Disease in Arizona? YES!

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According to CDC surveillance statistics, only 52 cases of Lyme disease have been reported in Arizona in the past 10 years. These statistics may be misleading. Reported cases reflect the “tip of the iceberg,” or only a fraction of the true cases. The CDC states there are approximately 30,000 reported cases of Lyme in the US, and acknowledges that it is under-reported by 10 fold. This means that there are a minimum of 200,000 cases in the US that meet the CDC standard of diagnosis.

There are over 25 species of ticks in Arizona that may carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Tularemia, Babesia and tick fever, as well as Lyme disease. If the tick that bites you is infected, it can inject Lyme bacteria into your bloodstream within hours of attachment. The bacteria can also invade your brain and nervous system in less than 24 hours.

There is a Arizona Lyme Disease Association and is there an answer – YES. As with any wildlife issue, there will almost always be a bug problem. Wildlife can be cute and can also carry diseases and parasites. So why not prevent the issue without harming the wildlife. How is this possible you say? Brochure Tick Control

The mice or ground squirrels enter the box, feed on the non-toxic food and get a combing of fipronil on their fur. They can then carry this back to nest-mates and it absorbs into their skin, killing ticks or fleas that bite and suck their blood.

Here is another article “Lyme Disease in the U.S. is 10-times underreported.”

Certified Installers by State

Tarantula venom – maybe a new insecticide?

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Last week on my way into work (38.5miles) I caught a story on tarantula venom being used as an possible insecticide. It appears that in Australia the dreaded tarantula has a protein within the venom that can also kill prey insects that consume the venom orally. “Australian tarantula venom contains novel insecticide against agricultural pest”

These and other insect pests reduce global crop yields by 10-14% annually and damage 9-20% of stored food crops, and several species are resistant to available insecticides.

Once again I mention that pesticides (by the way is this Organic or Green?) are important and essential to all manners of life on earth, so new ideas are very important. Opinions?

What’s Bugging You?

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The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recently did a Infographic on “What’s Bugging you?”

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What life lesson have you learned?

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As we grow older we are supposed to gain wisdom, does that always work? I think not but here is my take on what I have learned in my short time on this planet.

You can’t be good at everything, so be good with what you can be. I started in the pest industry in 1992 and started as a salesman. I was OK but that was about it and then an opportunity presented itself, I was given a chance to be a Service Manager. I found my calling, I love service and I love solving issues. Now don’t get me wrong, I can sell and I think most of don’t realize that we sell everyday. You sell yourself, maybe to a new friend, or a new job. But whatever it is, we sell everyday just as we promote ourselves.
Be passionate about what you do and you can do anything. Some days are tougher than others but I love my job, I love sharing my knowledge with others especially kids. It is really fun to see a child’s mind start to work and comprehend the lifecycle of bugs and that things can indeed hurt you.

So how about you? How about commenting below and tell me your stories?

Seminar of Socialnomics with Eric Qualman

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I have to say I was greatly impressed with Eric Qualman @EQualman yesterday at the JP Morgan Chase Business Insight seminar series. The seminar was on mobile and social marketing, and since I’m really big in FaceBook and Twitter I thought it would be a great event to learn more especially about mobile marketing.

Here are just a few things he mentioned and I highly recommend you attend his seminar if you have a chance or purchase his book. Also want to thank Chase (Tanya De La Cruz) for the invite for the presentation, check them out at ChaseBis or ChaseSmallBiz

90% of people trust peer reviews

14% trust media

I will share a really funny story (by way of youtube) that he shared with us reference a man who flew on an airline and his guitar was damaged. The airline didn’t think it was their responsibility to pay for the damage, with social media there are always ways to get your point across. There are more cameras in place and with more social interaction today, there are always ways to spread good or bad news. So have you ever been happy or mad enough to possibly do your own video?

Millipedes cause train crash. Ohhh come on, really?

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Just when you think you may have heard it all something hits you hard like this story. Thank goodness it wasn’t a deadly crash but here is the story. “Millipedes Responsible for Australian Train Accident” slippery when wet, right!

So this is what happens when bugs or invasive species over populate to biblical proportions. This is also a reason to understand that just one mistake can cause serious problems.

Photo from Univar Environmental Solutions

4/19/95 and 9/11/2001

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Today’s home seal – is not bug related but is in honor of those you gave their lives on April 19, 1995 Oklahoma bombing and 09/11/01 and all you have given their lives in defense of our country.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

Thanks to the soldiers, police and fire departments who serve each and every day to protect us. I’m reminded daily of the sacrifice made to defend our country. Freedom is not free, God Bless America and God Bless our Troops and those that protect us!