All posts in “snakes”

Rattlesnake Rattlers

Rattlesnake Rattlers – What’s inside the box?

Rattlesnake Rattlers – I don’t advocate killing things unless you have to. Now with that being said, if you have rodents inside your home, they must die. End of story, why you ask? Because they can cause serious health risks, they urinate and cause other potential issues like asthma. I technically didn’t kill this rattlesnake, it crawled into a rodent station that had a snap trap within. I probably should have saved the skull but didn’t think that far but the rattlers were impressive. Also I somewhat relived I didn’t run into this snake when it was alive. It must have been a good size, probably a good 5 foot.

Rattlesnake Rattlers

A few of my accounts just relocate the snakes, taking them for a ride to a somewhat further distance away from the house or business. I was out the National Cemetery and there was a small 1 footer which I moved to a field just down the road.

World Pest Awareness Day

World Pest Awareness Day

World Pest Awareness Day – June 6th, 2017. The goal is to create awareness with citizens all over the world. Pest managers provide protection for food, home, family, the environment in which they live, against public health risks. In agreement with the National Pest Management Association of the U.S..  NPMA joins the Federation of Asian & Oceania Pest Managements Association (FAOPMA), Chinese Pest Control Association and the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations (CEPA) in support of this event.

The video below brings home the need for public health pest control by comparing some fascinating statistics. In the opening sequence the audience is asked what do you think is the world’s deadliest creature? Sharks we are told kill 12 people a year, grizzly bears 90 people, crocodiles 800, hippos 29,000 people, snakes 90,000 people. But that tiny mosquito kills 2 million people. Mosquitoes are linked to water because that is where their young develop and that is also the best place to exterminate them. Mosquitoes are the vector (carrier) of several BAD diseases. They include Malaria, Yellow Fever, Encephalitis including West Nile virus and other equine, Zika virus, Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and dog heartworm.

Diseases

Don’t forget that any blood feeder may spread disease, such as fleas and ticks. Bed bugs at this moment are not known to spread any diseases but more research is needed to verify. So please take precautions if traveling or hiking in areas where these pests can attack. Remember to also inspect your home for possible sightings and for possible entry points. Just a simple fix to a screen or doorway (IPM) might prevent pests from getting in and possibly hurting our family or colleagues. As always if you need help or assistance please give ProBest Pest Management a call at 602-249-7378.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/pdf/dvbd_factsheet.pdf

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr06dMFlRa4[/embedyt]

World Pest Awareness Day

 

Leptospirosis Pets and Familiy

Leptospirosis, bacterial disease

A recent outbreak of Leptospirosis was recently confirmed in Maricopa County. Over 60 dogs tested positive, so I prepared video to help identify what you can do to protect your dog, cats, pets and family. Leptospirosis, is a bacterial disease that can affect people and animals, has been on the rise in Maricopa County dogs since February, 2016. The bacteria that causes this disease is spread in the urine of infected animals, including rodents, wildlife, pets, and livestock. If you suspect your pet may have this bacteria virus please consult your Veterinarian.

First of all, I stopped taking Gracie my dog (I think she is a beagle coker spaniel mix) to parks.  I’m concerned with her picking up ticks and now this nasty disease. If you take precautions, we should be able to stop this but consult your Veterinarian. I use Lookout Mountain on Cave Creek Road and highly recommend them. They have taken care of both my dogs and are personable and know their pets.

 

Gracie negative Leptospirosis

Gracie negative Leptospirosis

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLarEiVFdH8[/embedyt]

Rodents on the upswing in Arizona

Rodents on the increase

The last couple years the mice and rats have gone crazy, don’t know if it’s all the rain or great weather here in Arizona. Years ago 2002? Ahwatukee just south of Phoenix had a issue with roof rats and guess what they are back this time in Phoenix. I have suggested for years to do a monthly inspection of your home. Look for holes and think like a pest. If that hole is about the size of a dime, a mouse can get into your home. Believe me if they can possible squeeze in they will. Mice and rodents inside your house is not a good thing. Call ProBest Pest Management 602-249-7378 if you see anything suspicious.

Also be careful about wiring for your home, landscape, pool and your vehicle.

rodents

rodents ducks

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJBxdJPydRA[/embedyt]

Happy Halloween! Boo!

Halloween and the scary pests!

Halloween probably began as a Pagan celebration and originated from Celtic harvest festivals. Over the years, more and more people have added touches of the things that scare them, like cockroaches, roaches, bats and rats, snakes etc. I’ve seen candies that are shaped like all kinds of bugs to spiders. Which scare me to death, the spiders of course. So think about the costumes, parades and the tons of candy which the little Goblins are really looking.

The one thing I’m not real crazy about is those clowns. I’m not frightened by them they just creep me out, but no more than spiders freak me out. Tough exterminator putting on the front of a Professional, right?

Halloween

Halloween

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZJwmik7Oog[/embedyt]

Halloween Bugs

Halloween bugs – are you scared when this holiday rolls around? Some people don’t like frightful things like ghosts, scary outfits and bugs. Bugs and animals related to the holiday may include bats, rats, wolves, cockroaches and spiders. Cockroaches are a scary thing to most homeowners, no one likes bugs in their kitchens. Cockroaches carry all sorts of diseases like salmonella and can spread bacteria. They can cause internal issues with us, causing food poisoning and can cause asthma and allergies.

Did you know?

  • Cockroaches can hold their breath for 40 minutes. I wonder who took the time to measure that?
  • Cockroaches who lose their heads die from starvation.
  • What is a group of cockroaches called? An intrusion, yep that’s what I would call it.
  • Cockroaches molt their skin.
  • I heard that a small group of Hissing cockroaches can eat a large carrot in a day, wow!
  • Cockroaches are pretty much everywhere.
  • Cockroaches have adapted to humans, and will eat just about anything.

 

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZJwmik7Oog[/embedyt]

 

Halloween bugs

Halloween bugs

What are the most dangerous pest in Arizona?

Dangerous?

I know that the title can be subjective, what is and can be hazardous? I think something that can bite or sting is right up there. It could be a dog, snake or bug or someone who is driving recklessly. But in my day to day it’s the bugs that can be the most dangerous. Let’s say you’re cleaning the garage, you put your hand into a box handle and something bites you. That is bad news cause it could be a Black Widow spider. I personally would rather be stung by a scorpion than bitten by a Black or Brown Widow. So wear gloves (IPM) and always protect yourself when gardening or moving stuff. That storage shed that you haven’t been in for 1+ years might hold a few bugs or pests including honeybees.

Scorpion dangerous

Scorpion dangerous?

 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj7lhB53Uh0[/embedyt]

Dangerous Wildlife?

WARNING!

I saw this wildlife warning the other day at the Vet’s Office, they can indeed be on the lookout for food and your pets could be that meal. Other wildlife can carry disease and also attack, squirrels can be quite aggressive if they are hungry and of course Javelina’s  can also be temperamental when cornered or frightened. This is also the season in AZ for rattlesnakes and spiders so please guard your pets and children. Animals often look all crudely and those looks can be deceiving, they can turn on you in an instant. If that animals bites you and you can’t locate it, you may have to have those rabies shots and those are scary. They can also be dangerous for pets, coyotes can jump fences and birds of prey can swoop right on in and grab a small cat or dog.

wildlife

wildlife

 

Oh oh, Houston we have a problem

Scorpion sting woman on plane

A flight out of LA had a bit of an issue with a feisty scorpion. Scorpions can hitch a ride but accidently getting into boxes and or other objects. It doesn’t happen often but bugs and other type of wildlife will take advantage of opportunities, maybe there was water or food present or maybe it was for warmth. If you are moving boxes from an attic or shed always wear gloves and take care.

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