All posts in “ticks”

Snakes and Wildlife

Bat Rescue

Bat Rescue at a DayCare, this Big Brown bat couldn’t make it home. She decided to take a rest in a corner of the playground and we couldn’t let her stay there. The children are the most important factor in this relationship. We sent out a technician and he captured her in a webber broom and transferred to a bucket. We then took her to Liberty Wildlife (our partner in the rehab business). This gave her a quick physical and will hold her overnight and then take her back to her home territory.

We extended Professional Courtesy on this Bat Rescue to her since she’s in the same business, killing mosquitoes and bugs. Did you know that a single bat can eat 1,200 mosquitoes each hour and maybe up to 8,000 each night. Bats can live up to 40 years. Bat droppings in caves can support whole ecosystems, including bacteria useful in breaking down wastes. Here in the desert many species of cactus including the Arizona Saguaro and Organ Pipe cactus rely on bats to pollinate.

Some useful tips:

  1. Never pick up a bat, it could be sick and bite.
  2. Call a Professional like this DayCare, I then explained to the kids the process and they were excited to learn about bats.
  3.  If you decide to use a plastic figure owl, it need to be moved frequently. Pigeons and bats become familiar with them not moving.
  4. Shining light on an area 24/7 can be useful
  5.  Again as I have mentioned previously, do a monthly inspection of your house and at night with a flashlight. Look up and chek all areas.

Essential Services

Essential Services – In response to the Covid-19 virus

 

Essential Services and their providers are the FrontLine of defense to Pest Control.This virus has certainly made people think, maybe those Preppers were right? Maybe we all need to think about – what if? The President, Governor of Arizona all have weighed in and set guidelines and protocols to the Pandemic. So why is Pest Control an Essential Service?

We are the Protectors of Public Health!

As you quarantine in place, we continue to serve your home or business. I never in all my days ever thought this day would come, yet here it is. The scorpions, ticks, mosquitoes, and rodents will not go away on their own. They will continue to be a constant threat against our lives. While many carry diseases, we are the force needed to stop them. We have the tools and knowledge to keep them at bay. The key in my mind is knowledge, anyone can spray but do they know the enemy? There are numerous pesticides on the market one even touts yearly protection – if that was true I would use the stuff. Depending on time, weather conditions and other factors, most pesticides only last a limited amount.

Why has ProBest Pest Management stopped doing insides homes and when did you stop? I made this decision years ago, probably about 2005. The pesticides are mixed with water, put down wet which dry and children and pets can then come in contact with these pesticides. Once dry they can become airborne and nobody needs to breath that over time. Most all work can be done from the outside, this requires more time. These days pesticides have come a long way, only certain pests like German Roaches require inside treatment (can be done with specific pesticides such as dry baits or gels). Ants can also be treated with baits. Bed bugs are a different story but these days there are fungal spores ready to annihilate the blood suckers.

Long story short, we PROTECT the PUBLIC. I personally have almost 30 years of experience, many long hours of study and credentials ready to serve you. Read my bio and you decide, who do you want on your side? Someone who cares and loves his job, or somebody just in it for the money. ProBest Pest Management 623-414-0176 or 602-249-7378.

Ticks

Ticks can be a real problem with your pets, birds may fly into your backyards or even visit your local park. Without your knowledge your pet picks them up and return to your nice sweet home. Now you have ticks.

Ticks are one of the only bugs that we use our power sprayer in the backyards. Because they tend to climb to the tops of grasses and weeds and wait for their prey. You have to be vigilant because they will come inside and set up home. I’ve seen them in a sofa and that took awhile to figure it out.

Fleas

No fleas in Arizona – usually…

Usually I would suspect it is a lack of humidity that makes it less likely to have fleas in Arizona. Occasionally we have someone come in from another state and we have a case but not to often. We do have ticks and they can be a real problem with our pets. So what can you do to prevent them?

  1. Mow your grass.
  2. Be careful going to dog parks.
  3. If you and your dog walks, check them on the return.
  4. If your hiking, wear long pants and tuck them in.
  5. Put on some Deet oh and sunscreen or a hat.
  6. Be safe out there.

Fleas

 

Dogs cats pets ticks

dogs cats pets ticks

 

Dogs cats pets versus ticks ohhhh my. So here in Arizona we are somewhat lucky not to be plagued by fleas very often. Our humidity isn’t favorable to their life-cycle. But don’t worry we have a host of other vicious little critters that enjoy bothering our pets and us. In general, ticks are to be found wherever their host species occur. Migrating birds carry ticks with them on their journeys; a study of migratory birds passing throughout the country. Ticks are widely distributed around the world, especially in warm, humid climates, yep that’s us.

That picture above is a fully engorged tick, after feeding on something she will be ready to lay her large mass of eggs -somewhere between 2,000 and 18,000. Ticks can fast for long periods but eventually die if unable to find a host. This behavior evolved approximately 120 million years ago through adaptation to blood-feeding and a female can increase her body size to 600%

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

dogs cats pets ticks

dogs cats pets ticks

Spring Is here and the bugs may be at your door

Spring is here

So Spring has finally arrived ohhhh and we finally see that April the Giraffe had her baby boy. It’s a Facebook thing and this Giraffe has been expecting for well over a month and I all think we wish it would arrive and that includes April. This season is a time of rebirth, the trees and bushes start the process of new leaves and the animals including  starting the process of new babies. As Spring goes into Summer the temperatures will push the bugs into cooler climates such as your home or business. So please keep an eye on eaves, roof-lines and sheds where we see more activity from honeybees etc.

I was sitting in my car on the overpass at the US 60 and Gilbert Road last week and a swarm flew right into and over us, glad my windows were rolled up. Watch the video on Honeybees . Take some time to smell the flowers life is to short to miss the fun stuff – relax take some time.

Spring blooming cactus

Spring blooming cactus

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQi9pZ8jE9M[/embedyt]

Cat ad 4 best pest company – ProBest Pest Management

Cat ad delivers message to viewers

You know I’m really not a cat person, I like dogs. Yes I know more people these days own cats than dogs but hey what can I say. There is this World renown Entomologist in Florida that despises cats and he frequently makes fun of all types. He even includes jabs at training events and a magazine his University publishes. To me they are finicky while dogs will generally play and come to you no matter what. Cats are just cats, no more no less. Did you know that all dogs come from wolves, I mean there are all kinds small and large, tall and short, ugly and cute (all in the eye of the beholder) well you get the drift. I guess they have been around a long time, I guess their good mousers (well most of them). But at least the one below knows something good.[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v37FuUFfF0[/embedyt]

cat

cat

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]

PestBlots

What do you see? Pestblots

PestBlots is a video from PestWorld.org. This site also serves as the official website of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). It is a non-profit group committed to the protection of public health, food and property. This site serves as a complete resource for consumers, media, educators and pest control pro’s. Furthermore common household pests to do-it-yourself pest control tips, PestWorld.org provides timely info and tools to better serve our visitors’ pest control needs.

Therefore, please utilize PestWorld.org as your main resource for info on bugs, rodents, pest control, and the growing pro’s pest management industry.

Pest control pro’s are invited to visit NPMAPestworld.org to access the NPMA’s member website. This site provides timely news, valuable information and access to all NPMA member benefits.

NPMA - Pestblots

ProBest is a member of the NPMA. PestBlots

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

Mission

Support

Provide Business, Education, and Resource Tools necessary for Success by Pest Control Pro’s

Protect

Ensure rule making and laws are Favorable to the Pest Control Industry

Grow

Offer Programs to Support Industry and Group Members’ Business Growth

News from the Grand Canyon

Monthly plague monitoring to start at Grand Canyon

 

So why would I post something like this? Several years ago I was visiting Montezuma’s Castle off I-17 north of Phoenix when I observed  people hand feeding some squirrels and I just was amazed. Then not a month later i heard about a bite that occurred and of course who paid the price, the squirrels.

They came in and trapped and relocated every single squirrel. Don’t feed the wildlife. Check out the article on other ways to stay away from possible issues , including prevention tips for pets.

Contact Us