Posts from the ‘Pest Control’ Category
I have heard that some scientists are using DNA barcodes to monitor insects that damage crops? How true is this?
It is true, that USDA scientists are using DNA barcodes as a way to monitor insects that damage crops as diverse as wheat, barley and potatoes. These DNA barcodes are being developed on a range of plants and insects as part of a global effort to catalogue the diversity of life on earth.
Scientists are using barcodes in a very unconventional way. They want to identify insect predators best equipped to control the potato beetle; which is the most damaging insect pest of potatoes in the east part of the United States.
Studies are still being conducted to see if this is the most efficient way to monitor insects but so far so good.
With a heat wave coming through Southern Arizona it is no wonder why so many pests are being seen. Plenty of homeowners and property owners have been coping with these creepy insects on a daily basis.
Angie’s List , which allows members to offer consumer reviews, records searches for pest control companies up 48 percent in March compared with the same month a year ago.
Phones are ringing off the hook – a full two months before the bugs usually arrive. These early unwanted guests include ants, bees and wasps, spiders and bed bugs.
Homeowners and property owners are better off calling professionals. People think they can save a lot going with do-it-yourself. They might be successful at first breaking up the colony but ultimately it can create more problems or simply the colony can repopulate elsewhere. Professional services, like Northwest Exterminating work like bug detectives. We are trained to look for the right and best solution for your property.
April’s temperatures have been at record-highs reaching up into the upper 90s. The thing with pests this month, is that it probably won’t stop. It will still continue on for several months. The pest invasion has begun….so beware!
Have any pest management concerns? The mission of the Arizona Office of Pest Management is to advocate and promote, through education, training and enforcement, the safe application of pest control technologies which will result in the maximization of the health and safety of the residents of Arizona, and protection of their property and the environment.
http://www.sb.state.az.us/index.php
Q: What are some tips that you can provide to me as a homeowner trying to make sure my house stays pest free?
Keeping a home clean is the number one rule of thumb in a homeowners defense against many pests. By making sure your house is kept clean, can greatly reduce the chances of pest invasions. Below are a few easy housekeeping tasks for maintaining your home and keeping it pest free.
-Clean daily around your kitchen, refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher to remove any leftover food crumbs.
-Store pantry food in air tight containers.
-Wipe down all kitchen counters after every meal.
-Get rid of the clutter—stacks of papers, piles of clothing, and unneeded boxes.
-Before disposing of food containers and beverage cans, rinse them out.
-Pull beds and furniture away from the wall to lessen breeding grounds for bugs. Bugs like to hide in cool, dark spaces.
-Dust and wipe down baseboards regularly to avoid attraction to the mess.
By following these simple suggestions it may help you avoid an interaction with any pests.
Q: I know that the pest control industry has been undergoing radical changes. The use of highly toxic chemicals has now been replaced with new alternative methods. Can you please explain a little more in depth what these new methods are? and how successful they have been?
It is true, that the pest control industry has made rapid movements to apply IPM practices (integrated pest management) to get rid of unwelcome critters. IPM is a diverse array of extermination strategies for economic control of a pest. This includes breeding cycles, observation patterns of infestation, and to intervention (without poisons) when one deems necessary. Pesticides are still in use, although mostly “low level” and “low toxicity.”
Integrated Pest Management is the intelligent selection and use of pest control actions that will ensure favorable economic and ecological consequences.