Friday, December 29, 2017

The Loathsome, Lethal Mosquito - Rose Eveleth


Everyone hates mosquitoes. Besides the annoying buzzing and biting, mosquito-borne diseases like malaria kill over a million people each year (plus horses, dogs and cats). And over the past 100 million years, they've gotten good at their job -- sucking up to three times their weight in blood, totally undetected. So shouldn't we just get rid of them? Rose Eveleth shares why scientists aren't sure.

Lesson by Rose Eveleth, animation by Karrot Animation.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

How Important Is Pest Control?


Pest control management is a system seeking to eliminate insects and bugs from the premises that are inhabited by human beings. It has always been a necessity for all homes and human health. This is of utmost necessity for home owners to maintain the proper health and environment around us. There are a lot of reasons why it is important and why one should consider taking it seriously:

Damage prevention to homes and structures
Around five billion dollars are spent every year all over the world in respect to damages caused by bug and termite infection. The bugs can damage the wooden contents of the home, burrowing into the woods, eating up all the landings, beams and walls in your homes. They damage the structure making it a lot vulnerable to chances of collapse, thus leaving all the household members at a great risk. Older and delicate homes that have not been treated are at greater risks. Constant vigilance and assistance, for proper implementation is recommended.

Prevention of diseases
Disease prevention can be another huge benefit of implementing proper pest control measures. Allergies, rashes, respiratory problems as well as asthma can be well prevented with the proper implementation of these measures. Allergens in pests are also known to result in allergies in people. Asthma in children is a major result of infestation. In fact 7% of the population get allergies borne by cockroaches.

Prevention of damage to furniture
Control over pests is another means to be safe over the furniture, and other things. Carpets, clothing and the wooden and fabric components of furniture can incur huge damage leading to repairs and replacements if not looked in at time. Fabric can also be a source of food to some bugs.

Food supply maintenance
Rodent consumption can actually lead to the wastage of about 20% of the National Food Supply. Food worth billions of dollars is lost to rodent infestation every year. Food supply can have a huge influx if proper pest control measures are implemented on time. Implementing proper measures on the home front can lead to prevention of food wastage and contamination. Additionally pest leave behind traces of dead skin, feces, body parts, urine all of which mixed together can highly contaminate the food that we are consuming.

Other problems
Leprosy, dysentery, malaria, dengue, lyme diseases can all be prevented if proper pest control measures are implemented.

Proper measures need to be implemented from time to time to ensure best results.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lita_Willem/1401470

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Saturday, December 23, 2017

Top Reasons Why Cockroaches Need To Be Kept Aside From Our Homes


Grossed out by the sight of the reddish brown insect? With the existence dated back to about the pre-historic era, cockroaches are the only insects that have survived through 70 million years and will survive through nuclear explosions.

The human and cockroach association has often been remarkable. These insects have adopted through the times since humans lived in a cave, till the date we moved to skyscrapers. Actually, cockroaches are seen in the daylight, only when they are sick, or the place is too crowded for them.

They are not only contributors to fear of diseases and social embarrassment, crawling on your sink, running down the pipe hole, resting in the corners of your fridge, and running down the pipe hole. Your family health can be further deteriorated, if these vectors or carriers of diseases somehow come into contact with any of the stuff affecting your health.

1. Contamination of food - Cockroaches can survive on anything virtually. They survive on dead plants, animals, glue, soap, leather, paper, faecal matter along with strands of hair. Defecating on open food is their regular habit, leaving hair and dead skin behind while depositing eggs on them.

2. Disease causing bacteria inoculation - When the feeding cockroaches eject their saliva and other germs on the food items, it is supposed to have effects on your health. This is said to be causing a range of digestive problems, sepsis and urinary tract infections.

3. Body part invasions - Your body parts can also be invaded by cockroaches while you are in your sleep. They may enter your body through your nose and ears while you are in deep slumber. Body orifices can also be invaded by some of these pests.

4. Poisoning of food - It has been found after research that infestations by cockroaches can cause a number of diseases. Salmonella is another type of bacterium carried by these pests that can cause a huge range of diseases.

5. Allergies - The saliva secreted by the cockroaches can cause a number of allergies, which include skin rashes, watery eyes and sneezing.

6. Asthma - Asthma attack ratios have been seen to have increased to the double in case your home is cockroach infested. Severe complications can life threatening diseases can be avoided, if the cockroach allergens are kept in check.

Weekly cleansing and a few other regulations will help you keep cockroach infestations and problems caused by them in check.Ensure you maintain them for a healthy family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bob_D_Willis/1972929

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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Winter Pest Control Tips


As the temperature drops during fall and winter months, rodent control becomes an important concern. Just as humans and pets seek shelter inside cozy warm homes, so do unwelcome visitors including mice, rats and other animals. Rodents can represent a major health risk to you and your children as they can carry and transmit many different diseases. In order to avoid having these dirty, diseased pests in your home, this article will provide a three-step approach to blocking entry to your home, making your house less appealing to pests by removing food sources, and finally, in the event you still have a pest problem, ridding your home of the rodents.

Mice and other small rodents can squeeze through very small cracks and holes, so be sure to seal any visible openings or cracks along the exterior or your house. Carefully look near windows and doors - as foundation settling can be significant, and gaps will often appear along these areas. Be sure to also look for and seal any openings inside your home: look around your baseboards, behind kitchen cabinets and appliances, closets and other areas rodents may gain entry.

Just as rodents are looking to stay warm during winter months, they're also looking for food! Any available food supply makes an attractive target for rodents and should be cleaned up to cut down on possible infestation. If you store food in kitchen cabinets or a pantry, be sure to keep it in sturdy containers. Any thin or loose-fitting food bag is no match for a hungry animal. The same goes for pet food and garbage. Keep pet food in a heavy plastic or metal container that can seal out unwanted critters and keep your garbage area clean. Promptly remove especially messy trash and any food waste and consider using a garbage container with a lid.

Taking precautionary steps to eliminate sources of entry and sources of food will go a long way toward keeping pests outside your home this winter. But what happens if those nasty pests still find their way inside? The next step is pest removal or eradication.

Before dealing with a bug or rodent infestation, ask yourself if you are willing to tackle the problem on your own. Depending on the nature of the problem, some rodents, especially larger ones, should be handled by professionals. These critters carry a risk of disease and other health hazards. It's not advisable to mess with them if you aren't sure what you're doing. However, if you're up to the challenge, the first step in taking care of rodents is identifying what type of pest you have.

Identifying rodents can be easily done if you actually witness them, but if they're aren't visible you can tell by signs left such as gnaw marks, droppings, body trail marks (body marks left by animals running alongside wood), odor, etc. Once you know what uninvited guests you have, you can take the appropriate measures to get rid of them.

Handling a rodent infestation usually means using traps and bait, repellents, poison and more. Types of traps typically include live traps, glue traps, electric traps and snap traps. Plan ahead to determine the most appropriate trap for your situation. For example, live traps require you to remove the trapped animal, otherwise the rodent will suffer a painful death. Poison traps may result in a poisoned rodent dying in an out of the way place you can't get to, resulting in foul odor and disease from the decaying carcass. Finally, the use of poison represents a major health risk for your family and pets.

Be sure to wear gloves, protective clothing and a mask when discarding trapped or dead animals to avoid contact with parasites, the risk of being bitten and other dangers. If you aren't willing or able to deal with the necessary steps to physically block pests from entering your home including removing food sources, or to properly identify and eradicate pests (including with handling dead animals), consider contacting a professional pest control company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_C._Muller/330877

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Sunday, December 17, 2017

Five Signs It's Time To Call An Exterminator


Most homeowners have dealt with minor pest problems in the past. The stray spider, the trapped fly, even the errant rodent are relatively easy to outwit. But when these unwanted guests join others of their ilk, they can prove a formidable foe. Whether insect or critter, any kind of infestation requires professional attention. Here are five unmistakable signs you need an exterminator ASAP.

1. Daytime Visits

Because most pests are nocturnal, they rarely venture out during the daylight. If you should spot a mouse, cockroach, or termite when the sun is up, there's a good chance your residence is infested. This goes double when the trespasser is an insect, such as an ant or cockroach, since rogue insects are often scouts searching for food; and where there are scouts, there's often a colony nearby. You might even be able to follow them back their home, which is often in a moist area like underneath the refrigerator.

2. Scratching Noises

Even if you don't believe in ghosts, scratching noises at night can give anyone a fright. More often than not, however, mice and other rodents are to blame for nighttime noises in your walls and ceilings. As we mentioned, these pests are nocturnal, which means they search for food at night. So all of that scratching and scurrying you hear is nothing more than hungry critters. Because rodents can multiply at incredible rates, it is important to contact an exterminator the morning after you hear nighttime scratching sounds.

3. Excrement

It should come as no surprise that pests have lousy bathroom habits. They leave their dropping wherever they please, hoping you won't find them. When it comes to insects, you might need to pull out your magnifying glass to spot them on your carpet or floor. Roach droppings, for example, are quite small and look a bit like ground pepper. Much easier to track are mouse dropping, which are, individually, about the size and general shape of a grain of rice. Because mice go number two several times a day (or night), their droppings should be easy to spot.

4. Strange Smells

If your home suddenly stinks, there's a good chance a rodent has died in some inaccessible space like the walls or heating ducts. The foul odor will not go away until the dead critter is removed by an exterminator. An insect infestation may also produce strange smells that can be overpowering in small spaces. Depending on the size of the colony, the smell may be somewhat musty or oily.

5. Bite Marks

If you have itchy red marks on your body after a good night's sleep, there's an excellent chance you're sleeping with several thousand guests. Bedbugs are pesky parasites that will feed on your blood for as long as you let them. Pest control professionals can easily eliminate these unwanted bunkmates in no time.

If you observe any of the aforementioned warning signs, contact an exterminator immediately.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Alfred_Ardis/663300

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Thursday, December 14, 2017

Professional Pest Control Services


Are you in need of a Professional Pest Control service?

Even if we take the maximum amount of precaution and try to keep the house and office clean, as time passes by pests do try to enter the house and bother us and create embarrassment for us. Pests can sometimes be very bothersome, and they can also be the root for health hazards in the family and among the office staff. It is beyond our control to keep them away from our homes and office as they find a way to get in and dwell inside our buildings. There are so many different types of pests, and the building can be infected by more than one type of pest at a time. There are different methods to control each type of pest, and it is not possible for us to control it all by our self. Moreover, we will never be able to manage it as good pest control service professionals as they have specific equipment and chemicals needed to remove the pests.

Cockroaches are the most annoying pests because they can creep in the living room while you are entertaining your guests. Some people have a sensitivity to cockroach allergens; it is especially more in children below five years. The cockroach allergen can spread through its droppings, saliva, or its decomposing body. It can lead to severe asthma conditions in those with sensitivity to it. A cockroach can survive anywhere and hence it can spread so many different types of bacteria and parasites which is unimaginable. They also carry dangerous pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. They can spread it wherever they move, from the dirtiest environment to the most sterile environment like an operation theater, it can spread its dangers, and that is why professional pest control service is needed.

Bed bugs are another type of pest that is difficult to get rid of. They are not easy to access as they hide in nooks and crannies of the beds and other furniture. Even if you get rid of them, they still leave back their eggs, which are difficult to detect. So while you think you got rid of them, it is just a matter of time, and you will be bothered again. Although they might not spread any disease, but their bites can cause allergy to many, and it can cause redness and itchiness in the bitten areas. They can also lead to sleeplessness because of their bites. These bed bugs can easily be spread to other places through bags, shoes, clothes, and through people. Hence, it is important to get rid of these uses professional service.

Termites are those pests, which you most likely wouldn't know were there until you start seeing swarmers on a wooden surface in your house. They survive on the wood, and that is their home. You will not even have a guess that your house is infested by them until the wooden structures in your house have become weak or until you see the swarmer flying around to the wooden surface. It is very difficult to know how deep into the wood they have spread, and, therefore, it is the job of professionals to identify it and eradicate it.

Rodents are another form of the pest which can spread disease in the house or office. They can enter the building through any cracks or by burrowing their way in. Once they enter the house, they can gnaw through the cloth, wood, paper, cardboard or anything. It is very distressing to see them run around and ruin your stuff. Their droppings can also cause allergy among household people. Nothing is safe when a rodent is on the loose inside the house. They also multiply faster. Hence, professionals are needed to locate them and remove them entirely from the building. Professionals will also be able to educate you on how to do early identification of these rodents.

Other pests are ants and flies. Ants are social insects, and if you spot one, that means many more are nearby. They can contaminate food. Flies are also known to contaminate food and surfaces, and they can spread several pathogens which can cause disease in human beings.

Hence a regular pest control service by professionals is necessary to keep your house and office safe and also keep yourself and your family members healthy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverly_S_Harris/2147272

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Monday, December 11, 2017

Bugs in Your Home? Tips from a Pest Control Expert


If you find a few ants marching along the wall in your kitchen, it may be time to call an exterminator. It can also mean that making a few changes to your environment will likely take care of your pesky issue.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Best Ways to Prevent Pests


Nobody likes having intruders and that is what pests are. If it is found that your home or office is the source of easy food and a safe shelter where they won't be bothered, pests will have no problem making your space their home.

Pests are not only unpleasant to look at (after all since when is a rat cute or cockroaches pretty to look at?), they can cause significant and costly damage to your home or office and can cause unsanitary conditions that give rise to potential health issues.

The ongoing battle of keeping pests out is nothing new. Unfortunately, many people don't take any pest control measures until after they notice the damage or unpleasant evidence of pests. Sometimes, by that point, it can be too late and the damage already done.

Like other potential problems that can quickly get out of hand if not addressed, pest control is more effective and cheaper the sooner and quicker you take preventative measures.

A reactive approach to pest control can easily result in more time and energy than expected or desired. It is also more costly.

The reactionary approach to pest control also increases the reliance of unpleasant, sometimes expensive pest control chemicals and products. These products can have an unpleasant odor, cause serious injury and health problems if mishandled, accidentally eaten or used in an area without adequate ventilation. When used outdoors, it can kill or damage plants or grass.

Preventative Pest Control Measures

When preventative pest control measures are taken, there is a lesser need for harsh pest treatment chemicals.

Pest love to hide in areas in and around the home or office buildings that don't get routine, regular maintenance and upkeep. Occasional, thorough cleanings are the foundation in pest prevention.

Besides keeping the inside and outside of the buildings clean, here are some easy, additional pest prevention measures you can take:

· Keep the attic, basements and crawl spaces dry and ventilated

· Seal up cracks and holes along the outside of the home including those around pipes, utility entry points, around door and window frames and those in the foundation where it meets the ground or bottom of the house.

· Properly store and dispose of trash in a way that it is securely contained and keep it away from the house or office building.

· Keep trees, bushes and shrubbery well-trimmed and way from the building.

· Replace worn weather stripping around doors, windows and the basement foundation.

· Repair any worn or rotted building components such as siding, stairs or roof shingles.

· Store fire wood away from the house and make sure it is off the ground.

· Clean up food crumbs from off the counters, desks and on the floors. At home, don't eat in bed.

· Store all non-perishable food in a cool, dry place and keep it securely enclosed.

· Don't leave unused pet food sitting out and properly store any pet food that is not used.

If you are still concerned about your risk of bugs or rodents, you should contact a qualified, professional pest control team. They will be able to provide an assessment of your home or office and offer suggestions, advice and treatment if necessary.

Keeping your space clean, dry and well-ventilated, the landscaping well-maintained and secure storage of wood and trash away from the building are some easy and effective preventative pest control measures you can take. If you wait until you see pests, damage could already be done and you'll need to put in more time and costs into pest control than you would have liked.

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Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Contact Your Exterminator to Eliminate Bed Bugs


In 2012, news that one of New York City's most luxurious hotels was infested with bed bugs stunned the world. For weeks, the Internet buzzed about the unlikely infestation. A critter long since thought to have been eradicated found its way back into the public consciousness, as well as its furniture. In truth, there is not much you can do to prevent an infestation in your home. Fortunately, your exterminator can help in the event you find that the pests have infiltrated your space.

Bed bugs can infest and thrive in even the cleanest home because they feast solely on blood. Even sealing off cracks in windows, doors, or the foundation will not keep them out of your house. Bed bugs usually enter your home by hitching a ride in your luggage or clothes. They may also be concealed in used mattresses or sofas. Once inside, the pests find a place to hide and reproduce. They can spread into any and every room over time. Typically, the critters live in cracks or crevices associated with the bed frame or mattress. However, they can also be found in curtains, the edges of your carpet, in the corners of furniture, cracks in wallpaper, or inside spaces of wicker furniture.

Rest assured that the pests are not considered dangerous. Although they are creepy and gross, they are not known to spread disease. They are typically active at night and bite areas of the skin that are not covered by clothes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the intruders pierce the skin and draw blood through their elongated beaks. They feed until they become engorged and crawl away. The bites typically turn into red bumps that might itch. Most bites can be treated with a topical steroid cream or oral antihistamine.

Because of the variety of physical responses to the bites, people attribute their symptoms to that of other pests, like the mosquito or flea. Therefore, physical evidence is required to confirm a bed bug infestation. Look for live or dead bugs, molted skins, spots of fecal matter, or cream-colored eggs in dark crevices. Your exterminator is trained in recognizing the tell-tale signs of an infestation. He or she will conduct a thorough search of your home in areas where the pests typically hide

If your exterminator determines that your home is infested by bed bugs, he or she will offer some recommendations on how to eradicate them. Your exterminator will first try to isolate the source of the infestation. Then, you will need to remove your bedding and clothing from the area and wash it in hot water. Finally, your pest control expert will apply the appropriate spray, dust, or aerosol to the areas where the insects are observed or where they are known to hide.

Although you cannot prevent bed bugs from coming into your home, you can make their stay a short one. Talk to a pest control expert about quick and effective solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Stratton/83489

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Saturday, December 2, 2017

Obsessed with Collecting Cockroaches | My Kid's Obsession


9-year-old Shelby Counterman shows off her thousands of cockroaches and beams with pride as she describes each one's special attributes.