White nose Syndrome Has Killed 6 Million Bats
Scientists studying white nose syndrome in bats estimate the fungal ailment has killed at least 5.7 million bats in 16 states and Canada, providing alarming new numbers about the scope of its decimation. First detected in a cave west of Albany in 2006, white nose has spread to 16 states from the Northeast to the South and as far west as Kentucky. It also has been detected in four Canadian provinces. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the new estimate. Researchers say bats provide tremendous value to the U.S. economy as natural pest control for farms and forests, while playing an essential role in helping control insects that can spread disease to people.
Miserable Winter Weather Will Drive Rodents Indoors
Across the country, chilly temperatures and early snowstorms are forcing more than just people indoors. Rodents including mice, rats and squirrels are seeking food, water and shelter in homes. The Farmers’ Almanac is forecasting a season of unusually cold and stormy weather. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from rodent infestations during colder months.
"Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States every winter," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “But with many places already experiencing cold weather conditions, it is important to be proactive and vigilant in preventing these pests from becoming unwelcome houseguests.”
The accumulation of feces from mice and rats can spread bacteria and contaminate food sources. Rodent droppings are known to cause diseases including Hantavirus and Salmonella. In addition to health risks, rodents can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood and even electrical wiring, increasing the risk of a house fire.
NPMA offers the following tips to avoid a rodent infestation:
- Keep food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Install screens over chimney vents and openings.
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around basement foundation and windows.
- Install gutters or diverts to channel water away from your home.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and off the ground.
- Inspect wires, insulation and walls for any signs of gnaw marks.
- If you find rodent feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls or observe other signs of an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.
Pasted from <http://www.pestworld.org/Winter-Rodent-Infestation>
New Wildlife Trap Sends you an email when activated
Trap-Alert uses wireless technology that sends the user an email when a trap is triggered. The system is a combination of hardware, software, GPS and wireless technologies that enables users to actively monitor the status and location of their traps through a web-based application. Designed to save time and money, Trap-Alert has been field-tested and is the most affordable monitoring system for traps on the market, the company says.
The trap will be available from Wildlife Control Supplies.
New Online Course For Canadian Pest Control Professionals.
Canadian Pesticides
Applicators' Core Training
An online course has
been developed by Open
School BC for the Ministry
of Environment based
on the 2011 edition of the
Canadian Pesticide Education
Program’s Applicator
Core Manual.
This course teaches the
core knowledge required for
certification as a pesticide
applicator in Canada. It is
also a valuable resource for
anybody applying pesticides.
The course introduces the
practices of Integrated Pest
Management and the
foundational knowledge to
prevent and control pests
while having the least
impact on the environment.
Additional Applicator
Core Manual readings are
required in addition to the
online activities. The
Applicator Core Manual required to take the
certification exam is purchased separately.
It is important to note that completion of
this course does not
certify pesticides
applicators.
Candidates also need to
study training material
specific to they type of
work they will be doing and
will be required to pass a provincial certification
exam. Click here
for a complete course
outline.
WASHINGTON – To better protect children, pets and wildlife, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is moving to ban the sale to residential consumers of the most toxic rat and mouse poisons, as well as most loose bait and pellet products. The agency is also requiring that all newly registered rat and mouse poisons marketed to retail consumers be enclosed in bait stations that render the pesticide inaccessible to children and pets. Wildlife that consume bait or poisoned rodents will also be protected by EPA’s actions. Read more.
Beware self-help bedbug remedies
MARLBOROUGH — With bedbug infestations growing over the last few years, so has the market for over-the-counter, do-it-yourself remedies that health agents say can make the problem worse or create health risks. "These over-the-counter or off-the shelf remedies that you might get at your local hardware distributors, you could be doing more harm than good," said Bob Landry, Marlborough city sanitarian. The pests are notoriously difficult - and expensive - to eradicate. The bugs are resistant to many pesticides and typically congregate in crevices that are difficult to access. Professional treatments can be expensive and often require a few rounds of treatment. The cost and hassle of professional treatment has led to a boom in products that claim to remove infestations.
"What I don't recommend doing is applying a pesticide unless you know what you are doing," said Milford Public Health Director Paul Mazzuchelli. "Today's pesticides, especially those sold over the counter, would be met with resistance." Mazzuchelli pointed to the obvious health risks of using pesticide agents inside a home without knowing the dangers the chemicals could pose to people or pets. "We are trying to educate tenants and landlords," he said. "It should be handled in the hands of a professional pest control operator." Beyond health risks, Landry said using ineffective pesticides may make the problem worse, especially for those living in buildings with multiple homes. "They think that they can get away with a method that they think works and is cheap," Landry said. "Those bedbugs will just begin to retreat into he walls or into an adjacent unit." http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/lifestyle/health/x1510864783/Beware-self-help-bedbug-remedies
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians about the potential dangers of buying pesticides over the internet. In recent years, an increasing number of homeowners and gardeners have been looking for alternative pesticides for use in their homes and gardens. As a result, there are many websites selling pest control products, many of which are not approved for sale in Canada.
Consumers should be aware that there is no assurance that product claims made on the internet are reliable. Health Canada urges consumers wishing to purchase pest control products online to consult the Pesticide Product Information Database, which contains a list of registered pesticide products and active ingredients that are authorized for sale in Canada.
Unregistered pesticides often do not contain the necessary precautions or instructions in either of Canada's official languages, which, in addition to not meeting Health Canada's labeling requirement, could lead to accidental misuse or injury. For guidelines on the safe and effective use of pesticides, please consult Health Canada's Fact Sheet on Homeowner Guidelines for Using Pesticides.
Bed Bugs In The News
