Monday, October 31, 2011

TEMPRID! What Can't It DO?!

Temprid SC (Suspension Concentrate Formulation) insecticide is an easy-to-use insect repellent and provides quick knockdown and long residual control of more than 50 pests. This high quality insect repellent combines the broad spectrum, fast-acting control of beta-cyfluthrin with the systemic residual control of imidacloprid to provide premium performance and efficacy.

Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid 21%, Beta-Cyfluthrin 10.5%

Target Pests: Ants (excluding Pharaoh's ants), Boxelder bugs, Carpenter ants, Carpet beetles, Centipedes, Clothes moths, Clover mites, Cluster fly, Cockroaches, Crickets, Darkling beetles, Dermestids, Earwigs, Elm leaf beetles, Fire ants, Firebrats, Fleas, Fruit flies, Gnats, Ground beetles, Hide beetles, Hornets, House flies, Leather beetles, Midges, Millipedes, Moths, Mosquitoes, Multicolored asian lady beetles, Phorid flies, Pill bugs, Scorpions, Sciarid flies (Fungus gnats), Silverfish, Sow bugs, Spiders (excluding Brown recluse spiders), Springtails, Ticks, Wasps, Yellow jackets

Friday, October 28, 2011

E-Z Clean Rodent Bait Stations

Safe and Simple Rodent Control at a Reasonable Price!


•Hard plastic rat bait station
•Place bait inside secure rod of rat station so rodent cannot remove the bait
•Prevents dogs or children from getting to the bait
•Can also hold a snap trap
•Special key prevents easy opening of rat station
•Adhere to concrete block to prevent removal

Check E-Z Clean at ePestSolutions.com today!

4.5 Stars on Kudzu!

See full Reviews HERE

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Roaches Might Survive Nuclear Explosion According to Mythbusters

Click HERE for full story.

But, NO WAY can they survive ePestSolutions ROACH KITS!

We have presriptive Roach Kits for your specific pest problem.

Visit ePestSolutions today to see which is right for you!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Mice: The Winter Invader


The cool air of fall and approaching winter can bring in unwanted pests, like mice, who are searching for a warm haven from the harsh weather. Before mice can make their way into your home, mouse proof your residence so that the only guests you have for the holidays are the two legged kind. In this article we review prevention techniques and treatment options if mice have already invaded.

• Even a hole the size of a dime, can allow mice access to your home. Be sure to seal any cracks and crevices around your home, and be sure to check your foundation and around pipes and utility wires
• Shrubs and trees that are near your home are an excellent invitation to mice and pests. Keep them neatly trimmed and with no branches touching the structure.
• Try using crushed rock around your foundation, since mice do not like to walk on uneven surfaces
• Don’t store boxes and other containers on the floor and use plastic bins with sealed lids, instead of card board or open topped units. If you have areas that aren’t frequently used, be sure to keep them neat and regularly inspected for signs of mouse
• As always, seal any leaks in and around your home so rodents do not have access to water
• Pet food should never be left out or in bags, they’re like a mouse buffet. Keep them tightly sealed in hard plastic or metal bins
Signs of mice infestations may include chewed electrical wires, gnaw marks on wood surfaces and droppings in your cupboards or pantries.

Treatment options for mice include:

Snap traps: Snap traps are the tried and true mechanics for your mouse control and elimination. Mouse snap traps have been used for centuries. The theory has not changed, but science behind the machine has continued to improve. With better technology and higher grade products mouse snap traps can and will work successfully on any number of mice.
Rodenticides: Rodenticides are pesticides that kill rodents and our modern rodenticides can be broken down into two broad group: anticoagulants and non-anticoagulants.
Exclusion Products: Making your house rodent proof is the process of denying mice entry into a building or home by improving the building integrity. This can be difficult with mice since they can enter in a space small as a pinky finger. Mouse exclusion is the best long term and cost effective method of rodent control, taking the time to do it right and thoroughly can save you lots of frustration down the line. One of the best mouse exclusion products is copper mesh. Copper mesh should be used when trying to prevent entry into a hole and opening. Rodents do not have the ability to chew or gnaw through the copper mesh fibers.
GlueTraps: Glue products can be tossed in the trash after use. Glue boards can be purchased scented and unscented and can be placed in the rats environment covered or uncovered. Glue traps can be placed in runways and use to trap rats and mice. They are easy to use, nontoxic and will get great results.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Delta Dust @ ePestSolutions.com!

The One and Only Water Proof Dust

DeltaDust® with DeltaGard® is the world's first and only 100% waterproof insecticide dust, so it works in the wet and damp places that insects love. Nothing short of running water will disturb it, making DeltaDust an ideal crack and crevice treatment. It's effective against a broad spectrum of insects at a wide range of labeled use sites, indoors and out, especially against fleas and ticks in rodent burrows, as well as around pet kennels and in zoos. Since its effect is not diminished by moisture, DeltaDust provides a residual of up to 8 months with a DeltaGard active ingredient concentration of just 0.05% — probably the lowest of any insecticide dust anywhere.

What's more, DeltaDust is odorless, and is an economical buy — a standard 1 lb. bottle covers about 2000 sq. ft.

What's Delta Dust Controls

Ants, Bees, Bedbugs, Boxelder bugs, Carpet beetles, Cockroaches (both resistant and non-resistant strains), Crickets, Fleas Firebrats, Termites, Carpenter ants, Carpenter bees, Centipedes, Cheese mites, Cigarette beetles, Dark meal worms, Drugstore beetles, Fire ants, Grain mites, Granary weevils, Ground beetles, Lesser grain borers, Merchant grain beetles, Millipedes, Redflour beetles, Rice weevils, Rusty grain beetles, Sawtoothed grain beetles, Scorpions, Silverfish, Slugs, Sowbugs, Spiders, Spider beetles, Ticks, Tobacco moths, Wasps, Webbing clothes moths, Yellow meal worms.

DELTADUST® Application Tips:

  • DeltaDust is a waterproof insecticide intended for application with a hand or power duster (Actisol® DPA or similar equipment), with a paint brush or by other suitable means, for hiding and runaway areas and other places where insects are found.

  • In living areas, apply in such a manner as to avoid depositions on exposed surfaces or introducing the material into the air. In the home, all food processing surfaces and utensils should be covered during treatment or thoroughly washed before use. Exposed food should be covered or removed.

  • To apply insecticide directly into cracks and crevices, use a bulbous duster or other suitable equipment. Apply lightly and uniformly to infested area. Pay particular attention to: cracks and crevices, service ducts, floors and ceilings, wall voids, around electrical and telephone fittings and equipment, around water and sewer pipes, under and behind cabinets, refrigerators and sinks, around windows and door frames, along baseboards, in attics and crawl spaces. The amount to be applied will vary with the site but should usually be in the range of 2-3 grams of DeltaDust per square yard (or 0.5 lbs per 1000 square feet).


Proper Dusting Tips:

  • When applying, the duster should be filled only halfway - no more than two-thirds full. This allows for adequate air space to create the desired air/dust mixture prior to application. If there is too much dust in the duster, clumps of dust on treated surfaces may result, leading to overapplication of the product and messy spills.

  • Between each squeeze, the duster should be shaken slightly to get dust floating inside the unit.

  • When applying dust into cracks and crevices and on surfaces, gently squeeze the duster to ensure the application of very thin layers of dust. When dusting correctly, you should barely be able to see the dust emerging from the tip of the duster.

  • Before relaxing your grip on the duster, pull it away from the surface or crack you are treating to prevent sucking up lint, moisture or debris. Small amounts of these items will eventually cause lumping and/or clogging of the duster.

  • Place several pebbles or small ball bearings in your duster to keep the dust agitated and ensure than any clumps are broken up prior to application. Also, always keep the screen inside the duster in place as this is designed to help maintain a fine dust consistency.

  • When treating around electrical outlets, use dusters fitted with plastic or fiberglass spouts, or place a small section of rubber hose or plastic tubing over the metal tip to avoid contacting electrical wires. These tubes will also enable you to reach around corners and beneath cabinet voids that would otherwise be impossible to treat.

  • Carry a small brush and a damp cloth. These can be used in the event that dust accidentally drifts out of cracks and crevices and onto non-target areas. Use the brush to push excess dust into cracks, and use the cloth to wipe up.

  • Do not apply dust to baseboards.

  • Apply dust carefully and judiciously so it does not travel to areas where it might represent a hazard. Prevent food contamination by not applying dust to where it could filter down onto food or food areas after it is applied. Also, be aware of any air currents that could transfer dust to containers or other objects, leading to food contamination.

  • If the applicator is to apply any kind of dust for extended periods of time, he or she should wear a respirator approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

  • When using high-volume or high-pressure equipment to apply dust in attics or sub-floor crawl spaces, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator. Also, shut off fans, air conditioners, and hot-air heating equipment if necessary. If the dust is combustible, put out all flames and pilot lights, and shut down all spark-producing equipment in the treated area to avoid explosions.

  • When storing hand dusters in a service vehicle, place them in airtight containers or in zip-style plastic bags. Also, label each container as to the contents of the duster.

  • In general, do not place the tip of the duster in a moist location or allow the duster to sit in moist environments as it will absorb water and become clogged. Clogged dusters can be cleaned by scraping out the spout with a piece of stiff wire.

  • Always follow the label when using DeltaDust.


Contact us at http://www.epestsolutions.com/ to see if Delta Dust is right for you!

How to Keep the Occasional Pest Out!

Often times we find that the seasonal temperature and moisture changes may also bring with it, an insect pest that is not our usual house pest. In this article, we will discuss ways to minimize this occurrence and keep occasional pests out of doors. Examples of common types of ‘occasional’ pests are earwigs, centipedes, box elder bugs, crickets and lady bugs.
When conditions become unfavorable to their propagation out of doors, these insect home invaders will look for anyway possible to move into a better situation. Cracks in foundations, poorly sealed doorways, and poorly kept window screens can offer easy access to the insect invader. They may be searching for additional moisture or food sources, so it is important to keep moisture levels in your home low, and minimize any other insects that might be possible food for the occasional invader. It is necessary to seal as many insect entry points as possible.
The next step is to modify the habitat surrounding your home by minimizing plants, mulch and lighting directly around your home. You can extend gravel or rock beds to a distance of at least 12” around your home, and begin plant beds out from there. Use low wattage yellow bug lights or sodium vapor lights near your home, which are much less attractive to insects.
Mechanical methods of control include vacuuming regularly to remove pests that have already moved into your home to stop them from spreading. Sticky traps are inexpensive and can be placed near insect entry points to monitor for insect access to your home. If only one or two are noted on the sticky trap, you can rest a little, but if you notice that numerous insects are being caught by the trap, stronger control measures may be warranted. Another mechanical option is a fly light trap that can attract the insect away from your home, instead of into it.
The next step would be to enlist chemical methods of control, which would be a perimeter spray directly onto the ground surrounding your home. This will create a ‘barrier’ of protection to reduce the numbers of insects that cross from the outdoors into your home. Insecticide spray’s that contain a pyrethroid are a good option. You can use a nozzle type sprayer to get directly into the homes cracks and crevices.
For the interior of your home, be sure that you do not have excess moisture levels in any rooms or under sinks. Use an insecticide rated for indoor use along base boards, under sinks, and across entry ways. This will help with other insects as well, that may be food sources for your occasional invaders.
Make sure that anything that is sprayed with an insecticide has dried completely before allowing children or pets back into the area.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Bed Bug Resurgence

Bed Bugs are Re-emerging It's Time to Fight Back

Bedbugs been with us longer than you think.

Bed Bugs, Cimex Lectularius, have been with man since we slept in caves. The earliest historical citations about them go back to 423 B.C. In the United States, bed bugs came over with the first explorers and were a problem until the introduction of DDT in the late 1930’s provided the first major advance in bed bug control. Following on the heels of DDT were organophosphates which also provided excellent control.

Throughout the years, an evolving regulatory environment has removed or limited the tools that were available for controlling bed bugs causing infestations to ebb and flow.

New ideas to fight the resurgence of an old foe.

Recently, bed bug infestations have enjoyed a resurgence, to the point where bed bugs are like a new pest. It is not often the pest control industry is faced with new pests to deal with. The occasional introduced ant species can be challenging, but in general these are localized problems. Bed bugs, however, are a nationwide pest problem in the U.S.

The resurgence of this age old pest has become a significant problem in dorm rooms, hotels, apartments, and permanent residences alike. Today’s mobile society and the loss of key pesticide tools present a unique challenge for Pest Management Professionals trying to successfully control bed bugs. A variety of methods need to be implemented for a successful management program.

Knock Bed Bugs down and keep them down.

Conventional adulticides are an important tool, as well as sanitation and exclusion. Other important tools include Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs). IGRs have a strong history of controlling a wide variety of insects such as cockroaches and fleas. In combination with adulticides and other measures, IGRs keep insect populations under control by breaking the life cycle and preventing infestations from rebounding.

Gentrol is an IGR that is well known to Pest Management Professionals (PMPs). Gentrol was introduced to the industry in the id 80’s and has been used to successfully control cockroaches, stored product pests, drain and fruit flies. The recent addition of bed bugs to the Gentrol label offers PMPs another tool in the challenge to control bed bugs.

Additional points of interest for fighting bed bugs.

The primary mode of action for Gentrol is to affect bed bug reproduction. When reproduction is affected the insect population declines, reducing the infestation.

Gentrol works on bed bugs, as in cockroaches, by preventing the nymph from developing into reproductively functioning adults. Electron microscopy shows that in cockroaches and in bed bugs the organs responsible for normal copulation and reproduction do not develop. In the case of male bed bugs, the paramere, or reproductive organ, fails to develop normally. As a result, successful copulation cannot occur.

In addition to reproductive anomalies, there is research showing that some nymphs exposed to Gentrol die prior to molting into adults.

There is information in the public domain that suggest Gentrol causes bed bug females to produce more eggs. This was a one time evaluation where immature bed bugs that escaped being affected by Gentrol produced more eggs than the control replicates. These females that produced more eggs were not exposed to Gentrol at the time they were reproductive.

IGRs can affect fecundity – i.e. adult female insects exposed to IGRs generally produce fewer eggs than unexposed females. According to the Monograph of Cimicidae, bed bug egg production varies between individuals and continues up to 12 weeks after the first blood meal. Egg production during that first week after a blood meal ranged from 5 to 16 eggs per week. Egg production increased as the females aged with as many as 27 eggs produced per week during the 12 week observation period.

In studies generated to satisfy EPA registration requirements, Gentrol provided efficacy by inhibiting the development of the next generation of nymphs by 92%. In other words, nymphs exposed to a Gentrol treatment were unable to reproduce. Mortality was also observed in this study where 66% of the exposed nymphs failed to survive to adults. Of those surviving to adults, reproduction was significantly reduced by 92% from the untreated control population. There as an average of 3 nymphs produced vs. an average of 61 produced in the untreated control group.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dupont Altriset Termiticide! The NEW SCIENCE in Termite Control

Dupont Altriset Termiticide 34 oz

Altriset™ works by paralyzing the mouths of termites within hours of ingestion, stopping further damage immediately. But Altriset™ doesn't stop there. It also increases termites' already social behavior. They groom and exchange food, therefore spreading Altriset™ to other colony members.

Here's how it works:



•The first wave of termites to come into contact with Altriset™ walks through it, ingest it and carry it on their bodies. They cannot taste or smell it.
•Within hours, the mouths of exposed termites become paralyzed to stop further feeding.
•Exposed termites experience increased grooming and interaction so that they spread Altriset™ among other colony members.
•Over time, termites become more lethargic and show signs of muscle paralysis.
•Altriset™ eliminates termites within three months or less when used in accordance with the label.
• Complete and Long-Lasting Termite Control Altriset™ provides long-term structural protection by controlling termites and leaving residual protection in surrounding soil so that termites don't return.
In fact, studies show that when used in accordance with the label, just one application of Altriset™ protects your home from termites for years to come.

Results may vary slightly by location. Your Altriset™ termite control professional can outline specific performance guidelines for your region.

After treatment, there are simple steps you can take to ensure maximum results, including:



•Keeping shrubbery trimmed and away from house
•Clearing gutters of water and debris
•Making sure indoor and outdoor plumbing remains leak-free
•Sealing cracks in foundation, patio, steps or masonry siding
•Eliminating stagnant water on or around your home
•Getting yearly inspections by a professional to make sure termites haven't returned

The First Termiticide That Doesn't Make You Compromise Using a termiticide no longer means choosing to protect your home or the environment. Altriset™ has both unparalleled termite protection AND an excellent environmental profile.



No signal word The U.S. EPA requires that all registered pesticides display a signal word on the label, such as "warning" or "caution," depending on the level of toxicity. Altriset™ is the exception. It is the first and only liquid termiticide that does not have any signal word. This is a breakthrough accomplishment based on extensive research and is currently unequaled in the professional pest control industry.



Unique first aid instructions

Altriset™ is the first professional termiticide that does not require any specific first aid intervention if anyone is accidentally exposed.



No special personal protective equipment needed to apply

Likewise, when applying Altriset,™ the termite control professional treating your home is not required by the label to wear special personal protective equipment such as gloves and eyewear.

Low impact on beneficial organisms

Although Altriset™ is extremely effective on termites, its unique chemistry is targeted so that it has little impact on the organisms you do want in your yard—such as honey bees and earthworms.

The First New Termiticide in Nearly 10 Years

Imagine using a computer from the 1990s. You could still get things done, but at a much slower and simpler pace. It just wouldn’t make sense today.

Yet while technology has advanced around us, termiticide chemistry has remained virtually the same. You probably didn’t notice, but DuPont sure did. And decided to do something about it.

Enter Altriset.™ By mimicking a substance found in certain tree bark, DuPont scientists were able to create a breakthrough mode of action that works unlike any other.

Altriset™ targets and paralyzes the mouths of termites to stop them from feeding within hours. Altriset™ also clings to their bodies undetected and enhances social behavior so that it is spread quickly throughout the colony. Your home is termite-free within three months and fully protected for years to come.
But DuPont didn’t stop there. The superior environmental profile of Altriset™ means it’s the first liquid termiticide that doesn’t require any special personal protective equipment to apply, and there are no specific first aid requirements.

Welcome to 2011.

Get yours from ePestSolutions.com today!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Caterpillar Control

In the past week or so, I’ve noticed extremely high numbers of caterpillars EVERYWHERE around my home and in my yard. They are falling from the trees, slinking along the ground, circling my entryways. Truly, the crazy caterpillars are proving to be an extreme nuisance. Beyond being a nuisance, they can cause severe damage to foliage if not kept in check. So, how do we minimize caterpillar populations around our home and yard?

Auburn University helps us with our a little biological information on our guest star. Caterpillars are larvae (the "worm" forms) of insects in the order Lepidoptera¬¬the butterflies, skippers, and moths. In number of species known, Lepidoptera is the second largest of all insect orders. Consequently, caterpillars are numerous; more than 11,000 species occur in North America, with over 5,000 species in the eastern United States alone. Most caterpillars are plant feeders. They occur on a wide variety of plants, and many are serious pests. Caterpillars are among the most common of all insect forms found on foliage of forest, shade, and ornamental trees.

Great, so there are 11,000 plus species waiting to feed on my plants. Where does the DIY pest controller begin? Identification of your particular caterpillar variety can be made easy work by use of a phone camera and an email address to your local extension office. My particular problem caterpillar seems to be the Forest Tent Caterpillar. They love sweet gum and oak trees, so my yard is a haven for them. It all seems that they are extremely cyclical. Numbers seem to rise greatly in 5-7 year periods.

It is recommended that egg cases, larvae and nests be physically removed from trees to discourage large numbers of caterpillars in your area.

When researching available methods of control, LSU Agriculture Extension service recommends, “Management of all these caterpillars requires spraying to reduce the populations, according to Pollet, who says any pyrethroid in combination with liquid soap is an effective control measure. The soap is used with the insecticides so that the insecticide will make better contact with the caterpillar.
"These materials are short-lived and are safe in the neighborhood environment and kill the caterpillars nearly on contact," he said.
Applications of the pesticides can be made using a pump-up sprayer for small plants and around the home. To get into the trees to manage a larger portion of the population, Pollet says the use of a hose-end applicator is effective, since it can shoot a stream of spray about 25 to 30 feet in the air – allowing the homeowner to spray into the trees.


Bacillus thuringiensis and spinosad are non pesticide methods for control but do take longer to see results since they have to be ingested to be effective. Check with your DIY Pest Control Specialist for available products in your area.

Another tip is to conduct any spraying in early morning or late evening when the caterpillars begin to congregate near their nests. You will accomplish more with less chemical by using their natural tendency for your own benefit.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

WASP Freeze Contact Insecticide

Get Rid of Wasps and Hornets with Wasp Freeze Contact Insecticide
Description:
•Specially formulated to provide instant knockdown of wasps and hornets
•Spray can travel 15 ft. to provide applicator safety
•Residual activity ensures complete elimination of the nest
•Formulated with a high dielectric strength and exhibits no breakdown up to 49,300 volts and no arcing at 35,000 volts
•Knockdown is quick so no stinging pheromone is released, thus reducing the possibility of stings


Active Ingredient:


0.25% Dual Pyrethroid Formula


Registered in ALL states.


KILLS ON CONTACT FROM 15 FEET AWAY

For Outdoor Use Only

KILLS:

Bees, Hornets, Spiders, Yellowjackets and Wasps


ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

d-trans Allethrin .......... 0.129%

Phenothrin ................. 0.120%

OTHER INGREDIENTS:......... 99.751%

Contains petroleum distillate. TOTAL: 100.000%



DIRECTIONS FOR USE:


For optimum performance in overhead treatments, align the actuator opening with the mark on valve cup. When treating in a downward direction, align the actuator opening directly opposite the mark on valve cup.


WASPS AND HORNETS:

Hold container in upright position to treat. Stand safe distance, 6 - 15 feet from nest and not directly underneath. Align actuator opening with the mark on valve cup. Aim actuator opening toward nest. Treat nest until thoroughly wet. Wasps and hornets on nest should be contacted with spray when possible. Best time of day to treat is in evening or early morning, since wasps and hornets congregate on or in nest at night. Do not apply to pets or contaminate food, foodstuffs, dishes or utensils.

For outdoor use only.

To prevent dying insects from falling on skin and clothing, avoid standing directly under nest being treated.

YELLOW JACKETS AND BEES:

Locate underground nest. Align actuator opening directly opposite the mark on valve cup. Depress actuator and treat, with a sweeping motion, any stimulated or stirred-up insects around nest opening. Afterwards, move forward to nest opening and apply liquid for 6 - 8 seconds directly into nest hole. This will suffocate bees and yellowjackets in nest; other bees and yellowjackets trying to return to nest will be repelled and will fly around and away harmlessly.

SPIDERS, INCLUDING BLACK WIDOW AND BROWN RECLUSE:

Apply spraydirectly onto spiders and web.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Pest Control Management: Mom to Mom

During our day, our roles as mothers change as rapidly as the colors on a stop light. We go from loving nurse maid to drill sergeant in the matter of seconds, from world class chef to arts and crafts director, from under paid accountant to tea party mistress. All of our roles are valuable and necessitated, even the roles that we don’t like. One of the motherly roles that we may not like is that of DIY pest controller, but with a few easy prevention strategies you can make that job as easy as hot dog night for dinner.

Therefore, mother to mother, I say embrace your role as pest controller! Do it with gusto and pizzazz, just like you do everything else. But work smarter and not harder, by following a few easy prevention steps to make your home as pest free as possible.

First off,

1-NO, and I mean, NO eating outside of the kitchen dining area. Yes, they will moan, yes they will groan. But, you know as well as I do that children are messy little creatures, who will leave trails of cracker crumbs, and sticky dribbles of grape juice where ever they travel without blinking an eye. They will not alert you to their Hansel and Gretel antics until the ants have marched on in looking for the witch’s candy coated house. So I ask you, would you rather fight off ants, roaches, flies, rodents and spiders in ONE room, or TEN? The choice is up to you. May the force be with You. Also, be certain to use sealed containers for everything bugs or rodents might want to snack on. (Translation: anything edible.)

Secondly,

2. There are SEASONAL duties that you already engage in for your home. Add pest control maintenance to that list. For the New Year cleaning, Spring cleaning, Summer clothes switch out, and Winter clothes switch out, take a few moments to check for signs of pests and to replace your pest bait stations. This helps to make sure that your baits are able to actively reduce populations of any pests who wander in. It would wise to have 2-3 types of baits so that your pest don’t get bored with the bait and keep wanting what you’ve got. Also, be sure to place your baits out of harms way for pets and little people. This could be under your fridge, dishwasher, the tops of cabinets, or under the washer/dryer.

Lastly,

3. When doing spring cleaning, wash anything that can be washed in a high temperature or steam setting. Take extra care to vacuum corners, crevices, baseboards and curtains. Make sure to EMPTY your canister into a sealed bag for disposal in case you did pick up anything. Inspect your home for leaks and any gaps in doors, windows, or screens that may be letting the pests into your home. If any problems are located, walk up to your husband, while offering a beer (or whatever treat makes him happy), hand him the report of deficiencies and then back out of the room slowly.

Following these simple techniques should save time and money and keep your house pest free.

Monday, October 3, 2011

How to Protect Your Family From Pesticide Poisoning

With the recent increase in bed bug activity in the US, there has also been an increase in the misuse of chemical treatment applications by homeowners. The CDC reports, “A total of 111 illnesses associated with bed bug–related insecticide use were identified; although 90 (81%) were low severity, one fatality occurred…The most common factors contributing to illness were excessive insecticide application, failure to wash or change pesticide-treated bedding, and inadequate notification of pesticide application. Although few cases of illnesses associated with insecticides used to control bed bugs have been reported, recommendations to prevent this problem from escalating include educating the public about effective bed bug management.”

How can you protect your family from becoming a statistic in pesticide poisoning?

Education: As with all pest control products, the DIY pest controller needs to be educated about the use of both chemical and non chemical methods of control. Your local extension service, internet or pest control specialist can shed light on the many ways to avoid pests in the first place and to limit reoccurrence.

Prevention: Utilize as many prevention measures as possible to reduce your need for chemical applications. Make your home an unwelcome place for household pests by reducing access through cracks and crevices. Limit their access to water and food sources by maintaining good sanitation and checking your home for leaks, even tiny ones.

Early Detection:
Be aware of common pests in your geographic region and keep an eye out for signs and symptoms related to infestation. Most all pests have some early warning signs that the educated DIY pest controller can identify. It is easier to handle small areas instead of having to deal with a full scale infestation.

Treat the right pest, the right way: Not all chemicals treat all pests. By using the wrong chemical on the wrong pest, you may only scatter your problem to other areas of your home, creating more work for yourself in the end. If unsure, consult with a professional. Most online pest control suppliers have a “help desk” that you can submit inquiry to.

Read, and I mean READ, Labeling: Many of the pesticide poisonings resulted from persons using pesticides rated for outdoor application indoors.

Do not exceed application rates: The pesticide labeling will tell you what the chemical is rated for and the application rates. More is NOT always better when you are protecting your home and family.

Do not reenter your home too soon after application: Even with the right application rates, give your home time to air out, especially when using foggers. Do not reenter prior to the recommended reentry rates listed on the fogger.

Make sure all fabrics that have received application have dried completely: If you are applying pest control products directly to any fabric surface, the fabrics need to have dried before you come into contact with them.

Keep all pesticides out of reach of animals and children: As with all potentially dangerous chemicals, make sure that they are stored far out of reach of little hands and paws.