Tuesday, October 11, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, October 7, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
