Sometimes I get questions about using ultrasonic devices for coping with pests. “Mrs. Jones uses them and she never sees a mouse!” is often how it goes. I understand the appeal: plug in this thing and my problem is solved. Sure! They also have great marketing campaign: this device will emit a sound you can’t…Continue Reading Ultrasonic Devices? Ultra-Ineffective
If you’re not monitoring, you’re not performing IPM.
Why? To start, let’s consider the distinction between an inspection and monitoring. An inspection is a view of pest activity at that moment in time. But what if pests are only active at night? Or on weekends when the building is quiet? Thus, monitoring is a record of pest activity in the times that you…Continue Reading If you’re not monitoring, you’re not performing IPM.
The German Cockroach: America’s #1 Cockroach Pest
German cockroaches are one of the most common insect pests found in urban areas throughout the world, and are the number one cockroach pest species worldwide. They are well-adapted to human environments, even enjoying similar humidity and temperature levels as we do. IPM can be used to exclude and eliminate this pest from our homes,…Continue Reading The German Cockroach: America’s #1 Cockroach Pest
Pest-Strips: A Kitchen No-No!
Beginning in about the year 2000, nearly all organophosphate pesticides became unavailable for use in homes. This was done primarily to limit exposure of children to active ingredients that negatively affect their health and development. Despite this extensive cancellation of organophosphates for structural pest management, one holdover active ingredient from that era remains today: dichlorvos…Continue Reading Pest-Strips: A Kitchen No-No!
Critters Can Do — Match the Pest and What It Does
Match the critter to what it does — or in one case, what natural force could kill it. (Answer key below.) critter can do mouse 1 eats pests of crops or pollinates them — or both cockroach 2 emerges from cocoon when it feels vibration of approaching host aphid 3 makes tunnels within leaves flea…Continue Reading Critters Can Do — Match the Pest and What It Does
Have No Fear: Pests Are Smaller than They Appear
Are subway rats really the size of house cats? Are there American cockroaches or “waterbugs” as big as your hand? Fortunately, neither is true. But a 2012 study offers insight as to why those beliefs exist. First, some background. Whenever I give a presentation about structural pests, I like to bring some specimens along for…Continue Reading Have No Fear: Pests Are Smaller than They Appear
The 80/20 Rule of Pest Activity
When a pest problem begins in an office or workshop, it might seem like the entire place is overrun. But more often the pests are feeding and breeding in just a few confined areas — making there way from there to other parts of the building. Pest managers call this the 80/20 rule, meaning that…Continue Reading The 80/20 Rule of Pest Activity
Identifying Your Pest – with Poop?
Whether you are dealing with a pest problem, having car trouble, or trying to figure out who stole the cookie from the cookie jar, your job starts with an investigation — the information-gathering step where you search for clues. In pest management, inspection is the first and most important step toward addressing an issue, helping…Continue Reading Identifying Your Pest – with Poop?
Top 5 Pest Hangouts — in Your Kitchen
Spring! Time to fling open the windows, plant some flowers — and begin the annual tradition of spring-cleaning. But are you getting to all those places where pests find food, water, or shelter? Householders tend to overlook these five places. And they could be just the spots where pests come for a free meal or…Continue Reading Top 5 Pest Hangouts — in Your Kitchen
Review Your Balance Sheet (aka Better Late Than … )
… Never. This post was slated to go live the same day Uncle Sam started surcharging tardy tax returns. Then — human error took over. You don’t have to step back in time, though, for this post to help you — it’s as relevant now as it was on April 15. And it’ll stay…Continue Reading Review Your Balance Sheet (aka Better Late Than … )