Plumbing issues lead to pest problems — there’s little doubt about that. Leaks offer standing water to rodents, and clogged, scummy drains are breeding sites for flies. How curious that one of the most common plumbing-related pest problems I see is drains and pipes without water. Case Study At a multi-story office building, workers reported…Continue Reading Fighting Waterbugs — with Water
Wasps and Festivals
One of the great things about living in New York State in the summer and fall is the availability of numerous festivals. It seems like every area has several each weekend. Hard to choose! In addition to sudden downpours, yellowjacket wasps are one of the consistent nemeses of festival attendees. This is especially true in…Continue Reading Wasps and Festivals
Climate, Weather, Data: Crops and Landscapes
With all the talk about climate change you might wonder how it will affect food production, pests, and even landscapes—and what you can do about it. From the Valentine’s Day massacre winter freeze to plant life gasping for water, changing weather patterns have affected our crops all over the Northeast. Learn how gathering information on…Continue Reading Climate, Weather, Data: Crops and Landscapes
Hiring Now: Four New NYS IPM Posts
The New York State IPM Program seeks four new staff to amplify our IPM outreach and research for farms and communities around New York. Here are the positions (three of them new) we seek to fill: Biocontrol Specialist (Extension Associate) Alternative Weed Management Specialist (Extension Associate) Coordinator for the Network for Environment and Weather Applications…Continue Reading Hiring Now: Four New NYS IPM Posts
Early Detection – Rapid Response
I’m an urban entomologist with expertise in pest management, so you might think my house is free from pests. Not true. My recent adventure confirmed the importance of addressing an issue at the onset. Otherwise, things can get pretty ugly. The Situation A small portion of my basement is a dirt floor crawl space. When I…Continue Reading Early Detection – Rapid Response
Invasive Species Are on the Move — Help Stop Them
It’s the 3rd Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) in New York. Groups statewide have sponsored activities July 10 – 16. We invite you to join in and learn how to protect your favorite natural areas. What’s at stake? Some of the greatest harm both to our environment and agriculture is caused by invasive plants and animals…Continue Reading Invasive Species Are on the Move — Help Stop Them
For Wasps, Prevention Is Key — and the Time Is Now
Most of the wasps we’re too familiar with (and afraid of) are sociable with their own kind, building large nests in trees or underground. The problem is when they build nests under your eaves, picnic tables, or even (if you’re a farmer) under the seat of that baler you’re about to rev up as part…Continue Reading For Wasps, Prevention Is Key — and the Time Is Now
Pavement Ants – A Groovy Pest
Pavement ants are one of the most common indoor ant pests in the northeastern United States. These small brown or brownish-black ants make their nests under building foundations, sidewalks, patios or rocks — leaving characteristic mounds of soil nearby. Do they come inside? Oh, yes. You’ll find them indoors when they forage for sweets and…Continue Reading Pavement Ants – A Groovy Pest
Futuristic Billboard Kills Zika Mosquitoes
Its creators call this a billboard. And while it has much in common with the classy, upscale billboards now peppering cities and towns around the world, this particular model is actually a sophisticated piece of equipment — built to attract mosquitoes from more than a mile away. The goal: to intercept and kill mosquitoes —…Continue Reading Futuristic Billboard Kills Zika Mosquitoes
It’s tick season. Put away the matches.
It’s tick season and social media is blowing up with recommendations for removing ticks. Petroleum jelly, a hot match, twisting tools, and swirling with a cotton swab are a few on the list. They all promise to cause the tick to release with the head intact. People are very concerned about leaving the head behind….Continue Reading It’s tick season. Put away the matches.