Archive for August, 2008

Pest Management Professional Required for Bed Bug Removal

Posted on August 6, 2008 with No Comments

From mypmp.net

Bed Bugs are some of the most serious pests to eliminate. If a pest control professional tells you that eliminating bed bugs only will take one treatment, and the treatment is very cheap, do not believe him. Eliminating bed bugs is a two-visit minimum, and usually is pretty pricey. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, please call 1-800-479-2284. A professional is necessary to completely eliminate bed bugs.

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Jim McHale on ABC 7 Sunday Morning Show

Posted on August 4, 2008 with No Comments

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Top Myths About Rodents

Posted on August 1, 2008 with No Comments

From mypmp.net-

“MYTH: RATS ARE MORE SERIOUS PESTS THAN MICE.

FACT: Both rats and mice carry dangerous parasites and disease organisms. Mice have spread serious diseases in the past (such as typhus) and are still important carriers of rickettsialpox, LCM (lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a respiratory disease), and Salmonella food poisoning. Inner-city areas are frequently involved in outbreaks of rodent-borne diseases.

Mice have also been implicated as important sources of allergies in urban areas and present a difficult public health problem, for places like schools and public buildings. Mice may survive control efforts better than rats, since their habitats (such as in suspended ceilings) may be overlooked, and their smaller food requirements may protect them from finding rodenticide baits.

MYTH: RODENTS NEED TO CHEW ON THINGS CONSTANTLY TO KEEP THEIR TEETH WORN DOWN.

FACT: Nature has given rats and mice long, front incisor teeth and strong muscles so that they can chew through soft metals, wood and other materials. But the front teeth of these rodents are “self-sharpening” by virtue of the way they fit together. Most of the chewing damage that rats and mice may do is to enlarge openings so that they can get through or to obtain nesting material.

MYTH: THE MOST IMPORTANT DAMAGE THAT RATS AND MICE CAUSE INVOLVES THEIR CHEWING.

FACT: In terms of damage to food, rats and mice contaminate far more than they eat, with their droppings, urine and hair. Tolerances on rodent and insect contamination of foodstuffs are strictly regulated in interstate and international shipping, and countless tons of contaminated grain and food items may be discarded yearly.

The cost from rodent-borne diseases is immense. Items damaged by chewing can usually be repaired or replaced, but rodent-borne diseases may cause lasting effects to people and pets.

MYTH: THE MAJOR RAT-BORNE DISEASES OF THE PAST, LIKE PLAGUE, NO LONGER OCCUR IN THE UNITED STATES.

FACT: Plague was mainly carried in the Middle Ages by the roof rat (Rattus rattus). Plague exists today in the western United States, but is mainly in native rodent reservoirs such as ground squirrels.

A few people are infected with plague each year in the United States, usually from outdoor activities or contact with native rodents. However, the Norway rat (R. norvegicus) in the United States today has been implicated in transmitting many different diseases to people, including Salmonella, leptospirosis and trichinosis. Rats and mice can also carry many important diseases to livestock and poultry.

MYTH: CUSTOMERS WITH CATS OR DOGS WILL HAVE FEWER RODENT PROBLEMS.

FACT: Not all cats are good “mousers,” and few cats will challenge a rat. Many dog breeds tolerate rats, although some terriers bred to fight rats may attack those they encounter. Most rats and mice can avoid pets in moving in and around structures. It’s a safe bet that more rats and mice have been nourished by pet food than killed by pet cats or dogs. ”

I personally did not know all of these so called myths. It is good to keep up with the progressing industry.

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Category: Rodent