More Information About The Cancer-Proof Rat

Posted on October 29, 2009 with No Comments

Remember our first post about the cancer-proof rat? Here is more about why they are the way they are.

Biologists at the University of Rochester believe that they have found how the naked mole rat, or sand puppy, does not form cancerous cells.  The sand puppy is the only animal that never gets cancer, and US scientists believe they have found the reason for it.  These rodents, which have a 30 year life span (plenty of time to grow cancerous cells), have never had a case in which cancerous cells have been injected into their body and their body hasn’t rejected it.

Researchers have studied this rodent for a long time now and they now believe why they are immune to cancerous cells.  The rat’s cells express a gene called “p16” which defends against cells grouping together becoming tumorous and cancerous.  It is a perfect genetic prevention adaptation that the sand puppies have.  In tests that include both a sand puppy and a regular mouse, they inject tumorous cells to create groupings of cells, therefore becoming cancerous.  The p16 gene is so pronounced that all the other regular mice ended up with cancerous cells, yet the naked mole rat does not.

What Cities Have The Highest Risk of Rat Infestations?

Posted on October 29, 2009 with 1 Comment

A list generated by USA Today, these cities have the greatest risk of rat infestation
10. Detroit
9. Milwaukee
8. San Antonio
7. Boston
6. Chicago
5. Philadelphia
4. Louisville
3. Houston
2. Atlanta

1. New York City

Naked Mole Rats Cant Get Cancer? I Think We Are On To Something…

Posted on October 27, 2009 with 2 Comments

Credit: PopSci.com

Here in New York at the University of Rochester, scientists have been testing the Naked Mole Rat for a possible cure for cancer. The Naked Mole Rat does not feel pain, and cannot get cancer. The way they can resist cancer is by the way their body stops dividing gene cells.  Naked Mole Rats are known to live the longest out of any other rodent of their type.

We hope that the University of Rochester scientists can keep doing tests with these rodents and gather more knowledge of cancer, and look into how they can develop something for humans.

Pop Sci first broke this story.

Find The Rodent Problem Before It Gets Out Of Control

Posted on October 27, 2009 with 2 Comments

Any type of infestation that can take over your house always will present problems as a homeowner.  Rodent problems present themselves with many different sanitary problems causing illness to fall upon your loved ones if the situation is not in control.  Here are some steps in the preventing a rodent infestation:

Step 1:

Look for rodent droppings.  Droppings will usually be located near food and water sources.  For instance, check under the sink where there is lost of moisture as well as where most families keep garbage pales.  Check cabinets, drawers, and cupboards as well, again they will be scurring around for found sources.

Step 2:

Check outside your house for any signs of damage, usually larger rodents such as opossums, raccon, and larger rats.  Roof overhangs, overhanging shingles, and even chimney vents are entry points for these animals to seek refuge, especially in the winter.

Step 3:

Look for evidence of small rodent nests (mouse or small rat).  Old clothes in the basement or garage are prime location for mice to nest.  Make sure insulation is well maintained, old insulation creates great nesting grounds.

Step 4:

If you think you have a problem, try checking food containers for signs of entry.  Gnawing and chewing are great strength of mice, check any carboard containers such as cereal and granola boxes for signs of entry.

Step 5:

Any pungent smells that you might sense around the house are causes for more observation.  Check dark hidden places first, the smell is a musky smell that can be very identifiable.

If you spot a possible rodent infestation, and would like a free home inspection please don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer full rodent management programs for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Google Wave Invites!

Posted on October 26, 2009 with 17 Comments

A bit off topic: We just got word from our IT department that we have a ton of extra Google Wave invites left! Please leave your email address in the comments, or email us if you would like one.

Dont know what Google Wave is? Look here.

Please be aware that invites are limited, and you will not receive your invite instantly. Google chooses when to release invites to people. Thanks!

UPDATE (10/27 6:00pm): No More Left!

So Why Exactly Do Trees Loose Their Leaves In The Fall?

Posted on October 26, 2009 with 1 Comment

Every fall you your family goes through the same routine, and let’s just say it’s not one that many enjoy.  Of course this routine is one of the least popular chores; raking leaves have given blisters from the 7 year old boy to the 65 year old grandfather.  While we all love the colors of the Northeast during autumn months, we for sure do not enjoy the work that is endured picking them up.  Yet, the question that is often overlooked is; why do the leaves actually fall off the trees?

The leaves of the tree are there for nutritional purposes as well as to collect some water.  When the cool are of late autumn and early winter arrive the leaves are open to the dry weather of these months.  With dry air the leaves cannot contain the moisture inside of them since they are flat, thin and susceptible to harsh outdoor weather.  In order for the tree to make it through the winter it must have its water and nutrition supply stored in other places.  To keep away from the cool dry air the tree moves its water and nutritional supplies towards the trunk leaving the leaves without any of the two.  This allows the tree to live through another winter and ready to blossom the next spring.  A downside of the tree’s adapted defensive mechanism is how brittle some of the outward branches become.  Since the water is brought closer to the trunk, the branches become more brittle. Any type of snow or ice accumulation can send these strong healthy branches of the summer crashing down to the lonely life-less ground below.

There you have it, the reasons why trees loose their leaves in the fall.

News and Media Page Launched by JP McHale

Posted on October 26, 2009 with No Comments

Today we would like to announce the opening of our News and Media page on our website. This page will act as a sub-page for our blog, which will be the best way to hear of company announcements. This page is home to a list of areas where JP McHale has been mentioned in the news, a feed of our twitter account and our YouTube videos. Please check out the News and Media page now!

Anti-Desiccants…Necessary For Plants In New York?

Posted on October 26, 2009 with No Comments

Creative Commons License photo credit: OregonDOT

As winter creeps up on us here in New York, there are many different things that as homeowners we have to and should do to maintain the plant life on our property.  In recent times the spraying of antidesiccants on shrubs, evergreens, and some broadleaf plant life has really caught on to the general public.  What happens in the winter time is that plant life will tend to dry out because of the lack of moisture and the cold.  Antidesiccants help plant life by sealing the plant’s stomata (a plants sweat pores) therefore creating a waterproof sealant.  Antidesiccants  are sprayed on your plants and trees creating almost a waxy covering that sticks to the leaves and needles and locks in moisture for a healthier winter season.

The process of applying antidesiccants to your plant life is actually quite simple.  Our technictions will spray the waxy coating on your choice of evergreens, shrubs and as well as plants.  The spray is at first a white waxy-like substance but after just a short time it dries and becomes clear.  Some use antideiccants right before gathering cuttings from the flowers.  Spray about an hour before hand then cut, this will lock in moisture and it tends to root surprisingly well afterwards.  Others actually use the spray more often than others, spraying antidesiccants once a season or so.  The growth on your trees, especially broadleaf evergreens, will be more apparent in the spring.

JP McHale Pest Management’s Tree and Turf Department offers an anti-desiccant tree and shrub service. Please visit our Tree and Turf Department’s page or contact us now for a free evaluation of your property.

Hey New York, Watch Out For Rats This Winter!

Posted on October 24, 2009 with 2 Comments

Creative Commons License photo credit: Alan Stanton

As winter comes closer, home owners must watch out for household pests trying to steal some of your house’s warmth and comfort.  While many different type of animals look for refuge in your home, one pest is brings great harm to your family’s health.  One of the most vile creatures that roams the streets and neighborhood driveways is the rat.  Rats thrive in buildings that are located near a adequate water source.  Buildings and houses near rivers, creeks, ponds, and other waterways are prime breeding and living grounds for rats.  During winter seasons these rodents try and find a warm place to live, drink, and feed.  Rats are ultimate scavengers, they will eat pretty much anything edible and with their incredible immune systems, they can drink from most water sources.  Most infestations of rats occur in more urban neighborhoods due to excess garbage and food is more abundant.

Health Concerns:

Rats carry an enormous amount of bacteria and possible diseases that can harm humans.  Allowing them to scavenge through garbage, run through sewers, and ingest soil food, the rat’s immune system is somewhat supernatural.  If these rodents start to enter your apartment building or your residential house you must act fast and swiftly.  Lets not forget that rats and mice killed about 1/3^rd of the world population during the Dark Ages.  If a rat colony were to somehow contaminate your water supply (it happens more often than you would think) then sickness will follow for sure.  Any feces found around your residents should be cleaned and you should take further steps to contain your problem.

Prevention & Control:

The number one prevention tool for rats is a clean residents.  If food is scattered in an unsanitary matter than you should not be surprised if you see a rat or two scurring near your house.  If you spot a rat running around you should go invest in control items immediately.  Sticky pads are great for rodents, just make sure you get ones that are large enough to control rats.  Mechanical traps also work very well, again make sure it’s a rat trap not a mouse trap because they can escape a small mouse trap.  Poisons work for rats but make sure you use updated poison formulas.  Since their immune system is very good they are able to adapt quickly.  Only the newest formulas of rat poison will work the most efficient on them.

Contact Us if you are interested in a rodent management program for your home or establishment.

New York’s Top 10 Most Annoying House Pests

Posted on October 24, 2009 with No Comments

Here in New York we see many different pests that can be annoying to a homeowner. We have compiled a list of the 10 ten most common annoying pests that could invade your home.

10.       Ants: While not so harmful they can come in large swarms.  Ants, as you know, are tiny little critters that are world –class food gatherers.  If you leave a mess in your house and you have ants, get the vacuum out because they will come! [more about ants (carpenter ants)]

9.         Earwigs: These small insects are just an eyesore to look at and can also give you a sore if you are tagged by their pinchers.  They tend to migrate to moist areas, normally bathrooms and sinks, as well as towards plant life.  While not as common as ants or spiders, they will appear in your house if you don’t keep your residence maintained. [more about earwigs]

8.         Moths: While normally not harmful, moths are just a nuisance.  Leave a light on at night time with your sliding door open and you will for sure see shadows flying around the walls.

7.         Fleas: Dog owners beware!!! Make sure your dog or cat is treated for flea prevention or sooner or later your whole family will be itching.  After days of nasty shampoo and soap regiments you will be wishing you gave your dog a bath! [more about fleas]

6.         Bats: If you live in a more rural area, bats might be a little further up on your list.  Not only one of the dirtiest animals, they also are a main carrier of rabies.  Find one of these in your house in the morning time and you should have the family get rabies shots. [please contact our wildlife partners for bat control]

5.         Spiders: The cause of many panic attacks and screams.  These 8 legged crawlers can be large and poisonous.  While some parts of the U.S. aren’t home to poisonous spiders, you can still wake up with a spider bite on your arm.  Unfortunately a spider bite won’t turn you into Spiderman. [more about spiders]

4.         Bedbugs: If you have bad case of bedbugs, you and your partner will for sure know that it is time to get rid of them.  These tiny insects feed on blood and have a needle sharp bite that allows them to get the blood.  The morning after you will feel irritation along with a nasty looking bite mark. [more about bed bugs]

3.         Flies: Don’t try and have a summer lunch with the patio door open without expecting a few flies trying to land on your food.  The pound for pound champion of bacteria, these are just not clean insects.  One suggestion, screen doors! [more about flies]

2.         Mice: Not only one of the most common household pests, they can be the dirties and most unsanitary creatures that roam the earth.  Don’t leave a pile of old clothes or insulation in the basement or someone will have a major mouse problem. [more about mice, more about rodents]

1.         Cockroaches: Natures story of perfect evolution, these critters have been a pests for longer than any other pest.  Don’t believe that they only exist in restaurants, if you get a couple to start reproducing you are in a boat load of trouble. [more about cockroaches]

JP McHale Pest Management offers services for all these pests, (excluding bats) if you are interested and would like a free home inspection please contact us!