Buy Pest Control Online in New York

Posted on July 27, 2012 with No Comments

Did you know that in New York you can buy pest control online.  Just visit JP McHale Pest Management website and fill out some quick information and it will be our pleasure to provide you with the appropriate service for your pest control needs.

New Jersey Pest Control: Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Essex

Posted on July 25, 2012 with 1 Comment

West Nile Virus Detected in Southampton New York

Posted on July 24, 2012 with No Comments

Just yesterday we posted tips about mosquitoes and west nile virus and today this New York news article came across that West Nile Virus has been detected in Southhampton New York.

The West Nile virus — a mosquito-spread infection that is potentially deadly in severe cases — was detected in Southampton during Suffolk County Health Services’ latest round of testing.

Mosquito samples were collected July 10 through 12 throughout the county, and 15 tested positive, the department reported Friday.

According to Suffolk County Health Services, West Nile virus was first detected in birds and mosquitos in Suffolk in 1999 and again each year thereafter. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Tips For Protecting Yourself from Mosquito-Borne Infections (West Nile Virus)

Posted on July 23, 2012 with No Comments

Although your chances of being infected with a disease through a mosquito bite are small, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten. Reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all standing water:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Dispose of used tires, which are a significant mosquito-breeding site. Call your local landfill or Department of Public Works to find out how to dispose of used tires properly.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of outdoor recycling bins so they can drain freely.
• Clean clogged roof gutters and make sure they drain properly.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
• Drain temporary pools of water or fill with dirt.
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths twice weekly.
• Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, hot tubs and other water features, such as fountains and garden ponds.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

Mosquitoes and Disease – West Nile Virus

Posted on July 23, 2012 with No Comments

Since 2000, 490 human cases and 37 deaths from West Nile Virus have been reported in New York State.

Mosquitoes usually are considered a nuisance pest, but occasionally they can transmit viruses to people and some animals. These viruses can cause illness and even death. While your chances of being infected with a disease through a mosquito bite are very small, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten.

There are no human vaccines for West Nile Virus.  Prevention of mosquito bites is the most important way to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Take the following steps to protect yourself:

• Cover your skin as completely as possible when outside when mosquitoes are present and active. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin and follow label directions.
• Make sure there are screens in your home’s windows and doors. Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears and holes.
• Eliminate all standing water on around your home and property where mosquitoes can breed.

Using DNA to Track the Spread of Bed Bugs

Posted on July 20, 2012 with 2 Comments

New research from two international teams will help unravel the origins of bed bug infestations.

Independent research teams from the U.S. and the U.K. are developing genetic techniques similar to those used in forensics labs to trace the ancestry of the bedbug. The work may help map the spread of the pesky bloodsucker over the course of the continuing global resurgence, as well as lead to DNA tests for use in lawsuits and other bed-bug-related disputes.

Both teams are using DNA genotyping to look for genetic markers called microsatellites, which are regions in the genome where base pairs—which make up the alphabet of DNA—are repeated. Both the father and mother pass on these repeated sequences, or slight variations of them, to their offspring. This means the microsatellites can identify individual bugs, as well as “help show how individuals in a population are related,” says Warren Booth, a molecular ecologist at North Carolina State University, which is heading the U.S. collaboration.

The NC State team has sequenced bedbug DNA from 21 sites along the East Coast of the U.S., publishing their results in the Journal of Medical Entomology earlier this month. The researchers found significant genetic diversity between populations, which seems to support the theory that bedbugs are coming in from more than one source, as well as low diversity within specific populations, indicating that an infestation can start with a single female whose offspring then inbreed. With the help of pest control companies Orkin and Rentokil, as well as bedbug experts from around the world, the team is collecting additional samples from the U.S., Canada, Australia, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa to map the bugs’ relationships on a larger scale.

The U.K. team, led by researchers at Sheffield University, presented their own preliminary results last week at the First Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology in Ottawa, Canada, but couldn’t share information on specific diversity patterns with Popular Science (the work should publish as a PhD thesis in the coming months). The team is working primarily in neighborhoods around London. Soon, they will add samples from Kenya to see whether the theory that the U.K.’s resurgence originated from Africa holds up.

NC State’s markers are publicly available, and Sheffield’s will be as soon as their work is formally published, which means anyone with the right equipment and know-how will be able to map their own bedbug populations. With the increase in beg bug lawsuits between landlords and tenants, or between hotels and itchy guests, the technology could eventually help sort out where a bedbug infestation came from and who is responsible.

Brooke Borel is a contributing editor at Popular Science and is writing a book about bedbugs for the University of Chicago Press.

Bed Bugs Are Taking Over Our Country

Posted on July 19, 2012 with No Comments

The latest victim of bed bugs making news headlines is a library in Tulsa Oklahoma!  The Central Library in Tulsa has been closed until further notice after bedbugs were discovered on a few chairs.  Just check out this video.

Library officials are bringing in a bed bug sniffing dog to inspect the library for bed bugs.

Have you ever had a bed bug problem?  We’d love to hear your story.

Seven Steps to Maintain the Value of Your Home

Posted on July 18, 2012 with No Comments

Purchasing a home is a serious investment, so homeowners should be sure to do as much as possible to maintain or even increase the value of their home. Over time many events can detract from the value of the structure, which is why it is important to counteract that with these seven suggestions. Each will help you to increase or maintain the value of your home in order to protect your significant investment:

1. Curb Appeal

Whether you are having your home valued for a new mortgage, selling it or just want it to look its best at all times, keep in mind that the first thing most people see is the front door and front yard. Although the interior of your home is very important, the exterior should also make a good impression. Spend some time creating an attractive entrance to the home that won’t take a lot of time to maintain. Consider a graveled area that looks tidy without needing extensive gardening skills to keep it looking great.

2. Repainting

A coat of paint on both on the interior and exterior of your home is one of the easiest way to give your home a fresh, well-maintained appearance for little investment. Several factors (such as climate and whether or not you have small children or pets) influence how often you will need to repaint your home’s interior walls, but as a general rule of thumb it should be done every five years. Painting the ceiling can also brighten up a room quickly and make it look more attractive. A home’s exterior generally needs to be repainted less often than the interior, perhaps every ten years or so. If you need to paint your home’s exterior, consider whether the primer also needs to be repainted.

3. Update, not Upgrade

Many appliances in the home, as well as things like toilets and heating systems, should be replaced at certain intervals. If you have an older home or plan to live in your current home for a decade or longer, updating appliances will be necessary at some point. However, not every new purchase needs to be an upgrade. When you replace older items, don’t feel pressured to purchase the most expensive model each and every time. Whenever possible, however, do try to choose energy efficient appliances that will reduce your energy bills each month and will be attractive to future potential buyers when you do put the house on the market.

4. Clean Regularly

Many homeowners save deep cleaning for the days leading up to a home inspection or even right before an open house. However, this can mean you are faced with a huge amount of work. Make things easier by cleaning regularly. Not only will a clean home have a higher value, but it will age better over time.

5. Protect Your Home From Termites

Termites are perhaps the worst enemy for a wooden structure. Many homeowners wait until the damage is already done by termites, preferring to deal with the problem instead of taking steps to prevent an infestation before it happens. Make life easier – and save time and money down the road – by working with a pest professional to have your home treated for termite prevention before there are any visible signs of termites on your home or property. This can help the home remain structurally sound and maintain its value for years to come.

6. Check Plumbing

One of the most common issues in an older home is the plumbing. Even high-end appliances and high quality plumbing work can cause in leaks and even floods after a certain number of years. To reduce the likelihood of plumbing issues and and help maintain the value of your home, be sure to check faucets, toilets, showers and pipes for leaks. Have a plumber look over your home’s plumbing to detect any issues that need to be corrected in order to avoid a potential disaster in the home.

7. Roof Replacement

Replacing the roof on your home can be a big investment, but one that is important to maintain the value of your home and prevent issues like leaks. Your roof’s lifespan depends on the material used. Expect certain roofs, such as an asphalt shingle roof, to last as few as 15 years. On the more durable end of the spectrum are metal and tile, which can last well over 50 years if properly maintained. In order to properly maintain the roof, be sure to check often for loose shingles and clogged gutters which can result in pooling water and eventual damage.

By keeping these seven important factors in mind, it is possible to maintain or increase the value of your home over several years rather than see its value decrease over time.

Source:  Pestworld.org By Erik Braunitzer

Bed Bug Facts

Posted on July 17, 2012 with No Comments

Wacky, Weird but True Bed Bug Facts:  6 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Bed Bugs

If you follow the news and have seen all the attention bed bugs have received in the past few years, you might think you know all there is to know about this pest: they feed on humans while they sleep, they cause itchy, red bumps and they are hard to get rid of! But these pesky insects have a lot of secrets that you might be surprised to learn.

1.    Bed bugs can live anywhere.

When most people think of bed bugs, they think of hotels. But the truth is, bed bugs can thrive in single-family homes, apartments, hospitals, college dorm rooms, office buildings, schools, buses, trains, movie theaters, retail stores and just about anywhere that humans are. In fact, according to the “Bugs without Borders” study, 89 percent of pest professionals report treating bed bug infestations in single-family homes, and 88 percent report treating bed bug infestations in apartments/condos. Respondents also report other common areas, with 67 percent treating bed bug infestations in hotels/motels, 35 percent in college dormitories, 9 percent on various modes of transportation, 5 percent in laundry facilities, and 4 percent in movie theatres.

2.    Bed bugs aren’t just city dwellers.

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not just in big cities or third-world countries. They are found in all 50 states. The “Bugs without Borders” survey found that 17 percent of pest control professionals report treating bed bugs in the Northeast; 20 percent in the Midwest; 20 percent in the South; and 19 percent in the West. However, the incidence of bed bugs is three times higher in urban areas than in rural areas due to factors such as larger population size, apartment living and increased mobility, which are conducive to the rapid spread and breeding of bed bugs.

3.    Bed bugs are hardy.

These pests can live for several months without a blood meal. This means they can linger in furniture, bags and suitcases for a long time until they are near a human host again. In addition, bed bugs can survive temperatures of nearly freezing to 122 degrees. Because of this, bed bugs are not a pest that can be treated with DIY measures. Professional pest control is the most effective way to treat an infestation.

4.   Bed bugs are smart.

As a survival instinct, bed bugs are elusive. They know to stay out of view during the daytime, hiding in mattress crevices, box springs, baseboards, behind electrical switchplates, in picture frames, and even behind wallpaper. But at nighttime, the carbon dioxide we exhale drawls them out of their hiding spots.

5.    Bed bugs are methodical.

Bed bugs have a predictable feeding pattern. Once a bed bug finds a host, it will usually feed three times, for 5 to 10 minutes each time. These three meals are often jokingly referred to as breakfast, lunch and dinner. But the three bite marks they leave behind – usually right in a row and on exposed skin on the chest, arms or legs – are telltale signs of a bed bug infestation.

6.    Bed bugs could have a degree in anesthesiology.

People often wonder why a biting bed bug doesn’t wake up its human host when it feeds. The answer is that bed bugs feed by inserting two hollow, beak-like feeding tubes into their host. The first tube injects the bug’s saliva, which contains anesthetics to numb the feeding area. The second tube draws blood. After feeding, they move to secluded places and hide for 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed but instead digest their meal, mate and lay eggs.

If you have a bed bug infestation, don’t try to treat it alone. Instead, contact a licensed pest professional who is trained on the (unique, often sneaky) habits of bed bugs. They will be able to inspect your home and recommend an effective course of treatment.

Source:  PestWorld.org

New York Bed Bugs

Posted on July 16, 2012 with No Comments

Bed Bugs were thought to be killed off over 50 years ago, how ever with the increase in mass transit & airplanes to other countries just a few hours away, they have come back in large numbers. A lot of New York State residents are starting to see bed bugs in their homes. We compiled a Q & A to what we in the industry feel are the most commonly asked questions about bed bugs.

What do they feed off of?

Bed bugs find their main food source off blood, most commonly human blood. If there is no human blood available they can feed off any other warm blooded animals. Bed bugs can live for about a year and a half without a food source.

What Do They Look Like?

Bed bugs are very small, adults measuring in at 4-5 millimeters long. They seem flattened, with an oval shape. Bed bugs are red in color, depending on the time of their last feeding.

How Do They Breed?

Female bed bugs can lay 5 eggs in one day. These eggs are nearly impossible to spot by the naked eye. 5 eggs in one day averages to hundreds of eggs a year.

How can I get rid of them?

Many people think that by simply throwing out their mattresses and washing their sheets they will be fine. Bed bugs do not only harbor in and on the mattress, they scatter all over the room when the sun rises. They can even end up in your electrical sockets. Most pest control companies use their discretion when it comes to throwing out mattresses. If the infestation is not out of control, the mattress might be able to be saved, with a mattress cover put on it. If the infestation is out of control, the pest control professional will recommend that me mattress be disposed of properly. Bed bugs are nearly impossible to treat on your own, epically in New York where pesticides are heavily regulated. Heat and freezing methods are terms that are thrown around by the industry. Currently, to our research, freezing and heating are very hard to successfully exterminate bed bugs. Heating the infested rooms must be kept at very high temperatures for long periods of time, which consumes a lot of energy and time, limiting the usage of the room.

I just bought a new mattress, how can I possibly have contracted them?

Think of this, someone across town had bed bugs, and bought new mattresses. The old, infested mattress was put in the truck, right next to your new ones. Yes, it would not take very long for your new mattress to get some bed bugs. Always check with your mattress company that they have a policy when it comes to dealing with old mattresses.

Where can I find bed bugs?

Bed Bugs thrive in high population areas, like large cities. New York City has been known as a popular transfer point of bed bugs. This is because of the amount of international travelers that pass through the city on a daily basis. Many hotels are used by people from many different countries which is believed to be the main reason for the resurgence. Bed bugs can be found in hotels, motels, homes, dorms, barracks and many other areas where people spend the night.

Where do they hide?

Bed bugs are nocturnal, and they are found to be most active just before the sun rises. During the day, bed bugs hid everywhere in a bed room, from in mattresses, in cracks of your bed, headboards, drawers, cracks of furniture, lamp shades and many other places of a bed room. During the day bed bugs are hard to spot.

Why are bed bugs reappearing?

Integrated Pest Management techniques with spot-treatment for pesticides have also made it possible for bed bugs to survive. If a pest control technician is responsible, and follows industry standards, pesticides will only be used for the direct problem. There are different treatment methods for a cockroach as an ant. Therefore, an ant treatment will have no effect on a bed bug infestation. 50 years ago, DDT was a commonly used chemical in the pest control industry. Further investigation into this chemical shows that it could cause harm to humans. DDT was effective with nearly all pests, and was used it large amounts. Today, because of the ban on DDT, treatment methods are limited, and heavily regulated. Bed bugs are now able to survive a majority of pesticides.

I am Staying in a 5 star hotel; there is no chance I will get them

Wrong. It does not matter if you are staying in the classiest of classy hotels, or the cheapest motel you can find, you have the same change of contracting bed bugs. Unlike most pests, sanitation is not an issue with bed bugs. When you are staying at a hotel or motel, inquire with them if they have a notification method in place to prevent its guests from contracting bed bugs.

Pests such at cockroaches, fleas, ants and many pantry pests can be present because of a sanitation issue.

What are Hotels and Motels Doing About This Problem?

Just because you stay in a hotel, it does not mean you automatically will encounter bed bugs. Many hotels have agreements with pest control companies where the rooms are inspected on a weekly basis. This was done in the past with human inspectors, which was time consuming. New to the industry is K-9 bed bug inspecting dogs. These dogs are more efficient, cheaper and accurate then an inspection performed by a pest control technician. The average room can be inspected in just 3-5 minutes while human inspections take 20-40 minutes.

How are they harmful and why should I be worried about them?

Though bed bugs are blood feeding pests, they do not transfer diseases like mosquitoes or ticks. They are a problem because of the bit marks they leave on people. Some people even have allergic reactions to the bites. Bits looks kind of like mosquito bites, but are close together, leaving reddish marks over someone’s skin. If you think bed bugs are present in your house, inspect the person that is sleeping in the room for bites. Most bits will be located on arms and legs.

What do I do if I think I have bed bugs.

Don’t panic. First, we recommend calling a pest control company. Many pest control companies offer free inspections. If the company cannot find bed bug activity, and you are still insistent that you have them, a K-9 inspection might be worth it. They are more accurate then a human inspection, but it comes a small fee. If it is determined that you have bed bugs, and go with the service, there are many steps that must be done to ensure that the treatment is done effectively.

For more information visit our website:  www.new-york-bed-bugs.com or call of visti JP McHale Pest Management Bed Bug Elimination