JP McHale Donates To The Haiti Relief Effort

Posted on February 19, 2010 with 3 Comments

We all know about the devastating earthquake and after shocks that occurred in Haiti. JP McHale is proud to donate cases of Mosquito dunks to the relief effort. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus and Malaria. These dunks will be placed in any stagnant water (where mosquitoes love to breed) and will assist in the prevention of mosquitoes. The last thing that any residents of Haiti, or any relief workers need is West Nile Virus or Malaria while they are helping to rebuild the country.

If you would like to donate to the relief afford please visit the Red Cross’ website.

Insects Can Migrate Hundreds Of Miles By Way Of Windstream

Posted on February 10, 2010 with 1 Comment

Everybody knows that birds fly south for the winter, however, some have wondered what do butterflies or moths do when it gets cold up north? Recently, the answer to that question has begun to get answered. It has been found that insects are able to get into complex windstreams, or a “wind highway”, and can be taken for thousands of kilometers to the Mediterranean for the winter and back north for the summer. These windstreams go up to 60 miles per hour, and carry these insects where they need to go. The amazing thing is, that through all the study that has been done so far, these insects very rarely go in the wrong direction.

Now the question remains, how does this work? The system is extremely complex, and further study is needed to fully understand how this works. Some wonder how do butterflies and moths, two fragile creatures, handle these high winds. The researchers figured that this is due to some mechanism that eliminates the turbulence that they would feel during the trip. The insects use their internal compass to find these wind highways, and each insect is thought to use the same method to get into these highways. The whole process is complex and there is still tons of information yet to be discovered about what exactly goes on. However, once that information is revealed, maybe these insects will be mentioned with birds when migration is talked about each winter.

BBC wrote about this story first.

Picture Credit

Over Wintering Insect Calls Trickle In (Lady Bugs and Western Conifer Seed Bugs)

Posted on January 11, 2010 with No Comments

During the months of September, October and November, insects that cannot survive in the cold will attempt to enter your home through the cracks and crevasses in your home. The two most common over wintering insects are Ladybugs and Western Conifer Seed Bugs. Neither of these pests are harmful, they are a nuisance. Back in October, New York had a huge ladybug swarm which left hundreds of people calling our office asking what to do. Homes were invaded with ladybugs because of the sudden increase in temperature, it tricked these pests into thinking it was spring!

Even though the temperature has stayed a steady 35 degrees, we are still receiving calls of people seeing Ladybugs and Western Conifer Seed Bugs in their homes and offices. Our Over Wintering Insects prevention program will solve all of these issues. Our technicians will come out and inspect your entire home, inside and out. They then will make a determination to where the insects are entering your home, and treat the necessary areas. This will prevent a swarm when the weather does increase, and keep these little flying creatures out of your home!

Alberta Receives $10 Million For Control Of Mountain Pine Beetles

Posted on December 5, 2009 with 1 Comment

Alberta, one of the ten provinces in Canada, is receiving $10 million from the federal government in order to help contain the outbreak of mountain pine beetles. The beetle’s carry a fungus that causes the pine trees to turn red and eventually kills them. The province has already committed $25 million on the problem in the past year and $200 million since 2006.

According to Conservative MP Rob Merrifield, the outbreak “came in on a thermal or in the jet streams in July, which infested our forests in a way in these last 90 days that was unexpected. It has thrown urgency into … the issue of the pine beetle in Alberta, and because of that, we have to accelerate what we do to be able to deal with it.” Merrifield also explained that the outbreak is threatening Alberta’s $9 billion forest industry and the 38,000 jobs in it.

The mountain pine beetles have already harmed thousands of acres of forest in British Columbia. According to Ted Morton, minister of sustainable resource development for Alberta, “British Columbia has lost half of its marketable pine.”

What Is In That Small Brain Of Bees?

Posted on November 22, 2009 with No Comments

Photo Credit: afeicht1

Having a brain the size of a pinhead does not, however necessarily make you one. Scientists concluded this week that bees; yes, bees, have the ability to think and may also be intelligent enough to count. With a brain just one milligram small, this is somewhat an impressive feat for those little bugs.

While this may be good for bees, it may not be so beneficial to us humans. With a brain that has consciousness and the ability to think, it means that bees have more sensitivity and precision than we thought they did. This means that they can in fact control where their stinger is going. In comparison, a bee has just a million nerve cells. A human’s brain, on the other hand, has 85 billion nerve cells.

Many people, including scientists themselves, for as long as we can remember compared a bee to more of a “living robot” than an actual animal.

Georgia Finds Kudzu-Munching Bugs

Posted on November 22, 2009 with No Comments

Source: UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences / AP Photo

Georgia, we have a problem.  Researchers have recently discovered the kudzu-munching bug in nine counties in northern Georgia that could threaten valuable American crops.  Experts aren’t quite sure how severe the damage could be to valuable crops like soybeans and other legumes.

Just before Halloween, Dow Agro Science field researcher Joe Eger visited the University of Georgia campus, and was showed the bug. That turned out to be a lucky break. “There are literally five people in the U.S. who could’ve identified this insect,” and Eger was one of them.

As a variety of the stinkbug, the bug gives off a bitter smell when threatened.  The kudzu-munching bug is a brownish bug that has a small narrow head but a wide body.  They are about the size of the eraser on a pencil.

It’s not quite clear how the bug got into the country.  Experts believe its most conceivable entry to the states was most likely in somebody’s suitcase.  It feeds on the seeds of beans and other crop plants.

As its host plants die off this time of year, the bugs look for places to settle in winter.  Its most desirable destinations include settling into attics and cracks on the siding of houses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is attempting to learn more about the bug and what we can do to control it.  If you think you see this bug, call us (800) 479-2284 or contact us today!

Cold Weather Will Bring Uninvited Guests To Your Home

Posted on November 17, 2009 with 1 Comment

License photo credit: ezioman

As winter draws closer and closer by the day, your family won’t be the only one that will want the warm comfort of your household. Pests such as insects and rodents will want to share the warmth of your house. Mice are the most common of household pests that find their way into your house. Mice with their small frames and slippery movements can creep and crawl through the smallest of holes and cracks that are in your house (half inch). With the capability of carrying tons of different bacteria and diseases, mice are a rodent that you should be concerned about.

Prevention is the key for keeping these uninvited guests out of your house and in the wild. Make sure you inspect your house occasionally for any open vents, open crawl space doors, and any type of small cracks or holes near the bottom of your outdoor siding. This will keep out most of the bigger rodents out, but this wont be the only type of pest that will try and enter your home. Insects will try and get in as well, any cracks in your house’s siding is a great place for flying insects such as ladybugs, to try and nest and hibernate during the winter months. Keep brush and logs away, these are great spots for animals to find refuge from colder days. Bugs such as the Western Conifer Seed bug (stink bug) love this type of habitat and they will find a way into your house if you do not prevent such un-natural habitats near your home.

Again, rodents and insects are pests that you need to keep out of your home to prevent unsanitary conditions as well as damage to your home. Rodents will leave droppings all around your home, finding their way near children, pets, and can even find their way into your food supply. Take the necessary precautions to avoid pests problems during the winter season and you will find your self having quite a pleasant winter session. Please contact us for a free inspection of your home.

Mosquitoes Can Still Be Seen In The Fall (Wink Wink, Morris County, NJ)

Posted on November 17, 2009 with No Comments

Creative Commons License photo credit: ÇP

In Morris County, New Jersey they have taken these facts and have put together a project that would help prevent above normal mosquito population.  For the past ten years the county has put together a task force that has workers going into the wooded areas of the county and collecting old vehicle tires that have been dumped.  Morris County states that they have recovered just about 52,000 tires since the program started 8 years ago.  The state Department of Environmental Protection states that not only does it reduce the amount of mosquitoes that can populate different areas, it is also a huge environmentally friendly project.  With every tire that is picked up it helps the environment as well as creating a credible recycling source of rubber.  The rubber recovered is chopped up and recycled into things such as playgrounds, rubber footing rings for horseback riding, as well as landscaping.  As a prevention project, Morris County officials say that the cleaning up of dumped tires will help prevent an “inborn” West Nile virus.  Officials state that with the junk tires becoming few in numbers it means that they are getting rid of any lingering mosquitoes that can carry the West Nile virus, stating that most cases of the virus have been totally transient.

Mosquito populations can be prevented by a good percentage with the right prevention steps and tactics. Our Vector Intervention Program targets Mosquitoes, Rodents and Ticks. Please contact us if you are interested in a free inspection.

Why Is Pest Control Necessary For Restaurants and Food Processing Plants?

Posted on November 17, 2009 with No Comments

It is easy for most people to take for granted the cleanliness of both restaurants and food processing plants, and they should. Yet, over and over again we see closings and bankruptcies due to the presence of pests. Whether it’d be rodents or cockroaches or even just ants, pests have been ruining business because of their dirty infestations. Pest control is a number one priority for households, commercial buildings, food processing plants, and of course restaurants. While for households it is a nasty problem that has to be dealt with, it won’t shut down your business as it would for a restaurant. The reason for this is because a clean restaurant/food processing plant is the backbone of their business. If word comes out that your restaurant has pest control problems then patrons will not show up to have dinner. Reputation is a factor for success for many different businesses/workers, but once again it is elevated for businesses that are involved with the selling/distribution of food. The last thing a restaurant needs is for the word to leak about a cockroach infestation; pest infestations will not only temporarily shut down your business but most likely run it into the ground.

Pest related violations account for 95% of restaurant shutdowns! Contact JP McHale for a free needs analysis of your 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!