Cicada Information and Control: New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Pest Control

Posted on April 9, 2013 with 1 Comment

Appearance

1-1 5/8″ black with yellow markings. Two wings. Cicada killers are often mistaken for yellow jackets. Cicadas are much larger and faster then yellow jackets.

Habitat

The like to nest in the ground. When activity is noticed holes will appear in the ground with small soil mound outside them.

How do they affect me?

Cicada kills are very intimidating. When an infestation is found there will be hundreds of them. It’s rare that a female cicada killer will sting.

What do I do?

Cicada’s are covered under J.P. McHale Pest Management’s home pest prevention plan. Simultaneously we can also eliminate all bare-spots on your yard to prevent them from returning in the future.

Pest Control Blog

Posted on March 12, 2013 with No Comments

The pest control experts at J.P. McHale Pest Management Inc. are located in New York and also provide extermination in parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, but you don’t have to live in in the tri-state area to take advantage of the information that we provide!

Categories include home pest solutions and commercial pest control including all pests from bed bugs, wasps, ants and termites to lawn care.  You can visit our pest identification center if you need information on a certain pest.  We also occassionally include topics covering indoor air quality and mold removal from our partner – Envirocare Air Quality Restoration.

Some of the most popular posts are on the New York bed bug epidemic and mosquito and tick problems.

Whether you are a pest control operator or a homeowner visiting our website and our blog will arm arm you with the information and knowledge you need to make informed decisions about pest control.  Whether you are looking for do-it-yourself pest control ideas or if you are looking for a pest control company in New York or the area that you work or live – you will be sure to find what you are looking for!

You can also stay up-to-date by following us on facebook and twitter – just look for nypestcontrol !  Have a question or want a topic included on one of our social media sites, just send us an email here or call us at 800-479-2284.

Are Rats Taking Over New York City after Hurricane Sandy?

Posted on February 25, 2013 with No Comments

There is a debate as to whether or not rats are taking over New York City.  Four months after Superstorm Sandy and the debate continues about how much of an impact the storm has had on New York City’s rodent population, Yahoo News reports.

Experts aren’t so sure about stories of hordes of displaced rodents fleeing the flood zone and taking up residence in buildings that were previously rat-free.  But others disagree.

“For some city officials, the last straw came a week ago when a rodent problem forced a two-day closure of Magnolia Bakery, a Manhattan landmark often credited with starting a national cupcake craze. Within days, a city councilwoman floated a proposal to create a $500,000 emergency rat mitigation program for storm-impacted neighborhoods.”

But the city’s health department, which collects reams of data about the rat population and maps infestations looking for trends, said rodent complaints actually had declined since the late October storm, which was spawned when Hurricane Sandy merged with two other weather systems.

But one rat hunger, Richard Reynolds, who leads a group of dog owners who conduct urban rat hunts, debates the issue that the rats aren’t there!

“What happened to the rats? Nothing! We’re finding rats right where we’ve always found them,” he said. “I think this whole idea that there has been some kind of major relocation of rats is just good news media fodder.”  He noted, as did other experts, that Norwegian rats, the species found in New York, are known for being especially strong swimmers.  “I have seen them dive over 70 feet, swim 500 yards, give me the finger and head for the hills,” he said. “Hurricane Sandy is not going to affect these critters.”

Hard scientific data, though, is still largely lacking, and there is plenty of room for debate.

Rat Related Exterminator Calls Surge in NYC After Hurricane Sandy

Posted on February 12, 2013 with No Comments

Rat infestations are a common problem in the city, but things seem to have gotten out of hand in some neighborhoods – the aftermath of hurricane Sandy.  One resident is taking matters into his own hands and even installed Rat Crossing Signs!

When Sandy flooded Lower Manhattan, many New Yorkers left their homes. So did the rats. “They were relocated during the time of the flood,” said Timothy Wong, whose pest control company, M&M Environmental, has seen an increase in rat-related calls since the storm. “There’s a lot of areas for rats to really roam.”

Some exterminators believe the rats moved from soggy spaces underground into apartments and drier neighborhoods where they’re more likely to find food.  “I’ve seen rats carrying apples,” said Jeff Woods, who has been a rat control technician for three years. “That’s all they care about, is food.”  Woods uses snap-traps, glue boards and poison cubes to help homeowners and restaurant managers try and eliminate the relentless rodents.

But New York City’s Health Department counters that the rat surge argument doesn’t hold water.  “The Health Department conducted extensive inspections in flood zones after Hurricane Sandy, provided guidance to home owners and baited the area,” said Veronica Lewin, a department spokeswoman. “But we did not see an increase in the rat population, and rat complaints to 311 were lower after the storm than in the previous year.”  “Large storms can flush out rats, but they also drown many rats, and the net effect of large storms is often a decrease in the rat population,” said Lewin.

Regardless of whether you believe the rodent population went up or down, few experts dispute that there are millions of rats in New York City. Eliminating them is almost impossible unless people learn immaculate eating habits and landlords start treating their properties like Fort Knox.

“I tell anybody who wants to open a restaurant or buy a house or move into a new apartment to fill every single hole that’s there,” said Woods, the rat control expert. “Secure any entryway. Once they know you’re in there and you’re cooking, they’re going to come in.”

He added, “They’ll come in because they’re curious, looking for things.”

How Do I Get Rid of Stink Bugs?

Posted on January 14, 2013 with No Comments

It is common to encounter the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, along with Asian Lady Bugs, Western Conifer Seed Bugs, Cluster Flies, Box Elder Bugs and other varieties of insects we term “Occasional Invaders” in and around your home this time of the year. This increase in Stink Bug activity in our area has grown over the past 10 years as they have migrated up from Pennsylvania.

It is important to note these creatures are not intending to lay eggs or establish nesting sites. They are seeking out warm spots around windows, wall voids and attic spaces to spend the winter months. They will exit your building in the spring when you may observe them in large numbers again. Their presence is problematic because on warm days in the winter time, they will get confused, and invade your living space in large numbers seeking to exit. This may happen several times over the winter months.

Stink Bugs prefer outdoors, they are generally found in the gardens and plants, flowers around the outside. But they will find their way into homes and structures during the fall when the weather starts to get cold at night.. The odor they are known for releasing, when they land on most surfaces, (or get squished) is one of the main reasons they will return year after year and use that structure to hibernate for the winter. They are also attracted to light and will usually find their way indoors. Our homes provide a warm shelter from the rain, and cold so they will work their way under the siding, into soffits, around windows and door frames, under roof shingles, and into any crawl space or attic vent small enough for them to get into. Sometimes the warmth inside the home will trigger them to become active indoors during the winter months as well.

Our Treatment Methods

There is an specific treatment that we provide to target these all pests we label as “Over-Wintering Insects.” The appropriate timing for prevention is August 15th thru September 30th and focuses on the areas outside the home to prevent, if not reduce the activity you would otherwise see without a treatment. In addition the more important feature of the program are the 2 additional topical applications done in May and September to host trees/shrubs on your property.

The Premium Over-Wintering Program and its treatments are specifically designed to target invasive species like the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Western Conifer Seed Bug and Asian Ladybird Beetle, this program treats two critical stages of the insect lifecycle. Trees and shrubs surrounding your home are treated in the fall to kill adult insects feeding before their winter hibernation. In addition a barrier treatment protects your home with products that kills invasive insects on contact. When they land to gain entry into your home behind window frames or via soffits they contact the chemical and expire. But that’s not all! Our program protects you year round with foliar treatments again in the spring. This application kills adults as they emerge, but before they can reproduce in the spring. This effectively interrupts the breeding cycle of overwintering pests. All this is included in the Premium Over-Wintering Program option for service as well as callbacks for maintenance in between. We can schedule treatment to begin immediately.

Additional Prevention by Exclusion

Keeping stink bugs out of your home is as easy – and difficult – as sealing any and all entry points. At 3/4 of an inch and relatively flat, stink bugs can squeeze into tiny openings including cracks and crevices around windows, doors, siding, around wires and pipes, behind chimneys and along fascia. To effectively exclude stink bugs, these gaps should be filled with silicone or silicone-latex caulk. In addition, screens on windows and doors should be inspected for tears that permit stink bug entry; fixing or replacing damaged items as needed.

NY, NJ and CT Specialists in Pest Solutions

Posted on January 10, 2013 with No Comments

J.P. McHale Pest Management is a proud partner of Copesan, specialists in pest solutions. As a Copesan partner we continue to establishing relationships nationwide.

Copesan is an alliance of premier pest management companies that are united as a single entity for the sole purpose of providing quality pest solutions to businesses with locations throughout North America.  Copesan is a client-driven company uniquely devoted to serving the pest management needs of the commercial and national account market.

JP McHale Pest Mangement Inc. is a family owned and operated enterprise. Fast, effective service is delivered to strategic areas in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Counties we work in include Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland Fairfield, Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Pasaic and Essex. We have many of the same core principles that Copesan practices.

For more information about Copesan please visit http://www.copesan.com/home.asp

EPA Takes Action against Companies that Sell and Import Illegal Pesticides

Posted on January 3, 2013 with No Comments

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued legal complaints against two companies, the Daifuku Trading Corp. of Englewood, New Jersey and the Everyday Group of Brooklyn, New York, for selling unregistered pesticides.

NEW YORK –  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued legal complaints against two companies, the Daifuku Trading Corp. of Englewood, New Jersey and the Everyday Group of Brooklyn, New York, for selling unregistered pesticides. Both companies face penalties for violating federal pesticides law. Daifuku faces additional fines for making false and misleading statements on one of its pesticide products, for not properly labeling six products and for the improper importation of pesticide products. Under federal law, products used to kill pests must be registered with the EPA and contain labels written in English with instructions on their proper use.

“When stores sell illegal pesticides, the health and safety of people are put at risk,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Unless pesticide products are registered with the EPA and have the required EPA labels, they should not be sold. Store owners should protect the health of their customers and remove any unregistered pesticides from their shelves immediately.”

EPA inspections of the Daifuku Trading Corp.’s stores in Flushing, New York and Englewood, New Jersey revealed that the company was selling unregistered and misbranded pesticide products, including insect repellents, laundry detergents and disinfec

Pesticides have been linked to various forms of illnesses in people, ranging from skin and eye irritation to cancer. Some pesticides may also affect the hormone or endocrine systems. In many situations, there are non-chemical methods that will effectively control pests. The EPA recommends the use of alternative methods as part of an overall pest management strategy.

Read more at PCT Online.

Westchester New York Pest Control in the Wintertime

Posted on December 6, 2012 with No Comments

As the leaves change colors and the crisper weather arrives, many pests will begin to look for shelter indoors – and homes are the perfect refuge from the cold winter ahead. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners of the importance that pest-proofing can play in keeping pests such as rodents, spiders and cockroaches from becoming unwelcome house guests during the winter months.

“Unfortunately, these pests don’t need much space to get inside our homes, and once indoors they can cause more than just an unpleasant infestation,” said Missy Henriksen. “The real concern is that rodents and other smaller pests can pose serious health threats by contaminating food and transmitting bacteria.”

Mice and rats can spread diseases like Salmonella and Hantavirus, while cockroaches are known to trigger asthma attacks and spiders can bite, which can lead to severe reactions. Rodents also put homes at risk for electrical fires by gnawing on wires.

“We know that pest-proofing is an easy chore to put aside, but it’s important for homeowners to spend some time over the next few weeks taking steps to protect their properties from dangerous pests,” Henriksen added.

The NPMA offers the following pest-proofing tips:

• Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention where utility pipes enter the structure.
• Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
• Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
• Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house; keep shrubbery well trimmed.
• Inspect items such as boxes full of decorations and grocery bags before bringing them indoors.

If you suspect an infestation in your home, please call us at (800) 479-2284 for immediate attention, live chat with us, tweet us, email us here.

Preventing Winter Insect and Rodent Invasions

Posted on November 19, 2012 with No Comments

While many insects go dormant over the winter, others try to seek shelter indoors.  Pest may become more common indoors during colder weather.  Some simple steps can keep these insects from making a home in your house:

• Seal off holes on the outside of the house, where insects may gain entry.

• Check around baseboards and inside cabinets for cracks and crevices that could hide six-legged occupants, and fill holes accordingly.

• Remove sources of food and water, which include dishes in the sink and crumbs inside cabinets.

• Outside firewood makes a great place for rodents and insects to hide. Store firewood these away from the home.

Keep Rodents from Taking up Residence

Unlike insects, mice and other rodents are not capable of going dormant for the winter. While some mammals, such as raccoons, do hibernate during the winter, most simply seek a warmer shelter. Mice, rats, and squirrels actively work on building warm nests year round, often inside homes.

• To prevent squirrels and other animals from roosting in the eaves or attic, repair and patch any holes or other damage.

• Clean out gutters and overhangs, where rodents can also build their nests.

• Store yard waste like leaves and firewood away from the house. These are popular nesting materials.

• Keep birdseed in a sealed metal container. Mice can gnaw through plastic and eat seeds.

• Common entry points are around pipes, where small cracks are frequently just large enough for a mouse to squeeze through.

• In the house, eradicate clutter that can hide mice and rat nests and provide material for the nests themselves.

If it is evident that rodents have already entered the home, enlist the help of pest professionals.

During the winter months many pests may want to move into your home. With the right rodent prevention, it is easy to protect your house from these small invaders.

Hurricane Sandy Predicted to Have Long-Term Effect on Pest Populations

Posted on November 14, 2012 with No Comments

National Pest Management Association warns of serious pest health and property risks in storm’s wake

As those affected by the destructive damage and widespread power outages caused by Hurricane Sandy begin the rebuilding process, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is focusing on the impact the super storm will have on pest populations in affected areas of New York and New Jersey, specifically in hard-hit communities. Flood and storm-ravaged areas can expect to experience greater contact with pests including rats, bed bugs, termites and flies in the weeks and months after the storm due in large part to population displacement, as well as increased moisture. The NPMA is monitoring the situation, as the increase in contact poses serious health and property risks that must be addressed during recovery efforts.

“Communities devastated by the storm will likely experience an increase in pest encounters due to displacement and destruction caused by flooding,” said Jim Fredericks, Ph.D, technical director for the NPMA. “From the delay in sanitation services caused by power outages and road blockages, to the widespread structural damage and increased number of people staying at shelters, hotels or with family and friends, there are a number of ways Sandy will affect a variety of pest populations both in the short-term and months after the storm.”

“Our hearts go out to all who are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,” remarked Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “We are working internally with member companies and manufacturers to develop an action plan to help in mitigating these expected pest pressures, specifically in those areas hardest hit by Sandy.”

The NPMA has identified the following pests to be of greatest concern:

• Rodents: Many rodents were likely killed during the hurricane, however, a great number were displaced and immediately began seeking harborage and food. The delay in garbage pickup that many areas experienced, or continue to experience, will result in an abundance of food sources, while the expected increase in construction debris from remodeling will serve as excellent temporary harborages for displaced pests. As sanitation workers are likely to focus on “garbage” first, and place less of a priority on construction debris which may sit for extended periods, homeowners should keep food trash and construction debris separate so that sanitation workers can easily pick up the items most conducive to rodents.  When these two are mixed, food and harborage may be in place for extended periods of time, which can be conducive to infestations. Rodents are known to spread several dozen diseases.  Any homeowner coming into contact with rodent carcasses during clean up should wear protective gloves to protect against disease transmission.

• Flies: Flies breed in spoiled food, dead rodents or wildlife, and sewage caused by backups or broken pipes. Homeowners who lost power for several days or were unable to return to their homes for long periods of time are likely dealing with the disposal of rotten food. Fungus gnats breed in areas affected by moisture where mildew is growing, and may continue to be a problem in the coming months, especially in coastal areas, like NJ’s Barrier Islands, which are still closed off to many homeowners. Phorid flies breed in areas contaminated by sewage, which could be a problem for Rockaway Channel in Nassau County, Long Island, which is being flooded with raw sewage from the Bay Park sewage treatment plant.

• Bed Bugs: The large number of people forced out of their homes and living in hotels and shelters or receiving donated furnishings or clothing create an increased opportunity for bed bug infestations. Bed bugs are a much greater concern in urban areas hit by the storm, such as New York City, where larger populations of people live close together and interact in enclosed spaces on a regular basis. Because of the bed bugs’ ability to “hitchhike” on people and their belongings, bed bugs can become a problem for anyone living in close quarters while displaced from their home.

• Termites: Homes that were treated for termites in the past need to be retreated if the neighborhood was flooded and soil was moved or displaced by the water. The pesticide barrier was most likely disturbed and may no longer exist to protect the home from the serious structural damage termites can cause.