Posted on May 3, 2012 with No Comments
HUD has issued new guidelines for dealing with bed-bug infestations. For tenants of housing owned by public housing agencies, bedbug control services will be available for free. Tenants who live in homes that are part of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program must check their own contract to determine whether the landlord or the tenant is responsible for paying for bed bug treatments.
HUD plans to keep bed bugs away by:
- Raising awareness through education on prevention of bed bugs;
- Inspecting infested areas, plus surrounding living spaces;
- Checking for infestations on luggage and clothes when returning from a trip;
- Reducing the number of secondhand items brought into units and looking for bed bugs or signs of infestation on secondhand items before bringing the items home;
- Correctly identifying the pest;
- Keeping records – including dates when and locations where pests are found;
- Cleaning all items within a bed-bug infested living area;
- Reducing clutter where bed bugs can hide;
- Eliminating bed bug habitats;
- Physically removing bed bugs through cleaning;
- Using pesticides carefully according to label directions; and
- Following up on inspections and possible treatments.
HUD issued its guidelines in two separate publications from two different sections, Office of Public and Indian Housing (http://bit.ly/IT4qB7) and Assistant Secretary for Housing (http://bit.ly/Ivk6e3). The process for removing bed bugs from HUD-owned multifamily units is expansive. According to the Office of Public and Indian Housing, “within 24 hours of the tenant report, the PHA should make contact with the tenant, provide the tenant with information about control and prevention of bed bugs and discuss measures the tenant may be able to take in the unit before the inspection is performed.” If a unit is found to be infested, then the units to the left, right, below and above must also be tested “within three business days of the complaint if possible.”
“If bed bug infestation is found in the unit, the tenant may expect treatment to begin within five days of inspection, though depending on the form of treatment, this may not be possible.” And the key statement from the Public and Indian Housing publication, which was released in February: “A PHA may not charge a tenant to cover the cost of bed bug treatment; such costs should be covered by the PHA.”
Section 8 Voucher Holders Must Comply With Their Leases
The Assistant Secretary’s publication, released last month, is less restrictive. “Residents should fully cooperate with the O/A’s efforts to identify and address infestations…Cooperation includes allowing the O/A to enter the unit to perform inspections and treatments, allowing pest treatments to occur, following the pest treatment protocol.”
The publication says that assisted-project owner/operators “requests for tenants to pay the costs of infestation treatment must be in accordance with the provision for tenant payment of damages or non-compliance as required in the Family Model Lease.”
Here’s a link to that model lease: http://1.usa.gov/JTLeEO. There’s very little that refers to pest control in the model lease. However, there is a provision for an addendum to the lease that covers “House Rules.” Responsibility for pest control can often be located in that attachment, according to HUD.
Interestingly, bed bugs are not part of the standard HUD inspection. It’s important for both tenant and landlord to determine at the outset of the lease that bed bugs are not present in the home. That way, if bed bugs do arrive on the scene it will be apparent that the tenant is responsible for the infestation.
Posted on May 2, 2012 with No Comments
Our pest control technicians are reporting that customer’s throughout Westchester, Rockland and even in New York City are experience more ant infestations this spring.
Ant infestations are on the rise. More than 5 out of 10 (54%) pest management professionals report infestations are rising. Reasons include increased moisture (27%), changing pest control practices (22%) and new species (44%).
“Exploring America’s #1 Nuisance Pest,” conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and Dr. Laurel Hansen of Spokane Falls Community College and Washington State University, has found that ant infestations are on the rise across the country. The study, which surveyed U.S. pest professionals, found that 100 percent of respondents treated ant infestations in 2011, and that the most prevalent species found were carpenter ants, odorous house ants and pavement ants.
Source: National Pest Management Association
Posted on May 2, 2012 with No Comments
Sleep Tight Bed Bug Care Package Now Available
Suspect you have bed bugs but aren’t sure. Are you doing do-it-yourself bed bug pest control and looking for where to purchase mattress encasements and box spring encasements? Our packages include a set of mattress encasements, 4 climb ups which are plastic devices place under each bed post, and a monitor placed under the mattress that is encased. Encasements will not prevent, but simply alert you to any early signs of a bed bugs infestation upon routine inspection.
The prices for the Sleep Tight Care Package are as followed:
King Set- Includes 1 King and 2 Twin Encasements, 4 Climb Ups, and Monitor – $225
Queen Set- Includes 2 Queen Encasements, 4 Climb Ups and Monitor – $165
Full Set- Includes 2 Queen Encasements, 4 Climb Ups and Monitor – $165
Twin Set- Includes 2 Twin Encasements, 4 Climb Ups and Monitor – $165
One Encasement (Any Size) 4 Climb Ups and Monitor – $99
*These prices do not include taxes or shipping & handling.
All mattress encasements are Hypo Allergenic and reduce Dust Mites, protects against Bed Bugs, are Waterproof, stretchable with a zipper hook and will also Protect Mattresses from stains.
Mattress Encasements can be sold separately and we also have pillow case protectors (available upon request).
Contact us today if you are interested! It can’t hurt to stay safe.
Posted on May 2, 2012 with No Comments
JP McHale Pest Management Inc. services New York City and all of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland and Orange counties. Every working day we have technicians throughout our service areas. Whether you are looking for a new pest control company, are looking for a quote for pest control pricing or are unhappy with your current exterminator’s services, you’ve come to the right place. We strive to be number one in customer service and will always put your needs first.
If your home or business is experiencing problems with any of the following pests, just contact our customer service department at 800-479-2284 for immediate attention.
Posted on April 30, 2012 with 1 Comment
Appearance
Swarmer: 3/8″ dark brown body, with wings. The wigs will appear transparent to milky white.
Habitat
Termites eat material that contains cellulose, such as wood, roots, plant debris, paper or cardboard. Termites can gain entrance into a structure through any part of the wood frame in contact with the ground, through openings in the foundation around pipes and conduits or through cracks in the foundation. Termites can enter through cracks that are no wider than 1/64 of an inch. Subterranean termites require moisture to survive. They will create mud tubes to obtain access to a structure that is above ground. These tubes are created from soil cemented with secretions and fecal material. The tubes are to protect the termites from exposure to sunlight or dry conditions. Termites are able to survive in a structure without contact to the ground if there is a sufficient moisture source.
How do they affect me?
Termites will eat wood, destroying it. Termites cause over 2 billion dollars in property damage every year. Infestations that are ignored will lead to serious home damage, and in extreme cases, home have had to be destroyed.
What should I do?
Small steps make a big difference. Start by eliminating food and moisture conditions around your home. These simple steps will deter termites, making your home a less attractive target. Termites can be prevented by our guardian program, ultimate protection plan, and monitored by our Home Pest Prevention program with the termite indicator system.
Posted on April 30, 2012 with No Comments
JP McHale Pest Management Offers Solution To Help Maintain Home Sales and Resolve Termite Issues Quickly
You’ve sealed the deal and your client is anxious to sign the paperwork. It’s a New York State realtor’s dream come true. Your home buyers absolutely love the house and are already trying to figure out where to put the furniture and hang the curtains. You even negotiated a fair price with a nice commission for yourself. But, then the home inspector reveals a nasty termite problem. Your client is horrified and you need to take immediate action to keep this deal alive.
Finding termites can be a deal-breaker. And, in this housing market when you get an interested buyer, you don’t want them to back out because of termites. What can you do to maintain your sale? It can be as easy as 1-2-3. Here are the three easy steps:
Gather all documentation regarding past contracts with pest management companies (even if you are not under a termite guarantee right now). Any documentation regarding pest management can be helpful.
Be honest about any previous termite issues. Show the buyer where the known activity was and how it was resolved. You can also explain how the problem originated and where the problem area may be. Remain positive and have a solution immediately available; one that can be easily implemented. Showing your buyers that the termite issue can be resolved quickly and easily is key.
Develop a relationship with a reputable pest management company in order to negotiate a discounted price and a quick solution. JP McHale Pest Management offers a special pricing package for realtors and home inspectors.
Professional estimates find that in the U.S approximately 4 million homes are attacked by termites annually costing over 5 billion dollars in property damage making termite damage more common than damage caused by fires or storms. The phenomenon of undetected termite damage adds yet another critical factor to the current housing market decline. Trends indicate that due to undetected termite activity, damage is often discovered only in the end stages of a home sale when sellers or buyers conduct their final inspection of the house.
J.P. McHale Pest Management termite services incorporate its new ‘Go Green’ program – a company commitment to using the most progressive environmentally-responsible pest management methods.
About J.P. McHale Pest Management
J.P. McHale, serving all of Westchester County and the Tri-State Area, focuses on the most progressive environmentally-responsible methods for preventing and controlling pest manifestations for over 40 years. The family-owned business is run by Jim McHale Jr., a Cornell entomologist with Douglas J. McHale, a plant pathologist, and Richard D. McHale, who holds a BA degree in Environmental Science. The company’s website, www.nopests.com, includes consumer tips, online pest identification center and the “no pests” blog.
Posted on April 30, 2012 with No Comments
Looking for the #1 pest control company company in New York? You’ve come to the right place! We not only offer pest elimination – but also bed bug elimination, plant and lawn healthcare, tick and mosquito abatement and healthy home & healthy office solutions. Give our office a call and find our why you can count on JP McHale Pest Management Inc.!
Posted on April 27, 2012 with No Comments
A Delta Flight in Chicago was quarantined and all passengers were held on board because of a rash on a passenger. Passengers reportedly were in panic mode, when hearing that the rash on the woman could be monkey-pox.
It turns out that bed bugs may have been the culprit and not monkeypox. The plane was held for 90 minutes on the tarmac white officials dressed in hazmat suits investigated.
The itchy passenger was Lise Sievers of Red Wing, Minn., a 50-year-old woman returning home from Uganda, where she was working to adopt two children. Sievers noticed the rash and told her mother, who got worried and called health officials
“It’s just a case of bed bugs,” Sievers told ABC News affiliate WLS after exiting the plane. “I think I’m going to empty a jar of bed bugs on my mom’s bed tonight!”
Other passengers aboard Flight 3163 feared the worst as officers wearing hazmat suits studied the rash, sending photos to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta.
Delta Airlines headquarters are based in Atlanta, Georgia with United States hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis St. Paul, New York LaGuardia, New York-JFK Airport and Salt Lake City Utah.
View the CBS Video Here
Posted on April 26, 2012 with No Comments
What’s really living in, on or around your body? Could you have bed bugs?
New York Pest Control Bed Bug Sniffing Dog
Battling Bed Bugs – Dogs have the noses to find them!
Bed bug dogs are a great way to find bed bugs!
They’re flat, they’re round, they’re reddish-brown and they feed on human blood. “Bed bugs are on the rise all over this country,” Dr. Travis says. “Pest control companies say business has doubled since 2000.”
The show has a segment showing how a dog can detect bed bugs.
JP McHale Pest Management in New York employs bed bug sniffing dogs to find bed bugs throughout commercial properties and homes in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Give us a call to schedule your inspection at 800-479-2284.
Posted on April 25, 2012 with No Comments
Almost everyone eats more fruit in the spring! But did you know that leaving fruit out on your counter can mean having encounters with fruit flies? Leaving fruit or vegetables out, they have the potential to rot. Fruit flies live for 8-10 days and females can lay around 500 in that time.
- Fruit flies feed on decaying fruits and vegetables.
- Fruit flies are commonly found in homes, restaurants and other facilities where food is processed. They are especially attracted to garbage that is left sitting around.
- Fruit flies are found in unsanitary conditions like garbage dumps and trashcans. When they are around, humans can become ill.
- Keep your home clean; remove kitchen trash every day and keep kitchen counters clean and immediately remove food from your home the moment you suspect it is rotting.
