A Look at White-Nose Syndrome in Chester, MA

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species biologist Susi von Oettingen talks about white-nose syndrome in bats and investigates a hibernaculum in an abandoned mine and the area around it.

White-Nose Syndrome = More Mosquitoes

White-Nose Syndrome has been associated with the deaths of more than a million bats. Named for a distinctive ring of fungal growth around the muzzles and on the wings of many affected bats, it was first identified in a cave in Schoharie County, New York in February 2006. To date, it has spread to other caves in New York caves and into Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire,New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Ontario, Canada. As reported in The Huffington Post, White-Nose Syndrome could decimate the brown bat populations in the Northeast.

The fungus grows on the nose, wing membranes and ears of bats while they hibernate during the winter. Researchers report that his causes the bats to wake up frequently, burning up vital fat stores, resulting in starvation.

Bats are vital to insect control, particularly mosquitoes which spread EEE, West Nile Virus, and other potentially fatal diseases.

If you're concerned about the mosquito population around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Merchant Grain Beetles

Merchant grain beetles are typically not found in grain products, but instead like to attack cereals, cake mixes, macaroni, cookies and chocolate. Merchant grain beetles are dark brown and have six saw-like teeth on each side of their bodies. They can grow to be one-eighth of an inch long and have very flat bodies. The beetle's body shape allows it to crawl into packaging to eat, live and have babies.

Merchant grain beetles are found in pantries or in food processing areas or warehouses. They can infest stored food products and can contaminate food.

Prevention: Discard infested packages. Clean spilled grain and food sources.

If you're concerned about pests in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Stinkbug Eggs Hatching

If you're concerned that you have stink bugs in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Roof Rats

Roof rats get their name from their tendency to be found in the upper parts of buildings, and can also be found under, in, and around structures. They only need a space of one-half inch to get into buildings.

Ranging in size from 6 to 8 inches in length, not including their tails, they have very poor vision and are color blind. They do have extremely strong senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste.

Roof rats are known for the damage they cause by chewing on materials and eating stored foods.

Roof rats secured their place in history by spreading the highly dangerous bubonic plague. They support many ectoparasites and urinate on food.

If you're concerned that you have rats in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

FAQs About Mosquitoes - Part Two

How often should a property be treated for mosquitoes?
The length of effectiveness is dependent upon several variables including temperature, humidity, surfaces treated, materials or control methods employed. The time lapse between treatments depends upon these factors and specifically the materials used.

What can homeowners do to reduce the risks from mosquitoes?
There are many ways a homeowner can reduce the risks from mosquitoes:

* Eliminate or reduce mosquito breeding sites by replacing all standing water at least once a week. This includes bird baths, ponds and swimming pools.
* Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed.
* Introduce mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water.
* Screen windows, doors, and other openings with fine mesh, sealing around all screen edges and keeping doors and windows shut to prevent entry.
* Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn.
* Use repellent on exposed skin whenever and wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite. The most effective repellents currently available contain the active ingredient N,N-diethylbenzamide (DEET), in concentrations up to about 35% (greater concentrations don't offer better protection).
* Wear long-sleeved shirts and long-legged pants, preferably treated with a repellent as well.

If you're concerned about mosquitoes around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Not for the squeamish...

Be glad you don't live here...



Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net