What Do You See?

What do you see when you look at these ink blots? A pest public service announcement from PestWorld.org.


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

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net  

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Tips To Guard Against Stink Bugs - Part 1

As the temperatures begin to drop, now is a good time to pest proofing the home, both inside and out, to prevent stink bugs and other pests from becoming unwelcome house guests this fall.

Over the next few posts I'll offer some simple steps that you can take right now to keep stink bugs at bay:

1. Seal off entry points: Spend some time inspecting the outside of your home for easy access points. Pay close attention to areas including around siding and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia or other openings. Seal any cracks and holes that are found using a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.

2. Replace and repair: Stink bugs can enter the home through the smallest openings, so it’s important to repair or replace damaged screens on windows or doors. Don’t forget to check for torn weather-stripping and loose mortar. You can also install door sweeps if necessary.

 3. Turn off the lights: Stink bugs are attracted to lights, so it’s recommended to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum. During the evenings, turn off porch lights and pull down window blinds to prevent light from spilling outside.

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

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net  


Reference: www.pestworld.org  Missy Henriksen, Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Bed Bug Pandemic Is Growing

The 2011 Bugs Without Borders Survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky, has found that bed bug infestations have increased and are now being found just about everywhere. The study, which surveyed U.S. pest management professionals, found that 99 percent of respondents encountered bed bug infestations in the past year. More than eight of out ten noted that bed bug infestations are increasing across the country. This represents a sharp increase in prevalence as only a mere 11 percent of respondents reported receiving bed bug calls more than 10 years ago. One of the most significant findings is that bed bug encounters have become much more common in public places than the previous year, in some instances increasing by 10, 20 or nearly 30 percent.

“The increase in bed bug encounters is likely due to a combination of factors, but one thing is clear — this pest shows no signs of retreating,” noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Of most concern are the places where pest professionals are encountering bed bugs, such as, schools, hospitals, and hotels/motels. In many cases the numbers of professionals who have reported treating certain types of businesses and commercial facilities has seen double digit growth.”

“Increased public awareness, education and vigilance are key in detecting and preventing bed bug infestations as these pests tend to travel undetected from place to place, breed quickly and remain one of the most challenging to treat,” added Henriksen. “NPMA advises consumers against the ‘this can’t happen to me’ attitude, because bed bugs are equal opportunity pests.”

Bed bugs are the size and color of a flat apple seed, like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply (humans). In addition to the mattress and headboard, bed bugs can be found behind baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames, wallpaper, upholstery and in furniture crevices.

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

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

A New Episode from Pest Quest!

"Pest Quest"  the educational show, hosted by a group of energetic junior scientists in a fun, colorful science lab, teaches kids about the fascinating world of insects, rodents and small wildlife.

In addition to sharing fun facts, the show educates children about the risks posed by certain creatures when they enter our homes and properties and become pests. The show also encourages children, the pest management industry's future customers, as well as parents who watch the show along with their kids, to recognize the value of professional pest management.

"Pest Quest" is available through NPMA's Websites, PestWorld.org and PestWorldForKids.org, as well as the new Pest Quest Channel, where brand new episodes will be posted twice a month.

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

Do Your Kids Need A Science Project?

Dave's Pest Control has teamed up with Pest World For Kids*, a web site that explores pest ecology as the intersection between human-created habitats and animal needs for food and shelter. Designed for students and teachers in the elementary and middle school grade, the web site offers information resources, interactive learning games, science fair kits, and lesson plans that support national standards developed by the National Science Teacher Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.

Looking for a project to do for your science fair? Try these downloadable science fair kits. They provide everything you need to get started thinking like a scientist, from forming a question to communicating results of your experiment.

Here is one kit your kids might enjoy doing -- Which Came First: The Fly or The Egg?

Fruit flies are not only pests but they are also incredibly helpful in scientific research. For this project, you will start by observing the fruit fly life cycle. Then you will follow the scientific method to test how temperature affects fly development during their life cycle.

• Age Range: Fourth Grade to Eighth Grade
• Time Required: 2 weeks to 1 month or longer (if you choose).
• Cost: Minimal - most materials are readily found in many home kitchens.
  

Click here to learn more about this science fair kit.

* Pestworld for Kids.org is part of the National Pest Management Association