Tue 13 Sep 2011
Pest Control Information
Posted by Arizona Pest Control Company under Arizona Pest Control Co.
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Here is some great information on various pests!
Mosquitoes
Previously thought by most Americans to be merely a nuisance, these pests have been at the center of a recent rapidly spreading public health threat – West Nile Virus. Although currently the most famous, West Nile Virus is just one of many illnesses spread by mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are most likely to be found around and breed in stagnant water. Travelers that are planning to spend time in marshy areas, around standing ponds, or other areas close to unmoving water should come prepared to battle with these pests.
The best defense against mosquitoes is an active offense:
- Travelers should avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are typically most active. Some mosquitoes are active during the day and others are active at night depending on the area.
- Insect repellent should be applied on clothing near exposed skin whenever and wherever mosquitoes are most 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.
Bed bugs
Best known as the catchy ending of a bedtime rhyme, bed bugs have recently made a comeback in American homes, apartment complexes, residence halls, hospitals, hotels, college dorms, mass transit and cruise ships. Although they are not disease-spreading pests, bed bugs feed on human blood and can leave itchy, red welts on human skin.
Bed bug infestations are not a sign of unsanitary or unclean living areas and are just as likely to be found in a five-star hotel as a two-star hotel. Travelers that come into contact with bed bugs away from their homes should be just as concerned about bringing them home as they are about their itchy bites. Renowned hitchhikers, bed bugs will catch rides in luggage, shoes, pants hems and any other mobile material and travel back to infest your home.
To avoid bed bugs while traveling:
- At hotels, pull down the bed covers at night. If you see something moving, or if you see spots on the sheets, let management know immediately and then ask to be moved to another room.
- After traveling, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into the house.
Mice
Mice can transmit Hantavirus, which can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a potentially deadly disease. The vast majority of cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome occur west of the Mississippi River.
These viruses are transmitted to humans through the inhalation of “aerosolized” dust or droplets (delete) containing rodent feces or urine infected with the virus. The rodent excretes the virus with its waste materials and as the surfaces dry, the virus remains in the dust on the surface. Once it becomes airborne, it is possible to inhale the pathogens. Humans can also become infected if they come into direct contact with infected rodents.
Although it is difficult to take specific steps to avoid Hantavirus, travelers should be wary of unsanitary conditions. Clean areas are much less likely to contain the pathogens. Do not remove mice or their droppings on your own. A professional will use proper techniques to avoid allowing particulates to get into the air.
Scorpions
Scorpions can be found throughout the Southwestern United States. With large stingers on the end of their tails, these pests can deliver a nasty shock to an unsuspecting tourist. With over 50 species of scorpions in the United States, only one is thought to pose a significant health risk to humans – the sculptured bark scorpion.
Scorpions are nocturnal pests that tend to hide in the daytime; this is the main reason so many people get stung.
- Scorpions may hide in clothing, hats, shoes or any other items left on the ground. When these are put on, the scorpion stings in defense.
- Travelers should carefully inspect anything they are about to put on if it has spent the night in a location where a scorpion could have crawled into it.
If a scorpion stings you, apply ice to the sting site immediately to reduce swelling. These stings, unless from the sculptured bark scorpion, are about as dangerous as a bee sting.
Brown Recluse Spider
The Brown Recluse is one of the most dangerous spiders in the United States. Commonly found in states throughout the southwest and Midwest the Brown Recluse will occasionally hitchhike a ride into other states.
The brown recluse spider is a member of a group of spiders commonly known as the “fiddle-back” spiders due to the violin-shaped marking over its body. Another identifying characteristic is the number of eyes – most spiders have four pairs of eyes while the brown recluse has three pairs arranged in a semicircle.
A Brown Recluse bite can go undetected for hours or days until a reaction at the site of the bite begins to develop. Others that have been bitten describe a pinprick feeling followed by severe burning and pain. Other symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, weakness, swelling and the formation of a lesion at the site of the bite. The healing process can take more than eight weeks.
Fire ants
There are a half dozen different species of fire ants in the Southern United States, some of which are native and others imported. Although all can sting and hurt humans, the red imported fire ant is the most threatening.
Fire ants are known for the large mounds of dirt they create above their underground colonies. These mounds can even be found in garages or in crawlspaces. If these mounds are disturbed, fire ants will race to the top and surround and sting whatever is disturbing their nest. To avoid fire ants – avoid these mounds.
Fire ants are sensitive for vibration or movement. They race up a person’s leg and when one ant stings, that person jerks or moves. This movement triggers the other ants to sting in response. Fire ant venom causes small blisters to form within a day of being stung. These little pustules usually cover the skin of the person who was stung and can easily become infected.
If a fire ant stings you, take the following steps:
- It is recommended that the blisters not be broken.
- Wash the area carefully with soap and water.
- Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Elevate the affected area
- If necessary, go to a physician.
Black Widow Spider
While the Black Widow Spider has a reputation of being Black widow spider venom affects a human’s neurological system causing severe pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, sweats and muscle cramps.
The Black Widow is easily identified by its black body and the red hourglass shaped mark on its abdomen.
Africanized Honey Bees
Introduced into the United States in the early 1990s, these bees look like traditional honey bees but exhibit much more aggressive behavior.
Also known as “killer bees,” when they sting many more bees participate so the recipient receives many more stings – sometimes creating a life-threatening situation. Once disturbed, these bees will pursue their target for a long distance.
If you are stung:
- Quickly remove yourself from the area and seek shelter in a car or building.
- Once safely away from the bees, remove the stingers from your skin as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of venom they inject.
- Immediately seek medical assistance if you exhibit any signs of breathing difficulty
