Check for these tell-tale signs to stay safe! Hey there, adventurer! Ever been out on a hike, soaking in the beauty of nature, when you suddenly spot something slithering across your path? Your heart skips a beat, and you wonder, “Is that snake dangerous?” We’ve all been there. It’s a…Check for these tell-tale signs to stay safe! Hey there, adventurer! Ever been out on a hike, soaking in the beauty of nature, when you suddenly spot something slithering across your path? Your heart skips a beat, and you wonder, “Is that snake dangerous?” We’ve all been there. It’s a mix of excitement and a bit of panic. But fear not! I’m here to help you unravel the mystery of how to tell if a snake is venomous. In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of snakes, busting myths, and giving you the lowdown on spotting the dangerous ones. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the color! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a curious learner, or someone who just loves nature, by the end of this article, you’ll have the know-how to confidently identify whether a snake is a friend or foe. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll not only become the go-to snake expert among your friends but also feel a whole lot safer on your next outdoor adventure. Ready to become a snake-savvy superstar? Let’s slither right in! Key Takeaways Learn the main physical traits of venomous snakes. Understand behavioral signs that indicate danger. Discover safety tips for when you encounter a snake. Identifying Physical Traits Alright, let’s get down to business. How exactly can you tell if a snake is venomous? Here are the main physical traits to look out for: Head Shape One of the easiest ways to identify a venomous snake is by its head shape. Most venomous snakes have a distinct triangular or diamond-shaped head. This is due to the venom glands located on either side of their heads. So, if you see a snake with a broad, angular head, it’s time to stay cautious. Pupil Shape Ever heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul? Well, in the case of snakes, they can also be windows to danger. Venomous snakes often have elliptical, slit-like pupils, much like a cat’s eyes. In contrast, non-venomous snakes typically have round pupils. Next time you’re face-to-face with a snake, check out its peepers! Body Patterns This one’s a bit trickier because it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but many venomous snakes have distinct, bright patterns on their bodies. However, don’t rely solely on this. Some harmless snakes can be just as colorful, while some venomous ones are more subdued in color. Presence of Fangs venomous snakes have prominent fangs that they use to inject venom into their prey. If you can safely observe, look for those tell-tale fangs. But remember, getting too close is never a good idea unless you’re a trained professional. Behavioral Signs Alright, now that we’ve covered the physical traits, let’s talk about behavior. Snakes have their own way of communicating danger, and if you know what to look for, their behavior can be a dead giveaway. Aggressiveness Venomous snakes are often more aggressive when they feel threatened. If a snake is coiling up, hissing, or making sudden movements towards you, it’s likely not a happy camper. This defensive behavior is a clear sign that the snake could be dangerous. Always give it plenty of space to avoid any unpleasant encounters. Warning Signals Some venomous snakes have built-in alarm systems. Take the rattlesnake, for instance. That iconic rattle isn’t just for show—it’s a warning to back off. Similarly, some snakes might flatten their bodies, puff up, or make loud hissing sounds. These warning signals are their way of saying, “Hey, stay away, I mean business!” Movement Watch the way the snake moves. Some venomous snakes, like the cottonmouth, have a unique way of swimming on the water’s surface with their bodies fully exposed. This distinctive movement can be a clue to their venomous nature. On land, a snake’s movement can also tell you a lot. If it seems overly confident and undeterred by your presence, it might be because it knows it has venomous backup. Safety Tips When Encountering Snakes Now that you’re well-versed in the physical and behavioral signs of venomous snakes, let’s talk about what to do if you actually encounter one. Here are some practical tips to keep you safe: Keep Your Distance This is the golden rule. The best way to stay safe is to maintain a respectful distance from any snake. Most snake bites occur when people try to handle or get too close to the snake. Stay Calm If you see a snake, don’t panic. Sudden movements can provoke a snake to strike. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and slowly back away from the snake. Educate Yourself Knowledge is power! Familiarize yourself with the types of snakes that are common in your area. Knowing what to expect can help you stay prepared and confident. Emergency Preparedness Know what to do in case of a snake bite. Quick and calm actions can make a huge difference. Keep a first aid kit handy and learn the basic steps of snake bite treatment. Remember, seeking professional medical help as soon as possible is crucial. Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions Alright, let’s debunk some myths! There’s a lot of misinformation out there about snakes, and it’s time to set the record straight. Color Confusion Not all brightly colored snakes are venomous, and not all dull-colored snakes are safe. While some venomous snakes do have bright warning colors, many harmless snakes mimic these patterns to ward off predators. Don’t rely solely on color to make your judgment. Size Matters Think big snakes are more dangerous? Think again! Venomous snakes come in all sizes. Some of the most dangerous snakes can be quite small, so never judge a snake’s danger level by its size alone. Snake Charms Forget about those old wives’ tales and folklore. Stick to facts and evidence-based knowledge. For example, the idea that all venomous snakes have triangular heads is generally true but not foolproof. Always use a combination of traits to make your identification. Conclusion Next time you’re out exploring, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to stay safe and maybe even impress your friends with your snake smarts. Remember, when it comes to snakes, respect and caution are your best friends. Happy adventuring, and may your paths be snake-free—or at least, snake-savvy!
Center, Internet, Wildlife Damage Management TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter: Fall 1998 - Volume 5(4) Date of this Version 1998 Document Type Article Abstract Forward -- Scott Craven; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group 1998 Annual Meeting September 23, 1998, 6-8 Pm, Buffalo, Ny; Next Edition…Center, Internet, Wildlife Damage Management TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter: Fall 1998 - Volume 5(4) Date of this Version 1998 Document Type Article Abstract Forward -- Scott Craven; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group 1998 Annual Meeting September 23, 1998, 6-8 Pm, Buffalo, Ny; Next Edition Deadlines; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group 1998 Report To Council; Candidates For The Working Group Officers - December 1998 ; 1998-99 Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Officers; Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Ballot - December 1998; Wildlife Damage Management Around The World - Part 2; Sika Deer Management In Nikko National Park, Japan; Current Status And Future Direction; Contributors To This Issue ; Application For Membership / The Wildlife Society DOWNLOADS Since November 09, 2010 COinS
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 12-2018 Document Type Article Citation Vantassel, S.M. and B.K. Osthus. 2018. Safety. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 19p. Abstract Wildlife…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 12-2018 Document Type Article Citation Vantassel, S.M. and B.K. Osthus. 2018. Safety. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 19p. Abstract Wildlife damage management (WDM) is an exciting field with many opportunities to provide solutions to the complex issues involved in human-wildlife interactions. In addition, WDM wildlife control operators (WCO) face a variety of threats to their physical well-being. Injuries can result from misused (Figure 1), faulty, or poorly maintained equipment, inexperience, mishandled wildlife, harsh weather, and dangerous situations, such as electrical lines. The goals of this publication are to: * Develop an awareness of safety issues and adopt a mindset of “Safety First”, * Review the major safety threats that WCOs face, * Provide basic information for WCOs to protect themselves, and * List resources for further information and training. Although no statistics are available for the WDM industry in particular, the authors are aware of several instances where WCOs have lost their lives or suffered serious injuries while performing WDM. While accidents do happen, most are preventable and occur due to hurried behavior, neglect of procedures, or lack of attention to the task at hand. The United States, Canada, and Mexico have agencies tasked with setting and enforcing standards to assure safe and healthful conditions for workers. The U.S. agency is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In Canada, it is the Labour Program, and in Mexico, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare governs workplace requirements. Readers are encouraged to keep abreast of government safety regulations not only to follow the law, but also to maintain a safe working environment. Safety is an extremely broad and complex topic. The number and diversity of situations that pose safety risks to WCOs are numerous. This publication focuses specifically on safety risks to the WCOs’ physical wellbeing, such as injuries. Safety concerns pertaining to organizational design, worker supervision, disease, environmental or social catastrophes, or pesticides are beyond its scope. Work in WDM poses many safety risks to those involved. Awareness, planning, and deliberate action can eliminate or reduce many threats. As the industry continues to develop, WCOs must keep up with new threats and safety practices to maintain their well-being. Following safe work practices helps to ensure WCOs remain on-the-job and injury free. DOWNLOADS Since December 20, 2018 COinS
Bats are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, playing crucial roles that benefit us all. Hey there, nature lovers! Ever wondered why bats are so important? These little night-flyers might not get as much love as pandas or dolphins, but they’re just as crucial to our planet’s health. Picture this:…Bats are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, playing crucial roles that benefit us all. Hey there, nature lovers! Ever wondered why bats are so important? These little night-flyers might not get as much love as pandas or dolphins, but they’re just as crucial to our planet’s health. Picture this: you’re enjoying a peaceful evening outdoors, free from the annoyance of buzzing mosquitoes. You can thank bats for that! These nocturnal superheroes are the unsung guardians of our ecosystems, and it’s high time we shed some light on their amazing contributions. Let’s dive into the world of bats and uncover why they truly matter, from pest control to pollination and beyond. Trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll see bats in a whole new light. Key Takeaways Bats contribute significantly to pest control and pollination. They play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Bats have a surprising economic impact on agriculture. Bats as Natural Pest Controllers Alright, let’s get into one of the coolest superpowers bats have – natural pest control. Imagine a world where farmers didn’t have to rely so heavily on chemical pesticides. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, bats are making that dream a reality. These nocturnal ninjas are voracious eaters, especially when it comes to insects. Every night, a single bat can gobble up thousands of insects, including those pesky mosquitoes that love to ruin our summer evenings. But their diet isn’t just about making our BBQs more enjoyable. Bats play a crucial role in agriculture by keeping crop-damaging insects in check. Think about it: fewer bugs munching on crops means less need for chemical pesticides, which is a win for both farmers and the environment. Consider this – in the U.S. alone, bats save the agriculture industry an estimated $3.7 billion a year in pest control services. That’s a lot of cash saved just by letting bats do what they do best. And it’s not just about the money. Reducing pesticide use means healthier ecosystems, cleaner water, and safer food for us all. So, next time you see a bat zipping around at dusk, remember – it’s on a mission to keep our world a little bit greener and our lives a lot less buggy. These tiny pest controllers are a huge asset, silently working behind the scenes to maintain a balanced ecosystem and protect our crops. Who knew such small creatures could have such a big impact? Pollinators and Seed Dispersers Now, let’s talk about another superhero skill that bats possess – their role as pollinators and seed dispersers. You might be thinking, “Wait, bats do more than just eat bugs?” Absolutely! These night-time dynamos are also key players in keeping our ecosystems vibrant and diverse. First off, let’s chat about pollination. You might already know that bees and butterflies are great pollinators, but did you know that bats are too? Many bat species, especially in tropical and desert regions, are essential pollinators for a variety of plants. This includes some plants that produce fruits we love, like bananas, mangoes, and even the agave plant – yes, the one that gives us tequila. Imagine a world without these delicious fruits and, dare I say, tequila! It’s the bats who help keep these plants thriving by transferring pollen as they feed on nectar. But wait, there’s more. Bats also play a crucial role in seed dispersal. Many plants rely on bats to spread their seeds far and wide, promoting forest regeneration and biodiversity. When bats eat fruits, they fly off and later excrete the seeds in different locations, often far from the parent plant. This helps in the growth of new plants and maintains healthy, diverse ecosystems. Forests, especially rainforests, owe a lot to these flying gardeners who help plants colonize new areas and maintain genetic diversity. Imagine bats as the unsung gardeners of the night, working tirelessly to ensure our forests and gardens flourish. Without them, many plant species would struggle to survive, leading to less diverse and resilient ecosystems. Economic Benefits of Bats Alright, folks, let’s dive into the dollars and cents of why bats matter – the economic benefits. You might not think of these little creatures as financial powerhouses, but their contributions to the economy are nothing short of impressive. First up, pest control. As we mentioned earlier, bats are voracious insect eaters. By keeping pest populations in check, they provide a natural service that saves the agriculture industry billions of dollars each year. Fewer pests mean healthier crops and less reliance on expensive chemical pesticides. In the U.S. alone, bats save farmers an estimated $3.7 billion annually. That’s money that can be reinvested into sustainable farming practices, research, and even lower prices for consumers. It’s a win-win situation all around. Now, let’s talk about healthcare. Reducing the use of chemical pesticides, thanks to bats’ natural pest control, means fewer chemicals in our environment. This translates to cleaner water, healthier soil, and, ultimately, better health for humans and wildlife alike. Fewer chemicals in our food and water supply can reduce the risk of pesticide-related health issues, which can save on healthcare costs and improve overall well-being. Bats also boost local economies through tourism. Yep, you heard that right – bat tourism is a thing! Many regions around the world have turned their bat populations into tourist attractions. For example, the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every evening, thousands of tourists gather to watch the bats emerge at dusk, bringing significant revenue to the local economy through tourism-related spending on hotels, restaurants, and activities. This kind of eco-tourism not only educates people about the importance of bats but also supports local businesses. And let’s not forget about the indirect economic benefits. Bats play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal, as we discussed earlier. Healthy ecosystems with diverse plant and animal life contribute to the overall stability of our environment, which in turn supports agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. These industries rely on robust ecosystems to thrive, and bats are an integral part of that equation. Fascinating Bat Facts Ready to have your mind blown? Bats are not just essential for our ecosystems and economy; they’re also downright fascinating. Here are some cool bat facts that will make you appreciate these nocturnal marvels even more. Incredible Diversity There are over 1,400 species of bats, making them the second most diverse group of mammals after rodents. They range in size from the tiny bumblebee bat, which weighs less than a penny, to the giant flying fox, with a wingspan of up to six feet. This incredible diversity means that bats have adapted to a wide range of habitats and diets, showcasing nature’s creativity at its finest. Masters of Flight Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. Unlike birds, bats have flexible wings with a thin membrane of skin stretched over elongated fingers. This unique wing structure allows for remarkable agility and maneuverability in the air, enabling them to catch insects on the fly and navigate through the darkest of nights with ease. Long Lifespan Despite their small size, bats can live surprisingly long lives. Some species of bats can live up to 30 years or more, which is quite impressive when you consider that most small mammals have much shorter lifespans. This longevity allows bats to play a consistent role in their ecosystems over many years. Echolocation Experts Many bats use echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark. By emitting high-frequency sounds and listening for the echoes that bounce back from objects, bats can create a mental map of their surroundings. This remarkable ability allows them to detect even the smallest insects in complete darkness, making them highly efficient hunters. Social Creatures Bats are incredibly social animals. They often live in large colonies, sometimes numbering in the millions. These colonies can be found in caves, trees, buildings, and even bridges. Living in groups provides bats with safety in numbers and enhances their ability to locate food and mates. Important Pollinators As we’ve discussed, many bats are crucial pollinators. Without them, we’d have a hard time enjoying some of our favorite fruits and plants. In fact, some plants have evolved to bloom at night specifically to attract bat pollinators. These plants often have strong scents and large, pale flowers, making them easy for bats to find in the dark. Disease Fighters Bats play a role in controlling the spread of diseases. By consuming large quantities of insects, they help reduce the population of disease-carrying pests such as mosquitoes. This natural pest control helps lower the risk of diseases like malaria and West Nile virus, protecting both humans and animals. The Plight of Bats As much as we’ve celebrated the incredible awesomeness of bats, it’s time to talk about the challenges they face. Despite their many benefits and fascinating traits, bats are in trouble. Let’s delve into the major threats that are putting these vital creatures at risk. Habitat Loss One of the biggest threats to bats is habitat destruction. Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion are wiping out the natural habitats that bats depend on. Trees, caves, and other roosting sites are being destroyed, leaving bats with fewer places to live and breed. This loss of habitat not only reduces bat populations but also disrupts the ecosystems they help maintain. Disease Bats are susceptible to diseases, just like any other animal. One of the most devastating diseases affecting bats is White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), a fungal infection that has killed millions of bats in North America since it was first discovered in 2006. WNS causes bats to wake from hibernation frequently, depleting their
Citation Gese, E.M., J.P. Hart, and P.A. Terletzy. 2021. Gray Wolves. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 29p. Abstract Wolf conflicts are primarily related to predation on livestock, pets and other domestic animals, as well as their direct and indirect impacts…Citation Gese, E.M., J.P. Hart, and P.A. Terletzy. 2021. Gray Wolves. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 29p. Abstract Wolf conflicts are primarily related to predation on livestock, pets and other domestic animals, as well as their direct and indirect impacts on native ungulates (i.e., big game). Economic losses vary widely with some livestock producers facing high levels of depredation in some areas. This publication focuses on wolf ecology, damage, and management, particularly as it relates to wolf depredation on livestock and other conflicts with people. Wolves and people share the same environments more than people realize. In the U.S., wolves are not confined to wilderness areas. Though curious, wolves generally fear people and rarely pose a threat to human safety. Wolf attacks on people are, and always have been, very rare compared to other wildlife species. However, there have been several cases of human injuries and a few deaths due to wolves in North America over the past 100 years. The main factors contributing to these incidents were habituation to people, rabies infections, conditioning to human foods, and the presence of domestic dogs. It is unusual for wild wolves to associate or interact with people, linger near buildings, livestock, or domestic dogs, but it does occur especially in areas of high wolf densities in and around rural communities. This type of behavior may be more prevalent in areas where wolves are not legally harvested. This “bold” behavior is more typical of a habituated or food- conditioned animal, a released captive wolf, or a released wolf-dog hybrid. The scale and scope of wolf depredation on livestock depends on local wolf density; numbers and kinds of livestock; livestock husbandry practices; availability and vulnerability of alternative prey; human density; road density; severity of winters; and local hunting pressure. In many instances, wolves live around livestock without causing damage or only occasional damage. Wolf pack size has been shown to increase the likelihood of depredations on domestic animals, with larger packs more likely to cause damage. Most losses occur between April and October when livestock are on summer pastures or grazing allotments. Cattle, especially calves, are the most common livestock killed by wolves. When wolves kill sheep or domestic poultry, often multiple individuals are killed or injured. As of 2019, stable wolf populations exist in many regions in the U.S., including Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, with growing populations in parts of Oregon and Washington (Figures 19, 20). Wolves have recently been documented in northern California and northwestern Colorado. A small population of introduced Mexican wolves exists in Arizona and New Mexico, and a small population of red wolves exists in eastern North Carolina. Both the Mexican and red wolf populations are considered more vulnerable to extinction than other North American wolf populations.
Protect what matters with PBC: The Pest Control Insurance Experts! The post PBC: Pest Control Insurance first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Last month, I had the opportunity to represent Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) and join other advocates who support young children’s right to access healthy environments at a variety of events in Washington, D.C. First on the agenda was “The Future We’re Building Symposium,” a collaborative event by the Children’s…Last month, I had the opportunity to represent Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) and join other advocates who support young children’s right to access healthy environments at a variety of events in Washington, D.C. First on the agenda was “The Future We’re Building Symposium,” a collaborative event by the Children’s Environmental Health Network and The Center for Environmental Policy at American University’s School of Public Affairs. This event brought together national leaders, students, advocates, and experts in children’s environmental health to reflect on the last decade of progress and envision the path ahead. Speakers included Leah Defenbaugh, Director of Youth Development Projects, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board ; Alissa Mwenelupembe, Chief Early Learning Quality and Research Officer, National Association for the Education of Young Children ; and LaTricea Adams, Founder, CEO, and President, Young Gifted and Green . It was inspiring to join these leaders and others like long-time National Wildlife Federation partner Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, Children’s Environmental Health Network Executive Director, to discuss topics like “Healthy Places to Live, Learn, and Play.” It was reinvigorating to know that ECHO’s vision—a future where every young child has rich and engaging daily opportunities to play and learn in high-quality outdoor environments that support healthy development and lifelong connections to the natural world—is so well-aligned with this national movement. The ECHO team is proud to be actively engaged and working hard to meet emerging challenges like the impact of climate on young children and ongoing priorities like environmental justice. Next up was the “Childcare Supply Network National Showcase,’ part of the National Association of Counties 2026 Legislative Conference where partners, stakeholders, and officials from all levels of government came together to learn about the economic and social transformation that comes from improving local childcare supply, accessibility, and affordability. I was thrilled to connect in person with valued ECHO partners that I have only previously had the pleasure to engage with on Zoom, like Low Income Investment Fund ’s (LIIF) Nicole Barcliff, Senior Policy Director and Shelly Masur, Early Childhood Education Vice President. The reunion with LIIF felt like a homecoming, since the ECHO team worked closely with LIIF to support two cohorts of early childhood education centers and family child care homes in the DC area over the last several years. We provided early care and education providers with professional development and resources; hands-on, individually tailored design workshops; design assistance; and, in some cases, support in navigating the district’s permitting and construction processes. ECHO’s landscape designers facilitating design workshops with child care providers in DC. Credit: ECHO Team It was deeply gratifying to see the direct connection between these important gatherings and ECHO’s impact on the ground. We know from our pre- and post-engagement surveys that these providers are spending more time outdoors with the children in their care and they now have the skills and resources they need to help children experience the wonders of the natural world, inspiring lifelong environmental stewardship. On Saturday, it was inspiring to take a break from convening to visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. I also highly recommend a visit to the National Museum of Women in the Arts! Credit: ECHO Team Sunday, it was back to work! I attended the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Public Policy Forum. This event was a multi-day advocacy experience designed to help early childhood educators exercise their powerful voices on policy to make themselves heard. We enjoyed a packed agenda of workshops, keynotes, panels, strategy sessions, and conversations with policymakers on Capitol Hill. I’m grateful to Cameron Fall, Board member of the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children , for his coordination and guidance in preparing us for our day on Capitol Hill. We had the opportunity to meet with staff members from the offices of Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet to speak about the importance of sustaining public funding for affordable, high-quality child care. I also had the pleasure of meeting with staff for my own Congressman, Joe Neguse, and appreciated a robust conversation about how important child care is to families with young children in my small rural county. Washington, D.C. was especially hopping that day, with the State of the Union taking place in the evening—there was some “wildlife” spotted in the Hart Senate Office Building—the Portland Protest Frogs (see header photo!). The week was a huge success, and, on behalf of ECHO, we are grateful to the George B. Storer Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for supporting our efforts to transform early childhood settings and systems to ensure that every young child has opportunities to thrive in healthy outdoor environments every day.
The Pest Management Foundation, the charitable arm of the NPMA, announced a $1 million gift from the Gary W. Rollins Foundation. The post Pest Management Foundation establishes legacy fund first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
The plant-based formula kills mosquitoes and ticks in less than 24 hours. The post Arkion Life Sciences: Stop the Bites Plus! first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Most people care little about taking as many measures as possible to avoid mosquito bites. They slap on some mosquito repellent and go about their business. It’s a different story, however, when a mosquito-borne disease hits a specific locale. When people learn that a single bite can mean a deadly…Most people care little about taking as many measures as possible to avoid mosquito bites. They slap on some mosquito repellent and go about their business. It’s a different story, however, when a mosquito-borne disease hits a specific locale. When people learn that a single bite can mean a deadly disease or health issues for […] The post Don’t let mosquitoes take a bite out of business first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Join Target Specialty Products tomorrow, Thursday, March 26, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern for its latest addition to its Business Growth Webinar Series, featuring Dr. Tim Husen, BCE, PHE, PCQI, technical services manager for Syngenta Professional Solutions, covering “Why You Need Another New Cockroach Gel Bait: Introducing Vanecto.” The in-depth session…Join Target Specialty Products tomorrow, Thursday, March 26, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern for its latest addition to its Business Growth Webinar Series, featuring Dr. Tim Husen, BCE, PHE, PCQI, technical services manager for Syngenta Professional Solutions, covering “Why You Need Another New Cockroach Gel Bait: Introducing Vanecto.” The in-depth session will highlight the latest advancements in […] The post Tomorrow: Target Specialty hosts cockroach-focused webinar first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
‘God Squad’ Committee will decide on ESA exemptions in the Gulf for Oil and Gas The post A powerful committee may choose oil over endangered whales appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry by Oxford University Press reports that widely used flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats may pose a serious threat to insects in the natural environment. Isoxazoline drugs are a relatively new class of antiparasitic medications prescribed by veterinarians around the…A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry by Oxford University Press reports that widely used flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats may pose a serious threat to insects in the natural environment. Isoxazoline drugs are a relatively new class of antiparasitic medications prescribed by veterinarians around the world to protect pets from fleas and ticks. Introduced in 2013, they quickly gained popularity because they were the first oral treatments capable of controlling both pests for a month or longer. After pets take these medications, the active compounds pass through their bodies and are excreted in feces. Drug Residues Enter Soil and Ecosystems The European Medicines Agency has previously warned that these substances could contaminate ecosystems, although detailed information about how much of the drugs enter the environment remains limited. The main concern centers on how veterinary parasite treatments might affect species that are not the intended targets. Isoxazolines are designed to kill fleas and ticks, but when treated animals eliminate the drugs, other insects may also be exposed. Research suggests pets can introduce these chemicals into the environment through feces, urine, and even shed hair. Of particular concern are dung-feeding insects such as flies, dung beetles, and some butterflies. These species play a vital role in breaking down waste, recycling nutrients, improving soil quality, and helping control pests. If they consume feces containing the drug residues, they may be harmed. Study Tracks Isoxazoline Residues in Pet Feces To better understand the risk, researchers in France monitored 20 dogs and 20 cats owned by veterinary students. The animals received isoxazoline treatments over a three month period. Scientists collected fecal samples to measure how much of the active ingredients remained and to estimate how much exposure dung-feeding insects could face. The analysis focused on how these medications are eliminated in pet waste. Even after the recommended treatment period had ended, researchers detected two of the four active ingredients commonly found in isoxazoline products in the animals' feces. Potential Impact on Dung Feeding Insects An environmental risk assessment based on these findings suggests that dung-feeding insects could experience high levels of exposure to isoxazoline compounds as a result of routine pet treatments. The researchers warn that this exposure could disrupt important ecological processes and potentially lead to serious consequences for environmental lifecycles.
Explore how mosquito control has evolved from a simple add-on to a primary driver for business expansion and community safety. Industry experts share their strategies for education, technician trust and environmental stewardship. The post Scaling business and safety with mosquito and public health service first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Debug Pest Control, a leading pest management provider serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, today announced the acquisition of Bee Smart Pest Control, a well-established pest control company based in East Hampton, Conn. This strategic acquisition strengthens Debug Pest Control’s footprint in Connecticut while enhancing service capacity and continuity for…Debug Pest Control, a leading pest management provider serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, today announced the acquisition of Bee Smart Pest Control, a well-established pest control company based in East Hampton, Conn. This strategic acquisition strengthens Debug Pest Control’s footprint in Connecticut while enhancing service capacity and continuity for Bee Smart’s loyal customer base. Bee […] The post Debug Pest Control expands with acquisition of Bee Smart Pest Control first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
