Keep Nuisance Wildlife in the Wild

NPMA Staff

Monday, November 19, 2012

The National Pest Management Association offers advice for keeping critters out in nature

As temperatures fall, nuisance wildlife are more likely to find shelter indoors for the cold months ahead. TheNational Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns that some wildlife, such as raccoons, squirrels, foxes, bats and skunks, can pose serious risks when they infest a home.

“It’s not unusual to encounter unwanted pests such as mice or spiders during the colder months, but most homeowners are shocked to find a wildlife intrusion inside the home,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA.“Unfortunately, these animals can pose health threats to humans, so it’s important to take precautionary measures to keep them outdoors where they belong.”

In addition to property damage and hard to handle infestations, some wild animals carry rabies, which is potentially fatal if left untreated. In fact, wild animals accounted for 92 percent of reported cases of rabies in 2010, the latest data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with raccoons topping the list.

And don’t let their looks fool you. “Most of these critters are seen as cute and cuddly creatures. However, homeowners should never attempt to remove them on their own. They can bite or attack if they feel threatened, so removal is best left to trained professionals,” advises Henriksen.

Here are some tips from the NPMA for homeowners to keep wildlife in the wild:

·         Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows

·         Screen vents and openings to chimneys

·         Keep food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly

·         Keep tree limbs cut back 6 to 8 feet from the roofline and store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house

·         If you encounter a wild animal on your property, do not attempt to remove it on your own. Rather, contact a local wildlife or pest professional.

For more information about nuisance wildlife or to find a local pest professional call Falcon at 1-800- 532-5266

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

From the fine folks over at PCT Online:

Tallahassee, FL -The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued a warning today to homeowners to use caution before signing over termite protection contracts and offered simple steps to avoid inadequate protection when considering service providers.

“Consumers should be aware that there is no provision in state law for a company to take over or sign over an existing contract,” said Andy Rackley, Director of the Department’s Division of Agriculture Environmental Services. “While switching contracts is not contrary to State pest control law or regulations, homeowners need to read the fine print, so they know exactly what they are covered for and ask questions if a new company comes in offering to take over or switch their contract.”

Pest control is an important tool for homeowners to protect their homes against termites in Florida. As an incentive to new customers, many pest control companies offer to “take over” or “pick up” a warranty issued by the homeowner’s current service provider. However, a contract with a new service provider typically only protects the homeowner from damage that occurred from the date the contract goes into effect. 

The pest control company offering to take over an existing warranty is actually issuing a new contract warranty with new terms and conditions under their company name. If the home owner elects to continue the original warranty in addition to the new warranty, the new pest control company must obtain written consent in letter form that it is the property owner’s desire to have a second contract warranty for the same wood-destroying organism.

All pest control companies are legally obligated to abide by the terms of these contracts, which specify what the company will do to protect your home and whether they will treat, re-treat or repair any damage if termites are found.
The Department encourages consumers to carefully consider the coverage provided in a “take over” contract and to fully understand the terms before entering any new contract. When considering a new service provider, consumers should ask the following questions:
• Is the new warranty coverage equal to or greater than the existing coverage?
• Will a treatment be rendered by the new pest control company?
• How do the renewal terms and costs compare between warranties?
• Is the new pest company in good standing as to reputation and consumer satisfaction?
• Will the contract cover any hidden infestation or damage that occurred before the new contract was signed?

Read the whole story here

Stink bugs, the smelly scourge of the mid-Atlantic, are hitch-hiking and gliding their way across the country. Officially known as the brown marmorated stink bug, sightings of the pest have been reported in 33 states, an increase of eight states since last fall.

"I would say people now regard them as an out-of-control pest," says Kim Hoelmer, a research entomologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Newark, Del.

The National Pest Management Association warns homeowners this week that the bugs' growing populations are likely to make infestations significantly worse this year. "This season's stink bug population will be larger than in the past," says Jim Fredericks, director of technical services for NPMA.

The bugs have been spotted as far west as California, as far north as Minnesota and as far south as Floirda. Only the Rockies and Plains states have escaped thus far. The eight states recently joining the stink bug party are Arizona, Iowa, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin, according to the USDA's Greg Rosenthal.

Read the whole story at USA Today.