Red Imported Fire Ants March Through Southern U.S.

An invasive species of ant known as the red imported fire ant (RIFA) is making its way across the Southern U.S., raising concern among residents in Florida, California and every southern state in between. RIFAs are aggressive and are known to swarm and sting humans and animals when their mound-like nests are disturbed. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages people to use caution should they encounter RIFAs in their homes or on their properties.

RIFAs were first found in Alabama in 1930, after they were brought into the country on cargo ships arriving from their native South America. Without natural predators in the U.S., the invasive species has thrived and expanded into at least 14 southern states. The small, reddish brown ants are often found in landscaped areas, garages and near structural foundations. A single colony can contain 250,000 ants.

“Red imported fire ants are just one of more than 700 ant species found in the U.S., but are one of the most dangerous,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Their painful sting can cause blisters of white pustules, infections and severe allergic reactions. Due to these health risks, people should not attempt to control an infestation on their own. Instead, contact a licensed pest professional if signs of a red imported fire ant colony are found near your home.”

The NPMA recommends following these tips to protect your family from red imported fire ants:

• Seal cracks and holes around your home.
• Wear protective, closed-toe shoes and long pants when in outdoors areas where fire ants may be present.
• Frequently inspect your property for signs of an infestation. Look for mound-like nests, paying special attention to yards and landscaped areas, patios, sidewalks, compost piles, under trees and around electrical equipment.
• If a nest is found, do not disturb it. Contact a pest professional.

National Pest Management Association reminds families of health risks associated with cockroach infestations

FAIRFAX, Va., May 14, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — In recognition of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, celebrated in May, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is reminding people that cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergy attacks, along with other pertinent diseases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 25.7 million people, including almost 7.1 million children, have asthma. Many of these cases are caused by one of the most dangerous allergens — cockroaches — that may be crawling inside your home.

“Cockroach droppings, saliva, shed skin and other body parts contain potent allergen proteins known to cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially in children,” said Dr. Jorge Parada, medical spokesperson for the NPMA. “Unfortunately, people who are exposed to these allergens during childhood are at an increased risk for bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma problems later in life.”

In addition to being a culprit behind running noses, itchy eyes and wheezing, cockroaches spread nearly 33 kinds of bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella. They pick up germs on the spines of their legs as they crawl through decaying matter, which may be transferred to humans on hard surfaces and through food contamination.

The NPMA offers the following tips to prevent cockroach infestations:

– Seal cracks and holes around the outside of the home including utility pipes.

– Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.

– Keep counters free of crumbs and vacuum the floors often to reduce the accumulation of cockroach allergens.

– Keep garbage in a sealed container and dispose of it regularly to avoid attracting pests.

– Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms — especially under appliances and sinks — as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.

– If you find signs of a cockroach infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.

For more information on cockroaches or finding a local pest professional, visit www.pestworld.org .

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.

SOURCE: National Pest Management Association (NPMA)

Paleo-pests about 10 times bigger than today’s fleas may have sneaked up on a huge dinosaur, crawled onto its soft underbelly and taken a bite, likely a painful one, say researchers who have discovered fossils of the flealike organisms.

“It would have felt about like a hypodermic needle going in, a flea shot, if not a flu shot,” George Poinar Jr., a professor emeritus of zoology at Oregon State University, said in a statement. “We can be thankful our modern fleas are not nearly this big,” said Poinar, who wrote a commentary alongside the research article published online April 24 in the journal Current Biology.

One possible lifesaver for dinosaurs: These bloodsuckers couldn’t jump like today’s pesky fleas. Even so, past research suggests dinosaurs may have also been the first beasts tormented by lice.

The fossils of the two newly identified “flea” species, now called Pseudopulex jurassicus and Pseudopulex magnus, were discovered in Inner Mongolia. These “compression fossils,” rather than impressions, are the actual preserved insects that fossilized over millions of years. [See Photos of the Dinosaur Fleas]

EPA Launches Bed Bug Information Clearinghouse

2011 PCT Bed Bug Survey Results

PMPs report seeing large increases in the number of bed bug encounters in college dorms, hotels, nursing homes, office buildings, schools and daycare centers, hospitals, public transportation and movie theaters compared to last year. More specifically, many places experienced double-digit growth from a year ago, including:

• College dorms (54 percent, up from 35 percent a year ago)
• Hotels/motels (80 percent, up from 67 percent a year ago)
• Nursing homes (46 percent, up from 25 percent a year ago)
• Office buildings (38 percent, up from 17 percent a year ago)
• Schools and day care centers (36 percent, up from 10 percent a year ago)
• Transportation (train/bus/taxi) (18 percent up from nine percent a year ago)
• Hospitals (31 percent, up from 12 percent a year ago)
• Movie theaters (17 percent, up from four percent a year ago)

Additionally, in this year’s survey, 21 percent of PMPs reported treating bed bugs in retailstores.

Via PCT

Bed Bug Control Experts

Where The Mosquito Bites: The 10 Buggiest Cities In The U.S.