Halloween, spiders and wide-eyed babies
Every October, people across the United States pull boxes of spooky decorations down from their attics to prepare for Halloween. Spiders are frequently encountered decorative items in the run-up to the “scariest” holiday on the American calendar. But what makes... Read more»
An interview with a Norway rat
Built for survival: Get to know the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Pest Management Professional magazine (PMP): Well, we finally get to interview one of the most feared and loathed pests in the history of mankind. Norway rat (NR): And we’re... Read more»
A model rodent surveillance program ramps up in New Orleans
Several factors converged this year that dramatically affected the pest pressure in many U.S. cities, New Orleans, La., in particular. Shelter-in-place strategies to protect its citizens from spreading COVID-19 resulted in a sharp decline in the Big Easy’s economy, which... Read more»
EPA’s plan to use genetically modified mosquitoes faces opposition
In an effort to help stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and viruses, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved on May 1, an experimental plan to reduce mosquito populations in Florida and Texas using genetically engineered yellow fever (Aedes... Read more»
City rat colonies in the time of COVID-19
Cities around the world have undergone dramatic changes in human behavior this year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic leading to the shelter-in-place dynamic and commercial store/restaurant closings associated with the anthropause. (Author’s Note: See the end for more on this... Read more»Gain rodent control as building reopen
As buildings reopen this year, you may find large rodent populations firmly established, or you may find rats and mice springing up in totally new areas. Read more»Learn EPA’s 4-tier system for bait application
Being familiar with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s tier system is a great start to selecting the appropriate bait station for each application. Read more»
There’s a new tick in town
The Asian longhorned tick was first identified inside the United States in 2017. Populations spread quickly because females can lay viable eggs without mating. Urban pest management is largely the practice of controlling introduced species — and it appears another... Read more»