Integrated Pest Management

If you have done any research into choosing a pest control company, you have probably stumbled upon the phrase "Integrated Pest Management" and wondered what it means. Integrated Pest Management, or IPM in short, is a blend of critical thinking and a scientific approach to solving pest problems resulting in treatment with minimal chemical application, maximum effectiveness, and can even save you money! But how???

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Click Here For Story Article Tags: Raccoon Removal, Wildlife Control

Baltimore Area Residents Warned To Avoid Vaccine Bait

Residents in the counties surrounding Baltimore Maryland are being advised to closely watch pets and avoid bait blocks placed to vaccinate raccoons for rabies. According to a case report by the CDC, contact with the bait is confirmed to cause skin irritation and Human Vaccinia infection. (Summary can be found below)

The most recent case of rabies with raccoons was reported by the Baltimore City Health Department, a raccoon removed in the area of Schenley Road in the Roland Park neighborhood in response to a wildlife control call resulted in a positive rabies result after being tested. (1)

Rabies Vaccine Bait For Raccoons

Maryland — The annual raccoon oral rabies vaccination project carried out by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health began Thursday. Residents are advised to avoid baits that will be placed across the county. The project should wrap up soon, weather permitting.

The baits contain the liquid rabies vaccine and will be placed in neighborhoods by trained health department employees wearing shirts featuring health department logos. Baits also will be dropped from a low-flying county police helicopter in less populated areas.

The bait will either look like a ketchup packet with a light brown waxy coating or a small brown brick with a plastic packet inside. Anyone who comes in contact with the bait or has a pet that encounters the bait should call 410-222-1423 weekdays and 443-481-3140 evenings and weekends.

The vaccine is designed to vaccinate raccoons when the animal bites into the vaccine packet. It cannot cause rabies and is not harmful to raccoons, pets or other animals. While it does have a very low human health risk, the health department advises that youth, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic skin condition contact their doctor if they handle it.

The health department also recommends that pet owners keep their pets confined or on a leash during the baiting period and for two weeks thereafter. If your pet finds a bait, carefully remove the bait from your pet's mouth. (2)

CDC Case Report

A woman aged 35 years was picking blackberries in a rural area of Pennsylvania where ORV baits recently had been distributed. Her dog picked up a bait in his mouth and punctured the bait with his teeth. After the dog dropped the bait, the woman picked it up, and V-RG vaccine dripped from the bait onto her right hand and wrist, including sites that had been abraded by blackberry thorns.

Approximately 30 minutes passed before the woman was able to wash her hands. She telephoned the ORV helpline number printed on the bait, and her call was referred to PADOH. The woman had a history of inflammatory bowel disease, for which she was taking multiple immunosuppressive medications. These medications included a suppressor of T and B cell proliferation (taken daily) and a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blocker (taken once every 6 weeks, with the last dose on July 13); she had no smallpox vaccination scar and reported no history of smallpox vaccination.

On day 1 after her exposure to the V-RG vaccine, her physician obtained a baseline serum specimen for analysis of rabies virus neutralizing antibody (by direct virus neutralization) and orthopoxirus (vaccinia) immunoglobulin IgG and immunoglobulin IgM antibodies (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).

In addition, photos were taken of her right hand abrasions, and she was instructed to watch for signs of infection in her hand.

On day 4, she reported several red papules on her right hand. She visited a local hospital emergency department, where scrapings of the papules were obtained and submitted to the PADOH Bureau of Laboratories. The woman was discharged from the emergency department and advised to stop taking her immunosuppressant medications.

On day 5, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay of the scrapings tested positive for nonvariola Orthopoxvirus DNA. Subsequent testing performed at CDC confirmed the presence of vaccinia virus DNA and rabies virus G protein DNA in papule material and serologic evidence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies. Neither Orthopoxvirus IgG nor IgM antibodies were detected.

On day 6, the papules had increased in number and size, and the patient was hospitalized. Physical examination on admission showed multiple papules on erythematous bases on the patient's right hand, wrist, and arm, including three that appeared to be early vesicles. Because of the patient's immune suppression and concerns about progressive vaccinia, she was administered a single dose (6,000 IU/kg) of VIGIV (Cangene Corporation, Winnipeg, Canada) provided by CDC. Contact precautions were utilized while the patient was hospitalized.

On day 9, she had 26 classic vaccinia virus lesions, including one on a site on her right arm that might not have been in contact with the vaccine initially. The patient was afebrile and not experiencing symptoms related to her inflammatory bowel disease. However, on day 11, she experienced myalgia and headache; she had pronounced redness and edema in her right hand (Figure 2), accompanied by right axillary adenopathy. (3)

Bottom Line

If you come into contact with anything foreign, or remotely resembling these baits put out for raccoons, please be careful and avoid them all all costs. If you have questions concerning getting rid of raccoons that may potentially be sick or living in your home, call us at (410) 982-5050 to reach one of the specialists at On The Fly Pest Solutions for professional consultation and your potential options for remediation of the situation.

Read More Here: Click Here For Story Article Tags: Raccoon Removal, Wildlife Control

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Maryland Rabies Vaccination Laws

Rabies Laws- What you should know

Plenty of states have laws and regulations about the control and prevention of the rabies virus. Maryland is no exception. The Maryland Department of Health requires anyone that has been bitten or exposed to a possible rabid animal to report it to the Office of Environmental Health. The office will then investigate the incident and the animal and take any further action that is necessary. The state also requires anyone owning a cat, dog or ferret to have their pet vaccinated agains the rabies virus.

These laws and regulations are coming to the forefront as a fourth raccoon has been tested positive for the rabies virus in Maryland. Raccoons are not the only animal that can carry the disease. However, they seem to be the biggest culprits, as of late. Officials have been urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected rabid animals. They also encourage residents to ensure their pets have been vaccinated.

For more information on wildlife removal and rabies, visit On The Fly Pest Solutions.

Maryland Rabies Laws

Any person having knowledge of a person being bitten or otherwise exposed to rabies by a warm blooded animal must report the suspected contact to the Office of Environmental Health.  The staff of the Office of Environmental Health will investigate the circumstances of the incident as per the requirements of the above referenced regulation. Each person who owns or keeps a dog, cat or ferret that is 4 months old or older is required by law to  have the dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies. Learn more

To learn more about rabies, visit the Maryland Department of Health

Summary: The state of Maryland has certain laws and regulations on how to handle the rabies virus. Anyone who owns a dog, cat or ferret must vaccinate their pets against rabies. They also require anyone who has come in contact with a suspected rabid animal to report it to the proper government office.

Fourth rabid raccoon found, this time in Westminster

A raccoon killed by two dogs on Monday in Westminster has tested positive for rabies and marks the fourth such animal to test positive for the lethal virus in the past weeks.

The dogs killed the raccoon on Poole Road, west of Md. 97 and near Stoner Avenue, but because both dogs were up to date on their rabies vaccinations, the pair will only require a booster shot and the dogs owners will not require treatment, according to a Carroll County Health Department news release. But health officials do want to make anyone in the vicinity who could have been exposed to the raccoon — or have had a pet exposed — aware of the risks and what to do if they had an interaction with rabid wildlife. Read more

#Rabies, not just a #NTD.
"A rabid raccoon had gone inside someone's house and bit them," said Rose Werden. Sykesville, #Maryland
Rabid #raccoon attacks woman in Sykesville - https://t.co/kjQIo2UWxM

— Bill Tropical Health (@bbbrieger) October 28, 2019

Summary: A fourth raccoon has tested positive for rabies in the state of Maryland, prompting local health officials to urge the public to remain vigilant for rabid wildlife and what to do in the event of an interaction. This is not new for the area, as in 2018 alone, 17 animals were tested and found to be positive for the rabies virus.

See More Here: Maryland Rabies Vaccination Laws

source https://ontheflypestsolutions.com/maryland-rabies-vaccination-laws/

Termites in Maryland

Eastern Subterranean Termites are a serious issue in Maryland. The average cost of termite related damages in the US equals over 5 billion dollars annually. Termites cause more damage to homes in the US than fires, floods, storms and severe winds combined.

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Original Site Here: Termites in Maryland

source https://ontheflypestsolutions.com/termites-in-maryland/

Maryland Tick Prevention: Getting Rid of Ticks and Avoiding Lyme Disease

It was just an innocent tick bite, right?

Well, it’s not.What you think is just a rash might become a bigger problem if left untreated. A rash is a symptom of several tick-borne infections, such as tularemia, RockyMountain spotted fever (RMSF), southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) and Lyme disease.

The Lyme disease rash, called erythema migrans, is round or oval and grows in size over days or weeks.  Typically it is an early sign or symptom of infection, along with headache, fever, fatigue and more. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause arthritis, facial palsy, Lyme carditis and other symptoms.

Lyme Disease in Maryland

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by blacklegged deer ticks. Also known as borreliosis, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in the United States, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).   Jumping 17% more than in 2016, Lyme disease was reported in more than 40,000 confirmed and probable cases in 2017.  Though the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes the number to be much higher, the CDC estimates that a whopping 300,000 cases of Lyme disease likely occur annually.

In the most recent surveillance data (2017 as of this writing), Lyme disease is prevalent in people ages 40 to 64 years old and the Middle Atlantic, New England and South Atlantic regions have the most number of reported cases.  Maryland has a high incidence rate, with 1,891 cases reported, 1,194 of which are confirmed and 697 probable.

How to Prevent Ticks—and Avoid the Diseases They Carry

Although ticks can bite humans in all stages of their life cycle, Lyme disease is mostly transmitted to people by nymphs, or immature ticks. Being less than 2millimeters (about the size of poppy seeds), nymphs are difficult to spot when they feed during the spring and summer months when they are most active (Adult ticks can also transmit the disease, but they are most active during cooler months.)

It’s important to note, though, that ticks don’t jump or fly and can only reach humans by direct contact. They usually cling to brush, shrubs and tall grass, so people who spend a lot of time outdoors in grassy and wooded environments are at an increased risk.

Here’s how you can prevent ticks and avoid Lyme disease and the other infections they carry

1. Cover up.

Garments can provide temporary protection from tick bites, so wearing pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and a pair of gloves when going to a woody and grassy area is your first line of defense. Also, do the same with your pets if possible and always keep their leashes on, especially for dogs. Try to avoid any low bushes and long grasses as much as possible, too.

2. Apply insect repellent.

For extra protection, apply insect repellent. Use those that are registered and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (You can use EPA’s tool to search for repellents that suit your needs.) Keep in mind that the product should be cloth-friendly—those with permethrin—so as to avoid any chemical reaction to the garments you are wearing.

3. Use professional pest control services.

The only long-term and sustainable way to get rid of ticks and avoid the diseases they carry is to call pest control experts and avail of their services, such as lawn mowing and/or gardening services, to eradicate the breeding grounds of the ticks.

Maryland Tick Prevention

Ticks may be small but they are infectious, and it is foolish to think you are immune to their ill charms. The ailments they cause, such as Lyme disease,should not to be taken lightly as these could be deadly in the long run when not properly treated.

And because “prevention is better than cure,” it is advisable to eradicate ticks that might be lurking in or near your homes—endangering the health of your entire household, both humans and animals.

On the Fly Pest Solutions provides safe, sustainable and the most up-to-date treatment methods and techniques through its Integrated Pest Management(IPM) system, which deals with the problem at the source.

Is a tick issue pestering you? Call us now!

See Source Here: Maryland Tick Prevention: Getting Rid of Ticks and Avoiding Lyme Disease

source https://ontheflypestsolutions.com/maryland-tick-prevention-getting-rid-of-ticks-and-avoiding-lyme-disease/

How to Keep Pests Away This Summer

Summer in Baltimore is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and having fun in the sun. However with the rise in the temperature and humidity it also makes the perfect playground for pests to have a great summer bothering you. Nothing ruins a mood faster than having ants and mosquitos crash a barbecue, playing in the yard with creepy crawlies running over your feet, or spotting unwanted house guests on the way out the door in the morning. Get your home and yard back with these tips to help keep pests away this summer.

 

Keep the Kitchen Clean

       Insects, during the summer, look for food anywhere they can get it. Don’t let that place be your kitchen! You can keep pests away for the summer by keeping the possibility of food sources away from your kitchen. Follow these tips on keeping your kitchen clean to give you the best chance at not getting any insects for visitors.

•        Keep the floors swept and free from an dropped food
•        Wipe down the counters after you use them
•        Take your trash out frequently, don’t let anything sit for too long
•        Put food away as soon as you get it
•        Don’t let over ripened fruits and veggies stay on your counter

Maintain Your Yard

        Pests look for a great place to live and create nests. With an overgrown yard, you provide them with the perfect place to live and create their nests. Keeping your yard maintained is the best way to help prevent pests from moving in and keeping them away all summer long.

•        Cut back trees and bushes near your home
•        Mow the lawn regularly
•        Weed the yard
•        Rake up any additional debris that you see in your yard

Get Rid of Entryways to Your Home

       One of the best ways to keep pests at bay is to stop them before they even get the chance to start. You can accomplish this by blocking the entryways to your home that pests can use. Keeping pests away can be tricky as they look for any and every crack or opening they can find to infiltrate your home. Follow these tips to keep your home a no pest entry zone.

•        Check doors and windows for gaps
•        Repair any holes in screens
•        Frequently check window stripping and replace it as soon as it shows signs of wear

Take Care of Standing Water

       Mosquitos are one of the biggest pests throughout the summertime. They constantly look for places to breed in water and make it even harder to get rid of them. The best way to help keep mosquitos at bay is to make sure there is no standing water on your property.

•        Check your property frequently for standing water
•        Look for leaks near your air conditioner
•        Check rain spouts for trapped water
•        Pick up any stray toys that can hold water

Check Outdoor Furniture

       Swings and outdoor furniture of all kinds can be a great place for insects to set up shop. Spiders frequently create webs on these easily accessible furniture pieces. In order to keep them from moving in follow these steps.

•        Check chains on swings for webs and egg sacks regularly
•        Check corners and the underside of your outdoor furniture regularly
•        Remove egg sacks and webs as soon as they are spotted on any furniture

Properly Store Firewood

       Once the summer months are over and the chills start to set in, it’s great to have a stock pile of firewood and many people keep their pile well stocked and continue to add to it throughout the year. Firewood piles are a perfect place for termites to get closer to your home, don’t let this happen.

•        Keep firewood away from your home, at least 5 feet or more
•        Store the firewood on racks above the ground to give pests less access

Pest Control Services

       All of the things that you can do on your own to help keep pests away this summer are helpful, and keep your chances of pests lower. However one of the best things you can do to keep pests out is to bring in a team of professionals. A pest control service can provide the following:

•        Spray for common pests in your area on a regular basis
•        Create personalized attack plans to keep your home pest free as possible
•        Peace of mind that your house is protected

 

By using these tips throughout your home and yard this summer, you can enjoy yourself without having to deal with all of the issues that pests can cause. Keep pests away this summer, and enjoy the fun in the sun while it’s here.

 

Original Source Here: How to Keep Pests Away This Summer

source https://ontheflypestsolutions.com/how-to-keep-pests-away-this-summer/

How To Choose A Pest Control Professional

Mice in your kitchen? Spiders in your basement? Maybe a bustling hornet's nest under construction outside your window? These are just a sampling of reasons for which consumers will turn to pest professionals. But what makes a professional? It seems like there are so many businesses, big and small, advertising for pest control, but what does each company do differently? In a saturated market, how do you determine the right company for you?

Business Qualifications

First and foremost, look for licensed and insured companies. When hiring a company, you are taking a big risk, so ensuring that they are licensed by the proper agencies and stars field is a must. Making sure they are insured just as important. License numbers can be found on websites, advertisements, and company vehicles. All states have online databases to verify this information.

Reputation

In today's world, a host of tools are available to the consumer to check a company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. Contacting the Better Business Bureau is a quick and easy way to obtain an overall rating on a company. Checking reviews on Google, websites such as Angie's list and Yelp, and even social media are all great ways to learn about previous customers’ satisfaction.

Experience

Knowing that the company/technician servicing you has experience in the field is enormous. How long has the company been in business? Ask about the training process of the technicians. Does the company have experience dealing with your problem?

Safety

More important than dealing with any pest problem is the safety of your family. Does the company practice Integrated Pest Management? Are they willing to discuss green solutions? Do they choose methods of control that are safe for your family, pets and the environment?

Value

There are many tricks companies can use to show better value. Be wary of companies that don't offer warranties and guarantees for their goods and services. Inquire about maintenance programs that may save the consumer large amounts of money on persistent problems.

On The Fly's Solution

On The Fly Pest Solutions meets these tests with flying colors. Licensed by both the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland Department of Natural Resources in pest and wildlife control, On The Fly has a combined 20 years of experience treating Maryland homes with the utmost professionalism. On The Fly is rated A+ by the BBB, A++ on Angie’s list, and 5 star rated on Google and Facebook. As a member of the National Pest Management Association, On The Fly, remains a leader in the field relying on the most advanced training, latest techniques and practices including Integrated Pest Management. On The Fly is committed to safe and sustainable solutions, our services are not only safe for children and pets but environmentally friendly as well. On The Fly offers warrantied/guaranteed solutions for all your pest problems and don’t forget to ask us about our great value maintenance programs!

See More Here: How To Choose A Pest Control Professional

source https://ontheflypestsolutions.com/how-to-choose-a-pest-control-professional/