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Wednesday, March 4, 2020

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

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.

Post Source 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.

Read Post

See Website Here: Termites in Maryland



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

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

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!

Original Website Here: Maryland Tick Prevention & Getting Rid of Ticks and Avoiding Lyme Disease



source https://ontheflypestsolutions.com/maryland-tick-prevention/

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.

 

Read More Here: How to Keep Pests Away This Summer



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

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

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!

Read More Here: How To Choose A Pest Control Professional



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

What is sustainable animal removal?

How On The Fly Pest Solutions humanely removes animals in the Baltimore area.

No, it’s not an oxymoron. Although animal removal and sustainability seem opposite of each other, the two can certainly live together... (see what we did there?)

Man has been battling wild creatures over resources and living space since the beginning of time. And while it’s safe to say that we’ve won that battle, only recently have we begun to realize the consequences of fighting.

Right here in Maryland, we’ve seen the Grey Wolf, American elk, snowshoe hare, and several other species disappear from the wild completely!

Our Sustainable Wildlife Removal Solution

We now understand that we need to work with Mother Nature and focus on more humane methods of animal removal.

Humane animal removal and humane animal control mean that the relocation of animals is made as comfortable as possible for the creature in question.

Here at On the Fly Pest Solutions, we work to ensure that critters can’t make their way back into your solar powered home. As part of our humane animal removal service, we use things like one-way doors and excluders while sealing up points of entry.

These sustainable methods are so effective that we warranty our seal ups for up to two years.

Wild animals are fascinating and necessary for the balance of our ecosystem. But as much as we want to keep these animals within our environment, it’s unrealistic to share our homes with them (for their safety just as much as our own.)

What to do When You Need Wildlife Removal Services

If you’re ever faced with an uninvited guest (of the animal kind, of course), give us a call, and we’d be happy to relocate it back to an appropriate habitat.

Check out some of the creatures we’ve been called to relocate here and find out more about what we do and how we do it!

Original Source Here: What is sustainable animal removal?



source https://ontheflypestsolutions.com/what-is-sustainable-animal-removal/

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Maryland Bat News Update October 31, 2019

Bat News Update October 2019

In recent news regarding bats in Maryland, things such as high-powered wind turbines and a cold-loving fungus, known as white nose syndrome, have been severely dwindling the populations throughout the state. White-nose syndrome has killed more than 5.7 million bats in the eastern United States since its appearance. In Maryland alone, there has been a 90-99% drop in bat populations and some caves were found to be completely bat-less.

In a more positive story about bats, one Maryland resident is advocating for the winged-creatures, and not just for use as Halloween decorations. She is attempting to highlight the important role that bats play in our environment by pollinating plants and helping to regenerate forests, such as after a wildfire in California. Since bats play such a vital role in our ecosystem, the Maryland resident is trying to do whatever she can to protect them and has even built a "bat house" on her property that can hold around 30-40 of the animals.

Learn more about bats here: Wildlife Control

On The Fly Pest Solutions:

Address: 5 Church Lane, Unit 102 Pikesville, MD 21208

Phone: 410-982-5050

A not-so happy Halloween for Maryland’s bat population

Halloween is known as one of the spookiest times of the year, filled with witches, ghosts, and scattering bats. But Maryland’s flapping, black creatures may be less prevalent this year, like years in the recent past.

From cold-loving fungus to high-powered wind turbines, Maryland’s bats have been getting annihilated.

Maryland’s bat population has been decimated by white-nose syndrome since its first documentation in Allegany County in 2010.

White-nose syndrome is a disease caused by a fungus that affects hibernating bats. The fungus grows on the bats, irritates them, and can wake them up during hibernation, said Dana Limpert, eastern regional ecologist at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more

Summary: Maryland's bat population is taking a hit this year from things like flying into wind turbines and a cold-loving disease. White-nose syndrome has been on the rise in the last decade amongst bat populations and effects the hibernating animals.

Not just a ‘Halloween thing’ for advocate, who says bats benefit environment year-round

The winged creatures of the night that dominate Halloween decor every fall are celebrated by Taneytown resident and Bat Conservation International (BCI) advocate Jillian Childs all year long, and she wants more people to recognize the importance of this misunderstood mammal.

“I don’t think of them as a Halloween thing,” Childs said.

Not surprisingly, though, because of their association with Halloween, this is Bat Week, an annual celebration of the role bats play in nature. Read more

Summary: Bats, oftentimes associated with being Halloween, are also misunderstood, according to a Maryland advocate for the winged creatures. Bats play an important role in nature by pollinating many of the plants that we know and love and help to regenerate forests, such as in California, by eating seeds and dispersing them.

Original Website Here: Maryland Bat News Update October 31, 2019



source https://ontheflypestsolutions.com/maryland-bat-news-update-october-31-2019/