RI, MA EHS Pest Control Blog

Employees of the ‘Wall Street Journal’ were informed on Jan. 11th that bed bugs had taken residence in the The Journal's offices inside the News Corp. building in Midtown.

According to an article on www.capitalnewyork.com, WSJ Deputy Managing Editor informed employees that “…on Friday the facilities department received a report of a bed bug sighting in the video area of the 6th floor."

An inspection using a bed bug detecting dog found a bed bug infestation "in part of the video area and in part of the main 6th floor conference room," the Capital reported. These areas were treated by a pest management professional.

During the past few years, other venerable New York institutions including Time Warner, Penguin, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center have also been infested.

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA

Squirrel Tests Positive For Plague At Campsite

A ground squirrel trapped during routine monitoring at the Cedar Grove Campground on Palomar Mountain tested positive for plague, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health reported Thursday. No plague-infected rodents were discovered in the county last year, according to the DEH. Plague is a bacterial disease carried by wild rodents that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas, according to the DEH.

The agency placed warning signs in the area so visitors could take precautions to avoid flea contact.

"It is not unusual to find plague in our local mountains in the summer months, so campers should always avoid contact with squirrels and their fleas," said DEH Director Jack Miller. "Set up tents away from squirrel burrows, do not feed the squirrels and warn your children not to play with squirrels."

The agency also advises avoiding contact with wild animals, particularly ground squirrels and chipmunks; not touching sick or dead animals; and keeping pets on a leash or leaving them at home.

Someone who becomes ill within one week of visiting an area known to have plague should contact a doctor immediately, according to the DEH.

Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, chills and tender, swollen lymph nodes.

The agency said there have never been any known human cases of plague contracted here.

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

One of the first things I was taught when I first became a “PMP” (Pest Management Professional) back in the 70’s was to always look up! Come to think of it, we were “Exterminators” back then.

In many situations this holds true for keeping rodents out of your home.

Mice are excellent climbers and our native mice (White-Footed and Deer Mice) are exceptional climbers. I remember camping once and I woke up at 1:30AM to attend to some business. As I exited the camper with my trusty flashlight (PMP’s always carry quality flashlights) I observed a White-Footed mouse climb the truck of a large Eastern Hemlock onto a large branch and disappear into the dark woods!

If you want complete mouse proofing, seal everything larger than 1/4” all the way up to and including the gutter line. Our company has always struggled to be competitive in offering this service to our clients due to the cost of enormous amount of labor and it’s tedious nature. We do offer it though if anyone is interested in it.

John Stellberger
President - Environmental Health Services, Inc.

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA