RI, MA EHS Pest Control Blog

I am an mature photographer so whenever I see the opportunity to take a cool picture I am ready. Being in pest control means I can get some cool and interesting pictures. I know most people are freaked out by insects but I have to admit, they are pretty cool, especially up close! It is easy to see why science fiction people often steal looks from insects.

I happened to see this grasshopper on a bush and was able to get him onto my hand where I snapped the up close shot. Looks like he is posing for me! From an artistic standpoint the fade to out of focus in the background made for an awesome picture!

Jon Hinthorne
Service Specialist
Environmental Health Services, Inc.

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Dreams About Insects: Dream Meanings Explained

Dreams about insects are a common theme at bedtime. If you or a loved one has been covering this ground at night, you may have questions about what it all might mean. As part of a Huffington Post series on dreams and their meanings, we spoke to Cynthia Richmond, author of "Dream Power," and frequent guest on shows like "Oprah" and "Dr. Phil," in Camp Verde, Ariz., to get expert advice about the meanings of dreams about spiders. Note: While dream analysis is highly subjective, this post might provide some insight into why this dream occurred or is recurring.

What do dreams about insects mean?

Richmond says each insect has its own associations. However, when dreaming about insects in general, the dreamer should ask herself what's been annoying or pestering her.

What can I learn about myself from dreaming about this subject?

The subject matter of your dream plays a big role in what you can learn about yourself, says Richmond. For true soul searching, think back to how the bugs were treated in your insect dream. "Often they are being swept under a rug or stepped on," explains Richmond. "That represents the dreamer wanting to ignore the annoyance or end it."

Are there any tricks to avoiding or inducing dreams about insects?

"The only real trick to not having a certain dream is to interpret and understand the meaning so your subconscious mind stops sending the symbol," notes Richmond. To dream about insects, visualize them before dozing off.

Beyond analysis, what cultural symbolism can be found in dreams about insects?

"In Egypt, the beetle is associated with immortality. Bees are associated in many cultures with hard work and organization, as well as producing sweetness, food and the substance of life," says Richmond.

Who tends to have dreams about insects most frequently?

Dreaming about insects is common among males and females of all ages.

What does it mean if I'm completely surrounded/overwhelmed by insects in a dream?

"If you are completely surrounded or overwhelmed by insects, you are probably so annoyed by something or someone that you are ready to freak out," Richmond tells us. "If you are phobic to the insect, you are either ready to overcome the phobia -- by facing it-- or something has pushed you to your limit."

Source: Huffington Post

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA

Recently awarded the “Green Buildings Product Seal” from Green-Buildings.com, the Leaf Defier gutter protection system from FXI Building Products Corporation helps improve storm water management, enhance building durability and prevent pest infestations by allowing water and fine particulates to flow freely through gutter systems while keeping leaves and other debris out, the firm says.

Designed with high-performance urethane polymers, Leaf Defier is easily inserted into gutters to ensure leaves, twigs, pine needles and other possible obstructions and animal food sources are kept from entering and clogging gutter systems. As a result, water flows readily through the foam filter insert, into the gutter valley and out the downspout to virtually eliminate overflows.

In addition, recent research within the pest management field has confirmed the potential benefits of Leaf Defier, which if used properly can change conducive conditions away from pests, the firm reports. In fact, Leaf Defier can help solve problems by preventing all forms of pests from entering the gutter cavity, including insects like mosquitoes that breed in standing water or carpenter ants that can build nests in moist wood caused by clogged gutters. EHS is an authorized installer of the Leaf Defier system.

George Williams
General Manager

Pest Control, MA ,  Pest Control, RI

A week or so ago, Abbott Laboratories recalled its powdered form of Similac because of the presence of small beetles in the baby formula. I don’t blame Abbott from recalling the product. It was necessary, if not from a health standpoint, at the very least for a public relations position.

That being said, we Americans unintentionally consume over a pound of insects each year, possibly as much as two pounds. Insects are so prevalent in our food supply that the Food and Drug Administration has pretty much given up on trying to exclude them completely from our diet. Guidelines by the FDA allow various amounts of insects (and insect parts) in our food because it would be next to impossible to keep them out. However, once these limits are exceeded, the FDA will respond and take legal action.

It may well be that in the not-too-distant future, insects may become part of the American diet.