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Insects Problematic In North Idaho Forests
KXLY Spokane PLUMMER – Idaho — Small insects are eating away a problem in North Idaho forests. Douglas-Fir Tussock Moths have eaten the needles off of thousands of acres of trees, leaving them brown and unhealthy. They are furry, with black antennas and a big … |
Pests in the NewsAugust 12, 2011
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QUESTION:
In a Florida summer cool weather is rare, and typically automobiles get very hot inside. I have noticed that some products have a label that says to store in a cool dry place. I have heard of people installing some sort of a/c unit in a vehicle bed (enclosed truck bed w/ topper), but this seems quite pricy. The distributor warehouse I have bought chemicals from is not an especially cool place (actually sometimes hot/muggy) and I am curious as to what they expect a technician to do with the chemical regarding storing it legally, despite outdoor heat & mugginess. What would you recommend to do it? I think some sort of cooler has served in preventing temperatures from reaching an extreme. Do you think that is sufficient from keeping the compartment from being TOO hot? (most product labels do not bear a specific degree value, but a general statement)
ANSWER:
This is one that kind of bothers me too, as so many product Labels will say only to store in a “cool, dry place” or to “avoid excessive heat”, but without specifying any temperature limits. However, I looked at a few Labels and then some MSDS’s, and the MSDS may offer more information than the Label on proper storage. For example, the Termidor SC label states to “protect from temperatures above 40 C” (I still don’t know why they are trying to shove the metric system down our throats), and this converts to only 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which certainly will be reached in vehicles during the summer. The MSDS further says that this storage in high temperatures should not be for “extended periods of time”, so we’re back to a vague precaution (extended? hours? weeks? months?).
Personally I would believe that an extended period of time would refer at the least to several weeks, and perhaps months would be likely, so carrying a small amount of the product in your vehicle and using that product over the next few days should not be a major concern with degradation of the active ingredient. You can help this out by carrying only smallish quantities that you know will be sufficient for that day’s work, and this probably is good advice anyhow not to use your vehicle as your major storage area. Given that an accident and a spill are possible it would be best to have the minimum amount of toxic material on board if that occurs.
I haven’t heard myself of people installing A/C units in their storage lockers on a vehicle, but certainly some technicians will carry a small cooler box to store materials like paraffin bait blocks or gel baits. These could be simply a cheap styrofoam ice chest that you keep ice packs in for the day, perhaps clearly marking that chest as one used for “pesticide storage”, and ensuring that those ice packs are not contaminating anything else in your home freezer each night. You should consult with your local regulatory inspectors to be certain this is okay with them, and even to see what other thoughts they might have on this problem. Sometimes leniency with the rules is given to accommodate odd weather conditions in an area, such as harsh freezing temps in the upper Midwest in the winter that could cause pumps and pipes to burst. But the use of a small cooler with ice in it and the carrying of small quantities of your products, particularly liquids and aerosols, should be acceptable and should keep the storage space temperature well below one of concern.
Pest QuestionsAugust 12, 2011
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They are hideous pests which invaded U.S. homes last year, emitting an unbearable stench and wreaking havoc on crops. And it looks like the country is in for another shock, after experts warned that the bugs are coming back with a vengeance. Brown …
Pests in the NewsAugust 11, 2011
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But the site is now back open again after the pests were removed from the site and the cafe was inspected again, it has been confirmed. The rodents were discovered at the Megabyte Coffee Shop on Great North Road, Woodlands, during an inspection visit made …
Pests in the NewsAugust 11, 2011
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QUESTION:
I used a Pyrocide product the other day and it caused a rash-like irritation on the underside of my arms. It doesn’t itch, but about an hour after the treatment it began to burn. I have researched the subject and it seems to be “skin parathesia” to me. Since it was a fog treatment I wore a long sleeve shirt, safety glasses, and a half face respirator. My main question is can you suggest a more “technician friendly” treatment? I was told about a treatment called piperonyl butoxide, but it’s listed as an active in pyrocide.
ANSWER:
Normally skin parasthesia has been associated with the synthetic pyrethroids, and in particular some of the earlier active ingredients such as cypermethrin and cyfluthrin, not as much with the later actives such as deltamethrin and bifenthrin. However, sensitive people could react to any of them, experiencing what you have described – a mild rash with a burning sensation. This is otherwise harmless and should go away within a day, but if you are one of those sensitive to it you could expect it anytime your skin is exposed to these materials. When this first began to occur with pest control technicians we were advised by some manufacturer reps that it was pretty much unavoidable, and that no amount of protective clothing would completely eliminate skin contact at some level. We were told by other manufacturer reps that some kinds of skin creams could alleviate the problem, and one of them even handed out sample creams for a period of time. I can’t tell you at this point who was correct there.
Natural pyrethrum is the active in Pyrocides, along with one or both of the common synergists – PBO (piperonyl butoxide) or MGK 264. While these are added to enhance the effect of the pyrethrum they are considered “active ingredients” as well, rather than inerts. To be honest, I have never heard of anyone experiencing skin parasthesia from natural pyrethrum, but I suppose it should be expected since both natural pyrethrum and synthetic pyrethroids have a similar effect on the nervous system. They are both GABA-gated Sodium Channel Blockers that bind to a protein in the “voltage gated sodium channel” along the nerve axon. That’s a mouthful, but I thought it might be of interest, and the take away message is that pyrethrum acts on the nervous system in the same way pyrethroids do, so your particular system could well be reacting in this manner.
With the influx of new plant-based active ingredients – all those plant oils in use now – we have had to be more concerned with plant allergies, as some people could well be allergic to some of these chemicals just as there are “peanut allergies”. Perhaps your immune system is tuned into the pyrethrum molecule more so than the pyrethroids, if you have never experienced this reaction when using all those other products. Since nearly all of the products we can use for space spraying contain natural pyrethrum it is hard to suggest any good alternatives. What you may try would be a product that does NOT have the PBO, just in case it is the synergists that are affecting you, so a product like Pyganic Pro, which is only pyrethrum, might be worth trying. That at least could narrow the search for the cause.
Otherwise I suggest you find ways to limit the times you use space spray treatments, since many of our pest problems are not candidates for fogging (roaches, bed bugs, etc.) or leave the area while the fogger is working for treatments such as attics. Foggers could even be used with a timer that allows you to calculate the length of time the fogger needs to be on to emit the proper amount of material for the space you are treating, and then retrieve the fogger once it is done. This would limit your exposure to the materials. There also is Exponent Synergist which is PBO only, and if it turns out it is only the pyrethrum that affects you then this might be an alternative. Exponent has a MUCH more limited Label for where it can be used, so it will not be a perfect alternative.
Pest QuestionsAugust 11, 2011
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WINCHESTER, VA – Jeff Jacobs and Donnie Garrett own and operate Perimeter Pest Control in Winchester and despite the fall stink bug season being great for business, they know that if this year is anything like the last they have to start gearing up now …
Pests in the NewsAugust 10, 2011
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The regulated areas for EAB under ministerial order in 2011 are as follows. Transporting firewood is a common way for invasive pests like EAB to spread. Hidden under the bark where you can’t see them, these pests are moved across Canada. EAB, for example …
Pests in the NewsAugust 10, 2011
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The sweltering days of summer also lead to unwanted additional encounters as people and pests congregate in shady areas. Any typical insect repellent that contains DEET will deter chiggers. Prevention is imperative because victims generally do not feel the …
Pests in the NewsAugust 10, 2011
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D.C. area customs agents are stepping up their search for one of the world’s most destructive insects. The Khapra beetle has been found on several occasions recently at Dulles International Airport. It has also showed up at Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
Pests in the NewsAugust 10, 2011
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LOS ANGELES (KABC) — There are quite a few unsavory facts about the food you buy that might just turn your stomach. You might not find insects or rodent hairs featured when checking the ingredient list on cereal or a jar of nut butter, but they very well …
Pests in the NewsAugust 10, 2011
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