(Beyond Pesticides, October 31, 2013) Bats get a bad rap on Halloween with their image synonymous with blood-sucking vampires; however, the real scary thing about bats is that they are disappearing due to a myriad of threats, including pesticides, habitat destruction, and the horrible white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces) […]
(Beyond Pesticides, October 29, 2013) Early-life exposure to the herbicide atrazine makes frogs more susceptible to death from chytrid (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), a fungal disease implicated in amphibian declines across the globe. The research, Early-life exposure to a herbicide has enduring effects on pathogen-induced mortality, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B and led […]
Ladybugs tend to seek shelter indoors when the weather starts to get colder. This means that many homeowners in the northeast and other cooler regions may have suddenly started noticing an invasion of ladybugs right about now.
Many people mistakenly believe they only need to be alert for flea infestations during the very hottest times of the year. In reality, though, there really isn’t a short, limited “flea season.”
(Beyond Pesticides, October 23, 2013) Ball State University, Indiana has cancelled plans to spray herbicides on the lawns around its K-12 school after objections from parents worried that it would expose their children to toxic chemicals. The university planned to use Trimec 992, a 2,4-D product, but a petition started by parents helped to put […]
Seems like groceries are more expensive than ever these days. According to USA Today, the cost of feeding a family of four a healthy diet costs between $146 and $289 a week on average. That’s not chump change—and you want to make sure you get the most out of every dollar you spend. Unfortunately, since most people don’t enjoy the prospect of eating food that has been snacked on by ants, an ant infestation can be very costly in terms of discarded food that is otherwise perfectly fine.
(Beyond Pesticides, October 22, 2013) Nearly a week after plant geneticists from the world’s largest agrichemical companies accepted the World Food Prize, an Associated Press (AP) investigation links the effect of their work to soaring pesticide use and resulting health problems. According to the AP, the advent of “no-till” farming methods in Argentina with the use of […]
Termites can cause significant property damage—which can be very costly to repair (and generally isn’t covered by homeowners insurance). If you are buying a property, it’s important that you get a termite inspection performed before the closing. And in fact most banks or lenders will require this as part of the loan approval process. While this may seem like a hassle, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment that can save you a lot of money and aggravation later. 
(Beyond Pesticides, October 21, 2013) A study conducted by Sussex University researchers has identified the garden plants most attractive to pollinating insects. The study’s findings are important as pollinating insects are declining globally and are facing growing habitat losses. The study also gives vital scientific information to individuals and communities on plants that are most beneficial […]