Photo Credit CDC/Amanda Mills

If you’re like most people, you’re probably unaware that this week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week (March 3-8). It’s a time when industry professionals and government officials gather to form strategies for preventing and reducing invasive species threats to our health, economy, environment and natural resources in surrounding communities.

Invasive species are non-native species (both plants and animals) that cause harm. Common examples of invasive species include the Asian longhorned beetle or the kudzu vine plant.

In honor of this week, we invite everyone to take the Invasive Species Challenge and prevent being an “unknowing vehicle of dispersion.” What’s that mean? People can unknowingly spread unwanted pests when participating in everyday activities. Check out these tips below:

Boaters: Be sure to clean, drain and dry your boat trailer and gear every time you leave a body of water to avoid spreading non-native species.

Aquarium and pond owners: Be aware that if you find an undesirable fish species or “pet” in your aquarium, don’t release the pests into the environment. You could be harming the environment and spreading the pest even more. Read more tips from Habitattiude here.

Nature-lovers: If you enjoy the outdoors, be knowledgeable about the common unwanted pests or plants that surround your favorite areas and how you can help prevent the spread of those unwanted species.

Gardeners: Not all lurking species are bad, but some have a way of invading natural areas. Plant wisely and follow these easy tips to keep your garden free from issues.

Be proactive, inspect your surroundings and treat any pests you’ve found right away in the correct manner when boating, gardening, traveling, hiking, biking or camping.

Written by: Bobby Kossowicz, mother of two, Branchburg, New Jersey

Bobby Kossowicz is a mother of two from Branchburg, New Jersey, who has past personal experience with pests and the importance of controlling them. Before becoming a full-time mom, Bobby worked in the pest control industry, and she combines her professional experience with her perspective as a mom to share the importance of understanding pests and how to protect your family from them.

It was a beautiful morning and the crisp, cool air greeted the Mom’s Club of Branchburg, N.J., as we gathered at the park to learn how to protect ourselves and our families from ticks and tick-borne illnesses. Jennifer Reid from the Ridgefield, Conn. Health Department joined us to teach us how to enjoy the outdoors safely with our families.

Having spent 15 years in the pest control industry myself, I thought I was a pretty savvy mom when it came to ticks. But today, I learned just how serious Lyme disease can be, the best ways to truly protect myself and my family, and what to do if I do spot a tick on a family member.

As of 2010, the state of New Jersey had the highest reported number of incidences to the CDC. I knew we had a tick problem and living in a rural area with high deer populations had always had me concerned. However, after hearing Jennifer’s story, my concern with Lyme disease and protecting my family from ticks reached a whole new level.

Another mom’s lessons
Jennifer talked about how she and her family enjoyed the outdoors and spent as much time as possible playing sports, hiking and horseback riding, but then suddenly in their teen years, one by one, her children became ill, as did Jennifer. Their symptoms varied from aches and exhaustion to changes in demeanor, and after several doctor’s appointments came the test results common to them all: Lyme disease. The disease affected each of them differently but recovery took years — not weeks. One child still feels the effects today, 10 years after the diagnosis.  I had no idea Lyme disease was not easily treated with a round of antibiotics. I didn’t understand the risk of it becoming a chronic disease with possible life-long implications. Suddenly our job as our children’s protectors became even more apparent to us when it comes to ticks.

Jennifer was obviously a changed woman from the experience and put her time and energy into educating others. She, along with two other women, applied for and received a $50,000 state grant for a Lyme Disease Prevention Program and today exists as BLAST, the details of the program can be found at their website: http://www.ridgefieldct.org/content/46/6311/6347/8905.aspx.

Inspect and protect
The truth was we had all spotted a tick on ourselves or our children at some point in time. So, what was the best guideline to follow if you spot a tick? Jennifer taught us how to properly remove ticks from ourselves to minimize the risk of infection. The CDC Guidelines for removing ticks can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html.

Many of us were surprised that the remedies we had heard growing up about using matches, Vaseline or other home remedies were not a good idea. We also were surprised to learn you should not simply discard ticks after removing them. There are labs that will test for Borrelia Burgdorferi, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.  New Jersey Laboratories is one such lab – you can learn more about here: http://njlabs.com/TickTest/index.cfm. She also cautioned us to watch for changes in behavior in our children and to trust our motherly instinct, insisting on further testing. Unfortunately, Lyme disease tests are not full-proof and false negatives can happen.

Taking action
With Jennifer’s BLAST program in hand as our new protocol to protect our families, the conversation amongst the Mom’s Club was lively and full of ideas. We discussed how to protect our children. Could we negotiate with a local pest control company for a reduced rate on a perimeter spray of our yards? Would a service project to clean up the debris in our parks (that serve as a breeding ground for ticks) help reduce tick populations locally? I believe in the power of moms, and I could tell that Jennifer’s talk today ignited a fire in all of us to spread the word about the danger of ticks and Lyme disease. My wish is that we can carry the torch that Jennifer has taken up to protect families from Lyme disease. For more information about the Connecticut Health Department’s BLAST program visit: http://www.ridgefieldct.org/content/46/6311/6347/8905.aspx

Cockroaches are high on homeowners’ list of most despised pests, and the mere sight of one dashing across your kitchen floor is enough to send a shiver down your spine. But aside from invading your home in search of food and refuge, these unsightly creatures can also cause health problems. Just how much do you know about cockroaches? Read below and find out!

Cockroaches only infest homes that are cluttered and filthy. True or False?

False. Cockroaches aren’t picky! While they typically prosper in homes and buildings that are filled with clutter and grime, they also infest the cleanest of homes. These trespassers can enter homes many ways, including through cracks around loose-fitting windows and doors, sewer lines and drain pipes, electrical lines, and infested furniture. Once inside, they seek safe dark, moist havens in cracks around cabinets and baseboards, near sinks or under furniture and other appliances — basically anywhere.

It is important to protect your family and home from cockroach invasions through preventative measures. Caulk and seal all cracks around windows and doors. Fix holes, screen vents and other areas that might allow access. Tightly seal all food in containers. Tidy up in and outside of your home. Be sure to inspect your home regularly, identifying ways to eliminate food and breeding grounds. Check with your local pest control company for additional tips on preventing and controlling invasions.

Cockroaches leave trails of bacteria that can cause health problems in humans. True or False?

True. As these dirty creatures scurry along surfaces in your home, they leave trails of feces and bacteria that are known triggers of allergies and asthma. Cockroaches also produce an unpleasant odor and can spread a number of diseases including Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.

While most cockroaches pose the same health risks, different species are found in different regions of the country. There are many types of cockroaches, so understanding which are common to your area can help you better prevent and control infestations and reduce your chances of becoming ill. Check with your state’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), university extension, or a local pest control professional to learn more about the types of cockroaches in your area and ways to maintain a healthy and pest-free environment.

Written by: Robin L. Tabuchi, Research Entomologist, University of California, Berkeley.

Summer is in full swing! I like to celebrate the season gathering with good friends, good food and of course, fireworks! Let’s celebrate the fourth of July with a bang; not a bunch of bites. When planning your backyard barbeque celebration, take some precautions to keep mosquitoes off the guest list.

Everyone has experienced mosquito bites. Some have mild reactions, but others get big, swollen, itchy welts lasting for several days. If the irritating bites weren’t enough, now we have to watch out for West Nile virus; the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Mosquitoes perpetuate the disease by feeding on infected birds, obtaining the virus, and then transferring the virus to humans or other animals when they feed again. Controlling mosquitoes is the best way to protect against West Nile virus.

Reduce the population. In just under one week, a mosquito can complete a whole life cycle. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of standing water. Larva hatch, feed on bacteria in the water, and pupate in a matter of days. Adults emerge and spend the rest of their life on land.

Since mosquitoes require water for development, eliminating standing water is the first step in controlling them. Mosquito larva can survive in many unlikely locations so check all areas of your yard for standing water. Some common breeding grounds include: open trash bins, tree holes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, uncovered boats, potted plant saucers, pet water bowls, and neglected swimming pools. If you have a pond or other water feature in your yard, one way you can control the mosquito population is by using mosquitofish.

Personal protection and barriers. You have eliminated breeding sites in your yard, but what about your neighbor’s yard, or the creek behind your house, or the dumpster down the block? It’s impossible to eliminate all mosquitoes, so make sure you are prepared when you spend time outdoors. Wear long sleeves and pants especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Following label directions, apply an effective insect repellent, such as DEET, to skin or clothing. Lastly, ensure your doors and windows have screens that are in good condition and doors are kept closed when not in use.

Ask for help. Upon request, many Mosquito and Vector Control districts will inspect your property and provide advice for controlling mosquito populations. Some districts will also provide free mosquitofish. Lastly, if you are concerned about West Nile virus, check out the Center for Disease Control for more information.

American Mosquito Control Association

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Your lawn and garden gets hungry too! Fertilizer provides the ideal food to your lawn but many don’t know when or how often it should be done. How fertilizer savvy are you? Read below and find out!

It is best to fertilize your lawn at the beginning of each summer. True or False?

False. Late spring and early fall are actually the best times to fertilize. Fertilizing your lawn in the late spring helps strengthen grass roots and sets them up for successful growth. Fertilizing while your lawn is actively growing provides the greatest results. On the other hand, fertilizing in the late fall provides your lawn with the nutrients it needs to survive winter. However, no two lawns are alike and each requires a different schedule. For additional questions, talk to your local lawn care or landscape professional, a local independent retailer, or your county extension service.

Three ingredients are present in most fertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. True or False?

True. There are several types of fertilizer and they come in numerous forms (powder, granular and liquid), but nearly all contain these three principal elements. If soil lacks any of these, plant growth will suffer. While varying amounts of these ingredients are included in every batch of fertilizer, each plays a vital role in providing plant health. A soil test can help determine the right amount of nutrients needed for your lawn. For example, higher amounts of nitrogen promote protein and chlorophyll production, encouraging the growth of leaves and stems. Higher amounts of phosphorus result in more flowers and healthier roots. And lastly, potassium thickens stems and leaves. This goes to show just how important nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are to creating a healthy lawn or garden!