Sunday, October 16, 2011

Rodenticides affected by EPA's Risk Mitigation Ruling

Current as of July 2011

After fully assessing human health and ecological effects, as well as benefits, EPA is announcing measures to reduce risks associated with ten rodenticides:

  • Brodifacoum
  • Bromadiolone
  • Bromethalin
  • Chlorophacinone
  • Cholecalciferol
  • Difenacoum
  • Difethialone
  • Diphacinone
  • Warfarin
  • Zinc phosphide

#

Profit Margin Calculator - Financial Calculators from Dinkytown.net

Profit Margin Calculator - Financial Calculators from Dinkytown.net:

'via Blog this'

Sunday, September 25, 2011

DVD Length Clearly Marked

It is absolutely amazing to me the number of people still producing DVD's for sale that don't note the overall length of the DVD on the outside jacket of the production.  For that matter, while I'm on the soapbox, how about a barcode otherwise know as a UPC code, which are very common now, and Google requires them for enhanced product listings.  

--
Alan A. Huot

Friday, September 23, 2011

WFSB: Great Dane killed by coyote in Newington

Great Dane killed by coyote in Newington

A Newington resident said her Great Dane died after being attacked by a large coyote.

Read more: http://wfsb.m0bl.net/r/nz2v3

Sent from WFSB

Friday, September 09, 2011

Trap-Alert Testimonial from Charles Parker

Charles Parker 11:16am Sep 8
I used the trap alert system in a hospital, it was awesome to know that when we caught a bird -everyone would get an email immediately. I have used this product on many jobs and if anyone has any questions about usage and or cost vs value give me a call. This thing will pay for itself within 2 jobs, if not the very first one. There are numerous ways to use it and to up charge for the additional service - you can also save money in gas and time - and everyone knows TIME is money
See the Trap-Alert System here:  http://bit.ly/ojDrFi




Trap-Alert Testimonial

Testimonial from Reginald Murray - Co Owner Oklahoma Wildlife Control® LLC

When we were first asked to "test" this system, I first figured it was another gimmick product made by yet another company that wished to make an attempt to find consumers in the wildlife control industry … were we ever wrong.


We have tested a single New Frequency "Trap-Alert" system on two traps set up for skunk removal under a Tulsa, OK residential home. The first day, this system reported the doors open, which constitutes our legal trap check for the 24 hour period. I did not know at the time, that by not having to go by the client and visually check the equipment, we saved $80 in daily expenditures and needless "bothering" of the client. The second day on the job, we receive an email stating the door closed status at exactly 7:15PM. Upon investigation, we had a skunk in each trap which was followed later in the evening by another email notification of a closed door status at 8:46 PM. On the third day (today, February 24, 2011) we removed another skunk which was captured under the house. This client was excited to know that we could not only let her know if a door closed, but we could also let her know the time the door closed, and give proper notification of when we would be coming by to remove the problem skunks.


Today, February 24, 2011, we had to go to another client, located 27 miles from us and check our equipment. This second home, does not have the Trap-Alert system on it. We have, in a single day, already learned our lesson. All of our equipment will soon have the Trap-Alert system incorporated on it. Why you ask? Because once we figured mileage and time … this single round trip cost our company $25 in gas, and $150 in time. That's right. A single equipment check, with nothing caught, costs our company $175.


Two non-productive days like this, will cover the costs of a single Trap-Alert system, that can monitor multiple equipment settings.


This is a serious business that we find ourselves in, and it gets more serious and more competitive each day. We will stay on the cutting edge with technology, so that we are not losing money, and we are not inconveniencing our clients by just "showing up".


Thank you New Frequency for "leading the way" with your innovations. We look forward to a mutual long and prosperous business relationship with your company. And we anticipate with eagerness the next GREAT THING your company devises for our industry.


Thank you.




Friday, June 24, 2011

Bat Conservation International

Thanks to all of you for voting in Disney's Friends for Change competition. For the second time in a row, Bat Conservation International has won the first place award of $100,000 to conserve bats! And it's all because of you and your dedication to this often-misunderstood mammal.

This money will fund our "Wings Across the Americas: BATS" project, which promotes the protection of migratory bats through scientific research and public education in the Western Hemisphere.

Specifically, the funds will be used to:

  • Complete on-the-ground research projects in various countries with scientists sharing their stories, presenting maps of migratory routes, showing what bats do in different countries and providing incredible photos from the world of bats;
  • Create a website where teachers and students can follow the bats on their amazing journeys;
  • Showcase different species of migratory bats (two of them endangered) in North, Central and South America;

Again, thank you for voting each week, for asking your friends to vote and for tolerating our reminder emails. You've made a huge difference for bat conservation!

Warm regards,

Nina Fascione
Executive Director
Bat Conservation International


--

Council panel advances bill to get rid of those rascally raccoons

Council panel advances bill to get rid of those rascally raccoons

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The Environmental Impact of Free-Ranging House Cats (Felis catus)

The Environmental Impact of Free-Ranging House Cats (Felis catus)

More evidence concerning the harm free-range cats can do. Image via Wikipedia
The Environmental Impact of Free-Ranging House Cats (Felis catus)

Despite the claims of the feral cat lobby groups, evidence concerning the way free-ranging cats ravage the local fauna continues to grow. A new entry in the Why Files created by the University of Wisconsin-Madison speaks of the private lives of domestic cats. http://whyfiles.org/2011/the-secret-life-of-cats/

Aside from proving what we already knew, provides a nice visual of just how far a domestic/owned cat will travel from its owner’s home. To be sure it’s tiny compared to the feral cat, but it can still be more than what owners might think. Perhaps more interesting is the potential risks of disease transmission between feral cats and owned cats.

Just remember, when you let your cat out at night you don’t know what animals your cat has had contact with.

Stephen M. Vantassel specializes in vertebrate pest issues and is available for speaking engagements, debates, and training events.

Friday, April 01, 2011

Middletown plans to use ‘hired gun’ to hunt coyotes | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal

Middletown plans to use ‘hired gun’ to hunt coyotes | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal: "MIDDLETOWN, R.I. — “Just last week, a coyote leaped a four-foot fence and attacked a dog. There have been other instances where people were out walking and coyotes have followed them. Or, they’re going onto people’s decks and staring at them through a window. Or, when people are cooking outdoors,"

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Wolves Could Be Removed from the Endangered Species List

SALMON, Idaho (Reuters) – The U.S. government said on Friday it had struck a deal with wildlife advocates to remove some 1,200 wolves in Idaho and Montana from the endangered species list.

Federal protections could be lifted from the wolves if a federal judge signs off on a settlement agreement filed on Friday in U.S. District Court in Montana.

The wildlife groups had sued to keep roughly 1,600 wolves in the Northern Rockies on the endangered species list.

Under the proposed agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 10 conservation groups, the estimated 1,200 wolves in Idaho and Montana would be delisted and management of the animals, including target population numbers and hunting quotas, would be handed back to those states.

The government in 2009 approved wolf-management plans by Idaho and Montana and removed federal protections in those states, which established public hunts.

But the Fish and Wildlife Service declined delisting in Wyoming because its plan would have allowed most wolves to be shot on sight.

A U.S. District Court ruling in 2010 relisted wolves in Idaho and Montana. The federal judge in the case sided with 14 conservation groups, which had argued wolves in the Northern Rockies were part of a single population and that protections could not be left intact in Wyoming while they were lifted in the other two states.

Ten of the 14 conservation groups behind that legal action are now seeking to settle with the Fish and Wildlife Service, opening the way for licensed hunting in Idaho and Montana.

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer on Friday hailed the move, calling it "a significant step forward."

"We need the authority to respond to the challenges wolves present every day," he said in a statement.

But it is by no means clear if the proposed agreement - even if the federal judge approves it - will give Montana and Idaho that authority.

Four of the 14 conservation groups have not agreed to settle, which could mean more legal filings to come.

Wolves were hunted, trapped and poisoned to near extinction in the Northern Rockies before being added to the endangered species list.

Federal protection of wolves has been especially controversial since they were reintroduced to the wilds of central Idaho in the mid-1990s over the strong objections of ranchers and hunting outfitters, two powerful constituencies in the West.

Wolf foes say the animals are a constant threat to livestock and to big-game animals like elk.

Mike Clark, head of Greater Yellowstone Coalition, said that conservation group and nine others hope the settlement will provide relief in a region where anti-wolf sentiments have been running high.

"It's a way for people to accept that wolves are here to stay and to find a permanent way to manage them," he said.

The proposed agreement comes as a host of U.S. senators and representatives from Western states have pushed to delist wolves through congressional action, which would be unprecedented in the history of the Endangered Species Act.

Idaho officials said they were still reviewing the legal filings and would not be prepared to comment until next week.

Representatives of the four conservation groups that have not signed onto the settlement could not immediately be reached for comment.


# # #

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Outdoors: As winter winds to close, we’re getting a whiff of spring

Mark Blazis Outdoors 

Considering the brutal winter of 2011, it's understandable why some species evolved hibernation strategies, avoiding the daily stresses of cold and starvation. After enviably sleeping without care through the last several months, they're finally waking. 

Skunks now are obnoxiously debuting with overpowering odor statements and road-kill displays. Worcester's Bashar Agha estimates there are over a hundred of them on the hills above Shrewsbury Street, not far from his Perfect Fit tailor shop. I actually smelled my first overly eager skunk this year early on Feb. 5, while driving along Grafton Street, when snowdrifts were still five feet deep. He came out, no doubt, looking for food or a mate. They've been housing, largely unnoticed, in hollow logs, burrows, under steps, sheds, wood piles or any number of human-built structures raised off the ground. 

Waking males intent on breeding now are fighting and spraying other males, while females are just as prone to spray overly presumptive males. Great horned owls, having no sense of smell, are dining enthusiastically on them as they move about — temptingly fat and vulnerably slow in the night. After a winter of slim pickings, skunks afford the owls a much appreciated, easy meal. Few local great horned owls consequently lack their scent. Many of our dogs will similarly be sprayed as well. 

One scent-removal formula that works consists of 1 quart hydrogen pyroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid detergent. This combination loosens the oils that tenaciously hold the odor and prove otherwise impossible to break down. It has restored my bird dog from banishment to reacceptance in our home more than once. 

First put on clothing you don't mind later trashing. Then carry your dog into your tub, soaking and rubbing his malodorous areas — particularly his head and the front of his body, being careful to protect his eyes. Let the solution work for about five minutes. Sniff your dog carefully to make certain you've treated every affected area. You'll later regret taking shortcuts. Then rinse your dog thoroughly in cool water. 

Wearing disposable rubber gloves will make your own re-entry into your family's living space more acceptable, too. You'll know very soon if you missed any sprayed areas on your dog, especially after a rain, which seems to bring back remnants of the odor. Odor Gone, a product made in Quincy (617-471-1961), reportedly prevents even a post-rain skunk odor from returning. 

This formula should always be made fresh and never stored, as it can in time expand and break the container. The pyroxide is not without side effects, however. My liver-and-white Brittany has developed temporary blonde highlights after treatment, a small price to pay for acceptance back into our family pack. 

The comically fat, waddling raccoons of autumn have emerged relatively svelte, having lost most of their thick rump fat and nearly half their body weight. They're indiscriminately scrounging now for remaining acorns, trash, dog food, birdseed and even compost-pile discards. It hasn't taken long for them to train me to stop putting out my trash the night before collection. 

Chipmunks are revving up, too, their body temperatures increasing an amazing 60 degrees while their heart rates triple. Last year, they dug enough holes in my lawn to make a miniature golf course. To save my yard, I purchased a quickly effective live trap from Wildlife Control Supplies in Connecticut (877-684-7262, www.shopwcs.com). The chipmunks were undeniably cute but unbearably destructive. One reader, his Shrewsbury property also under siege, hired a pest control service that incredibly removed over a hundred chipmunks before the damage stopped. 

Bears also have emerged from their log and brush pile sanctuaries. January-born cubs are finally getting attention from their mother, who's breathing five times faster now. It's time for her to eat again, either grasses or skunk cabbage, to free a digestive system plugged up since November. They're understandably enticed now by our birdseed and dog food. 

Woodchuck heartbeats are now pounding 10 times faster, while their body temperatures have increased nearly 70 degrees. They're going to increase the heart rates of gardeners, too, whose broccoli and cauliflower patches are sure to be targeted. 

The increased heat and faster rhythms of spring are beginning to be felt by wildlife all around us. It's time for us, as well, to emerge from our own personal degree of hibernation and feel the vital energy invigorating all who venture outdoors. 

Mark Blazis can be reached by e-mail at markblazis@charter.net

--  ###

Monday, March 07, 2011

Fwd: FW: Government Taking Private Sector Jobs in one of Worst Economies since Great Depression

 

 

Subject: Government Taking Private Sector Jobs in one of Worst Economies since Great Depression

 

 

Government Taking Private Sector Jobs in one of Worst Economies since Great Depression

By Mark E. Dotson

March 5th 2011 – Dunbar, WV - In one of the worst economies since the Great Depression, the USDA – Wildlife Services has been actively taking jobs away from private Nuisance Wildlife Control companies across America - jobs that these companies depend on to take care of their families and run their small business, the lifeblood of the US economy.

In fact, the USDA - Wildlife Services has been providing government subsidized wildlife control for private individuals and commercial companies since 1972. The American Taxpayer has been footing the bill for this agency to do what many private companies are licensed, insured and completely able to do.

In very difficult economic times and unemployment at near all time highs, how could it be possible that you would have to compete with the government as a private company? The challenges of high fuel prices, foreclosures and layoffs have already made business more difficult for any service company, but then the government can come in, under bid you on a project and take it!

This recently happened to our company in my state of West Virginia which has a 10.3% unemployment rate. We were asked to provide a bat remediation proposal to the Fayette County Courthouse. We provided a proposal of $21,000 to reclaim the attic and seal the building. After following up on the bid, we were shocked to find out that the USDA – Wildlife Services was awarded the project for $4000! And the unbelievable part is that the USDA – Wildlife Services is not allowed to compete with or bid against private companies.

The government agency doesn't have to concern itself with whether they made or lost money on this project as they already are paid a salary.

So, how did they get awarded this project? They simply skirted around the bid proposal process. The county posted the project for two days in two very small newspapers with a circulation of approximately 3500.  When no "bids" came in (even though they already had two, one from our company and as well as another company), they hired USDA – Wildlife Services.

In a very bad economy, how does hiring a government agency grow jobs? It doesn't. It only grows the government. The money from the $4000 project goes back into the government's accounts and not to the local economy when local companies are not hired. The local company will buy their vehicles, supplies, rent equipment, have meals at local restaurants and require lodging if the project requires travel. This all benefits other local businesses. The private Wildlife Control Company will pay taxes on their equipment, supplies and labor back to the state they live in. The USDA – Wildlife services pays no taxes back to the state they do their work in. They only consume tax dollars.

West Virginia is not the only state plagued by this competition. Every state in the nation has a Wildlife Services division and they all compete for and take work away from each states citizens. States often match funds with Wildlife Services and now the state and federal government are spending money on problems main street business owners could readily solve. This means the U.S. taxpayer is paying for a service that is not necessary and could reduce our government debt if private companies were handling this type of work.

In fact, the budget of the USDA – Wildlife Services has skyrocketed 186% from 1996 – 2009.

This egregious act by the USDA – Wildlife Services is another form of unfair government competition with the private sector. It should be against the law for federal or local governments to compete with any private sector business. If there is a local provider, then they should be sought out. If there is not, then the government could provide technical or advisory assistance. In the end, defunding this agency and allowing licensed, trained and insured local Wildlife Control professionals is in the best interest of the American public.

###

 

 

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Is USDA-Wildlife Services UnFairly Competing with Private Industry - You Decide !

Is The USDA Wildlife Services Unfairly Competing With The Private Nuisance Wildlife Control Industry?


 


[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]USDA logo[/caption]


 

 

(Fort White) Many do not know it but as fedral and State Budgest are shrinking and every government agency is being asked to make deep budget cuts in staff and services provide a little known agency is not only growing but actually flourishing in these tough economic times.

Local business's are being shuttered down and government growing in a sector that even the agency states as a policy directive that it will not compete yet their actions speak volumes and putting more and m,ore local business's out of work and needing public assistance in some cases.

George Cera back in 2007 began trapping the iguana on Gasparilla Island for Boca Grande Charlotte County Florida. To his credit he trapped over 12000 iguanas and well documented as one of the top iguana trapping experts in the country.

 

Listen to his story on our podcast called Stop The USDA WS from Competing With Me?

Click Here To Listen!

 



Listen to Cody Baciouska who offers specialized wildlife and bird control to federal airports and now losing business to USDA Wildlife Services.

Join us in our grassroots efforts to stop USDA Wildlife Services from taking more work from the private sector. If State legislators need something to cut by all means look at the matching state fund expenses that can be cut by discontinuing doing business with USDA Wildlife Services.

Every state in the union can cut budget money by longer having to match federal funds for USDA Wildlife Services. Every governor in the US can find money by simply stop matching federal funds for wildlife control projects that can be done by local business. George Cera put it best when he had the contract he put the money back into the community. The new truck was never purchased from the local dealer and the hiring of USDA in the end has hurt the local economy in many ways!

 


[caption id="" align="alignright" width="245" caption="Image via CrunchBase"]Image representing Facebook as depicted in Cru...[/caption]


 

 

Join our Facebook Page and become part of the solution.


Enhanced by Zemanta

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Asafoetida Powder

Asafoetida Powder (from Pure Gum)

Asafoetida Powder from Pure Gum, direct from source in India. Primarily
used as a passion ingredient in wolf and coyote lures.
<http://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ASAPWDR&Store_Code=NWS001>




Monday, February 14, 2011

Fwd: Fw: 14th Wildlife Damage Management Conference April 18-21, 2011 Nebraska City, NE Second Call

Alan A. Huot
Wildlife Control Supplies
860-573-2201

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Stephen M Vantassel" <svantassel2@unlnotes.unl.edu>
Date: Feb 14, 2011 10:22 AM
Subject: Fw: 14th Wildlife Damage Management Conference April 18-21, 2011 Nebraska City, NE Second Call
To: <ICWDM@listserv.unl.edu>

The 14th Wildlife Damage Management Conference and Urban Coyote Management Workshop
Nebraska City, NE
April 18-21, 2011

Please join us at the 14th Wildlife Damage Management Conference and Urban Coyote Management Workshop sponsored by the TWS-Wildlife Damage Management Working Group and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
This conference is designed for wildlife control operators, land managers, wildlife services, agency personnel and others interested in the field of managing human-wildlife conflicts.

Information regarding attendees, presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors is available at http://wildlifedamagegroup.unl.edu .

Please distribute widely.  We hope you will join us.

[attachment "ExhibitApp.pdf" deleted by Stephen M Vantassel/SNR/IANR/UNEBR] [attachment "2nd Call for Papers14thWDM.pdf" deleted by Stephen M Vantassel/SNR/IANR/UNEBR]
Tell us how we're doing! Take our Survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jS6AVCBlig8fJQ1wJtb7ag_3d_3d

Stephen Vantassel, Project Coordinator, CWCP, ACP
Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
School of Natural Resources
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
414 Hardin Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0974 U.S.A.

phone:           402-472-8961    
fax:                 402-472-2946
email:              svantassel2@unl.edu
web site:        
http://icwdm.org
SNR website:  
http://snr.unl.edu






Friday, February 11, 2011

From Bat Conservation International

Dear Members,

I'm sad to report that White-nose Syndrome has been confirmed in two additional states: Indiana and North Carolina.

Last week, I wrote to tell you the Geomyces destructans fungus that's linked to WNS was found in Indiana. Since then, lab tests have confirmed the WNS disease, not just the fungus, has reached Indiana.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission announced yesterday that the disease has spread to their state as well. Bats found in an abandoned mine in Avery County and a cave in Grandfather Mountain State Park, both in western North Carolina, tested positive for White-nose Syndrome disease.

WNS or its associated fungus is now documented in 16 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. You can view a map showing all confirmed WNS locations here. Mortality rates approaching 100 percent are reported at some of these sites.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we suspect Indiana and North Carolina are only the beginning of this year's emails reporting new states that face White-nose Syndrome. Over the next few months I'll be sending updates to BCI supporters as they come in — and hopefully a little good news, as well. Bat Conservation International and its partners, with help from friends like you, are searching tirelessly for solutions to this devastating disease.

Regards,

Nina Fascione
Executive Director



Friday, February 04, 2011

WNS Fungus Spreads to Indiana

Alan A. Huot
Wildlife Control Supplies
860-573-2201

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Bat Conservation International" <newsletter@batcatalog.com>
Date: Feb 4, 2011 11:38 AM
Subject: [SPAM][2.9] WNS Fungus Spreads to Indiana
To: <alan.huot@wildlifecontrolsupplies.com>


The Indiana Department of Natural Resources reports that a bat from Washington County tested positive for the fungus associated with White-nose Syndrome. Additional bats with signs of WNS were discovered during bat counts at other Indiana caves, as well. Indiana is now the 15th state to face this devastating disease or the fungus that's tied to it. This represents a significant spread into the upper Midwest.

Many states are conducting surveys at bat-hibernation sites this winter and the results are just beginning to appear. In addition to the discovery of the fungus, Geomyces destructions, in Indiana, Virginia has reported White-nose Syndrome in two additional counties, and Pennsylvania confirmed the disease in Lawrence County.

Regards,

Nina Fascione
Executive Director

P.S. Researchers are working desperately to find a way to stop this devastating disease before it is too late. Bats need our help more than ever. Please support WNS research and other critical bat conservation programs now.

 

If you do not wish to receive emails from BCI click here