Are You the Victim of a Bed Bug Infestation?
Don't Throw Away Your Mattress and Box Spring!
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Black Widows in Winter?  | | Photo by: Velo Steve |
The Western Black Widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus, is an unwelcome guest in our homes, businesses and landscapes. We like to think that Black Widows die off in the winter but, alas, it isn't true. This is a hardy species of spider which has a life span of up to two years. In California they tend to overwinter in sheltered locations such as wood piles, children's play structures, under lumber, rock walls, dog houses, under and around unused vehicles and especially in garages, homes and businesses where the temperatures are warmer than outdoors. There are a thousand possibilities as to where they might lurk. The point here is that we can't be casual about it. Because of the special hazard black widows present, vigilance is always in order and pest control measures are advisable; even in the dead of winter. Other things you can do to reduce the chance of an unfortunate encounter are:
1. Reduce or eliminate clutter indoors and out to reduce harborage.
2. Wear gloves whenever working in and around areas where black widows may be.
3. Control other pests around the home and yard. Reduced spider prey means fewer spiders.
4. Sweep away webs on a regular basis to discourage them. The more frequent, the better.
5. If you see one, dispatch it. A fly swatter works wonders, if you can hit the spider before it scurries to its hiding place.
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 Seven Common Bed Bug Misconceptions
As I peruse the Internet to stay abreast of the latest pest issues I am frequently confronted with misinformation regarding Cimex, lectularius, the Common Bed Bug. The purpose of this article is to discuss some of the more commonly held misconceptions regarding bed bugs. Read the entire article here.
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| Fall Fertilizing
(Give your landscape a head start for spring) 
Commercial and Multi-family landscapes are your customers' and tenants' first impressions of your business. As such it is of great importance to you, the business or property owner/manager. And Autumn is no time to let up. Although, to many folks, the cooling weather and slowing growth of plants, along with the annual leaf-drop occurring on deciduous trees and shrubs, signals a time when they don't need to be concerned with their landscapes, the truth is that fall is an important season. It's a crucial time to give your landscape plants and turf a lower nitrogen, higher potassium and phosphorus feeding to help build strong root systems, aid in recovery from Summer heat and build strength for the rapid growth of Spring. Pest Control Center's Landscape Division offers Fall Feeding, with the proper mix of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorous, along with micronutrients to give your landscape the assistance it needs. We can also give your plants the added benefit of Micorrhiza, a fungus that works synergistically with your plants root systems, giving them increased winter hardiness, more efficient moisture and nutrient uptake and for some plants, extended flowering seasons. Contact us today for your no charge landscape evaluation and price quote.
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Old Fashioned Beef Stew
One of the dishes I enjoy this time of year is beef stew. And my favorite is an old family version that my grandmother used to make. (I've embellished it a bit.) This is a true comfort food that's sure to warm you up on those crisp Autumn days. The recipe incorporates some nutrition-packed ingredients popular since the first European settlers arrived on the North American continent. Ingredients: 3 quarts beef stock 2 lbs. beef stew meat 2 stalks celery 6 carrots 6 stewing onions 6 medium potatoes, not peeled 2 medium rutabagas 2 medium turnips 2 medium parsnips 1/4 cup parsley (if desired) red wine fresh chives sour cream Preparation: Peel onions, carrots, rutabagas, turnips and parsnips and cut into desired sizes. Cut potatoes in half. Cut celery stalks to desired size pieces. Cooking: Brown stew meat in large pot (5 quart recommended). When meat is browned add beef stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1/2 hour. Add wine, vegetables, potatoes and parsley. Cover and simmer for one hour or until desired tenderness. If you wish, add rue to thicken. Serve: garnished with a tablespoon of sour cream and a pinch of chives. Freeze left-over stew in serving size containers for quick meals. |
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