Pest Management Professional, May 2017

Ask the expert Q I service a university that has a hazardous material management program It just sent me a form to complete I am supposed to list hazardous material events that exceeded hazardous levels I apply pesticides on a regular basis How do I know whether any events have occurred Ive never had such a request before FrANk I OkLAhOMA A Generally speaking applying pesticides according to label directions does not generate hazardous materials that exceed hazardous levels That said applications that require that occupants be removed unless wearing the appropriate protection should probably be listed space treatment for example The key words here are events that caused excessive levels of a hazardous material I would fill out the form and indicate no such events occurred during the period covered by the questionnaire If you had a spill or performed a space treatment however such incidents should be reported You can reach Dr Mampe an industry consultant at dentomol@ aol com Have you ever been concerned about heat treatments with newer windows at an account Q A basement apartment has a mouse problem in the drop ceiling I have considered baits but I am concerned about a dead mouse causing an odor problem Trapping seems to be a better alternative Do you have any tricks for trapping in a drop ceiling JerrY M OhIO A I would agree that trapping is a better option Not only can a dead mouse cause an odor problem theres the risk of rodenticide dropping from the ceiling When trapping a peanut butter bait can be effective Use several traps Mark the drop ceiling panels with a thumbtack or other item so you know where the traps are Move them every few days as they might not always be in a mouses territory Lastly find out where the mice are entering if possible and close the openings Q How should a client preserve a blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis for testing by the health department for Lyme disease LArrY p CONNeCtICUt A Many health departments suggest the specimen be placed in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel Check directly with the clients local health department however to discover what they suggest pmp By Dr Doug mampe Technical Consultant Q Im wondering whether heat treatments for bed bug control can damage vinyl windows and the seals of double paned windows Can heat affect the manufacturers warranty I use heat but want to make sure Im OK tOM D kANsAs A Ive never heard of any damage from other pest management professionals PMPs so it must be rare if it occurs at all I contacted the Window and Door Manufacturers Association WDMA for comment A representative told me the heat ranges used for bed bug treatments 135 F to 145 F should not affect any windows or their warranties Unless I hear otherwise I wouldnt worry about it but you can never be too careful Email your questions about insect identification and pest management technologies and techniques to Dr Mampe at dentomol@ aol com Your questions most likely will be printed and answered in one of Pest Management Professionals upcoming Ask the Expert columns 86 May 2017 pest management professional mypmp net Photo istock com aimintang