A recent study by St. Louis’ Washington University School of Medicine has indicated that we are one step closer to a cure for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This news gives hope to the 34 million people worldwide, who are currently living with HIV or AIDS.

Bee Venom Can Destroy HIV

A study conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and published in the journal Antiviral Therapy, claims that the common bee may be the answer to killing off HIV; the virus that leads to the development of AIDS.

Bee venom carries a toxin called melittin, which has been proven to destroy the human immunodeficiency virus. The toxin works by poking holes in the virus’s outer layer. This outer layer envelope protects the virus; and without it, the virus eventually dies. Furthermore, this toxin found in bee venom kills HIV while leaving the other cells in the body unharmed.

Because the bee venom toxin attacks the virus’ outer layer, the virus is likely unable to develop a resistance to the melittin. Researches believe that this development may make it more effective than other HIV drugs, which the virus eventually develops a resistance to. Current HIV drugs only prevent the virus from replicating and do nothing to kill it off like the bee toxin does.

How The Process Works

Nanoparticles that are smaller than HIV are infused with the bee venom toxin, melittin. These melittin infused nanoparticles then fuse with the HIV’s viral envelope. The melittin forms little pore-like attack complexes and ruptures the envelope, stripping it off the virus, attacking a natural physical property of HIV. Hypothetically, there isn’t any way for the virus to acclimatize to that. The virus has to have a protective coat, a double-layered membrane that encompasses the virus.

Molecular bumpers prevent the nanoparticles from harming the body’s normal cells, which are much larger in size.

How The Bee Venom Toxin Is Administered

If you are living with HIV or AIDS, the solution won’t be as simple as getting stung a couple dozen times by a honey bee. Remember, the melittin, or bee venom toxin must be in the form of a nanoparticle; and it needs to be in a highly concentrated form.

Currently, scientists and researchers are looking at implementing the bee toxin in the form of a topical gel, and also administering it intravenously. The gel is for HIV prevention, while intravenous injections will treat those already infected with HIV or AIDS.

Potential Cures To Other Diseases

Since melittin attacks double-layered membranes arbitrarily, this concept is not limited to HIV alone. Many viruses, including hepatitis C and B, rely on the same kind of protective envelope and would be vulnerable to melittin-loaded nanoparticles.

Additionally, research has revealed melittin-loaded nanoparticles to be successful in killing tumor cells. This is potentially a huge step in cancer research, with almost unlimited medical adaptations.

Bee venom has been used to treat arthritis and other painful conditions as well.

Bees & Their Venom

Bees are a very valuable group of insects that still have much to teach us as a society. They play key roles in pollinating flowering plants, and help in controlling the numbers of many other species of pests.

While being beneficial insects, bees do carry toxic venom. The main component of bee venom responsible for pain is the toxin melittin. Histamine may also contribute to pain and itching after a bee sting.

Out of the 54 reported insect deaths each year, 14 are caused by bee stings. Bee sting deaths are usually only common when the victim has an allergic reaction to a bee sting.

HIV & AIDS

HIV destroys T-cells, which are the white blood cells vital to sustaining the functionality of the immune system. As HIV attacks these cells, the person infected with the virus is less equipped to fight off infection and disease, ultimately resulting in the development of AIDS. Most people who are infected with HIV can carry the virus for years before developing any serious or deadly symptoms. Over time, HIV levels increase in the blood while the number of T-cells decreases. It’s about this time an individual living with HIV becomes very ill, and can eventually die.

According to recent data, more than 34 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Of these 34 million, some 3.3 million are under the age of 15 years old. Each day, almost 7,000 people contract HIV around the globe.

Let’s hope this bee venom research is a solution to a disease that is affecting so many worldwide.

 

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Anthony Ball

Today is Earth Day! 

As PCO’s, let’s issue a public decree this Earth Day: 

Pest control professionals nationwide, make a pledge to join the hundreds of other PCO’s and go paperless! 

 

A Plea For Paperless Pest Control

A single pest control technician can use upwards of 10,000 pieces of paper each year. With the average tree only producing 16.7 reams of paper, each pest control technician is responsible for using 1.2 trees a year just to do their job. With the number of pest professionals worldwide, that equates to some 178 million trees that are no longer part of our ecosystem. 

Of U.S. manufacturing, paper production is the second largest user of energy and water; and third largest contributor to pollution. As a country, and as pest control professionals, we can help to change this. 

Pest control professionals nationwide, let’s make a pledge to join the hundreds of other PCO’s by going paperless! 

 

Paperless Pest Control

As a way to go green, save on costs, promote professionalism, and increase efficiencies; many pest control companies are trying to go paperless. Some have made the jump. Others are reluctant, or simply cannot because of roadblocks set by state legislature. 

One major barrier to paperless pest control is that certain states mandate PCO’s keep hard copies of records and reports. Other states say you must simply be able to provide these records if and when they are needed. What will it take to update outdated state laws nationwide, so that all pest control companies can go paperless? 

With the progression of technology, and efforts on Capitol Hill, a paperless scenario is looking more and more like a reality.

 

Paperless Reporting: NPMA Legislative Day 2013

With the advances of technology today, many pest control companies have gone, or are trying to go paperless. Unfortunately, PCOs have run into a major hurdle. Some states require pest control operators keep hard copies of pesticide records, use reports, and consumer info sheets—Even if a company has invested a large amount of money to go paperless. 

Pest management operators lobbied Congress last month at NMPA’s Legislative Day. Their plea for was for federal lawmakers to allow, not mandate, nationwide paperless pest control. Pest control operators hope this new legislation will give PCO’s the ability to keep records and reports digitally. Since each state’s laws are different regarding these records and reports, the issue needs to be dealt with on the Federal level. 

Pest management professionals argue that many of these state mandates were written in the 1970s and 1980s before people could imagine today’s technology.

 

Keeping Treatment Records: Government Roadblocks

All states in the US require pest control companies to keep treatment records. These records typically include: properties treated, pests treated on the property, applicator’s license number and the pesticide(s) used. Depending on the state and the pest treated, treatment records must be kept for at least 2-5 years. 

Many states are quickly coming around and accepting electronic submissions for these reports and a few progressive states are pushing forward for the complete digitization of invoicing and work orders. Most states, even if they allow a large portion of your records to be digital will still want a paper copy left at the customers location. 

Some state’s laws simply say that a company must provide treatment records. This means a pest control company can store these records electronically, and then print them off when needed. Other states require pest control companies to keep hard or paper copies of treatment records. 

As a PCO, work with your state and see if we can push these boundaries. Laws most likely state that a pest control company must provide a treatment record. Don’t just assume that you need to keep hard copies. Ask if you can keep digital copies, and print of these records when needed. 

If not, pressure your state government to update these laws to better match today’s technology.

 

A Few Benefits Of Going Paperless

The benefits of going paperless are almost too many to count. Here are a few highlights: 

Increase Efficiencies—Going paperless not only saves a lot of time, but can also improve efficiencies. Time savings come from reducing the redundancy of work, meaning only doing something once. At first, a few minutes a day may seem trivial, but look at the actual data. In a pest control office with 5,000 active quarterly customers, nearly 8000 minutes can be saved each day across the company. Over the course of a year, that’s almost 50,000 hours! 

Save On Costs—Studies show, reducing paper by 60 percent results in an average savings per employee of $360. You also eliminate the costs of storing treatment records. The time savings and improved efficiencies alone can save a pest control company hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, depending on your techs hourly wage. 

Organization—Paperless efforts help to reduce office clutter in your office. It’s a lot easier to find a record with the click of a mouse, versus digging through boxes or filing cabinets of paper. 

Promotes Professionalism—The appearance of using up-to-date technologies, like those needed for paperless pest control, gives customers the perception that your up-to-date on all of the latest pesticides and pest control techniques. It’s good business! 

Helps Save Planet—Reducing the use of paper by 60 percent eliminates 200 pounds of greenhouse gas annually. Like I mentioned before, one tech going paperless can save one tree a year.

 

Bulwark Exterminating Goes Paperless

Bulwark Exterminating has made many efforts to go paperless over the past few years. Faxes sent to the company are no longer printed out, but go straight to email. Bulwark’s service tickets are also emailed to customers. Customers have the ability to access their invoices electronically, as they are now emailed directly to them; saving even more paper. Additionally, sales contracts can now be completed electronically. 

One of the most significant advancements for Bulwark’s paperless pest control efforts has been the company’s ability to carry out paperless routing. Bulwark Pest Control’s new propriety software uses smart phone technology to aid in service routing and customer satisfaction. This software has been implemented in all 12 of Bulwark’s branches. 

Each morning, technicians receive an email on their smart phones. With these emails, technicians are able to access their routes, customer contact information and custom service notes for each customers. This eliminates the need to receive their daily routes via fax or personally stop at the office before work to print off and collect unnecessary paperwork. 

With these combined efforts, Bulwark Exterminating has been able to successfully eliminate over 60,000 sheets of paper a month! Read more about these efforts, here.

 

Make Paperless Pest Control A Reality

Most pest control businesses have already deployed the majority of the infrastructure required to enable convenient electronic access, and a small investment will provide wireless and remote access. 

The first step is to provide convenient electronic access to pest control documents, from anywhere at any time. Additionally, the use of paper needs to be made inconvenient. It is critical to do both. If paper use is made inconvenient without offering a great alternative, there will be loud complaints by employees and technicians within the company. 

After all these years, and with the increase in technological advances, paperless pest control is almost within reach. Let’s continue to work together and make it happen!

 

Spread the word for paperless pest control!

 

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Anthony Ball

Best Of 2012: Year End Links Round-Up

 

Here a a few links to some of the best pest control articles and blogs we’ve come across this year. Enjoy!

General Pest Control 

Home Pest Control Slows The Need For Home Improvement

http://www.propacificpestcontrol.com/2012/pest-control/home-pest-control-slows-the-need-for-home-improvement/

Pest Control Tips For The Whole Family

http://www.abridgehome.com/2012/12/02/pest-control-tips-for-the-whole-family/

What is a pest inspection and why would I need one?

http://dialonepestcontrol.com/what-is-a-pest-inspection-and-why-would-i-need-one/

Borax vs. Boric Acid for Pest Control: Safe and Effective?

http://www.momprepares.com/2012/08/27/borax-vs-boric-acid-for-pest-control-safe-and-effective

Five Sustainable and Fascinatingly Fun Pest Management Techniques

http://blogs.worldwatch.org/nourishingtheplanet/five-sustainable-and-fascinatingly-fun-pest-management-techniques/

Can Pest Control Add Value to your Home?

http://pestinc.net/can-pest-control-add-value-to-your-home/

Scent as Pest Control?

http://scentsciences.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/scent-as-pest-control/

Benefits of Organic Pest Control

http://joshuaspestcontrol.com/benefits-organic-pest-control/

Why Hire a Pest Control Pro?

http://www.resteasypestcontrol.com/blog/bid/210286/Why-Hire-a-Pest-Control-Pro

5 Mistakes Hiring a Residential Pest Control Exterminating Company

http://eliminexpestcontrol.com/wordpress1/2012/06/28/5-mistakes-hiring-a-residential-pest-control-exterminating-company-suffolk-nassau-long-island-ny/

Honey Bees – The Good and The Bad

http://www.horizonpestcontrol.com/blog/honey-bees-the-good-and-the-bad/

Africanized Bees on Attack in Arizona!

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/africanized-bees-on-attack-in-arizona/

Kudzu Bug Prevention This Fall

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/10/kudzu-bug-prevention-this-fall/

A History of Pest Control Methods

http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/pest-control-blog/a-history-of-pest-control-methods/2012/08/

Tulsa Man Shares His West Nile Virus Survival Story

http://pestcontroltulsaok.com/2012/09/tulsa-man-shares-his-west-nile-virus-survival-story/

Swarming Bees Attack Houston Women Killing Her Dog

http://pestcontrolhoustontx.net/2012/09/swarming-bees-attack-houston-women-killing-her-dog/

Don’t Stop Pest Control Appointments, Despite the Economy

http://www.bugsbybrian.com/blog/pest-control/dont-stop-pest-control-appointments-economy

 

Pest Control Business & Marketing  

Yelp Penalty – Pest Control to Jewelers

http://pestcontrolseo.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/yelp-penalty-pest-control-to-jewelers/

Pest Control Marketing – How to get more referrals FAST!

http://pestcontrolmarketer.com/pest-control-marketing-how-to-get-more-referrals-fast/

Pest Control Business – What Are Your Options?

http://fordifferent.com/pest-control-business-what-are-your-options

Why Small Businesses Should Adopt SEO and Online Marketing 

http://www.seenbest-web-design.com/techclub/why-small-businesses-should-adopt-seo-and-online-marketing/

Pest Control Marketing 1

http://www.squidoo.com/pest-control-marketing-1

 

Pest Control News & Stories  

USDA Awards $33 Million for Pest Management Research

http://calipestcontrolblog.com/2012/12/10/usda-awards-33-million-for-pest-management-research/

Genetically Modified Cotton Brings Back Nature’s Pest Control: Predators

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/06/16/genetically-modified-cotton-brings-back-natures-pest-control-predators/#.UNSp4OQ0V8E

New Restrictions on Pest Control Operators Will Help Prevent Pesticide Pollution

http://claycord.com/2012/07/16/new-restrictions-on-pest-control-operators-will-help-prevent-pesticide-pollution/

Discovery of Endangered Spider In San Antonio Brings $15 Million Highway Project to A Halt

http://pestcontrolsanantonio.com/2012/10/discovery-of-endangered-spider-in-san-antonio-brings-15-million-highway-project-to-a-halt/

Thief Steals Van- Finds It Filled With Scorpions, Spiders, & Creepy Crawlies

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/thief-steals-van-finds-it-filled-with-scorpions-spiders-creepy-crawlies/

Search and Rescue Cockroaches

http://pestcontrolcharlottenc.com/2012/09/search-and-rescue-cockroaches/

Tragedy During a Roach Eating Contest

http://pestcontrolraleighnc.com/2012/10/tragedy-during-a-roach-eating-contest/

Chimney Pests Attack Santa

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/chimney-pests-attack-santa.htm

 

Ant Control  

How to Prevent and Treat Fire Ants

http://www.lloydpest.com/2012/08/how-to-prevent-and-treat-fire-ants/

 Argentine Ants – The making of super colonies!

http://www.clarkpest.com/blog/bid/78129/Argentine-Ants-The-making-of-super-colonies

World’s Most Venomous Insect Found in Arizona

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/worlds-most-venomous-insect-found-in-arizona/

The Most Common Ant Invaders of Southern Utah

http://pestcontrolstgeorge.com/2012/10/the-most-common-ant-invaders-of-southern-utah/

Ant Infestations On the Rise

http://missouripublicadjuster.org/2012/06/01/ant-infestations-on-the-rise/

What Ants Can do to Your Home

http://www.espest.com/what-ants-can-do-to-your-home/

 

Scorpion Control 

Scorpion Control Could Save You $83,000

http://pestcontrolphoenixaz.net/Pest-Control/2012/09/scorpion-control-could-save-you-83000/

Tips On Handling A Scorpion Sting

http://pestcontrolstgeorge.com/2012/09/tips-on-handling-a-scorpion-sting/

Is it a spider? Is it a scorpion? What is it?

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/is-it-a-spider-is-it-a-scorpion-what-is-it/

Scorpion Questions & Scorpion Answers

http://pestcontrolseo.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/scorpion-questions-scorpion-answers/

Scorpions

http://agrilife.org/smithcountyagriculture/2012/06/04/scorpions/

 

Roach Control  

Tony Romo: Roach Exterminator

http://pestcontrolaustintx.com/2012/10/tony-romo-roach-exterminator/

Do-It-Yourself Cockroach Control

http://pestcontrolsanantonio.com/2012/10/do-it-yourself-cockroach-control/

Suggestions to Have Efficient Roach Control Sacramento

http://pestcontrolsacramento.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/suggestions-to-have-efficient-roach-control-sacramento/

HOW TO GET RID OF ROACHES!

http://allamericanpestcontrol.com/how-to-get-rid-of-roaches/

 Can Roaches Survive A Nuclear Blast?

http://preferredpestcontroloc.com/orange-county-pest-control-blog.php/can-roaches-survive-a-nuclear-blast/

 

Spider Control 

Spider Identification: Common Southern California Spiders

http://homefrontpestcontrol.com/spidcommon-southern-california-spiders/

$1 Million Hospital Bill After A Brown Recluse Spider Bite

http://pestcontrolaustintx.com/2012/11/1-million-hospital-bill-after-a-brown-recluse-spider-bite/

How to Identify a Possessed Spider This Halloween

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/how-to-identify-a-possessed-spider-this-halloween.htm

Tulsa Facing Invasion of Black Widows

http://pestcontroltulsaok.com/2012/11/tulsa-facing-invasion-of-black-widows/

Spider Control- Identifying and Treating Spider Bites

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/spider-control-identifying-and-treating-spider-bites.htm

 

Rodent Control  

Mice Pest Control

http://bestwaytogetridofmices.com/mice-pest-control/

Diseases Transmitted By Rats & Mice In The United States

http://www.propacificpestcontrol.com/2012/rats/diseases-transmitted-by-rats-mice-in-united-states/

Rodent Control | Rats and Mice Infestation

http://www.1300pestcontrol.com.au/rodent-control/

The Thing That Makes Rat Control So Essential

http://doyourownratcontrol.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/the-thing-that-makes-rat-control-so-essential/

What You Should Know About Squirrel Removal

http://garden-and-pest-control.com/886/what-you-should-know-about-animal-control-re-squirrel-removal/

 

Bed Bugs 

Must Treat Entire Building To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs

http://www.heritagepestcontrolnj.com/blog/2012/11/30/must-treat-entire-building-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs/

Don’t Let Bedbugs Ruin Your Vacation

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/08/dont-let-bedbugs-ruin-your-vacation/

Houston Ranks 12th in Top Bedbug Cities

http://pestcontrolhoustontx.net/2012/09/houston-ranks-12th-in-top-bedbug-cities/

 Charlotte Bedbugs Infest Democratic National Convention Hotels

http://pestcontrolcharlottenc.com/2012/09/charlotte-bedbugs-infest-democratic-national-convention-hotels/

Managing Bed Bugs in Dorms

http://www.modernpest.com/blog/managing-bed-bugs-in-dorms/

 

Termite Control  

Atlanta Termite Control

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/10/atlanta-termite-control/

4 Types of Termites

http://www.dugaspestcontrol.com/termite-control/4-types-of-termites

Using Bait Systems to Control Termites

http://www.republicpest.com/using-bait-systems-to-control-termites/

Termites…An Age Old Problem

http://www.pattontermiteandpest.com/2012/05/termites-an-age-old-problem/

Dealing With Indiana Termites

http://www.yespestpros.com/pest-control/dealing-with-indiana-termites/

 

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• Weekly Pest Control Round-Up
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• The Least You Need to Know About Bedbugs
• Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite …
• Will we ever… get rid of bed bugs?

Anthony Ball

Pest Of The Week: The Wheat Weevil

 

 Wheat Weevils

Also known as the grain weevil, wheat weevils occur all over the world, and are considered a common pest in many places. This species of weevil is approximately 3 to 5mm in length, with an elongated snout and chewing mouthparts.

Female wheat weevils can cause problems for farmers, when they lay their (between 36 and 254) eggs in wheat, oats, rye, barley, rice or corn. In most instances, the female will only deposit one egg, in each grain kernel and seal the hole with a gelatinous secretion. However once inside, the wheat weevil’s larvae will feed on the grain until pupation, and then bore a hole out of the grain, and emerge.

Researchers estimate that a single pair of wheat weevils can produce up to 6,000 offspring per year, creating a serious pest control problem for farmers. This often results in significant damage to harvested grains; and drastically reduced yields.

How To Get Rid Of Wheat Weevils

There are many ways to attempt to get rid of the wheat weevil. There are pesticides, different methods of masking the odor of the grain with unpleasant scents, and introducing other organisms that are predators of the weevils.

Inspection and sanitation are the two solutions to stop wheat weevil infestations. Grains need to be kept in containers with secure fitting lids, inside your fridge or freezer. For best results, buy grains in smaller quantities. If you suspect you have wheat weevils, cautiously inspect your grain for the adult insects (or holes in the grain kernels). You can also submerge your grain in water. If you notice any insects floating to the surface, you obviously have an infestation. Even if you identify an infestation early, disposal is the safest and most effective solution.

All stages of the wheat weevils can be killed by either super heating or cooling. Heat your dry grain in the microwave for 5 minutes, or freeze at 0 °F for 4 days to get rid of them.

 

Weekly Pest Control Round-Up: December 21, 2012 

 

Pest Control Tips for Fall and Winter 

Here is an excellent PowerPoint slideshow about keeping pests away during those fall and winter months. Click here to watch the slideshow.

Warning: Bugs Hiding Inside Your Christmas Tree 

Christmas tree bugs may be an unforeseen present waiting for you underneath your tree this Holiday, and this present could be a nightmare. More…

Don’t Yelp Unless You Mean It 

Managing your customer review sites is a daily responsibility for pest control operators. What do you do if you get a bad review? If the review is fictitious, you can sue… You just may be awarded $750,000. More…

California Bed Bug Control 

Here are the three keys to a successful heat treatment for bed bugs, complete with informative infographics.

Your Guide to Common Lawn Pests 

When it comes to pest control, most homeowners concern themselves first and foremost with pests that invade their home. While bugs and mice can cause damage and pose health concerns inside the home, there is a host of pests that can wreak havoc on your lawn as well. More…

Should I Be Worried About Chinch Bugs? 

What’s a Chinch bug? Where do they live? Are they dangerous? Chinch bugs can be better understood by clicking here.

Professional Pest Control Among Fastest Growing Occupations, NPMA Reports 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects the number of pest control workers to increase by 26.1 percent from 2010 to 2020. Read more…

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Anthony Ball

What’s the Risk? What’s the Payout?  Should you, a pest control operator, offer a warranty/ guarantee for Bed Bugs?  Anyone that has done their research knows the difficulty in offering a Bed Bug elimination guarantee.  Whether it be for single family homes, apartments, hotels, or furniture rental companies.  Weather you are a large multi-million dollar company or a small local establishment.  Right now Bed Bugs are swooping in to this nation from afar bringing back memories of the 40’s and 50’s.   Except now pest professionals and proven pesticides are restricted by our government and that may cause this pandemic to get worse before it gets better.   Not only are pest professionals fumbling to find the most effective way to treat, but they must decide on whether or not to guarantee that service.   There are several risks involved.  Are they worth the consequences?   If you plan to wait for the right tools to offer such a guarantee as you would with spiders or crickets, what would you do until then?  One thing is for certain there is money to be made.

 

I think we need some industry feedback to draw a  conclusion. What do you think?