Drones fly into the picture for pest control

Drones are the latest technology gadget to emerge in the fight against pests worldwide. CNN shares a clip here on how these flyers help Australian farmers deal with costly agricultural pests: feral pigs, wild dogs and deer that cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to crops.

While the drone used in the video clip appears to be a de-militarized version, here in the States there are thousands if not millions of people learning to fly. There are already reports of pest professionals using these flying cameras to help with inspections of roofs, gutter lines, trees and surrounding vegetation. Have you seen drones flying around your house or neighborhood? What are your thoughts on businesses using this kind of technology?

Cascade's "Seattle Rat" BEWARE!

Technicians please post comments!! Humor courtesy of Casacde Pest Control. Www.cascadepest.com/rodent-overview/ Cascade Pest Control

Bubonic Plague Reported in Michigan

There have been 14 human cases of bubonic plague in the United States this year alone. A fact few Americans are aware of. Just recently the Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services reported a new case near Lake Superior. Locating the "reservoir" of rats carrying bubonic plague is being complicated by the fact that this person had recently traveled to Colorado and back. See original article. Cases of bubonic plague, while rare, show up in various parts of the country. In the 1960's rats carrying fleas infested with bubonic plague were found. Since 1970 most cases have been from New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona. However, with Seattle ranking highly* among the most rat-infested cities in the U.S. could harbor some bubonic plague carrying rats as well. Rats actually carry fleas, particularly the oriental rat flea, which in turn carry the plague organism. See Cascade Pest Control YouTube channel with playlist devoted to rodent-borne diseases. For more information on Rats and Rodents in the greater Seattle, Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Kirkland +), King county and Snohomish county. *Seattle ranked 7th and 1st on two different reports within the last 12 months.

Cascade's YouTube Channel - Rats in Restuarants

We have compiled about 17 videos from all over the world which depict rats or rodents in restaurants. It's pretty graphic at times but shows us the real threat to our food supply...mostly in terms of contamination and the spread of disease. What's quite something are the reactions of people when they realize there are rats in a restaurant...perhaps a restaurant they frequent...up to now. Rats are a huge problem in the greater Seattle area, which includes Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Everett and so on. And the rat population is strong. Seattle has ranked both 7th and 1st most rat-infested large city in the U.S.! There rats can show up anywhere, whether a vacant lot, a restaurant or our homes. Other rodent problems we encounter are house mice and deer, or field, mice. So, take a look at our YouTube channel, "Cascade Pest Control," where you will find both entertaining video playlists as well as educational ones. For more information about rats and their control see our Rodent page within our website. Don Leland