We often think about all of the amazing places we wish to vacation or even make our homes. But have you ever thought about the creatures that may be hidden between the walls, under the bed or between the sheets?  Listed below you’ll find an informative, yet tongue-in-cheek reference guide to some of America’s top cities and the creepy crawly creatures you’ll likely find hidden within them.

There are advantages to using biopesticides in that they are less toxic than conventional pesticides and generally affect only the target pest and closely related organisms.  In contrast, the use of conventional pesticides has been known to adversely affect other organisms such has insects, mammals and birds. Biopesticides are often effective in very small quantities and decompose quickly which results in lower exposures and an avoidance of pollution problems. They can often be used as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, and can greatly reduce the use of conventional pesticides, yet still produce a high crop yield.

Researchers at the University of Delaware have recently found that agricultural plants send out sensory volatile cues that alert organisms in the area (such as birds) that they are in need of help. Previous research has shown that this occurs in ecosystems such as forests. These “signals” are sent when plants are under siege from insects. With a little Play-Doh and orange colored pins, they are seeing the potential for growers to defend their crops.

The Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), an invasive planthopper, has been discovered in Berks and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania. It is native to China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and introduced to Japan and Korea where it has become a major pest of grapes. This insect has the potential to greatly impact the grape, hops and logging industries. Early detection is vital for the protection of Pennsylvania businesses and agriculture.

Criminals are hacking into the email accounts of real estate agents or other persons involved in a real estate transaction and using information gained from the hack to dupe a party into a fraudulent wire transfer. The hackers often send an email that appears to be from an individual legitimately involved in the transaction, informing the recipient, often the buyer, that there has been a last-minute change to the wiring instructions. 

Avoid being defensive. It's natural to get hurt feelings or want to retaliate when someone speaks poorly of your business. Avoid this reaction. Instead, do a little research.

The EPA has teamed up with the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC) and created a guide to help users of agricultural pesticides become compliant.

The State of West Virginia requires anyone who performs work for $2500 or more (total materials and labor) to have a West Virginia Contractors License. The Builders License Training Institute offers an excellent Commercial Contractor Exam Prep Course that will prepare you to take and pass the West Virginia NASCLA (Commercial) General Contractor Exam. We make it easy! The course is available 24/7 and sample quizzes and integrated slides are included throughout. You can study anywhere, anytime at your own pace. Take the course on your laptop or from any smartphone, tablet or mobile device.

What are the Illinois Continuing Education Guideline Requirements? Illinois architects must complete a minimum of 24 continuing education hours (CEHs) including 16-Hours in HSW subjects by November 30th of even-numbered years.

The Spotted Lanternfly has made it's way to New Jersey from Pennsylvania and has made a home in its favorite habitat, the Tree of Heaven.