Old Rodent Control Devices Hazardous For Kids and Pets
EPA Approves New, Green Solution
(MMD Newswire) November 12, 2008 -- Mice are more than a nuisance! With the threat of hantavirus and other diseases carried by rodents, it has become vital to control these rodents, particularly mice, not only in rural farm settings, but also in urban buildings like garages and storage buildings. It is also important to control rodent infestation in recreational settings such as lake cabins and recreational vehicles. Now that the weather has turned colder, these rodents are more intent than ever to move inside to shelter for the winter.
Older Methods Have Issues!
28% of America’s homes will purchase some sort of rodent control method every year. In past years rodent control has usually meant methods like bait pans, mouse traps or sticky mouse pads to trap and kill mice. Another old school remedy was to place mothballs in drawers and closets to repel mice; of course with the addition of the unwanted mothball odor. Mothballs are not a rodent repellent, but they do have serious side effects. Trapping or killing mice often meant another unpleasant odor as the bodies decayed when the mice were able to escape and hide in walls or under furniture. More often than not the bait traps and pans are left unattended for months on end accessible not only to pets, but also young children. The American Association for Poison Control statistics show that of all cases of rodenticide poison exposure, 90 percent of the exposed victims were children under the age of 6! Not knowing the harmful nature of these chemicals spells danger to these unsuspecting victims because when ingested in significant amounts these poisons can cause death to infants or pets in less than 30 minutes. If lesser amounts are consumed, these anticoagulant rodenticides may not produce signs of poisoning for several days. Many of these products do come with warnings for pets, livestock and children; however, these warnings are often removed or they fade with age.
EPA Cracks Down!
It is for these exact reasons that recent EPA directives have meant the removal of several of these products from store shelves, and will enforce stricter guidelines in the future for the sale of animal bait that contains harmful poisons. The most common product targeted by the EPA is the “toxic bait” packages. The packages are easy for young children to ingest when left unguarded and unmonitored. Other rodent repellents, including mothballs and electronic repellents are also under investigation.
New Product Gains EPA Approval!
In response, the EPA has certified a new, green product, “Fresh Cab”, as a rodent repellent. The Fresh Cab mouse pouch contains an aroma that triggers “escape/avoidance” behavior in mice. This balanced blend of plant fiber and balsam fir oil humanely provides maximum repellency without harm to mice or other animals. Fresh Cab has recently gained EPA approval as a rodent repellent that could be used as an option in place of the several other products that have come under extreme scrutiny by the EPA as being dangerous to children.
Safe and Effective
Fresh Cab was invented by Kari Warberg (for more information about Kari, go to www.earth-kind.com ) and is available online and now nationally in various outlets including hardware stores, farm stores and other retail outlets. Fresh Cab has been proven by independent field studies to be 88% effective for 100 days in infested areas. When used as directed, Fresh Cab will keep vehicles, farm equipment and even recreational vehicles free from pesky mouse invasion. Fresh Cab can also be used safely and effectively in garages, sheds and basements.
For more information about recent EPA directives you can contact Kari Warberg at 1-800-583-2921, or by cell at (701) 721-4839.
Other Facts:
• 40% of all those furry animals around your home are rodents!
• Mothballs are not a registered rodent repellent, but people have used them because there was nothing better at the time to use in areas that get left alone for months at a time.
• There is not concrete evidence that electronic rodent repellent (ultrasonic)devices work! These devices are not required to gain EPA approval to be sold. Instead, the EPA considers them devices.
• Several companies have been quick to respond to the EPA action on
rodenticides with untested and illegally marketed products. Consumers
must make sure a product is EPA registered to be safe and effective.
Media Contact:
Kari Warberg
Phone (800) 583-2921
cell (701) 721-4839
Email: kari@earth-kind.com
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