Sadly, people who suspect they have mites are routinely brushed off by the medical community as “crazy” (Parasitic psychosis). At Wondercide, we know that an individual describing the torment and horror of oozing skin lesions and sensations of bugs biting and crawling under their skin is not a delusion, rather the attack of a microscopic mite parasite.
Because they are both surface and airborne, mites are a difficult parasite to understand and control, especially when they attack humans. You may or may not know there are numerous species of mites. Some humans are bothered by them and some fortunately are not. Some mites live on plants and infest agriculture crops. While dust mites can cause severe allergies for people and affect their respiratory system. Other people complain of skin mites and bed mites, which may all be the same mites. We do not claim to be experts on each and every type of mite inhabiting planet Earth, but have over the years been exposed to a variety of dilemmas created by mites. Through lab, field tests, and customer feedback of personal experiences, it is known that Wondercide’s BioDefense will kill and control a long list of mites without using toxic chemicals, which have no effect anyway.
Daily applications of BioDefense indoor pest control to the body appear to be extremely effective and are 100% safe. The formulation is limited to penetration of the epidermal layer of skin and will not migrate into the blood stream to cause nausea or other health issues.
Wondercide makes no explicit guarantees as to results of BioDefense in mite control, but will relate to you that after years of on-going field experience and testing, it appears that the miticide BioDefense is one of very few mite and ear mite treatment products that will kill mites of many varieties without poisoning you, your kids, pets or household with dangerous neuro-toxic chemicals.
Fogging with BioDefense has brought relief to hundreds of homes troubled by mite infestations. We suggest the same mite treatment would benefit you. We do not have all of the answers, but feel we are getting closer to having the majority of them. Since it is impossible to identify all of the different species of mites, it is somewhat difficult to make claims of 100% control. We will continue ongoing experiments and compile feedback from our customers to pass the findings on to everyone.
As to the comprehensive testing done by Iowa State for the USDA, the results will not be released until the commentary and objection period has been concluded. Our understanding is that published data will be forthcoming by mid 2010, subject to the objections of the Chemical Companies that consistently insist on lobbying against Chemical Free and Biological products. We can only pass on to you the statistical results that we received verbally and those that are obviously confirmed by users of the product. Of the 30 Chemical and Non Chemical products tested, only BIODEFENSE enjoyed a 100% mortality rate. Second in place was Methyl Bromide, a very toxic chemical substance and it produced only a 19% mortality rating. All others were below 10%.
Since mite issue experiences vary among our customers we find that it’s helpful to communicate with others that have suffered too. For good information regarding Mites and their control check out Wondercide blog!
Whenever we see weeds or pests infesting our garden, our immediate reaction is to apply chemicals such as weed killers or pesticides. But we have to know that as we use these substances to manage our lawn and garden, we are also being exposed to their harmful effects. Exposure to pesticides and herbicides has been linked to Parkinson’s, infertility, cancer, birth defects, ADHD and lymphoma, to name a few. Even though you can’t see them, pesticide residues, which are often more harmful than pesticides themselves, remain in the home and lawn for 6 months up to several years.
The law does not require the same standard of testing for residential use lawn pesticides as it does for commercial pesticides used around farmed animals and vegetation for food production. In both instances, pesticide manufacturers are responsible for doing the efficacy & toxicity testing of their own products. The EPA reviews it, but does not test it themselves. There is not a true check and balance system. Lawn pesticides contain ingredients which will never be tested for harmful effects simply because the current law in the USA doesn’t require it. In addition, the Center for Disease Control has reported an alarming number of cases related to farm worker illness from exposure to pesticides used in food production.
Aside from harming humans, these insect killers also pollute the air, water, soil, plants, and animals all around us. Studies have shown that pesticides harm the helpful insects like honeybees, butterflies, ladybugs (which eat a lot of other bad pests) and are highly toxic to toads, frogs, and fish. The scary thing is that these lawn fertilizers and pesticides seep into the water table through rain, runoff, and storm drains!
We should learn how to control pests without using harmful chemicals in order to help our health and our environment. Healthy organic soil is the best way to lessen the amount of pests in the first place. Plants grow quickly in organic environments because the healthy surroundings naturally fight off pests.
A good, non toxic organic bug killer is WonDefense natural insect control by Wondercide. The active ingredient cedar oil (cedar oil extract) damages the wax coating of the insect’s respiratory system and suffocates it. Wondercide also makes a product called EcoTreat outdoor insect control that attaches to a water hose for easy application to your home lawn and garden.
Here are other helpful links about pesticides and important information about them:
Beyond Pesticides – This contains fact sheets about specific chemical and what to do in a pesticide emergency. They also provide the least toxic solutions for common household and garden pests.
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides – They offer the latest news on pesticide issues and healthy solutions to pest problems.
Pesticide Action Network Pesticide Database – They have a database of pesticide toxicity and other regulatory information. Their reference section provides information about pesticides and their effects on our health.
Food News – They offer a downloadable wallet card to help you choose produce which has a low exposure to harmful pesticides.
When garden pests suddenly attack, eco minded gardeners do not run to the store to buy the latest pesticides. As an alternative, they turn to integrated pest management (IPM). IPM involves a combination of common sense practices which puts emphasis on the least toxic biological and environmental ways to control pests, while having the least possible damage to people, animals and the environment.
Integrated pest management methods involve understanding a pest and its life cycle and habits. The use of IPM gardening ensures that you are growing healthier plants which don’t leave behind toxic chemicals on your lawns and into waterways. Also, you will notice that there will be an increase of good insects in your garden. Using artificial pesticides usually kills these helpful insects known as beneficial insects which pollinate the plants and vegetables.
It should be noted that IPM accepts a certain amount of pest damage and the amount of damage is up to the gardener. IPM is similar to organic gardening in a lot of ways. But the biggest difference is with IPM, manmade pesticides are only used in extreme cases as a last resort. Since IPM works by monitoring the behavior of pests, it guarantees that artificial pesticides are used in moderation. Wondercide does not agree with the practice or philosophy of using synthetic chemical pesticides that are toxic.
Here are the basic steps to IPM:
You should first identify the pest properly. Some insects, weeds and organisms are beneficial to the garden so you must research carefully regarding this. The next step is to figure out the individual life cycles and behavior patterns so that you can use the best method of treatment at any time of their development. The third step will be to monitor the area of activity as this will help you with the last step which is to figure out how much damage you are willing to take before control measures are finally used.
The key to a successful integrated pest management practice is prevention. Crop rotations, cleaning your garden regularly and manually picking off insects from plants are all chemical free methods.
When these prevention controls do not work, then the last resort should be considered. “Soft” controls such as repellants, soaps and oils that do not harm the environment and beneficial insects can be used. An example of this is the organic garden spray which protects garden plants from insects such as mites, whitefly and aphids. It also controls fungal diseases like black spot, rust, mildew and scab. The cedar oil spray has no harmful effects on beneficial organisms like traditional pesticides do.
Typical pesticides may be used under the integrated pest management approach but you will never get to this point if you use Wondercide outdoor insect control. The last step is to assess your results. Your management will improve over time as you get to know what works best for your garden. In the end, you will enjoy a lively and healthy garden, and you will definitely spend less time and money dealing with pests.
Did you know that millions of people use insect repellent products that contain DEET? Every time they spray or apply to their skin, clothes, or grub on food right after they have applied products containing DEET, they inhale, absorb, and ingest toxins. Yes, it is true. DEET has proven effective at repelling flying bugs like flies and mosquitoes, but questions constantly arise as to whether DEET causes health problems for humans or not. Natural insect repellentproducts do not pose that risk.
“DEET is not at all harmful when used according to the directions on the label,” states the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Then again, this opinion is solely based on the fact that DEET is not supposed to be applied to the skin. This has become common misleading information in the medical and pharmaceutical fields – to say Deet based products stay outside the body and do not come in contact with the blood stream or internal organs in the body. In reality, as many experienced medical researchers know, almost all of the chemicals that are applied on the skin, most especially in liquefied form, are absorbed or ingested and go through the blood stream. DEET has long been researched and proven to cause neurological illnesses and problems. It first enters the bloodstream, then triggers the nervous system, usually causing dangerous seizures and at times, even death. Few people realize it is especially harmful to children and babies! For this reason alone, parents of children should avoid using deet based products and safely use natural insect repellent.
Though it is “safe”, the EPA has even advised people not to use DEET very often. In opposition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a once-a-day application of DEET for children. What do these organizations tell us? That it’s ok to poison ourselves, a little at a time? One could argue that they are definitely sending the wrong message to consumers. It’s a good thing that further studies are being done to contradict these recommendations for use of deet based products. One such study was conducted by the Duke University Medical Center where they concluded that the continuous and prolonged body application of DEET kills neurons in the brain.
Individuals who are serious about protecting their health and the health of their children from products that contain hazardous chemicals like DEET, should consider natural insect repellent like Wondercide Biter Fighter™. Other essential oil based products are available in the market as well. Natural Insect repellents that contain soybean oil oftentimes consist of cloves and cinnamon oil or other amazing oil extracts found in nature. Yes, these natural insect repellents actually work and are equally effective, but most people aren’t aware that these products are even available to them.
There is no doubt that insect repellents that contain DEET are very effective. There is also no doubt that chemical exposure is linked to neurological disorders which range from ADHD to Alzheimer’s. Why take that risk if you don’t have to? Natural insect repellent is the clear choice for a healthy family!
The presence of strawberries usually represents sweetness and the start of summer. However, strawberries in California may soon be causing cancer, birth defects and miscarriages. California is thinking about allowing the use of a highly toxic chemical on their strawberry fields. This affects all of us, since 90% of strawberries in the US are grown in California. Do you want to take action to stop the use of the harmful methyl iodide for strawberries? Would you like them to consider a natural pest control alternative like Wondercide™ EcoTreat™ PRO?
Nobel laureates and scientists say that methyl iodide is one of the most toxic chemicals used in food manufacturing. But, California is still planning to allow its use for spraying and injecting into the soil. California even released reports saying that if methyl iodide is used, its control on human exposure would be very difficult and probably next to impossible. The report also says that its use would have very unpleasant effects on public health, and this includes the spread of cancer, the increase in miscarriages and brain damage to fetuses and children.
It is very important that we take action to stop the approval of this dangerous chemical. The effect of California’s choice may start a national review of methyl iodide by the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is about time that we prioritize our health and our children’s health first before anything else. Safer and healthier ways must be used in producing strawberries. We should not allow the access of more toxins into our bodies and our environment. Green pest control initiatives must speak up!
Let us sign the petition against the use of methyl iodide on our strawberries:
People nowadays only hear about bed bugs but rarely do they get to see these creepy crawlers. Bed bug infestations were common in the United States before the World War II when there was still a lack of outdoor pest control remedies. But with the great improvements in people’s overall hygiene and the use of numerous chemical insecticides like DDT in the 1940’s and the 1950’s, the population of the bugs in the United States almost vanished. However these insects were still a common sight in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.
Bed bugs are making a big comeback in the United States during the recent years. They are making their way not only through homes but also in other public facilities like hotels, schools, even in cars and other modes of transportation! Immigration, international travel, the various changes in modern organic pest control practices are seen to be the major causes of the reappearance of these pests.
Description and Habits
Bed bugs are small, brown, flat insects which feed mainly on the blood of mammals. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularis, is the species most often plaguing humans. They are so comfortable in human dwellings, that they have been living with humans since ancient times. Evidences of their co-existence with humans are discussed in medieval European texts and classical Greek writings dating back to the time of Aristotle.
Adult bed bugs usually measure about 3/16 inches long and are reddish brown in color. They are typically mistaken for ticks and cockroaches. Young bed bugs are quite similar to adults but are smaller and lighter in color. These bugs do not fly but they move fast over floors, walls, and other surfaces. Female bed bugs like to lay their eggs in isolated areas. They usually lay 1 to 2 eggs per day which add up to hundreds during their lifetime. The eggs are just about as small as a dust speck which makes it difficult to see them without magnification. They are quite sticky when first laid, which is why theeggs stick to most surfaces. Newly hatched bugs are straw-colored and shed their skin five times before reaching maturity. With favorable conditions, bed bugs can develop in a month’s time producing three or more generations per year. Cooler temperatures or limited supply of blood could extend their development time. Bed bugs are tough and could actually survive months without feeding as nymphs and years as adults. Infestations are therefore unlikely to end even if you leave a premise for a long time.
Bed bugs are active during the night and gather together in routine hiding places. Their flattened bodies enable them to fit in tiny gaps in mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards. These areas are marked by dark stains, which are from the dried excrement of the bugs. Bed bugs prefer to hide close to where they feed but will crawl several feet to obtain a meal, if necessary.
Did you know that one of the most destructive pests found in the eastern US is the Japanese beetle? This type of beetle actually damages the urban landscape plants more than any other pest found in the area. The beetles were originally discovered in the year 1916 after being introduced to New Jersey by accident. Before that, this insect was seen only in Japan where it was not considered to be a major pest.
The eastern US provided a perfect home for the Japanese beetles. The insects thrived in the area’s favorable climate, the large areas of turf and pasture grass, the hundreds of species of plants they could feed on, and their lack of natural enemies. The beetles rapidly increased their numbers and extended their population to the north in Ontario and Minnesota, west to Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas and south to Georgia and Alabama.
The first Japanese beetles found in Kentucky were discovered on the southern boundaries of Louisville in 1937. Insecticides were initially used to delay the spreading of the pests but this did not stop their increase. The beetle population in Kentucky continued to soar during the 1950s and 1960s and went on to reach the surrounding states. Today, Japanese beetles infest almost every state in the US.
Control
It is important to note that both the adults and the larvae can cause considerable damage. Also, since these beetles are capable of flying to other areas, it may be difficult to control one particular life stage unless you use a product like Wondercide EcoTreat, which treats both soil and foliage. Here are some options for managing the infestation of Japanese beetles:
Plant Selection – The key to avoiding battles with these beetles is the careful selection of plants to add to your garden. Some plants are particularly prone to attacks from these insects. These include roses, grapes, lindens, sassafras, and others.
Physical Removal – The presence of beetles on a plant attracts more beetles. Thus, removing beetles by hand may discourage these insects to accumulate further. One effective way to remove Japanese beetles from small plants is to shake them off early in the morning when they are still sluggish. The beetles may then be killed by spraying the leaves and soil with EcoTreat on a 3 day, then once a month cycle.
Chemical Control – Several insecticides in the market are made for use against adult Japanese beetles, though few are effective and safe to use around children and pets. It is important to read and follow the label directions and to avoid spraying under windy conditions if you chose a synthetic chemical pesticide over an organic pesticide.
Japanese Beetle Traps – Japanese beetle traps are available in many garden centers. These traps use two types of bait. One mimics the scent of virgin female beetles which is highly attractive to males. The other bait imitates the aroma of sweet smelling food which attracts both sexes. However, research conducted at the University of Kentucky showed that the use of these traps do more harm than good since the beetles tend to damage the plants along the vicinity of the traps. It is best therefore to place these traps away from gardens and landscape plants to avoid further destruction and treat the entire property on a routine basis with natural pest control like Wondercide EcoTreat to maintain control.
A U.S. study on health facts found a link between children’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and common inorganic bug sprays used on vegetables and fruits.
The report does not reveal the extent on how these inorganic bug sprays play a role in children’s study habits; although specialists claim that the study was very hopeful.
“I would take it quite seriously,” says Virginia Rauh of Columbia University. Rauh has already done a study on prenatal contact with pesticides but she is not associated with this new analysis.
“More study will have to be done to confirm the link between the two”, she said.
Children are more at risk to the health conditions associated with these commercial pesticides since they’ve got smaller bodies and may consume a lot more pesticide residue as compared to grownups that have a bigger body mass.
When ingested, these pesticides break down into smaller compounds that could be easily detected in urine. A urine test on kids showed an alarming result. 94% of the children tested positive for these compounds.
The kids with higher quantities of the pesticide compounds had a higher probability of having ADHD. ADHD is a usual issue that leads to students having problems in school. These findings were released last Monday in Pediatrics.
The kids probably ate food that was treated with these commercial pesticides. It is also possible that they could have gotten it from the air or through their drinking water. The research did not clarify how these children were exposed to the pesticides. The experts believe that children who don’t live near farms are contaminated through the food they eat.
“Exposure is everywhere. All of us are exposed,” says head author Maryse Bouchard of the University of Montreal.
Bouchard says that people today can limit the dangers of exposure by eating organic produce. A recent government study found out that frozen fruits, frozen veggies, strawberries and celery actually have more pesticide residue compared to other food items.
A 2008 Emory University study found that children who switched to organically grown fruit and veggies had a drop in their levels of urine pesticide compounds.
Now that we know of the dangers of inorganic pesticides, the United States Environmental Protection Agency should agree on just how much residue could safely remain on our food. Unfortunately, latest studies show that it is possible that even tiny quantities of inorganic pesticide may affect one’s brain chemistry.
However, the actual reasons linked to children’s ADHD are still in question. Any specific quantity of the compounds may have prompted the symptoms. The relationship of ADHD with pesticide sprays could be nothing but chance.
The new information is dependent upon the one-time urine samples taken from 1,139 kids and interviews with their parents to find out which of the children had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These children, ages 8 to 15, took part in a federal health market research from 2000-2004.
As claimed by their parents, about 150 children in the research program had the typical characteristics of those with ADHD. These symptoms include the shortness of attention span, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Some children were even taking medicines to heal it.
The study worked with one kind of pesticide named organophosphates. The study showed that 20% of the children with high levels of the pesticide compound had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In children with no detected quantities in their urine, only 10% had ADHD.
“This is a very well executed study,” said Dr. Lynn Goldman of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a former EPA administrator.
One urine sample for every child, instead of multiple samples over time, was not needed, Goldman said.
“The study provides more evidence that the government should really encourage farmers to switch to organic pesticides and natural pest control products”, said Margaret Reeves, the senior scientist with the Pesticide Action Network. The group has been advocating to stop the use of several pesticides for years.
“We should not let this kind of exposure go on,” Reeves concluded.
Wondefense™ is a natural pest control that is perfect for all purpose pest management. Use this safe and effective green pest spray on your planter box herbs, organic garden and anywhere inside your home. Wondercide™ Wondefense™ is an excellent alternative for apartment and condo units! Understandably, renters don’t want the added expense of pest control, but really don’t want chemicals sprayed around their pets and children either. Wondefense™ offers a safe, affordable, effective solution.
Wondercide is excited attend this educational OBHA conference with keynote speaker Paul Tukey: March 9, 2010
8:30am – 9:00am: Carl Masterson – Houston-Galveston Area Council. Regional Program Coordinator for Community and Environmental Planning. Carl will discuss the federal and state regulations in place regarding fertilizer & pesticide run off issues. Also discussed will be how water conservation is now viewed and what legislation may be proposed. What are the potential impacts for the landscape industry?
9:00am – 9:30am: Bill Wyatt – Owner Grace Outdoors, an Organic Landscape Care Company. We live in a simply amazing world. Imagine if you could multiply your effectiveness in lawn care by partnering with nature in instead of trying to control it. During this session Bill will discuss the ins and outs and the whys of using Compost Tea.
9:30am – 10am: Mike Serant – Owner San Jacinto Environmental. For 24 years in Houston, Mike has been an Organic product supplier and advocate of Organic turf management. Mike will give his ideas on how to run successful Organic turf programs in the Houston area.
10am – 12:30pm: Paul Tukey – Author of the Organic Turfgrass Manual, Executive Director of www.safelawns.org and Executive Producer of the nationally acclaimed movie ‘A Chemical Reaction’ and former owner of one of Maine’s largest lawn care company. Paul, an accomplished speaker and noted national Organic turf consultant, will give a comprehensive presentation outlining the Organic approach to managing residential and commercial turfgrass. Paul will explain the science, programs, reasons, economics and the business behind the process while including topics of soil fertility and control of weeds, insects and diseases. Participants will be well prepared to transition their conventional turfgrass business to an Organic one or to be able to develop an Organic turfgrass business from the ground up.
OHBA, a committee of Urban Harvest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the education & improvement of the landscape industry in the metro Houston area
Search Store
Sadly, people who suspect they have mites are routinely brushed off by the medical community as “crazy” (Parasitic psychosis). At Wondercide, we know that an individual describing the torment and horror of oozing skin lesions and sensations of bugs biting and crawling under their skin is not a delusion, rather the attack of a microscopic mite parasite.
Wondercide makes no explicit guarantees as to results of BioDefense in mite control, but will relate to you that after years of on-going field experience and testing, it appears that the miticide BioDefense is one of very few mite and ear mite treatment products that will kill mites of many varieties without poisoning you, your kids, pets or household with dangerous neuro-toxic chemicals.
