#annual pest control

[building-inspections]

How often do you need to have an annual pest control treatment?

Professional pest control treatments are an essential part of home maintenance, and should be conducted annually to ensure that your living space is free from unwanted guests. Regular services can help prevent health risks associated with infestations as well as costly damage to property. Schedule a treatment today for year-round protection!

[howdoesone]

How does one keep their garden beautiful and attractive throughout the year?

A beautiful garden can be a source of pride and joy for any homeowner. But, maintaining a garden that looks great year-round can be a daunting task. With changing seasons, weather conditions, and pests, it can be challenging to keep your garden looking its best. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your garden beautiful and attractive throughout the year. Continue reading…

[rupalic]

Growth Strategies Adopted by Major Players in Turf Protection Market

In the dynamic landscape of the turf protection industry, key players like Syngenta Crop Protection AG (Switzerland), UPL Limited (India), Corteva Agriscience (US), Nufarm (US), Bayer AG (Germany), and BASF SE (Germany) are at the forefront of innovation and market expansion. These industry leaders are driving growth through strategic initiatives such as partnerships, acquisitions, and cutting-edge product developments, solidifying their positions as influential forces in shaping the future of the turf protection industry. Their efforts not only enhance their global presence but also set new benchmarks for industry standards and customer expectations. The global turf protection market size is estimated to reach $8.1 billion by 2028, growing at a 4.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The market size was valued $6.4 billion in 2023.

Top Global Turf Protection Leaders to Watch in 2024

· Syngenta Crop Protection AG (Switzerland)

· UPL Limited (India)

· Corteva Agriscience (US)

· Nufarm (US)

· Bayer AG (Germany)

· BASF SE (Germany)

· SDS Biotech K.K. (Japan)

· AMVAC Chemical Corporation (US)

· Bioceres Crop Solutions (Argentina)

· Colin Campbell (Chemicals) Pty Ltd (Australia)

· ICL Group Ltd. (US)

Investments and Innovations: Key Strategies of Top Turf Protection Companies

🌱 Syngenta Crop Protection AG: Leading the Way in Integrated Pest Management

Syngenta Crop Protection AG, a global agribusiness based in Switzerland, operates prominently in the crop protection and seeds markets. The company offers a comprehensive range of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and seed treatments, helping growers worldwide enhance agricultural productivity and food quality. With a presence in over 90 countries, Syngenta’s reach is truly global. In October 2020, Syngenta further strengthened its position by acquiring Valagro, a leading biologicals company. Valagro’s strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America complements Syngenta’s existing crop protection chemicals. This acquisition allows Syngenta to offer more integrated pest management strategies that reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, while Valagro’s expertise in plant nutrition promotes healthier turfgrass growth and improved soil health.

Know about the assumptions considered for the study

🌍 UPL Limited: Innovating Turf Management Solutions Globally

UPL Limited, formerly known as United Phosphorus Limited, is a global agrochemical company based in India, providing a wide range of agricultural solutions, including crop protection products, seeds, and post-harvest solutions. UPL is a key player in turf management, offering innovative solutions for golf courses, sports fields, and other turf areas. Their product portfolio includes herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators, all designed to enhance turf quality and health while effectively controlling pests and diseases. Operating in over 130 countries across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, UPL has 28 manufacturing sites worldwide, solidifying its position as a leader in the global turf protection market.

🏆 Bayer AG: Streamlining for a Focused Future in Turf Protection

Bayer AG, a multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, operates across three business segments: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science. The company’s Crop Science division caters to the turf protection market, offering products such as herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. With operations in over 90 countries, including regions like North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, Bayer maintains a strong global presence. In March 2022, Bayer sold its Environmental Science Professional business, which includes turf protection products, to private equity firm Cinven for USD 2.6 billion. This strategic divestment is part of Bayer’s ongoing efforts to streamline its portfolio and concentrate on core businesses, ensuring a more focused approach to its future operations.

[shrub-jay-stickers]

Today’s pixel art bird is the tree swallow! My older sibling requested the species of the bird character Tiny from Barbie Island Princess, and tree swallow was my best guess. I don’t have a knack for photographing swallows, but Maine based wildlife photographer Laura Zamfirescu has a beautiful closeup photo of a tree swallow with insects clasped in its beak.

I often see swallows swooping over my local lake, snatching insects out of the air. Like swifts and martins, swallows are adept acrobats. In a Cornell University run project sponsored by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, it was estimated that “approximately 100 billion insects are consumed annually in NY State by tree swallows alone.” This project focuses on monitoring tree swallow populations because of the valuable ecosystem service they provide us, specifically, pest control.

P.S. If you want this pixel art bird as a sticker, you can find it here. :)

[probablyasocialecologist]

Austerity has been biting since 2010, when George Osborne slashed the amount of money councils could receive from central government in one of his first acts as chancellor. Between 2010 and 2020, they lost more than 50% of their government grants in real terms. Six councils have already gone ‘bankrupt’ in the last two years while more than half of the rest say they could follow, meaning they could be taken over by Whitehall or replaced by new authorities.

[...]

Councils are responsible for 800 different services, including meeting Britain’s soaring demand for social care. They also run schools, public health, housing, planning and licensing. “Everyone thinks that councils [just] collect the bins and fix the roads,” said Revans. “We do so, so much more.” Most council services are mandatory, meaning they must legally be delivered. But others – including leisure centres, pest control, museums, and youth clubs – are discretionary, meaning councils can choose whether to offer them or not.

[...]

When David Cameron and Nick Clegg formed the coalition government in 2010, they declared that: “The time has come to disperse power more widely in Britain today.” A year later, the Localism Act became law, giving councils “the legal capacity to do anything that an individual can do”. In practice, that meant not a lot, because councils continue to be fiscally dependent on Westminster. London, for example, relies on strings-attached central government grants for 68.8% of its funding. New York, by comparison, only depends on central government for 26% of its budget, and Paris just 16.3%. Councils can also generate revenue from council tax and business rates, an equivalent tax on business premises. But the Localism Act prevents councils from raising council tax annually above a cap – which is currently 5% – set by the government.  Austerity, then, has seemingly overridden any attempt at decentralisation. Fourteen years ago, your council could do a lot more for you, especially if you were in a tight spot. But year after year, it has pared back what it offers to the point that some campaigners fear residents expect less in the first place.

[wickedsrest-rp]

As the crisp autumn air settles over Wicked’s Rest, the town is thriving during what is undoubtedly the best season in New England. Or… if not the best, then at least the spookiest, most apple season. Resters are great at marching on even when there are giant bird legs sticking out of the ground, and as such, most try to enjoy themselves, and are happy to look past anything unsettling. There’s plenty to do this fall, from The Apple Gathering (not festival) to avoiding getting killed by… well, you’ll see. This event runs until December!

Wicked’s Rest is known for at least two things: death, and apples. And apples can actually be celebrated. So every fall, the annual apple not-festival known as The Apple Gathering brings the community together to bask in the glory of apples. Located on a farm out in Gatlin Fields, there’s plenty of space for festivities (despite it definitely being a gathering and not a festival). Apples are woven into every part of The Apple Gathering– apple cider flows freely, the scent of freshly baked pies fills the air, and the apple trees themselves– some there longer than anyone can remember– bear fruit ready to be picked by eager hands. Also, the apple hats. It’s always a fun time; why should this year be different?

The Palm Pomme is a time-honored tradition in Wicked’s Rest. What do you mean you’re not familiar with it? It’s easy. Get an apple, carve a message on it, and then chuck it at the intended recipient. And don’t softball it, you tender-hearts. Having a Palm Pomme thrown at you is considered an honor (and sometimes an insult), and the gathering has a carving booth all set up. It’s not an Apple Gathering until the apples are flying through the air and people get as bruised as the fruit. Will doing this mean your message does something special? Some insist that it does. But if the recipient catches the apple before it hits them, that’s supposed to be the worst of all.

Haunted hayrides have always been a family favorite, though sometimes the “haunted” part becomes very literal. Weirdly, riders have been warned to avoid certain routes where the trees have become especially dense. There have been reports of strange apple creatures in the woods, and there might be some truth to it – but the rides are often operated by bugbears, and it’s not hard to convince them to go down an extra risky path, whether the riders know it or not. 

Though the owners of the farm won’t admit it, a malapple infestation has been spotted in the orchards. These apple-mimic pests are small but dangerous to crops, and occasionally to humans. You might notice strange, misshapen apples on the ground or hanging from trees, but a closer inspection reveals they’re not apples at all. Try not to get too close, or you might become unusually argumentative or worse. Someone should probably take care of the malapples, but it’s hard to do that while arguing, and even harder when some of the trees infested happen to be treepies.

A gathering staple, the apple bobbing contest is always really hard in Wicked’s Rest. Those who grew up in town assume it’s always like this, but newcomers to the gathering might be alarmed seeing that the apples seem to actively be swimming away from them. Is it just movement in the water? Or are these apples somehow sentient? Mediums and those who sense ghosts might feel uneasy around these apples… wonder why.

The gathering offers an impressive cider flight – try six different ciders, each from a different orchard. Some are strong and spiced, others mild but sweet. There’s also one that vampires seem fond of. With so many farms contributing, though, sometimes quality control isn’t the best. Some people end up being able to talk about nothing but apples; others end up with a stem and leaf sprouting from their head. One person thought they were an apple. Fortunately, all of this seems temporary, but it’s unclear which ciders in the flight do what.

At the very edge of the gathering is a small vendor booth that no one recalls seeing during previous years. This is The Apple Store (no, not that one). The vendor, an old gentleman with a weathered face and long fingers, sells extremely useful things, like pickled apples, effigies made from apple branches, and dusty old books about apples. When people take their wallets out to pay, the vendor insists there’s no need, everything is free! Everyone should enjoy the apples. But that doesn’t mean there’s no cost.

The farm took some tips from the Renaissance Faire and set up an impressive maze in one of the orchards. During the day, people love it – and (probably) no one gets lost in it forever. But as it gets dark out, the maze changes. Hedges seal off pathways, the maze seems to be much larger, and bugbears prowl around looking for ways to make things even worse for those trapped, and the presence of several tatty bogles can become deadly. Usually people who are caught in the maze at night make it to morning more or less okay… but not all.

Though Gourdon is more typically seen in a neighboring corn field maze, the arrival of this new hedge maze has garnered the little creature's attention. The local cryptid has exchanged its favored snacks of mulled wine for hot apple cider and pumpkin seeds for apple cores during this not-festival, according to those that have spotted it in the maze. And, in fact, more people are spotting it than ever, given the not-festival's popularity! A few people have even claimed to have been able to touch it, and said that everything they touched afterward become both cinnamon flavored and scented. Not a bad deal, if you like cinnamon!

There are normal apple festival gathering things, of course… not everything is cursed. Go pick some apples, have some cider donuts, and listen to local musicians play. You can bring the whole family, dogs included.

Gourdon has long been associated with the fall season, and many Resters are fond of that orange hairball, even leaving pumpkin spice lattes out for it. But there’s another fall cryptid some of the town still remembers, even though throughout the century, many have forgotten. Still, the ritual to appease this cryptid is dutifully performed each year, even after the reason for it faded from the town’s memory. This year, it was decided that it didn’t matter, and the ritual was not performed. They were wrong; it did matter.

A massive, clawed disembodied hand has been speeding along Wicked’s Rest’s roads like a horse (and is about the size of one), roaming the woods, and crushing people in its fist until their heads pop off. That’s right –  the Dullahand has returned after a century, and the creature is angered about the ritual not having been performed. Since then, stranger than usual occurrences have been happening around town, even more frequently as Halloween nears. Whether this is directly tied to the Dullahand is unclear, but some say it might not be too late to appease the creature.

Many in town choose not to believe what’s right in front of their eyes, but the rumors about the Dullahand are far more reliable than a lot of other murmurs around town. Few in the supernatural community would deny that the Dullahand isn’t a problem. It’s always seen at night, and often gallops right into the heart of Downtown, its claws clacking on the cobblestones of the oldest streets. Sometimes it runs out to the highway stretching through The Pines, and it’s even been seen in the open fields of Gatlin. 

Unfortunately, since the Dullahand hasn't been seen for at least a century and was forgotten by most, there's little information about it. Even most hunters wouldn't have heard of this cryptid (okay, fine, it's probably a demon).

Since the Dullahand began galloping around, several Resters have found ominous claw marks on their homes, slashed into their doors. Some say this is a warning sign that the Dullahand will be coming to crush them the next time they go out at night. And it’s not just their home that’s impacted – those marked are plagued with bad dreams and a sense of impending doom. Is it just mares and fear, or is there something to it? And as more people are marked, more and more desperately want to know if there’s a way to spare themselves before it’s too late.

So it was probably a mistake to skip the ritual this year. Those involved have begun to regret this decision, but no one knows exactly how to fix things. The materials involved in the ritual are rare, and no one was anticipating needing to perform it. Doing the ritual now isn’t easy, but the spellcasters in town are fairly sure it’s the only way out of this – and they can’t do it alone.

This year’s Halloween in Wicked’s Rest feels especially strange, doesn’t it? Even weirder than that year where all the pumpkins started dancing. Ever since the town decided to skip the annual ritual for the Dullahand, weird Halloween occurrences have popped up everywhere, affecting everything from the decorations to the costumes. While some are convinced these happenings are related to the Dullahand’s fury, others believe it’s something else – be it a long string of coincidences or a coven who really screwed up. Regardless of the cause, Halloween has really taken on a life of its own this year.

NOTE: This plot will span the entirety of the event and does not need to take place on Halloween specifically.

Amity Road is overflowing with costumes during the fall season, and for many, the costumes they sell are becoming more than costumes. Anyone who dons a costume becomes the thing or character they’re dressed as – fully and completely. And a lot of common costumes out there represent species or beings that are horrifyingly real, and dangerous. Those dressed as vampires won’t be prepared to become the real thing; witches don’t know how to wield their new magic, and some costumes bode even more poorly. The fix is actually simple – leaving the town’s boundaries returns someone to normal, and they can then remove the costume. But figuring that out and getting there might not be so easy, depending on what you chose to wear.

Some pumpkins have come to life. Fortunately, they aren’t attacking people (it’s happened before). They are, however, very rude. Anyone who walks by one of these sentient pumpkins will be viciously insulted, needling at their worst insecurities. Or the pumpkins might just say they don’t like your hat. It varies. Those who believe this to be connected to the Dullahand say that it’s the Dullahand’s way of taunting the town.

Yeah, the mean pumpkins aren’t great, but the town was quick to spin it as coming from speakers inside the pumpkins. But, even though there’s nothing strange or threatening about these pumpkins, wouldn’t it be a fun game for everyone if those pumpkins were hunted down? Not that they’re a problem. Just, you know, for fun. The township asked the remnants of the Good Neighbors to take charge, and they’re serious about it. They organized a townwide hunt to gather and destroy the “malfunctioning” pumpkins. 

The fallen leaves scattered across town aren’t just pretty – they're magical, or maybe cursed by the Dullahand. When someone touches or crunches a leaf underfoot, their mood changes based on its color: red leaves spark anger, yellow leaves make you happy, brown leaves trigger sadness, and any remaining green leaves will make you envious. On rare occasions, you might find a sparkling golden leaf, which will do something extra special.

A local charity group thought they had found the perfect old mansion for their Halloween haunted house fundraiser, but they made one big mistake – the house is sentient and seems to enjoy trapping people inside. You might find yourself stuck in impossibly long halls or shifting rooms as you try to escape what has become a truly haunted mansion. Those who make it out sometimes assume it was all part of the show, but maybe they won’t give to that charity again for a while.

A very competitive necromancer went overboard in trying to win the neighborhood “scariest house” contest. Which would be fine, except they used necromancy to get a real edge. Now their front yard is overflowing with reanimated corpses, slowly shambling around the neighborhood.

The fae are ready for fall, and especially for the mushrooms. Fairy rings, gnomes, and other fae creatures are prevalent this time of year, even wandering into town when they’re otherwise shy. Whether inspired by the season or the fairy rings themselves, fae of all kinds find themselves more chaotic this time of year, and they’re happy to share their good spirits and chaos with those around them. But don’t follow the fae into the mushroom circles. It’s a bad idea. And where there’s increased fae activity, there are busy wardens, working around the clock to keep the town safe and remove as many of those damned gnomes as they can.

NOTE: There fairy ring information is in the gnome write up!

Fairy rings are circles of mushrooms – gnomes – and this is the time of year where they’re most populous, popping up everywhere from the Common to the edges of the woods. Any fae who steps into the circle loses themselves to chaotic fun, which can be dangerous for humans. Humans bode even worse if they step into a circle with fae, though, being bound to the fae’s will, so keep your wits about you and don’t follow someone into the woods. That’s probably good advice anyway. Fae of all kinds are drawn to the circles and are having a good time, even at the expense of others. Everyone is welcome to the mushroom party. No clothes needed.

For most people, gnomes are just weird looking mushrooms. For some, they herald terrible allergies. Those who are allergic to gnomes have allergy flare ups from their spores during this time of year. You could have someone pull them out of your garden for you, but be careful – if there are fae nearby watching, that might end badly.

Other than the fairy rings and allergies, gnomes are pretty harmless. Most of them. A rarer variant, the withercap, is popping up every once in a while too, draining the life from plants and attempting to control the minds of anyone who comes too close. Some bleeding hearts are concerned about the regular gnomes and trying to relocate them before the withercaps get them. Others – especially wardens – might not care about the gnomes, but the withercaps need to be taken down. 

A group of ghillie dhu have taken up residence at the edge of the woods near the town’s border. And they are murderously territorial. The ghillie dhu seem to be slowly expanding that territory, too, which is conflicting with anyone trying to get by. As the ghillie dhu get more aggressive, wardens are trying to figure out how to handle them. 

One particularly inspired fae seems to have set up a “game” around town. A few small altars have been built, and whoever touches them is sucked into some weird, liminal space, where they’re presented with puzzles and riddles they need to solve to escape. If you succeed, something good might happen. If you fail, well… don’t worry, it was just a game! It won’t kill you. But you might find all your clothes now glow in the dark, or pumpkins are magnetically attracted to you for a while. While the working theory is that there’s an older, powerful fae behind these games, some suspect it’s just a massive horde of pixies. 

Be nice to your warden friends. Maybe buy them a drink or something. They all look pretty tired, and it’s not uncommon for wardens to drive around town with a sack, pulling out all the gnomes they possibly can, hoping to break the hold on any fae and prevent further incidents Some wardens claim they feel stronger this time of year, maybe a little faster, as if their bodies are rising to meet the threat. 

[plantanarchy]

visiting another greenhouse this weekend has forced me to be like. it doesn't have to be like this man. it doesn't have to be this level of out of control all the time. they have neat little signs everywhere. don't grow more than can fit in their houses. the grower has a map for growing locations. a lot is grown on the floor but the aisles are leveled with twine pre-season. shade annuals and sun annuals are kept together. every tray is pre-spaced. I didn't see any major pest issues (besides the coleus downy mildew issue) everything is labeled. they have lists of all plants they grow on their website linked to their social media. the aisleways are clean and navigable. they've had the same grower since 2013. I'm sure they've got their own issues but it makes me sit here and go. oof.

[rayspookyhistory]

≽^Cats in Ancient Egypt^≼

In Ancient Egypt, cats occupied a place of exceptional esteem and reverence, serving crucial roles in both daily life and spiritual practices.

Practical Roles and Household Companions

Cats were indispensable in Ancient Egypt for their roles in protection and pest control. They were essential in safeguarding granaries and food stores from rodents and snakes, which could devastate supplies and threaten the livelihood of Ancient Egyptians. In domestic settings, cats maintained hygiene by keeping homes free from pests, thereby preventing the spread of diseases carried by vermin.

As household companions, cats were considered members of the family. Depictions in various domestic scenes illustrate the close relationship between cats and their owners. Ancient Egyptians showed their affection for cats by providing them with food, shelter, and even jewellery. Artwork often portrays cats wearing collars and other adornments, underscoring their esteemed status.

Religious and Spiritual Symbolism

Cats held profound religious significance in Ancient Egypt, particularly in their association with the goddess Bastet. Initially depicted as a lioness, Bastet's image evolved into that of a domestic cat, symbolising gentler aspects such as home, fertility, and motherhood while retaining her protective qualities. The reason behind this is believed to be a result of the cultural and religious change in Ancient Egypt. Also due to the fact that more people were keeping cats for domestic use rather than a fierce lioness, pushing a change in how they saw Bastet. As the goddess of home, fertility, and childbirth, Bastet also embodied protection, joy, dance, music, and love.

Temples dedicated to Bastet, especially in the city of Bubastis, became centers of worship. Here, people offered cat statues and mummies to seek her favor and protection. The annual festival of Bastet in Bubastis was one of the most significant religious events, drawing participants from across Egypt. It involved music, dancing, feasting, and processions, reflecting the joy and celebratory spirit associated with the goddess and her feline form. Devotees often brought cats to be mummified as offerings, which were then placed in large cat cemeteries as a form of devotion to Bastet.

Cultural and Artistic Representation

The cultural and artistic representation of cats in Ancient Egypt is rich and varied. Cats are prominently featured in Egyptian art, from tomb paintings to household items. These depictions often show cats in relaxed, natural poses, reflecting their integral role in daily life. In religious and funerary art, cats symbolize protection and guidance, sometimes appearing in hunting scenes that highlight their agility and prowess.

Cat-shaped amulets were popular as protective charms, believed to bring good fortune and safeguard the wearer against evil. These amulets were crafted from various materials, including gold, faience, and bronze. Wealthy Egyptians often wore jewelry featuring cat motifs, signifying their high status and the protection of Bastet.

Legal Protections and Societal Norms

The legal protections afforded to cats in Ancient Egypt were stringent, reflecting their sacred status. The killing of a cat, whether intentional or accidental, was considered a grave offense, often punishable by death. This severe penalty underscored the reverence with which cats were regarded. Additionally, the death of a household cat prompted a period of mourning similar to that for a human family member, including rituals such as shaving one's eyebrows as a sign of grief.

Mummification and Burial Practices

The mummification and burial practices for cats further illustrate their spiritual importance. The mummification process for cats involved similar techniques used for humans, including the removal of internal organs, dehydration of the body using natron, and wrapping in linen bandages. Mummified cats were often buried with their owners or placed in cat cemeteries, indicating their significance in both life and the afterlife.

Archaeological discoveries of large cat cemeteries at sites such as Bubastis, Saqqara, and Beni Hasan contain thousands of mummified cats. These findings highlight the scale of cat worship and their importance in religious practices. Cats mummified as offerings were sometimes placed in elaborate coffins, adorned with inscriptions and images, signifying their sacred role.

Influence And Legacy

The Egyptian reverence for cats influenced neighboring cultures, spreading the domestication and appreciation of cats throughout the ancient world. This legacy continued through Greek and Roman civilizations, which adopted similar attitudes towards cats. The modern perception of cats as symbols of mystery, protection, and grace persists, a testament to the lasting impact of Ancient Egyptian practices and beliefs.

In conclusion, cats in Ancient Egypt were not merely pets but protectors, symbols of divine power, and integral members of society. Their treatment reflects the complexity of Egyptian culture, where practicality and spirituality intertwined to create a unique reverence for these remarkable animals. The enduring legacy of cats in Ancient Egypt continues to captivate and inspire, highlighting the profound connection between humans and their feline companions.

now look at these adorable brown cats :3

[wolfalder]

What would you consider to be an ethically sourced tail? Where might somebody purchase an ethically sourced tail?

Thank you so much for asking!!! 🐾

Personally I believe It should either: Be sourced as a by-product of the food industry, Transform a waste product to give it value, such as the reclaiming fur from animals culled for environmental management, Minimise waste by re-manufacturing vintage pieces or using surplus manufacturing material, instead of only using new material. There are other options such as taxidermy from ranched animals which were stillborn or died from illness or other natural causes. Byproducts of roadkill, pest management, and wildlife population control which are done in a sustainable manner that keeps the natural population at a healthy and maintainable level. Also if there is no unnecessary pain or cruelty that’s inflicted and killing of said animal involves minimal waste and has a purpose other than simply their fur.

And I know there is the argument that we don’t need to kill animals to make clothing because of course there are other materials to keep us warm, but the best of them (wool, down, leather) also come from animals. Meanwhile, most synthetic fibers (including fake or “faux” fur) are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, the extraction and transformation of which entails serious environmental risks.

In many regions, wildlife populations must be culled annually to maintain healthy and stable populations, to preserve habitat, to protect endangered species (e.g., by culling predators that attack ground-nesting birds or sea turtle eggs), and to safe-guard human health, livestock and property. If furbearer populations must be culled, surely it is more ethical to use these animals than to discard them?

Farmed minks manure, soiled straw bedding and carcasses are composted to produce organic fertilizers, to enrich the soil and produce more food, completing the agricultural nutrient cycle. Biofuels made from mink remains now power buses in Aarhus, Denmark, the world’s largest producer of farmed mink. Similar projects are being tested in North America.

Now after all that here are some options for furs/tails. Though please do your own research into each small business or company you buy from.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SterlingFoxTaxidermy

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChimeraTaxidermyAU

[tea-withnofixinsplease]

We're makin leaps and bounds with this whole sustainability thing since we moved from our apartment a few years ago. Whenever i feel like im not doin enough I lay out all the tiny swaps we've done on the table

we no longer by styrofoam cups and reuse the ones we have

We no longer use plastic plates, we either use glass or compostable ones (and throw the compostable ones in the compost)

Our building has solar panels for electricity

Our soaps are zero/low waste

My mother and I started our loc journey so its much easier to find all-natural, plastic free hair care

I use reusable pads

I don't buy new clothes often if at all, 4 shirts in the last 7 years

3/5 of us eat strictly plant-based bc we're vegan,

We have an indoor hydroponic system growing leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and fruits, and we bought seeds in bulk. We're planning on swapping rockwool cubes with reusable and compostable hemp fiber cubes

Since the hydroponic system is so bright, and the led lights last for 5 years at a time, we use the living area lights much less, opting for natural sunlight if the hydroponic system is not enough or is off.

We have a bokashi indoor compost bin for food scraps, and an outdoor cold compost bin for the scraps that cant go in the bokashi bin to make our own soil

We started a kitchen garden, and a pollinator/tea garden, and as of 2023 we now have a plum tree, a grapevine, two blackberry bushes, 5 reusable grow bags, 4 big planters and 2 big raised garden beds, lookin forward to fruits and vegetables in the spring, summer, fall and winter. We're planning to buy one more steel raised bed to ensure that we are cycling through what we're growing each year to limit pest-control methods, even neem oil, and planning on purchasing a lot more perennials and native perennials/annuals.

This fall Im gonna purchase a mushroom growing chamber kit for more low waste vegan meat alternatives and to add some healthy mushroom soil to the compost cycle

Our laundry detergent is environmentally safe

Our washing machine is water-efficient

We have a fridge with a water filter for cooking and drinking water

We have reusable grocery store bags

Im gonna try to grow lufas next year to replace our kitchen sponges and steel wool scrubbing pads,

Our property is small, and our neighbors are not as social/gungho about bartering or Co-Op food gardening,

but I'm proud of wat we've done so far, and I can do a lot more, and I plan to do so, so any advice would be welcome

[ovaruling]

“Happy #batappreciationday!

If your day includes soap, shampoo, cosmetics, a toothbrush and toothpaste, coffee, margarine, paper or ink, cushions, wood furniture, fuel or lubricating fluids, rope or twine, timber, boats or canoes, ornamental trees, life saving medicines, air fresheners, candles, rubber, chewing gum, spices, vegetables, fruits, chocolate or even margaritas or beer, you are not only involved with bats, you are dependent upon bats. Bats pollinate or disperse the seeds of many valuable plants and trees including wild banana, avocado, date, fig, mango, eucalyptus and balsa wood, just to name a few. It is the fruit bats that are responsible for 98% of the reforestation of the world's rain forests (the lungs of our planet). Without fruit bats we would lose entire forests without felling a single tree.

About seventy percent of all bats are insect eaters that feed on a tremendous diversity of bugs including the pests that consume the crops we need to survive. Each bat is capable of eating a whopping 5,000 insects per night; a lactating female will eat twice that amount. The 20 million bats (the single largest warm blooded mammal colony population on earth), that roost at Bracken Cave in Texas, eat 200 tons of insects each summer evening. Bats eat crop pests that cost farmers billions of dollars annually. Insect control by bats keeps down prices of fruits and vegetables at the market place.

Bats are a keystone species and they have long played essential roles in our lives. Their loss today would compromise the health and stability of our environment. Bat Appreciation Day is a tribute to these little agricultural vacuum cleaners in the sky, controllers of fruit flies, dispersers of seeds, and pollinators of products we both need and desire.

We had to share one of our favorite photos from @Bat World Bulgaria again, because we also appreciate just how stinking cute bats are!

Thank you, dear bats, we would be lost without you.”

(via batworldsanctuary)

[beardedmrbean]

Pakistan's parliament has a problem - and it is nothing to do with the politicians.

No, the problem besieging the building - terrifying new starters and turning its offices into overnight “marathon” tracks - is rats. Big ones.

The scale of the problem came to light after an official committee asked to see the records of meetings from 2008. When the records were collected, it was found most had been badly gnawed by rats.

“The rats on this floor are so huge that even cats might be afraid of them,” National Assembly spokesman Zafar Sultan admitted to the BBC.

The infestation is now so widespread that an annual budget of 1.2m rupees ($4,300; £3,300) has been dedicated to making Pakistan’s halls of power rat-free.

It seems most of the rats are located on the first floor - an area which not only houses the office of the senate opposition leader, but also hosts most of the political party meetings and standing committees.

It is also, perhaps crucially, the location of a food hall.

But the rats generally keep themselves out of sight - until, that is, people have departed for the day.

“When there are usually no people here in the evening, the rats run around in there like it’s a marathon,” a National Assembly official said.

“The staff posted there are now used to this, but if someone comes here for the first time, they get scared.”

Advertisements have now gone out in several Pakistan newspapers, in order to find a pest control company which can help officials deal with the rats.

So far, just two have shown any interest.

[sweetkoalastarfish]

Strawberries in the Philippines: Cultivation, Production, Markets, and Health Benefits

Strawberries, known for their sweet taste and health benefits, have a notable presence in the Philippines, particularly in the mountainous regions where the climate is cooler. Here's a comprehensive overview of strawberries in the Philippines, covering cultivation, production, markets, health benefits, and other related aspects.

Cultivating strawberries in the Philippines involves several key steps;

. Climate and Soil: Strawberries prefer cooler climates and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5 to 6.5). Raised beds and good irrigation are recommended.

. Planting: Strawberry runners or crowns are typically used for planting. Proper spacing and mulching are essential to protect plants and retain moisture.

. Care and Maintenance: Regular watering, weed control, and protection from pests and diseases are crucial. Strawberries require consistent care to ensure a good yield.

. Harvesting: They are usually harvested when they are fully red. This is generally done by hand to avoid damage to the fruit.

The Philippines is not among the world's largest producers of strawberries, but it has a growing market for both fresh strawberries and strawberry-based products. Benguet is one of the primary production areas, with La Trinidad being famous for its strawberry farms. The region also hosts an annual Strawberry Festival, highlighting the importance of this fruit to the local economy.

Where to Buy Strawberry Products

. Markets and Supermarkets: Fresh strawberries are available in local markets, especially in Benguet and nearby areas. Larger supermarket in cities like Manila also stock strawberries and strawberry products

. Specialty Shops and Online Stores: Specialty shops and online platforms offer a variety of strawberry products, including jams , preserves, and other strawberry-based treats.

. Strawberry Farms: Many farms in Benguet and La Trinidad allow visitors to pick their own strawberries, offering a unique experience and direct access to fresh produce.

Health Benefits: Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

. Rich Nutrients: Strawberries contain Vitamins C, B9 (folate) and potassium. They're also a good source of antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

. Heart Health: The antioxidants and fiber in strawberries may contribute to healthy heart by reducing LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.

. Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, strawberries can be healthy addition to a weight management plan.

. Blood Sugar Regulation: Strawberries have a low glycemic index, which may help with blood sugar regulation.

Conclusion: Strawberries in the Philippines are primarily grown in the cooler regions of Benguet and La Trinidad. These areas are known for their strawberry farms and related products including jams and other preserves. The cultivation process may requires careful attention to climate, soil, and maintenance. The fruit offers a range of health benefits, from improved healthy heart to weight management, making it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. If you're interested in trying fresh strawberries or strawberry-based products, local markets, specialty shops, and even online paltforms offer a variety of options.

Thank you for reading. Until next time, salamat and see you soon!

[yfhe]

Winterized: The weather in Japan reaches extremes, from hot, humid summers to frigid, icy winters, and for centuries gardeners there have employed beautiful yet practical ways to protect trees from the harshness of winter. Transforming trees into sculptural objects through yukizuri–the art of supporting tree limbs against the weight of heavy wet snow with artfully tied ropes–is an annual autumn ritual throughout Japan. Tree trunks are protected by kokomaki–wraps made of straw–in an organic form of pest control that creates a cozy spot for the pine moth (in its caterpillar stage) to roost for the winter, rather than its usual hibernation spot under fallen leaves on the ground. In the spring, gardeners collect and burn the wraps filled with still-groggy caterpillars before they are able to gobble up the pine needles and damage the tree.

[coherentmarketinsights]

Golden Grains: The Flourishing Barley Industry in Latin America

Barley Production in Latin America History and Development of Barley Farming Barley has a long history of cultivation in Latin America, dating back to periods of colonial rule when European settlers first brought the crop to the region. Initially barley was mainly grown for livestock feed, as many areas were well suited to pasture-based animal agriculture. Over time barley began to be used more for human consumption as well, as brewing industries developed and barley emerged as a popular ingredient in beers, spirits and foods throughout Latin America. Early barley varieties cultivated in Latin America were often six-row types common to Europe at the time. However, farmers eventually began selecting strains better adapted to local growing conditions like heat, drought and diseases. Two-row varieties in particular proved hardier and yielded more consistently than six-row types. By the late 19th century, improved two-row varieties from Canada and other parts of North America were being introduced and adopted across much of Latin America. Major Barley Producing Nations Argentina is currently the largest barley producer in Latin America, growing over 4 million tons annually on over 1.5 million harvested hectares. The vast Pampas region is highly conducive to barley with fertile soils and a climate resembling the Mediterranean. Nearly all Argentine barley is malting quality, destined for use in beer. Mexico is also a substantial barley grower, producing around 650,000 tons per year. The high plains and valleys of Northern Mexico near the U.S. border have semi-arid conditions well suited to barley. Much Mexican barley goes to domestic breweries and distilleries. Other significant barley growing nations in Latin America include Chile, which harvests around 300,000 tons from its central valley regions, as well as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, each producing 50,000-150,000 tons annually focused on regional malting and brewing needs. Varieties, Production Practices and Yields The vast majority of barley grown in Latin America is spring-planted, as winter temperatures remain above freezing across much of the region. Common varieties include MCC and INTA which have shown good disease resistance, yield potential and malting qualities in Argentina. In Mexico popular varieties include Baguette, Nevada and Antelope due to adaptability in the arid north. Standard barley production practices in Latin America incorporate tillage, seed treatments, fertilization and weed/pest control as needed. Irrigation is important in many areas to ensure adequate moisture during critical growth stages like flowering and grain fill. With modern hybrids and optimal conditions, average barley yields in Latin America range from 2.5-4 tons per hectare, comparable to yields in other major barley growing regions worldwide. End Uses and Markets By far the largest portion of barley grown in Latin America, around 80-90%, is utilized for malt in beer production. Leading brewing companies sourcing Latin American barley include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Heineken, Grupo Modelo and Quilmes. The remainder of barley production is often sold as livestock feed, particularly in Argentina which has a large animal agriculture sector. Growing export markets for Latin American malting barley include Mexico shipping to the United States under NAFTA, and Argentina exporting to Asia as well as major maltsters in Europe and North America. Regional trade also exists, such as Chile exporting to breweries in other South American nations. With steady yield gains and quality improvements, Latin America's barley industry continues to expand avenues for trade on the global stage. Future Prospects and Challenges Nonetheless, further increases in barley yields will depend on ongoing varietal improvement, adequate irrigation infrastructure and climate change adaptation. Rising temperatures and variable rainfall bring risks of drought stress and disease pressures. Water scarcity and competition from other crops also pose threats.

[ingek73]

From ferret electricians to landmine-sniffing rats – meet the extraordinary animals that work for a living

Sometimes the right person for the job isn’t a person at all …

Magawa, a recently retired mine-detecting rat, plays with his former handler in Cambodia. Photograph: Cindy Liu/Reuters

by Emma Beddington

Thu 19 Oct 2023 11.00 CEST

Our relationship with animals is deeply peculiar, spanning the spectrum from besotted to breezily exploitative. Whether they are friends, pests, assets, dinner or catnip content creators, the relationship tends to be heavily skewed in our favour. We might look after our pets devotedly, but most animals aren’t so lucky in their encounters with us.

There are a few instances, however, where human interests and animals’ natural behaviours and inclinations more or less align. Most aren’t technically “mutualistic” interactions between two species that benefit both, like a clownfish hiding in and cleaning up its sea anemone. Even so, there is a cheering amount of win-win in a handful of our relationships with the natural world. Let’s take a look at some of that mutual back-scratching.

Bat librarians

Careful curators … bats have lived in the Joanina library at the University of Coimbra in Portugal for centuries. Photograph: Marcin Jamkowski/Adventure Pictures/Alamy

The baroque Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra in Portugal is well known for its exquisitely detailed gilding and woodwork, but also for what its deputy director, António Maia do Amaral, calls its “honorary librarians”: bats. Amaral explains that there are two small colonies – free-tailed bats and pipistrelles – living in Joanina. They have been there for centuries: 18th-century library paperwork documents an order of large leather sheets from Russia; these sheets, known as “moscovias”, are still unrolled at night to protect the huge embossed tropical wood tables from bat droppings.

Literary wingman … a pipistrelle bat, one of two species found at Joanina. Photograph: Rudmer Zwerver/Alamy

Whether the bat librarians are actually helping is a moot point. The assumption is that they feed on book-eating insects that could damage the library’s precious collection, but their droppings have never been analysed to check. “As far as I know, it has always been a peaceful coexistence, even if their role in pest control is maybe marginal,” says Amaral. “We cannot trust bats alone to preserve the books from flying insects. For that purpose, we have a six-cubic-metre anoxic chamber for cleaning the books.”

The bats are part of the library anyway, even if they are only occasionally spotted (usually at evening events, when they flutter out from the shelves to entertain guests). Visitors are intrigued – you can even get a baseball cap with a Joanina bat on it – but opinions within the library vary. “My first director was always very annoyed when asked about the bats’ existence,” says Amaral. “He felt that bats were the least important thing in the library, because he was such a cultured man. Nowadays, people are more often benevolent and amused with the bat story. Personally, I’m very happy with the bats and pray for their good health.”

The bats weren’t the only honorary librarians in previous centuries, Amaral adds. Historical library records included an annual sum in the budget for feeding Joanina’s mouse-hunting cats; you can still spot “cat doors” cut into the woodwork.

Ferret electricians

The cutest cable guys … ferrets strut their stuff on Channel 4.

“Ferrets are, if you want to be polite, inquisitive; if you want to be blunt, they’re nosy little devils,” says James McKay of the National Ferret School. “When you put them in any opening, they want to go through and see what’s at the other end.” Their curiosity, shape and sinuous flexibility mean they can get to places and do jobs no human could manage. Felicia the ferret became a furry pipe cleaner for the Fermilab particle accelerator in Illinois in 1971; ferrets wriggled under the floor of St Paul’s Cathedral to enable TV transmission of the royal wedding in 1981 and cabled the Millennium Dome (the work of three called Beckham, Posh and Baby).

Naturally inquisitive … ferrets can squeeze into spaces that humans can’t. Photograph: Farlap/Alamy

How does the cabling work? The ferret wears a harness attached to a long, light nylon line. Once it has threaded the line through a duct, the line is attached to a heavier pull rope to thread the cable. Although there is some training involved – the school has a training area with a range of vertical and split pipes and cul-de-sacs – it is really a case of capitalising on the ferrets’ natural inclination to investigate holes. A bit of salmon oil at the far end of a long pipe as a reward can help them find their way. The furthest one of McKay’s ferrets has travelled is about 250 metres: “We’ve never had one get halfway and decide to come back.”

The school’s business (the delightful collective noun for ferrets) numbers about 50 and McKay usually takes half a dozen along on a job in case someone isn’t in the mood. The hobs (males, which are larger) can pull lines longer distances, while the smaller jills (females) are better at wriggling through the narrowest spaces. Does he have a favourite ferret? “They’re all as good as each other.”

Winemaking ducks and spiders

How winemaking ducks help Vergenoegd Löw vineyard – video

At the Vergenoegd Löw winery in South Africa, pest control on the vines is the responsibility of a flock of more than 1,000 Indian runner duck “soldiers”. They emerge in a cacophony of honks every morning and spend the day eating aphids, snails and worms, keeping the vines pest-free and healthy. They circulate in a 14-day loop around different areas of the vineyard, with their droppings providing a bonus fertiliser. The ducks take a break only during harvest – grapes are just too tempting – when they get a holiday to swim in a nearby lake, forage on farmland and, er, work on producing the next generation of vineyard soldiers.

A corking idea … gigantic cobwebs drape the cellar walls at R López de Heredia winery in La Rioja, Spain. Photograph: Agefotostock/Alamy

Meanwhile, at the R López de Heredia winery in La Rioja, gigantic cobwebs drape the cellar walls and yet more cover the bottles. They aren’t Halloween props or atmospheric decor: they are home to the spiders who help the López de Heredia family keep their barrels and corks free from cork-eating moths – “the mortal enemy of long‑ageing wine”.

Diagnostic technician and demining rats

Another fruitful endeavour … one of Apopo’s rats gets a tasty treat for identifying an inactive mine in Cambodia. Photograph: Taylor Weidman/Getty Images

The 300 African giant pouched rats employed by the NGO Apopo are multitalented. Not only have they worked on mine clearance in south-east Asia and Africa, but they also sniff out positive tuberculosis sputum samples.

Why are they so good at the job? “They’ve very smart; they’re sociable; they have an excellent sense of smell,” says Lily Shallom of Apopo. “In the past, we’ve found that they can smell a picogram of TNT – a trillionth of a gram.” The rats are “very motivated by food. They like to stuff their cheeks; they have a sweet tooth and they love anything that’s got a really high fat and protein content.” Peanuts and bananas are particular favourites.

The rats signal when they have found a mine by scratching at the surface of the ground. (Weighing a maximum of 1.5kg, the rats are much too light to set off a mine; none have been hurt in the field.) A TB sample, meanwhile, is flagged as potentially positive if a rat hovers over it for three seconds.

Reporting for duty … Apopo’s life-saving rats.

It’s a nice life for these highly sociable creatures. Training (which takes nine months on average) or work make up a tiny portion of the rats’ day: mine detection sessions last about 20 minutes, building up to half an hour. Assessing 100 TB samples – the standard batch size – takes a maximum of 20 minutes, but could take a human technician up to four days. The rest of the rats’ day is devoted to free play, hanging out with other rats, snacking and napping.

Apopo is always exploring potential uses for the rats’ special skillset at its training and research centre in Tanzania. Projects include searching for survivors of natural disasters, detecting illegally trafficked pangolin scales and decontaminating land, with the rats deployed to detect specific concentrations of hydrocarbons in soil.

Honey-hunting birds

Birds of a feather … a honey hunter studies a greater honeyguide at the Niassa national reserve in Mozambique. Photograph: Claire Spottiswoode/AP

Humans and greater honeyguides have a genuinely mutualistic relationship: the small, brown‑ish African relative of the woodpecker flutters in front of people, tweeting to guide them to bees’ nests in hollow tree trunks. The humans then smoke out the potentially dangerous bees and take the honey. The honeyguide watches and waits until they have finished, then enjoys its preferred food: beeswax.

On song … how honeyguides talk to people.

In 2016, a research team at the University of Cambridge discovered that communication between honeyguides and humans goes both ways. They learned that honey hunters from the Yao community in Mozambique have a better chance of attracting honeyguides, and finding honey, if they use a specific sound: “A loud trill followed by a short grunt: brrr-hmm.” The call increased the overall chance of finding honey from 16% to 54% compared with control sounds. “The ‘brrr-hmm’ call more than tripled the chances of a successful interaction, yielding honey for the humans and wax for the bird,” reported Dr Claire Spottiswoode, who led the project.

Hawk bouncers

Top flight … a working hawk at the Hayward Gallery, London. Photograph: Stephen Chung/Alamy

Why do pigeons need to be deterred? According to Citihawk’s Leigh Holmes, they represent a twofold health hazard: “Pigeon fouling contains horrendous amounts of bacteria and parasites – and when wet it becomes very slippery,” she says. The hawks aren’t there to attack or eat the pigeons – that never happens, according to Holmes. They would rather fly back for chicken pieces held by their handlers. The aim is to scare them off and discourage them from returning. The theory, says Holmes, is that “pigeons see a natural predator that they are in-built to be fearful of … They disappear to find somewhere safer to roost, nest and feed.”

The hawks fly free, exploring wherever they like on the day’s site. “They love the exercise; they love getting out and flying,” says Holmes. She thinks they particularly relish working in urban areas. “They really enjoy some of the hustle and bustle, because they fly exceptionally well.” That freedom does mean they sometimes go awol. “They can be quite childlike at times and see a pigeon a street away or on another roof. They will literally just go to scare off other birds.” The hawks are fitted with trackers, so the handlers can follow their movements in real time.

Harris’s hawks are good at this work because they are naturally gregarious and used to hunting collaboratively in the wild, says Holmes. When trained by humans, they view their falconer as part of their hunting team. “They learn to read each other,” she says. “It’s incredible. It’s an amazing feeling for the staff members.”

Another big part of the falconer’s job is interacting with amazed and delighted members of the public: “The amount of photographs taken, the amount of interest and the amount of love for birds of prey … People just love it.”