NPMA on "The Rachael Ray Show"!

The Queen of Cooking came face to face with the Queen of Bugs on May 25th, when Rachael Ray welcomed NPMA's own Missy Henriksen to the set of "The Rachael Ray Show" for a feature segment on pest-proofing your home this spring. (See a clip from the segment here: http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/tips-prevent-spring-bugs-entering-your-home/ ) 

Missy shows Rachael Ray how to pest-proof the outside of your home.

In the segment, Missy shared her tips for keeping a wide variety of pests out of your home and property, as she walked Rachael through a sample home on set. Missy reminded viewers that heavy precipitation this winter is likely to cause a severe spring pest season, making prevention all the more crucial. Among the tips Missy shared in the segment:

Stinging Insects: Bees, Wasps, Hornets

• Over 1/2 million Americans each year find themselves in the emergency room because of some kind of an insect sting. 
• Walk around the outside of your home to see that caulk and weather strips are in tact so that nothing can get in.
• Scan the property for beehives or hornet's nests, especially in light fixtures.
• If you find a hive, it should be removed by a professional.

Termites

• Termites eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In fact, over $5 billion in property damage every year is done by termites.
• If you keep flower beds outside your home, be sure to keep mulch 12 to 18 inches away from the frame of your house, because the mulch can attract termites.
• Termites also are attracted to water and moisture, making gutters another potential home. Ensure that gutters drain away from home. 

Ants & Cockroaches

• Ants are the number one nuisance pest for homeowners.
• Cockroaches can carry bacteria that can transmit E. coli, salmonella, and 33 other kinds of bacteria. Cockroaches also create allergens that can cause asthma attacks, especially within children.
• Check for leaks under sinks and outside your home in the drainage areas as water is attractive to ants and roaches.
• Clean up crumbs wherever you eat and make sure to wipe any syrup or sugar that may spill in cabinets and on counters. 
• Feed pets at specific times instead of leaving their food on the floor, which attracts pests. 
• Vacuum rugs on a regular basis.
• After a vacation, spend a few minutes inspecting your suitcase to be sure you didn't pack a bug with your souvenirs. Vacuum crevices in the bag and look carefully at your outfits. Wash all of the clothes that you've taken on your trip, even if you haven't worn them.