Today’s post is by Gayl M. Southard, Administration Consultant at SafeSourcing Inc.

When we built our home in 2003 in the Sonoran Desert, I quickly learned of new bugs/insects that I had never come in contact with.  Because we are on a desert preserve, and our neighborhood was a newly developed area, the scorpion population became disturbed.  The first year living in our new home, I would learn a lot about scorpions.  Out of necessity, I found a reliable pest control specialist.  He likes to be called “Tom the Bug Guy”.  He sprays my home monthly.

Scorpions don’t bite, but they do sting.  The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the most dangerous of the many varieties found in Arizona. The Bark Scorpion is light brown in color, and can range to be 2-3 inches long (stretched out). The sting is not likely to be fatal, or even to have long lasting effects. 

The venom scorpions have is used to capture their prey.  Not all scorpions have venom that is harmful to humans.  The sting can be very painful.  People that have allergic reactions to stings, or have underdeveloped or compromised immune system (the young and every old) may have strong or severe reactions.  Small pets may also have adverse reactions.

Scorpions enter homes in search of water and insects.  Therefore, it is prudent to rid your home of insects (i.e., ants, roaches, etc.) to keep the insect population down.  The perimeter of the home should also be treated.  The Bark Scorpion can be found in many places due to its ability to climb.  It can be found not only under rocks or in rock crevices, but also in trees or high on rock walls.  They can be found inside of people’s homes trapped in sinks or bathtubs, climbing walls, or in a dark closet.  Sealing your home is important as a scorpion can slip through an opening of 1/16”.  Caulk holes and cracks in your walls and baseboards.  Close windows tightly.  Get door seals to prevent scorpion entry.

A cat, or even chickens, can help keep the population down.  I don’t think my HOA will allow chickens! 

Scorpions are preyed upon by large centipedes, tarantulas, lizards, birds (especially owls), and mammal such as bats, shrews, and grasshopper mice.

Is your business in need of pest extermination? If you’d like assistance with your pest control needs, please contact a SafeSourcing Project Manager in order to learn more.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

Today’s post is by Tyler Walther, Account Manager for SafeSourcing

The first statewide ban on single use plastic bags in the nation will not go into effect this summer as previously thought.  The Secretary of State in California’s office stated Tuesday that a referendum to overturn the bill has qualified for the November 2016 ballot.

The state of California acknowledged that the trade association American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA) attained at least 110 percent of the 504,760 confirmed signatures needed to qualify its measure to reverse the plastic bag ban. Accordingly, the unprecedented law is now delayed until California pollsters vote in 2016.

California Governor, Jerry Brown, ratified last September and originally set to go into effect this July, the ban would require large grocery stores and supermarkets such as Wal-Mart and Target to charge at least 10 cents for each recycled paper bag or reusable bag given to consumers. The plastic bag industry has argued that the ban has little to do with the environment and was a scheme by the California Grocers Association to make money off the 10-cent fee. The law also grants $2 million in loans to help plastic bag manufacturers transition their businesses to manufacture reusable bags.

Many believe Californians will support the ban on plastic bags. Plastic bags litter the streets and oceans of California, often killing the marine animals that swallow them. Reports state plastic bags could take as long as 1,000 years to biodegrade, making them a significant environmental concern.

There are currently more than 100 city ordinances banning plastic bags already existing throughout California, and will not be affected during the voter legislation period.

For more information on how SafeSourcing can assist you in exploring your procurement solutions for your business, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.