Last spring, author Raymond Bial wrote a book, What’s Bugging You?, that teaches children the differences between good and bad bugs and helpful or potentially harmful plants. While reading the book, children learn how to become “pest detectives” around their homes and yards. Ray traveled around the state of New York, visiting elementary schools in … Continued
As part of Debug the Myth’s efforts in New Hampshire, we are teaming up with local lawn experts Joe Gaukstern of Lawn Dawg Lawn Care, Tim Boyle of Giant Landscaping and Chris Pestana with JP Pest Services to help the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester beautify the landscaping around their newly renovated building. On … Continued
Approximately 34.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma by a health professional during their lifetime. An estimated 300 million people worldwide suffer asthma, with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease. Asthma rates in children under the age of five have increased more than 160 percent from 1980 to 1994. In 2005, nearly 9 … Continued
The Connecticut State Legislature is currently considering House Bill 5418, a bill that would implement an integrated pest management (IPM) program in Connecticut schools. The bill would ensure the necessary control of harmful pests on school grounds, and provide children with a safe learning environment. Opponents of the bill have been active in attempts to … Continued
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, which means we all should refresh our knowledge about the cause, prevention and prevalence of the devastating disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme Disease is the most prevalent insect-borne disease in the United States, with more than 28,000 confirmed cases and nearly 7,000 … Continued
S.4983-C (Foley) A.7937-C (Englebright) Senate Calendar330 Assembly 3rd Reading AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibit the use of certain toxic chemicals for law and grounds maintenance On behalf of nearly 700 school districts and 5,000 locally elected school officials, the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) OPPOSES S.4983-A/A.7937-A. … Continued
Pending legislation in New York has demonstrated the importance of an educational platform of Debug the Myths. Confusion and misconceptions about pesticide and fertilizer product use remains common, as is indicated by a bill in the New York senate that would greatly hinder the ability to protect and maintain school grounds, playgrounds and other outdoor … Continued
Dr. John Stier, Environmental Turfgrass Extension Specialist, Professor and Chair of the Dept. Horticulture-University of Wisconsin, Madison. As schools begin their “spring” semesters (in unusually cold temperatures in many places), administrations will begin preparing for warmer weather and the many bugs and creatures that come to life with it. Many schools use Integrated Pest Management to protect … Continued