Every year about this time mouse and rat populations are at their peak. Many people get a big shock when they find house mice and even larger norway and roof rats have found a way to get inside their home. Mike Isbell, a county extension agent in Heard County, Georgia, says there's two main reasons mice and rats want to move into your home. "Well they're generally coming in just seeking food and shelter for the winter, and generally when the weather starts getting colder they're looking for shelter from the cold." Mike Isbell with the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. If rats or mice have invaded your home, avoid using poisons. Instead, set snap traps at a right angle along the wall, so the bait is directly in its path. Bait the traps with pecans, peanut butter, cheese, or anything that has a strong odor to give these unwanted critters a rude greeting. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Many communities assume that growth and development bring in more money for the local government. But there may be a high price to pay for that growth. A recent study conducted by the University of Georgia in several Georgia counties for the fiscal year 1999 found that commercial and industrial development, farms and forest lands brought in more tax revenues than they cost in public services. But an Agricultural Economist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says revenues from housing developments were well below the amount needed to support the cost of services the new housing demanded. "Particularly when areas try and develop by focusing on new residential development. Residential development tends not to pay its way, and can actually cause governments to become pretty strapped financially." That was Jeffrey Dorfman with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The university economist goes on to say farms, forests, and other open lands bring in less revenue per acre than housing development. They also require far less expenses, due to their modest demand for public services. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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During the mid-nineties, researchers began using a system called subirrigation, to apply pesticides in commercial greenhouses. The system works by applying pesticides to the bottom of the plants instead of the top. Marc Van Iersel, a Scientist with the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says subirrigation has several advantages. "Yes, the main advantages would be that it is much easier for a grower to apply pesticides this way, and it seems to work better than more traditional applications of pesticides. In addition, there isn't any risk of the pesticide running off into the groundwater." Marc Van Iersel with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Subirrigation involves applying pesticides to the bottom of greenhouse plants the same way they are watered. The pesticide is then delivered to the top by capillary action. Since research has shown subirrigation is an effective way to apply pesticides, greenhouse producers could also save a lot of money on labor expenses with the new system. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Peach growers were glad old man winter finally decided to send a chill into the state back in late December. But in mid-January, the cold weather went back North, and spring like conditions returned. Kathy Taylor, a scientist with the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says the peach crop was able to store up some needed chill hours during the cold outbreak, but most of the crop needs more chilling. "We need another 250 to feel safe. That will still leave a few varieties not taken care of but it will take care of the majority of the varieties that our growers produce." Kathy Taylor with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The university scientist goes on to say it will be tough to get the remainder of the chill hours by the deadline date of February 15. But a cold snap in late February or early March could provide several peach varieties some late chill hours, to move then closer to the amount needed. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Sweepstakes, warranty cards, and charitable requests all provide ideal situations for telemarketing scam artists to get their hands on your hard earned money. Michael Rupured, a Consumer Economic Specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says around 40 billion dollars is lost each year to telemarketing fraud. He adds no one is completely immune from fraudulent telemarketers. "They tend to go after anyone who they think they can get their money from. However we see that victims are disproportionally elderly, and also we see a larger representation of fraud among minority and particularly the low income communities." Michael Rupured with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. The university scientist goes on to say joining the ‘No Call List' helps stop telemarketing fraud before it starts. More than 280,000 Georgian's have already paid the five dollars it takes to be placed on the Georgia No Call List, who then notify telemarketers nationwide of people who don't want to get calls. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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