Published on: 22 February 2020
Last Updated on: 26 February 2020
Horse racing is one of the most popular sports around the world and has a huge following from England to Dubai and everywhere in between. But, there are a lot of assumptions made about the sport, so let’s set them straight. Here are the biggest myths people believe about the sport of horse racing.
5 Myths About Horse Racing:
1. Any Old Horse Can Win or Run in a Race
Thoroughbred horse racing is just that, exclusive to thoroughbred horses. These horses have a lineage traced back to one of three stallions and only then are eligible to compete. Not only are races limited to thoroughbreds, but the training required to turn a horse into a winner is second to none, being broken in at around 18-months-old, making these horses the only ones capable of running 1 ¼ mile in two minutes. So, next time you’re placing free bets at the races, you can be assured that it’s in their blood to race.
2. Whipping Hurts Horses
Whips are no longer used in the sport. A soft paddle called a ‘persuader’ is used to lengthen a horse’s stride and has been proven not to cause harm or pain to the animals.
People have used a persuader on a person to prove they are inflicting pain, but the skin of a 1,000 pounds racehorse can withstand more than the average human. The role of the paddle is to remind the horse to stay focused during the long track and not to lose focus throughout the race.
3. Horses Have no Value Once Retired
It is a common misconception that racehorses are sent to the abattoir (slaughterhouse) once they have seen their racing career through. But, again, this is not the case. Retired racehorses are very valuable and are often rehomed for breeding, for pleasure or equestrian use, as they are very athletic and can be trained to be riding horses and opposed to competitors.
4. Horses Do Not Enjoy Racing
Thoroughbreds are raised to race, it is in their blood to compete.
Horses that race weighs an average of 1,000 pounds, I’m sure you can imagine how impossible it would be for a jockey of around 55kg to force an animal of this size to run while on it back. It is not unheard of for a horse to decide they aren’t in the mood during a race; one horse, in particular, decided he didn’t want to jump while competing and planted his feet firmly on the track, refusing to continue; there wasn’t much the jockey could do about it.
Horses cannot be made to run in races due to their dominance of power against their jockeys and so when they do run it is through choice and enjoyment; they are doing what they know.
5. Horses are Mistreated
On average, horse races are sold for around $65,000. Not only are they an investment but they are how some people make a living and choose to spend their time (training, owning, breeding). Simply on that alone, it is hard to believe that they would be poorly cared for.
It is not uncommon for owners to fork out a fortune to transport and provide the best for their horses, often being referred to as living like kings due to their exercise and treatment is unparalleled to any other owned animal.
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Imagine walking into your favorite coffee shop, ready to enjoy your morning cup of joe, only to spot a cockroach scurrying across the counter. Or perhaps you're meeting at your office when a mouse darts across the floor, causing chaos and distraction. Pest problems in commercial spaces can turn a pleasant experience into a nightmare for customers and employees. This article explores the challenges businesses face with pests and offers practical solutions to confront and eradicate these unwelcome guests, including contacting professional pest control services for expert assistance in managing infestations effectively.
Understanding the Impact of Pest Infestations in Commercial Areas:
Pests like rodents, insects, and birds can wreak havoc on commercial spaces. Not only do they pose health risks, but they can also damage property, contaminate food, and tarnish a company's reputation. For restaurants, retail stores, and hospitality businesses, a pest sighting can result in lost customers and negative reviews. In office settings, pests can cause distractions and stress and damage valuable equipment and documents.
Commercial areas such as offices, shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. are prone to pest infestations due to the presence of food, water, waste, and other attractants. Pests can cause various problems in commercial areas such as:
Damage to property, equipment, and inventory: Pests can destroy or contaminate various items such as furniture, electronics, documents, products, etc. by chewing, nesting, or defecating on them.
Loss of reputation and customer satisfaction: Pests can create a negative impression on customers, clients, employees, and visitors by affecting the hygiene, quality, and safety of the commercial area and its services or products.
Legal and regulatory issues: Pests can violate the health and safety standards and regulations that apply to commercial areas and expose them to fines, penalties, lawsuits, or closures.
Common Pests Found in Commercial Spaces:
Rodents: Mice and rats are notorious for finding their way into buildings for food and shelter. They can squeeze through tiny openings and reproduce rapidly, making them difficult to eradicate once they've established a presence.
Insects: Cockroaches, ants, and flies are common pests in commercial kitchens and food storage areas. They thrive in warm, moist environments and can contaminate food surfaces, leading to foodborne illnesses.
Birds: While birds may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to commercial properties. Their droppings can corrode building materials, create slip hazards, and spread diseases like histoplasmosis and salmonella.
The Importance of Pest Control Measures:
Implementing effective pest control measures is essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and pest-free environment in commercial spaces. Prevention is key, and businesses should take proactive steps to seal entry points, eliminate food and water sources, and maintain proper sanitation practices. Regular inspections by licensed pest control professionals can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate into full-blown infestations.
It is extremely important that you take care of the health of not just yourself but all those working for you at the business premises. Pests can be highly dangerous and help spread toxic diseases. They can contaminate your food and drinks very quickly, which would, in turn, cause infections. You could choose less expensive options such as store-bought pesticides, but hiring a professional pest management control and inspection service can be the most beneficial method to get rid of them altogether.
Your workplace can be at risk of losing out on reputation and productivity if there are pests running loose. Employees usually perform less effectively if they feel they are working in an environment that is unsanitary and pest-infested.
Therefore, pest control measures are important to prevent or reduce the occurrence and impact of these problems. Pest control measures can be classified into two types: preventive and curative.
1. Preventative Pest Control Mesasures
Preventive pest control measures are those that aim to prevent the entry, establishment, or spread of pests in a given area. Some of the preventive pest control measures are:
Sanitation: Keeping the area clean and free of garbage, clutter, food scraps, etc. that can attract or provide shelter for pests.
Exclusion: Sealing or blocking the gaps, cracks, holes, or openings that can allow pests to enter or escape from the area.
Repellents: Using substances or devices that can deter or discourage pests from approaching or staying in the area.
Traps: Using devices that can capture or kill pests without harming the environment or non-target organisms.
2. Curative Pest Control Measures
Curative pest control measures are those that aim to eliminate or reduce the population or activity of pests that are already present in the area. Some of the curative pest control measures are:
Biological: Using natural enemies or predators of pests such as insects, birds, animals, etc. that can feed on or parasitize them.
Mechanical: Using physical methods or tools such as nets, screens, vacuums, etc. that can remove or destroy pests or their habitats.
Chemical: Using substances or agents such as pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides, etc. that can kill or incapacitate pests or interfere with their growth or reproduction.
Strategies for Confronting Pest Problems:
Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of the property to identify any gaps or cracks pests could use to enter. Seal openings with caulk or steel wool to prevent rodents and insects from gaining access.
Eliminate Food Sources: Keep food storage areas clean and organized, and store food in airtight containers to prevent contamination. Regularly empty trash bins and clean up spills promptly to deprive pests of a food source.
Maintain Proper Sanitation: Good hygiene practices are essential for deterring pests. Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, floors, and equipment, and ensure that drains are clear of debris to prevent moisture buildup.
Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM is a holistic approach to pest control that combines multiple strategies, including cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Businesses can effectively manage pest populations by incorporating methods such as trapping, exclusion, and targeted pesticide applications while minimizing environmental impact.
Possible Side Effects Of Pest Control In Office
Commercial space owners most often delay or hesitate to ask for professional help to get rid of pests because they are apprehensive about the side effects of it. But it is a happy thing to note that not all pest control has undesirable side effects. Some of the possible side effects that pest control has are:
Odor and irritation
Chemical exposure
Sensitivity in case of pre-existing health conditions
Health risks such as dizziness and headaches
Monitoring and Documenting
It is incredibly important to keep a record of all pest sightings and the necessary control measures that have been implemented. Their effectiveness must also be checked from time to time. Monitoring the shifts from time to time helps you refine the pest management strategy.
A proactive as well as comprehensive approach towards pest control is an indispensable step for all businesses. These steps will guarantee the good health of the employees, create a pest-resistant space, safeguard the company’s reputation, and also save you from facing potential financial losses due to pest-related damages.
Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing Pest Control Serives for Commercial Areas
Selecting a reliable and professional pest control service is crucial for maintaining a pest-free and productive commercial area. Here are some things to keep in mind while selecting pest control services for commercial areas:
Experience and expertise
Choose a pest control service that has adequate experience and expertise in dealing with the specific type of pests and the specific type of commercial area that you have. Check their credentials, certifications, licenses, and references to verify their quality and reputation.
Customized and comprehensive solutions
Choose a pest control service that offers customized and comprehensive solutions that suit your needs and preferences. The pest control service should conduct a thorough inspection and assessment of your commercial area and provide a detailed plan and proposal that covers the scope, methods, costs, and expected outcomes of the pest control intervention.
Integrated pest management (IPM) approach
Choose a pest control service that follows the IPM approach, which is an environmentally friendly and effective way of pest management. The IPM approach involves using a combination of preventive, curative, and monitoring measures that minimize the use of pesticides and chemicals and maximize the use of natural and mechanical methods.
Safety and sustainability
Choose a pest control service that ensures the safety and sustainability of the pest control intervention. The pest control service should use only approved and registered pesticides and chemicals that are safe for humans, animals, and plants.
The pest control service should also follow the proper disposal and recycling procedures for the pest control materials and waste. Also, the pest control service should also provide follow-up and maintenance services to prevent or reduce the recurrence of pest infestations.
Customer service and communication
Choose a pest control service that provides excellent customer service and communication. The pest control service should be responsive, courteous, and transparent in their dealings with you. The pest control service should also keep you informed and updated about the progress and results of the pest control intervention and address any issues or concerns that you may have.
Summing it Up
Pest problems in commercial spaces can have serious consequences for businesses, ranging from health and safety concerns to financial losses and damage to reputation.
By understanding the impact of pest infestations and contacting professional pest control services for expert assistance, businesses can implement proactive pest control measures to create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for customers and employees. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pests. So, don't wait until you have a pest problem – take action now to protect your commercial space from unwelcome guests.
Read Also:
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Defence dogs have special features that make them suitable for this purpose. Before the dog is admitted to defence training, he has to complete a course for a 1st degree companion dog. This gives confidence to the trainer that the dog understands the basic commands such as summoning, fetching, "sit", "go", and walking on a loose leash or even without a leash. In addition, defence dogs should be very disciplined. The first step is, of course, to choose the right breed. The breed that has an internal defense reflex which tells them when their owner is in an emergency situation. The most popular dog breeds for defence include: Amstaff, Bullmastiff, Bulterier, Doberman, Boxer, German Dog, French Shepherd, and Caucasian Shepherd. Choosing a particular puppy can’t be a matter of chance. The animal should come from a registered kennel and preferably have a pedigree. The problem with these breeds is that they are prone to aggression, so it’s important to bring up such a dog using appropriate forms of training. A well promising defence dog shouldn’t show too much aggression. The training requires a lot of patience and commitment of the caregiver and starts only when the dog is taught obedience, walking by the owner's leg and self-control. The trainer takes part in the training together with is assistant. The dog is taught to attack when it hears the command "take". He cannot attack the assistant even if it’s against the owner's will. The only exception to this rule is the situation of a direct danger, for example when the assistant attacks the trainer, then the dog should throw itself at him. However when the assistant takes a defensive stance, the dog cannot attack him, but it has to guard him. Unfortunately, due to the natural aggression of these breeds, it’s sometimes really difficult to control them in such situations. Nevertheless, the defensive dog should stay loyal to his master, have sympathy, fidelity, and trust. The dog's behavior cannot be unpredictable, and that’s why dogs with a pedigree are chosen for this job because we can be sure that the animal will meet these criteria. Hidden aggression can never be directed towards the master. In addition, the dog must observe the surroundings and know for himself when the master is in an emergency situation and needs help. In addition, the external appearance of the dog, which is often able to scare the attacker just with its silhouette, shouldn’t be insignificant. Unfortunately, the dogs performing such a role are often poisoned, so well-trained dogs should only eat food given to them by their master.
For defence training, apart from the dog, we need an assistant. He should be dressed in a special suit or hand guard. The purpose of the first stage of training is to irritate the dog to the point when he can learn the skill of grabbing a sleeve or a teether. The success of this exercise depends on the behaviour of the master, who must hold the dog on a short leash and encourage it to attack. He can do it by running, shouting, or waving a baton. Meanwhile, the assistant tries to provoke the dog to attack him. At this stage of learning, we do not use coercion. If the dog behaves correctly, the master praises him, which encourages the dog to continue the exercises. If the dog succeeds the master should reward him for that immediately. After a few lessons the trainer is able to control the dogs aggressive behaviour. For example, he can successfully command the dog to stop attacking the target. When the dog has mastered the "take" and "let go" commands, the trainer can move on to more advanced exercises.
How to train defence dogs?
- A dog that goes by the foot of his master has no right to pull itself forward, bark or behave aggressively. Training a dog requires a lot of patience and determination.
- During the training, the trainer cooperates with the assistant. If he tries to run from the dog and the trainer does not give a direct order to attack, the dog cannot pull himself out and throw behind him in pursuit.
- The dog cannot attack the assistant when we show a defensive attitude. When the aggressor is still, the dog will proceed to guard him until the master arrives.
How to stop the dog from attacking someone:
In the case of training a dog with an innate tendency to aggression, surprises can happen. The most important thing is to know what your dog can do. Stopping such a trained dog from attacking someone randomly on the street is really difficult and often ends in the death of the dog. When it happens, you shouldn’t try to kick the dog with your legs, because it will only enrage it more. That’s why the owner should learn how a stun gun works. It’s the best way to effectively stop the dog from attacking someone with the smallest chance to kill it.
Characteristics of a good defence dog:
When we buy a pedigree puppy from a proven breeding, we can be sure that it has an innate tendency to perform the function of a defensive dog.
We should anticipate the behavior of the dog by which we must be sure that the dog will not hurt us. How to take part in defence training if we can't judge whether the dog will not direct the aggression towards us?
We have to teach obedience to the dog. The biggest difficulty is to learn how to walk by the leg and stay on a loose leash.
The defence dog must be vigilant and it should inform us about the dangers ahead. Even when the aggressor is still, the animal cannot stop watching him.
Perseverance in battle and stubbornness are the hallmarks of defence dogs.
A defensive dog cannot be bribed. The
attraction with treats and distraction are common methods used by aggressors.
How much does a defence dog training cost?
Dog training takes place at the time set by the training centre and usually lasts for about 40 hours. The price of the courses varies between 500-1000 Euros.
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Pet owners know that pets are already a part of the family, as they have made our bad days a bit easier and better.
If you’re a mom you think of other things like home areas that need organizing, throwing out the trash, checking this and that. But when you have pets, having your couch stained is inevitable.
It is annoying, and it is also frustrating, and it can also ruin your day and it can ruin your furniture. But that is one of the consequences of having a pet since they can’t hold themselves especially the younger ones.
You can wipe it or use chemicals in it, but it can damage your furniture if you are not careful. There are steps that you will need to follow in order to save your furniture from damage and so that the smell and the stain will go away properly.
Here are home and diy tips on how to clean pet stains on the couch:
1. Use a rag or cloth :
The first thing that you will need to do is to soak up as much pet stain as possible, especially if it is urine, and you can do this by using an old rug or any cloth that you are using for cleaning. This can be done no matter where on your couch the pee is located. It is easier, however, when you have a removable cushion because you can just step on it with the most weight and force to remove the seethed urine and to soak it up.
2. Deodorize :
Another step on how to clean pet stains on the couch is to deodorize. You can do this by mixing 4 parts of water and 1 part of distilled white vinegar, you can then naturally and easily deodorize your couch cushion and you can give it a good cleaning.
Vinegar does smell, but it is known to be the #1 natural household cleaner and it is a great product to use in every laundry, no matter how much load it is. You will be able to smell the strong scent of vinegar as you apply it on the couch and use it to clean it but after washing it up, the smell will be gone, along with the smell of pet stains. This may be a strange solution, but it does the work well.
So, with using an old rug or a cloth, you can just wipe the stain and rub the vinegar into the pee spot until you have covered the spot, you can then scrub the vinegar on it. If you see a dry pee spot, then there is no need for you to drain it or soak it out, instead you can go straight to scrubbing the spot with vinegar of you can also spray it with a vinegar and water solution, soak it up and then scrub it.
3. Moisture and odor removal :
For this step on how to clean pet stains on the couch, you will need two ingredients: Baking soda and lavender essential oil. These two ingredients have the power of natural ingredients and when they are mixed together they can accomplish the odor and restoration goal that you have for your couch.
You just need to measure about 1 cup of baking soda, one that is enough for at least a spot size that is about as big as one cushion and then you can add around 15 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil per 1 cup of water, or you can also adjust the amount depending on how much you need.
You can then blend this mixture by using a fork to evenly distribute the lavender essential oil with the baking soda. You can then gently sprinkle the mixture onto the stained area on the couch.
4. Let it sit in :
After pouring the mixture in, you just let it sink in and sit for several hours or you can also do it overnight in order for it to dry out, soak up and absorb the odor of the stain. You can come back and vacuum all of the residues and you will see that it will be good as new, and it will also smell great.
5. You can use a liquid dishwashing detergent :
If you are not too keen with the vinegar, baking soda, and lavender essential oil solution, then you can try another solution that is guaranteed to work. This involves using liquid dishwashing detergents. You need to take at least 1 cup of warm water and mix it with ¼ teaspoon of whatever dishwashing liquid that you have in your kitchen.
Remember that laundry detergent and hand soap will not work for this kind of stain. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and you can spray the affected area. Once the mixture has soaked into the stain after a few minutes then you can use a cloth to wipe it up. Use warm water to rinse the area.
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