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Presence of bacteria in your drinking water supply does not necessarily pose a health hazard. Certain types of bacteria in household water are more of a nuisance issue. Your water may test negative for coliform and E. coli, but it may still contain other bacteria, typically nuisance bacteria. The two most common types of nuisance bacteria are iron (manganese) and sulfur bacteria. Iron (manganese) bacteria are generally more common than sulfur bacteria because large amounts of iron can be present in ground water. Iron and sulfur bacteria can live together in a household water supply system, so it can be very difficult to determine whether the problem is from one or the other, or both.
Water tests looking for the presence of iron bacteria are seldom recommended and are generally not required. Instead, the confirmation of the presence of iron bacteria is usually based on visual inspection. The unmistakable “rotten egg” odor of hydrogen sulfide gas is the most obvious sign of a sulfur bacteria problem.
Once iron bacteria are well established in a household water supply system, their complete elimination is extremely difficult or even impossible. Preventive measures are more critical and effective than corrective actions. This publication includes some simple preventive measures as well as control and treatment options.
John D. Parks, Uttam K. Saha, and Jason Lessl
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Pathogens in household waters pose a serious threat to human health. The CDC has recorded many drinking water microbial-associated disease outbreaks in the U.S., causing illness, hospitalization, and even death. To protect human health, disinfection is considered important in most water treatment systems. This publication provides necessary information on the various disinfection options for household water as well as important points to consider before buying disinfection equipment.
Keith Mickler, Gary L. Hawkins, Pamela R. Turner, and Uttam K. Saha
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Tawny crazy ants have proven to be a major nuisance to Georgia residents. This publication helps readers identify these ants and provides guidance for pest management professionals to manage and eliminate them.
Dan Suiter
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Several dozen insect species infest food and non-food products of plant and animal origin commonly found in homes. Collectively, this group of insects is referred to as stored product pests. Most are small beetles or moths. For homeowners, often the first sign of a stored product pest infestation is the sudden, unexplained and then persistent presence of numerous insects in a particular area of the home.
Dan Suiter, Michael D Toews, and Lisa Ames
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Mosquitoes are one of the most common insect pests that homeowners encounter. This circular introduces a few of the basic techniques and materials that homeowners can use to safely reduce mosquito populations around the home. Becoming familiar with mosquito biology is the first step in using an integrated pest management approach to efficiently and effectively reduce mosquito populations. By learning about mosquito biology, source reduction, surveillance and control, homeowners can become active participants in their own mosquito control program. An integrated approach is the most effective way for homeowners to reduce mosquito populations and reduce the need for pesticide applications in their community.
Elmer Gray
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If you need a particular type of insurance, it is better to have it even if you never use it. The hard part is knowing the difference between insurance you need and insurance you are better off without. Many people purchase insurance without knowing whether they need it or not. Unless you fully understand insurance, you may be wasting money on insurance products you don’t need.
Joan Koonce
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About 95 percent of Georgia’s rural residents depend on groundwater to supply their drinking water and farm needs. Wells are designed to provide clean water. If improperly constructed and maintained, however, they can allow bacteria, nitrates, pesticides, or petroleum products to contaminate ground water. These contaminates can put family and livestock health at risk. This assessment allows you to evaluate the environmental soundness of your farm and operational practices relating to the condition of your drinking water well.
Gary L. Hawkins, Pamela R. Turner, Uttam K. Saha, and Laurel Dunn
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C 1047-2
Removing Mold in Your Home
Mold grows from spores, which are found naturally in the air and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Do a complete inspection of your home using the UGA Mold and Moisture Checklist. The key to controlling mold is to eliminate the source of the moisture problem.
Pamela R. Turner, Jackie E. Ogden, and Melanie Badding
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C 1047-1
Preventing Mold in Your Home
Mold in your home is not only unsightly, it can also cause health problems. If you have mold growing in your home, you may experience allergy-like symptoms, asthma attacks, or other negative health effects. Learn how to prevent mold from becoming a problem in your home.
Pamela R. Turner, Jackie E. Ogden, and Melanie Badding
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