It's Spring Next Week!

On 03/13/2014 12:15 PM, Peter Wieck wrote:
This is the time of year that I warn the radio-collecting denizens of
this group about what to/not to do when hunting wild radios for
restoration and collection.

a) Any radio that has come from _any_ sort of unconditioned storage -
a barn, unheated basement, attic, cellar, storage shed, whatever - is
suspect for various sorts of vermin. Mice will carry Hanta Virus, some
species will be winter hosts for deer ticks, and a new one north of
the Mason-Dixon Line is Chagas - for which mice can be a winter vector
although the actual transmission is by insect. The issue is that the
"Kissing Bug" is now found as far north as parts of Pennsylvania. So,
until you have cleaned out the inside of the radio upon receipt, wear
gloves (at least) and perhaps a mask if there is any potential for
nasties. And until that potential is eliminated. Bleach. Phenol or
terpene-based cleaners are most effective, although phenols and
terpenes should *never* be used in any household with cats. There are
other diseases out there that have become recent threats - but Lyme,
Hanta and Chagas should be enough such that one gets the idea.

b) Insects, spiders, and mo Again, what with the climate change,
the Brown Recluse has been seen as far north as northern Delaware,
southern New Jersey and even western Maryland. This is the only spider
that actually prefers to be around people - people are filthy and
attract bugs. This spider is lazy and goes where there are lots of
bugs. Bedbugs - Yep. They hide in anything - only coming out to feed -
and can go without a meal for many months. Wasps, ticks, fleas and so
forth - same issue.

c) DO NOT be merciful with whatever you find. Most likely it will not
be from 'around you' and so may become invasive if left to breed. Kill
it, get rid of it, get rid of any eggs, larvae, or any other residue.

d) NEW THIS YEAR: What with this being a wet and extraordinarily cold winter in the upper tier of the US, it is perhaps the case that some species invading north may be pushed back somewhat. However, do not take this for granted. If certain species have established north of their normal range and within human habitation, winter-kill is not assured.

This is all about that proverbial ounce of prevention. Ignoring it not
only endangers you - but anyone around you, your neighborhood, friends
and family - and you haven't that right.

Back to Lurking.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA


Hi Peter,

Thank you for taking the time to publish this. A good reminder for folks
that restore anything, not just radios!

I hope you dont' mind, but I'm forwarding your article to
alt.collecting.juke-boxes as a warning to jukebox collectors!

John :-#)#

--
(Please post followups or tech inquiries to the newsgroup)
John's Jukes Ltd. 2343 Main St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 3C9
(604)872-5757 or Fax 872-2010 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games)
www.flippers.com
"Old pinballers never die, they just flip out."
--
(Please post followups or tech inquiries to the newsgroup)
John's Jukes Ltd. 2343 Main St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 3C9
(604)872-5757 or Fax 872-2010 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games)
www.flippers.com
"Old pinballers never die, they just flip out."