Thursday, February 28, 2019

Cigarette Litter Prevention Program Open For Grant Applications

National nonprofit organization Keep America Beautiful has opened the grant application period for its 2019 Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP). Established in 2002, CLPP has been... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/cigarette-litter-prevention-program-open-for-grant-applications/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

ISSA Adds International Education Certification Director

ISSA Adds International Education Certification DirectorISSA has appointed Manuela D'Agata international director of education and certification. D'Agata has more than a decade of experience developing and managing successful educational programs, most... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa-adds-international-education-certification-director/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Latest CMM Digital Edition Available

The February issue of Cleaning & Maintenance Management (CMM) magazine is available digitally through cmmonline.com. This month’s edition details how high-tech... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/latest-cmm-digital-edition-available/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Truly Nolen promotes Tampa manager

PHOTO: TRULY NOLEN PEST CONTROL

Steven Bradley

Truly Nolen Pest Control promoted Steven Bradley to manager of the company’s Tampa, Fla., service office.

Bradley has worked in the pest control industry for almost 35 years and was most recently a manager for Western Pest Services in Egg Harbor, N.J., since 2003. Prior to that, he was the manager of Truly Nolen’s Hollywood, Calif., service office for 13 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in music from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s in computer science from Florida Atlantic University.

Bradley’s new responsibilities include helping the service office gain more visibility with the local Tampa community, as well as instilling the company’s core values in his team. “I look forward to working with the great team already in place and will do everything I can to help them achieve their potential,” says Bradley. “I love our company’s family atmosphere and am thrilled to be working for a place that cares about employee development and great customer service.”

“Steven’s pest control managerial experience, knowledge of our company from his previous tenure, and his immense drive to help his team members succeed made him an easy choice for this promotion,” says Tim Phillips, district manager, Central Florida. “We are very lucky to have him as a member of our Truly Nolen family once again.”

Tucson, Ariz.-based Truly Nolen has more than 80 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in a number of territories including Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Canada, Puerto Rico and over 60 countries.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/28/truly-nolen-promotes-tampa-manager/
Sacramento CA

McCloud manager wins Copesan award

Josh Rose receives the 2018 Copesan Operations Champion of the Year award. PHOTO: MCCLOUD SERVICES

Josh Rose receives the 2018 Copesan Operations Champion of the Year award. PHOTO: MCCLOUD SERVICES

Josh Rose, area manager of St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo., for McCloud Services, has been named the 2018 Copesan Operations Champion of the Year.

Rose was recommended by peers ranging from local colleagues to McCloud leadership. He was recognized for his industry knowledge, innovative approach to service center operations and dedication to growing the business.

Rose currently manages about 1,000 Copesan customer locations between the St. Louis and Kansas City service centers, where he also oversees daily operations. Through his leadership, Rose has grown the top line revenue for Copesan in these two branches by 18 percent during the prior year. He also raised audit scores.

“It’s easy to be excited about my work when I am proud to do it for companies like Copesan and McCloud. I could not provide excellent service and solutions to our customers without a great company culture and team,” says Rose. “I’m grateful for this honor, and I look forward to continuing my work with these well-regarded industry leaders.”

Nominations for the Copesan Champion Awards consisted of a combination of peer feedback and client testimonials. The nominations were reviewed and the champions selected by a panel of colleagues and Copesan committee professionals. Copesan Champion award winners were honored for their superior dedication to service quality during the company’s annual conference on Feb. 19, 2019.

“Josh’s mentality at work is true to his character as a person – he works hard and focuses on the bigger picture of providing our customers the high level of service they deserve, no matter the pest problem,” says Chris McCloud, CEO of McCloud Services.

Rose was previously honored with McCloud’s Service Center of the Year in 2017 and was in the running for the 2018 honor. He also earned accolades for mentoring other service specialists that ranked in the Top 5 for Rising Star Service Specialists. Rose is certified by the National Pest Management Association in Food Plant Safety, QualityPro and GreenPro. He is also a ServSafe Food Safety Manager. He is licensed in 6, 7A and 7C categories in Missouri, as well as in fumigation and inspection, and rodents in Illinois.

McCloud Services, headquartered in South Elgin, Ill., serves the food supply chain of custody, health care, hospitality, property management, retail industries and residential markets. McCloud Services is a regional service provider with locations in 11 states.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/28/mccloud-manager-wins-copesan-award/
Sacramento CA

Stripes as a natural fly repellent

PHOTO: UC DAVIS

PHOTO: UC DAVIS

In recent years, scientists have been able to confirm that zebras’ stripes protect them from biting flies. But in a new study published in the Feb. 20, 2019, edition of PlosOne, Drs. Tim Caro and Martin How — from the University of California, Davis, and the University of Bristol, respectively — set out to find out why this occurs.

The pair, along with other team members, conducted their experiment at a farm in Great Britain that houses both zebras and horses. In addition to physical observation and detailed videos recording the flight trajectories of horse flies (Tabanidae), they also dressed both types of animals “sequentially in black, white and then black-and-white striped coats,” according a UC-Davis news article.

At a distance, the flies were attracted no matter the coat pattern, the study found. But once the flies got closer to the zebras, they tended to “fly past or bump into them. This indicates that stripes may disrupt the flies’ abilities to have a controlled landing,” Dr. Caro said in the article. The study was able to replicate this when the horses wore striped coats.

“Stripes may dazzle flies in some way, once they are close enough to see them with their low-resolution eyes,” Dr. How said in the article.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/28/stripes-as-a-natural-fly-repellent/
Sacramento CA

Beware of unethical house flippers

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/LISA5201

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/LISA5201

The practice of “flipping houses,” or purchasing a home with the sole intention of reselling it shortly thereafter at a profit, has become increasingly popular. How “flippers” do this may vary, but the practice usually involves conducting some level of home improvements to ready the house for a quick sale. It’s really a simple and effective plan for the flipper — those who are good at it can make a lot of money. Look no further than the plethora of reality shows focusing on flippers as they redo home after home.

But house flipping can blindside a pest management professional (PMP), especially when dealing with termite/wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspections. The flipper needs a “clean” report so that the house may be sold without issue.

These folks are in the business of purchasing undervalued homes, fixing them up and selling them to make a profit. Sometimes these “fixer-uppers” have termite activity and resulting damage. When they do, the flipper must deal with this damage such that the inspection report indicates there is no termite activity or damage present. And as with anything else, some flippers are ethical and some — not so much.

Have you ever conducted an inspection, provided your report and quote for the proposed treatment, and the customer chose another professional to do the work? Many have had this experience, but with a flipper, the story can transpire a little differently. For illustration purposes, let’s call our (slightly unethical) flipper Fred.

Fred asks PMP No. 1 to inspect his home, and then provide a written report and a proposal quote for the termite treatment. Upon receipt of these materials, Fred asks several questions to learn where all the telltale signs of termite activity are located and what repairs need to be done. This information may be all Fred really wants from PMP No. 1.

It is PMP No. 2 who is about to hit the proverbial iceberg, however: By the time he arrives, Fred already has completed the repairs. Thus, the termite/WDO inspection report provided by PMP No. 2 is “clean,” or indicates “no termite evidence found.” The reality, though, is that Fred merely hid the areas of termite activity; he did not fully repair them.

This happens more often than you might think.

Don’t let Fred fool you

Before any termite/WDO inspection, conduct an online search of the structure’s address. Doing so provides some key information including, but not limited to:

  • When the structure was built.
  • The square footage of the structure.
  • The estimated current value of the structure.
  • When the house was last sold.
  • Whether the structure currently is on the market.

Ask the owner relevant questions, including:

  • How long have you owned the house?
  • Why do you need an inspection?
  • Have you had a termite or WDO problem at this home before?
  • Was the house recently inspected by another professional?
  • What are your long-term plans for this house?

If your homework turns up a possible “Fred,” don’t hesitate to delve further. Ask questions like:

  • We saw online that you just purchased this house 30 days ago. Why are you having it inspected now?
  • Did you have the house inspected when you purchased it?

Eyes wide open

Healthy skepticism is beneficial in these situations. For example, when homeowners are selling a house they have owned only for a short time, and the house appears to have been recently remodeled and/or painted, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with flippers. Remember, most flippers won’t care about you or the long-term care of this structure. Their primary motivation is to sell this home for a profit.

While conducting your inspection, keep an eye on the big picture as well. Not only do you need to look for telltale signs of termite/WDO activity, but you also need to make note of renovations, fresh paint, new molding and other such finish work. Note that if a significant portion of the interior has been refinished, this should give you pause as to why these renovations or repairs have been made.

Going back to unethical Fred, the true danger here happens after he leaves, with a clean WDO report in hand. New homeowners will have closed on the house and moved in. As is often the case, the new occupants start to make changes to the house themselves — replacing windows, doors, etc.

During such renovations, the termite/WDO damage Fred had superficially hidden during the previous inspection come to light. If this happens and the damage is significant, this could become a claim for PMP No. 2 — which deteriorates into an even worse situation.

Protect yourself every step of the way, not only with the questions and research conducted before the inspection, but by also implementing the following as part of your inspection process:

    • In your report, include the attic, basement and crawlspace where damaged areas and repairs may be seen.
    • Take digital photos to document your inspection findings.
    • Include the customer’s answers to your questions (as noted earlier) in your inspection documentation.
    • Consider the addition of a “sellers assertion” as part of your inspection documentation.

This document would include a statement that there were no areas of termite/WDO activity or damage which were purposefully hidden from you during the renovation and repair work. Of course, you need a suitably experienced attorney to compose and/or review such verbiage prior to adding it to your inspection report documents.

If your gut feeling is that you’re dealing with a Fred, it’s OK to walk away from the account. There are plenty of ethical flippers looking for your business.

Cases in point

Author’s Note: These photos were taken during the inspection of a flipped home. They are examples of what to look for during inspections.

PHOTO: PAUL BELLO

PHOTO: PAUL BELLO

Photo 1. New wood is attached to damaged wood found in the attic. Note that to find such physical evidence during an inspection, it is necessary to inspect the attic.

PHOTO: PAUL BELLO

PHOTO: PAUL BELLO

Photo 2. New wood attached to, and immediately adjacent to, termite-damaged wood in a crawlspace area.

PHOTO: PAUL BELLO

PHOTO: PAUL BELLO

Photo 3. A whiteboard is a useful way to document inspection photos.

PHOTO: PAUL BELLO

PHOTO: PAUL BELLO

Photo 4. Sheetrock or drywall that is date-stamped is a clear indication that renovations have been made on a certain date. Recent renovations, as seen here, may be cause for concern.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/28/beware-of-unethical-house-flippers/
Sacramento CA

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

SMGlobal: FastMaint CMMS v.10

IMAGE: SMGLOBAL

IMAGE: SMGLOBAL

SMGlobal has released FastMaint CMMS v.10, a computerized maintenance management software program. New features include cloning prior purchases (useful to create blanket requests or reorder the same items), enhanced reports, improved work request management, support for smart phones in the Web/Cloud edition, and more. A 30-day trial is available.

SMGlobal.com



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/28/smglobal-fastmaint-cmms-v-10/
Sacramento CA

Target Specialty Products releases identification guide

Target Speciality Products created a guide anyone can use to identify a pest in their home and take appropriate action to prevent infestation.

The Critter Clues pest identification guide features tips for identifying common household pests such as cockroaches, rats and mice, clothes moths and carpet beetles, bed bugs, carpenter ants, wasps and bees, and pigeons.

The guide includes:

  • a floor plan showing which pests are most likely to appear in each room of a house
  • clue suspect cards that spell out what signs to look for
  • a description of each pest
  • prevention tips for each pest

For instance, the floorpan below shows that rats and mice are usually found in kitchens, dining areas and balconies. While these rodents are nocturnal, they will leave daytime clues indicating that they have eaten or nested in these areas.

Target Specialty Products says to look out for “chewed up fabrics, shredded paper or cardboard” and “scratch marks on wooden surfaces or carpet,” to name a few. According to the guide, the best prevention measure is to seal all entry points and to maintain proper sanitation.

Other key information – such as the risk of disease or property damage associated with each pest – is also provided.

Target Specialty Products is a national wholesale distributor of pest management products, application equipment, supplies, services and education and training programs.

The guide is available digitally here and as an infographic.

Target Specialty Products' Critter Clues infographic helps homeowners identify and prevent common pests. IMAGE: TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Target Specialty Products’ Critter Clues infographic helps homeowners identify and prevent common pests. IMAGE: TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/27/target-specialty-products-releases-identification-guide/
Sacramento CA

Colgate-Palmolive Names New CEO

Colgate-Palmolive Names New CEOColgate-Palmolive Co. has appointed Noel Wallace CEO effective April 2. Wallace has been with Colgate-Palmolive since 1987. He was named president and chief operating officer in July 2018. Wallace... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/colgate-palmolive-names-new-ceo/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Cintas Announces Everyday Impact Hero Award Winners

Cintas Announces Everyday Impact Hero Award WinnersCintas Corp. has revealed the 10 winners of its second annual Everyday Impact™ Hero Contest. Established by Cintas in 2017, the award program honors facility professionals who go above and... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/cintas-announces-everyday-impact-hero-award-winners/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

SCA Publishes Annual Report

SCA has issued its 2018 annual report. The annual report details SCA’s financial performance and key acquisitions in 2018. In addition, for the first time SCA’s annual report contains... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/sca-publishes-annual-report/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Survey Finds Excessive Toilet Paper Use in Public Restrooms

If you’ve had trouble keeping toilet paper stocked in your facility’s restrooms, you may not be surprised to learn that more than one-third of Americans are wasting toilet paper in... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/survey-finds-excessive-toilet-paper-use-in-public-restrooms/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Survey Finds Excessive Toilet Paper Use in Public Restrooms

If you’ve had trouble keeping toilet paper stocked in your facility’s restrooms, you may not be surprised to learn that more than one-third of Americans are wasting toilet paper in... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/survey-finds-excessive-toilet-paper-use-in-public-restrooms_6/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

ISSA Praises Congress for Reauthorizing PRIA

ISSA Praises Congress for Reauthorizing PRIAISSA is pleased to report that after more than a year of disagreement, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have reached an agreement to reauthorize the Pesticide Registration Improvement... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa-praises-congress-for-reauthorizing-pria/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

NPTA AGM – all members’ happy bunnies?

Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are pretty boring, formal affairs but they do give members the opportunity to ask questions of their management board and executives. With very few members attending the National Pest Technicians Association’s (NPTA) AGM on Wednesday 20 February, is it fair to assume every member is now entirely happy with their Association?

from SmartBlog https://www.pestmagazine.co.uk/en/news/posts/2019/february/npta-agm-all-members-happy-bunnies
Pest Control Pros

Educate customers on threat of birds

James Rodriguez Headshot

James Rodriguez, ACE, Technical Director, J.T. Eaton & Co.

Successful nuisance bird control involves addressing the issue quickly; however, many customers seem to delay because they don’t see birds as a threat. We must remind them that gutters can become clogged with nests, droppings can cause slips and falls as well as threaten their health, and turf may be damaged.

Your integrated pest management (IPM) approach must start with interaction with your customers — and sometimes, their landscapers. If geese are present, changing the landscape to allow grasses to grow taller will prevent grazing. Improving waste disposal also is crucial around schools and public areas. Using trash receptacles with self-closing lids can bring immediate improvement.

Fast and simple deterrents for low-level infestations include bird gel, reflective flash tape, gutter guards to keep small birds from nesting, copper mesh for sealing entry holes, and battery-operated water deterrents around decks and pools. When used properly, these and other products can keep birds away for little cost.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/27/educate-customers-on-threat-of-birds/
Sacramento CA

Janam: XT2/XT2+

IMAGE: JANAM

IMAGE: JANAM

Weighing just 10 ounces, the XT2/XT2+ mobile computers is equipped with a 5-inch color display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Available in both Android and Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise versions, the unit is also equipped with 4G LTE wireless connectivity, dual-band Wi-Fi and high-sensitivity GPS. It features 1D and 2D barcode scanning, RFID and NFC reading capabilities, and an integrated 8.0MP/2.0MP front- and rear-facing color auto-focus cameras to capture high-resolution photos, signatures and more. A two-year warranty is standard.

Janam.com



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/27/janam-xt2-xt2/
Sacramento CA

Place your headshots in the no-selfie zone

PHOTO: NATE WILSON

Grant Hunker takes a photo of colleague Dave Jenkin. PHOTO: NATE WILSON

While there is definitely a time and place for selfies when it comes to your pest control company’s social media presence, headshots for media announcements about new employees, job promotions, and other news is not the time or place for “duck lips” or way-too-close-ups.

PHOTO: GRANT HUNKER

Alex Bello’s portrait was shot outdoors. PHOTO: GRANT HUNKER

As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. In this digital age of social media, that first impression is a great photo that represents the professional you are. Therefore, have someone take your photo for you.

Truly Nolen updated its policy in the fourth quarter of 2018 to reflect just that. Using part of that policy and my decade-plus of photography experience — here are some tips on how to make your profile pictures for media outlets the best they can be:

  • Wear your uniform or other professional-level clothing, be well-groomed, and smile. Our employees are required to wear a Truly Nolen logo-emblazoned shirt in all headshots, per company policy.
  • Take the photo in a well-lit space. If that’s not possible, using lighting or the camera’s flash will help bring out the best in your headshot. Dark photos will simply never capture the same quality.
  • Stand in front of a solid background. In some cases, though, good vegetation such as trees or bushes can add a little extra dimension to your photo.
  • Aim for a straight-on or high-angled shot. These two angles most often capture people being photographed the way they normally see themselves. The last thing anyone wants to do is take a photo from an angle that will make the subject unhappy.
  • Take multiple shots, then select the best one. This is the biggest advance we have made, compared to “the old days” of cameras that used film. There is nothing wrong with snapping five to 10 photos in a headshot session — and then choosing the best one with input from the photographer, your team, and the person being photographed.
  • Don’t overdo the filters. When using a smartphone to take photos, you may be tempted to use color filters and color-grading apps. While these are good to use, refrain from applying a crazy filter that will not match the professional style of the photo.

We’re not totally anti-selfie…

Selfies are OK when they are not being used for local (or national) media consumption. In other words, if your tech is taking a photo of himself with his company truck in the background next to an ocean or some other picturesque scenery, using this photo on your company’s Facebook/Twitter/Instagram feed would be a time when a selfie is acceptable. In addition, taking a selfie with other employees for social media purposes while at an expo or event is fine.

That leads me to a group shot tip: It’s important to always maintain your company’s high standards, even during an after-hours event. Make sure everyone puts down their cigarettes, vapes, beer bottles and pizza slices before getting in the photo.

In addition, if an on-the-job photo is taken, it is important that nothing but the highest of safety standards comes through on the photo. If there is any hesitation because the person in the photo looks unsafe in any way, do not use it because you may damage your brand. Happy shooting!

HUNKER is manager of Truly Vision, the in-house photo, video and movie production department for Truly Nolen Pest Control. He can be reached at 520-322-4043 or grant.hunker@trulymail.net.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/27/place-your-headshots-in-the-no-selfie-zone/
Sacramento CA

Jeep hobby good for business

Zoellner Exterminating Jeep

Dee and Darren Gooch promote Zoellner Exterminating when they take their Jeep off roading. PHOTO: Dee Gooch

The vehicles in Zoellner Exterminating’s fleet make an impression in an around Catoosa, Okla., where the company is based. That’s because owner Darren Gooch, and his wife Dee, the company’s office manager, had them wrapped in eye-catching graphics that promote the seven-year-old pest management business.

Technicians drive the company’s three full-size trucks that feature slanted red stripes extending all the way up the truck caps, web address, phone number and wide-eyed spider. Dee tools around town in one of the two Jeeps that serve as a marketing tool, thanks to a can’t miss giant steam-punk style spider and web.

There’s no doubt that the strategy leads to additional business, Darren says, because prospective customers who call the company are asked how they heard about the company. Often the reply is, I saw your truck/Jeep.

Zoellner Exterminating Truck

Zoellner Exterminating’s truck design is based on an idea from company Owner Darren Gooch. PHOTO: Dee Gooch

In addition to serving as Dee’s personal vehicle, the Jeep is taken off road when the couple gathers with fellow members of Jeepers Anonymous, a charitable organization that raises money for people in need. The off-roading club is more than 500 members strong, and many of the enthusiasts are fellow business owners.

Dee says being members allows them to network. “We’ve actually gained a lot of business from the Jeep being out on the trails,” she says.

When off-roading, the doors of the Jeep often are removed, even though that’s where the Zoellner Exterminating logo is positioned (the company’s web address remains in view, however). As result, they often are asked why they have a giant spider on the side of their Jeep.

“A lot people don’t realize what it’s about until we tell them,” Darren says. “And then we are asked, ‘Hey, do you have a card?’ So we always make sure we have business cards in the Jeep.”

Darren Gooch, Zoellner Exterminating

Darren Gooch

Darren, who has worked in the pest control business for 32 years, but launched Zoellner Exterminating with good friend Philip Zoellner, believes in sharing his success.

“Even though we are marketing our business and building relationships, it goes deeper than that,” he says. “It goes back to helping others out.”

The couple is big on giving back. Like most business owners, their ultimate goal is financial freedom. But they don’t want it just for themselves, they want to give back to the community and those less fortunate.

Dee Gooch, Zoellner Exterminating

Dee Gooch

“One of our goals for our vehicles is, for every nine trucks on the road, we want that 10th truck to be doing nothing but charity work,” Dee says.

That one vehicle would be dedicated to providing service to people in need and cannot afford pest control, and they are on their way to making it happen.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/27/jeep-hobby-good-for-business/
Sacramento CA

Taking the temperature of UK pest management

How are you feeling? Is it time to reach for the skies or is the Brexit backdrop making your temperature dangerously high? This year’s National UK Pest Management Survey gets underway today. If you work at the sharp end of UK pest control look out for your invitation and please participate.

from SmartBlog https://www.pestmagazine.co.uk/en/news/posts/2019/march/taking-the-temperature-of-uk-pest-management
Pest Control Pros

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Mold Allergies and Homeopathy

mold allergy homeopathy

It stands to reason that when the toxicity of mold wreaks havoc with your system, your body will crave the most natural forms of treatment to eliminate it. Of course, a visit to your GP will result in certain medications to treat your mold allergy, but with clinical studies proving that nutritional levels improve along natural therapies, homeopathy certainly has a part to play in banishing allergies. So, what remedies are available? MoldBlogger investigates!

Mold produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – the musty irritants that your eyes, nose and throat have to thank for its allergies.

When allergies are present, the production of glutathione (antioxidants), detoxification systems and the binding of toxins is compromised. Fortunately, a cocktail of natural remedies exists:

Camphor 200: This homeopathic medicine by Boiron, using highly diluted natural substances, is a great starting point when a mold allergy has first been diagnosed.

Sabadil: Another Boiron product made from the Cevadilla seed, this combination remedy may temporarily relieve upper respiratory symptoms.

ThyroLiver Protect: Brought to you by Dr. Jockers, this combination of selenium, milk thistle extract, Alpha-Lipoic Acid and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine assists both liver detoxification and the production of glutathione. Taking 1-2 capsules twice daily will help your liver neutralize and process the mold spores.

Super Glutathione: Sometimes, extra glutathione may be required. This comes in an easily absorbable form and should also be taken twice daily.

Natrum Sulphuricum: This homeopathic salt is the holy grail of natural remedies – especially useful when symptoms are aggravated by cold and damp conditions. Taking this 2-4 times daily is advisable.

Arsenicum Album: Take this twice daily for acute nose problems, such as sneezing and itching, until symptoms no longer persist.

Pulsatilla: Can also be effective against leaky sinuses.

Kali Muriacticum: Another great remedy for itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing.

Allium Cepa: Otherwise known as a red onion, to you and I. Somewhat ironically, this remedy is a good starting point if you have burning and itchy eyes – as if you’ve just peeled an onion.

Eyebright: Another great remedy for weeping eyes or discharge, it can also help relieve headaches from the stuffiness.

Urtica Urens: This cream will work wonders on itchy skin.

Nux Vomica: Reach for this – if you can stop sneezing long enough to do anything else!

Coconut Charcoal: Is there anything coconut can’t do? In this form, the charcoal works to bind the unregulated toxins that are released into the digestive tract. Taking 1-2 capsules in between meals and before bed is a must if you want to prevent these toxins from being reabsorbed into your system.

Of course, when it comes to kicking your allergy, you don’t get more natural than dehumidifying your living space, so it should go without saying that to keep your mold allergy at bay, you must always ensure best mold-busting practices.

As if you’d do anything else!

Read more: Keep Mold Allergies At Bay While Traveling

How Vapor Steam Cleaning Helps People With Allergies To Dust Mites and Molds



from Mold Blogger https://moldblogger.com/mold-allergies-and-homeopathy/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Imperial Dade Acquires Joshen Paper

Imperial Dade Acquires Joshen PaperImperial Dade has entered a Management Services and Inventory Purchase Agreement to manage, oversee, and operate the Edison, NJ, branch of Joshen Paper & Packaging Co., Inc. Per the terms of... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/imperial-dade-acquires-joshen-paper/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

ISSA Members Named World's Most Ethical Companies

Six ISSA-member companies have been named to Ethisphere Institute's 13th annual listing of the World's Most Ethical Companies. First published in Ethisphere magazine in 2007, the annual designation... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa-members-named-worlds-most-ethical-companies/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

P.E.S.T Relief International helps children’s home

The P.E.S.T Relief team outside the Taunton Family Children's Home in Wewahitchka, Fla. PHOTO: P.E.S.T RELIEF INTERNATIONAL

The P.E.S.T Relief team outside the Taunton Family Children’s Home in Wewahitchka, Fla. PHOTO: P.E.S.T. RELIEF INTERNATIONAL

P.E.S.T. Relief International traveled to the Taunton Family Children’s Home in Wewahitchka, Fla., to provide disaster relief.

The Taunton Family Children’s Home was located directly in the path of Hurricane Michael, which made landfall Oct. 10, 2018. The child care agency incurred damages that included more than 200 fallen trees and a flooded bunkhouse, which destroyed 12 mattresses.

In early December, P.E.S.T. Relief International brought food, supplies and chainsaws to help clear storm debris. On the way, the team picked up 12 new mattresses that were donated by Ashley Furniture’s Hope to Dream Program.

During the visit, the charity provided 179 meals, distributed blankets and Buddy Bags, painted fingernails and toes, played basketball, and handed out 26 Bibles with personal inscriptions for each child.

Founder Andrea Hancock reads to a resident of the children's home. PHOTO: P.E.S.T. RELIEF INTERNATIONAL

Founder Andrea Hancock reads to a resident of the children’s home. PHOTO: P.E.S.T. RELIEF INTERNATIONAL

The destroyed mattresses were replaced with the new ones, and all beds received new sheets, bedding, and mattress encasements to provide a safe and sanitary place to sleep. The chainsaw crew was able to remove 50 of the remaining trees.

“This experience not only impacted the residents of The Taunton Family Children’s Home,” P.E.S.T. Relief International said in a press release, “but also the volunteers who dedicated their time and resources to bring comfort and relief.”

P.E.S.T. Relief International is a charity through which pest management professionals help provide safe shelter, clean bedding, and other services to underserved communities. Andrea Hancock founded the organization. She is also vice president of industry supplier Mattress Safe Inc.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/26/p-e-s-t-relief-international-helps-childrens-home/
Sacramento CA

PRSM Announces Keynote Speaker for National Conference

PRSM Announces Keynote Speaker for National ConferenceThe Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM) has announced the keynote speaker for the PRSM2019 National Conference. Motivational speaker and entrepreneur Mel Robbins will... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/prsm-announces-keynote-speaker-for-national-conference_5/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Ecolab Reports Nearly $17 Million in Donations in 2018

Ecolab Reports Nearly $17 Million in Donations in 2018Ecolab, Inc. announced the company has donated nearly US$17 million in grants, in-kind product donations, and employee volunteerism during the past year. Ecolab’s donations include more than... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ecolab-reports-nearly-17-million-in-donations-in-2018_4/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

On The Fly relocates to Pikesville

PHOTO: ON THE FLY PEST SOLUTIONS

PHOTO: ON THE FLY PEST SOLUTIONS

On The Fly Pest Solutions established its permanent home on Church Lane in Pikesville, Md., to better service customers in Baltimore and the surrounding counties.

“Since moving here, we were touched by the warm welcome we received and are excited to grow in the community,” the company says in a press release. On The Fly was previously headquartered in the city of Baltimore.

On The Fly offers a wide range of services, including residential and commercial pest control, as well as wildlife services and termite and mosquito treatments. The company specializes in integrated pest management. Practices include education, exclusion, prevention, and understanding the habits of pests and their interaction with the environment.

The On The Fly team displays its 2018 Angie's List Super Service Award. PHOTO: ON THE FLY PEST SOLUTIONS

The On The Fly team displays its 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award. PHOTO: ON THE FLY PEST SOLUTIONS

On The Fly received an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, won its third consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Award, became Google Guaranteed, and has a five star rating on Google and Yelp. (To find other pest management companies that have won the 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award, see PMP‘s post “Angie’s list announces 2018 award winners”.)

As a Pikesville-based company, On The Fly values supporting local vendors and businesses whenever possible. “We believe in re-investing our dollars into our community,” says the company.

Don Brody, owner of On The Fly, is a Pikesville native who has been working in the pest control field for more than 18 years. He started On The Fly to provide the community with sustainable solutions for all pest control and wildlife concerns.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/26/on-the-fly-relocates-to-pikesville/
Sacramento CA

Resolutions for common bird control issues

Noel McCarthy, VP Advertising, Noble Pine Products Co.

Noel McCarthy, VP Advertising, Noble Pine Products Co.

With 18,000 known species of birds worldwide, it should come as no surprise that you will have to employ a range of strategies to solve any given wild bird problem. However, here are some practice-proven approaches to help you resolve the more common issues you may encounter:

  • Woodpeckers: While these birds consume millions of insects every year, their “drumming” can physically damage a structure. Remove temptation by deadening the resonant area with caulk. Visual and noise tactics can be helpful. If all else fails, create a physical barrier by covering the drumming site with sheet metal or bird netting.
  • Fruit-eaters: If your customer has trees and shrubs full of fruit, but the birds are harvesting it first, barriers are effective deterrents. Netting can keep starlings, orioles, robins, blackbirds and jays from planted fruits, especially apples and raspberries. Scare tactics also can be effective.
  • Nesters: Birds sometimes pick odd places to nest, but remember that federal and state laws protect most wild birds — and their nests and eggs. To prevent them from building nests in the first place, provide an artificial nest or bird box as an alternative. Otherwise, it’s best to contact your federal or state agent for advice on the particular situation.
  • “Roosters”: When pigeons, sparrows, grackles or crows start roosting in the trees around a structure, they can actually pose a health hazard. Pruning the trees may be enough to make the roosting site less appealing. However, if the birds in question are roosting on the building itself, physical barriers are usually the best option. Scare tactics also will work, at least for a while.


from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/26/resolutions-for-common-bird-control-issues/
Sacramento CA

Rutgers keys out Asian longhorned tick

longhorned tick (PHOTO: JAMES GATHANY, CDC/DVBD)

PHOTO: JAMES GATHANY, CDC/DVBD

The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an invasive species that not only threatens livestock in the United States, but can transmit a fatal human disease in its native countries. Because it can reproduce asexually, the tick’s populations can multiply quickly.

Also commonly known as the East Asian tick, it was first discovered in the United States on a pet sheep in 2017 in Hunterdon County, N.J. In 2018, the population was found to have overwintered and survive. Adding to the problem is that this tick can easily be mistaken for two native species that don’t carry nearly the threat it does: the rabbit tick (H. leporispalustris) and the bird tick (Ixodes brunneus).

The Center for Vector Biology, part of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J., teamed with other scientists recently to create a guide that “makes it easy for anyone with a powerful enough microscope to tell the Asian longhorned tick apart from those North American cousins, as well as a Central American species,” according to Rutgers Today. The key — and its related research — was published in the Jan. 23, 2019, edition of ZooKeys.

“To begin to understand the threat posed by Asian longhorned ticks in the United States, we need to know the full extent of its distribution,” Lead Author Dr. Andrea Egizi, a visiting professor at the Center for Vector Biology and a research scientist with the Monmouth County Tick-borne Disease Program, told Rutgers Today. “We made this key so that researchers across the country have an easier way to identify them.”

At press time, the ticks have been found in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/02/26/rutgers-keys-out-asian-longhorned-tick/
Sacramento CA