FTC Warns Manufacturers and Retailers of Ultrasonic Pest-control Devices

Walking through the mall last night finishing up Christmas shopping, I came across the store, “As Seen on TV.” This store sells everything and anything. I was surprised to come across the ultrasonic pest control devices. After doing some research, I found this interesting publication. This is definitely something to read.

The notice from the FTC:
Staff of the Federal Trade Commission's Division of Enforcement today announced that they have sent warning letters to more than 60 manufacturers and retailers of ultrasonic pest-control devices, stating that efficacy claims about those products must be supported by scientific evidence. FTC staff reviewed print and catalog advertisements and conducted a “surf of Internet sites marketing such devices. They found that many of the advertisements make explicit claims about the products' ability to eliminate rodents or repel insects. According to staff, these types of claims may not be in compliance with the FTC Act, which prohibits false and deceptive advertising.

Between 1985 and 1997, the FTC brought law enforcement actions against six companies that allegedly made false and unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of ultrasonic devices in controlling rodent and insect infestations. Each of those cases was resolved by consent order. In those prior actions, the FTC challenged the following types of claims:
Eliminates rodent infestations;
Repels insects;
Serves as an effective alternative to conventional pest-control products;
Increases or assists the effectiveness of other pest-control methods;
Eliminates fleas on dogs or cats; and
Scientific tests prove product effectiveness.

Prior FTC complaints alleged that any reaction by rodents to ultrasound would be temporary at best because rodents become accustomed to ultrasound and will return to their nesting or feeding areas even in the presence of an ultrasonic device. Furthermore, previous FTC complaints alleged that ultrasound devices do not control insects.

This notice from the Federal Trade Commission states, these devices are defective. This article continues here. The best solution when dealing with rodents, is to call a pest management professional, like Craig Thomas Pest Control. Rodents carry disease, chew through wires, are the root of fires and should be handled by a licensed professional. Don’t cut corners! Spend the extra money, don’t deal with the headache and leave all your professional needs up to Craig Thomas Pest Control.

Recap from Pest World 2009

Thank you to The National Pest Management Association for putting on a great convention. Sarah and Craig Thomas had a great time meeting colleagues, networking, learning and more!


Sarah Thomas winning PWIPM Award, Gina Lupini, Chair of PWIPM and Eco Lab Sponsor

Sarah Thomas, third generation of Craig Thomas Pest Control was awarded a scholarship from Professional Women in Pest Management, an affiliate organization of the National Pest Management Association. The PWIPM Scholarship is awarded annually to one female nationally, interested in advancing or securing a career in pest management. Ms. Thomas just graduated from SUNY New Paltz and aspires to take a more active role within the company. PWIPM provides a place for women in the pest management industry to network and has taken the initiative to define their role for women serving in the industry. “This is just the beginning of an exciting career ahead of me,” said Sarah Thomas.

Sarah and Craig Thomas in the Convention Center

Farmer who killed 83,000 rats is awarded prize

Mokhairul Islam, 40, won a first prize of a colour television for killing some 83,450 rats in the past nine months in Gazipur district near the South Asian country's capital, Dhaka. He collected their tails for proof.

For more of this interesting article, click here

College Students - Don't bring bed bugs home this Thanksgiving break!

As college students prepare to head home this week for Thanksgiving break, parents may want to think twice before students bring home piles of laundry and other objects. Bed bugs have recently made resurgence across the United States and are even affecting us here, in the lovely Hudson Valley. Not only are bed bugs affecting homeowners, hotels, apartments, hospitals, office buildings, but even college dormitories. A few years ago bed bugs were not as big of a problem, but recently bed bug reports are on the rise. After all, bed bugs are called “hitchhikers.”

Bed Bug Picture credits of Bed Bug Central

Recently, Craig Thomas Pest Control
has become the first pest management firm in the Hudson Valley to be approved for bedbugFREE membership amid escalating reports of bed bug infestations across the state. As a bedbugFREE member Craig Thomas joins an expanding network of companies across the nation committed to guidelines for safe and effective removal of bed bugs established by Bed Bug Central. “Becoming a member of bedbugFREE was an easy decision. Craig Thomas Pest Control prides itself on staying on top of the latest technology in the pest management industry by going above and beyond for our customers,” said Sarah Thomas. “The training, documentation and methodology help us communicate more clearly with our customers, explaining the preparations that need to be performed prior to treatment, the treatment process and what to expect from our company.”

Identification Points from Bed Bug Central
• Eggs are pearly white and & only 1mm in length
• Adult bed bugs are approximately 1/4” in length and are reddish-brown in color
• Bed bugs have not been demonstrated to be effective transmitters of disease
• Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites and some have delayed reactions to the bite
• Bed bug bite symptoms typically appear as red, itchy welts but can vary from one individual to the next
• Bite symptoms often appear in rows of several or more bites in a row

Bed Bugs at College - Must Read Tips for College Parents & Students

If bed bugs become a problem, do not attempt treatment yourself. Bed bugs are a difficult insect to control and require a trained pest control professional to eradicate the problem correctly.

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Information provdied by: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm

Craig Thomas Pest Control now, bedbugFREE

Craig Thomas Pest Control Prevents Unsafe and Ineffective BedBug Removal
Company becomes qualified to safely remove bed bugs amid infestation endemic.


NEW YORK – November 2, 2009–Craig Thomas Pest Control, of Hyde Park, NY has become the first pest management firm in the Hudson Valley to be approved for bedbugFREE membership amid escalating reports of bed bug infestations across the state.

As a bedbugFREE member Craig Thomas joins an expanding network of companies across the nation committed to guidelines for safe and effective removal of bed bugs established by Bed Bug Central.

Craig Thomas Pest Control services the entire Hudson Valley Region and has been family owned and operated since 1949 under the belief that environmentally responsible pest control can be achieved at a reasonable cost without sacrificing our guaranteed quality.

A survey conducted by University of Kentucky shows that a significant increase of bed bug infestations has made bed bug management difficult. This influx has also opened the door to poor standards and practices as well as unsafe or ineffective treatment.

Bed bugs are small wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals. Despite their name, bed bugs can be found in a variety of environments outside of bedding such as furniture, walls, office buildings, college dormitories etc.

Craig Thomas turned to Bed Bug Central and sought membership with bedbugFREE to ensure they continue to provide their customers with the safest and most effective strategies for bed bug removal during this increased infestation period.

“Becoming a member of bedbugFREE was an easy decision. Craig Thomas Pest Control prides itself on staying on top of the latest technology in the pest management industry by going above and beyond for our customers,” said Sarah Thomas. “The training, documentation and methodology help us communicate more clearly with our customers, explaining the preparations that need to be performed prior to treatment, the treatment process and what to expect from our company.”

All bedbugFREE companies undergo a rigorous screening process overseen by research entomologists Rick Cooper and Jeff White to ensure they understand and comply with several stringent guidelines.

Some of these guidelines include: educating customers on bed bugs and prevention and using a multidisciplinary approach to bed bug management that include both chemical and non-chemical treatment methods.

Additional guidelines ensure the utilization of various strategies that are specifically geared towards treating bed bug eggs that are difficult to detect and not easily dealt with through chemicals.

Bed bug infestations are more difficult to control than other insects. This is largely because the bed bugs are difficult to detect and can spread to numerous inaccessible areas of the house. They are also adept at migrating.

As the public deals with bed bug infestations it is important that they understand which methods are being utilized by the pest management firm of their choice. Although removing bed bugs yourself can further spread infestation, it is also important for the public to know which do-it-yourself methods and products work and which will likely result in health risks or a needless loss of money.

“The bedbugFREE designation will help us better serve our community and educate the public on bed bug awareness. It also enables us to better protect our clients and educate prospective clients through cutting edge of technology, effective treatment techniques and ongoing education,” said Thomas.

Experts emphasize that public education and individuals educating themselves are an important process in bed bug prevention. More information can be found at www.callcraig.com.

####
About Bed Bug Central
Bed Bug Central was developed in part by nationally regarded entomologist Richard Cooper in response to the incorrect information available to individuals faced with bed bug problems. The inconsistent information has also created an environment for conflicting practices with varying levels of success. The Bed Bug Central website serves as an authoritative resource for the public on information concerning bed bugs, health concerns, prevention, and treatment.
More information can be obtained at www.bedbugcentral.com.

Prevention Tips

Check out these tips for preventing household pests, pest infestations and the potentially dangerous health and property threats they pose. Find out how to prevent bugs and rodents from entering your home, how to avoid outdoor insects like mosquitoes and bees and how to protect your family and property from disease and property damage.

•Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home including entry points for utilities and pipes.
•Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
•Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
•Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
•Repair fascia and sofits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
•Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.
•Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground.
•Call Craig Thomas Pest Control for additional advice and treatment if necessary.

CTPC is proud to offer many services to reduce your risk against pest.
- Exclusion work. Sealing entry points around your home to prevent insect and rodent entry.
- Chimney Caps.
- Gutters. We install, repair and clean gutters. We are the authorized dealer for Leaf Defier. Climbing your ladder every fall to clean gutters, will be crossed off your hunny to do list.
- Door Sweeps. Any doors or garage doors improperly sealed. Our weather proof door sweeps prevent insect and rodent entry.
- CTPC also offers many other pest control, home repair and insulation services, just ask!

Prevention Tips provided by: http://www.pestworld.org/For-Consumers/Prevention-Tips

Installing Leaf Defier

It's that time of year...

Leaves are falling, dont clean your gutters! Let Craig Thomas Pest Control take care of it for you! The Craig Thomas team is prepared to clean your gutters and install the product, Leaf Defier. Leaf Defier is an insert, specially shaped and cut to fit snugly into your gutter. So, how does it work? When it rains, water flows through the Leaf Defier® into the gutter valley and out the downspout. Leaves and debris slide off the surface or just dry up and blow away.

For more information: http://www.callcraig.com/leaf-defier.asp

Below is a Leaf Defier installation in progress:

Facebook | Brian Ricks's Photos - Mobile Uploads

No more mice in movie theater, owner says | recordonline.com

No more mice in movie theater, owner says | recordonline.com

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Bedbugs do not discriminate!

Bed Bugs do not discriminate, even here in the gorgeous Hudson Valley. Take a look at this article from right here in New York City.


Bedbugs infest NYC

Take a look at this picture, recently taken while performing a bed bug treatment:



Craig Thomas Pest Control takes pride in servicing the Hudson Valley for over 50 years, with 3rd generation experience. In the world of pest management, experience makes the difference. "Trust your family, with the Thomas Family."

TAP Insulation

Craig Thomas Pest Control does not only specialize in pest control. The company you have know and trust, now performs insulation and home improvement services. Take advantage of a tax credit with T.A.P. Insulation. T.A.P. is blown in cellulose insulation treated with boric acid for the prevention of pest, while keeping your home or building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer along with acoustical benefits as well.

For more information on T.A.P. Insulation:
TAP Insulation

Take a look how you can save $:
Save $ with TAP Insulation

The Miscellany News - Bedbug infestation afflicts Lathrop House

The Miscellany News - Bedbug infestation afflicts Lathrop House

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2009 Hudson Valley Home Expo

Marcotte Creative Media presents
2009 Hudson Valley Home Expo
sponsored by
Just Exteriors Plus
"The most trusted name in home improvement"

September 26 & 27
SAT 10A - 7P; SUN 10A-5P
Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie, NY

Adult Admission $6
Children under 16 FREE
See the Poughkeepsie Journal for $1 off Coupons


The 2009 Hudson Valley Home expo is your opportunity to plan your home improvement projects. We will have experts in various aspects of home improvement, construction and interior/exterior design. Other exhibitors will provide eco-friendly cleaning products and services Meet the professionals face to face, talk about your ideas and desires, and let your ideas blossom into reality.

Stop by the Craig Thomas Pest Control booth and say hi!!

For more information: http://www.mcmexpos.com/fhe/index.htm

Sarah Thomas - 2009 Winner of The Professional Woman In Pest Management Scholarship

September 14, 2009

Ms. Sarah Thomas
1186 Route 9G
Hyde Park, NY 12538


Dear Sarah,

On behalf of Professional Women in Pest Management and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), I congratulate you on your effort placed in applying for the PWIPM Scholarship. We appreciate your dedication to the industry and enjoyed getting to know you a little better.

The judges were tasked with evaluating an excellent pool of applicants and yours certainly stood out as one of the best. In fact, we are proud to present you as our 2009 PWIPM Scholarship winner.

As you know part of the scholarship is a complimentary registration to NPMA’s annual convention, PestWorld 2009 so we hope that you’ll be attending and participate in PWIPM activities, which includes the PWIPM Reception on Tuesday, October 27 at 5:30 p.m. where you’ll be presented with the scholarship award.


Warm regards,



Dominique Stumpf CMP
Vice President

The hotel pest that's hard to avoid

They can live for months without feeding, making their colonies close to where people sleep. They'll hide under chairs and beds, or in the walls, and scurry from sunlight. They seek out the warm spots around your head, neck, forearms and abdomen to suck your blood in the middle of the night. Once you've got them, it's hell to get rid of them.

In this article, a group of New York tourists encountered an infestation of bedbugs last week during their an annual Ocean City family reunion.

Bedbugs are nothing to mess with, it is best left up to a professional. Craig Thomas Pest Control employs inspection techniques along with steam cleaning, state of the art mattress covers to rid the problem. However, follow up treatments are necessary to rid the problem effectively. For more information on how to prevent a bedbug problem or for help with a problem, call your Hudson Valley Pest Professional, Craig Thomas Pest Control.


If you would like to read more: http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090827/WCT01/908270303

Hudson Valley Rib Fest

Thank you to everyone who came by the Craig Thomas Pest Control booth to say hi! If you came by, it was great to meet you, hope you are enjoying your recycled tote bag!

World Mosquito Day - August 20th

Last August, Craig Thomas Pest Control donated $2,500.00 to Nothing but Nets. Nothing but Nets is a grass roots organization to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. This entire process of purchasing and distributing bed nets to children under the age of five, as well as providing education and follow-up surveying on their use, is accomplished at the cost of just $10 per bed net. Although $10 for a bed net may not sound like much, the cost is out of reach for most people at risk of malaria in Africa, where many people survive on less than $1 a day. Malaria is a leading cause of death of children in Africa, killing nearly one million children each year. Every day 3,000 children die from the disease. Currently, nets have been donated to Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Congo, Zimbabwe and Kenya. New areas of Africa are in the process of begin reached and having nets distributed. For more information, visit www.nothingbutnets.net.

Recently, Craig Thomas Pest Control joined forces with Save Mothers, Safe Babies and Vassar College’s, Vassar Uganda Project. These programs are working together to protect motherhood and childhood as sacred times of growth and development. Jacqueline Rotaracts who is leading Vassar Uganda Project, Safe Mothers, Safe Babies partners with women, families, and professionals in Eastern Uganda to reduce maternal and neonatal death through collaborative, sustainable and demand driven means. Joining forces to maximize these efforts was an easy choice for our company.

Craig Thomas Pest Control values our business relationship with Vassar College and believes Vassar's Uganda Project is perfect aligned with our "Nothing but Nets Campaign." Craig Thomas Pest Control decided to donate mosquito nets because we are not in the spray business or just to take care of people’s pests. "Being a responsible business owner is giving back to the community. I can't think of a better way how donating $10.00 can directly save a life." Protecting people’s health and educating them on further ways to reduce there risk against the many threats associated with pests is what we do and the first step in pest management. By removing standing water or old tires from your property can prevent mosquitoes from congregating around your property. Therefore, donating nets is a perfect fit for my company. It helps protect people against malaria, while educating them on the many risks associated from the mosquito. This project is the true definition of IPM, said Craig Thomas."

What can you do on World Mosquito Day?
mDonate to Nothing but Nets @ http://my.e2rm.com/personalpage.aspx?registrationID=471079.

Come see us next weekend...

August 14-16th come to the Ulster County Fairgrounds for some lip smacking good BBQ at the 5th Annual Hudson Valley Rib Fest. While there stop by the Craig Thomas Pest Control booth. You never know what niffy give aways we will be giving away and see our most talked about vehicle, our Volkswagen Ladybug....

2009 Hudson Valley Rib Fest at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, 294 Libertyville, Rd., New Paltz, NY. Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday 11am - 10pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm. Highland Rotary Club 5th Annual Event. More vendors, delicious food, great music, fun kids activities, contest teams, and our great backyard BBQ atmosphere. This year's event will be the place to be for the entire family.

A QualityPro School Company makes all the difference..

Last week Craig Thomas Pest Control joined many other businesses at Middletown High School for Superintendents of Building & Grounds Staff Enrichment Day. This allows all the local Superintendents of Building & Grounds and custodial staff of Hudson Valley School Districts to gather at once. Classes are offered for the custodial staff along with other activities throughout the day. Local businesses, like us had booths providing insight into services we offer our local school districts.



Craig Thomas Pest Control takes pride providing local Hudson Valley School Districts with their pest control needs. CTPC was the first company to become QualityPro Schools in the Hudson Valley. Becoming a QualityPro School Certified Company means that Craig Thomas Pest Control has taken extraordinary steps to ensure that schools can rely on us. In addition to fulfilling the thorough and in-depth QualityPro requirements, Craig Thomas Pest Control has trained all of its schools service associates and salespeople on specific school IPM techniques above and beyond any state requirements. Taking these steps clearly demonstrates that Craig Thomas Pest Control cares about protecting children in the school environment. By achieving QualityPro School certification we have met qualifications built around five key principles: Business Operations, Consumer Relations, Environmental Stewardship, Technician Training, and School Integrated Pest Management. These qualifications include employing only highly trained, credentialed employees; offering a clear, easy-to-understand warranty and termite service agreement; maintaining a drug-free workplace; advertising truthfully and ethically; and maintaining an up-to-date insurance policy.

Craig Thomas Pest Control in the New Paltz Memorial Day Parade

A little late, but a few of the Craig Thomas vehicles were lucky enough to join New Paltz celebrate Memorial Day in the annual parade down Main Street. Craig's daughters Sarah and Megan are in the following pictures!

Remember: "Let the Thomas family protect your family, like only the Thomas family can."

Homeowners Rank Bug Infestation Third-Worst Threat

Great article! Americans are truly afraid of insects and should not try to treat problems themselves. It is best to leave pest problems to a professional.


Survey Shows Americans Fear Only Fire and Natural Disasters More Than Bug Infestations

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Americans fear bugs – big time. In fact, bug infestations rank just behind fires and natural disasters as one of the most dreaded threats to people’s homes, according to a recent national survey.

There’s good reason to fear these tiny forces of nature: Ninety-five percent of homeowners who responded to the survey said they’ve been the victim of a bug infestation.

And just one of those pests alone – the termite – strikes five times as many U.S. homes as fire and wreaks an estimated $5 billion in property damage every year. That’s more than the combined cost of destruction from tornadoes, hurricanes and windstorms.

Not surprisingly, the termite is America’s most feared insect foe, according to the survey, conducted for BASF Pest Control Solutions. As one third of all respondents said they would be afraid if termites came into their home, the termite is clearly seen as insect enemy No.1, followed by bed bugs (28 percent), bees and wasps (27 percent) and cockroaches (27 percent).

Three major fear factors drive the disgust for bugs: People are afraid they’ll be bitten, that their property will be damaged or that their food will be contaminated. These concerns and others compelled respondents to rank bug infestations as a greater threat than rodents or even floods.

“Insects attack silently, sometimes almost invisibly, which adds to people’s concern,” said Dr. Bob Davis, Chief Entomologist at BASF. “Unfortunately, by the time people realize they have a problem, the damage may already be done.”

When it comes to battling bugs, about half the respondents (58 percent) said they try to treat the problem themselves. But a majority (55 percent) admitted the do-it-yourself approach doesn’t always solve the problem.

“Homeowners who try to fix the problem themselves often end up with failure and frustration,” Davis said. “That’s because most people don’t know exactly what pest they are dealing with and how best to fight it. In fact, the most technologically advanced materials are not available to the general public.”

Licensed pest management professionals have access to these modern insect-fighting agents and are trained to handle them. Proper treatment also usually requires specific tools and techniques for inspection and application of the materials.

Some people seek professional help sooner than others, the survey showed.

About a third of respondents said calling a professional is the best way to deal with a bug infestation. That number grows considerably once self-treatment fails to solve the problem. More than 75 percent of homeowners in the survey said they turn to pest control professionals when the do-it-yourself approach fails.

Many insect problems can be prevented before they start, including infestations of America’s No. 1 pest enemy, termites. For more information about identifying termites, bug infestations or preventing and eradicating insects, consumers should visit termiteinstitute.com, antinstitute.com or saveastud.com

About the Survey

The survey was conducted among 717 homeowners identified in a national probability sample of 1002 adults 18 years of age and older living in private households in the continental United States. Interviews for this survey were conducted by Opinion Research Corporation from April 30 to May 3, 2009. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percent.

About the Crop Protection division

With sales of € 3.4 billion in 2008, BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF’s Crop Protection division is to be the world’s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com.

BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $17.5 billion in 2008. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals, as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has approximately 97,000 employees and posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

© 2009 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.

For the actual article: http://tiny.cc/uu6eg

Beware of Ticks

Great article from a newspaper in Virgina about ticks. Take a look:

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/mobile/local_wavy_ticks_20090612


Craig Thomas Pest Control protects your health, home and property against pests, like ticks. Don't give ticks the opportunity - Call Craig!

Reduce Mosquitoes

Every summer there are new horror stories about mosquito-borne illnesses such as
equine encephalitis, malaria and West Nile virus. But there are steps you can take to help keep mosquitoes at bay near your home this summer. Mosquitoes require an Aquatic habitat for the egg, larval and pupal forms of their development to occur. By simply removing water resources in which mosquitoes may develop, you can help make your yard and neighborhood mosquito-free.

Here are 15 ways to help keep mosquitoes away from your home:
1. Don’t overwater your yard and garden. Standing water becomes a source for mosquito eggs to be deposited and to develop.
2. Empty bird baths at least once a week and replenish water.
3. Remove standing water from potted plant saucers.
4. Change pet dish water once a week.
5. Change water in kiddie pools or fountains at least once a week.
6. Make sure trash can lids are on cans and not turned over to serve as water reservoirs.
7. Clean gutters on house and make sure water is flowing properly away from home.
8. Fill in mud puddles.
9. Grade land so water moves away from the house and yard.
10. Check tree holes and stumps in yard for standing water.
11. Make sure tire swings and any old tires are emptied of standing water in the yard.
12. Rain barrels for catching rainwater should be screened at the surface to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
13. Cover all trash and recycle receptacles with tight-fitting lids to prevent water inside.
14. Add bubblers or fountains to small decorative lakes or fish ponds to keep the water
surface constantly rippling so that mosquito larvae are drowned at the surface.
15. Keep swimming pools drained or covered during off months, and treated properly during the summer season.

If your outdoor activities still being invaded by unwanted guests, Call Craig. We offer green treatments to help reduce the amount of pests, while protecting your health, home and property.


Article featured in our Summer 2009 Pest Gazette

Great Article from USA Today

Your Health: Bug control goes beyond the spray can

When a bunch of pesky flies got into insect expert Art Antonelli's house, he did not reach for a can of insecticide. Instead, he got out a fly swatter — and his shoes, which he used to walk outside his home to look for the source of the sudden fly infestation.

He found it, under his house: "I had a dead rat and a dead possum," say Antonelli, an entomologist at Washington State University's extension center in Puyallup. He called a pest control company to remove the dead animals and then closed up openings that were allowing critters into the crawl space.


CHEMICALS: Skip commercial cleaners for those made from pantry products
His fly problem was solved and the use of a pesticide was averted — something that experts say still happens too infrequently, even among health-conscious, organic-food-buying, environmentally aware consumers. "When there are insects in their homes, there are some purists, but not many," Antonelli says.

"The biggest abusers of pesticides are consumers," says Dini Miller, an urban pest management specialist at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg. "They see an insect in the bathroom, and most people will want to empty half a can of Raid until the last leg stops moving."

Carolyn Randall, a pesticide safety educator at Michigan State University in East Lansing, agrees: "People tend to panic when they see one ant or one earwig," she says. "They reach for chemicals too quickly or call a pest control company too quickly."

Pesticides for home use are carefully reviewed for safety by the Environmental Protection Agency and are not highly toxic to humans, Miller says. "But you never want to use more than you need."

Antonelli says: "If you follow the label absolutely, you can have peace of mind. ... But the label has no eyeballs. It can't see if you point the nozzle the wrong way and spray it in your face." And it can't observe, as Antonelli once did, a woman running through her house spraying multiple doses of insecticide at a single airborne fly.

Here's how to keep your own home (relatively) insect-free without dousing it with chemicals:

•Keep outdoor insects under control. This does not mean bombing your yard with pesticides or getting one of those bug zappers (they kill lots of beneficial insects, Antonelli says). Instead, limit outdoor breeding grounds, Miller advises. Insects love wood piles, tarps, kiddie pools (especially the moist underside) and mulch. If you must use mulch, keep the stuff at least six inches from your foundation, she says.

•Keep outside insects out. Repair screens, caulk cracks, replace inadequate weather stripping and outfit door bottoms with tight rubber sweeps. If you can, Miller says, avoid lighting up doorways at night: That attracts insects, which attract spiders, which are then happy to come inside.

•When an insect gets in, don't panic. Most are harmless: They don't bite or carry diseases, Miller says. And most are easy to kill. Miller endorses stomping, vacuuming and, for those kitchen counter ants, spraying with soap and water.

•Trace the enemy to its source. Those ants on your counter top may come from a nest in a rotted porch column; fix that and lose the ants.

•When you do use pesticides, choose carefully. Read labels to make sure the product is intended for indoor use and the pest in question. You may need to try more than one. For example, ants may ignore one bait but find another irresistible.

•Know that some problems require professional help. Those include bedbugs, termites and, in most cases, cockroaches (which are a major cause of allergy and asthma symptoms), Miller says. Contact your state's cooperative extension service for more information. (Find one at csrees.usda.gov/Extension.)

Sometimes, it is best to leave bug problems up to the professionals. If a pest control problems becomes too much to handle, call the speedy, professional, green team at Craig Thomas Pest Control for all your pest control needs. Visit our website at www.callcraig.com or call 800.255.6777 for a free estimate and inspection.

Article from:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/painter/2009-05-10-bug-spray_N.htm#uslPageReturn

Hudson Valley Green Fair Success

April 25-26, 2009 the Hudson Valley Green Fair was held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. This is the first year Craig Thomas Pest Control participated in the second annual event. The Fair was designed to help everyone learn how to “go green” and be environmentally friendly.

Craig Thomas Pest Control takes pride in offering environmentally sounds services and natural products to combat your pest control problems. CTPC may implement steam cleaning, exclusion, baiting, heppa filter vacuums and when necessary our organic line of products, called EcoSmart. For more information on these products: www.ecosmart.com. CTPC takes pride protecting your health, homes and property against pest.

Thank you for everyone who came to the Green Fair (I know it was hot) and stopped by our booth. Below is a picture of our booth at the fair and me (Sarah).

April 25th, 2009 – World Malaria Day!

April 25th, 2009 – World Malaria Day!




Each year, malaria afflicts approximately a half-billion people (roughly the population of the United States, Canada, and Mexico combined).
• Malaria kills more than a million people per year; 90 percent of those who die are African children.
• Every 30 seconds in Africa a child dies of malaria.
• Malaria incapacitates people, keeping countries poor. In addition to the health burden, malaria illness and death cost Africa about $12 billion per year.

Craig Thomas Pest Control continues to donate a portion of their vector sales to the Nothing but Nets Campaign. Nothing But Nets is a grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. This entire process of purchasing and distributing insecticide-treated bed nets to children under the age of five, as well as providing education and follow-up surveying on their use, is accomplished at the cost of just $10 per bed net. Although $10 for a bed net may not sound like much, the cost makes them out of reach for most people at risk of malaria in Africa, where many people survive on less than $1 a day. Malaria has been brought under control and even eliminated in many parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas. Yet in Africa, malaria infections have actually increased over the last three decades. Malaria is a leading cause of death of children in Africa, killing nearly one million children each year. Every day 3,000 children die from the disease. (Provided by Nothingbutnets.net)

Doing something on April 25th and go to www.callcraig.com and click on Nothing but Nets to donate. $10 to buy, distribute and educate... so little to save a life, and you can help!

Go Craig Thomas Pest Control!!!

Craig Thomas Pest Control is currently sponsoring one of New Paltz's tee ball teams. We wish the Craig Thomas Pest Control Crocs the best of luck in the 2009 Season.




The picture above is Craig Thomas and his son, Eric a team member.

Don't let the bedbugs bite...

Take a look at this video from Dateline on bedubgs:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11916682/

KEY POINTS
- Bed bugs can be extremely difficult to detect. Proper diagnosis requires highly trained professionals.
- Bed bug services are very labor intensive, rely heavily on the careful use of residual pesticides and should only be conducted by highly trained professionals.
- Proper service requires that ALL possible harborages are treated. This usually requires the complete cooperation of the customer to access all areas that need to be treated.
- One service WILL NOT eliminate bed bugs from your home. A typical bed bug management program consists of an intensive initial service followed by a number of follow up visits over a period of several months.
These follow up visits are necessary to ensure a maximum level of control.
- In rare cases, total elimination of bed bugs may not be possible through our regular program. We will work with the customer to design custom treatments to give the best control possible.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BED BUGS
Bed bugs occur world-wide and bridge all economic and social strata. Bed bug infestations in North America have become much more common over the past 10 years. Adult bed bugs are brown to reddish-brown,approximately 3/16-inch long, 1/8-inch wide, broadly oval, and flat. Immature bed bugs (nymphs) are tiny and appear translucent or pale in color. The eggs are pearly white in color and only 1 mm in length, thus they can be very difficult to detect with the naked eye. Inspections for bed bugs include looking for live bugs, shed exoskeletons and characteristic black stains created by fecal droppings. These insects feed exclusively on blood
however there has been no evidence to suggest that bed bugs transmit any diseases.
Bed bugs do not enter homes from the natural outdoor environment; instead they must be introduced into the home from a previously infested environment. This can occur by picking them up during travel, bringing them in on rented or used furniture, introduction by guests or visitors, or other means. Often the exact source of the
infestation is unknown. Once in the home bed bugs will seek small, protected areas to hide. Although called bed bugs, they can live in almost any area of the home such as beds, couches, picture frames, night stands, wall voids, under carpeting, or virtually any available small crack or crevice. However, they will most likely try to live very close to where people sleep. Only highly trained professionals can correctly identify and treat all of these potential harborages. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects and therefore usually hide during the day and are most
active at night when they leave their harborages to seek a blood meal. Bed bug bites are essentially painless and often go unnoticed while the bugs are feeding. Bed bugs mature quickly, lay hundreds of eggs, and can live almost a year. Therefore, infestations can grow rapidly and persist indefinitely until proper corrective actions are taken.

Do not try to treat bedbug problems themselves... this will only cause the population to spread and grow. Call the clean, professional, green team at Craig Thomas Pest Control to solve all your pest needs!

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring to all our friends! We can now look forward to warm and sunny days; however warm weather causes insects and wildlife to move around. If you are confronted with insects or wildlife problems at your home, first call a professional. Do not try to treat yourself; you will only make the problem worse. Spring time is a time where termites and ants make their way into homes. How to tell the difference between the two insects can be difficult. Below describes the difference between the Carpenter ant and the termite.

Key features of Carpenter Ants:

• Very large, usually black, about 1/2" in size.


• Distinct one segment pedicel ('knob') protruding from the link between the thorax and abdomen.


• Abdomen encircled by yellow hairs.


• Thorax is evenly rounded C.


• Carpenter ants nesting in wood only hollow out 'galleries' for reproduction.


• Early signs of structural infestations are swarms of adult reproductive flyers in or around the home.


• Most often they can be observed at dusk or dawn when they are most active.


• Sawdust around baseboards and walls is also evidence of carpenter ant activity.

Key features of Termites:

• Characteristics – Size: Worker/Solider: 1/8-inch in length. Primary/Supplementary Reproductive: About 1 inch in length.


• Color: Soldier: Light colored with brown head. Supplementary Reproductive/ Worker: Light colored. Primary Reproductive: Dark brown/black.


• Behavior – This termite is known to swarm in May and June, but small flights can occur at any time of the year.


• Swarming is the primary way the termite naturally spreads after it has been transported to a new area.


• Three elements are needed for swarming to be effective: 1) Proper food resources (cellulose and wood), 2) moisture, and 3) a physical niche.


• Habitat – Subterranean termites live in colonies in the ground, building vertical tunnels that look like mud tubes above ground level so that they can search for food. Subterranean termites will die if exposed to air for an extended period of time, so the tunnels provide protection from the open air, allowing workers to carry food to the nest. Subterranean termites can form tunnels through cracks in concrete, so slab homes are not exempt from these termites. They need to stay in contact with the soil in order to survive.

To learn more about developing a pest management plan best suited for your needs, call the team at Craig Thomas Pest Control!

Save $$ with TAP Insulation

President Barrack Obama recently signed The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009. The provisions enable homeowners to claim a credit of up to $1,500 for the installation of TAP Pest Control Insulation. The credit is calculated as 30% of the amount spent, or $1,500, whichever is less.

Do something good for your health and home by investing in TAP Insulation.

Craig Thomas Pest Control is currently offering 10% off TAP installations right now!

This offer ends April 1, 2009!

Why not save money, while protecting your home against pests and reducing heating/cooling costs?

For more information visit: www.callcraig.com.

For more information on TAP Insulation visit: www.tapinsulation.com

Our bugs are ready to tackle your bugs!

Have you seen our new bugs on the road?

Well, we have been travelling around the Hudson Valley protecting residents and businesses from their pest control problems!

Did you know? Non-users of professional pest management services are twice as likely to think they can solve pest problems themselves according to the Professional Pest Management Alliance. However, pest control is something you should leave to the professionals. If you run into a buggy situation, call our bugs for a fast, green solution!

2008 Home Builders Association Pinnacle Award Winner for Best Innovative Product for TAP Insulation!

As a member of the Hudson Valley Home Builders Association, earlier in the year we had an opportunity to apply for the 2008 Pinnacle Award. Although there were many categories, we applied for "The Best Innovative Product." Our winning innovative product was T.A.P. Insulation. The picture to the left, is Craig Thomas after winning the award.


T.A.P. Insulation is natural cellulose insulation and natural borate pesticides—creating Thermal, Acoustical & Pest Control Insulation, the only stabilized pest control insulation. To learn more about the advantages of T.A.P. take a look at our website: http://www.callcraig.com/tap-insulation.asp.

Below are some pictures of T.A.P. Insulation.

Before to the left and after to the right.

Do you want to save up to 38% percent off of your energy bills?

If so, call today for a free energy audit inspection of your home!

1-800-255-6777.

1st Company in The Hudson Valley to be Quality Pro Green

CRAIG THOMAS PEST CONTROL EARNS QUALITYPRO GREEN DESIGNATION

The movement toward “going green” has significantly influenced businesses ranging from construction to printing and now, pest management. As green services become a preferred choice among customers, Craig Thomas Pest Control is proud to announce its new designation from the National Pest Management Association as “QualityPro Green.” This designation not only reflects Craig Thomas Pest Control exceptional pest management services but more, its commitment to cultivating an environmentally-responsible business.

“Now, more than ever, consumers are seeking pest management methods that not only address their household pest problems but also, address their concerns regarding the protection of the environment,” says President, Craig Thomas. “In proactively seeking – and receiving – our QualityPro Green designation, we are not only responding to the need to be environmentally sensitive but also to the fact that 61% of consumers seek out pest control services they perceive as “green.*”

QualityPro Green services offered by Craig Thomas Pest Control include:
Carpenter Ants, Termites, Bees/Wasps, Mice/Rats, Tick Control, Animal Trapping, Fly Control, Millipedes, Bed Bugs, Bats Exclusion, Snakes, Bird Control, Roaches, Fleas, Damage Repair and TAP Insulation.

“As the first QualityPro Green Company in the Hudson Valley, we are fully committed to providing customers not only with outstanding services but outstanding green services,” commented Thomas. “We recognize that our customers want to be confident that the services performed in their homes are environmentally sensitive. Craig Thomas Pest Control can assure customers of this as our practices and our business philosophy reflect green thinking.”

For more information regarding green initiatives within the pest management industry, please visit www.callcraig.com and www.pestworld.org. For further information on QualityPro Green, please visit www.npmapestworld.org.

* Source: Harris Interactive, October 2007

Dead Rodents Found in Peanut Plant

Texas health officials closed a peanut plant operation after the salmonella outbreak. Upon investigation, inspectors found rodents, feces and feather in the production area. To check out more of this story, check out this link: http://news.aol.com/article/rodents-peanut-recall/341823



Rodents do not discriminate here in the Hudson Valley nor anywhere. However, if you have a rodent infestation in your home, be aware rodents can get into your home through the tiniest cracks or holes. Once they make entrance into your home, they can become very destructive. Rodents along with their feces can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, hantavirus and even cause asthma and allergies. Along with diseases, the National Fire Prevention Authorities estimate rodents gnawing on matches and wiring account of 20% of fires.


Before rodents take over your home, call the team at Craig Thomas Pest Control. Evaluating your home can help determine your exact needs. Placing a rodent program in your home, then sealing up entry points, sanitizing the areas of nesting and even replacing the insulation are just some of the methods we deploy. Call for more information, in how we can protect your family, health and home from those not so cute critters.

Hello to the blogging world

After contemplating several times, I decided to enter the world of blogging. I have heard from many business professionals who have their own blog, blogs are the new wave of the future. After just getting back from a meeting, one of the major focus points was social networking. I guess, I have nothing to loose.

Background of Craig Thomas Pest Control. I am Sarah Thomas and I currently work for my family business, Craig Thomas Pest Control. I am the third generation in my family entering into the pest control industry, which is a honor! It all began with my grandfather, Jim Thomas in 1949, and currently my father Craig. It truly is a family run business. My Aunt is the Operations Support Specialist, my Mom is the bookkeeper, my other Aunt assists in bookkeeping and my brother and sister come in to wreak havoc. To see our company information click here. http://www.callcraig.com/our-company.asp

My Grandfather, Jim Thomas with one of his vehicles. Above is The Thomas Family. Megan, Craig, Michelle, Sarah, Eric (L-R)

I began working in the office when I was pretty young helping out by stuffing envelopes, filing and little things to help out. Currently, I have 2 semesters left at SUNY New Paltz to obtain a BA in Organizational Communication. My plan is dive into the business full time, become more versed, educated and learn all aspects. This includes performing services, marketing, human resource development and coming more versed within the industry. I love the pest control industry because everyday you can learn something new with endless opportunities.

The blog is designed to for feedback, post interesting stories, for customers, employees, friends and family to view as well. For more information, check out our website: http://www.callcraig.com/. I am still getting use to it, so bear with me.