The True Ghouls of Halloween

Bedbugs, Spiders, Bats and Other Pests

Give Homeowners Nightmares During the Halloween Season

This Halloween, vampires, ghosts and goblins will not be the only ghoulish creatures haunting the night; bedbugs continue to make a startling resurgence in U.S. residences, spider infestations are up, and wildlife pests such as bats plague homeowners across the country. 



According to the Sarah Thomas, Marketing Specialist at Craig Thomas Pest Control. “Scary  movies aren’t the only thing giving homeowners nightmares this season. As temperatures begin to plunge, pests everywhere begin to seek respite in the very areas you want them the least – your home.”

Pests such as bedbugs are actually very similar to one of our favorite Halloween characters – the vampire.  A nocturnal creature, bedbugs are bloodsucking pests.  As they bite human skin, they inject an anesthetic-like liquid that numbs the skin and allows them to bite undisturbed.  In fact, humans don’t usually wake up when they are being bitten; however, they do find themselves scratching circular, red, itchy welts in the morning.

“Luckily, a bedbug bite doesn’t transform you into a bedbug; the way a vampire bite makes you a vampire,” says Thomas.  “In fact, the only good news about bedbugs is that their bites do not transmit disease to humans.”

Other ghoulish pests cannot make the same claim.  Bats are the culprits behind 72% of rabies cases in the U.S. between 1990 and 2002; and various species of spiders found in the United States pose serious health threats and require vigilant control procedures.

“Homeowners have an easy way of waking up from this type of house nightmare,” commented National Pest Management Association Vice President of Public Affairs Missy Henriksen. “Pest professionals have the training and expertise to assist homeowners through this type of home horror.”

Craig Thomas Pest Control is licensed and trained in insect and rodent control and would like the opportunity to protect your health, home and property in the near future. For questions, contact us by phone 800-255-6777, email, twitter or facebook. For more information on pest control, visit http://www.pestworld.org/ and http://www.callcraig.com/.

Picture Source: overstocktober.

STUFF THE BUS

We need your help!

Craig Thomas Pest Control is very excited to join Star 93.3fm in their annual campaign to

Stuff the Bus

 against hunger. All proceeds are donated to The Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley.

If you are a customer...You can provide your technician with a nonperishable item at your time of service. Your technician with collect the donation.

If you are not a customer...You can still help. Come drop off a donation November 18th - November 20th at Stop & Shop on Route 9, Poughkeepsie;

 November 20th at Stop & Shop in New Paltz and Burnette Blvd in Poughkeepsie.

Help families put food on the tables as the holidays approach.

SECOND HOMEOWNERS MAY FIND UNINVITED PEST GUESTS

What is lurking in your home away from home?

Second homeowners may find their vacation properties have become home to such crib crashing critters as raccoons, squirrels, mice, birds, termites, spiders, ants and even bears in their several season hiatus. With the purchase of vacation homes on the rise, more and more second homeowners are starting their vacations with a common creepy crawly problem— ridding their getaway of unwanted pest guests.

As more people purchase vacation homes in natural settings and leave them vacant during the colder months, it is only natural to discover that Mother Nature has moved in while they were out. “People are upset when they open up their cabin or beach house for the season to find ants in the kitchen, spiders in the bathroom, and small wildlife in the chimney or crawlspace,” said Missy Henriksen, Vice President of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “If you don’t properly pest-proof your home, nature will find its way in through cracks, crevices, holes, vents and chimneys and can create a really dangerous situation.”

Insects can sting and bite, cause minor skin irritations and extreme allergic reactions in some cases, while termites can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. Animals that seem cute and harmless in their natural environment can attack and become defensive if they are trapped or have set up camp indoors.


“Pest management is important for all homes especially second homes, since they are left vacant for long periods of time,” said, Sarah Thomas, Marketing Specialist at Craig Thomas Pest Control, Inc. "As a homeowner the last thing you want to be doing is dealing with insects or rodents. Instead you should be enjoying your property," said Thomas.  “If possible, second homeowners should try to open their home for the season prior to the whole family coming for vacation, but either way, they should at least go prepared with the phone number of a local pest professional to safely remove their pest and wildlife problem.”

We are licensed and trained in insect and rodent control and would like the opportunity to protect your health, home and property in the near future. For questions, contact us by phone 800-255-6777, email, twitter or facebook. For more information on pest control, visit http://www.pestworld.org/ and http://www.callcraig.com/.

We at Craig Thomas Pest Control, Inc. are grateful to: the National Pest Management Association for the pest information and/or photo images incorporated into this work.

Keep your home free of pests

August 15, 2010 - Poughkeepsie Journal Article

Craig Thomas Pest Control sponsors fundraiser to benefit diabetes research.

Craig Thoma Pest Control and Culumus Media station WPDH host Roof-A-Thon

 to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Each year, more than 13,000 young individuals are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes according to the Center for Disease Control. July 9-11, 2010, Culumus Media Station WPDH and Craig Thomas Pest Control hosted the 27th Annual Roof-A-Thon to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

"As a local business owner, giving back and supporting your local community is important," said Craig Thomas, President of Craig Thomas Pest Control. "Sponsoring Roof-A-Thon was an easy decision and really worth participating in." Along with sponsoring the event, Craig Thomas declared July and August JDRF months. Any new bee services during those months, ten percent of sale will go to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Diabetes was the seventh-leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 2006 and is likely to be under reported as a cause of death, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Roof-A-Thon raised thousands dollars for JDRF. Jean-Marie Trick of JDRF said, " What a tremendous effort was made on behalf of JDRF - it was absolutely amazing."

Craig Thomas Pest Control (CTPC) is a local, third generation family owned business serving the entire Hudson Valley. CTPC offers pest management, home repair, nuisance wildlife and T.A.P. Insulation services. For more information contact us at 1.800.255.6777, email, twitter or facebook.

Picture: The Thomas Family & WPDHs Morning Show


                                                                               
                                                                                      

Increase in Pest Pressure Can Spoil the Season’s Festivities

Image courtesy of Chattanooga Real Estate Today

The countdown begins to July 4th weekend! 

A weekend to celebrate independence with fireworks, food, festivities, friends and family, Craig Thomas Pest Control and the National Pest Management Association offer advice for bug-free barbeque's.


June 30, 2010 (Fairfax, Va.) – Barbeque's can be a source of seasonal fun, but not when pests crash the party. Ants, flies and stinging insects are prevalent in the late summer and early fall and although often considered a mere annoyance to party goers, these pests can also bite, sting, carry diseases and contaminate food.


“Outdoor events can be tricky enough to plan for due to uncooperative weather and other unpredictable elements. Pest predicaments should not be another worry,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “More than just a nuisance, these pests can leave painful bites and transmit diseases, which should compel homeowners to take an active role in their prevention.”


NPMA recommends taking these precautions to discourage unwanted pests from spoiling barbeque fun:
• Ants and flies are attracted to typical barbeque fare. Serve food and beverages indoors, and reserve outdoor space for eating and entertaining. Keep food sealed in containers or covered whenever possible, and wipe tabletops frequently. Bring utensils and dishware indoors shortly after the meal. Dispose of trash in closed garbage containers and keep receptacles a good distance from where guests are gathered.
• Mosquitoes feed on blood, causing painful bite marks and sometimes carrying diseases such as Malaria and West Nile Virus. Remove/drain sources of standing water in the yard that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including birdbaths and kiddie pools. When outside, wear insect repellent on exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites.
• Stinging insects are attracted to fragrances from candles, perfumes and even the food and drinks you serve. Provide clear cups for beverages, as soda/juice cans are good hiding spots for stinging pests.
• Properly screen doors and windows leading into the home. Remind guests to close doors when entering and exiting your home.
• If you’re concerned about an abundance of pests in your yard, contact a
Craig Thomas Pest Control, a licensed pest professional to help control the problem.

For more information on pests that can invade your barbeque,

visit Craig Thomas Pest Control or National Pest Management Association.

###

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

As you spend the weekend celebrating our freedom and independence, the team from Craig Thomas Pest Control wishes everyone a safe and happy 4th of July. Happy Birthday America!

News Article on Craig Thomas Pest Control, Inc.

Craig Thomas Pest Control, Inc. was featured in the Home & Garden supplement of Southern Dutchess, Northern Dutchess and Beacon Free Press Newspapers. The article featured information about our company, our approach and some helpful tips for homeowners. 

 Take a read and feel free to take advantage of the coupon below!

A card from a customer...

A great little card was sent in the mail yesterday from one of our wonderful customers!




Kuddos to Sean & all the staff at Craig Thomas Pest Control!

Summer Newsletter

Below is the link to our June/July Newsletter...Great stuff on ticks, termites and our company! Check it out!

Summer Alert from your friends at Craig Thomas Pest Control, Inc.

Our Structural Repair Divisions latest project: A deck!

As Craig Thomas Pest Control expands to better serve our customers...Our services now include Structural Repair and Nuisance Wildlife control. Our Structural Repair Division, just completed a deck and our customer did not hesitate to express his happiness. Awesome job to our team, thank you to our customer for a great review!



Interested in our other Structural Repair Services?
- TAP Insulation
- Leaf Defier rain gutter protection
- Chimney Cap installations
- Intensified pest exclusions
- Rain Gutter replacement
- Nuisance wildlife damage repair
- Moisture decay repairs
- Attic restoration
- Attic/Basement remodels
- Custom repair work

We are happy to provide a free inspection and estimate for your needed home repairs, modifications or just about any light construction project that you might have in mind. Don't leave your chores on your to do list, leave them to Craig Thomas Pest Control!

Make Memorial Day & Summertime more enjoyable!

As the grills heat up, splashing in the pool begins and the temperatures rise, we know summer is here! This weekend, Memorial Day officially kicks off the summer season! Everyone from Craig Thomas Pest Control commemorate all U.S. men and women to have died while in military service.

While you enjoy Memorial Day with family and friends, the following steps can prevent and avoid pesky critters from invading your gatherings…
• Keep all meat products, plates and utensils covered tightly until the food is ready for grilling.
• Remove all sources of standing/stagnant water near your home. Flies and mosquitoes find water as breeding sources.
• Keep bird baths clean and refresh water weekly.
• Keep gutters and drain clean and debris free.
• Avoid over watering your yard; this will help save water too!
• Remove dog and cat droppings from yard.
• Keep trashcans and recycle bins clean, covered and away from hang out areas.
• A fan blowing over cooking, prep and eating surfaces will help reduce fly populations.
• A simple change of light bulbs from white to yellow will reduce the number of spiders and flies.
• Keep screens in good repair and make sure all windows have screens!



How to stay insect safe this summer…
• Encourage children to let you know if they see bees, hornets or other insects and their nests. Make sure they know never to touch these insects or nests.
• Examine children for ticks when they come inside for the night after playing in the yard or outdoors.
• Keep all lawn fertilizers and liquids, household cleaners, pool chemicals and gasoline out of reach of children.


The team at Craig Thomas Pest Control, Inc. wishes everyone a joyous, safe and pleasant summer. We are here to assist with your pest management, structural repair and nuisance wildlife needs. Remember, if you suspect any pest activity, call before the concern becomes a major infestation.


*Information from NPMA's Summer Pest Gazettes

Look who's coming to dinner...

One of the wonderful aspects of the pest management industry includes the ongoing improvement of technology and products. Recently, Craig Thomas Pest Controlteamed with Dow AgroSciences for the latest technology in Termite Protection and Elimination.

Termites damage more homes than fires, earthquakes and storms combined! What a shattering fact! Subterranean termites are moderately to heavily found in the stateof New York. Termite swarming usually begins in our area, the end of March into May. Swarming is when a termite swarmer is looking for a swarmer of the opposite sex to establish a new colony with. However, swarming does not always occur, but there are other signs such as live or dead termites, finding damaged wood or mud tubes. The picture above is the Termite Life Cycle, for more info: http://tiny.cc/qzv1i

If termites do invade your home or property, Craig Thomas Pest Controlhas a green solution for you! The Sentricon Elimination System is a green method to termite control, using small amounts of active ingredient. Sentricon detects, eliminates and monitors termite colonies through its unique baiting system. In 2000, Sentricon received the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award and has been chosen to protect The White House, Statue of Liberty and other national treasures.


Craig Thomas Pest Controlhas also taken the pro-active approach using the Halo Detection System to protect your most important asset, your home.
Halo provides visible proof if termites are active on your property through professional monitoring technology, which provides detectable proof, while you the owner enjoys peace of mind with a pesticide free detection system.


When you combine the #1 brand in Termite Protection with your local, trusted pest control company, Craig Thomas Pest Controland Dow AgroSciences are all the peace of mind you will ever need.

CTPC wins, award from The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce for Sustainability

Craig Thomas Pest Control is pleased to announce, despite the current economy, they have experienced their greatest growth to date. Craig Thomas Pest Control has earned the award from The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, for one of the most Sustainable Company in the Hudson Valley.




Last Wednesday, April 21, 2010, The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized and honored the inaugural Headliner Awards. Six local businesses were recognized and honored at the breakfast. Awards were given out in leadership, outside-of-the-box innovator, sustainability and customer service awards.

Craig Thomas Pest Control is committed to finding new and better ways to protect health and property from pests, while offering new services, and maintaining the same level of trust and satisfaction among customers. Craig Thomas, owner of Craig Thomas Pest Control has had the ability to overcome the difficult times by offering auxiliary services from Gutter Protection, Home Repair, Nuisance Wildlife and T.A.P. Insulation. “Offering a wider array of services, allows us to better serve our customers needs and the opportunity to increase employment throughout the Hudson Valley. I am proud of my staff and the forty families I am able to provide for, said Craig Thomas.”

T.A.P. Insulation is the first product to add pest control performance with thermal benefits of stabilized cellulose insulation, while reducing high energy bills due to under-insulation. Craig Thomas’ Nuisance Wildlife Division protects against bats, beavers, moles, snakes, skunks and more. The newest division, Structural and Home Repair provides exclusion and replacement of pest damage along with other home improvement needs.

Craig Thomas Pest Control offers pest management, nuisance wildlife and home repair services to Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, and Rockland Counties. For more information regarding Craig Thomas Pest Control or a free pest management audit, please visit www.callcraig.com.

April is National Pest Management Month!

The National Pest Management Association encourages homeowners to take steps to prevent infestations

April 1 (Fairfax, VA) – The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) celebrates April as National Pest Management Month, an observance that has been taking place for more than 30 years. In honor of National Pest Management Month this year, the NPMA is raising public awareness about the risks posed by household pests and encouraging homeowners to take proactive steps to prevent pest infestations in their homes and properties.

“When most people think of pests, they likely think of the ‘ick-factor’ associated with an infestation, but few people consider the serious health and property threats that pests like termites, mosquitoes, cockroaches, rodents and stinging insects can pose,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA.

Some pests, including termites, rodents and ants can cause costly damage to the structure of a home. Termites and carpenter ants have the ability to chew through wood beams, walls, floors and even wallpaper. Rodents can spark house fires if they gnaw through electrical wiring or build nests close to heat sources.

Other pests, like cockroaches, mosquitoes and stinging insects pose health threats to humans. Cockroach allergens are known to trigger asthmas attacks, especially in children. Mosquitoes, meanwhile, can carry West Nile virus and stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year.

“During National Pest Management Month, the NPMA encourages homeowners to learn more about pest management and to take steps to prevent infestations before they occur,” says Henriksen. “Pest pressure increases significantly in spring and summer, which is why simple measures like sealing cracks and crevices around the home, keeping kitchen counters and floors clean and free of crumbs, sealing garbage cans and eliminating sources of still-standing water on your property now can go a long way in preventing pests from making a home in yours.”

Craig Thomas Pest Control, your trusted Hudson Valley pest provider is a proud member and contributer to the National Pest Management Association. The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

####

Shamrock Run 2010

Craig Thomas Pest Control was excited to join a other runners on a gloomy, rainy, chilly day on March 14, 2010 to run in the 2010 Shamrock Run. The run took place down Broadway, Kingston. The weather did not stop us one bit! It was hard to miss the Craig Thomas Team in their bright green shirts, as they all made their way down Broadway. Everyone completed the race, had a great time and we are already looking forward to running next year!




If you are interested in participating in the race next year: http://www.shamrockrunners.org/

Hudson Valley Home Show

Craig Thomas Pest Control participated in the 2010 Hudson Valley Spring Home Show. The turn out was great and we consider the show very successful. The Craig Thomas team met many Hudson Valley residents, potential customers and customers. Thank you to everyone who came out to make this event such as success. Below is a picture from the show and the winning picture from the childs contest. Congratulations to Dylan who won the $25.00 gift card to Toys R Us for the most artistic ant! Awesome Job!

Mice are not Nice!

The most common winter invader is the house mouse. The house mouse looks for a warm, cozy place to spend the winter. Mice enter your home, business or building by squeezing through spaces as small as the diameter of a pencil. Once inside the home, they become destructive. They damage and destroy your home by chewing wires, which can cause fire along with eating and contaminating your food spreading disease. Mice carry over 20 different pathogens of human disease such as a salmonella, Hantavirus and asthma to name a few.

Mice usually live only for a year, but if all their offspring were to survive and reproduce at a similar rate, one pair of house mice have the potential to produce more than 500 young within a year! It is wise, to begin control earlier than later. Another shattering figure is the amount of droppings a mouse will produce. In one year, one mouse produces up to 18,000 droppings along with depositing hundreds of micro droplets of urine to mark its trails.

If mice become problem in your home or business, call your pest professional. Craig Craig Thomas Pest Control implements several methods in dealing with mice. These methods may include using our Heppa Filter Vacuums to vacuum feces, removing,disinfecting old insulation and replacing with T.A.P. Insulation or performing exclusion work to prevent mice from getting inside. Leave it to the professional to determine the best way to carry out an effective rodent control program in your home or business that will protect your health, home and property.

Craig Thomas Pest Control Profiled in New Paltz Chamber Magazine

Craig Thomas Pest Control was recently featured in the New Paltz Chamber of Commerce Regional Regional Report. The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce is an organization for local businesses to promote and advance their business in the local New Paltz and surrounding area. This article featured Craig Thomas Pest Control, as a Chamber member who is doing their part to make their services eco-friendly. Check it out:

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.

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