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.

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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