Author Archive

It’s not always about the Scorpions, how about visiting Arizona?

Wupatki National Monument

The large pueblos preserved at Wupatki National Monument were constructed in the years following the eruption of nearby Sunset Crater, sometime between 1040 and 1100. Volcanic ash, deposited in thin layers, retained moisture and improved farming for an increased population at Wupatki.

One of the things I enjoy the most is investigating the types of wildlife or insects that in habitat areas like this. This area in years past had a very large harvester ant nest and I always brought along some sunflower seeds to spinkle around and watch them carry them back to their nest. Lizards and other wildlife are always visible, lounging around and gathering up the rays of sunshine.

I think I need this – it’s like a Bat signal.

The Bat-Signal is a distress signal device appearing in the various interpretations of the Batman series. Just like Batman has his Bat signal, I think I should have a Bug signal. This could or would alert me to respond maybe when my phone rings.

This last week the Batmobile sold for $4.6 million to somebody who lives right here in the Valley, by the way if the owner reads this we (ProBest) would be happy to assist in pest control for your residence. Got to keep that great machine free of anything nasty.

I do know one thing for sure, I couldn’t afford the car but maybe I could afford the light ($9.95) but out of stock I noticed. So until I get a Bug – Signal you still have to call us. 480-831-9328 or 623-414-0176

I love to do presentations – Lunch and Learn programs.

One of my favorite things to do is to speak and give presentations to all sorts of groups. One thing I sure don’t have is a phobia about public speaking. Sometimes instead of talking about a certain subject I enjoy people asking questions, they ask and hopefully I can answer the question or find out more.

There was one question I couldn’t answer * Let’s say ProBest handles are bees in a home and about 3 months later we have evidence of honey and wax dripping inside the house – Is this covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?

I called my State Farm Agent’s office and posed that question and here was the answer “Generally speaking they don’t cover insects or their damage and it is similar to a termite issue which isn’t covered until a HomeOwner Policy”.

One last note – It’s not always about whether the person can answer the question but rather that they know who to call if they can’t answer it!

I definitely didn’t want to know about this!!!!

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 By Sean Peick Cronkite News “More than 2,200 wildlife strikes reported to FAA since 1990” at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

OK I don’t know why but I do get a little nervous flying, I used to fly quite often and now a few times each year. But usually on takeoffs and landings my palm sweats a bit even though I’m usually in my favorite seat 12D (just for you Ryan) on my favorite airlines Southwest. For the record to my knowledge of over at least 100 flights – no bird strikes on my plane!

But in reality I guess that is not to bad, 110 per year or about one every 4 days but I’m still WOW you know what I mean. A considerable amount of money is spent each year on keeping birds and wildlife away from airfields and everybody will remember that flight in NY and how Captain Sully worked that (Miracle on the Hudson) and those were geese.

So a BIG hats off to the everyday pilots who have to take action on those rare events and Thanks for keeping us safe as we fly home or on business. Thank You Southwest, the pilots, flight attendants and ground crew you make our journey safe – from a loyal flyer and BIG fan of yours.

Is there a difference between Patented and Generic Pesticides?

I think all of us understand savings but I want to address patented pesticide/termiticide and exactly what they are, and how they are different from generic or post patent offerings.

Patent pesticide/termiticide is thoroughly researched and tested before they are brought to the market place. This scrutiny is more aggressive (in some ways) and very similar to pharmaceutical grade products.  Termiticides are tested at 4 sites across the U.S. and regulated by the USDA – Gulfport, MS, Tucson, AZ, Florida and South Carolina (USDA Report 2011) On average, it cost ~ $280 million from conception to shelf to commercialize a new pesticide. In addition to these R&D efforts, manufacturers conduct real world testing in various states with licensed Pest Management Professionals – such as ProBest Pest Management.

After a patent expires, generic companies purchase the rights to the active ingredients (ai) but are not entitled to the original pesticide formulation. This is critical because these formulation recipes are vital to product performance and stability.  Similar to pharmaceuticals, inferior inert ingredients are often used in the manufacturing of these products. You may ask, how can these products be the same?  The simple answer is, they are not.  I prefer to deal with basic manufacturers such as BASF (Termidor & Termidor HE ) or FMC Corporation (Talstar & Transport).  I trust their research and product stewardship and know that they would stand behind me if there was an issue.  By the way, I’ve seen this in action. These companies also spend a great deal of time training your local Pest Management Professionals on how to use these products and incorporate them into various termite treatments and protocols.

So before you purchase that termite treatment, ask a few questions: What pesticide or termiticide is the Pest Company using? Why have they decided to use that pesticide? What are their call back rates? Now, I’m sure there are many out there that would argue, generics are just as good as the mainstay offerings however, my opinion I prefer true quality and security for my customers. How do you feel about these generics?  I welcome your comments and concerns.