Pest Control and Bug Exterminator Blog

Our resident scorpion mom had babies! A couple of things we discovered along the way…

1- Baby Scorpions DO NOT glow under a black light!

Scorpion Babies under black light on mother scorpion's back.

Scorpions glow due to a protein found in their exoskeleton. It’s believed by some that scorpions maybe able to detect UV rays via this protein. Apparently this protein is not found in the baby scorpions. It may take a few more molts before this protein appears.

Here are a few more photos of the baby scorpions under a black light.

Hang on their buddy this is your one and only ride!

2- The mother Scorpion will not let the baby scorpion back on after it falls off at this stage.

These baby scorpions are now a little larger and more mature. This particular mother knocked off a baby. We watched as the baby ran frantically after it’s mother to try and rejoin the baby squad.  The mother refused… and in a not so nice fashion.  We even attempted to help the poor little guy out. We picked the baby up with tweezers, gently placed on the mother’s back  and the mother still wouldn’t keep the baby on.  The mother flicked it off and almost knocked off a few others. Sad to say. That baby scorpion would never again feel the warmth and comfort of it’s mother’s back.

Seen enough scorpions for one day?

Get Professional Scorpion Control from Bulwark Exterminating.

Sun Tzu’s book “The Art of War” has made it’s way into the hands and minds of great and powerful men and women though out history.  Some argue that the book may have actually been mis-titled and perhaps the word “War” is better substituted with “Strategy”

Either way, true principles of business, relationships, tactics, management, and strategy can all be found within Sun Tzu’s writings.  He was a great teacher. But clearly I am not the first to think so, and with new translations being reproduced every so often Sun Tzu’s writings have become immortal.

So today’s post was inspired by the following:

The Concept of “Interests” in Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”

http://www.china-defense-mashup.com/?p=6390

Very good read and the general idea is to define your goal and keep your eye on the target, or “interest”.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, I got an error when leaving my response, and as I hate to loose my thoughts I decided to post it here instead.

“American military thought flies in the face of these principles.” @acs

I think the problem with the American interest is that it is not a singular interest shared by the whole. It is much easier for a dictator to go to war than a democracy.

… not that I am an expert.  I only deal with battling little bugs and setting up a bulwark to keep the pests out.

But great post. One’s interest and intent should always be clearly defined.

Thos003
-Don’t mind me I am just a pest control guy.

Earwig, Pincher Bug

Earwigs are considered occasional invaders but anyone that lives in the southwest would tell you otherwise. Earwigs are considered a nuisance and can be a problem in almost every house. I once believed that that earwigs would only be a problem in a house if you had turf outside. Paying closer attention I noticed that they will invade a home even with desert landscaping.

These pest can be both scavengers and predators depending on the species. The all enjoy moist areas and are attracted to light. During warm weather they gather in large numbers around the foundation of a structure and frequently invade homes in search of cooler temperatures and water as noted above. Large numbers are found under rocks and debris, in flowerbeds and in turf around a structure. Treatments for control should be focused on those areas.

Depending on species found in the U.S., earwigs will grow from 1/2 inch to 1 inch long. They have pincer-like appendages at the end of the abdomen. They have 6 legs and 2 antenna. They range in color from black, brown to red in color. Some may have 2 stripes. Only a few of the female species can fly.

Treatments should include the wet rooms and walls of a structure and all entry points of a structure. Dust should be used in voids that stay dry where sprays cannot be applied. Outside, all plants and any other materials should be removed from the outside walls. I would suggest at least a foot. Plants, flower beds and turf should also be treated properly for complete control of the insects. Earwigs will return year after year so treatments need to be ongoing.

- Bill Kelty, WeedControlGuy.com

Genma Holmes

I love being social… but I think I am pretty much beat with Genma Holmes. And if you can’t beat em, join em. From fashion model to pest control super star, Genma Holmes is CEO of Holmes Pest Control in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a very fun interview and very gracious.  Enjoy!

Thomas: Well you are such an interesting person that I don’t know where to begin an interview! I heard you speak at the Green Conference in Dallas last year, so you are obviously promoting green services, let’s start there. What percentage of your customers are on an all natural pest control service?

Genma: All. I got into the business before green became a marketing idea. Green living is my way of life…not a marketing campaign.

Thomas: All of your pest control is done with 100% All Natural Pest Control Products? That’s fantastic! I am actually relieved. I was a little disappointed in the guys at that conference that were promoting green pest control as an undefined “wrap me in a green blanket and call me a safe treatment plan.” In fact, your candid clear cut views are probably what make you sparkle. Bulwark offers this option for those that want it but few ask for the All Natural Solution.

So you are 100% all natural pest control, for how many years?

Genma: From the day I met David Murphy of EcoSmart. We had been experimenting with it but did not have a pesticide that did the job that EcoSmart. It did not pass the smell test or the lick test in EcoSmart place. When EcoSmart first started my youngest children were in kindergarten.

Thomas: Very nice plug for EcoSmart, and yes they do offer great products. So Why Nashville?

Genma: I love this place. LOVE IT. I moved here from Mississippi. I thought I stepped off the bus into Rhinestone heaven! Everywhere I went I bumped into a REAL Opry star. No to mention the number of folks like me that stepped off Greyhound (or Southwest) and were millionaires overnight. No state income taxes, homes looking like McMasion with McRibs prices. Great place to raise your children. Economic opportunities on every corner and the most philanthropic people hands down.

Thomas: Yep, I love Nashville too. I graduated from Franklin High School. It is so beautiful there and full of wonderful people, like yourself. But my wife rules the roost so I won’t be back in Tennessee anytime soon. I get that you travel a lot for speaking engagements. How many events do you speak at per year?

Genma: Hmm, colleges are the hot spots. As I type I have 15 engagements scheduled before November. I did a road trip once pushing women in the industry angle….46 stops in 42 days. I nearly died but it was a great year! I am rarely asked to do industry events but then again, I didn’t cut my teeth talking to bug people (meaning I am not a “pest control industry” person traveling to “industry” events). Majority of my audiences are consumer driven marketplaces. I do not sell to the pest control industry. My audience are non industry folks mainly who buy my services and want to hear me talk about any and everything including my fear of brown recluse spiders. When I share that in a Women’s publication or a professional women group it is ok, talk about that in a room full of pest control guys and I sound bat crap crazy.

Thomas: Not only do I admire you as a pest professional, a great speaker, and a business savvy lady,  but you strike me as a mother that cares for her family.

Genma: I respect motherhood deeply. Thomas: How many kids do you have? Genma: 3! Franz (sports medicine) Cornelius (sports journalism) Alexis (sports marketing)…all would be 2nd generation PCOs!

Thomas: What’s your favorite question to be asked? Genma: How the hell did you get into pest control?

Thomas: You know that is a great question! So let me ask you… About your politics. =)
I know that your are politically active, do you take sides? Democratic, Republican? Liberal, Conservative?

Politics... Let's break that down for you... "Poli" Many & "tics" blood sucking creatures.

Genma: I vote my conscious. That’s not a wiggle out, that is the truth. Always have and always will. My grandfather’s taught me to think for myself. I don’t put campaign signs on my trucks. My business can not vote. I personally do not endorse anyone, because of my role at several newspapers BUT I throw some of the best parties in town to support a cause or a candidate. In the last year, I formed a group called POI…pissed off independents! Never met a Margarita we did not like!

Thomas: How does your political activism help and maybe hurt your business?

Genma:It doesn’t hurt or help. From the time I came out the womb, I was given a campaign sign from my granddaddy. Knocking on doors to get people to exercise their right to vote was his life story. He spent his life being a civil rights activist. Not the kind on TV spouting nonsense about nonsense but a man of the people who loved all people. I learned from him to have that fire in your belly for something that you believe in that works for the greater good..not lining your pocket! Vote for whoever you like..just vote damn it! See there goes that fire in me.

Thomas: Do you link religion, politics, and pest control?

Genma:All the time! I love my God, I am a citizen that votes in EVERY election, and I kill bugs. I can not get around any of that! But there are times and places for everything. I try not to push my beliefs on others but I am firm in my faith. if you don’t like my politics that fine, we live in a country that allow us to have differing views. I kill bugs and I am not shame of the work I do.

Thomas: Well you are wonderful.  Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.  I look forward to following your tweets.

And I encourage other professionals to do the same.  Check her out here:

http://twitter.com/bugsact

http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/

I’ve been using Bulwark for many years and have referred your services many times over. Rest assured, I will continue to do so…You guys rock at customer service!

Debbie S.
Austin, Tx

Bulwark has shown that it understands the needs of its customers. I was impressed when I needed to cancel my service due to our financial restructuring, Bulwark did not try any “arm twisting” salesmanship in order to keep my service on-going. Now that our finances are “back on track”, I had no hesitations on letting them fulfill my exterminating needs.
Mauricio M
San Antonio, TX

Bulwark has been taking care of our property, inside and out, for the past 3 years or so. They’ve taken care of our routine bug maintenance as well as special problems that have cropped up. They were able to take care of a fire ant problem in one visit last year. John was here today to take care of an ant problem we were having. He came during the earlier part of the time slot assigned to us, which was wonderful. He took care of everything quickly and professionally. He even took off his shoes before coming into the house without me even having to ask.

Robin P.
Raleigh, NC

Bulwark believes that pest control is about taking care of the little things. …(pun intended)

311 that should kill your bugs... and everything else.

John Honoré was a little dumbfounded when he saw yesterday’s high for Phoenix, AZ.  …Does heat cause dyslexia? Bulwark Exterminating denies all reports of organic pest control methods that they could be testing that might cause such an occurrence.

“Bulwark will make no formal statements on the the 311 degree high in Phoenix reported by ABC, even if it were beneficial for pest control the evidence that would suggest our involvement is circumstantial at best.”

Special thanks to our San Antonio pest control guys for bringing this to our attention:

Hot Flash: News Flash from San Antonio ABC 12

Today’s interview is between Thomas, Bulwark Exterminating, and Thomas, Pioneer Pest Management… So we will make it Thos003, Bulwark, and Tom, St. Louis Extraordinaire. So let’s chat about…

Mosquito Control in St. Louis

Pioneer Specializes in Mosquito Control

Thos003: Mosquito control is a challenge many pest control companies are not willing to face, so how long have you been working to target mosquitoes?

Tom:We have been specifically focused on mosquitoes for about three years.  This market was under served from a mosquito control standpoint, so we have helped boost awareness that there are effective solutions available. We started using a backpack mist and that led to getting into system installation.

Thos003: How long have you been using a misting system?

Tom: We did our first installation of the misting system about 3 years ago shortly after we began with the backpack fogging.  Our first installation was more of an experiment to see how it would work.  After visiting other operators in other markets and hearing some of the feedback from their customers, we were really convinced that this was a great offering. We have been installing more and more through our existing customers spreading the word, so we’re happy.

Thos003: Is this the same misting system with the tubes set up around the perimeter of the house that shoots out bursts every few minutes? How often do you have to mist?

Tom: Yes, we are a certified re-seller and installer of MistAway Mosquito Misting systems.  These systems include tubing installed around the perimeter of the affected area with misting nozzles every 8-10 feet.  The systems have a timing mechanism built in to mist at the intervals the user specifies.  Most often, the systems are set to mist at dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity peaks.  However, some customers prefer to have a third or fourth session in the middle of the afternoon or later in the evening if conditions dictate.

Thos003: About Pioneer Pest Management & Mosquito Misting, you are a family based company, privately owned, how many years in business?

Tom: We are a family business.  Our family members have a diverse background in business. We have been in this community a long time, which has really been helpful with word of mouth growth and that has been awesome.  We started in 2007.

Thos003: I noticed you like foursquare? Sorry, but being a nerdy internet guy I’ve got to ask about it. I mean it’s totally geek to the max cool <snort LOL snort>… What benefits do you get from it?

Local Hero

Tom: Funny you should ask. At this point, we have not seen any benefits.  However, we think it makes sense to be transparent.  If a customer comes to our site and sees we have been in their neighborhood recently, it might make them more comfortable to contact us. After all, how interesting can a pest control website really be to someone? Since there is no cost to using some of these available social media tools, it’s really just kind of interesting to try different things and see how they work. We can move away from it if we discover a downside.

Thos003: Sounds logical. You are a local service so why not show your local support. You know I visited St. Louis once, went up in the arch, fun experience.  Funny thing about AZ is that a lot of natives have never visited the Grand Canyon. So have been up in the arch?

Tom: Great question. I have, but most people you ask around town have not.  If you are ever in St. Louis again, you have to check out the City Museum.  It is a very cool, unique attraction.   And I have to ask, what local restaurant is a must visit, just in case I decide to drop in on you sometime.
You can find us at Llywellyn’s, it’s a great Celtic style pub. For Italian, Massa’s in Kirkwood. St. Louis has a ton of great spots though. Come visit us!

Thos003: Thanks for the invite! You will be one of the firsts to know if I do drop in. And thanks for interview.

Click here to learn more about their mosquito control service.