How-To Video Offers Tips to Select a Pest Management Company for Bed Bug Treatments

(PRWEB) September 15, 2011

Selecting a pest control company for bed bug treatments can be a difficult task. Not only are bed bugs relatively new to the pest management industry, they have also proven extremely difficult to treat. As part of National Bed Bug Awareness Month, entomologist Jeffrey White of BedBug Central provides advice to consumers on how to select a pest control company for bed bug treatments.

National Bed Bug Awareness Month began Sept. 1 with the help of a U.S. Representative and 10 of the foremost bed bug experts from across the country to develop an educational, online tutorial series and articles. The awareness month will culminate with the North American Bed Bug Summit being held in Chicago from Sept. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency O?Hare.

White acknowledges that while the amount of companies available to consumers can be dizzying, there are several indicators to help determine if a company is a good fit for handling bed bug infestations.

You can watch a brief "how-to" video on the selection process and read more details on how to select a company below:

Find a Pest Control Company: Narrowing Your Best Options

According to Andy Architect of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), there are more that 20,000 pest management firms operating in the United States. Unfortunately, not all companies specialize in bed bug remediation. Here are some steps from entomologist, Jeffrey White, to narrow your options and find the best:

???? Use web and telephone directories to locate several pest management firms in your area. Some may designate themselves as bed bug specialists, but this designation should only be an indicator and not a deciding factor.
????Only utilize companies that have been registered to apply pesticides by the pesticide regulatory agency in your state. Lacking this license should serve as an immediate red flag. To find your state?s agency visit: http://npic.orst.edu/state1.htm.
???? Search for companies that use integrated pest management (IPM) services. IPM is a form of pest management designed to minimize the use of pesticides. Companies that utilize an IPM approach are more likely to provide ongoing monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach to bed bug management (more on this later).

Interviewing Companies: Questions You Should Know to Ask

Once you hire a pest management firm they may be entering your home and spraying pesticides or performing services that can cost hundreds of dollars. Interviewing the selected companies is not only your right, it is strongly advised.

???? Ask companies about their membership in recognized national, state, and local pest control associations. Membership to these associations requires periodic evaluation of their pest management protocols as well as ethical business practices. Some key associations to look for include:

???? The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), state pest management associations, QualityPro, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and bedbugFREE. Companies may also be members of equivalent associations.
???? Membership with the bedbugFREE national network is an optional affiliation to consider when bed bug treatments are desired. This membership indicates that companies are not only members of NPMA and/or QualityPro, but have also had their bed bug treatment protocols evaluated to ensure they share multidisciplinary treatment methods and philosophies similar to BedBug Central?s protocol.

???? Ask companies about their integrated pest management (IPM) approach to bed bug treatments. A good company should utilize some, if not all, of these procedures:

????Use of a multidisciplinary approach beyond pesticides such as: vacuuming, cleaning, steaming, using mattress encasements instead of treating beds with pesticides, heat or Cryonite treatments, and/or fumigation.
Insist on inspecting before quoting a final price.
Price jobs according to findings and not just a flat fee.
Educate you on bed bugs, the company?s inspection findings, what they will be doing, and prevention.
????Provide a written inspection report and a strategy for services rendered.
Provide a thorough follow up program that is not based upon a minimum number of visits but rather is based upon the current status of the bed bug activity. Follow ups should continue until control or elimination is achieved.
Inquire if children or pets are present and adjust their treatment protocol and use of pesticides accordingly.
Have a well-defined methodology for determining when an infestation has been eliminated.
Work with property managers to notify adjacent apartments about the problem and recommend including surrounding units for inspections and treatments.

Things You Should Do: Customer Compliance is Half the Battle

???? Comply with a company?s recommendations. When treating for bed bugs, companies will often recommend follow up actions customers can take to enhance the treatment process. Do your part and follow these recommendations.
???? Ask about the company?s treatment plan options and agree on a pricing structure. Bed bugs can be a pricey pest to eliminate so the cheapest service is rarely the best.
???? Walk your home with the pest management professional during each visit to keep track of what work is being done.
???? Ask the pest control professional to point out any conditions that may undermine bed bug control efforts and ask for recommendations to be included in a written inspection report.
???? Know what you and the company are each responsible for, if repairs are not in the agreement you should be provided with a list of items needed to resolve the issue.
???? Finally, educate yourselves! Education may be the most valuable tool in the fight against bed bugs in both prevention and treatment. There is an excellent bed bug information resource available at BedBug Central called Bed Bugs 101.

About BedBug Central

BedBug Central serves as the nation?s most authoritative information resource and website available to the public for information concerning bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods. More information can be obtained at http://www.bedbugcentral.com.

###

Best Cruises and Travel Now Offers Wonderful Special Pricing and Amenities on Oceania Luxury Cruises for 2012 European Voyages

Westport, CT (PRWEB) August 04, 2011

Best Cruises and Travel Now, an affiliate of Cruise Planners and American Express, proudly introduces these special offers on luxurious Oceania cruises. Oceania Cruises are elegant mid-size ships featuring large-ship amenities. The fleet consists of four ships, The Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, all carrying 684 passengers with the newest ship, the Marina, carrying 1252 passengers. Oceania Cruises offers fine cuisine at sea, served in a wide variety of distinctive open-seating restaurants, all at no additional charge. Travelers dine when, where and with whomever they wish. Each of the ships have one main dining room with an additional three specialty restaurant. Oceania?s gourmet culinary program was created by the legendary Master Chef Jacque Pepin. An elaborate afternoon tea is served daily. Cruise Critic calls Oceania Cruises, ?One of the best values for the money options in cruising.?

Oceania?s ships sail where larger vessels cannot, ensuring that their itineraries feature greater variety, more unique ports and more overnight stays and extended evening port stays than other cruise lines. Shore excursions are diverse with options like the Discovery Collection for first-time visitors and the Explorer Collection for more seasoned travelers. Oceania guests can even design private excursions through their Executive Collection. Fodor?s Guide to Cruising writes about Oceania Cruises, ?By offering itineraries to interesting ports of call and upscale touches ? all for fares much lower than you would expect ?they are succeeding quite nicely?.

The ambiance on an Oceania luxury cruise is country-club casual; tuxedos and evening gowns are never required. Butler Service is offered in all suites. The acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub is available for spa treatments and spa cuisine. Oceania ships are designed for socializing, reflected in their intimate and cozy public spaces. The Patio, located adjacent to the pool and hot tubs, is complete with billowing drapes and carpeting, plush sofas and relaxing chairs. Private cabanas are also available, with a double chaise lounge, overhead drapery. Waiters can serve cabana guests chilled towels, beverages, snacks and guests can receive spa services in their cabanas.

Evening entertainment consists of light cabaret, solo artists, music for dancing, sophisticated jazz, karaoke, music at poolside. Culinary demonstrations by guest presenters and Oceania?s executive chefs are very popular. There are also numerous lectures on the history and culture of the ports visited in addition to computer courses, hand-on arts and crafts and wine and champagne seminars.

A sample of sailings and savings: The 10 day Mediterranean Tapestry features a 2 day stay in Florence/Tuscany with a free 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay in Athens. Regular price: $ 7,998 per guest; Special offer: $ 3,499. The 10 Day Treasures of Greece feature unique destinations like Lesbos, Delos and Monemvasia in Greece. Regular price: $ 8,998; Special offer; $ 3,999. The 10 Day Baltic Treasures Cruise features a two day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia. Regular price: $ 8998 per guest; Special offer: $ 3999. The 16 day Majestic Masterpieces cruise from Barcelona to Copenhagen feature unique visits to the ports of Vigo, Spain; Lorient, France; and Saint-Malo, France. Regular price: $ 12,198; Special offer: $ 5,349.

Best Cruises and Travel Now is a American Express Travel representative and offers its clients all American Express Travel benefits. This includes the American Express Rewards Pay With Points program, where clients can pay for part or all of their trip using their Membership Reward Points; The Cruise Privileges Program where cardholders receive additional amenities like shipboard credits, upgrades, specialty dining, complimentary spa treatments and more; The Mariners Club, where clients receive the services of a Mariner Host, complimentary shore side events and private cocktails parties, at no charge; clients receive opportunities to travel in American Express Groups and take advantage of American Express Destination Family and Destination Vacations programs.

Best Cruises and Travel Now, an affiliate of Cruise Planners, offers its clients a new, free, on-line gift registry for honeymoons/weddings and celebration travel. Clients go directly to http://www.BestCruisesandTravelNow.com and access the travel registry. Clients register online and select the activities they want as gifts and can also create their own personal website to share their story, upload photos, and send announcements and emails. The average couple saves $ 2500 on their honeymoon or celebration travel.

To protect their client?s investment and for their client?s peace of mind, Best Cruises and Travel Now sells low-cost, comprehensive travel insurance through Access America. This Worldwide Travel Protection offers benefits like trip cancellation and interruption for medical or business reasons, emergency medical and dental coverage, emergency medical transportation, coverage for lsot, damaged, stolen or delayed baggage, concierge service, a 24-hour hotline so help is just a phone call away and optional Cancel Anytime coverage that allows the traveler to cancel their trip for virtually any reason..

These special prices include free airfare, a discount of 2 for 1 fares, and reflect savings of up to $ 1500, and include a free, pre-cruise hotel stay, including all hotel taxes and porterage, transfers from hotel to ship and use of the exclusive Oceania Cruise hospitality and tour desk. Contact Best Cruises and Travel Now, (203) 221-3171 or toll free at (888) 499-7245. Check their website at http://www.BestCruisesAndTravelNow.com.

###

Grand Cayman Condo Property Offers more for Family Vacations, Announces Movie Night

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (PRWEB) December 20, 2011

Always a leader in the vacation rental market on Grand Cayman, Coral Stone Club is announcing a new program designed for families to get the most out of their beachfront luxury condos on Seven Mile Beach. Starting December 13th, every Tuesday night (weather permitting), the property will host a family night providing popcorn and one movie on the front lawn. This enables families ? parents and children ? to meet (shortly after weekend arrivals), in a social setting for the entire property so play time at the beach can be more fun throughout the week.

?Our guests frequently ask us if there are any planned activities at the property, but are clear that they don?t want something daily or too structured, so we think this is a perfect solution,? says reservations manager Corina Cridland. She adds, ?We recently redesigned our web site and added a blog and other guest-friendly interactive components, and Movie Night was a part of that guest-focused program.

As a vacation rental leader in Grand Cayman, the property is known to be forward thinking. Their property improvements received a nod from the government, such that the property was used as an example of changes all condo properties needed to make going forward. One year later, following a rebranding exercise, their marketing agency was invited to teach a seminar to other condo property managers offering easy do-it-yourself marketing solutions to the audience.

Coral Stone Club?s signature ?barefoot luxury? living offers the most beach on world-famous Seven Mile Beach, with exceptional access to facilities, such as a supermarket and liquor store across the street plus walking distance to 18 restaurants and 3 spas. The property has two BBQ?s and hot tubs, a fitness center and tennis court on-site. Each unit has up to 1,800 square feet of living space and includes state-of-the-art-amenities, free local calls and free Wi-Fi. Rates begin at $ 775 during high season (for the promotional 2 bedroom units) until April 13, 2012. Visit http://www.coralstoneclub.com or call 888-927-2322 or 345-945-5820 for information.

###

Find More Condo Rentals Press Releases

Northern New Jersey Hotel Offers New Indian Wedding Package

Teaneck, NJ (PRWEB) October 07, 2011

Indian wedding ceremonies are elaborate, beautiful events, built upon thousands of years of tradition. Each ceremony symbolizes the bride and groom?s love for one another, surrounded by friends, relatives and family members. The Teaneck Marriott Hotel at Glenpointe, an ideal place for an Indian wedding ceremony, now offers a brand new Indian Wedding Package.

The Indian Wedding Package includes great amenities at one affordable price. Wedding parties will receive the following:

????Silverware, glassware and plates
????Hot boxes, chafing dishes and serving utensils
????Unlimited coffee, decaffeinated, tea, iced tea and soft drinks
????Black tie and tuxedo service
????Complimentary votive candles for each table
????Beautiful oversized dance floor
????All gift tables, place card table, cake table & white or ivory floor-length table linens
????One complimentary suite for evening of function
????One complimentary standard room for groom/bride?s parents
????Barat/Ceremony on-site
????Discounted hotel rooms for guests

Other than providing these great amenities and exceptional Bergen County wedding venues, this Northern New Jersey hotel also provides a dedicated wedding planner. As there are many different traditions in Indian wedding ceremonies, the hotel?s professional wedding planner will be sure to adhere to the bride and groom?s customs and heritage.

For more information on the Indian Wedding Package, call Maguy Charbel at 201-836-0600 or email MCharbel(at)marriottteaneck(dot)com.

Every bride and groom wants their wedding day to be special. With great Teaneck, NJ wedding receptions venues, the Indian wedding package and spacious and comfortable guestrooms, few hotels in Teaneck are a better place to host an Indian wedding ceremony than at the Teaneck Marriott Hotel at Glenpointe.

About the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe

Located at the crossroads of I-95 and I-80, three miles from the George Washington Bridge and 15 minutes from Manhattan, Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe is ideal for getaways, business meetings and lavish social events. The hotel features comfortable, newly renovated and oversized guest rooms and luxury suites. The perfect spot amongst hotels in Teaneck, NJ for sporting events at Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, the Marriott at Glenpointe is just minutes away from all the action. Featuring 18 meeting rooms and 26,500 square feet of event space, this Northern NJ hotel serves as an ideal meeting facility and wedding reception hall. This Teaneck, NJ hotel offers an atrium lobby, concierge floors, restaurant & lounge and an on-site event planner to assist in planning a New Jersey wedding reception or meeting. With its convenient location, elegant d?cor, lavish accommodations and modern health club & spa, the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe is the ideal choice for a hotel in Bergen County.

###

Rihanna, Beyonce and Alicia Keys' Hair Stylist Offers Swagalicious Tips And Tricks to Get That Rock Diva Look Tuesday, January 12

Redondo Beach, CA (PRWEB) January 12, 2010

Ever wonder how to get that rock diva look without spending a fortune? VivaSwag.com, the shopping site with personality, announces its next guest expert, hairstylist to the stars Tippi Shorter, slated for Tuesday, January 12, as part of its new weekly interview series.

Launched December 15th at http://vivaswag.com/vivaldrama, Viva Swag has already featured TV personality and beauty expert Stacy Cox as well as celebrity and rock star stylist Keanan Duffty, who is also hosting the site's next Twitter Party on January 14. The ongoing interviews are done by Viva Swag?s characters who talk candidly to industry experts to get tips on the season's latest trends as well as product recommendations.

This week Shorter sits down with Viva Swag's beauty expert character, Takahatchi. On January 19, Viva Swag's Cleopatra will interview Josie Outlaw, keyboardist for the punk group The A.K.A.s (Are Everywhere!) and owner of earth-friendly Red Letter Girl Cosmetics.

Tippi Shorter is a celebrity hair stylist whose 'dos have topped the heads of Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Vanessa Williams. A leader in her field for 15 years, Tippi has also worked on fashion magazine spreads for the pages of Elle, Essence, In Style and Vanity Fair, as well as ads for Cover Girl, Rimmel, Pantene and Gap. She has also been a spokesperson for Pantene and Clairol.

Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Tippi spent four years as the owner of Luxe Studio in New York City's Soho district, gaining a reputation for unique cuts and striking color. Her attention to her clients' personal needs in regard to hair health and style sense has earned her well-deserved success. She is currently working on her own line of hair extensions: ?Get Gorgeous Hair.?

VivaSwag.com, the only online shopping site that meshes social networking with shopping, also hosts a bi-monthly Twitter Party, which gives even the most Twitter Party challenged an incredible chance to win great prizes. Twitter followers compete to win up to twelve prizes an hour. Correct answers and a little bit of luck are all it takes to win.

Viva Swag?s next Twitter Party will be Thursday, January 14, 2010, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM PST (8-9:00 PM EST, 7-8:00 PM CST), featuring special celebrity stylist host Keanan Duffty. Duffty collaborated with David Bowie for his clothing line, Bowie by Keanan Duffty Collections, and with Gwen Stefani for her L.A.M.B. collection. Duffty's own line of clothing has been featured on American Idol, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Entourage.

Future interviews include designer-turned-stylist Laurie Brucker; makeup artist to the stars Julianne Kaye; jewelry designer to celebs such as Angelina Jolie, Tamara Berg; DIY fashion designer and former member of Courtney Love's backup band, Emilie Autumn and many more.

For more information, log onto http://www.vivaswag.com/vivaladrama to check out the new series. To schedule an interview or to request photos please contact Crys(at)polarispublicity(dot)com

###