Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

7 March 2013 Last updated at 10:36 ET By Gemma Ryall BBC News

Cuts in council pest control services could lead to an explosion in rat numbers, a health body has warned.

More than a quarter of Wales' councils now charge residents to get rid of rats, up from just one six years ago.

Others charge for mice, fleas, bedbugs and cockroach services, and one council has stopped pest control entirely.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) said it was concerned people not wanting to pay would ignore infestations.

Figures obtained by BBC Wales show that six of Wales' 22 councils now charge residents up to 40 to eradicate rats from inside their homes: Anglesey, Cardiff, Gwynedd, Newport, Powys and Wrexham.

Nine local authorities charge people to remove mice, while more councils charge for insect pests, such as fleas, bedbugs, cockroaches and wasps.

Meanwhile, Carmarthenshire stopped offering a pest control treatment service entirely in 2011 to save 82,000 and offers advice instead.

It is feared pest control will come in for more cuts in the coming year as cash-strapped councils try to make savings, with Monmouthshire council putting forward plans to scrap its free service in its April budget.

Julie Barratt, director of CIEH Wales, said some people might not be able to afford to pay the council or a private company to deal with vermin.

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Rat surge fears as pest control cut

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) March 08, 2013

Leading Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia pest control company Affordable Pest, LLC, issues a warning to consumers to prepare for larger brown marmorated stink bug populations in the coming spring.

The Department of Agriculture and Virginia Tech research is showing that the population of stink bugs is set to explode in 2013 and could be nearly six times as large as it was in 2012. Unfortunately, the damage to gardens and crops may be severe this year because of the sheer projected size of the stink bug population on the East Coast," says Affordable Pest founder Jason Fields. Fortunately and unlike last year, we have some newer tools to fight this pest such as pheromone traps and EPA approved sprays.

The best way for a home owner to control stink bug populations is though exclusion and a professional pest control company such as Affordable Pest. A professional pest control company will seal cracks around windows, doors, siding and other openings in a building to prevent a stink bug infestations. They will also use EPA approved sprays to kill the noxious bugs. For smaller populations of stink bugs, home owners can use a common vacuum to suction the pests away though homeowners should immediately dispose of the vacuum bags to contain the noxious odors from the pests.

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is originally from Asia but has established itself in 29 states including Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia Affordable Pests service area. The bug, originally from Asia and known for its noxious odor that is reminiscent of burning rubber, poses a serious threat to both agriculture and consumers. It feeds on a wide variety of plants apples and peaches to tomatoes, peppers and corn. Most Virginia, Maryland and DC residents come into contact with the brown marmorated stink bug during the fall and spring when it overwinters inside their homes or emerges in the spring. Slight disturbances to the bug cause it to release its foul smell.

Like its other stink bug cousins, the brown marmorated stink bug is shaped like a shield and is approximately 5/8 inch long and is a molted brownish grey color. The eggs of the brown marmorated Stink Bug are often laid on the underside of leaves and a light green in color. They are elliptical in shape and are often deposited in a mass of approximately 28 eggs.

Consumers and business owners with questions or concerns about the brown marmorated stink bug can contact Affordable Pest at 1-855-737-8123 or visit http://www.AffordablePest.com.

About Affordable Pest: For over a decade, Affordable Pest has been providing effective pest control services in Virginia, Maryland and the D.C. area. Specializing in bed bug removal, termite control, mosquito management, wildlife trapping, and a variety of other pest control services, Affordable Pest is a go-to for both residential and commercial settings. Founded by Jason Fields, the company is privately held and is headquartered in Northern Virginia. To see what Affordable Pest can do for you, visit http://www.AffordablePest.com or call 1-855-737-8123.

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Virginia Pest Control Company Affordable Pest LLC Announces Larger Stink Bug Infestations This Spring

The rising ubiquity of bed bugs has fuelled demand for pest extermination professionals over the past five years, underpinning robust industry revenue growth. For these reasons, industry research firm IBISWorld has added a report on the Pest Control industry to its growing industry report collection.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 09, 2013

Pest control services in Canada are traditionally geared toward the commercial market, which makes up an estimated 80.0% of industry revenue, according to information from Pest Control Technology. Pest control operators are increasingly targeting residential customers and diversifying their service lines, however, in order to take advantage of more untapped markets. This trend is expected to accelerate over the coming five years, says Moldvay, partly because greater regulations aimed at some over-the-counter pesticide products are expected to take effect, limiting competition from substitute products.

The Pest Control industry has a moderate degree of market share concentration that has expanded over the past five years. Larger companies have pursed targeted acquisitions in order to increase the density of their client base. With high transportation costs, larger pest control companies are increasingly acquiring nearby companies to expand the number of clients they serve within their immediate vicinity. For instance, in 2009, Orkin Canada acquired British Columbia-based Advanced Pest Control and Bug-R-off Pest Control.

Over the five years to 2018, the Pest Control industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Bed bugs are expected to become increasingly present in both homes and commercial establishments, keeping demand for pest extermination professionals steady, particularly in urban areas. The strong demand will foster product development over the next five years, particularly in the areas of heat-based solutions, given increasing insecticide resistance. For more information, visit IBISWorlds Pest Control in Canada industry report page.

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld

Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

This industry provides bird control and extermination services for bed bugs, mosquitoes, rodents, termites and other insects and pests for residential and commercial clients. Operators also provide fumigation services. This industry does not include companies that provide pest control for agriculture or forestry purposes.

Industry Performance

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Cleaning Up: Pest Control in Canada Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld

Ideal Windows and Conservatories - Patio Doors
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Many Americans have embraced outdoor decorating, filling their yards with fluffy sofas, gleaming end tables and even outdoor rugs.

But what happens when the sun goes down?

Chris Lambton, landscape designer and host of HGTV's "Going Yard," advises his clients to give as much thought to the lighting of their outdoor space as they do to the furnishings.

Forget yesterday's glaring porch light, he says. You can now choose from a wide range of much subtler lighting options. Many are inexpensive and stylish enough to quickly turn a basic patio into a chic entertaining space.

Here Lambton and two other outdoor decorating experts Los Angeles-based designers Jeff Andrews and Brian Patrick Flynn offer advice on the newest, most attractive and safest options for outdoor lighting.

INDULGE YOUR INDOOR STYLE

Many indoor furniture designs and fabrics are now available as outdoor items, Lambton says, and the same goes for lighting. Companies are creating outdoor versions of their most popular indoor lamps and fixtures.

Flynn is a fan of outdoor chandeliers on patios or decks that are covered: "They're an excellent way to make any humdrum outdoor space feel like an actual room."

But, he says, choose wisely: "To get them right, you've got to take scale and proportion into consideration. Install one that's too small, and it will look like an afterthought. Install one that's too big or hangs too low, and it will completely overwhelm the space."

Flynn also recommends using floor lamps and table lamps designed for outdoor use. Prices vary widely (from more than $1,000 to less than $100), so he suggests hunting online for deals and the perfect style.

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Ask a Designer: Outdoor lighting options abound

Well respected Bay Area interior decorator Kristina Wolf has recently been tapped to design the set of a new HGTV series Power Broker. Power Broker revolves around Mike Aubrey as he assists buyers in securing dream homes for the best price.

Berkeley, CA (PRWEB) March 06, 2013

Power Broker will feature Mike Aubrey assisting buyers in finding their dream homes for the best price. Aubrey has been seen giving his expert advice on the popular series House Hunters as well as Real Estate Intervention. Since filming the pilot, the show has been approved as a new series and now Kristina Wolfs designs will be featured in several episodes.

I am honored to have my work chosen as the set of an HGTV show, said Kristina Wolf. Making places and spaces beautiful is my duty and passion so being selected for this is my pleasure.

The production company behind Power Broker, Jholt Productions, recruited Kristina Wolf Design to secure a picturesque location in an Oakland, California neighborhood with an East Coast feel to film the shows pilot

Kristina and her team of experts further accessorized the space to make it fit the shows needs as an office space for Mike Aubrey (aka the Power Broker). Since shooting the pilot, the client's home has been used to tape two additional episodes, and Johlt Productions anticipates using the site for an additional taping later in 2013.

For more information about Kristina Wolf Design and her teams ability to bring both commercial and residential spaces to life, please visit http://www.kristinawolfdesign.com/ or call (510) 848-8773.

About Kristina Wolf Design

Kristina Wolf Design is a Bay Area interior designer serving the Oakland Hills, Piedmont, Lafayette, Orinda, and Lamorinda. Located in Berkeley, CA, the team of designers is composed of experienced commercial interior designers and modern interior designers.

Kristina Wolf Design is a top interior designer in the Bay Area that creates memorable interiors in harmony with each clients personal vision, with minimal stress. Whether its developing a new home interior design or helping clients select the perfect color palette for a paint project, Kristina Wolf Design deepens the connection between customers and their home, while honoring clients objectives.

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Bay Area Interior Designer Kristina Wolf Enlisted to Design Set of New Show on HGTV

LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DESIGN BLOGGERS CONFERENCE--Joss & Main, the fastest-growing private-sale site for home furnishings and decor, today announced a partnership with award-winning interior designer Tobi Fairley. As part of the collaboration, Fairley will curate an upcoming Joss & Main private-sale event to benefit Dwell with Dignity, personally selecting a collection of decor and furnishings that reflects her signature style and expertise in fresh, trendsetting interior design. Fairley will also share inspirational ideas, tips and techniques with Joss & Main members as a monthly contributor to Plume, Joss & Main's online lifestyle magazine.

In further collaboration, Joss & Main will sponsor Camp Tobi Fairley, a popular series of workshops for interior designers and home enthusiasts taking place throughout the year. The next upcoming workshop, The Journey to Getting Published, takes place April 9 -11 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

"We are delighted to have Tobi on board as our newest collaborator, and we're looking forward to teaming up on a number of exciting initiatives throughout the coming year. She's a talented designer and businesswoman with tremendous appeal in the home design world," says A. Mitra Morgan, co-founder and chief curator of Joss & Main. "Tobi's designs are clean, inviting, and refreshing, with an infusion of gorgeous colors a style we know will resonate strongly with our members. We look forward to bringing Tobi's design aesthetic and expertise to our members and working with Camp Tobi Fairley to create a memorable hands-on experience."

"Joss & Main makes gorgeous design accessible to everyone," noted Fairley. "I love the idea of empowering women with selection and choices to create beautiful homes, and I'm excited to engage with Joss & Main's members and share my experiences and ideas over the coming months. We share very similar goals, as Joss & Main and I both strive to offer home enthusiasts the tools, access and inspiration to create the interiors of their dreams."

About Tobi FairleyTobi Fairley creates interiors that are bright, bold and tailored. She works on the forefront of the New Traditional movement in residential design, and her vision for a given space is always grounded in an ethic of problem solving, the results of which are always beautiful as well as functional. This signature aesthetic earned her recognition as one of Traditional Home's Top 20Young Designers of 2009. Tobi's award-winning designs for high-profile and celebrity clients have been featured on HGTV, and her work has been published on the cover of House Beautiful and showcased in the pages of Traditional Home, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living. Tobi shares the benefits of her knowledge and experience with other design professionals through an array of consulting services, information products, and on-site courses through Tobi Fairley Academy. For more information, visit http://www.tobifairley.com.

About Joss & MainJoss & Main (www.jossandmain.com) offers limited-time sales on the world's best brands for your home and life including furniture, housewares, decor accents, lifestyle accessories, giftables and more at prices up to 70% off retail. Free to join, the website offers inspirational decor at attainable prices via daily events, design trend reports, and Curator's Collections, collaborating with celebrities and notable influencers within the design community. Joss & Main is the fastest growing private sales site for the home and is backed by home e-retailer giant, Wayfair.com.

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Joss & Main Partners with Award-winning Interior Designer Tobi Fairley

BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com ranks the top home security system monitoring providers who offer their customers mobile features through iPhone, iPad and Android devices. The security systems reviews site offers insight on why consumers prefer selecting providers with mobility features.

Detroit, MI (PRWEB) March 04, 2013

In addition to determining an overall winner, BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com provides their picks for several categories including the best wireless security system, best DIY home security system and best home security apps. Their detailed reviews and security system rankings are excellent resources for those who are in the market for a home security system and are not sure what features and services are available from the leading security system providers. To view the security system rankings, visit their website at:

http://www.BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com/best-home-security-system/

Mark Anderson of BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com states, Mobile home security apps are very popular among home security shoppers and for good reason. The mobile home security apps bring another level of convenience and control when it comes to home security. Home security customers can check in at any time to see if they remembered to arm their system before they left for the day via their iPhone or Android devices. Moreover, homeowners are able to configure text message and email alerts when certain events occur in the home, like the garage door being opened. It is a great way for homeowners to know when their family comes and goes. Probably the most popular feature among consumers is the ability to stream video to their smartphones from a wireless security camera.

BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com ranked FrontPoint Security as the best home security monitoring company with mobile apps. FrontPoint Security provides their customers with mobility features through Alarm.com. These interactive features enable customers to enjoy the benefits of staying in control and in the know when away from their home. FrontPoint Security is well-known in the industry for maintaining an outstanding customer service record as well as providing their customers with wireless home security systems and cellular monitoring services.

In a close second place is Protect America, who also provides their customers with interactive services through Alarm.com. Protect America, one of the largest dealers of GE Security equipment offers their customers with wireless home security systems backed up by a lifetime warranty. Providing tremendous value with their home security systems, Protect America continues to be a favorite among home security shoppers.

About BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com

BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com is focused on delivering independent and unbiased reviews of the leading home security monitoring providers in the nation. Providing annual reviews and rankings of home security system providers as well as educational information on how to lead a safer and more secure lifestyle is what makes BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com the number one resource for consumers.

Mark Anderson BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com 724-687-0459 Email Information

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Top Home Security System Monitoring Companies with Mobile Apps Ranked by BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com

BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com publishes their reviews to help consumers find the best home security system company for their homes and families. The security reviews site offers insight into what consumers find important when selecting a provider.

St Louis, MO (PRWEB) March 07, 2013

Each year the home security reviews site conducts a thorough investigation of dozens of home security providers from their monitoring technology, customer service records, pricing, equipment and warranties offered. After this rigorous review process only the top providers are ranked and compared. The result is consolidated information that consumers find useful and informative.

The senior editor for BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com, Mark Anderson, stated, We know that consumers are interested in finding the best home alarm system without spending their time performing hours of research. This is one of the main reasons why BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com was started. There are many home security system providers in the market with new companies coming up each year, but there wasnt a good resource that provided 3rd party reviews. At BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com we conduct thorough reviews of every aspect of a home security company then publish those results online.

Home security shoppers are now able to take advantage of the comparisons and rankings online at:

http://www.BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com/best-home-security-system/

For consumers who like to conduct their own research the following aspects should be reviewed before purchasing a home security system.

CUSTOMER SERVICE RECORD

Reviewing the customer service record of any company is a good idea. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great place to start. Look to see if the company is accredited and look at the rating they maintain. The BBB ratings are on a scale of A to F with A+ being the best. The next step is to search for customer reviews and complaints to see what their current customers are saying.

MONITORING SERVICES

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Home Security Systems Reviews for Consumers Released by BestHomeSecuritySystemsHQ.com

There are many myths about home security alarm systems. Find out what's true and what's not.

Orem, UT (PRWEB) March 08, 2013

MYTH #1: A home security system costs lots of money.

This is probably the most well-known home security myth. Many companies offer their customers all of the security hardware, for free. That means the panel, motion sensors, glass break sensors and in home video are free. The only thing people pay is the monthly monitoring fee. Do research first to find out what companies offer the best price.

MYTH #2: A security system requires a long contract.

While it's true many companies do have contracts, often people can get a system without entering into year-long contracts.

MYTH #3: A security system isn't needed because there haven't been any home invasions in the neighborhood.

This is an unfortunate misconception. Burglars are always looking for a target, no matter where the house is located. Also, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors come in most security packages, and those are critical to have in any home.

MYTH #4: The insurance company covers a home invasion, therefore there's no need for protection.

While the insurance company may cover a home intrusion, the purpose of a security system is to prevent someone from breaking into the home, in the first place. Many insurance companies also offer a discount, for people who have security systems.

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Common Myths About Home Security Alarm Systems Debunked