Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

THREE years' control of banana weevil borer and suppression of rust thrips have been achieved from a single planting application of controlled-release imidacloprid granules in North Queensland banana trials, conducted by Crop Care.

The planting treatment also controlled greyback cane grubs, and there was no mite flaring in treated crops. Crop Care suSCon (sustained control) products business manager, Kerrie Mackay, said that a submission for registration of this new-generation controlled-release product - suSCon Yellow Intel - was now before the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority.

She said the current method of controlling banana weevil borer and rust thrips is annual stem injections of imidacloprid into banana suckers.

"This is very labour intensive, so banana growers are keen for a longer-term, lower labour alternative," Ms Mackay said.

"North Queensland agricultural consultant Harry Townley saw the potential to use controlled release technology to control these major insect pests in bananas, so approached us to consider developing a suitable suSCon product.

"Crop Care's patented suSCon (sustained control) technology allows the active ingredient to be gradually released at the target site over a prolonged period to provide long-term control over pests, with minimal impact on the environment, reduced applications and improved safety for operators.

"For six years, we have been working with the banana industry to develop suSCon Yellow."

She said Harry Townley had conducted nine long-term field trials from 2006 to 2012 on Innisfail, Palmerston and Kennedy properties to evaluate the new product.

At each site, the use of suSCon Yellow granules at planting was compared with annual stem injections of standard products. Each banana crop was studied from planting through to the harvest of fruit from second ratoons.

Ms Mackay said the trial results were very promising for banana growers, with the suSCon granules providing the banana corms with good protection from banana weevil borer damage in first and second-ratoon crops.

Original post:

Yellow hope for banana pest control

Jenny with Maddy, one of her four energetic dogs.

Jenny Humphrey is director at DRE Pest Control, a family business based in Swavesey. She spends most of her working week ensuring the residents, farms and businesses of Cambridgeshire are free from pests. She is also treasurer of the British Pest Control Association.

7.30am Monday morning and the start of another busy week in the world of pest control. Cram one of my four lovable but very energetic dogs, Maddy, and all my paperwork for the day into the van. Ensure my 15-year-old son Dan is up in time to catch the bus to school and grab my coffee to go.

8am Following what feels like the slowest tractor in Cambridge, Im on my way to our Swavesey office to meet with my team and to be briefed on the previous weeks activities. Jobs that came in over the weekend are allocated to the staff and the vans are stocked ready for the week ahead, before my team disappear into the Cambridgeshire countryside.

9am I pop by mums, where over my second cup of coffee of the morning, we discuss the short-term strategy for the business, review a final design for a local advertising campaign were planning to run, and tweak the content on our new website to reflect the campaign. We have a general gossip and I catch up on mums recent holiday to California with my two teenagers.

Just before leaving, Mum asks me to pass her a dustbin bag from the cupboard by the back door, from which a mouse springs out, hitting me directly in the chest a great start to the morning.

9.30am Time to hit the road again and from the comfort of my mobile office I plan the rest of my week, catch up on any emails and phone calls, then set off to make my first consultation of the day.

10am Arrive at one of our clients, a college kitchen in Cambridge, for a routine check of their bait boxes and discover that rats have taken some of the bait ah ha, I say, a little too loudly, what are you doing in here? After informing the catering manager and positioning some extra bait stations, we arrange a revisit for the following week. Back in the van I pick up a call from a school with a wasps nest. Im keen to get there responsibly quickly. Fortunately the nest is to the rear of the building, so I deal with it without having to come back out of school hours.

Noon Wasps nest dealt with, I realise its lunchtime. I grab 40 minutes to myself and take Maddy for a much-needed walk shes usually pretty desperate by now, bless her. I write a do to do list for my PA, jot down a few notes for the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) meeting on Wednesday and make a mental note to watch tonights BBC Panorama documentary addressing the effect of local authority cuts to public pest control services; not quite sure what to expect, but we shall see.

During the day I receive a number a calls from property management companies, farmers and residents with a range of pest problems. After reassuring them, I arrange for one of my team to visit them within 48 hours.

Read more here:

Working day

CROP Care Australasia and its industry partners have claimed a world first in insect pest control.

After years of research and product development in Australian laboratories and canefields, Crop Care's controlled release suSCon Maxi is now registered for four-year control of Childers canegrub.

Crop Care business manager for suSCon products Kerrie Mackay said this was a very significant advance in pest control.

"Now that we have established the ability of suSCon Maxi to protect sugarcane for four years from Childers canegrub damage, we are confident our continuing research will result in registrations for longer term control of other grub species."

She said this milestone was just reward for more than 30 years of Australian research and development by Crop Care in partnership with BSES, growers, researchers and rural businesses.

"The patented sustained-control technology allows active ingredients to be gradually released at the target site over a prolonged period to provide long-term control of pests, with minimal impact on the environment, reduced applications, and improved safety for operators."

Technical consultant to Crop Care, Glen Tucker said the farm studies had shown ongoing control of Childers canegrub into third and fourth ratoons.

"suSCon Maxi provided significant reductions in Childers canegrub numbers for up to four years (plant to third ratoon) when applied to conventionally-planted cane in single rows at planting or drill fill-in stages," he said.

"Even in young fourth ratoon cane, there was still a significant reduction in grub numbers at several suSCon Maxi-treated sites compared with untreated plots indicating that control had extended right through the fourth year (third ratoon) of the crop."

Mr Tucker said an application of suSCon Maxi to plant cane had resulted in significant increases in sugarcane yield in first, second and third ratoon crops where there were moderate to high populations of canegrubs in the crop.

Original post:

Canegrub control breakthrough

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Jeremy Briscoe took the helm as State Chair of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) today. Briscoe, who serves as National Ag Business Manager for Certis USA, Atascadero, CA, accepted the gavel from last years chair Dennis Duda of Wilbur-Ellis, Rio Linda, CA, at CAPCAs 38th Annual Conference & Agri-Expo in Anaheim.

Briscoe, a 13-year participant of the 3,100-member organization, was named 2008 CAPCA Member of the Year, an award he shared with Sean Morelos of BASF Corporation, San Luis Obispo, CA. Briscoe and Morelos created the Pathway to PCA program to educate college students about career opportunities as pest control advisers (PCA). Studies show that fewer than 21 percent of CAPCAs members are under the age of 44 and with aging PCAs retiring, the state could experience a shortfall of qualified PCAs. Since its inception, the Pathway to PCA program has recruited more than 200 PCAs into the profession.

Headquartered in Columbia, MD, Certis USA is a leading manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of biopesticide products for specialty agricultural and horticultural markets and the home and garden market. Certis USA products provide valuable solutions by meeting the challenges faced by todays growers who are seeking sustainable alternatives, resistant pest management and harvest solutions, and low pesticide residues for market flexibility and export accessibility. For more information about Certis USA or its products visit http://www.CertisUSA.com.

View original post here:

Jeremy Briscoe of Certis USA Named State Chair of California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA)

The longest-running patio weather -- seven months -- is finally over. John Kolevris, owner of Saffron's -- the biggest patio restaurant on the Corydon strip, says, "I had the best year in 24 years of business. It was very warm in March -- and I had double the usual sales that month. Except for a cool spot in April, it stayed warm until mid-September."

With eight heaters in the fall, he got seven full months of Winnipeggers on his deck at Corydon Avenue and Hugo Street.

"But it is really finished now," he says. "One day it was 20 degrees -- and now we have England weather," he says of the clouds and cold rain this week. Kolevris says he noticed other changes on trendy Corydon this summer -- a much younger crowd after 9:30 p.m. "And it was quieter. No crime this year!"

-- -- --

Osborne Village will see hundreds of wild things in fetish costumes on Saturday night streaming to the Ball -- formerly the Black 'n' Blue Ball -- at Ozzy's, 160 Osborne St. The BDSM crew and wannabes will celebrate the biggest dress-up bash of the year -- several hundred at the Halloween Ball in the basement of the Osborne Village Hotel.

Why the big numbers? Curiosity-seekers can slip in unnoticed, wearing sexy Halloween costumes. Gawkers without costumes are discouraged by a $40 surcharge at the door.

Not for the faint of heart, many people wear breezy outfits and leather gear, some have whips and chains, love slaves on leashes and total masking for well-known folks, who have gone underground for the night.

Ball newbies discover unisex washrooms, an expo of special-interest tables and toys and erotic spankings for a price. One indignant spankee in the lineup at a previous ball was heard to complain: "I've been waiting 40 minutes for my spanking!" Doors open earlier, but few creatures of the night show up until about 9:30 p.m.

-- -- --

HELLNIGHT: A week later in the same venue, on Oct. 27 at 8 p.m., the Winnipeg Goth gang celebrates with a costume Halloween party called After Dark's Hellnight 2012. Local Goth devotees, such as alternative model Michael X, who has eyes tattooed on the back of his head, are spending megabucks importing kinky costume pieces from cyberspace this month.

See the original post here:

Patio season long and lucrative

As home sizes trend smaller, functional space becomes more critical than ever

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) October 20, 2012

Theres a definite push toward making the most out of every square foot of living space, said JR Bontrager, president of Cool-Breeze, a Florida-based, family owned and operated distributor of home and patio products. Our sliding glass doors, porch enclosure systems, garage door screens and cabana doors are among the most cost-effective ways to increase a homes living area.

Cool-Breezes porch enclosure systems are some of the most unique products on the market for converting existing screen rooms into three- or even four-season living areas. For example, the companys vinyl sliding glass doors are constructed of heavy-duty reinforced vinyl, engineered to span openings up to 40 feet wide and 10 feet tall - ideal for opening the backside homes and patios. Vinyl-glazed four-tracks provide up to 75 percent ventilation when open, but easily close to provide a fully enclosed porch.

Installation of vinyl-glazed four-track porch enclosure products is as easy for do it yourself homeowners as it is for professional contractors. All products can be manufactured in custom sizes, especially critical when remodeling older structures. There also are standard sizes, which make estimating projects easy for contractors.

Orders for standard size products ship within 7 business days, and custom orders ship within 7-10 business days. Packages come complete with installation and sizing instructions. For example, vinyl panel products include installation screws, caulking and cleaner designed specifically for the vinyl panels. Basic tools needed for installation are a measuring tape, caulk gun, and a battery-powered or electric drill.

Instructional videos are available at http://coolbreezeproducts.com/products-page/uncategorized/porch-enclosure-systems-2/ And for more complicated jobs, measuring and installation phone support is available 7-days-a-week.

Ive personally worked with these products for more than 20 years, and have assisted hundreds of customers through the installation process. Im very proud to say that Ive yet to meet anyone who couldnt handle the setup on their own, said Bontrager.

All Cool-Breeze products are backed by the most comprehensive warranty in the industry. Vinyl components, screens and moving parts include a 10-year warranty; and the framework comes with a lifetime warranty.

For more information or to place an order, visit http://www.coolbreezeproducts.com.

Continue reading here:

Cool-Breeze Home & Patio Products Turn Seasonal Outdoor Areas into Year-Round Living Spaces

Workers replace a roof on a home. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

UNION CITY (KCBS) -Nearly 100 unlicensed contractors were arrested in Union City and other parts of California this week by undercover investigators posing as homeowners shopping around for home improvements.

Investigators scoured Craigslist, jotted down numbers on flyers and set their traps at residential homes that needed painting, landscaping, or flooring. They invited the would-be contractors to homes, such as one under construction in Union City, and asked for an estimate on the work.

If their bids more than $500, then at that point theyre placed under arrest if they dont have a license, said Rick Lopes with the Contractors State License Board.

KCBS Janice Wright Reports:

Union City Sting Operation Snares Illegal Contractors

California law requires any work that totals more than $500 in materials and labor to be done by a licensed contractor who discloses their license number in all advertising. There are also limits on how much payment the contractor can ask for up front.

Even savvy homeowners can be fooled. Diane Stone of Oakland lost $4,700 when she hired an unlicensed painter who just wasnt doing the job. Her ex-husband was a painting contractor.

I know the business, but I just didnt bother to check the credentials, she said.

92 people were arrested in eight sting operations over the course of two days. In some cases, the suspects were people reported to the board by legitimate contractors who filed complaints against them.

Read more:

Union City Sting Operation Snares Illegal Contractors

UNION CITY, Calif.

Nearly 100 people, including 14 Bay Area residents, could face criminal charges after being arrested in statewide undercover sting targeting unlicensed contractors.

Fraud investigators from the Contractors State License Board said at a news conference in Union City Friday that they conducted stings on Wednesday and Thursday in Alameda, Sonoma, Monterey, Los Angeles, Placer, San Diego and San Luis Obispo counties.

Investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for home improvements such as painting, flooring, landscaping, fence repair, tree trimming, gutter installation, and water heater replacement.

A total of 92 individuals were arrested and now may face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license.

State licensing officials said the penalty for a conviction is up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

They said at least two of those arrested this week are repeat offenders who now face a mandatory 90-day jail sentence if convicted a second time.

State officials said 77 of those who were arrested also may be charged with illegal advertising, as state law requires contractors to place their license number in all print, broadcast, and online advertisements.

They said 12 others may be charged with requesting an excessive down payment, as in California a down payment cannot exceed 10 percent of the contract total or $1,000, whichever is less.

In addition, they said 14 of the allegedly phony contractors were issued Stop Orders.

Follow this link:

Sting leads to arrest of 92 unlicensed contractors

HARRISBURG Things that go bump in the night could get bumpier on Halloween, so the Pennsylvania Insurance Department is reminding homeowners to use common sense on trick-or-treat night.

With so many unpredictable elements at play, the chances of an accident or mishap are increased on Halloween. Kids in costumes, candles in pumpkins, neighborhood foot traffic and general Halloween mischief all add to the risks.

Bill Ross, managing partner at Ross Insurance Agency, 1496 Lititz Pike, says there are "three biggies" of trick-or-treating concern: housekeeping, lighting and vehicle location.

Be sure your house is well-lit and in good repair to reduce the chances of injury or having to file an insurance claim. You don't want any ghosts or ghouls to trip and fall.

"Make sure the front is lighted properly or you're just asking for trouble," warns Ross.

"Make sure things are picked up and you don't have things lying around that people are going to fall on," he says. "Some people get carried away with decorations and they can become a hazard."

"It's not too late to have Outdoor Lighting Perspectives install pathway lights that will light your front walk and pathways all year long," says Sandy Chillas of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Lancaster-West Chester. "If you don't want to install something permanent, simply use rope lights to line your walkways. They come in different colors and lengths."

Chillas says orange and purple rope lights are good color choices for Halloween. If you add a green rope light in March, you're ready for Mardi Gras.

While your homeowner's insurance won't cover a prankster papering your trees, if they damage your property, you would likely be covered.

"Always make sure you have good liability limits and a personal umbrella an extra liability of coverage on top of what we call 'slip-and-fall liability' under your homeowner's insurance," Ross suggests. The same goes for those living in apartments.

The rest is here:

Have fun on Halloween, but be safe too

By Catherine Sutton-Martin, Correspondent

Thornbury Township Supervisor Chair James Raith and Supervisor J.P. Kelly faced a full meeting room, Oct. 17, to discuss an amendment to the Zoning Code that would allow seasonal outdoor eating for restaurants in the township. Supervisor Sheri Perkins was absent.

According to Raith, presently there are two restaurants in the township that could accommodate outdoor eating, with a potential for more on a 165-acre site on Route 202.

The proposed amendment would require an establishment to apply for a "site-specific conditional use" before Supervisors. It also requires a minimum of a 42-inch-high enclosure around the seating area, that could be covered or partially covered (tables with umbrellas), cannot be fully enclosed, could only operate between April 1 and Oct. 31, must be compatible with the rest of the building and landscaping, have security lighting, cannot have outdoor speakers, heaters or fire places or fire pits, and gives supervisors the authority to be restrictive.

A requirement that Raith wants included in the proposal is an "annual review," so that if there are violations or too many complaints, the "conditional use" could be revoked. However, if supervisors rejected or refused an applicant after a "conditional use hearing," the applicant could appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.

Several residents wondered why the township would consider allowing "outdoor eating," after "the people who live here fought for a ban on outdoor eating."

Raith said there had been a lot of interest by residents and establishments.

A Thornton resident, who lives across the street from the former Pace 1, asked what a resident should do if "potential" violations occurred.

Raith said the township should be notified and citations would be issued; however, should a situation become "abusive, call the State Police.

An Andover resident said he was against the proposal, noting his property was near Duffer's and he cannot enjoy his back yard since he can hear the music and voices. He also noted that the restaurant may be in violation of township ordinances regarding "sodium lights, banners on the building and the van parked on 352."

Continued here:

Thornbury considers outdoor eating ordinance