Blue Sky Pest Control acquires EcoGreen Pest Control June 24, 2014 - By: Nathan Woolf If there’s one thing we pride ourselves on at Blue Sky Pest Control, it’s providing our customers with stellar service – both customer service and the actual pest control treatments. That’s why we’re excited to announce the next step in our ongoing effort to be the best pest control company in Phoenix: Blue Sky Pest Control recently acquired EcoGreen Pest Control.By acquiring EcoGreen, Blue Sky Pest Control will be able to even better serve residents in Phoenix and the greater Phoenix metro area. Although EcoGreen is based in Gilbert, Arizona, the company provides residential pest control services throughout Phoenix’s East Valley area, including Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale and more. Blue Sky Pest Control will take over the servicing of all of EcoGreen’s accounts immediately and has already notified EcoGreen’s customers of the transition.Blue Sky Pest Control is always looking for smart ways to grow, which is why the company decided to expand its Phoenix, Arizona-services by buying EcoGreen Pest Control. “We look forward to continuing the great service that EcoGreen customers have received over the years,” said Blue Sky Pest Control President and CEO Nathan Woolf. Woolf added, “We will work hard to make sure this is a smooth transition for all the customers.”Greg Cowgur, owner and founder of EcoGreen, decided to move on to pursue other interests, but he said he feels confident leaving his customers in the capable and reliable hands of Blue Sky Pest Control and the company’s highly trained technicians. “I’ve known Nate for years, and when it came time to sell, I felt comfortable that he and his team would be fair to me and do a great job taking care of our customers,” Cowgur said.Blue Sky has been an independently operated pest control company since 2003. Although the company started with only three employees, Blue Sky today has more than 65 staff members – and that will grow even more with the addition of EcoGreen’s technicians and employees to the Blue Sky family.People often ask how Blue Sky has continued to grow during one of the nation’s worst recessions. Simply put, it comes down to the fact that we provide the type of service that keeps customers coming back and keeps them recommending us to their family and friends. At Blue Sky Pest Control, we believe that the addition of EcoGreen to our team will not only contribute to our growth, but also continue the same great tradition of quality service.At Blue Sky, all of our technicians are background checked, thoroughly trained and given route sizes that allows them enough time to do their jobs right the first time – and the same will be true of the EcoGreen technicians who are joining our company.
Blue Sky Pest Control Featured for its Work in the Phoenix Community November 26, 2013 - By: Nathan Woolf Blue Sky Pest Control was recently featured in BOMA ByLines‘ Fall 2013 issue for our efforts in helping to select Central Arizona Shelter Services, or CASS, as BOMA Greater Phoenix’s charity of choice for 2013. Check out the article below.“YPG Gives Back to CASS” – BOMA ByLines, Fall 2013By Gina Rouban, Interstate Restoration, 2013 BOMA Associate ChairThe BOMA Young Professionals Group was created to bring developing professionals together to learn, network and to give back to the local community. Since the group’s institution in 2009, they have done just that. Two years ago, YPG adopted a street in downtown Phoenix to make a visible impact on the local environment, build community, establish group pride and to reduce litter cleanup costs to save taxpayers money. In addition, each year, they choose one, large-scale volunteer project. Last year, the group went to St. Mary’s Food Bank, where they collectively put together 7,704 meals.This year’s process of choosing a project was somewhat different. With the idea of adopting a charity to support on an annual basis, spearheaded by Cody Pace from Blue Sky Pest Control, BOMA Greater Phoenix established CASS (Central Arizona Shelter Services) as their charity of choice for 2013. For over 25 years, CASS has been working on ending homelessness in Phoenix. Today, they are the largest provider of shelter and supportive services for homeless individuals in Arizona. They shelter approximately 1,000 individuals on a nightly basis. In 2013, each BOMA luncheon facilitated an item drive for the CASS “Need of the Month.” So far, the BOMA group has collected and donated soy milk, toilet paper, water, flash drives and quarters, just to name a few items. So, when picking the 2013 community event, CASS was the clear choice for YPG chair Gilbert Romero, Transwestern.On July 11, eight YPG volunteers headed to CASS for four hours to donate their time and manpower. The task given to them for the day was to organize a closet of professional clothes and shoes for the folks who were being helped by CASS and needed attire to go to job interviews or to work. The small space, vented by a single fan, did not stop the group from working as a team on organizing the items quickly and efficiently. They even finished before their time was up! As a reward, the small group of volunteers headed to Trumpet Angel’s Ale House for some refreshments and networking.YPG is proud to be taking on difficult projects substantial to the community and turning them into fun, relationship-building experiences. The group is a diverse mix of professionals new to the industry and seasoned member mentors. Their events are open to all BOMA members. This dynamic bunch hopes to see you at their next charitable event or mixer!
Rosie On The House Interviews Blue Sky Pest Control July 15, 2013 - By: Nathan Woolf Curtis and Cody of Blue Sky Pest Control were guests on the Rosie on the House radio program in May 2013. Transcript[Music background, laughter]Rosie: Ah, yes! A listening pleasures of fruits of the Rosie on the House Easter Labor. Very nicely done, Mike, who is actually out. The Jack Rabbit’s back in South Dakota, we have deejay on the board running the electronics, no stranger to Rosie on the House. Behind the screen we have Stephanie Acuna, calls screening, who’s with us from the ASU broadcaster school, Walter Cronkite, yes. Talk about brain fart there. And we have to the left, Stan, master of home owner relations for Rosie on the House.Stan: Good morning.Rosie: In front of us we have a couple of guests and you just heard it, Blue Sky, a pest control, Curtis Wilhelm. Good Morning, sir.Curtis: Hey, good morning. Good to be here.Rosie: Thank you. Your specialty?Curtis: Pest control, bugs. We’re here to get rid of the bugs.Rosie: And then, we have Cody Pace.Cody: Yeah, Cody Pace, here. Specialty, bug nerd.Rosie: Bug nerd and its a little bit official than that, I mean, it’s called a …Cody: Associate certified entomologist.Rosie: Thank you. That sounds better than bug nerd. It may not know more but it just sounds better.Cody: Yeah. That’s what my wife calls me.Rosie: Perfect. If you follow along in the Arizona Republic article, it’s particularly funny today. This is the first time gentlemen, I think that I ever recall, since we’ve been in the Arizona Republic, every Saturday as the broadcast comes out we have an article on what’s going on. There hasn’t been a picture; there were at least six or seven pictures I remember scrolling through, I guess, I didn’t want put rats in there. So, it’s a complete text article for the first time. I’m guessing why that’s not exactly something you want to start your Saturday morning with at the paper while you’re eating your breakfast.Stan: No rats, no. No creepy crawlers, huh?Rosie: No, no but in the article it’s more than just pests. We talked about large animals, rodents, coyotes, javelinas, and we even covered big game. Next hour, we will even have Arizona game and fish. The urban wildlife specialists, Darren Julian on the line with us. And between now and then we’ve got Blue Sky Pest Control. We’ve already got calls lined up at 1888 7674348, that’s 1888 ROSIE 4 U. Continue reading →
New Years Resolution – Pest Control For My Home December 27, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf If you have been overwhelmed with the difficulty of managing pests invading your home, you may find yourself wanting to give up, if you have not already. With the New Year rapidly approaching, you may be resolving to turn a new corner when it comes to pest control. In an effort to help in your quest, here are five useful tips from pest control experts that may help you.1. Maintain Control of Food DebrisWithout a food source, pests will find it difficult to live inside your home. Not every pest feeds off the same food as humans, but making sure to clean up any lingering food before insects have a chance to get to it can discourage pests like roaches.2. Secure EntrancesCompletely preventing pests from being able to enter your home is an exercise in futility, but that does not mean you should make it easy. Make sure windows are screened if they are being used and fill any obvious cracks or holes that connect outside.3. Chemical Pest SolutionsFor serious problems, chemical solutions are available. These work either by touch or by encouraging the pest to ingest them, and they can come in a variety of forms. Be sure to err on the side of caution with chemical solutions since they can have an impact on other animals as well.4. Overall CleanlinessFood is not the only cleanliness concern that can help pests find a home in your home. Bedbugs, for example, make their home near bedding, so be sure to regularly clean your sheets and the area around where you sleep. Other bugs can find their home in trash cans, laundry piles, or messes that have been “forgotten.” When it comes to pests, the cleaner your home is the better.5. Encourage the Circle of LifeLike every other species on the planet, pests have a number of creatures that use them for food. By making the area around your home attractive to these animals you can help steadily keep pest numbers down. This tactic is similar to why humans tamed cats to control rodent infestations.
What You Need To Know About Environmentally Friendly Pest Control December 20, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf One of the most common reasons people turn to commercially available chemical pest solutions is that they simply are not aware of the alternatives. Below is a quick look at five methods of pest control that are easy and light on the environment.1. Environmentally Safe ChemicalsWhenever you go to purchase chemicals, take the time to look at safer and organic alternatives and do not shy away due to the cost. These chemicals are not only easier on the environment, but the effects last longer which results in long-term savings.2. Encourage Natural PredatorsIf your home’s area is made inviting to animals such as birds and bats, you may suddenly find yourself dealing with fewer insects. Both creatures feed regularly on insects, making them a beneficial neighbor to have. You can also get an outdoor cat to handle rodent issues in a similar manner.3. Protect Your Garden with Specific PlantsInstead of lacing your garden, which may contain food you intend to eat one day, with dangerous chemicals, consider adding some naturally repellant plants. Aphids, for example, are extremely sensitive to smell, so strong-smelling herbs can ward them off.4. Physical BarriersSometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Maintaining physical barriers, like making sure your windows are properly screened, can stop pests from easily invading your home.5. Heat TreatmentOne innovative alternative to the traditional “Roach Bomb” is to seal a room and greatly increase the heat to between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is above the threshold at which most insects can survive, resulting in a pest-free zone without any chemical residue lingering about. This is a naturally great option for Phoenix pest control due to the high temperatures
Blue Sky Pest Control Earns Esteemed 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award December 16, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf Blue Sky Pest Control Earns Esteemed 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer serviceBlue Sky Pest Control has earned the service industry-coveted 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor awarded annually to approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.“We are excited to be awarded the 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award,” said Blue Sky’s President Nathan Woolf. “We have a lot of wonderful people that work here and I feel this award is a validation of their consistent efforts throughout the year.”“It’s a select group of companies rated on Angie’s List that can claim the exemplary customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Our standards for the Super Service Award are quite high. The fact that Blue Sky Pest Control earned this recognition speaks volumes about its dedication providing great service to its customers.”Angie’s List Super Service Award 2012 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, including earning a minimum number of reports, an excellent rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.###Angie’s List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 550 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. More than 1.5 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain unlimited access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine, and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.Blue Sky Pest Control is a leading exterminator servicing the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Blue Sky provides general pest control, termite control and termite warranties, scorpion control, rodent control, bed bug eradication services, bee control and bee hive removal for both residential and commercial customers. For more information about Blue Sky visit www.blueskypest.com or call 480-635-8492.
Protect Your Home From Termites In The Winter December 13, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf Top 5 Ways To Protect Your Home From Termites In The WinterTermites are tiny pests that enjoy eating dead plants, especially wood from fallen trees. Termites cannot tell the difference between a fallen tree and the planks used to create most modern dwellings. As a result, homes are prone to termite infestations throughout the year. Termite infestations may increase during the winter months as the pests move indoors in search of food, warmth and moisture. In any case, termite problems are easy to avoid by using these top five tips on preventing infestations.1. Eliminate Excess MoistureTermites congregate in areas that will keep their bodies moist. Termites will quickly dehydrate if they cannot find moisture in their environment. Reducing the humidity in the home will prevent termites from setting up camp at that location.2. Reduce Exposed WoodTermites travel along the ground looking for sources of food. Wood siding that is allowed to touch the ground will attract termites. Firewood that is stacked next to the house will lead the termites up the siding as well. Homeowners should stack firewood far from the home and make sure their siding does not touch the ground to prevent a termite infestation.3. Avoid MulchTermites are highly attracted to mulch that is typically used in garden beds. Mulch provides the termites with moisture and shelter, but lacks nutritional value. As a result, termites will hungrily turn toward the wood structures in the home for a meal. A high-quality soil mixed with peat moss may be a better option for garden beds in termite prone areas.4. Watch For TermitesHomeowners should educate themselves about the appearance of the many different termite species and their preferred living areas. Although most termites destructively eat decayed plant matter, like wood, not all do. Keeping an eye out for destructive termites will enable homeowners to treat their presence before it becomes an issue. Termites will quickly eat through wood structures in the home if allowed to take up residence there for any amount of time.5. Apply Preventive SprayIf termites are found in the area surrounding the home, a preventive spray may eliminate their presence. The preventive spray must be applied by a pest control professional to effectively eliminate the termite threat for several months before it needs to be reapplied.
Top 5 Areas You Should Clean Up To Avoid Silverfish Infestations December 6, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf In order to avoid silverfish infestation in your home there are certain areas of the house that you can clean up to help make sure that the pesky critters don’t find the food source that they require to maintain residency. An Arizona pest control company such as Blue Sky will also be able to help you, but you will have to do your part as well.1. Keep your bathroom clean and dry. Silverfish are attracted to moisture making the bathroom a great place for them to thrive. By cleaning the bathroom after use and drying the floor, tub or shower, you will be able to help prevent them from making your bathroom a breeding area.2. Keep your kitchen clean. Once you’ve opened food cartons, place the unused portions in airtight plastic containers so that you aren’t supplying a means of survival for the silverfish.3. Fix any plumbing leaks, as the moisture from leaks will attract silverfish. Fixing any of your plumbing problems will help to keep the areas under your sinks dry.4. Seal any holes in the walls of your home, especially on walls that are covered in wall paper. Silverfish feed on the glue that holds the wallpaper to the wall. Sealing those holes will eliminate their food source.5. If you have many books on shelves, make sure that you place dried lavender around the books. Silverfish do not like the odor of dried lavender and will not want to go anywhere around it.If you still end up with a silverfish infestation, contact Blue Sky Pest Control for silverfish control services.
5 Places Earwigs Like To Hide November 21, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf Earwigs are a common pest in Arizona, though not one that you need to be too concerned about inside your home. Earwigs prefer to live outdoors and feed on vegetation as well as other insects. Though they look formidable with their long, flat bodies and forceps, they are harmless to people and animals.Earwigs live mainly outside the home, and they don’t establish themselves indoors regularly. With that being said, they can end up inside in many ways. Sometimes it’s as simple as an earwig that lives in your garden or around the foundation of your home crawling up your house and entering through an opening. Especially during particularly hot summers, earwigs have a tendency to end up inside.Earwigs are night travelers, staying hidden during the hot day. Similar to bed bugs, earwigs are considered to be hitch hikers, scurrying into hiding spots before the sun comes up. As such, earwigs can travel a long distance on unsuspecting items, including:1) Newspapers and MailIt’s not unheard of for an earwig to end up in the house after climbing into a newspaper delivery bag in the morning. Afterall, earwigs thrive outdoors in damp environments, and try to find hiding before the sun comes up. A newspaper tossed onto your front step or lawn early in the morning is a great place for an earwig to take up hiding. Just like the newspaper, the mail is an easy target for earwigs. You’ll probably find an earwig among your catalogs and bills more than once a year, as they thrive in the dark folds of your mail.2) LuggageEarwigs can climb into dark, damp suitcases fairly easily. The dark environment filled with clothing is ideal for earwigs that seek refuge from daylight. Interestingly, earwigs can’t crawl long distances and they rarely fly, but they travel very far due to their ability to hitchhike on luggage.3) Cardboard boxesCardboard boxes, especially those that have been sitting outside or in a damp, dark area, are prime hiding spots for earwigs. The flaps on a cardboard box offer earwigs shelter. It is not uncommon for someone to pick up a cardboard box of items at a garage sale and find a few earwigs among their new possessions.4) Outside the HomeEarwigs thrive in dark, damp areas. Because Arizona is so dry, that means they’re often driven deep into the soil or under rocks, stepping stones and down spouts. You might be working in your garden, pick up a potted plant and find earwigs scurrying underneath it.5) Inside the HomeWhen earwigs do get inside, often on some of the items listed above, they move quickly and can show up just about anywhere. We’ve heard plenty of stories of people screaming when they see an earwig in the shower, or find one on their towel or even in their beds.The important thing to remember about earwigs is that though they’re a nuisance and look menacing, they are harmless to you and your pets. Although they can’t cause you any physical harm, they can wreck havoc on your garden and can be controlled with a pest control service.
How to Combat West Nile Virus July 11, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf West Nile Virus Information and Proactive Public Health Steps We Can Take Here in Phoenix, ArizonaThe local news is reporting recent cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Valley. Unfortunately, Arizona has a disproportionate amount of WNV cases in the United States. In 2011, almost 10% of the documented cases nationally were here in Arizona and of the 43 documented deaths associated with WNV, 4 were in Arizona. (Source: Center for Disease Control).West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that generally get the virus from birds or other infected animals. Many more people are infected with West Nile Virus than become a reported case since the symptoms are common when someone is sick. An individual can have a headache, fever and body aches. People who die after becoming infected by WNV normally have weakened immune systems. These are often the elderly, those with HIV and individuals undergoing chemotherapy (Source: National Institute of Health).#1: Eliminating Standing Water on Your Property will Reduce Mosquito Breeding AreasDrill a hole in the bottom of a tire swing to allow trapped water to drain.Common pest control approaches are often ineffective since the areas where they breed, standing water, are generally not treated. Common breeding areas for mosquitoes around your home may include: water features that have the circulation turned off, potted plants that are over watered, pools that are not properly cared for and standing water created by broken or leaking sprinkler and/or drip systems. #2: Reduce the Chances of Getting Mosquito Bites if You Have a Weak Immune System If you feel that you are particularly susceptible to WNV due to your immune system here are some precautions that you can take. First, wear long-sleeves and long pants if you are going outside. This obviously can be uncomfortable in the Arizona heat, but better to be safe than sorry. You can also use a mosquito repellant with DEET as the active ingredient.West Nile Virus is Here to StayThere is more research being done to try to reduce or eliminate the negative impact of WNV on humans. We do not know how long it will take to get an effective anti-virus so for the foreseeable future, we will need to proactively combat WNV by reducing nesting and breeding areas and by reducing the likelihood of getting mosquito bites particularly for those individuals who may be more susceptible to the virus.If you have additional questions feel free to give Blue Sky Pest Control a call at 480-635-8492. We are here to help.
