Termite Protection Convert to Save with Deans Services!

Pg 1

“Killer” Bugs Their Role in Healthy Crop Production

Pg 1

Lake Jem Farms Quality Service. Quality Turf.

Pg 3

Customer Questions “How Are Cobwebs Formed?”

Pg 3

April / May / June 2011 Volume 1, Issue 2

Ty Jones; President

In a national sur-vey, homeowners were asked what they per-ceived as the top threat to the value of their home. 43% responded with the reasonable—though in-correct--response of fire. Only 14% of homeown-ers named termites as the number one threat, al-though they strike more than five times as many homes each year as do fires and cause about $1.7 billion in damages.

If this is surprising to you, you’re not alone. In fact, despite the fact that Florida is one of the highest risk states for termite infestation*, we’ve noticed that some of our ‘General Household Pest’ customers do not have our indus-try-leading termite protection.

Some may be under the impres-sion that their homeowner’s insurance

covers termite damage. Unfortu-nately, this is usually not the case and is not realized until the damage has been done. But even if you have coverage with another company, it’s always a good idea to check and ensure that your protection is adequate. For example, did you know that some companies do not cover Formosan termites (Coptotermes formosanus)--a particularly destructive species of termite found throughout Florida? Or that some companies require that a deductible be paid

if termite damage is discovered? Some may even require that you pay the cost of a full termite treatment every several years.

We know it’s important to receive the best service for your money, and we know there are many options to choose from. We’d like to make the comparison easy for you by providing a brief checklist

Brian Handwerk, National Geographic News

Killer Bugs Made Welcome on Green Farms

Hungry pests cost farmers millions in crop losses each year, resulting in the widespread use of chemical pesticides, to which many bugs eventually become immune. But one effective deterrent is clean,

green, and sustainable—the wasps, flies, ladybugs, and other predators that happily feast on crop pests. Scientists and farmers are learning to make better use of this powerful weapon by reshaping the landscape to create abundant habitat for pest predators, encouraging them to make farms their homes.

Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer, a doctoral candidate at the University of California, released the results of her multiyear "biological control" study last week at the Ecological Society of America's annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Promoting predator habitat doesn't have the instant impact of pesticides, but it could be highly sustainable, as established predator populations can thrive indefinitely, Chaplin-Kramer noted. Inviting pest predators might also save money. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that farmers spend more than U.S. $30 billion a year on pest control—and the cost continues to climb.

(Continued on page 2)

Keeping you in the Know!

Is Your Termite Protection Adequate? If You’re Not Using Deans, You May Be Missing Out

*Source: Mallis H.P.C. (Continued on page 2)

Coverage Details Current Coverage

$1,000,000.00 Repair Warranty

No Deductible

Transferable Policy

Includes Formosan Termites

Annual Supplemental Treatments

Lifetime Warranty

University-Certified Termite K9s

Never Pay for a Full Treatment Again

April / May / June 2011

Termite Protection (Continued from page 1)

Previous studies had shown that diverse landscapes promote bigger populations of pest predators. But it's tough to evaluate the effect that farmers really care about: how much pest control such predators actually provide. Chaplin-Kramer is hoping to find out. But quantifying the role of habitat in pest control can be tricky, since a variety of factors, such as weather variables, can affect how many pests might be found in a given field. So Chaplin-Kramer put out broccoli plants infested with 50 aphids (a common crop pest) each in closed and open cages. Open cages let natural predators do their best at pest control, while closed cages allowed aphids to live or die de-pending only on prevailing conditions.

Killer Bugs Made Welcome on Green Farms (Continued from page 1)

The results showed that "natural landscapes exhibit about five times the level of pest control of agri-cultural landscapes in the early season," Chaplin-Kramer said. Phil Foster, who runs Pinnacle Organics, worked with Chaplin-Kramer on the study. He typically plants 30 or 40 dif-ferent crops. He also rotates, crops, and plants predator-friendly hedgerows. "Probably 5 to 8 percent of the acreage goes to insectary plants, like dill and coriander and cilantro, that are known to attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps," he said. Foster doesn't harvest the herbs but instead plants them solely to attract predators. There are drawbacks, however. Robert Wiedenmann, head of the University of Arkansas entomology department, says that "Many natural enemies are too specific. They are not going to provide a benefit against all pests, a universal benefit similar to what a pesticide would provide”. That's why Wiedenmann stresses that biological con-trol, while full of promise, is likely to be only one weapon in a farmer's arsenal.

boltnut35@yahoo.com

♦ Custom Cabinetry ♦ Finishing/Refinishing ♦ Solid Surface Refinishing ♦ Over 20 Years of Experience ♦ Serving Greater Central Florida ♦ Free Estimates

Eric Daigneau Owner

displaying a few of the provisions Deans Services offers. If your con-tract does not allow for all of the provisions displayed in this chart, it may be time to upgrade.

So if it seems your termite protection may not be adequate, or you’d just like to reduce the cost of your annual termite renewal, call Deans Services today and ask about our ‘Convert to Save’ program!

April / May / June 2011

“How Are Cobwebs Formed?”

Lake Jem Farms Quality Service. Quality Turf. Here in Florida, it seems we’re always learning of a new species trying to add itself to the ranks of our local flora and fauna. From such animals as Africanized honeybees and red imported fire ants, to invasive plant species such as the aquatic hydrilla weed and the Japanese climbing fern, many of these foreign species are problematic both ecologically and economi-cally.

Fortunately though, there are also some very benefi-cial plants being introduced to our home state that are sure to make our lives a little easier. We recently visited Lake Jem Farms in Mount Dora, where they’ve been growing a Brazilian turf grass known as ‘Empire Turf’ zoysia. This South American grass species, with its deep roots and wide leaf blades, is exceptionally hardy and well-suited for Florida’s climate. Because of its resistance to drought and chinch bugs, it has become one of the most popular new turfs in the state, and Lake Jem Farms has been growing, harvesting, and installing ‘Empire Turf’ zoysia for over ten years. Director of Field Services Jim Granger and Sales/Marketing Director Tommy Gardner were happy to share some of their insight just before taking me on a tour of their 800-acre farm—one of three in the state. Deans Services: “What are some of the benefits of choosing Empire Turf zoysia grass?” Jim Granger: “Well, first of all, Empire Turf zoysia grass doesn’t require as much water to retain its color. It’s also able to survive longer periods of drought, which is important here in Florida.” Tommy Gardner: “Also, based on studies from the University of Florida, it’s the most cold-hardy of all warm-season turf grasses. And because it’s more weed and insect-resistant than most grasses, it’s considered very low-maintenance.”

(continued on page 4)

Our customers are full of questions. Fortunately, we have the answers. Submit your questions via email at deansservices.com!

There are actually two types of cobwebs. The first is the single-strand type you’ve likely seen draped to a distant corner of your ceiling like a dusty, old tight rope. These strange leavings not only seem impossibly formed, but appear out of nowhere and seem useless for catching any prey. So how—or perhaps why--would a spider produce one single strand across such a great distance?

The fact is, such lines are usually formed, not to secure prey, but after a single strand of gossamer—or, silk—is left behind (spiders dispatch and abandon draglines periodically) where it can then catch an air current and cling to walls and objects in the room.

These strands are also formed after spiders engage in what’s known as ‘ballooning’. This is the act wherein spider hatchlings climb to the highest point available and let out several strands of fine silk into the air. When conditions are right, these ultra-light spiderlings lift off and disperse to new areas. If hatched indoors, these tiny spiders will often die off, leaving their failed attempts at flight behind to collect dust.

These types of cobwebs shouldn’t be of much concern and can easily be removed with a vacuum. However, the term ‘cobweb’ also applies to a second type of web. This loose, irregular webbing (in contrast to the more intricate flat webs) is often found in corners and is commonly home to cellar spiders, house spiders, and even black widows. So, if you’re noticing this type of cobweb, be sure to call Deans Services. We’ll be sure to determine whether or not there is an active infestation inside and select the appropriate control method. —Joe T; Technical Director

Spider hatchlings readying them-selves for dispersal by “ballooning”.

April / May / June 2011

Deans Uses Termite Detecting Canines. Why Trust Your Home to Anything Less?

Phone: (352) 787-5300 Toll free: 1-877-588-4948 Fax: 352-787-5855 Editor: Ty ‘Dean’ Jones Contributors: Ty Jones, Joe Tomasiello, and Brian Handwerk

Archived issues and

promotional information available at

www.deansservices.com

DS: “What’s the difference between other zoysia grass and ‘Empire Turf’ zoysia?” JG: “Empire Turf zoysia is actually a specific breed of grass which was care-fully developed to look better, perform better, and require less maintenance than other zoysia grass here in Florida. In fact, the breed is actually patented, and li-censed only to approved producers.” DS: “I assume you’re an ‘approved pro-ducer’; so what does that mean, exactly?” JG: “Yes, we are. We’re certified, which means the patent-holder has been assured we’re able to provide a high-quality, pure-strain turf in a service-oriented manner--something we’re proud to say we’ve been doing now for many years.” DS: “What other types of grasses do you provide?” TG: “We produce Bermuda, Bahia, and many varieties of St Augustine, like Bitterblue, Palmetto, and Seville.” DS: “So, how would a customer know which grass would be best for them?” TG: “Well, that depends on their property conditions. Certain varieties do well in shady areas, while others thrive in direct sunlight. But part of our service includes visiting and discussing what would best fit their property and their budget.” DS: What’s the process like for installing a new lawn? JG: “First, we’ll run your irrigation system to ensure everything is function-ing properly; then we’ll apply an herbicide to kill any existing weed and turf. Next, we’ll restore your grade back to the proper depth needed to accommo-date the new sod; and finally, we harvest, deliver, and install your new turf.” DS: “What makes Lake Jem the best choice for providing turf grasses?” TG: “We believe pride is important in anything you do. In our case, we feel a great deal of responsibility not only towards our turf patent-holders in pro-ducing a quality product, but to the homeowner when it comes to the instal-lation process. That’s why from the initial estimate to the post-installation clean-up, we want to make sure our customers know that Lake Jem is able to deliver—and stand behind--our product.” For more information, visit Lake Jem Farms Inc. online at www.lakejemfarms.com.

Lake Jem Farms (continued from page 3)

Get a Free Estimate and a Fresh Look

(352) 253-0224

Is Your Home’s Paint Fading?

From the estimate to the installation, Lake Jem Farms delivers the best in quality turf.