The idea of tiny blood sucking insects in your bed has been terrifying children for decades but bedbugs can really ruin not only a good nights sleep but also your sanity. I know; I’ve been there.
A few years ago, while living in Vancouver, my whole neighborhood had bed bugs. I only ever had two bites, but the thought of them living in my house, in my bed, consumed my mind for weeks while we attempted to get our landlord to help us solve the problem. My roommate’s legs were covered in bites and we all were constantly swatting our skin at imaginary crawlers.
Eventually, after sleepless nights and the endless harassment of a deadbeat landlord, I gave up. I threw out my bed and moved into a new apartment. I will never forget taking my mattress out to the alley way and looking at the rows of mattresses lining the lane. My neighborhood was infested!
The phenomenon is fairly new here. I read more and more reviews about pest control companies clearing out bed bugs in homes and apartments.
It seems to be a growing issue in North America where the problem once was under control. In the 50’s DDT was used to squash these bugs for good but since DDT has now been banned, these pests are now more difficult to control.
Bedbugs are really good at hiding. Although the insects are visible, they may be difficult to get a look at. You will know if you’ve spotted one if you see a small reddish brown oval insect. If you are waking up with red itchy welts and suspect you might have an infestation, other signs include the upsetting dark spots or streaks they can leave on your mattress. They can also leave their shed skins and eggs inside your box spring, mattress, and sheets.
Waheed from Pesticon explained that bed bug activity is typically between the hours of 5 and 7 am when you are sure to be asleep and after the bed bug bites, it secretes a saliva that ensures you don’t wake up and catch it in the act. Both Waheed and Kevin agree that if you suspect you have bed bugs wash all of your sheets and linens and dry them on high for at least 40 minutes. Kevin also suggests vacuuming your mattress and box spring and all their cracks and crevices regularly as well as clearing clutter from closets and nightstands. Bed bugs are not always easy to eradicate yourself so if you are still getting bites, you will need to call a professional for help.
When any pest control company visits a house, chemicals are used in treatment. All pest control companies in Canada use chemicals that are regulated by registered with the PMRA (Pest management Regulatory Agency) and are completely safe for humans so long as homeowners follow the preparation and after treatment ventilation instructions. Chemicals are used in the cracks and crevices of things like electrical switches, picture frames, baseboards, mattresses and box springs. Waheed mentioned he also uses hot steam on other items like clothes hanging in closets.
Prevention of bed bugs can be difficult since they can live in clothing and be transferred anywhere people congregate. A lot of bed bugs are transferred through travel on suitcases where they love to live. If you are traveling or even moving into a new rental property, it’s a good idea to check out the National Bed Bug Registry, the free public database for bed bug encounters. Try and keep your suitcases in the garage or away from your house when you return home and be sure to wash all of your clothes dirty or not.
Living with bedbugs can really affect your sleep and state of mind. It’s best to deal with the infestation as soon as possible so you can get back to having a good night sleep and get on with your life normally. Check out our Pest & Animal Control category to find a reliable pest control company in your area.
There is so much more to a review than whether or not it was positive or negative. Reviews might seem black or white, particularly if you are the one receiving them, but even among good reviews some are better than others. And let’s face it; nothing is as certain to close a sale like the good testimonial of a satisfied customer.
Reviews, according to Gitomer, should clearly demonstrate the value or “specific enhancement” that was provided in the service leading to the good word posted.
Beyond demonstrating value, explains Gitomer, a good testimonial will also include four additional and crucial elements: it will “show action”; dispel concern or risk; “reinforce a claim”; and end in satisfaction.
She opens with “Approachable and no nonsense saleswomen – good pricing, with extra information given – no pulling teeth! Installation was done on schedule, in a day, and with full clean up”, which to Laura is clearly a value.
In selecting a contractor, many homeowners aren’t just concerned about the immediate needs, but how problems are handled related to the work that might arise at a later date. Laura dispels such concerns attesting “A month later I had some concerns and they returned in a very timely manner to assist with questions I had.”
Laura reinforces the claims made by Harding Heating & Air Conditioning in writing, “Couldn’t have asked for better service! I’m so glad I had 4 estimates, and even happier they made the biggest impression and lived up to it.”
Throughout all of her review, Laura is demonstrating action and also a high level of satisfaction for the services rendered. In all, it is a great review.
So the next time you are thinking to praise someone for their good work, or solicit a customer with a pre-crafted review, consider Gitomer’s elements of a great testimonial.
Toronto’s The Ex started on Friday August 20 and goes for the next 18 days until Sept 6. I went down to visit the Direct Energy Centre where they have hundreds of exhibitors selling a wide range of goods: from clothing to the latest kitchen gadgets. It’s a fun destination you don’t think about for home improvement but there are deals to be had there over the 18 day show.
If your shopping for windows, spa’s, HVAC, restoration, or want to find some interesting contractors there are some great people to meet. Shawn Monteith, Canada’s Handyman is on the main stage every day for a one hour show at 1p, 4pm and 7pm to help you on various projects. I met him after his show and he’s really personable and genuinely wants to help you with any challenges you may have. Worth a trip down as he’s on site all day to offer help.
If you’ve recently done a large project on your home, one of HomeStars team would like to interview you about your experience.
Your story could be funny, heartbreaking or fabulous.
With your permission we’ll take some photos if you’re in a city close to us (or you can email some snaps) and we’ll write up your learning. Things like what you love best about the new features added to your home or what you wish you had known before you started.
Reno Road Story
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. [Confucius]
We are hoping your wisdom will make it easier for fellow homeowners.
Toronto Restores – run by Habitat for Humanity Toronto – are great places to get all sort of home improvement items. There are three of them in Toronto, one in Etobicoke, one in North York and one in East York. HomeStars is working with Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores to find well-reviewed home improvement experts to help homeowners install their ReStore purchases.
One of the great things these stores have is a lot of doors – among many, many other things. And what’s better in your home than a nice antique door?
Once you pick out your door at the ReStore, how are you going get started installing it? Now you’re in luck!
Mark Klavir, from Concept Design and Renovation, is showing ReStore shoppers how to install a new door in their own home – step by step!
We receive a lot of reviews about decks and patios this time of year. Some reviewers describe great jobs and send in photos to match. Photos so good we wish weren’t sitting in an office looking at them.
So instead of stewing in our chairs about the perils of being indoors this time of year, we thought we’d take the opportunity to share some of the great outdoor spaces created by contractors and homeowners on our site.
This beautiful space was built off of Lillian in T.O.’s home by Master Deck and Contracting. Lillian says she had to wait awhile for Master Deck to have availability, but that it was totally worth the wait considering the fantastic results given her permit restrictions. They even built a privacy wall to make this a real sanctuary… and so she doesn’t have to look at her neighbors (heh heh). This looks like great spot for relaxing Lillian, hope you’ve had some time to really enjoy it.
Kevin in Toronto wrote in to sing the praises of his deck contractor Falco Landscape Design. We love a before and after shot and this one is no exception. They’ve really created a lot of privacy where there wasn’t much before and Kevin says the backyard now gets use everyday.
I love this space. I have a pear tree (whose fruit is inedible) and a picnic table in my backyard, Halo in Laurelwood has a backyard that looks better than most provincial parks! This space was created by Roger at Pond’s & Patio’s. Roger installed a waterfall feature and also has been a great source of information for Halo’s koi ponds.
Dimo in Pickering had this inviting space added to the back of his house with a little help from The Franmac Group. Frank from Franmac went above and beyond, building a bench and gate for this project which Dimo was very pleased with. Loving this nighttime shot; hope you’ve enjoyed some great summer evenings with friends this summer Dimo!
There’s still time to update your deck or patio this season so be sure to check out our Patios & Decks category for your area. Lots of people build their own decks, or may try to, but professional jobs can really make a big difference to your outdoor living space. Check out more tips for finding the best decking company for your backyard here in Allen Britnell’s article in the Subury Star.
If you’ve hired someone already and have not yet written a review for them please do! And please add photos, it keeps us inspired (and a little jealous)!
Focalpoint e-News August podcast are now available. Get inspired and pick up some great tips from professional home contractors and designers.
This months feature with Marjorie Harris‘ Life in the Garden, is all about bulb gardens; find out which bulbs are right for your garden and how to plan your garden for next spring.
Brian Baeumier shares some Fall Maintenance Tips for around the house in this months Ready. Set. Reno! feature; I know I know, who wants to think about the end of summer, but it’s just good practical advice. Check out his tips here.
We saw this great video from our friends at Drainworks.
In the video Terry Cord, the owner says that his company is the most reviewed company in North America. It’s quite a claim, but with 925 reviews as of this morning, it’s a lot of reviews. We did find a Yelp listing for a Santa Monica burger joint called Father’s Office, with 1084 reviews, but they probably serve a lot more burgers than Drainworks does plumbing jobs. Are there any other plumbers or even home services companies with more reviews? We don’t think so, but let us know!
When you have a house like this, you know it will need repairs!
All kidding aside, HomeStars is now moving into the the Ottawa area in a big way. After successful launches last year into Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton, HomeStars added new team member Alicia Wanless in the Ottawa. Alicia just purchased a house south of Ottawa and is in the process of renovating in, and blogging about the experience, so she knows what it’s like to go through a reno. She will be helping companies get found on the site, as well as building the market.
We will also be attending the upcoming Ottawa Home and Design Show, where we will be introducing the service to local homeowners, as well as offering our HomeShow promotion of a $5 card for a Tim Hortons or Starbucks card for reviewing your favourite (or least favourite) home service provider.
HomeStars will help homeowners in the Ottawa region find the best in home improvement and avoid the worse. As an example Damian in Barrhaven hired Ottawa General Contractors, and had a fantastic experience. David in Centretown used The Maytag Store and said “The deliveries were on time, after service excellent and even recommended an installer.”. 10 out of 10. HomeStars can also be used to avoid disaster. P’d in Ottawa hired Ottawa Maid Service and said of the experience: “Sent a “fill-in” cleaner for 5 hours – stayed a little over 4. Job was less than average. Glass was a mess, carpet on stairs not vacuumed, my equipment (vacuum, mop, pail, etc.) left where it was last used (as opposed to put away), dirty rags left on kitchen counter.”
We want to help Ottawa folks avoid experiences like P’d, and experience the great service like Damian in Centretown did.
If you are in Ottawa, and want to share an experience on HomeStars check out our Chapters Promotion where if you register and write some reviews, we’ll send you a Chapters Gift Card for $15. If you are a company and want to find savvy homeowners who do their research before hiring, make sure you claim your listing on the site, and ask your customers to review your great work. That way others will know where to find you and how good you are.
We could kid about how our nation’s capital is in need of good people to repair the city, and the country, but if you’re looking for real repairs in Ottawa, check out HomeStars.
Oh, Canada – We Stand on Guard, because you help us grow!
Canada has a fantastic community of great web developers and it’s a great place to be building a web services company. With people like David Crow around putting on events like DemoCamp, people like Sarah Prevette at Sprouter putting on their SproutUps, and Ray Luk, of Flow Ventures who organizes Startup Drinks which is now across Canada, the community gets to share their ideas. Supporters and cheerleaders like Rob Lewis at Techvibes certainly also promote some of the great things going on across our nation.
And we’ve found a few fantastic services here in Canada that we use regularly, so we thought we’d give them a shout out and let our users know!
As many of our customers know (because they get our bills), we are big fans of Freshbooks. We have been using their invoicing system for a two years now and even have a couple of our customers who are using it themselves including Toronto Home Theatre. The back end of our site is even integrated into their API (That’s geek talk for “being connected”) We think it’s a great application which contractors can use for their clients also – if you’re interested in trying it out, click here and sign yourself up – it’s free to get going. It can generate generate estimates, create invoices, do monthly billing and has many more features. They even have an iPhone app so when you’re out on the road visiting clients you can generate the invoice right on the spot.
At HomeStars we also hold a lot of events, from Best of Awards nights in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Hamilton, to smaller pub nights to bigger events like our Christmas party. For making sure we get everyone registered for these events we use a service called GuestList that we discovered at our local Democamp one that we presented at also. It’s a professional looking application which allows us to quickly make the events and keep an RSVP list. We have lots of further plans to build with this great little company. For our Best of Awards last year we also let people donate to World Vision Canada through the application and helped raise over $1700 to help Haiti relief efforts. If you’re having your own customer event, definitely take some time to check them out.
Canadian companies don’t just create great tools for end users, but great tools for our developers. Case in point, amazing Canadian success story Shopify opensourced some of their tools, and we have taken full advantage of their excellent talent and generosity, fueling both our commerce capabilities and our content management system. Cheers to Tobi Lütke and the entire Ottawa based Shopify team!
We’re always interested in the great developers in Canada and finding out what they are doing. We are also looking for developers of our own to keep building some of our own upcoming tools. (and we have some great ideas in the pipe we’re working on.
About HomeStars
The idea of tiny blood sucking insects in your bed has been terrifying children for decades but bedbugs can really ruin not only a good nights sleep but also your sanity. I know; I’ve been there.
Waheed from Pesticon explained that bed bug activity is typically between the hours of 5 and 7 am when you are sure to be asleep and after the bed bug bites, it secretes a saliva that ensures you don’t wake up and catch it in the act. Both Waheed and Kevin agree that if you suspect you have bed bugs wash all of your sheets and linens and dry them on high for at least 40 minutes. Kevin also suggests vacuuming your mattress and box spring and all their cracks and crevices regularly as well as clearing clutter from closets and nightstands. Bed bugs are not always easy to eradicate yourself so if you are still getting bites, you will need to call a professional for help.
Living with bedbugs can really affect your sleep and state of mind. It’s best to deal with the infestation as soon as possible so you can get back to having a good night sleep and get on with your life normally. Check out our Pest & Animal Control category to find a reliable pest control company in your area.
