http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/ en info@alliance-enviro.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-08T15:22:13+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/thanks_for_the_great_review/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/thanks_for_the_great_review/#When:14:22:13Z We got such a nice review for a bed bug project the other day, I wanted to publish it on the blog as well!  From David K. in North Hollywood, CA: After various quotes from other companies and dealing with their associates to remove bed bugs I finally went with Alliance to do the job. Best choice I ever made! Let’s face it dealing with bed bugs for the first time is one of the most frightening experiences, let alone the process to get ready for them. It’s one chapter in my life I hopefully never want to deal with again. Alliance was professional and did an excellent job from the moment I made that call to Elaina in their customer service department. A few hours later I received a call from Ralph Bingochea who came out to give me a free inspection and an estimate to do the job, and I just knew I found myself in the best of hands. Ralph was empathetic towards the situation and spent a great deal of time going over the process from room to room, advising me on items that needed to be removed.  He reassured me that this would take care of the problem along with a 30 day guarantee. Heat treatment is the only way to rid your apartment or home from bed bugs, so don’t use pesticides—it’s a waste of money and only creates health issues later for you. On the day of the job, Christian and his associate showed up on time and took care of my belongings as if they were their own. They walked me through the process of the heat treatment and how they monitor the rooms as well as how they treat sensitive items such as electronics. Once the procedure was finished, they showed me where various items were relocated due to the intense heat. They even helped me move a few heavy items back into place. The crew went beyond the call of duty by removing my old bug infested bed, wrapped it up and put in outside for me. Kudos, guys! For additional peace of mind, they recommend for an additional cost an independent K-9 service which sniffs out the eggs of bedbugs to assure that the problem is gone. This shows how confident they are in their work as well as no conflict of interest. My home is once again my castle thanks to Alliance.  I highly recommend their services to anyone! I love “My home is once again my castle,” what a great feeling! If you have a bed bug infestation in your home, apartment or condo, please contact Alliance Environmental Group.  We have offices all over California which provide prompt, professional and thorough pest control in one treatment of ThermaPureHeat.  Although David did have to move some items to keep them safe from the over 130 degree temperatures we used in his apartment to kill all bed bug eggs, nymphs and breeding adults, he did not have to bag his food or launder all of his clothes and linens to remove pesticide residues—ThermaPureHeat leaves nothing behind!  And he could move right back in after the treatment—no need to wait for insecticides to dissipate from his indoor air! And check out our previous blog posts for bed bug detection dog videos!  These trained dogs can detect even one or two bed bugs and help you stop them before they get a chance to take over! Bed bugs are indeed a difficult physical and psychological experience, as David expressed.  Don’t panic!  Call Alliance and we will quickly be there to deal with your problem and put your mind at rest! 2012-02-08T14:22:13+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/video_bed_bugs_in_san_diego/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/video_bed_bugs_in_san_diego/#When:15:36:14Z There have been a lot of stories about killing bed bugs in San Diego this winter so I went looking and found this video about bed bug infestations in a firehouse, apartments and hotels.  I can’t quite figure out why they keep saying “get a jump on” bed bugs when bed bugs don’t jump!  Are they confusing them with fleas?  Bed bugs are creepy enough without jumping! View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com. You can increase your chances of avoiding a bed bug infestation by following some simple guidelines: * Check any new or used furniture for signs of bedbugs outside before you move it into the house. * Prevent bringing bed bugs home from trips by inspecting your hotel room before you unpack or put your luggage on the floor. * Launder the clothes you took on a trip, even if you didn’t wear them—don’t put them straight back in the closet. If you discover that you have a bed bug infestation in San Diego, or anywhere in California, we recommend you call in a pest control professional to deal with the problem.  DIY solutions, especially pesticides, are often unsuccessful and can be dangerous unless used exactly as directed.  Many people overuse insecticides because they are so psychologically traumatized by the idea of bed bugs.  Serious health problems have been reported and one pesticide related death in the last two years.  Alliance Environmental Group has offices all over California which use ThermaPureHeat to kill bed bugs at all stages of development in one treatment.  Eggs, nymphs and adult bed bugs are eradicated without the need for dangerous insectides, bagging of food, huge loads of laundry or moving out to wait for the chemicals to dissipate.  There is no residue or necessity to repeat the treatment after eggs hatch.  ThermaPureHeat raises the indoor temperature of your home, condo, apartment or even commercial building over 130 degrees for 2-3 hours, killing any pest inside including eggs. Contact Alliance for help with killing bed bugs, even if you are catching them early.  We can treat an area, a room or an entire structure! See you on Wednesday! Wendy Stackhouse is the Online Community Manager for Alliance Environmental Group and AirTek Indoor Air Solutions.  She welcomes your comments!  For more news and tips or to ask questions of our experts, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!  For updates on indoor air challenges, Like us at AirTek on Facebook! 2012-02-06T15:36:14+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/video_heat_treatment_for_bed_bugs_on_nightline/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/video_heat_treatment_for_bed_bugs_on_nightline/#When:15:58:47Z ABC did a feature on bed bug detection dogs and heat treatment for the bed bug infestation on Nightline.  Meet Cruiser and Freedom, two bed bug detection dogs working in New York and watch ThermaPureHeat at work killing all stages of bed bugs in an apartment.  There are also interviews with other bed bug sufferers and researchers. If you discover that bed bugs have invaded your home, apartment, condo or building, you need a professional to make sure that they are eradicated as soon as possible.  In California, Alliance Environmental Group has offices near you with crews who can come in and eliminate all stages of bed bugs—eggs, nymphs and adults—from an area, room, apartment or entire building with ThermaPureHeat treatments.  Heat treatment raises the interior temperature to over 130 degrees for 2-3 hours, killing any insects living inside in one treatment. What are the advantages of using heat to kill bed bugs? 1.  It works!  Insecticide treatments often do not work due to resistance to common pesticides that bed bugs have developed over time.  They also leave viable eggs which can hatch and start the whole cycle over again. 2.  No dangerous chemicals!  DIY treatments for bed bugs can be dangerous unless you follow instructions exactly and that is hard to do when you are freaked out by bugs that attack in your sleep!  The psychological impact of bed bugs can be worse than the physical one.  3.  No need to bag food or move out!  Even if you have a pest control company treat your home, if they use insecticides, you have to bag all the food in your home and move out for 2 or three days to let the poisons dissipate.  And then you are left with the task of washing all of your linens to get the pesticides out.  Heat treatment leaves no residue. Please do not try to treat bed bugs by yourself!  You will never know if you got them all—and you probably won’t!  Contact Alliance Environmental Group for help! Wendy Stackhouse is the Online Community Manager for Alliance Environmental Group and AirTek Indoor Air Solutions.  She welcomes your comments!  For more news and tips or to ask questions of our experts, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!  For updates on indoor air challenges, Like us at AirTek on Facebook! 2012-02-03T15:58:47+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/asbestos_today/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/asbestos_today/#When:15:49:50Z We would like to think that asbestos is a problem of the past.  After all, we have known for over 100 years that it causes disease.  Many countries have banned its use altogether.  Where can you find asbestos in your house?  Check out this graphic from the British Health and Safety Executive. 1. Water Tanks are usually made of asbestos cement and are often found in older properties (pre 1978). 2. Pipe insulation—used to keep heat in or cold out. Often painted over or protected by outer coating so not obviously asbestos. 3. Home Insulation—loose asbestos can be found as insulation in wall and floor cavities and in lofts. 4. Textured ceilings and walls. 5. Roof overhangs can be made from asbestos cement or asbestos insulating board. 6. Toilet cisterns can contain asbestos-reinforced resin composite materials. 7. Outdoor siding and indoor paneling—particularly around windows. 8. Fuse box—each fuse wire can have an individual asbestos flash guard and the panel behind the fuse box can be asbestos. 9. Boiler enclosure can contain asbestos insulating board. 10. Floor tiles—vinyl and linoleum floor tiles can contain asbestos. The tile backing may also contain asbestos paper. 11. Roof gutters and down pipes can often be made of asbestos cement. The United States Geological Survey has released a report showing a dramatic increase (34%) in asbestos imports into the United States from 2010 to 2011. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization responded with a strong statement of condemnation.  Here is a PowerPoint presentation of their statement: ADAO USGS Asbestos Consumption in the USA View more presentations from Linda Reinstein There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.  Asbestos is often present in buildings constructed before 1978 and becomes exposed during renovations and after natural disasters.  It is not safe to remove asbestos materials yourself.  There are strict rules governing the removal of asbestos for your safety and the safety of the removal crews. If you are planning a renovation of an older home or find exposed asbestos at your residence or commercial building in California, please call in a professional. Alliance Environmental Group provides all necessary asbestos removal services with strict adherence to safety regulations to protect your family, your employees and your community from exposure to these carcinogenic fibers.  Contact us if you need help with asbestos removal!  We have offices all over California including our newest office in Anaheim.  Please do not handle asbestos yourself—the fibers are tiny and extremely dangerous! Wendy Stackhouse is the Online Community Manager for Alliance Environmental Group and AirTek Indoor Air Solutions.  She welcomes your comments!  For more news and tips or to ask questions of our experts, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!  For updates on indoor air challenges, Like us at AirTek on Facebook! 2012-02-01T15:49:50+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/mold_in_your_home_prevention_and_treatment/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/mold_in_your_home_prevention_and_treatment/#When:15:00:08Z Every house gets a little mold every once in a while—it’s inevitable.  But there are ways to prevent a major mold problem before it starts!Anywhere there is moisture, there can be mold.  And there will be, if it is left alone.  Bathrooms, kitchens, basements and roofs are classic places where moisture collects and can become harbors for mold spores to grow and spread. How can you prevent mold? 1.  Keep it dry—Monitor the moisture level in your home and use a dehumidifier if the humidity inside is high. 2.  Keep it aired out—Use the fans in the bathroom and kitchen to remove steamy shower and cooking water vapor from the house before it gets a chance to condense on the walls or in the corners. 3.  Fix leaks—Water damage is a major cause of mold growth.  If you have a leak, fix it right away or call in a contractor to deal with the problem. Mold will grow where you can’t see it if there is water present in walls, foundations or basements. 4.  Clean your gutters—Clogged gutters can cause water to back up into your roof, causing mold to grow where you are least likely to be aware of it.  Make sure you get the leaves out of the outflow. What if I have mold? A little mold can be cleaned with a mild bleach cleanser and some elbow grease.  But if you have a big mold problem, you need to call a professional cleaning company.  In California, Alliance Environmental Group uses Thermapure heat treatments to kill mold and then our highly experienced cleaning crews will remove all wet materials from the site and provide the necessary air circulation to deter dampness before bacteria can multiply. Where water damage and mold have had a chance to spread extensively over time, we will perform a survey to determine the best way to remediate the problem based on what kind of mold it is and the extent of the damage.  Mold has to be contained during removal or it will spread to other areas, so Alliance offers proper containment and removal as well as thorough decontamination of the area.  Mold can be damaging to your health, causing allergic reactions, skin irritation, respiratory problems and infection.  Immediate removal is essential to your health and the health of your family.  If you need help getting rid of mold in your home or other building, please contact us! Wendy Stackhouse is the Online Community Manager for Alliance Environmental Group and AirTek Indoor Air Solutions.  She welcomes your comments!  For more news and tips or to ask questions of our experts, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!  For updates on indoor air challenges, Like us at AirTek on Facebook! 2012-01-30T15:00:08+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/bed_bugs_occupy_the_ritz-carlton1/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/bed_bugs_occupy_the_ritz-carlton1/#When:15:42:29Z Apparently bed bugs don’t discriminate against the well-heeled, as they were found to have infested a room at the swanky Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New York this week!With its beautiful views of Central Park and designer decor—not to mention high prices of up to $4500 per night—you might think that a fancy hotel like the Ritz-Carlton would be immune to the scourge of bed bugs, but no!  It seems Room 1005 is the center of a bed bug infestation which has caused some guests to check out in a hurry and many more to relocate within the hotel.  Unfortunately, they didn’t inform the staff member scheduled to clean the room before she went in—she found out by discovering the pest control professionals who had been called in to deal with the infestation while they were working.  Let’s hope none of them went home with her! The management describes bed bugs as “inevitable” and to a certain extent they are right.  Hotels cannot control whether bed bugs enter their buildings with guests, but they certainly should be inspecting thoroughly and often.  Bed bug inspections can take many, many hours, especially in a building as big as the Ritz-Carlton, with its 596 rooms and suites.  A bed bug inspection dog could do this job much faster than human inspectors, however.  Here’s a video profile of a bed bug inspection dog from Texas: Bed bug dogs are especially good for inspections of large buildings with lots of rooms, like hotels and dormitories, finding very small infestations before they can spread.  If you are traveling there are some things you can do to try to prevent any contact with bed bugs like checking the Bed Bug Registry before you make your reservations and inspecting your room.  Here is a comprehensive post about how to avoid bed bugs when you are traveling. If you discover a bed bug infestation in your home, apartment, office building or hotel, the best treatment is high heat like Thermapure heat.  Raising the internal temperature of a room or an entire structure over 130 degrees for 2 hours kills bed bugs at all stages of their development in one treatment, without damaging furnishings, leaving harsh chemicals behind, or making you move out until pesticides have dissipated.  From our offices all over California, Alliance Environmental Group can eliminate bed bug infestations in an area, a room or an entire structure with just one visit.  Bed bugs can be as damaging to your psyche as they are to your skin.  Don’t let them get to you!  Call Alliance Environmental Group and know that your bugs are gone and won’t come back! Wendy Stackhouse is the Online Community Manager for Alliance Environmental Group and AirTek Indoor Air Solutions.  She welcomes your comments!  For more news and tips or to ask questions of our experts, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!  For updates on indoor air challenges, Like us at AirTek on Facebook! 2012-01-27T15:42:29+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/video_lead_poisoning_in_children/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/video_lead_poisoning_in_children/#When:12:39:47Z With the possibility of lead poisoning standards being lowered dramatically, it’s a good idea to be aware of the dangers of even a tiny amount of lead dust to children.Although lead-based paint has been banned in the US since 1978, any home built before that time could—and should be assumed to—be a potential source of lead poisoning. You may not see any peeling paint, but lead dust enters the air when painted surfaces rub against each other, like when you open doors or windows.  Lead also becomes a danger during renovations, when old paint may be scraped or sanded. There are very strict rules about construction and renovation when lead is present, but not all contractors are following them or checking the dates on homes before they begin work.  If your house was built before 1978, have it tested for lead and if you are going to do any renovations, have a certified lead removal contractor take care of all lead-based paint before you do the work.  Lead is extremely dangerous and even a very tiny amount can cause permanent brain damage in children.  Here is a video from a news station in Portland, Oregon about a family who thought they were safe, but fell victim to an irresponsible renovator with dire consequences to their 3 children. 2012-01-25T12:39:47+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/csi_azusa_part_4--is_this_a_job_for_you1/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/csi_azusa_part_4--is_this_a_job_for_you1/#When:15:06:40Z A career in Crime and Trauma Scene clean up might be a good fit for you—if you have the right stuff!Of course, this career is not for everyone!  And some of the people who might seem like good candidates are weeded out right away.  Do you have what it takes? Question 1: Are you squeamish? The people on Crime and Trauma Scene crews have to have iron stomachs.  If turn green at the sight of blood, this job is not for you!  If nothing gets to you, no matter how gross, move on to question 2. Question 2: Are you mentally stable? If you get depressed easily, this career is not a good match for you.  Crime and Trauma Scene crews encounter a lot of tragic situations and if they are easily emotionally affected, could suffer from stress.  The job is physically stressful enough, but that is another Question. Question 3: Do you love blood and gore? On first thought someone who is drawn to horrific things sounds like a good candidate for a career cleaning up Crime and Trauma Scenes, but it is definitely not the case.  Most companies will not take on employees who seem to get entertainment value from crime scenes.  Crews need to be professional and in control at all times. Question 4: Are you super empathetic? Again, you might think this is a good quality for a Crime and Trauma Scene team member. After all, you would encounter terribly upset family members quite often and they could need support.  Unfortunately, if you are too empathetic, you too can be traumatized along with the family.  You are more suited for this work if you can keep your emotions under control.  Sympathy is better than empathy here. Question 5: Are you strong and healthy? Crime and Trauma Scene cleanup crews wear full body hazmat suits, gloves, boots and air filter masks at all times during the project.  Sometimes it can be very hot and the shifts can be long. Question 6: How about training? There is a lot of training involved in becoming part of a Crime and Trauma Scene cleanup team.  From training in the handling, dangers and characteristics of bodily fluids and how to clean, transport and dispose of them to passing a “gross factor” test with graphic photos and possibly even visual presentations, expect there to be many hours of class work before you go out into the field.  The following is a video from National Geographic about Louise, a Crime Scene cleanup worker in Maryland, which shows a bit of the process that a clean up team goes through and how she feels about her job. It is not recommended for sensitive stomachs or children. We are very sorry when anyone finds themselves in a situation where they need us to clean up after someone has passed away.  But if you need us we are here. The highly trained, professional staff at Alliance Environmental Group will take care of your situation quickly, effectively and discreetly.  Contact us if you need any of our services. And if you think you have what it takes to join our team at any of our offices all over California, learn more about us and get in touch! Wendy Stackhouse is the Online Community Manager for Alliance Environmental Group and AirTek Indoor Air Solutions.  She welcomes your comments!  For more news and tips or to ask questions of our experts, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!  For updates on indoor air challenges, Like us at AirTek on Facebook! function fbs_click() {u=location.href;t=document.title;window.open('http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u='+encodeURIComponent(u)+'&t='+encodeURIComponent(t),'sharer','toolbar=0,status=0,width=626,height=436');return false;} html .fb_share_button { display: -moz-inline-block; display:inline-block; padding:1px 20px 0 5px; height:15px; border:1px solid #d8dfea; background:url(http://static.ak.facebook.com/images/share/facebook_share_icon.gif?6:26981) no-repeat top right; } html .fb_share_button:hover { color:#fff; border-color:#295582; background:#3b5998 url(http://static.ak.facebook.com/images/share/facebook_share_icon.gif?6:26981) no-repeat top right; text-decoration:none; } 2012-01-23T15:06:40+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/one_of_our_favorite_causes_ronald_mcdonald_house/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/one_of_our_favorite_causes_ronald_mcdonald_house/#When:15:00:19Z Our own Carlos Sanguinetti of the San Diego Office of Alliance Environmental Group is putting together a charity dinner in support of one of our favorite causes, the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego!You’ve probably heard of this great organization, but do you really know what they do? Ronald McDonald House Charities provide a home-away-from-home for the families of critically ill children from all over the world.  The Houses are safe, clean and full of all the amenities that families need while their child is being treated in the hospital: laundry, kitchens, play areas, computers and internet access, fun family activities, and many other services including counseling.  Without the Ronald McDonald House, many families would be separated from their child, sleeping in their car, driving hours to visit or, worst of all, unable to take advantage of the amazing care in US children’s hospitals.  I spent some time last spring as an intern with the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House and was incredibly impressed with the facilities and the people who work there.  They are committed to caring for these families and develop lifelong relationships with those who have long stays.  Most stays at the Ronald McDonald House are 4-10 days, but some families live there for months at a time.  When I was working with the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House, I took the opportunity to shoot photos of their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Walk for Kids.  It was an amazing experience and very inspiring! Won’t you join us in supporting the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego?  In March of 2012, Carlos Sanguinetti will be putting on a fundraising dinner at the Ronald McDonald House across from Children’s Hospital in San Diego.  We will be conducting a silent auction which will give us an opportunity to feature local businesses while we raise money for this worthy cause.  If you are interested in getting more information about this event or talking to Carlos about his involvement with the Ronald McDonald House, you can email him at carlossanguinetti@alliance-enviro.com. Thank you for your support! Wendy Stackhouse is the Online Community Manager for Alliance Environmental Group and AirTek Indoor Air Solutions.  She welcomes your comments!  For more news and tips or to ask questions of our experts, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!  For updates on indoor air challenges, Like us at AirTek on Facebook! function fbs_click() {u=location.href;t=document.title;window.open('http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u='+encodeURIComponent(u)+'&t='+encodeURIComponent(t),'sharer','toolbar=0,status=0,width=626,height=436');return false;} html .fb_share_button { display: -moz-inline-block; display:inline-block; padding:1px 20px 0 5px; height:15px; border:1px solid #d8dfea; background:url(http://static.ak.facebook.com/images/share/facebook_share_icon.gif?6:26981) no-repeat top right; } html .fb_share_button:hover { color:#fff; border-color:#295582; background:#3b5998 url(http://static.ak.facebook.com/images/share/facebook_share_icon.gif?6:26981) no-repeat top right; text-decoration:none; } 2012-01-20T15:00:19+00:00 http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/video_foreclosures_and_environmental_challenges/ http://www.alliance-enviro.com/blog/comments/video_foreclosures_and_environmental_challenges/#When:15:45:05Z The Indoor Air Quality Assocation recently released this video about the environmental challenges posed by today’s high rate of foreclosed homes.Although foreclosure rates are slowly going down, California remains the US state with the second highest foreclosure rate in the nation.  From Sacramento to San Diego, properties are standing empty, waiting for new tenants or owners to move in and fix them up.  While they are empty, however, damage can occur and be left to get worse and worse.  A leak can lead to mold as quickly as 24 hours, according to this video.  There are also dangers from exposed asbestos, lead paint chipping off or entering the indoor air as lead dust. When a property is closed up for a long time, contaminants build up in the indoor air and have nowhere to go.  Vapors like formaldehyde coming from building materials, paint, carpets and pressed wood cabinets lingers and becomes concentrated when there is no ventilation.  Pollution from the outside air can also enter the property and stay inside, like car exhaust from a garage or a busy street or highway nearby.  Watch this informative video from the IAQA, of which Alliance Environmental Group and our indoor air division, AIRTEK, are members: There is a small (very) upside to so many foreclosures—there are some great deals to be had out there on foreclosed homes and condos.  If a property you have purchased is in need of mold remediation, removal of lead based products, asbestos abatement, pest control, a thorough cleaning of your ventilation system or even cleaning by teams trained to take care of hazardous materials, please contact Alliance Environmental Group.  Our professional staff can take care of all of these issues and many more! We sincerely hope that the economy is improving for you and your family and that you never have to deal with a home foreclosure. Wendy Stackhouse is the Online Community Manager for Alliance Environmental Group and AirTek Indoor Air Solutions.  She welcomes your comments!  For more news and tips or to ask questions of our experts, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!  For updates on indoor air challenges, Like us at AirTek on Facebook!   2012-01-18T15:45:05+00:00