American Pest Solutions

"Dear Member: I have just reviewed responses to our service work reported on angie'slist.com, and want to both thank you for your report, and apologize for not taking the moment for an earlier response. I must admit, it was an oversite, and should have been written. "Better late than never" is ringing in my ear, so please read the following: Our technician might have recommended that we do correction work that would give to you a three year guarantee against mouse re-entry; however, he felt that a handy person could make the needed corrections, and be more economical if following our recommendations. When we perform exclusion work, our effort is to make the work permanent. In these instances, we give three year guarantees against a renewed mouse presence. Best wishes for a mouse free environment, George Manning Consulting Entomologist"

"Your report is appreciated, Our effort must always include an explanation as to how mice entered your home. That work will always be directed to an immediate solution, and if possible advise you as to how to arrive at a more permanent solution, whereby, mice no longer will have access to your home. In most cases the pointing out of the mouse entry points will allow a home owner to take the necessary correction steps; however, when requested, and the work is too detailed, an owner can request our assistance. In these cases, we guarantee our work against mouse recurrence for three years; certainly time enough to know if all is well. Best wishes, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com"

"Thank you, We did find an existing problem within your condo unit. We also determined that the rats had originally escaped from the building's sewer system, which is situated below the garden apartment unit below. When visiting the apartment below, the garden unit neighbor confirmed that he believed that rats frequented areas below his floor, which could confirm a sewer related rat influx. He mentioned that his dog was continually interested in the area behind the walls where the soil stack runs from the sewer all the way to the roof. This was, of course, the way rats had visited your unit too. You will recall that we promised a permanent solution to the building's occasional rat visitation. Of course, this remedial action would be an entirely separate effort from the elimination of the existing rat presence. Permanent rat correction work that finds rats entering from the sewer, usually requires that we run a sewer camera throughout the building's system, and continuing investigation all the way from the building sewer to the municipal sewer in the street. Such work is detailed, since we examine each section of the sewer. Our camera reports are recorded and narrated on DVD. They become a permanent article for your records. The findings, when they confirm our belief that rats regressed from the sewer, are explained in such a way that you, one of the owners, can present our proposal to the rest of the condo ownership. We will estimate the expected cost of correction, and the time expected to complete this correction task. Unfortunately, this is not inexpensive work, we must be correct in our analysis; the work is guaranteed for a three year period of time from its completion. Naturally, we do not expect or want to repeat this work on our "nickle"; therefor the right job must be an absolute. When these charges are assessed, on the average, they run from $3600 to $7500, which includes the camera work. A camera analysis alone will cost $550. I have written this detail, not only for our client, but for the other Angie's members that may seek our expertise. We appreciated the opportunity to serve your need, and remain poised to help should you decide to move ahead with the more permanent solution. Best wishes, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com"

"Understanding the nature of a pest problem is critical to solving that condition. Our technicians must spend some time inspecting the premises prior to selecting a method of eradication. our intention is complete elimination of an existing pest condition. Many companies suggest, so called, preventive maintenance, we do not. Our thrust is isolating a condition and eliminating it. Of course, this is too general a statement, and should be reinforced by examples as follows: Carpenter ants have a primary colony which, when mature in 6 to 7 years, may have 6000 members before it will send out satellite colonies. These secondary locations can spring up suddenly anywhere; example being a hollow core bathroom door. One hears ticking in the door, and soon finds out carpenter ants have arrived. Bedbugs are a renewed national problem. We feel they have been re-introduced in the USA with foreign travelers arriving from the World at large. The advent of DDT had virtually wiped out bedbugs in our country. Now they are taking hold once again; however, we no longer have some of these insecticides. Today, every pesticide must go through expensive re-registration processes, and labels must state specific target pests. These tests must be carried out for each pest mentioned on the label. The work is detailed, time consuming, and must be successful at the onset. No maintenance program should be acceptable. Mice may enter a dwelling on occasion. It is important to discover the mode of entry, and to locate the interior harborage location(s). Just setting out bait stations may not address the base population. Killing mice is not good enough; killing all of them is acceptable. These examples are used to enlighten the Angie's List member. If we are retained, we would always appreciate ones candid reporting of the services received by American Pest Solutions(new assumed name of American Eagle Pest Elimination, Inc.)"

"WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR REPORT. SINCE WE ARE SO DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF THE PEST CONTROL INDUSTRY IN OUR APPROACH TO PEST PROBLEMS, WE ARE THANKFUL WHEN CUSTOMER APPROVAL IS PRESENTED ON SUCH A FORUM AS ANGIE'S LIST. OUR FOCUSED VIEW OF THIS SUBJECT, PEST PROBLEMS IS INDEED, NOT THE STANDARD WITHIN THE INDUSTRY. UNLIKE OTHERS, WE DO NOT SEEK LONG ENGAGEMENTS WITH EACH CLIENT IN THE FORM OF,"SO CALLED" PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE. RATHER THAN DESIRING TO SELL SUCH CONTRACTUAL MULTIPLE SERVICE VISITS, WE WANT ONLY TO SOLVE AN EXISTING PROBLEM; WHILE WITH OUR CUSTOMER, WE WILL INSPECT FOR ANY ISSUES THAT FALL WITHIN OUR EXPERTISE. YOU REQUESTED A TERMITE INSPECTION BECAUSE, WHILE YOUR FUTURE HOME STILL IS UNDER MAJOR RENOVATION, YOUR CONTRACTOR DISCOVERED WHAT HE BELIEVED WAS TERMITE DAMAGE. TO BE SURE, HE WAS CORRECT; HOWEVER, THE EVIDENCE INDICATED AN OLD PROBLEM THAT PERSISTED SOME TIME AGO. WE THINK THAT WE VERIFIED THIS THEORY WHEN WE DISCOVERED ADDITIONAL OLD DAMAGE APPEARING UNDER BOARDS IN THE CRAWL SPACE BELOW THE ENCLOSED BACK PORCH. ADDITIONALLY, WE FOUND FURTHER DAMAGE IN THE ATTACHED SHED. MIND YOU, NONE OF THE EVIDENCE WAS STRUCTURAL IN NATURE, SO AS TO COMPROMISE STRUCTURE. AS YOU WRITE, WE FEEL THAT A FOLLOW UP VISIT BETWEEN LATE APRIL, AND MID-MAY WILL EITHER CONFIRM OUR FINDINGS OR DISCLOSE NEW ACTIVITY. LET'S SAY THAT WE DO FIND ACTIVITY, AND WE PROPOSE TO CORRECT THE SITUATION. IT MAY NOT BE NECESSARY TO TREAT THE ENTIRE BUILDING. WE THINK THAT THE TERMITES THAT CAME AND LEFT WERE PRESENT, YEARS AGO WHEN THERE WERE SERIOUS GUTTER ISSUES THAT PROVIDED CONSTANT HIGH LEVEL MOISTURE, WHICH ATTRACTED TERMITES TO THE BUILDING. ONCE THOSE CONDITIONS WERE CORRECTED, POSSIBLY THE TERMITES WITHDREW. THIS DOES HAPPEN, AND WE FEEL THAT THE SPRING VISIT WILL COMPLETE THE STORY. AS TO YOUR REFERENCE TO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS THAT WERE USEFUL TO YOUR DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR FUTURE RESIDENCE; WE FELT THAT YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT AN UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR HOME'S SEWER SYSTEM WOULD BE IMPORTANT. WE EXPLAINED THAT WE CORRECT MANY HOUSEHOLD RAT PROBLEMS BY CORRECTING THE EGRESS POINTS THAT RATS CAN USE TO ENTER A BUILDING. THIS WAS MENTIONED NOT TO ALARM, BUT TO CHARACTERIZE THE TYPICAL HOME SEWER SYSTEM IN CHICAGO, AS VULNERABLE TO SUCH A POSSIBILITY. IF, DURING AN INSPECTION, WE FEEL THAT REVIEW OF YOUR SYSTEM SHOULD BE DONE, USING OUR SEWER CAMERA EQUIPMENT, WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO MENTION THIS OBSERVATION. FOR US, TO IGNORE ANY DEVELOPMENT THAT WE NOTICE, ONLY BECAUSE WE WE ARE RETAINED FOR A TERMITE INSPECTION, IS TO FALL DOWN ON OUR OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY TO BE OF ASSISTANCE. EVERY HOME PRESENTS SOME OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN EVENTUAL PEST INVASION. OLDER BUILDINGS WILL OFTEN BE TREATED TO AN ENCLOSED BACK PORCH, WHICH BECOMES ENCASED IN VINYL SIDING. THIS CAN BE A POINT OF ENTRY FOR MICE, EARWIGS, CARPENTER ANTS, AND, SOMETIMES RATS. UNLESS A HOME HAS BEEN OCCUPIED FOR YEARS, ORDINARY HOME INSPECTIONS MAY NOT UNCOVER HISTORY OR EVEN DEVELOPING PEST PROBLEMS. A THOROUGH INSPECTION OF A HOME FROM BASEMENT TO ATTIC WILL PRESENT A TRUE PICTURE OF THE CHARACTER OF THE HOME AS RELATES TO PEST INVADERS. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO RELATE THESE THOUGHTS, JERRY, AND OF COURSE, ANGIE'S LIST. BEST REGARDS, GEORGE MANNING CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST"

"Dear Members: I have looked into all our reports from our customers who report to angieslist.com, and find that I did not respond to your kind report. First of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to respond to Angie's List, and secondly, I'd like to let you, and others that will read my response, know how important it is to us to receive any comment; good or bad. Reputation can never be purchase with money. It takes time and consistency to obtain the public good will. In direct, although delayed response to you, please read the following: When we perform rat elimination, or any type of service, we do not feel that our customer should surrender opportunities to perform self-help; therefore, we explain what we have done, and what a customer may do to extend sufficiency with that particular service call. In your case, it seemed that you could do several things to extend your rat-free environment on your own. If we felt that something more difficult should have been done by us, we would have recommended a process that we could tackle for additional fee(s). Rat presence is often a result of infrastructural entry. When this occurs, we will be more likely to suggest that we permanently solve your problem. In Chicago, rats do also arrive from some surface staging area. This, too, we will often correct when it can be done. In all cases where we perform structural service, we tack on a three year guarantee against re-invasion. Again thanks for the kind words, and I speak for the company. Best wishes, George Manning Consulting Entomologist We are glad to know that all is well."

"WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE, AND, INITIALLY, SEEKING A RECOMMENDATION FOUND ON ANGIE'S LIST. WE ARE DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER PEST MANAGEMENT, CONTROL, OR ELIMINATION COMPANY, BECAUSE WE ENDEAVOR TO ELIMINATE THE CAUSE OF THE RAT PRESENCE WITHIN OR AROUND THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR BUILDING. THIS WORK IS DIFFICULT, AND REQUIRES REAL KNOWLEDGE OF RAT BEHAVIOR. WE DO NO GUESS WORK, AND, THUS, THERE IS CONSIDERABLE TIME SPENT IN EVALUATING THE RAT PRESENCE. TYPICALLY, OTHER COMPANIES WILL SET OUT BAIT STATIONS, AND WILL SERVICE THESE STATIONS REGULARLY OVER AN AGREED PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONCLUSION IS THAT THESE COMPANIES RECOGNIZE A RAT PRESENCE, BUT DO NOT KNOW, WITHOUT A DOUBT, HOW THE RATS ARRIVED. THE AMBIGUITY FRUSTRATES MANY CLIENTS, WHO LOOK AGAIN AND AGAIN FOR REAL SOLUTIONS. IF THEY ARE FORTUNATE IN FINDING AMERICAN EAGLE PEST ELIMINATION, THEY EXPERIENCE THE RESULTS THAT OUR COMPANY PROMISES TO DELIVER. WE HAVE NEVER FAILED TO DELIVER ULTIMATE SATISFACTION TO ANY CUSTOMER SEEKING TO STOP THE RAT ONSLAUGHT. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ANGIE'S LIST FOR PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE OUR EXPERTISE, AND, LIKEWISE; WE ARE THANKFUL FOR EACH REPORT THAT ARRIVES AT ANGIE'S LIST. THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND, AFTER EACH CLIENT REPORT, DOES HELP INQUIRERS TO MAKE A DECISION TO CALL UPON US RATHER THEN CALLING THE "BAIT AND SWITCH" COMPANIES THAT BASE THEIR SUCCESS ON THE RATS THEY KILL RATHER THAN THE ABSOLUTE RAT CORRECTION PERFORMANCE THAT WE DELIVER."

"Member--- Thank you for your comprehensive report. We know that people will read your comments and gain confidence in calling upon us to perform their pest elimination services. I have come back to your submission because in reviewing all of the customer responses, yours was not answered by me. There are three factors that will influence a prospective customer: 1) Perceived reputation 2) Cost of service 3) Immediate availability Other factors may impact; however, these three will bring about a willingness to try our company's expertise and service ability. Angie's list has provided us with many customers. Many have not written reports. We are making an effort to provide our new customers with a stamp addressed envelope and comment sheet that they can mail to the angie'slist comment section. We encourage these responses, naturally, because they help others to seek our workmanship, and because our responses to these reports do serve as a teaching guide as well. I am happy that I looked back to earlier services to find your helpful comments. Regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com"

"Fruit flies have a nine to eleven day cycle from egg to adult. They are prolific breeders, and if one is not able to kill all of them, there will be an on-going problem. Available food supply is a critical factor. Reduction of garbage, cleaning out of the garbage disposal unit in the kitchen sink, plus the sustained application of a pyrethrin aerosol for no less than fourteen days will wipe out these critters. There are other modalities such as vinegar traps, DDVP strips, and glue traps that will help. Thanks for the report, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com"

"THANKS FOR YOUR VERY FAIR REPORTING OF THE SERVICE THAT YOU RECEIVED FROM OUR COMPANY. THE FACT THAT YOU BELIEVE THAT OUR CHARGES WERE A BIT PRICEY, AND THE EXCELLENT RECEPTION THAT YOU PROVIDED US TO CARE FOR THE MOUSE INVASION OF YOUR HOME; GIVES ME PAUSE TO ANSWER IN SOME DETAIL, AS FOLLOWS: MANY COMPANIES IN OUR INDUSTRY PROVIDE MAINTENANCE SERVICE. THIS CAN PLACE AN OBLIGATION TO CONTINUE A SERVICE BEYOND THE INITIAL SEVERAL SERVICES THAT IT SHOULD TAKE TO RESOLVE A MOUSE PROBLEM. THIS SERVICE IS CALLED "PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE", AND IS THE "BREAD & BUTTER" HALLMARK OF THE INDUSTRY. WE, ON THE OTHER HAND, WANT TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO THE CONDITION. WE ARE LESS INTERESTED IN REGULAR VISITS AND MORE INTERESTED IN CORRECTION, FIRST, BY ELIMINATING THE ACTIVE PROBLEM, AND SECOND, BY MAKING PERMANENT CORRECTIONS, AND, OR RECOMMENDING THE PLAN THAT WILL PERMANENTLY RESOLVE THE MOUSE THREAT. CONSIDERING THAT MOST OTHER COMPANIES WILL CHARGE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, AND THAT WE WILL ONLY CHARGE FOR ELIMINATION AT AN INITIAL VISIT, AND POSSIBLY A FOLLOW UP FEE, AT HALF THE FIRST VISIT FEE, WITH A 90 DAY GUARANTEE AGAINST RECURRENCE; I BELIEVE OUR PRICES OVER A TOTAL PERIOD, ARE LESS EXPENSIVE, AND HAVE MORE VALUE ADDED. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CLARIFY THIS POINT, AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT YOU HAVE, BY YOUR CANDID REPORT, PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUBLICLY RESPOND. BEST REGARDS, GEORGE MANNING CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST WWW.PESTPROBLEMSSOLVED.COM [email protected]"

"CITRONELLA ANTS ARE OF A GENUS HAVING A NUMBER OF SPECIES. AN EASY TEST FOR IDENTITY DISCOVERY IS TO CRUSH AN ANT BETWEEN ONE'S FINGERS; THEREBY, RELEASING A CITRONELLA ODOR. THESE ANTS ARE OUTDOOR CREATURES SEEKING HARBORAGE BELOW ROCKS, BRICK GARDEN BORDERS, AND DIRECTLY BELOW CONCRETE SLAB. WHEN FOUND INDOORS, THEY ARE MOSTLY ASSOCIATED WITH A MOIST AREA ADJACENT TO AN OUTSIDE WALL; EXAMPLE BEING A SUMP PUMP. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY ARE NOT OFTEN AN INSIDE THE HOME PEST. CONCERNING CENTIPEDES, AND SPIDERS: NEITHER OF THESE CREATURES EXIST WITHIN A HOME FOR NO REASON. IF NO LIVE INVERTEBRATE FOOD SOURCE, THEY WILL NOT PERSIST. CENTIPEDES ARE NOT LIKELY TO REMAIN WITHIN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS CAN BE PRODUCED THROUGH AIR CONDITIONING. THEY MAY ENTER FROM BELOW BASEBOARDS OR EVEN DRAIN LINES; HOWEVER THEY WILL LEAVE IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE OF AN INTOLERANCE FOR DRY CONDITIONS BECAUSE THEY DEHYDRATE RAPIDLY. THEY ARE HUNTERS, OFTEN ENTERING THE HOME VIA FLOOR DRAINS. KEEPING DRAINS FULL WITH WATER WILL BE USEFUL IN PREVENTING THEIR ENTRY. THEY ARE TRUE NOMADS, NOT RETURNING TO A FIXED HOME BASE, BUT SEEKING RESTING PLACES THAT ARE IDEAL TO SUIT THEM SUCH AS SPACE BEHIND INSIDE WALLS AND THE OUTSIDE WALLS, BASEMENT STORED PARAPHERNALIA, AND SO FORTH. SPIDERS ALL SPIN SILKEN STRANDS, USING THE MATERIAL PRODUCED IN NUMEROUS WAYS. PARACHUTE MOBILITY FROM BLOWING WIND, SPINNING WEBS OF VARIOUS TYPES, AND OTHER USES TOO. THEY, LIKE CENTIPEDES BITE THEIR PREY, AND IN SO DOING, PARALYZE THEIR VICTIM. THEY INGEST THE BODY FLUIDS FROM THE UNFORTUNATE VICTIM. WE CAN ELIMINATE THESE PESTS, BUT IF A CUSTOMER IS NOT THREATENED BY THEIR PRESENCE, THEY CAN USE VACUUM CLEANERS TO SUCK UP SPIDERS, AND DEHUMIDIFIERS IN BASEMENT DAMP PLACES COUPLED WITH DIATOMACEOUS EARTH BELOW BASE BOARDS CRACKS AND CREVICES. WE MAY USE SILICA GELS (A POWDER), DELTADUST, LIQUID PYRETHROIDS, BUT NEVER A BAIT. OTHER REMEDIES MAY SERVE, BUT NOT FOR THIS SHORT COMMENTARY. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND. GEORGE MANNING- CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST [email protected]"

"THE MEMBER'S RESPONSE IS MOST APPRECIATED. WE DEPEND ON AN EXCELLENT REPUTATION, AND ARE COMMITTED TO THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE. MOUSE PROBLEMS ARE RARELY A SUDDEN CONDITION. ALTHOUGH ONE DOESN'T REALIZE THE ADVANCING CONDITION AT FIRST, IT USUALLY HAS HAD A SECRETIVE TIME TO COMMENCE. MICE WILL BE PRESENT SOMEWHERE CLOSE TO THE HOME OR OTHER BUILDING STRUCTURE BEFORE GAINING ACCESS TO THE BUILDING. WE WANT TO LOCATE THESE ENTRY POINTS EVEN AS WE SET ABOUT TO ELIMINATE AN EXISTING INTERIOR MOUSE PRESENCE. IN REALITY, MOST STRUCTURES CAN BE MOUSE PROOFED. THERE ARE RARE EXCEPTIONS TO WHAT WE HAVE JUST STATED. THERE HAVE BEEN SUDDEN OCCURRENCES OF MASS MOUSE ENTRY IN CHICAGO. THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN STREET CONSTRUCTION TAKES PLACE, OR BUILDINGS NEARBY ARE BEING DEMOLISHED. THE AVENUES OF ENTRY CAN BE THROUGH STONE FOUNDATION WALLS AND, OR SEWER LINES TOO. OF COURSE SURFACE LEVEL OPENINGS IN WALLS OR SEPARATIONS BELOW VINYL SIDING CAN ADD TO THE MOUSE EGRESS OPPORTUNITIES. KEEPING BACK PORCH STORAGE AREAS UNCLUTTERED AND FENCE ROWS FREE OF OVERGROWTH, WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE REDUCTION OF EXTERIOR MOUSE BUILD-UP OPPORTUNITIES."

"Member--- Your report is appreciated. We are improving in the punctuality department. Since our work goes far beyond maintenance to the point of reaching elimination, we do not have the luxury of setting up exact time spaced appointments. Instead we provide a range of time, for example between 3 and 4 PM. Each customer must receive the degree of service after thorough inspection that will bring a pest condition to conclusion. There is little excuse for lack of punctuality; however, when running late or anticipating delayed service, our tehnicians must contact the waiting customer with an estimate of arrival. Your report serves as a reminder that everyone has busy schedules not only our technicians. Thanks for the report. Regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com"

"THIS MEMBER HAD SERIOUS PROBLEMS RELATING TO HIS BUILDING'S SEWER SYSTEM. BECAUSE OF THE SEPARATIONS, AND DEVELOPED FAULTS IN THIS SYSTEM, RATS EVENTUALLY FOUND ENTRY OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE BUILDING'S INFRASTRUCTURE; ENTERING THE BUILDING AT WILL. OUR WORK IS SUCH THAT WE ELIMINATE AN EXISTING RAT PROBLEM FIRST, AND THEN CAN SET ABOUT TO PREVENT FUTURE EGRESS TO THE BUILDING, AND, OR THE EXTERNAL PROPERTY. WITH THE CORRECTION WORK, PHASE 2 WORK, WE GRANT A THREE YEAR GUARANTEE AGAINST RAT RE-CURRENCE. THIS FINAL WORK IS NOT INEXPENSIVE, SINCE IT REQUIRES SEWER CAMERA ANALYSIS, EXCAVATION REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY SEWER TILES, REPAIR AND CORRECTION OF CATCH BASINS(INTERCEPTER SEWERS) AND FINISH WORK TO RETURN SURFACES TO THEIR ORIGINAL OR, OFTEN, IMPROVED APPEARANCES. ONE CAN IMAGINE OUR CONCERN, IF WE ARE REQUIRED, BY OUR GUARANTEE, TO RE-ENTER A BUILDING IN ORDER TO CORRECT A RAT PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE ALREADY HANDLED. THEREFORE, WE DO NOT MAKE ANY MISTAKES. YOU CAN BE CERTAIN OF THAT. BESIDES THE EXCELLENT RATING THAT ANGIE'S MEMBERS READ HERE, ONE CAN CONSULT OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL REFERENCES. IN THIS MEMBER'S SITUATION, HIS TENANTS EXPERIENCED LONG-TIME FREEDOM FROM RAT INVASION; HOWEVER, RATS ARE NOW RECURRING BECAUSE THE MEMBER CONSULTED HIS BUILDING CONTRACTORS, AND, SINCE THEY WERE OBLIGATED UNDER CONTRACT TO MAKE THE CORRECTIONS THAT WE RECOMMENDED, THE CONTRACTORS DID THE WORK. NOW, AFTER THE FACT, WE FIND THAT RATS HAVE BYPASSED CONTRACTOR EFFORT IN EXCLUSION. AT THIS WRITING, WE HAVE BEGUN NEW ELIMINATION WORK, AND WILL PROVIDE, AS BEFORE, A NINETY DAY GUARANTEE AGAINST RECURRENCE OF RATS;HOWEVER, UNLESS WE PROVIDE OUR OWN EXCLUSION SERVICES, WE WILL NOT PROVIDE A THREE YEAR FINAL GUARANTEE AGAINST RATS RETURNING TO THIS SITE."

"WE HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A NEGATIVE REPORT. YOU ARE THE FIRST. LET ME OFFER YOU A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR ANY FUTURE REQUEST YOU MIGHT HAVE FOR SERVICE. IF YOU CALL US, WE WILL DO THE UTMOST TO REVERSE YOUR IMPRESSION OF OUR COMPANY. IT IS GRATIFYING TO NOTE THAT YOU DID NOT GO ELSEWHERE FOR SERVICE BUT ALLOWED US TO RESCHEDULE. ALTHOUGH YOU FELT THE CHARGE WAS TOO HIGH, YOU SAY THAT WE HAVE RESOLVED YOUR ANT PROBLEM. YOU RATE THE TECHNICIAN AS A "B", AND YET HE RESOLVED YOUR ANT PROBLEM----SO FAR. IF YOU HAVE ANOTHER OCCURRENCE THIS YEAR, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL FEE. ANTS MUST TAKE THE BAIT HOME TO THEIR COLONY WHERE NURSE ANTS WILL EVENTUALLY CONVERT THE BAIT INTO A PAPP, WHICH THEY WILL FEED TO THE QUEEN AND ALL THE DEVELOPING LARVAE. COLONY COLLAPSE WILL FOLLOW. THIS MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT MOST OF THE BAIT DISAPPEARS OVER NIGHT. THEN, WE BELIEVE THAT THE COLONY IS DOOMED TO DIE. OUR TECHNICIAN KNEW WHAT TO DO. IF IT SEEMED SIMPLE, OR IF HE DID NOT SUFFICIENTLY EXPLAIN THE PROCESS, I AM SORRY. WE HAVE HAD SUCH GOOD REPORTING FROM OUR CLIENTS, WHEN USING ANGIE'S LIST, I CAN ONLY PRESUME IT IS DUE TO ANGIE'S LIST THAT YOU ALLOWED US TO PERFORM OUR WORK, IN SPITE OF THE OFFICE ERROR. THANKS FOR ALLOWING ME TO RESPOND TO YOUR REPORT. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THIS WILL BE THE ONE AND ONLY NEGATIVE REPORT THAT WE WILL EVER RECEIVE. REGARDS, GEORGE MANNING CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST"

"YOUR FOLLOW UP RESPONSE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. WE LIKE TO USE THE RESPONSE FORMAT TO HELP FUTURE INQUIRERS UNDERSTAND OUR METHODOLOGY AND OUR REASONS FOR PERFORMING A SPECIFIC SERVICE TECHNIQUE. MANY ANT SPECIES HAVE MULTIPLE QUEENS IN A COLONY. SPRAYING AN INSECTICIDE WILL KILL FIELD GATHERING ANTS(FORAGERS). AS ANTS APPROACH THE INSECTICIDE, THEY OFTEN AVOID CONTACT WITH THE RESIDUAL PRODUCT. IN ADDITION, THE PHEROMONE TRAILS THAT ANTS PLACE DOWN AS THEY TRAVEL TO AN ATTRACTIVE FOOD SOURCE BECOME OBLITERATED. AS A RESULT, ANTS MAY NOT BE SEEN FOR A SHORT WHILE BUT WILL RECUR AT A LATER TIME. THE FACT THAT ANTS ARE KILLED WILL NOT IMPACT THE COLONY SO AS TO DESTROY IT. IN FACT, THE CHEMICAL PRESSURE MAY CAUSE ANTS TO MULTIPLY AS QUEENS STRIKE OUT WITH SOME OF THE COLONY IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. THIS PHENOMENON IS DEFINITELY PROBLEMATIC WITH BOTH ACROBAT, AND PHAROAH ANTS. CARPENTER ANTS ARE A DIFFICULT SPECIES TO WIPE OUT BECAUSE THEY SEEK WOOD THAT IS DRY ROTTING, THEREFORE SOFT, AND EASILY CHEWABLE. WHEN THEY ARE FOUND IN TREES, THE ENTRY POINTS ARE LOCATED WHERE BRANCHES ARE NOT CUT BACK TO THE CAMBIUM (THE OUTER BARK) WHEN THEY ARE REMOVED. CONSEQUENTLY, THE CAMBIUM CANNOT GROW OVER THE CUT. THE TREE TRIES TO CLOSE THE OPENING BUT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SURROUND THE EXTENDED STUB REMAINING. AS THAT BRANCH BEGINS TO ROT, IT WILL ROT INTO THE INNER TREE (PITH). ONCE IN THE TREE FOR YEARS, THE TREE WILL SUFFER SERIOUS GAUGING FROM THE ANTS CONSTRUCTION OF GALLERIES. THIS PROGRESSIVE DESTRUCTION PERMITS WATER TO PENETRATE THE INNER TREE, PROMOTING FURTHER ROT. THIS SPECIES SENDS ANTS TO OUTPOST DESTINATIONS. WE CALL THESE OUTPOSTS SATELLITE COLONIES. ANTS AT THESE LOCATIONS CONTINUE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE MOTHER COLONY, IN FACT, THEY ARE A PART OF THE ORIGINAL COLONY. TO BE SURE, ANTS ARE TERRITORIAL, AND DON'T WELCOME STRANGERS OF THEIR SPECIES. WE OFTEN RECEIVE CALLS ABOUT A SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF THESE LARGE ANTS WITHIN THE HOME. THEY MIGHT BE NEWLY LOCATED OVERNIGHT IN A HOLLOW CORE BATHROOM DOOR, OR UNDER THE TUB HOUSING WHERE A LEAK MAY HAVE FOSTERED DRY ROT WOOD, OR BELOW FLASHING AROUND A DETERIORATING CHIMNEY, ETC. ACROBAT ANTS ARE OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED AS PAVEMENT ANTS. UNLIKE PAVEMENT ANTS (SOMETIMES CALLED SLAB ANTS) THESE ANTS PREFER TO NEST IN MULCH(WOOD CHIPS), WINDOW FRAMING BETWEEN THE ROUGH FRAMING BELOW THE WINDOW SILL, DOOR THRESHOLDS, VACATED TERMITE TUNNELS OR CARPENTER ANT GALLERIES, BELOW THE BARK OF FIREWOOD, OR EVEN BELOW A DAMAGED CAMBIUM OF A LIVE TREE. THESE ANTS ARE READILY ATTRACTED TO PROTEIN BAITS UNTIL MID-AUGUST. AFTER THIS TIME, THEY WILL BE FIERCELY ATTRACTED TO CARBOHYDRATE BAITS. THIS SAME DIET CHANGE HOLDS TRUE FOR CARPENTER ANTS. SO MANY PEOPLE CALL US ABOUT "FLYING ANTS", THINKING THAT THEY HAVE A SPECIES THAT IS EXCLUSIVELY A WINGED ANT FORM. IN REALITY, THEY ARE WITNESSING THE SWARMING PHENOMENON THAT CAUSES MALE AND FEMALE ANTS TO SURFACE, MATE, AND THEN, IF THEY SURVIVE THE ELEMENTS, AND PREDATORS, SEEK A SPOT TO PROPAGATE A NEW COLONY. THE OTHER WAY THAT ANTS WILL MULTIPLY OCCURS WHEN A PORTION OF THE COLONY STRIKES OUT FOR NEW TERRITORY, ALMOST LIKE THE SATELLITE OCCURRENCE BY CARPENTER ANTS, BUT DIFFERENT IN THAT THEY BECOME AN INDEPENDENT COLONY. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CARPENTER ANTS THAT CAN RELEASE REPRODUCTIVES, USUALLY BY LATE JUNE OR JULY, PAVEMENT AND ACROBAT SPECIES CAN SWARM AS EARLY AS APRIL, THEN AGAIN IN JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ANT TOPIC, PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE. THERE YOU CAN FIND ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS TOO. AGAIN, THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM THE ANGIE'S LIST PUBLIC, AND OF COURSE, YOU. BEST REGARDS, GEORGE MANNING CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST [email protected]"

"THANKS FOR THE GLOWING REPORT REGARDING YOUR RAT INSPECTION. YOU HAD ALREADY BAITED YOUR GARAGE. FROM THE SIZE AND QUANTITY OF DROPPINGS, I COULD SEE THAT YOU HAD EXPERIENCED A RECENT RAT INVASION. I COULD NOT DETECT A BREEDING SITUATION DEVELOPING. THERE WERE TWO CLEAR-CUT POSSIBILITIES, WHEREBY RATS COULD SETTLE IN YOUR GARAGE. THE FIRST WAS AN EXPANSION OF WHAT APPEARED TO BE A RAT STAGING AREA SEVERAL PROPERTIES NORTH OF YOU. THE SECOND WAS THE CURB BASIN ON THE NEXT BLOCK, WHICH WAS FULL OF SEDIMENT AND SHOWED SIGNS OF RAT TRAFFIC IN THAT AGGREGATE. I RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONTACT YOUR ALDERMAN'S OFFICE TO REPORT THE SEWER BLOCKAGE, SINCE IT IS ENTIRELY A CHICAGO STREETS AND SANITATION ISSUE. IN ADDITION, LET ME REMIND YOU THAT A COURTESY VISIT TO THAT NEIGHBOR TO THE NORTH COULD ALERT THEM TO THE LIKELY RAT DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THEIR GARAGE. IN YOUR CASE, REDUCING THE OPENING AT THE BASE OF THE GARAGE DOOR, SO THAT THE DOOR LANDS FLUSH WITH A REPAIRED CONCRETE DRIVE, AT THE POINT WHERE CONCRETE AND DOOR MEET, WILL RESOLVE FUTURE ENTRY TO THE GARAGE. IN THE MEANTIME, WE BAITED HEAVILY. PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO MEET WITH YOU, AND THE NEIGHBOR DIRECTLY NEXT DOOR. REGARDS, GEORGE MANNING CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST [email protected]"

"THANKS FOR YOUR KIND RESPONSE. SHOULD YOU DECIDE TO USE OUR SERVICES, THE PRICE WE QUOTED WILL REMAIN. SHOULD WE DISCOVER THAT LESS IS INVOLVED, AND A PRICE REDUCTION IS WARRANTED, THEN AN ADJUSTMENT WOULD BE GLADLY MADE. AS YOU KNOW FROM OUR DISCUSSION. WE ARE DIAGNOSTIC, AND APPROACH EVERY JOB WITH A TARGETED SOLUTION IN MIND. RATHER THAN SELLING THE TYPICAL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT SOLD BY MOST OTHER COMPANIES, WE LOOK TO A QUICK SOLUTION WITH A GUARANTEE TO FOLLOW. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ANGIE'S LIST FOR PROVIDING THIS PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO COMMUNICATE. WE BELIEVE THAT THIS HELPS OTHERS TO HAVE A CHANCE TO "TEST THE WATERS" BEFORE CALLING ON A COMPANY. THANKS AGAIN. REGARDS, GEORGE MANNING CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST [email protected]"

"THANKS. YOUR REPORT OFFERS ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO TELL ANYONE SEEKING, WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A HOME, EITHER A PROSPECTIVE BUY, OR CURRENTLY OWNED; THOROUGHLY CHECKED FOR VERMIN PROBLEMS. TOO OFTEN PEST CONTROL COMPANIES WILL ANSWER AN INSPECTION REQUEST BY LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC REPORT REQUESTED; FOR EXAMPLE TERMITES. THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE A DIAGNOSTIC THAT CAN POINT OUT OTHER CONCERNS THAN THE TARGETED PURPOSE OF THE VISIT IS A BONUS TO BOTH THE INSPECTION COMPANY AND TO THE CLIENT. MOREOVER, SINCE AN HONEST DISCLOSURE BY A SELLER WILL HELP A BUYER MAKE A DECISION TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY; THE REAL ESTATE REPRESENTATIVES FOR BUYER AND SELLER, AND THE SELLER KNOW WHAT IS NEEDED TO OPTIMALLY PRESENT THE HOME. ONCE INSPECTED, THE SELLER BECOMES INFORMED, AND IF SINCERE, WILL DISCLOSE THOSE ISSUES LEARNED FROM A FAILED SALE SO THAT ADJUSTMENTS TO PRICE CAN BE MADE TO SUIT THE DEFICITS. ONE WANTS TO BELIEVE THAT ALL TRANSACTIONS ARE FORTHRIGHTLY EXECUTED; HOWEVER, "BUYER BEWARE" CAN ALSO CAUTION SELLERS TO BE AWARE. AGAIN, THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE, AND TO ALLOW US TO SPOTLIGHT OUR SERVICE FOR OTHERS THAT MAY BE SEEKING. REGARDS, GEORGE MANNING CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST [email protected]"

"WHEN AN ASSESSMENT OF A MOUSE PROBLEM IS ACCURATE, IT LEAVES ONLY TO CARRY OUT THE ELIMINATION PROCESS. FIRSTLY, A TECHNICIAN MUST DETERMINE HOW THE MOUSE PROBLEM DEVELOPED AND HOW IT GAINED INTERIOR ENTRY. SECONDLY, IT MUST BE DETERMINED THAT THE MICE ALL ARRIVED AT ONCE OR REPRODUCED SUBTLY UNTIL DISCOVERED. FINALLY IT SHOULD BE DETERMINED HOW BEST TO SECURE THE BUILDING FROM A REPEAT ENTRY, AND OF COURSE TO ELIMINATE THE EXISTING PROBLEM. MICE POPULATE RAPIDLY WHEN THERE IS AMPLE SHELTER AND FOOD SUPPLY. SIX WEEKS TO SEXUAL MATURITY WITH AN AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY CAN DEVELOP AN INFESTATION WITHIN A HOME VERY RAPIDLY. WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND TO YOUR KIND REPORT. BEST WISHES, GEORGE MANNING CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST GEORGE@PESTPROBLEMSSOLVED"

"OUR WORK IS EXACTING. OUR CUSTOMER MUST FEEL A SENSE OF CONFIDENCE IN OUR EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE. AS IS THE CASE WITH THIS MEMBER, WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF COMPLETED JOBS THAT LED TO A PERMANENT SOLUTION. IN OUR INDUSTRY, WE ARE THE ONLY COMPANY THAT PROVIDES THREE YEAR GUARANTEES AGAINST RATS RETURNING. SUCH SERVICE IS UNHEARD OF IN PEST CONTROL. IT IS ACCOMPLISHED BY DISCOVERING THE REASON FOR THE PROBLEM, FROM WHERE IT CAME, AND THE PROPER WAY TO REMOVE THE CONDITION. A GOOD PLACE TO GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE,PESTPROBLEMSSOLVED.COM. THERE ONE CAN TEST THE MERIT OF OUR ANSWERS TO SEVERAL HUNDRED DIFFERENT QUESTIONS, AND WHERE, MORE THAN LIKELY, AN ANSWER IS ALREADY PROVIDED FOR THE NEW INQUIRER. REGARDING RATS, THE PROBLEMS ARE SO NUMEROUS THAT WE ARE DOING CORRECTION WORK EVERY DAY. WE HAVE NEVER FAILED TO DELIVER 100% RESULTS WHICH WERE SUSTAINED BY OUR GUARANTEE. MOST COMPANIES WILL QUOTE A PRICE FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED SERVICE TO TREAT A RAT PROBLEM. THEY CALL THIS SERVICE, PEST MANAGEMENT. THEIR SERVICE MAY KILL RATS, BUT DOES NOT ELIMINATE THEM IN EVERY CASE. OUR WORK IS CALLED PEST ELIMINATION, AND WE SUCCEED IN EVERY CASE. WHEN ONE CONTACTS US, WE DO NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION, " HOW MUCH DOES IT COST", UNTIL WE HAVE CAREFULLY LISTENED TO THE CALLERS INFORMATION. OURS IS NOT TO DO IT CHEAPER, BUT TO DO IT COMPLETELY. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE MEMBER'S TRUTHFUL REPORT."

"SQUIRRELS, AS YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW, ARE STUBBORN AND PERSISTENT. THIS CHARACTERISTIC CAN BE USED TO DEFEAT THEM. OUR WORK IS CALLED EVICTION AND EXCLUSION. SINCE WE DO NOT TRAP, WE MUST SUCCEED BY GETTING SQUIRRELS OUT OF A STRUCTURE AND THEN PREVENTING THEIR REENTRY. WE SUCCEED AT THIS AND PROVIDE A ONE YEAR GUARANTEE THAT SQUIRRELS WILL NOT RE-ENTER THE STRUCTURE AGAIN. THE MEMBER'S COMMENTS ARE WELL APPRECIATED. HE TELLS A STORY OF RESULTS THAT SEEM PERMANENT; TIME WILL TELL. FOR THE INQUIRER, CONSIDER THAT WHEN YOU MAKE CONTACT WITH ALL OF THE ANIMAL REMOVAL COMPANIES, YOU WILL NEVER LOCATE ANY OTHER COMPANY THAT GUARANTEES THEIR WORK; MUCH MORE, FOR ONE YEAR. WE SUCCEED BECAUSE WE HAVE LEARNED, AND RE-LEARNED, AND THEN AGAIN GAINED NEW INSIGHT, INTO SQUIRREL BEHAVIOR. IT IS BECAUSE OF THIS EXPERIENCE THAT WE OFFER THE PUBLIC OUR GUARANTEED RESULTS, WHICH WE TITLE, EVICTION AND EXCLUSION. MANY VICTIMS OF SQUIRREL INVASION HAVE RUN OUT OF WAYS TO REMOVE THE SQUIRREL THREAT. TO THOSE, WE SAY WE CAN DO IT, AND FOR THE OTHERS, WHO HAVE NOT YET FELT DEFEAT, WE AWAIT YOUR INVITATION TO SHOW YOU TOO. LOOK US UP ON OUR WEBSITE, WWW.PESTPROBLEMSSOLVED.COM"

"I HAVE ENJOYED THE YEARS SPENT IN THE FIELD OF PEST ELIMINATION. LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, I CAME OUT OF COLLEGE WITH TEXT BOOK ANSWERS, ONLY TO LEARN THAT I'D OBTAINED A FOUNDATION TO BUILD UPON. NOW, YEARS LATER, I CAN ONLY SAY THAT TO BECOME A TEACHER YOU MUST FIRST BECOME A STUDENT. LIFE CAN TEACH THOSE OF US WHO WILL REMAIN STUDENTS. THE MEMBER'S COMMENTS ARE HEARTFELT. THEY WERE NOT EASY TO COME BY. TO READ OF HIS APPRECIATION PROVIDES ME MORE WITH GRATITUDE THAN HE MAY EVER KNOW. BEING A PEST PROBLEM SOLVER IS DIFFICULT AND STRENUOUS WORK. TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR GUARANTEEING SUCCESS, IS THE "COUP DE MAITRE". BY REVIEWING OUR WEBSITE, WWW.PESTPROBLEMSSOLVED, ONE MAY GAIN HOPE AND OPTIMISM THAT WE CAN HELP."