LYNBROOK, N.Y.—The bedbug epidemic currently keeping Americans awake at night is the stuff of nightmares for hospitality managers. That is why Bargoose Home Textiles has introduced The Bedbug Solution protective bedding. The Bedbug Solution covers for box springs and mattresses feature Bargoose’s patent-pending Zip-N-Stick zipper tape that locks bedbugs out. Housekeeping knows the seal is engaged when the tape is fastened securely over the zipper pull—an important visual safety check. Lab-certified for effectiveness and washability, the rust-proof Zip-N-Stick barrier protects a property’s investment in expensive sleep furnishings while delivering peace of mind to its overnight guests. The Bedbug Solution bedding for...

NEW YORK—A new concept in bedbug detection from AP&G’s Catchmaster line now offers hotel, hospitality and residence-based industries an innovative, “passive” detection system designed specifically to monitor for bedbugs on a large scale as part of a proactive inspection/intervention strategy. Called BDS (Bedbug Detection System), the product overcomes the problems of standard insect glue traps by utilizing a patented adhesive dot matrix technology and physical design to capture specimens. “The growing scourge of bedbugs is a ticking time bomb,” said Jonathan Frisch, AP&G’s vice president, sales and marketing. “According to the National Pest Management Association, 95 percent of pest management...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Brush & Clean, a manufacturer of dry carpet and flooring cleaning systems, chemicals and accessories for leading environmental service companies worldwide, announced it has now expanded into North America, with the opening of its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and distribution facility in Pennsylvania. A renowned company in European, South American and Asian markets, Brush and Clean has been in business for more than 20 years and today operates in more than 35 countries. Brush and Clean’s secret dry carpet cleaning formula, “Brush & Clean Dry Carpet Cleaning,” includes safe and effective nontoxic cleaning agents and is 98...

BLOOMINGTON, IND.—The Ashkin Group, which has long been a leading advocate for green cleaning and sustainable practices in the professional cleaning industry, announces the launch of their new company website. The site, www.AshkinGroup.com, was built under the direction of Elizabeth Crosbie, marketing director for The Ashkin Group. According to Stephen Ashkin, the Ashkin Group’s president, the new site is a reflection of the industry’s evolution from green cleaning to an increased emphasis on sustainability.  “As we did with green cleaning, we are increasing our emphasis on sustainability so we can play a leadership role in this evolution as well,” said Ashkin. According...

NATIONAL REPORT—“Green” is everywhere we look in today’s marketplace—“green building,” “green cleaning,” “green energy,” “green cars,” and yes, “green pest management.” But what’s in a name? Isn’t “green” pest management just another name for IPM (integrated pest management)? IPM has been around for a long time. The stated goal of IPM has always been to reduce the impact of pesticides on people and the environment. Isn’t that “green” pest management? Or, is “green” truly different than the way we have practiced pest management in the past, even IPM? Confused? When I was first designated the “Green Guy” at Terminix International...

PLYMOUTH, MINN.—Advance now offers vacuums that meet the requirements for sustainable cleaning equipment specified by the Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance Rating System (LEED-EBOM). Advance vacuums that can contribute points to LEED certification include Adgility XP backpack vacuums and Spectrum upright vacuums. The Adgility XP and Spectrum vacuums have been awarded the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Seal of Approval and operate with a sound level of less than 70 dBA, both of which are requirements for vacuums under the LEED-EBOM program. The purchase of green cleaning equipment is a prerequisite to Indoor...

PHILADELPHIA—A new, completely natural pest control product for use by pest management professionals to control cockroaches, bed bugs, ants, flies and more than a dozen other pests is now available from FMC Professional Solutions, a business unit of FMC Corp. Introduced earlier this year, Topia insecticide features a proprietary blend of natural oils with well-documented insecticidal properties. Available in a 17-oz. aerosol can, Topia is a water-based product that delivers contact control of many structural pests. “Topia is a breakthrough insecticide product—the first completely natural, water-based insecticide from FMC,” said Chris Bowley, product manager for FMC Professional Solutions. “Pest management professionals...

DUNEDIN, FLA.—Mintek Mobile Data Solutions Inc. announced a unique contest for a fully installed Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) valued at more than $20,000. Contestants will have the opportunity to receive Mintek’s Transcendent, a software application designed to organize and automate many maintenance management functions. The contest which began August 25, 2010 includes: • One site license for one year;• Ten user Web and mobile licenses for one year; • Setup and implementation services; and • Training and support. Transcendent CMMS features include automated work requests, work orders and inspections as well as the collection of asset detail. These features enable maintenance managers to become proactive...

Have you ever implemented an environmental initiative, only to find out that no one on your property knows it’s been implemented? Or launched a recycling program without increasing your capture rates? In today’s day and age, companies cannot afford to ignore sustainability, nor can they afford to put environmental initiatives in place without ever looking back. These programs, similar to mechanical equipment, need maintenance if they are to work effectively and contribute to savings. Ranging from 15 to more than 95 initiatives in place at various Saunders Hotel Group properties, each was at one point selected and implemented based on...

CINCINNATI—American businesses want to clean up their act when it comes to environmental responsibility, but a perceived lack of information and credible resources are holding them back, according to the “Business Cleaning Sustainability Study” conducted on behalf of Procter & Gamble Professional, Procter & Gamble’s away-from-home division serving the foodservice, building cleaning and maintenance, hospitality and convenience store industries. The online study was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, a leading research company, on behalf of P&G Professional. Businesses were surveyed on their sustainability knowledge, product purchase decision-making process and cleaning habits to gauge perceptions, attitudes and behaviors about topics related...