Spray away mosquitoes with new control system
Two men from the McHenry area have launched a business designed to free your yard of pesky mosquitoes.
Tim Johannes and Ryan Lasky operate Bullfrogg Pest Control, a business that involves installing a permanent mosquito misting system.
The operation, serving Chicago's suburbs and southern Wisconsin, is a dealership for Coastal Mosquito Control, based in Houston, Texas. The mosquito system the men sell and install is similar to the water spray misters you see in Las Vegas to keep visitors cool.
The mosquito system involves spraying a pyrethrum-based insecticide through precision nozzles located throughout the customer's yard or pool area. Pyrethrum is a water-based, biodegradable material derived from the chrysanthemum flower.
"It's pet- and kid-friendly," Johannes said.
The mist is valued for its quick knockdown of mosquitoes.
"This technology has been used on horse farms for 20 years. It's super popular in the south," said Johannes, who resides in McHenry.
Through the system that he installs, the nozzles are strategically attached to the home, trees or in bushes. The misting sprayers are set to go off in the morning and evening, when mosquitoes are most aggravating.
The spray is stored in a 55-gallon drum in the garage or by an air conditioner unit.
The average yard requires between 30 and 35 misting heads and would cost the homeowner between $2,000 and $3,000.
Johannes, who lives on the water, started researching the system more than a year ago when he couldn't enjoy the outdoors because of the irritating bugs.
"I found these systems were popular in Florida and figured they would go over well here," Johannes said.
The toughest aspect for the business owners is educating people on how the system works.
"It does work. We've had a lot of referrals," said Johannes, 41.
For more information, call (847) 826-8032 or check out www.bullfroggpestcontrol.com.
Top honor: Michael and Maria Tarpinian, owners of Allegra Print & Imaging in Rolling Meadows, were honored by Allegra Network with the franchise system's prestigious Annual Sales Growth Award, given to the top 10 businesses in sales growth in the network.
Located at 5410 Newport Drive, Suite 31, Allegra Print & Imaging in Rolling Meadows features traditional and advanced printing technologies including full-color printing, embossing and die cutting, in-house graphic design services, digital color and black-and-white output direct from electronic files, high-speed copying, online file transfer, complete finishing and mailing services, poster and banner printing, variable data capabilities, print management solutions, promotional products and marketing consultation.
Gluten-free treats: Deerfields Bakery announced that it has launched a line of gluten-free baked goods.
The gluten-free treats are baked at the Schaumburg store and are available at all three locations - Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Schaumburg and online at www.deerfieldsGlutenFree.com.
The bakery offers three lines of gluten-free packaged cookies as well as coffee cakes. Additional items will be added, including triple chocolate brownies, cheesecake and mini chocolate cupcakes with ganache.
"You won't even be able to tell these products are gluten free," said owner Kurt Schmitt.
Because cross-contamination can be a concern, Deerfields has a designated gluten-free production area.
kmikus@dailyherald.com