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Post Info TOPIC: Soft Washing Secrets - Stealing Jobs From Competitors


RCIA Founder

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Soft Washing Secrets - Stealing Jobs From Competitors
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I have never owned a company that did 50 million in a year. I have never won a fishing championship either! In fact, I have never gone fishing! I have gone drinking with a fishing pole though roof cleaning

I do NOT have a genius IQ, and don't care for Popcorn or Kool Aid.

Truth be known, I am no smarter then anyone on the forum. But I am a stubborn and determined SOB, and have done pretty much one thing so freaking long, I have become good at it.

Here is how to make this claim "Mr Customer, anyone can clean your home, but I will make your insect problems like spider webs and mud dawbers less, if you decide to go with us"

You simply use Borax in your rinse water guys!  Let's take a look at our old friend, Borax ?

 










Least Toxic

Boric Acid/ Borates/ Borax
Beyond Pesticides Rating: Least Toxic

Boric acid (borax and boron-containing salts) is a low-toxicity mineral with insecticidal, fungicidal, and herbicidal properties. It does not evaporate or volatilize into the air or pose the considerable health concerns associated with synthetic pesticides; however it can still pose health hazards and should be used with care. As with any pesticide, keep boric acid pesticide products out of reach of children and only use it in locations where it will not come in contact with people or animals, such as in cracks and crevices, behind counters, and in baseboards. While boric acid is somewhat slower acting than the synthetic pesticides, like chlorpyrifos, diazinon, or pyrethrins, it is highly effective over a long period of time

 

Use and Mode of Action

Registered in 1983 for control of cockroaches, ants, grain weevils and several beetles, it has also been used as an herbicide along rights-of-way and as a fungicide for citrus, and as a wood preservative/fire retardant, and even as an insect repellent in insulation. As an insecticide, boric acid acts as a stomach poison for ants, cockroaches, silverfish and termites, and as abrasive to the insects exoskeleton. As an herbicide, boric acid causes desiccation or interrupts photosynthesis in plants.  

Boric acid may be used either in a bait formulation containing a feed attractant or as a dry powder. The powder may be injected into cracks and crevices, where it forms a fine layer of dust. Insects travel through the boric acid, which adheres to their legs. When the insects groom themselves, they then ingest the poison, which causes death three to ten days later of starvation and dehydration. As long as the material is not allowed to become wet, its continuous presence ensures that hatching insects, which sprays commonly spare, are exposed and die. Many insecticidal formulations can be effective for more than a year.  

Toxicity

While exposure to boric acid has been linked to adverse health effects, experts agree that careful application offers a safe and effective alternative without the indoor air problems associated with sprays. Boron is a naturally-occurring element in the earth’s crust and background levels even circulate in the human bloodstream. Boric acid’s exposure risks are minimal because of its method of application.  

However, while boric acid has become one of the chemicals of choice for many urban pest control programs, it can be toxic. EPA considers boric acid as a moderately acutely toxic due to acute effects including oral and dermal toxicity, and eye and skin irritation. EPA’s reregistration document states that a subchronic borax feeding study using dogs resulted in blood and metabolism disorders as well as effects to the testes, endocrine system, brain weight, and size ratios among various organs and glands. In chronic oncogenicity studies using mice, rats and beagle dogs, boric acid and borax were found not to be carcinogenic; however, testicular effects and decreases in body weight resulted at high dose levels. EPA has classified boric acid as a “Group E” carcinogen, indicating that it shows “evidence of noncarcinogenicity” for humans. In reproductive and developmental toxicity studies using rats, mice and rabbits, maternal liver and kidney effects and decreased weight gain as well as decreased fetal body weights were observed. In two studies, at the highest dose levels, no litters were produced. Prenatal mortality occurred at the highest dose levels in the rabbit study. Boric acid does not cause mutagenicity (U.S. EPA 1993).  

Applicators and others in treatment areas may be exposed to boric acid and its sodium salts during or after application. However, there is no reasonable expectation that these pesticide uses may constitute a hazard or risk to people involved in, or near to, handling or application activities. Proper care and adhering to label directions and precautions should reduce exposure and any associated risk (U.S. EPA 1993).  

Ecological Effects

Boric acid is practically nontoxic to birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates, and relatively nontoxic to beneficial insects. It’s noncrop herbicidal use may harm endangered or threatened plants, and therefore EPA is requiring three phytotoxicity studies to assess these risks (U.S. EPA 1993).  

Effectiveness

An EPA assessment of a boric acid pilot pest control program conducted at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland found that boric acid was both more economical and more effective than monthly spray treatment. At least one study has shown that the combination of heat, 110 degree F for two hours with boric acid, will increase the speed at which the German cockroach is killed.  

References:

Barlow, S.M. & F.M. Sullivan. 1982. Reproductive Hazards of Industrial Chemicals: An Evaluation of Animal & Human Data. Academic Press, New York, NY. pp. 130-135.  

Bianchini, R.J. 1987. “The use of borate-treated wood in structures.” Presentation by U.S. Borax at Forest Products Research Society Conference on Wood Protection Techniques and the Use of Treated Wood in Construction. Memphis, TN. October 28-30.  

“Borate prospects are seen as promising.” Chemical Marketing Reporter. November 16, 1987.  

“Boron found to have role in hardening bones.” Chemical Marketing Reporter. November 9, 1987.  

Casarett, et al. 1980. Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. 2nd ed. Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. New York, NY. pp. 440-441.  

Gosselin, R.E., et al. 1984. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Williams & Wilkins. Baltimore, MD.  

“IN-CIDE: Pest control insulation.” Energy Design Update 4 (11):13-14.  

Olkowski, W. and S. Daar. 1987. “Boric acid: New formulations and application equipment.” The IPM Practioner 9(6-7):3-4. Bio-Integral Resource Center. Berkeley, CA.  

Siegel, E. and S. Wason. 1986. “Boric acid toxicity.” Pediatric Clinics of North America 33(2):363-367.  

Sprague, R. 1972. “The ecological significance of boron.” U.S. Borax Research Corp. Anaheim, CA.  

U.S. EPA. 1993. “Boric acid.” R.E.D. Facts. EPA-738-F-93-006. Office of Pesticide Programs. Washington, DC.  

U.S. EPA. 1985. “Guidance for the reregistration of pesticide products containing boric acid and boron containing salts as the active ingredient.” Office of Pesticide Programs. Washington, DC.  

Weir, R. and R. Fisher. 1972. “Toxicological studies on borax and boric acid.” Toxicology of Applied Pharmacology 23:351-364.



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RCIA Founder

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Sometimes, the most simple ways are the best ways. Boric Acid or Borax is dirt cheap, and extremely effective.

Other Natural Spider Remedies

Besides the sprays mentioned above, you can also try borax, kerosene, or chewing tobacco.

Borax has been used for a long time to repel insects; some professional exterminators are now offering borax as an environmentally friendly way to get rid of bugs. Wherever you have problem areas, sprinkle the area with a little bit of borax. The borax will repel the spiders from the area; if they come into direct contact with it, it will kill them.

Kerosene can be swabbed onto windowsills, door frames, and anywhere else that spiders are entering your home. The smell of it will repel the little critters.

Finally, a decent use for chewing tobacco! Soak a package of chewing tobacco in a gallon of boiling water. Let it cool, and strain the tobacco particles. Then, add half a cup of lemon-scented dish soap to the water. The resulting spray makes a great repellant.



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Um I have a jaw full of Red Man in my mouth now.



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RCIA Founder

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You can easily do this for your customers, besides adding some Borax to your rinse water.

Borax, Under $5

  • You can kill wasps cheap with Borax. Borax is made of boric acid and has been used as a safe household cleaner for over 50 years. A box of Borax costs about $5 USD, as of 2009. You may already have some in the house. Mix equal parts Borax and honey or corn syrup. Spoon the mixture into some old lids. Strategically place them close to the wasps nest. Wasps are lured in by the sweet taste of sugar, but are poisoned by the Borax.



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I think your very smart Chris T, remember I asked you if you are a writer, you write well, speak well and you have a very extensive vocabulary  lol



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RCIA Founder

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Roof Cleaning Lanoka Harbor NJ 609-971-6553 wrote:

I think your very smart Chris T, remember I asked you if you are a writer, you write well, speak well and you have a very extensive vocabulary  lol


 Well, I am more just a stubborn, determined SOB that refuses to take no for an answer.

I keep pushing the cleaning envelope, and have had 200 dead ends, for every open door.

Look at this

Cleans, deodorizes, disinfects and softens water naturally.  Repels cockroaches, ants and other bugs.

The following except taken from The Bug Stops Here written by Stephen L. Tvedten and courtesy of www.safe solutionsinc.com

BORAX, OR SODIUM TETRABORATE, - is a combination of sodium, boron and oxygen, and is mined from the soil in its crude form. Boric acid is a crystalline material derived from borax. Caution: Remember, boric acid and all boron products can act as a stomach poison when ingested. While 20 Mule Team Borax® is extremely effective in controlling or eliminating ants, termites, weeds, lice, fleas, spiders and roaches, the Dial Corporation notes, “This product has not been tested nor received approval from the EPA for use as a 27 pesticide.” Even so if you mop or spray the floors, voids, sill boxes, tunnels, backs of furniture, appliances and other areas where you see insect pests with borax - you will be surprised on how great the material controls virtually all pests. It has been used for years to make cellulose insulation insect free and fire retardant. It also is great for removing stains in carpeting and/or odors in urinals, etc. - so mop to remove odors and to help clean - in doing so you will also control pests “accidentally”.

 




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thanks Chris.Good stuff!

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Chris, great info, how much should I mix?



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Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 wrote:

Chris, great info, how much should I mix?


 It don't take much Borax, just a 1/4 to 1/2 cup or so to a gallon of water is all it takes.

 



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Really want to take your class Chris! Is it up anywhere to sign up on?

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Awesome info!

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RCIA Founder

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gutterdog wrote:

Really want to take your class Chris! Is it up anywhere to sign up on?


 It is supposed to be on the NCE Website ? NCE is handling all that, I hope!



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Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:
Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 wrote:

Chris, great info, how much should I mix?


 It don't take much Borax, just a 1/4 to 1/2 cup or so to a gallon of water is all it takes.

 


   Thanks Chris. My sister lives near the lake and I'll try it out on her house.



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Guest

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Good stuff, maybe it should be on the other side ..

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I was just the NCE website looking to signup for your class chris but i did not see it.

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Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Certified Roof Cleaning Specialist

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Just my 2 cents. Are we in the private section? Prob not, anyway. Chris's class, registration should be on the paid section. It will fill up!

Chris I think you are looking for 20 contractors! Ya know to fill the room up. The chairs and everything.

I'll guarantee, if this the class I'm thinking, you should charge more.

At the price you are doing this for?

I'm taking the class. I'm just saying.

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240-355-1110

From up on the Roof cleaning, Gutter cleaning, to down on the Concrete cleaning...

All pressure washing services in between!

Serving  PG, Charles, St Marys and Calvert county Maryland

Cleaning service 




RCIA Founder

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Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 wrote:
Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:
Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 wrote:

Chris, great info, how much should I mix?


 It don't take much Borax, just a 1/4 to 1/2 cup or so to a gallon of water is all it takes.

 


   Thanks Chris. My sister lives near the lake and I'll try it out on her house.


 More is not 'better' Tom, you can easily Poison the ground with Boron if you go too heavy.



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Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Florida

711 Westbrook

Brandon, FL 33511

813 655 8777

See our website here 

Click here for more information

Here are more of our services

Watch a short video

 




 



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Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:
Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 wrote:
Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:
Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 wrote:

Chris, great info, how much should I mix?


 It don't take much Borax, just a 1/4 to 1/2 cup or so to a gallon of water is all it takes.

 


   Thanks Chris. My sister lives near the lake and I'll try it out on her house.


 More is not 'better' Tom, you can easily Poison the ground with Boron if you go too heavy.


   Thanks again Chris.



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Thanks Chris.

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240-355-1110

From up on the Roof cleaning, Gutter cleaning, to down on the Concrete cleaning...

All pressure washing services in between!

Serving  PG, Charles, St Marys and Calvert county Maryland

Cleaning service 




Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute of America

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Another great tip Mr T., just one question, if we put it in our rinse would it add the amount of sodium to the roof that could potentialy run off into the ground and poison the plants?

"Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is an important boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid" -Wikipedicuria, pedia whatever



-- Edited by Maverick Contracting on Thursday 7th of July 2011 05:39:52 AM

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