Voles in Tahoe

Voles are going crazy in Glenbrook and Incline Village right now. Here are some of the pictures of our Tahoe pest control route today. Beautiful Day in Paradise!

If you have voles too or any other pest that you would like to get rid off, call us at (775) 425-4343

A Parallel between Marriage and Sailing - by Livia Jepsen

Greg and I just came back from vacation. It was the perfect week to take time off because during the winter time the business slows down and it was the week of his birthday and also valentine's day.

The only gift he wanted for his birthday was my company while we make a fool of ourselves in a regatta. I haven't been sailing for very long, in fact, I went to this regatta very panicked. My last experience in a sail boat before this was a crash at the "ice-cold" Lake Tahoe in the end of October 2011, when we almost died of hypothermia during the 1:30h long drive back to the beach.

 Since it was his birthday, I could't say "no" to this one. But I was very nervous. I see sailing as a FIELD TRIP OF MARRIAGE COUNSELING. No wonder someone told me that their boat was called "The Divorce". Not much different than us, we "almost" named ours "The Counselor". But why is that?

I have been watching couples all week sailing together and bringing up all their emotional problems to the boat. I have noticed that sailing, for some reason, brings up every little hidden emotion that we have been putting underneath the carpet. Maybe your husband/wife is too controlling? Or maybe he/she doesn't listen to you? Maybe you are both too independent and just have to do everything by yourselves? Maybe you have a problem trusting each other? Maybe you don't trust yourself? Maybe...maybe you don't even know if you have a problem but if you do, don't worry, it WILL come up during sailing.

 This is because during sailing you both MUST listen to each other and you MUST work together. You must trust each other. You both must keep calm during waves and tides and wind shifts. Pretty much like in your married life. If you don't, you...crash! And the water, I'd say, it's darn cold!

I was thinking that this was happening only with Greg and I until we went to this event. This past week, I have heard many couples complaining about their communication issues, about spouses not listening, about trust issues and about how their spouses make them nervous when the boat is heeling. It is interesting.

Every time I asked a guy why he chose a certain boat over another, the answer would always come out the same way: "My wife wanted more space." Or "My wife prefers small boats because they are easier to set up." "My wife doesn't like heeling so I got a more stable boat" Or  even "My wife wanted a brand new boat because she wanted to know the history behind each scratch!" - that one was cute!  It was very interesting to see how the wife's preferences are so important in sailing, more than any other sport that I have ever seen.

I was born in Brazil, which makes me a little....dramatic when I am scared. Greg and I were not doing so well at sailing together until this event. We pretty much came back divorced every time we went sailing LOL.

The day of our very first race came up and I was so nervous that no one could even talk to me. I could not even see the boat turning 10 degrees that I would panic remembering our Tahoe "disaster". So Greg called a professional racer to crew with us during the first race. There you see, our little "trust" issue here!

The professional was VERY calm watching our little boat tilting in the wind, and this made me calm too and trustful that everything was ok. This is because the calm one was somebody ELSE other than Greg! If I see Greg calm during sailing I certainly do NOT calm down because I always thought of Greg as a little.... "wild" ahaha. If he tells me that something is safe, I feel that I still need to use my best judgment, after all, he has been flying airplanes, hang-glides, doing acrobatics and... you know, killing bugs and catching snakes with his own hands. The guy is FEARLESS!

 After all that tilting and turning and panic, the professional was very impatient because our little Com-pac 16 is not a racing boat and we were pretty much in .... LAST PLACE! Like...2 HOURS LATE!

Watching all those boats passing by, running even more sideways than us, I found myself hoping for more heeling and started to enjoy it. And on the sudden, Greg and I were "friends" again and not enemies, after all, we were in the SAME boat! The enemies were the OTHER boats!


After being stuck in the canal for 2 hours later than everybody else we were talking about how to fix the problem and about what we have done wrong. It was cool. We talked to some people that had the same boat as ours and, for the first time, I was interested in the conversation and even went with Greg to the "boring" West Marine" twice that day to tune up our little Popeye-style boat ORION.

We also attended the seminars and they talked a lot about aviation and wind - all that stuff that Greg talks about all the time and I never listen! It clicked to me how ridiculous it is for me not to trust my hubby sailing, with his such expertise in wind and flying hang-glides and airplanes, and mastering every single sport than you can think of. He even got to windsurf my aqua-glyde in the very first day, while I still struggle with it. No one could possibly understand more about sailing than him.

Next race came up and we were confident. Greg was the skipper. This time I was so proud and trusting him more than I could ever trust anyone else. We knew that our boat was the slowest kind in that event, so we didn't care about winning, but we certainly didn't want to be the last again. And we weren't! Greg had studied everything he could about the Compacs and he knew everything to get the most out of it. It wouldn't help to have any professional racers with us that have very different and way bigger boats than ours.  The important thing is to know how to sail YOUR boat and if there was one person who could sail that thing better than anyone else was...my Greg! (Besides, he looks really handsome with that Captain hat!)

So we worked together during the second race and trusted each other and we brought the best that our little Orion could possibly perform.

Greg and I finished the race proud of ourselves as a team and Greg was proud of me as a woman because I faced my fear, overcame my panic and was comfortable with the heeling of the boat and with being the skipper again...sometimes! We had an awesome race and we are still thrilled about it until now.

Valentine's Day, after dinner, we grabbed a bottle of wine and went to sit inside our little ORION. Watching the stars, the moon and the beautiful London Bridge in Arizona, full of lights. It was the most romantic Valentine's Day ever! This time we no longer were mad because our boat was not a racing boat and was slower than most of the boats, we were actually proud of it. We no longer wanted to sell it for something faster, and we remembered the very first reason that made Greg to choose this boat: "My wife likes stable small boats that are easy to set up and toll, but won't turtle like our old capri." And I felt important.

So I can say that the same way sailing almost "ended" our marriage a million times before, sailing also saved our marriage BIG TIME! It was exactly like a field trip of marriage counseling. After this race, the rest of the week was absolutely fantastic in every way. We felt closer to each other as a couple and I feel like we used to feel 9 years ago when we first got married, that Greg is the most awesome guy in this planet, my best friend, my lover, my partner. The one who is fearless and holds my hand to help me to overcome my fears, and I thank God that he is exactly the way he is, because he is perfect for me.

With Greg I am always growing, I am always overcoming difficulties and breaking through my fears, one by one. But I am also always safe, because he is always there to pick me up and help me out when I make mistakes.

During the past 3 years of our relationship we have passed through a lot of problems that almost led us to a divorce (for real now, and it has nothing to do with sailing!). And now, after this magic week sailing, I feel that we are once again in the same team, and once again in the same BOAT!


 Livia Jepsen

10o. Day of Juicing

Super proud! I can't even believe that we've gotten so far!

We have been in this detox juice diet for 10 days now. We have watched enough movies and read enough books now to believe that it was worth a try.

Results so Far:
My headache stopped. Blood pressure almost normal. Lost 10 pounds without feeling hungry. My skin is awesome. Hair and nails growing like crazy. More energy and less anxiety. Sleeping better. I had a strange spot on my skin and it simply disappeared. My pores are smaller?! I didn't expect that one. I don't even need make-up.

First few days were hard, people are really emotionally and physically addicted to modern life food. We even got to the point of putting a tortilla on our plates on Sunday and then put it back in the bag. I was proud of myself for doing the "putting back thing". It was cool! I guess when you keep your own promises to yourself your confidence increases. Love this!

If you want to see some movies before you try this, here are some names:

- Dying to Have Known
- The Gerson Miracle
- Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

We are healthy people but these movies are inspirational and motivated us to keep ourselves that way. :)

If you have a condition, please consult your doctor before you start the diet. But watch the "Dying to Have Known" before you talk to your doctor ahahaha

Lots of Love
Livia

Why To Use Statewide Termite & Pest Control, Inc. - Reno Pest Control

Why To Use A Local Company?

• When we support a local company we are supporting our local economy. This makes a big difference in the our city and community on the long run.

• Big Corporations tend to have a 1-800 number and/or a number of an office out-of-state, which makes it really difficult, if not impossible, to reach your technician in an emergency.
  
• Be aware of national companies that have commercials on TV, radio, internet and everywhere you look. Many times we think that their name is everywhere because they are good, but the truth is that these commercials are PAID and EXTREMELY expensive. In fact, who pays for all that advertisement is the unaware client, because the services provided by these companies usually cost 4-10 times more than a local company (yes, for the SAME EXACT SERVICE!).
  
• National Companies tend to send different technicians to your house each service. This makes it impossible to trust and know who is coming to your house next. Once you make an appointment, you will know the technician by name and be able to reach him easily through the office or his business cell phone.
  
• Pest Control companies tend to pay their employees very little and lay them off in the winter months. This naturally causes them to stay very little time in the same company. For the client this means new and inexperienced technician every year servicing your home.
  
• Many new companies are being created everyday in Reno/Sparks area. However, be aware of inexperienced technicians. Once you choose Statewide Termite & Pest Control, Inc. you will notice the big difference. Greg Jepsen is the owner for almost 20 years and the inspector and technician. He has college degree in business administration and is the trainer of all his technicians. All technicians hired by Statewide have been trained directly by Greg and have more than 9 years of experience.
  
• Companies from outside of Nevada may not be aware of pests in this area and effective methods of treatment. They may also become VERY dangerous inspectors, passing wrong information that may cause you a law suit. One BIG example of this is that people learn in other states that Nevada doesn't have termites. We have heard this VERY mistaken information several times, specially during Real Estate Inspections. Not only by inexperienced technicians but also by real estate agents from other states. The fact is that anyone may call the Local Department of Agriculture to confirm the information that the incidence of termites in this area is EXTREMELY HIGH, and a mistake in this situation can and will cost you and your client a lot of money.
  
• We BOOK APPOINTMENT. We check in and check out. Not having to deal with the "between 9:00 and 5:00" is a great reason to use Statewide!
  
• We offer service agreements to maintain your home always bugs-free. These agreements save you a lot of money but you may cancel it at anytime. You pay as you go, don't need to pay ahead. Most of the other companies will make you sign an actual contract and pay ahead for the entire year, without a chance for a refund or cancellation if you are not happy or passing through financial problems. 

Why To Use A Local Company?

Why To Use A Local Company?

• When we support a local company we are supporting our local economy. This makes a big difference in the our city and community on the long run.

• Big Corporations tend to have a 1-800 number and/or a number of an office out-of-state, which makes it really difficult, if not impossible, to reach your technician in an emergency.
  
• Be aware of national companies that have commercials on TV, radio, internet and everywhere you look. Many times we think that their name is everywhere because they are good, but the truth is that these commercials are PAID and EXTREMELY expensive. In fact, who pays for all that advertisement is the unaware client, because the services provided by these companies usually cost 4-10 times more than a local company (yes, for the SAME EXACT SERVICE!).
  
• National Companies tend to send different technicians to your house each service. This makes it impossible to trust and know who is coming to your house next. Once you make an appointment, you will know the technician by name and be able to reach him easily through the office or his business cell phone.
  
• Pest Control companies tend to pay their employees very little and lay them off in the winter months. This naturally causes them to stay very little time in the same company. For the client this means new and inexperienced technician every year servicing your home.
  
• Many new companies are being created everyday in Reno/Sparks area. However, be aware of inexperienced technicians. Once you choose Statewide Termite & Pest Control, Inc. you will notice the big difference. Greg Jepsen is the owner for almost 20 years and the inspector and technician. He has college degree in business administration and is the trainer of all his technicians. All technicians hired by Statewide have been trained directly by Greg and have more than 9 years of experience.
  
• Companies from outside of Nevada may not be aware of pests in this area and effective methods of treatment. They may also become VERY dangerous inspectors, passing wrong information that may cause you a law suit. One BIG example of this is that people learn in other states that Nevada doesn't have termites. We have heard this VERY mistaken information several times, specially during Real Estate Inspections. Not only by inexperienced technicians but also by real estate agents from other states. The fact is that anyone may call the Local Department of Agriculture to confirm the information that the incidence of termites in this area is EXTREMELY HIGH, and a mistake in this situation can and will cost.

Adventures of the Bug Boy Greg Jepsen - When Greg was 7

When Greg was seven, he and his brother Scott found a very large gopher snake in the hills behind our house in Moraga, CA.  True to the actions of all small boys, they decided to bring the beast home.  It was smelly and big, but fortunately non-poisonous.  It was at least six feet long and ten inches around.  I agreed to let them put it in a cage and keep it temporarily, but they had to find it something to eat.  

Greg took the snake out for walks and draped it around his neck to show all the kids on the block that he wasn’t afraid of the dangerous predator.  He bought a little white mouse at the pet store for the snake to dine on, however the mouse just cruised around the cage freely while the snake ignored it.

The huge snake gave Greg a lot of clout with the smaller crowd for a few weeks, but at the end of the month it had still not eaten the mouse, so I insisted the boys return it to the hills where they found it.  Despite numerous cries of protest, the snake was finally taken back to its home in the tall, dry, grass of the hillside.  

To Greg’s great disappointment, it was never seen again.   The little white mouse, however, remained for quite a while, eating normal mouse pellets, and somewhat alleviating the loss of the “beloved” gopher snake.  

By Joan Virden, writer and Greg's mother.

Visit her website: http://www.joanvirden.webstarts.com

For inspections and pest control services with a LOCAL COMPANY call now (775) 425-4343.

Adventures of the Bug Boy

When Greg was four, he must have believed he was superman, even though he was very small and skinny. Once I found him nearly at the top of a thirty-foot tree in the back of the apartments where we lived. The branches of the tree hung over a deep ditch filled with water and snapping turtles. There was no way I could climb up to get him, so I told him to come back down the way he had climbed up. Thankfully he managed, scrambling and slipping all the way back down.

Greg likes to remember the time he came up from the same creek with a handful of big, fat worms to show me. When I saw my little boy with all those squirming, dirty globs of pulp, I immediately made him drop them and cleaned off his hands. He was terribly offended. The last thing I remember about that day was that little, face with great big tears rolling down his cheeks, because he couldn’t keep those treasured worms!

Later that summer, he was crossing a bridge over the same creek, but not like most would cross the bridge. He chose to balance on the slender railing. The next thing I knew his friends had come to the back door screaming, “Gregory’s dead! He fell into the creek and he’s not moving! Naturally I ran hell bent for election and sure enough, there at the bottom of the creek, laying very still half in the water, was my little boy.

By now the neighbors had all gathered and were telling me not to move him because he might have a neck or back injury. However, seeing my baby lying there so still was more than I could handle and I immediately jumped down and picked him up. He was unconscious, so I put him in the car and raced to the hospital. By the time I got there, he was awake and wondering what all the fuss was about.

This was all just a glimpse of what was to come. There was never a dull moment, and as Greg got older, the daredevil in him got even riskier, and actually funnier!
If he lets me, I’ll tell you about the Halloween costume!


By Joan Virden, writer and Greg's mother
http://www.joanvirden.webstarts.com