Summer Travel & Bed Bugs

Stopping Bedbugs and Summer Travel Woes

The weather is warm. You have been saving your vacation time for the summer travel season. It may be the beach. It may be the mountains. But, you are going on vacation and will be staying in some type of rental. Possibly even taking public transportation. Well, we have gathered 6 common tips that stop bedbugs from coming home with you from your summer vacation.

Sheets and Mattresses

At any hotel, motel, Air BnB, cabin or even rental rv, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, especially at the corners. Look for stains or spots. If you see anything that look suspicious, notify the building management, and change rooms immediately. If they do not have another acceptable room, leave and find a new place to stay.

Room Inspection

Upon entering your room or space, thoroughly inspect it before unpacking. Above all, behind the headboard and in/around sofas/chairs. If you see anything that look suspicious, notify the building management, and change rooms immediately. If they do not have another acceptable room, leave and find a new place to stay.

Switching Rooms

If you do need to change rooms, be sure that you do not move to a room adjacent or directly above or below the room with the suspected infestation. Bedbugs will hitchhike by means of the housekeeping carts, luggage, and through wiring or wall sockets. When an infestation spreads, is goes out like waves in the ocean. Adjoining rooms are the most susceptible.

Baggage

Place your suitcase, duffel bags, and other luggage in a plastic trash bags or protective covers during your trip. This ensures bedbugs cannot catch a ride on your baggage prior to leaving your vacation rental.

Stop The Hitchhikers

It is important to remember bed bugs spread by hitching rides with unsuspecting victims. After your trip, carefully inspect your suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks before bringing them into the house. Leave them in a hot garage before vacuuming your baggage thoroughly. Garment hand steamers reduce bedbug hitchhikers by killing them before they can spread into your home.

Your Clothing

It is not fun to come home from a relaxing vacation and have to do a ton of laundry. However, it is imperative to wash all your clothing. This includes the ones that have not been worn. Use hot water to ensure that any bedbugs are not placed into your drawers, closets, or storage areas.

Check Ahead of Time

Don’t let bedbugs and summer travel be a bust. Here is a website to find out reported bedbug infestations. The Bedbug Registry. Always err on the side of caution and be informed.

The Bed Bug Registry exists to give travelers and renters a reliable and neutral platform for reporting their encounters with bed bugs. Though most Americans have still never come across one, these retro pests are spreading extremely quickly across American and Canadian cities.

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Investing in the Youth of Today for a Better Tomorrow

Ghertner & Company made a $300 donation to the Stoner Creek Elementary School’s Songs 4 Students program.  The donation helped purchase Chrome books to enhance the school’s technology resources.  Stoner Creek is located in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and serves the families in this fast-growing community.

The Boys & Girls Club of Maury County strives to enable all young people in their programs to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.  The focus is to offer a supportive environment where academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character can be achieved.  Ghertner & Company made a $600 donation in support of this valuable community organization.  Find out more at www.bgcmaury.com.

Stacy Adams, Ghertner & Company Director of Human Resources presents the check to these deserving young people and leaders.

Fireworks Safety Tips for the 4th of July

July 4th celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and for many people their celebration includes fireworks!

According to a statistic from USA.gov, during the month leading up to Independence Day over 250 people go to the emergency room each day with firework related injuries. This is definitely a cause to sit back and evaluate how you and your family engage in fireworks this year.

Here are a few tips when using fireworks you can use to ensure you and your family have a safe holiday:

1. Make sure fireworks are allowed within your community/HOA and legal within your local city, county or state. There are many rules and laws that may prevent you from setting off any type of fireworks.

2. Never let children play with or set off fireworks. Adult supervision should be present.

3. A safe distance should be kept after lighting fireworks. Never place your body directly over a firework when igniting.

4. Water should always be close by. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire.

5. Do not carry or set off fireworks on your person.

6. Fireworks should not be ignited in a metal or glass container.

7. Do not attempt to re-ignite fireworks.

8. Ensure all fireworks are properly disposed of.

   1. Full submerge fireworks in water until saturated

   2. Place saturated fireworks in bags and disposed of per your local solid waste departments rules.

Kimberly Maynord

Ghertner & Company

Monthly Lunch & Learn Seminar Benefits HOA Board Members

June’s Volunteer Leadership Training for HOA Board Members was presented to a capacity crowd on Tuesday, June 11th at the Ghertner & Company corporate office in MetroCenter.  Dealing with the topic of “Communication”, Kathleen Sutherland shared about the need for, quality of, and different means of effective communication within HOA communities.  Many good ideas were shared as Board Members and Community Association Managers participated in the discussion.

Lunch & Learn seminars are presented monthly to Ghertner & Company managed communities and a complimentary lunch is provided as well.  Find out more by speaking with your manager.

Second Annual Spring Fling 5k Promotes Good Health

The 2nd Annual Spring Fling 5k took place on Friday, May 10, 2019 with a record number of Ghertner and Company team members participating.  With the purpose of promoting a healthy and active workplace, this annual event encourages associates to see the positive effect of exercising.  Each participant earned points on their Humana Go365 account while also getting incentive time at work.  The pleasant weather made for an enjoyable day for the 3.1 mile walk or run with coworkers and friends.

Remote Seminar Benefits Attendees

Homeowner Association board members in Rutherford County participated in a Volunteer Leadership Training seminar focusing on the importance of communication as a positive tool.  The complimentary seminar and lunch were held on Tuesday, June 4th at the Murfreesboro Hampton Inn & Suites on Thompson Lane.   Topics discussed were how good communication works to keep homeowners informed and to build support for board decisions, the proper use of email, social media and newsletters.

Ghertner & Company provides monthly Volunteer Leadership Training at the offices in MetroCenter (Nashville) for the board members of communities managed by our team.  Occasionally remote seminars are offered as a convenience for Middle Tennessee communities that find the midday drive to Nashville inconvenient.   To learn more contact Theresa.Savich@ghertner.com.

Irrigation Tips & Technology

As the Spring transitions into Summer, the best defense against the upcoming heat is an efficient and effective irrigation system...but it doesn’t have to break the bank or your back!

Here are some tips:

• Now is the time to have your service provider conduct the startup (or Activation). Don’t

wait until the heat of summer to prepare your system. During this startup process, the

system should be evaluated for any signs of deficiencies (repairs needs and leaks), while

making any minor needed adjustments that are detected. After the startup is complete, if

the climate trend is still producing adequate rainfall, then don’t feel tempted to turn the

system on until your plants and lawn actually need it. Usually the Spring season doesn’t

require much if any supplemental water, especially with established landscapes. Over-

watering is just as detrimental to plant material as under-watering.

• Ask your service provider about the use of the latest technology associated with irrigation

systems. Technology can take the guess work from the equation, resulting in a more

effective system. For example, high tech ‘smart’ controllers can adjust every zone every

day based on the weather conditions (taking into consideration temperature, precipitation,

wind, evaporation rate, soil moisture, among other factors). Daily adjustments to

the system will save you money on water by only watering when needed, and your

landscapes will flourish because they aren’t over or under-watered. It’s a win-win! If you

have a system older than 10 years, it is likely that you could save 15-25% of water by

simply changing the nozzles on the sprinkler heads, because the new modern nozzles are

far more efficient and effective. Couple that with a ‘smart’ controller, and the Return on

Investment will be significant. In addition, many ‘smart’ controllers can be monitored

from your laptop or smartphone to make your life simpler and easier (we all want that!).

Talk with your qualified irrigation service provider to gather the details regarding use of

technology to save you money and heart-ache. By the way, the equipment technology I refer to is

typically quite affordable too, so please don’t assume that it can’t fit in your budget!

Scott Oldham

Business Development Manger - LSI

Bus Brigade Shows Strength to Vote No on Key Legislation

HOA Board Members, Community Association Institute members and industry professionals took part in a special effort to show opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290 and the accompanying amendment on Wednesday, April 3. Over 50 homeowners wore red shirts saying, “I Love HOA”, and rode a bus together to the Cordell Hull Building for the House of Representatives’ Committee hearing.

Please contact your own House and Senate Representative to voice your opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290 and the accompanying amendment.

Spring has sprung....Ready, Start, Go!!!

As we jump into Spring after experiencing record rainfall in February, it is now time to prepare

for the growing season ahead in regards to your lawn & landscape.

Here are some tips to help prepare your landscape so that it will look its best in 2019:

• The excessive amounts of rain this winter has created optimal conditions for weed

germination in our plant beds and turf areas. Although some weed presence is inevitable,

you can help control weeds by applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the early Spring.

Don’t wait too late, as timing is critical to the success of the herbicide treatment.

• Prior to the spring buds developing on your shrubs, the early Spring is a great time to

perform any winter pruning or deep cut-backs in order to re-shape or re-size plant

material. This practice will minimize pruning needs during the growing season while

providing a fresh appearance for old & tired shrubbery. This ‘rejuvenation’ or deep type

pruning should be performed before the shrubbery develops new leaves.

• Early spring is also a good opportunity to cut-back any spent perennials and appropriate

grounds covers to promote the upcoming seasonal new growth. Again, it is best to

perform this task prior to the flush of buds or leaves.

• Take advantage of the dormant season to coordinate and conduct a planning meeting with

your service provider representative. It is important for you to be aware of the schedule of

services for the upcoming months. This will keep you informed, and avoid any surprises.

• Ask your service provider to provide a property needs analysis or site audit. This report

will outline any property deficiencies, safety concerns, improvement needs, etc... along

with solutions. This tool can help you identify and prioritize your landscape needs for this

season, so that you can plan your funding accordingly.

Prepare for Spring prior to its arrival! The value of such planning and performance will pay

dividends during busy growing season.

Partner Blog provided by:

LSI

Scott Oldham

https://www.landscapeservicesinc.com/

Thank You Representative Bob Freeman!

Representative Bob Freeman

Homeowner Associations across the state of Tennessee appreciate the efforts of Tennessee Representative Bob Freeman in opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290.  If adopted, the bill would take away a neighborhood association's right to defend itself from out of state home rental companies. 

Representative Freeman states, “Large firms are coming in, buying homes and renting them long-term.  We should have the right to regulate them.” (Nashville Post, April 9, 2019 article). 

Ghertner & Company, along with the Community Associations Institute, encourages HOA board members to contact their State Representative today to voice opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290.

Pool Safety & Electrical Inspections

Danny Alter, General Manager with Greater Nashville Pool Management, shares with Community Association Managers about the need for electrical inspections at Homeowner association pools to provide a safe pool area.  Managers were able to ask questions and participate in discussion about the frequency of inspections, signs to look for regarding issues and general costs for budgeting purposes.     Ghertner & Company has a monthly meeting with all Community Association Managers to encourage communication, sharing of resources and company policies. 

“Community Standards” Lunch & Learn Offered at Two Locations

In an effort to make the volunteer leadership workshop, Community Standards: Rules and Regulations more accessible to clients in Middle Tennessee it was offered in March at two locations.  Several Board members and Community Association Managers were in attendance at the Murfreesboro Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, March 6.  The seminar was presented again at the Ghertner & Company offices in MetroCenter on Tuesday, March 12 to a full house. 

Monthly Lunch & Learn workshops are presented on a variety of topics to better inform and equip HOA Board of Directors in their role. HOAs managed by Ghertner & Company can have their Board members attend at no cost and a complimentary lunch is served. Ask your Community Association Manager about attending or contact Theresa Savich at theresa.savich@ghertner.com.

Fair Housing Seminar Provides Updated Information

Ghertner & Company held a Fair Housing seminar for its managers, leadership and staff recently as part of the ongoing in-house training.  Gerald Wigger from the Ortale Kelley law firm led the seminar.  Mr. Wigger is an experienced civil litigation attorney who focuses on homeowners’ associations, premises liability, personal injury, homeowner’s association disputes and insurance defense.  Ghertner & Company is committed to providing its managers with the highest level of support for the community’s success.

5 Little Known Termite Facts

All Termites Are Not Created Equal

There are multiple species and sub-species of termites. The two largest classifications are Drywood and Subterranean. Drywood termites build their colonies in wood. Subterranean Termites build their colonies under the ground. The Subterranean Termites do they most damage to homes in the United States. Numbers go into the billions! Drywood Termites do damage as well. Their damage reports go into the millions!

Winged Termites are not their own species of termites

Many black termites with white wings are often wrongly identified. These caste termites sent out to start new colonies.

Termites Never Sleep

How can termites quickly do damage? In other words- they never sleep! They are one of Earth’s few living species that are awake 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. Could you imagine how much work human’s could accomplish if they never sleep.

Winged Termites Do Not Always Foretell An Infestation

If you see a small amount of winged termites around your windows, there is no need to panic. A small number of winged termites usually signifies an aging colony. If you see any termites, it is imperative that you have a home termite inspection.

Swarmers Flock To Light

In the evening, if you have a lot of outside porch and house lights you may be attracting termites to your home. It’s true. Termites are attracted to the light. In conclusion, the lack of outdoor lighting can have consequences, but it is important for safety.

This partner post has been provided by Absolute Pest Control. http://absolutepestco.com/

Company Donation Benefits Both Orphans and Widows

The non-profit organization, Both Hands, fills a unique need in the community by serving widows with much needed household projects while also assisting adoptive families with the enormous related expenses.  The process is simple: adoptive families gather a support team that uses the widow’s home repairs as a fundraising project.  The work for the widow is done free of charge and the adoptive family’s support team collects money from their sponsors once the work is complete.  Both Hands refers to one hand assisting the widow and the other hand helping the orphan to be adopted.  Learn more at www.bothhands.org.  

Pictured at the check presentation are Both Hands team members Bethany Purdy, Founder JT Olson, John Ericson and Aimee Sipe. Ghertner & Company associates present were Jaye Kloss and Kim Maynord (centered behind the check). In an effort to support organizations within the Middle Tennessee that are making a difference, Ghertner & Company is providing a $500 donation.

Training Offered on Active Shooter Awareness

As part of the ongoing Human Resources Lunch and Learn series, an Active Shooter Awareness Presentation was made available for Ghertner & Company associates on February 20th.  Kevin Johnson, Assistant Director of Training for the Nashville Sheriff’s Office shared about the need for preparedness and offered many practical tips that should be considered and implemented in the case a situation ever occurs.  Attendees were able to ask questions and participate in the discussion.

Fun Team Building Event with a Purpose!

The Valentine’s holiday provided a great opportunity for an exciting team building event that showed the heart of Ghertner & Company associates.  Team members participated in a collaborative craft session by decorating a canvas that focused on the non-profit organization, Both Hands.  During lunch, a silent auction featuring team member and vendor donated items raised $1,500 for the charity!  The event served as a good time to build camaraderie and benefit a local organization making a difference in the Middle Tennessee community. 

Both Hands focuses on assisting families in raising funds for the expensive process of child adoption by doing various projects on widow’s homes. Learn more at BothHand.org.

February Lunch & Learn Focuses On Time Management

Many Home Owner Association Board members attended the February Lunch & Learn where they were able to learn principles of Time Management and how they relate to their role.  Focus and discussion dealt with practical ways to balance board members volunteer roles with life.  Attendees also enjoyed a complimentary lunch and one on one time with Community Association Managers and other Ghertner associates.

Two Lunch & Learn seminar opportunities will be available in March dealing with Community Standards, Rules and Regulations. Find out more by emailing or calling Theresa Savich at theresa.savich@ghertner.com or 615.277.0346. 

Building Industry Relationships

The Tennessee Chapter of CAI (Community Associations Institute) met on Friday, January 25th allowing many opportunities for networking with industry professionals.  Several managers, on-site personnel and members of the leadership team were present.  Ghertner & Company encourages involvement in the association through attendance, committee involvement and by serving on the Board.

CAI is dedicated to enhancing the quality of Community Association living through education, legal advocacy, professional development and networking opportunities. Learn more at www.caitenn.org.

Winter Freeze Precautions

We cannot emphasize too much or too often the precautions to be taken to prevent frozen or burst water pipes during cold weather. These bursts not only cause you as the homeowner inconvenience and damage, they also cost you money. This is because the insurance deductible for water bursts is high, and you will be responsible to pay the deductible for any cold weather-related burst in a water line serving your unit only. This may include the outside faucet, depending on your Community Association.

In late fall:

• If applicable, close all foundation vents.

• Outside hoses: Disconnect all hoses from outside connections, and then run water for a few minutes to be sure pipes leading inside are not still holding water from when the hose was connected. This is the most common cause of bursts in the water line for outside faucets, and often the damage is not discovered until the faucet is used again in the spring.

During extremely cold weather (20 degrees or below):

• Leave some water running in faucets farthest away from the water heater, or where the faucet is on an exterior wall. The colder the weather, the more water should flow. Open all cabinet doors beneath sinks, wet bars, etc. so warm air from the room can circulate around the pipes. This is very helpful.

During warmer weather (you do not have to wait until spring):

• Turn on the outside faucets to be sure they are working properly. While they are on, check the wall and carpet at the inside wall nearest the location of the outside faucet. Water could indicate that the line is broken inside the wall. If you see water, call your Plumber or if applicable your Community Association Manager, and do not use the outside faucet until it has been inspected and/or repaired by a qualified technician.

If you have a burst water line:

• Turn off the water at the inside cut-off, if you have one – or at the outside cut-off.

• Call your plumber to make repairs or if applicable to your type of community the Community Association Manager at Ghertner & Company during normal business hours of Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:30 at 615-255-8531. The after-hours maintenance emergency number is 615-255-4736.

General recommendations:

• If you are going out of town, even for a short time, please consider leaving the heat set at a minimum of 65 degrees. You may choose to leave a key with a neighbor, in case of an emergency.

• Know the location of your water cut-off, and how to turn off all water. This information is also helpful when you make plumbing repairs or change plumbing fixtures.