The most recent examination of the role insects play in our world is “God & the World of Insects,” written by entomologists and longtime industry professionals Josh Shoemaker and Gary Braness.

Shoemaker is an Associate Certified Entomologist with more than 20 years of experience in urban pest management. He has taught hundreds of seminars on insect and arachnid biology and is a former adjunct professor at Arizona Christian University. Braness, a PhD, is consulting entomologist and owner of Yosemite Environmental Services, Fresno, California. His research has been published in the Journal of Economic Entomology and many of his articles have appeared in industry trade magazines.

The book is described as an exploration “viewed through the eyes of entomologists and scientists who believe in a Creator God. The chapters discuss the design, nature, and purpose of insects in the world while at the same time showing the beauty and diversity of insects.” Contributors consider such topics as the vision of bees, the importance of ants, and the role of insects in advancing technology and drug therapy.

Among the questions addressed are:

• Are insects protectors or destroyers of the ecosystem?

• Why are there insects such as mosquitoes and cockroaches?

• Do insects suffer?

• How should humans respond to the world of insects?

The book can be ordered from Amazon.com, from the publisher's website at Lampionpress.com and from Christianbook.com.

Here is a sampling of reviews from the authors’ pest control industry colleagues:

“God & the World of Insects” is an insightful look at the complex world of insects through the eyes of entomologists/scientists who believe in a Creator God. This book presents evidence of design, common blueprint and purpose of the Creator, by pointing to the beauty and diverse insect world as a demonstration of His plan. The authors challenge the reader to open their eyes and their minds to see both the beauty and diversity of the insect world through the Creator’s design. I would hope that this book would not only be read and contemplated, but also become weather-beaten by being part of one’s scientific reference library.

—Paul Baker, PhD Emeritus, Professor of Entomology, University of Arizona

The superb diversity of arthropod taxa, together with the chemicals of which they are comprised, is aptly represented in this well-written and unique work. Rarely is any effort given to herald the providential hand of our Creator God in jeweling each ecosystem with a plethora of insects, mites, arachnids and related taxa to populate every acre with enough creatures for inexhaustible life- or eternity-long study. The co-editors and authors do a splendid job in shepherding us onto a trail of exploration of this symphony of creatures interdependent through complex dietary webs. Interweaving of God’s lovingly written word into this volume provides a conceptual foundation that should foster creative research where we partner with God instead of being divorced from any notion of purposeful design. Topics range from the masterpiece of bee vision and eloquent metamorphosis to the incredible beauty of adaptive functionality generating arthropod chemicals useful in innovative pest control and drug therapy. Insects may best exemplify that there are always exceptions to any human theoretical rule, and that all creation brings glory to God.

—Chris Mullen, PhD, Professor of Insect Toxicology, Penn State University

In this masterfully written work, Josh Shoemaker and the contributing authors remind us of the inseparable relationships between science and faith, evolution and intelligent design, and finally, God and our universe. I highly recommend this book to all who want to further understand the relationship between the Creator and the created order.

—Mike Masterson, Founder and CEO of Isotech Pest Management, Host of Verminators on The Discovery Channel

When a snowstorm hits, there’s no time to waste getting yourself and your crews out on the job. In-cab controls can make all the difference, especially for companies that are servicing smaller properties with lots of twists and turns, and lots of stops on their routes.

Jim Stewart’s five-man crew at Stewart Landscaping operates in suburban Maine. So while his crews service a lot of residential accounts and small strip malls, they need to be able to move around quickly and efficiently so that they can get back on the road to their next service stop.

Stewart uses UTVs with plows for smaller sidewalk areas and says his guys prefer to use the joystick controls rather than the power grip option, which he tried out at the dealership when he was shopping around.

“When you’re wearing big, heavy gloves, the controls on the power grip work better,” he says. “I tried it with my usual gloves on and it does take some getting used to, but it’s easier for me and my guys.”

Read the full story from the October issue here.

SAN DIEGO – Soil Retention Products launched Drivable Turf, a pre-cut artificial turf solution that fits to their permeable, flexible concrete pavement system, Drivable Grass.

Drivable Grass is a system Soil Retention developed in 2007. The system can be infilled with seed, sod or several dry infill options, depending on application and preference. It serves as an alternative to poured concrete, asphalt and conventional pavers.

Drivable Turf comes in 4-feet x 4-feet sections and fits into the void spaces of Drivable Grass. The pre-cut artificial turf installs in combination with Drivable Grass, without the need to measure, cut and space, which reduces labor hours and costs. Drivable Turf can be used as an infill option for walkways lawn replacements and daily driving applications.

“Drivable Turf offers solutions to many design challenges,” said Julia Schmid, marketing manager at Soil Retention. “It breaks up conventional hardscapes by giving it a green look without the need to irrigate. The product is architecturally appealing due to its clean look and straight lines, and is low maintenance.”

Visit the company website for more details.

CLEVELAND – Project EverGreen and Nufarm released special edition, “A Greener Call of Duty” T-shirts. A portion of the T-shirt proceeds will go to support the GreenCare for Troops initiative.

The shirts will be available through Nov. 22, retail for $20 and can be ordered here. Orders received by Nov. 15 have guaranteed delivery by Dec. 20 in time for Christmas.

“The special edition T-shirts are a terrific way to support the GreenCare for Troops program and outfit your employees with a T-shirt that promotes the value of green spaces,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Whether you have time to volunteer for the program or not, buying T-shirts for you and your crews helps to support Project EverGreen’s efforts to provide free lawn and landscape services to our military heroes.”

The winning T-shirt design was selected by attendees at GIE+EXPO. 

Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops provides complimentary lawn and landscape services for the families of currently deployed military personnel, and post-9/11 disabled veterans with a service-connected disability. Both Nufarm and Toro are the primary corporate supporters of the GreenCare for Troops program.