Business Spotlight: Maine Tick and Mosquito Control

Insects and other annoying bugs and pests carrying diseases who can ruin both indoor and outdoor activities are ready for another season of invading homes and making our lives miserable. But there is a solution, and Maine Tick and Mosquito Control stands ready to help.

Maine Tick and Mosquito stands ready to assist with safe,
affordable and effective pest management treatments.
The company offers a home pest protection plan with
a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
COURTESY PHOTO  

Based in Scarborough, Maine Tick and Mosquito Control’s experienced experts offer advanced, safe and effective solutions for ticks and mosquitoes, rodents and other unwanted pests. The company prioritizes eco-friendly and family-safe treatments, ensuring a safe environment for clients, loved ones, and pets.

“Our team, local office staff and Maine-licensed pest control technicians take great care in protecting you from the dangers of tick and mosquito bites and the diseases associated with them,” said Don Bishop of Maine Tick and Mosquito Control. “We create protective yard barriers, provide lawn treatments and have extensive tick protection programs for residents of towns and cities of Maine.”

Bishop said that Maine Tick and Mosquito Control incorporates a simple pest management system into every tick treatment, mosquito barrier treatments and rodent control.

“It's a simple 1, 2, 3 method of pest control, IPM, commonly known as the Integrated Pest Management,” he said.

According to Bishop, who has more than 24 years of experience in pest control, those steps include identification, evaluation and treatment.

“To first identify your pest problems is key and our trained technicians will pinpoint the cause of your problems,” he said. “Because no two yards are alike, we will immediately evaluate your surrounding home for potential risk areas and will develop a plan of action to resolve the problems. Then we will treat the areas that need to be treated with a protective barrier treatment, lawn treatments or through bait and tick boxes and tubes.”

All of this results in a Maine home pest protection plan like no other with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

“Our family-owned and operated in Maine pest control business is preferred because of our reliable, professional and friendly staff,” Bishop said. “As well, we maintain ongoing communication with our trusted customers, and we work hard to keep them safe from bites and deadly diseases all year long. Investing in a mosquito control program is more important than ever to protect your family from the dangers these parasites carry. It's well known that there is 88 percent to 93 percent success rate when treating yards and we strive for even better. We've got your backyard covered.”

Maine Tick and Mosquito Control crews are dependable and show up on time when needed.

“We offer dependable, affordable residential pest control services that include tick, mosquito and rodent eradication and control,” Bishop said. “The services we provide can be a one-time service, special event or an on-going treatment plan that works for you and your budget. We also provide commercial plans for pest extermination and work directly with property managers and real estate agents. Group plans are also available.”

He said that all treatment products used by Maine Tick and Mosquito Control are EPA approved, and the company doesn’t use contracts, so customers may cancel at any time.

Company reviews are nothing less than exceptional.

“So happy with Maine Tick and Mosquito, they took care of our issue in a timely manner, Susan was great to work with, very friendly and took good care of us! Couldn’t be more pleased with them, so easy to work with, I will certainly recommend them and call again if I need their services.” Stephanie Quattrucci

"The staff at Maine Tick & Mosquito are wonderful to work with. They are extremely responsive, reliable, and professional. Their treatments eliminated ticks and drastically reduced the mosquito population around my home. It was money well spent. I’ve already signed up for next year!" Candy Ingalls.

“Highly recommend Maine Tick & Mosquito!! We have been a customer of theirs for 2 years now and will continue to use their service. Thanks to them, it is much more enjoyable to entertain around our pool and outdoor area. Plus, their customer service is top notch. Call them, get on their list for next season ... your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner. A++ company and service.” Tracey Herring

Call today for a free estimate or to make an appointment at 207-838-2133 or visit https://www.mainetick.com/ <

Business Spotlight: Reading Remotely Tutoring Services

By offering flexibility and instruction tailored to each student’s needs, lessons by Reading Remotely Tutoring Services ensure not only that students learn, but also help unlock their future potential. Certified teachers provide individualized lessons for children of all ages, and the remote tutoring lessons enable flexibility during those busy summer months.

Reading Remotely Tutoring Services is owned by Melissa
Gadbois and offers individualized virtual lessons to students 
based upon their needs. COURTESY PHOTO 

“Everything is shared through our screen, and all the student needs is a piece of paper and something with which to write. We offer optional assessment sessions prior to the six weeks of tutoring, or provide the assessments during the first lesson,” said Melissa Gadbois, the owner of Reading Remotely Tutoring Services. “Since lessons are individualized, tutoring sessions may focus on phonics, spelling, fluency, or reading comprehension, depending on the child's specific needs. We also tailor the level of support to what the parents are hoping to achieve through the tutoring lessons. For some, the goal is simply to prevent summer learning loss. For others, we work at filling gaps with their reading and/or spelling skills to help the child get closer to grade level.”

Gadbois is a Literacy Specialist and a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner and has been teaching in Southern Maine for 17 years.

“I started tutoring in the evenings and in the summers in 2016,” she said. “In 2020, I began teaching lessons virtually to my students at school and realized that it was engaging, and I was seeing real progress. I opened it up to tutoring remotely that summer, and there was a lot of interest. As far as I know, I am one of the few educators in the state who holds both Literacy Specialist and Certified Dyslexia Practitioner titles. Because of this, I’m able to use a wide variety of tools and knowledge to help determine comprehensive plans to support our students.”

In 2022, Gadbois added an additional tutor, Jamie Vaillancourt, who graduated from Saint Joseph's College with an elementary education degree and a concentration in special education. She teaches kindergarten during the school year and has additional certification in a phonics curriculum called LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). Last summer, Gadbois added a third tutor, Sheri Woolverton, a retired K-3 South Portland teacher, to the team to keep up with scheduling demands.

“As a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner, I’m able to directly provide Orton-Gillingham lessons to students, which is a type of tutoring that many families are looking for, especially for children with a diagnosed or perceived learning disability. Although I cannot provide direct tutoring to all the students who sign up for our services, I provide both tutors with materials for initial assessments and help analyze the results and make instructional plans for the summer. Families typically sign up for one or two lessons per week, and we work hard to maximize the lesson time we have with our students. This summer, we will surpass 100 students who have received our tutoring services since my business went remote, including many repeat students and families.”

What sets Reading Remotely Tutoring Services apart is that, in being virtual, they can work with children anywhere there is Wi-Fi.

“Over the past few summers, I've worked with students who live in different states and time zones, and with local students when they are on vacation,” Gadbois said. “Since most lessons are just 30 to 45 minutes, they are easy to fit into your summer schedule, and you don't have to miss out on too much summer fun. We also offer flexibility and have customized schedules to account for availability around summer camp schedules.”

According to Gadbois, some families are wary of trying remote tutoring but quickly realize the quality of instruction is not negatively impacted when it's delivered through the screen.

“In fact, I've noticed that students are typically more engaged during our remote lessons than they are during in-person lessons,” she said. “Lessons are paced in a way that is motivating, and they typically end with a game. Throughout the entire 30 to 45 minutes, students are equally engaged and challenged, so that they can feel confident and capable.”

As a K-2 Literacy Specialist during the school year, Gadbois sees firsthand the impact that summer regression has on students and it’s something that impacts all students, to varying degrees.

“Research has shown that students lose about 20 percent of their reading gains from a school year over the summer, and teachers are needing to spend the first month or two of the new school year helping students catch up to where they were the previous spring,” she said. “Summer tutoring can help in not only preventing this ‘summer slide,’ but also can help improve students' abilities so they start the year stronger than ever. Whether it is increased confidence and engagement in reading, improved phonics and spelling skills, or smoother reading fluency, parents are consistently pleased with the impact of our lessons.”

Gadbois knows what it’s like to want to make the most of Maine summers. Growing up on Sebago Lake in Windham, she has always spent her summers with family and friends at the lake, where her parents still reside. “By providing remote tutoring lessons, I’m able to help families prioritize their child’s learning without needing to sacrifice the summer memories that are equally as important. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help prepare students for the new school year in a way that is as manageable as it is beneficial.”

To learn more about Reading Remotely Tutoring Services, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/readingremotely <

Nonprofit Spotlight: Gander Brook Christian Camp

Children in Maine are aware that summer never lasts as long as they wish, but there is a way for them to make the most of the season by attending a legendary camp in Raymond where they can experience adventure in a positive, safe, and encouraging setting.

Gander Brook Christian Camp in Raymond is offering new
day camps Mondays through Fridays for children ages 6
to 13. Visit www.ganderbrook.org/ for more details or
to register. COURTESY PHOTO 

Gander Brook Christian Camp provides kids 8 to 18 with a rustic camping experience whether it’s overnight or during the day where they can make lifelong friendships, strengthen their faith and simply to enjoy what it is like to be a child.

Owned and operated by the Churches of Christ in New England, Gander Brook Christian Camp is located at the corner of Ledge Hill Road and North Raymond Road and sits on 222 acres as well as additional waterfront property on Raymond Pond. Sessions are during the day Monday through Friday or overnight from Saturday to Saturday. Sessions run weekly from the last week of June through the first week of August.

Steve Mezzapelle of Gander Brook Christian Camp first came to the camp at age 8 and attended every year until he was 18 and even returned as a camp counselor for several summers when he was in college. He currently serves on the camp’s Board of Directors.

“It made such a huge impact on my life,” he said. “This is a hidden gem nobody knows about. Gander Brook is the reason why I fell in love with Maine and the reason I wanted to move here. It had that great of a positive impact on my life.”

The camp has been operating in Raymond since 1959 and is guided by a Board of Directors from around New England. It is staffed by two directors, a staff of 16 to 20 camp counselors and an activities director. Volunteers staff the kitchen, the camp canteen and camp laundry, and there are also merit badge instructors, nurses, and Bible instructors. Camp counselors change each year and are recruited from the leading Christian colleges across America. The two camp directors have been with the camp for more than two decades.

The camp is non-denominational, affordable, and open to all children. Overnight campers bunk in cabins with kids their own age for their weeklong stay and their daily schedule includes, meals, Bible classes, earning merit badges such as outdoor cooking, archery, ropes course, tie dyeing, sign language and more plus afternoon sports and swimming/kayaking, cabin challenge games and evening activities such as skit nights, Crazy Olympics, scavenger hunts, nature classes, bonfires, and cookouts. Day campers between the ages of 6 and 13 experience all the daytime activities and receive breakfast and lunch every day.

“We wanted more kids to experience Gander Brook, so we opened it up this year for both day campers and overnight campers,” Mezzapelle said. “Day campers can sign up on a week-by-week basis or for throughout the summer.”

Gander Brook provides campers with a good, healthy, faith-based environment away from the chaotic stresses that can often surround children. No electronic devices are allowed, so it’s a great place for kids to unplug and connect with people and nature and to just have fun. For many campers, lifelong friendships are forged, and those friendships and the people associated with Gander Brook Christian Camp are what make this camp special.

Mezzapelle said that campers find encouragement and an environment which makes everyone feel special and respected like they are family.

The Gander Brook Christian Camp site itself is one of Maine’s historic properties. On the site, the Wilson Hotel and Spring Company, with its centerpiece inn known as “The Wilson” was built in 1890. The Noraco Inn was built on the site in 1929 on the berms seen in the Wilson Hotel pictures, and which still surrounds the lodge today at Gander Brook. When the inn closed around 1950, the property was vacant for nine years. The Churches of Christ in New England saw a need for summer camping and organized a Board of Directors which purchased the 200-acre property in 1959 and has been operating a summer camp program each summer since then.

“This is such a beautiful place, and we want the community to know about it and for young people to experience it for themselves,” Mezzapelle said.

Openings for children are currently available at Gander Book Christian Camp for this summer.

For more details about Gander Brook Christian Camp or to sign up, visit https://www.ganderbrook.org/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram under Gander Brook Christian Camp. <

Business Spotlight: O’Shea Builders LLC

The mission of O’Shea Builders remains as basic as it did when the company was founded 20 years ago and that is to foster lasting relationships with clients through transparency, quality craftsmanship, and community focused values.

O'Shea Builders is a residential remodeling-only company
that provides quality kitchen, bathroom and whole home
remodeling services. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Warren O’Shea created O’Shea Builders as a residential remodeling-only company, and it offers comprehensive design and whole-house remodeling. The company is known for personalized solutions, integrity, and consumer advocacy.

“Very few companies are remodeling only,” O’Shea said. “I come from the hospitality industry which is built upon customer service, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction. At one time, I was the youngest member of the New England Innkeepers Association. Our most-sought qualities are trust and communication. Almost all our vacation home remodels have owners who are out of state. Keeping them informed and engaged is of the utmost importance.”

With decades of experience in remodeling, O’Shea says the company’s expertise lies in transforming and revitalizing his clients’ living spaces efficiently and effectively, with a primary focus on providing quality kitchen, bathroom, and whole home renovations.

“Over the last 20 years we have developed not only procedures, but systems to ensure unparalleled customer service,” O’Shea said. “We are like a personal chef, and we don't offer a drive-up window service. We strive to make the client feel exclusive. We do not put signs in their yards, we have no truck lettering, and we don't post their project on social media without their expressed permission. I do not want the client to feel that we are using their project as a springboard for prospecting new projects in the neighborhood. Their project is their business, and their privacy is mine. When we perform as designed, the work inquiries will come organically. We have a pre-existing NDA within our company for all O’Shea Builders employees and have performed under NDA's as well.”

Without reservation, O’Shea credits his employees for the company’s longevity and business success.

“O’Shea Builders is nothing without them and they are our biggest fans,” he said. “If you have the good fortune to meet any one of them, they will tell you that they feel valued, supported, engaged, challenged and well-compensated. Our benefits package is as robust as a company four times as large. My goal is to have each and every one of them be so stable and confident in their position that they do not consider working anywhere else.”

The company has more 5-star reviews than any contractor in Maine and is the top-rated remodeling services provider in the state. O’Shea attributes this to an emphasis on not only pleasing customers but a sincere desire to seek more.

“Our goal is not merely just customer satisfaction but exceeding expectations,” O’Shea said. “The basis of the positive feedback we receive is flatly, customer service,” he said. “The individual parts of customer service are knowledge, transparency, flexibility, and communication.”

That focus has resulted in long-lasting relationships with clients who continue to praise O’Shea Builders on social media.

“Responded quickly to inquiries and changes made during process. His team completely renovated two rooms in an ancient house without a single level board in the place, and they did an outstanding job. They also built a great set of stairs leaving the building. Highly recommend Warren for whatever your needs.” Angeline M.

“O’Shea Builders were instrumental in helping us sell our house. On multiple occasions, they came in with very little notice and fixed various problems that came up when our house was on the market. Once under contract, we needed to replace a large section of the wood floors in our kitchen. For a very affordable price and without notice, they did a beautiful job on the repair which included matching new flooring to an old/worn wooden floor. We can’t wait to get started with them in our new house!” John W.

“Wish we could give Warren and O’Shea Builders 10 stars. They were very responsive and professional. They not only did the repairs in a timely fashion, but they also made great suggestions for future repairs.” Karen B.

Serving most of Southern Maine and the Coastal and Lakes Region, O’Shea Builders has earned a stellar reputation through the years for quality, exceptional craftsmanship, thinking differently and responsiveness but O’Shea says its underlying core value is simple.

“It’s about creating relationships with our clients and being intuitive to their needs,” O’Shea said. “We get to know them to help them find their dream.”

For more details about O’Shea Builders LLC, visit https://buildwithoshea.com/ Find them on Facebook under O'Shea Builders LLC. <

Business Spotlight: Robbins Pest Services

Robbins Pest Services (RPS) specializes in helpful pest management solutions, offering safe and effective treatments to protect homes, businesses, and the environment.

Rick Robbins of Robbins Pest Services provides
exceptional and affordable pest solutions with
safe, effective and eco-friendly treatments.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Based in Gorham, Robbins serves the Greater Portland area and surrounding cities and towns with a wide range of services customized to meet the specific needs of each customer with reliability and affordability. 

Owned and operated by Rick Robbins and his wife Nicole, the company’s core services include general pest control by addressing common household pests such as ants, cockroaches, spiders, and rodents through targeted treatments and prevention strategies, including organic options for environmentally conscious customers. It also provides bed bug extermination and mosquito and tick treatments.

“At RPS, we are dedicated to providing the best pest control solutions while prioritizing safety, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction,” Rick Robbins said. “Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly mosquito solution or need reliable protection from other pests, we have you covered.”

Robbins said that the company is excited to announce the addition of In2Care mosquito treatments, a revolutionary approach to mosquito control that reduces reliance on traditional chemical sprays.

“Unlike monthly fogging treatments, In2Care targets mosquito breeding sites, stopping mosquitoes before they become a problem,” he said. “The In2Care system uses an innovative mosquito trap that attracts egg-laying female mosquitoes. Once inside, they pick up an EPA-approved bioactive ingredient that not only kills adult mosquitoes but also spreads to nearby breeding sites, disrupting the mosquito life cycle.”

According to Robbins, one of the biggest advantages of In2Care is that it does not harm bees, butterflies, or other essential pollinators.

“Unlike traditional spraying methods that can affect all insects in the area, In2Care specifically targets mosquitoes, making it a safer choice for homeowners who want to protect their gardens and the environment,” he said.

Along with this cutting-edge mosquito solution, RPS continues to provide full-service pest control for homes, businesses, and property managers.

“Our expert team is equipped to handle all sorts of pests including rodents such as mice and rats, ants and crawling insects, bedbugs and cockroaches, and also offers traditional mosquito and tick treatments for those who prefer or require conventional methods,” Robbins said.

Robbins said that the company is keenly aware that every customer's pest control needs are unique.

“That's why we offer a variety of customizable plans to accommodate different schedules, budgets, and pest concerns,” he said. “Whether it's a one-time treatment or ongoing maintenance, we work closely with our customers to develop a plan that fits their specific requirements. We also understand the unique pest control needs of businesses and offer tailored solutions to keep commercial properties pest-free and in compliance with health and safety regulations, including organic treatments for businesses seeking environmentally friendly options.”

He says what sets Robbins Pest Services apart from the competition is its exceptional commitment to customer satisfaction.

“As a family business, we prioritize personalized solutions tailored to each customer's needs,” Robbins said. “Our experienced team stays ahead of the curve with innovative techniques while promoting sustainability. We offer organic options for those seeking environmentally friendly solutions, ensuring effective pest control with minimal environmental impact. Ultimately, we're dedicated to making our customers happy and providing peace of mind. We aim to keep things competitive without sacrificing quality. Our prices are fair and upfront, and do not include hidden fees. We might not always be the cheapest, but we're all about giving you value. And we have different service plans to suit your needs. Our goal is to make sure you're getting top-notch pest control without breaking the bank. It's all about giving you the best bang for your buck.”

Having worked in the Pest Control industry for more than a decade, Robbins said that he recognizes the importance of offering reliable and personalized pest control services that prioritize both quality and community well-being.

“Leveraging that experience in the industry and fueled by a passion for making homes and businesses pest-free, my wife and I established Robbins Pest Services,” he said. “From day one, we've infused every aspect of our business with a family touch, ensuring that each customer receives the care and attention they deserve. Our mission is simple, to protect your family and property as if they were our own, all while building a stronger, pest-free community together. We are deeply rooted in family values and community. Our commitment to serving the community drives everything we do, from our personalized approach to pest control solutions to our dedication to sustainability and customer satisfaction. When you choose Robbins Pest Services, you're not just getting effective pest control, you're supporting a local family business that genuinely cares about making a positive impact in the community.”

Call Robbins Pest Services today at 207-770-0274 to learn more about their services and schedule your treatment. Also visit them online at www.robbinspest.com <