Latest news with #Certus
Tom's Guide
07-07-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
How to keep bees out of hummingbird feeders — 5 expert methods to help them thrive
First thing each morning, I sit outside and watch the wildlife visiting my garden. There's lots of activity to spot. An array of birds swoop down to feed and drink, and there are plenty of insects doing their thing. And although I feel quite spoiled to be able to enjoy this scene by simply opening my back door, I would love the opportunity to attract hummingbirds to my yard. Unfortunately, hummingbirds are not native to the U.K., so unless I up sticks and move south, this is one birdwatching treat I'll be missing out on. But for those of you with more favorable locations, adding a hummingbird feeder to your yard will attract these beautiful birds. But beware, a few insects will follow. Given the chance, bees will dive in and feast on the food, and although we don't class them as pests, they can prevent hummingbirds from getting their fill and thriving. I've called on the help of wildlife and pest experts to share how to discourage bees from taking over hummingbird feeders without causing them harm, but firstly it's good to know why we need to protect hummingbirds from bees. This smart hummingbird feeder provides a safe space for the birds to feed. You can capture video and photos of the tiny backyard creatures and it's all powered by solar energy. The Bird Buddy app then uses Ai to identify hummingbirds and other species, with real-time alerts. Maria Kincaid, ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap, says, 'Bees, along with wasps and hornets, are attracted to hummingbird feeders because they're a food source filled with sugary nectar, much like the flowers they are attracted to, just like hummingbirds.' While Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention, adds, 'It's not just the sugar, it's the simplicity. Bees prefer low-effort, high-reward sources, and most feeders are basically a fast-food drive-thru.' With bright red and yellow signage, sugar-rich liquid, and no petals to navigate, they are the perfect feeding stop for bees. In the drought or midsummer, she says hummingbird feeders outcompete flowers in both quantity and accessibility. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Juan C. Rezk, chief marketing officer at Certus, says the presence of bees can deter shyer hummingbirds and that 'aggressive bee swarms can stress the birds or even completely dominate the feeder.' But apart from bees, you'll also want to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders, without causing them harm. Bees prefer low-effort, high-reward sources, and most feeders are basically a fast-food drive-thru While Jason Napolski, CEO and President at A-Tex Pest Management, says there is a knock-on effect, as wasps and yellow jackets, which often follow bees to feeders, can also be aggressive and territorial, putting off hummingbirds from feeding. 'Too many bees can overwhelm feeders, scare off hummingbirds, and lead to aggressive swarming,' says Carpenter, adding that the bees can also suffer. 'Bees can drown in the nectar, which helps no one, including the hive.' Some types of hummingbird feeders are more difficult for bees to access than others, and Kincaid recommends those with long nectar ports, which make it easy for hummingbirds to access the food, but bees and other stinging insects cannot. You can also consider a hummingbird feeder with a bee guard, while saucer-style feeders also make it more difficult for bees to access the rich nectar. Isabelle Manseau, owner at Birdzy, says the color of your feeder will make a difference, as bees love yellow. She suggests, 'Stay away from feeders with yellow components. Use red only if you want to draw hummingbirds.' If you already have a hummingbird feeder, it's worth checking it for leaks, with Napolski warning, 'Avoid feeders that leak or drip, as even a small spill can attract insects quickly.' Top tip If you've got a real bee problem, Kincaid suggests moving your hummingbird feeder to a new location, as hummingbirds will move with the feeder, but the bees may not. Carpenter explains that repositioning will disturb the bees 'memory maps'. Kincaid also recommends positioning your feeder in a shady location, as bees prefer to feed in full sun. There's a mixed opinion on whether scent can deter bees from hummingbird feeders or not. Manseau says, 'Some people apply vinegar, clove oil, peppermint oil, or cinnamon to nearby surfaces.' However, she believes it's not very effective in the long run, particularly after a downpour. Despite this view, Carpenter says it's best to go for scent layering, 'Bees may tolerate a single strong scent if the nectar reward is high. But combining deterrents, like peppermint oil plus vinegar wipe-downs, creates a sensory overload they won't push through.' Napolski also believes it's worth giving scent deterrents, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon, a try. 'You can try placing peppermint oil on cotton balls and tucking them near the feeder to gently deter bees without affecting hummingbirds,' he says, but adds, 'Avoid applying oils directly to the feeder ports, as that can repel the birds too.' Shiny objects like reflective tape, old CDs, or metallic pinwheels disorient bees There are plenty of options to deter the bees with visual devices. Carpenter explains, 'Shiny objects like reflective tape, old CDs, or metallic pinwheels disorient bees, who prefer a calm, stable visual field.' She suggests hanging the objects nearby, rather than on the feeder, which might spook the hummingbirds too. Carpenter also recommends using devices with vertical motion, such as hanging spirals that bob in the wind. 'Bees will hate it, while hummingbirds won't care,' she adds. 'Regular cleaning and maintenance will not only help keep pests away from your hummingbird feeder, but it's best for the hummingbirds you're trying to attract,' says Kincaid. What's more, she adds that sugar water can spoil quickly, which can cause mold to grow in the feeder and nectar ports. And, if it begins to ferment, when left too long in the sun, it can harm hummingbirds. A poorly maintained feeder will always cause a problem. 'Leaky, sticky feeders are bee magnets. Cleaning them weekly with hot water, without soap, and checking for loose seals or ports that drip will help you in your war with bees,' advises Carpenter. By keeping your hummingbird feeder clean, you'll also be removing pheromone trails, the scent trails that bees leave behind for others to follow. While we want to deter bees from honing in on hummingbird feeders, they still play an important role in the ecosystem of our gardens, so the best solution is to create a bee-friendly zone. Napolski suggests planting bee-friendly flowers, such as lavender, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and mint, away from the feeder. 'You can also set up a bee watering station — a shallow dish with water and pebbles for them to land on — and place a sugar-water feeder specifically for bees in another part of the garden. This diverts them while supporting their role as pollinators,' he adds. This 2-pack of Bee Cups, available for $9 at Amazon, could be just the thing to attract bees away from your hummingbird feeder. Opt for bee cups in yellow, purple, and blue — colors that bees love. Manseau suggests another solution, and says, 'Set up a dish with sugar water or fruit away from your feeders. Once bees find and rely on that spot, they'll stop crowding the hummingbird zone.' Whatever you do, all the experts agree, you shouldn't use pesticides to kill the bees. Kincaid says, 'Insects are an important part of our ecosystem, and while they can definitely be annoying, we need them around. 'Bees are important pollinators, and also important food sources for different species. Along with taking these insects out of the ecosystem, the pesticides used to kill bees can also be directly harmful to birds.' And pesticides won't just wipe out one or two bees, Carpenter says; they can destroy whole colonies and harm other pollinators. She also explains that hummingbirds can be affected as well. If they are exposed to neonicotinoids, they won't die right away, but it will be a slow and confused demise.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Certus Earns Great Place To Work® Certification for Third Consecutive Year
Recognition based on employee feedback highlights a strong culture of autonomy, trust and inclusion ORLANDO, Fla., June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Certus, a leading provider of digital training and certification solutions, is proud to announce that it has been Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the third consecutive year. This prestigious recognition is based entirely on feedback from current employees about their experience working at Certus. According to the 2025 Great Place To Work® Trust Index™ survey, 83% of Certus employees stated that the company is a great place to work – compared to the 57% average for typical U.S.-based companies. The survey reflects strong ratings in key areas such as autonomy, flexibility and support – hallmarks of Certus' people-first culture. Notably, 94% of employees said they are able to take time off from work when necessary, and 92% agreed that people at Certus care about each other. "Being certified as a Great Place To Work® for the third year in a row is more than just an honor – it's a reflection of the culture we've built together, and a signal that we're moving in the right direction," said John Comly, CEO of Certus. "Workplaces don't improve by chance. They get better by embracing a shared vision and sense of ownership, sharing and listening to diverse perspectives and having a willingness to evolve. Each year, we treat the survey feedback as an opportunity to learn and then make changes that reflect what our colleagues say they need. It's not perfect, and it's never finished – but it's progress, and we're committed to that. Congrats to the team on this well-deserved recognition." Employee feedback emphasized a sense of engagement and trust across the organization. One employee shared anonymously: "Certus is amazing. New hires take a DISC assessment to understand unique personalities and working styles... Leadership is open, honest and approachable. We have monthly All Hands Calls where the CEO answers employee questions… Praise is frequent and constructive. Personally, I feel very seen and like I have a voice. I love the company and everything it stands for." Survey results are collected and reported by an independent third-party provider to ensure confidentiality. To become Great Place To Work® certified, Certus meets strict survey criteria, including a minimum response rate and threshold scores that represent feedback from the company's broad population. "Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. "By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Certus stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees." To learn more about Certus' Great Place To Work® Certification and employee experience, visit: About CertusCertus is a leading provider of professional training and certification solutions, serving over 3.4 million learners annually. With a comprehensive suite of content, simulations and compliance offerings, Certus supports lifelong learners at every level, from trusted industry brands to individuals seeking to enter, sustain or advance their careers. Its best-in-class technology platform and extensive portfolio of brands empower learners to unleash potential and achieve new possibilities. Learn more at About Great Place to Work Certification™Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified. About Great Place To Work®As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List. Learn more at and follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Contact:Jordan McKnightDirector of Corporate View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Certus Holdco, Inc
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Data Center Safety Council and Certus Announce Upcoming Launch of Industry's First Data Center Safety Awareness Certification
ORLANDO, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Data Center Safety Council (DCSC), an industry group leading a unified approach towards ensuring safety and wellbeing of personnel in data center operations, in partnership with Certus, one of the nation's leading workforce training and certification providers, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the first-ever Data Center Safety Awareness Certification. This landmark certification, which will be available mid-June, aims to provide data center industry professionals and suppliers with the critical knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a safe working environment. Data centers, which store the world's most important digital infrastructure, have seen explosive growth in recent years, demanding heightened attention to safety standards. The new certification, championed by some of the largest global players in the data center industry, offers comprehensive safety training and standards, setting a new benchmark of safety practices for professionals working in this sector. Unlike generic training programs, the Data Center Safety Awareness Certification directly addresses real risks data center workers face daily – from electrical hazards and heat exposure to fire risks and access control. Developed with input from Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) leaders at global hyperscale and colocation firms, it bridges a critical gap between regulatory compliance and operational realities. Whether a data center operator, contractor or vendor, this training helps learners and organizations: Reduce accidents and near-misses Establish consistent safety language across multi-employer sites Improve onboarding and reduce time-to-competency Meet client and insurer expectations for standardized training As the first and only standardized certification of its kind, the Data Center Safety Awareness Certification will initially focus on establishing an industry baseline level of health and safety competency for workers prior to being permitted into an operational data center environment. The certification achieves this by introducing the learner to data center infrastructure and culture, covering safety requirements and discussing hazardous exposures at data center sites. "We're thrilled to partner with one of the leading workforce training and certification companies, Certus, to bring forward critical safety training for data center professionals across the industry through DCSC," said Donna Lynch, Vice President Environment, Health & Safety STACK Infrastructure and Chair of the Steering Committee DCSC. "This comprehensive training will have an impact on the health and safety of the growing number of workers in data center operations. For the first time, data center operators will have a level of assurance that those working within our data centers have an appropriate and consistent knowledge of data center safety that will support their ability to safely execute work." "We are excited to collaborate with the Data Center Safety Council on this groundbreaking initiative," said Kim Brophy, Chief Product Officer of Certus. "The safety of data center professionals is a top priority, and this standardized certification represents our shared commitment to equipping workers with the critical skills necessary to prevent accidents and ensure the security of digital infrastructure." The initial certification program will be available in mid-June. Industry professionals can find additional information and register to be notified once the training is available at About Data Center Safety Council:Data Center Safety Council is an industry group leading a unified approach towards ensuring safety and wellbeing of personnel in data center operations. It brings together some of the largest global players in the data center industry to address common issues and seek long-term solutions with vendors and suppliers for the benefit and safety of data center workers. To learn more, visit About Certus:Certus is a leading provider of professional training and certification solutions, serving over 3.4 million learners annually. With a comprehensive suite of content, simulations and compliance offerings, Certus supports lifelong learners at every level, from trusted industry brands to individuals seeking to enter, sustain or advance their careers. Its best-in-class technology platform and extensive portfolio of brands empower learners to unleash potential and achieve new possibilities. To learn more, visit PRESS CONTACT:Kate AslesonMarketing LeadData Center Safety Jordan McKnightDirector of Corporate View original content: SOURCE Certus Holdco, Inc
