[News]

Rasberry Ants Confirmed in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Rasberry crazy ant, Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens, a destructive pest confirmed throughout 11 coastal counties in Texas, has now been confirmed in San Antonio. The ants were discovered in a hotel by a San Antonio PCO and confirmed by Bill Summerlin of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The significance of this discovery is that Rasberry ants now have been confirmed in a location that is about 100 miles from the nearest confirmed infestation.

The Rasberry ant was found around Houston (Harris County) in 2002, and has begun to spread with human assistance. These ants pack into electrical equipment in such dense numbers that they short out computers, air conditioning units and car computers.

Tom Rasberry, the PCO who discovered the ant and for whom the pest is named, told PCT he believes the ant has actually spread beyond the 11 counties, including most likely Louisiana.

Rasberry and others are trying to get this pest classified by USDA as an agricultural pest because of the threat it presents to livestock and honeybee farms. “I spoke with a beekeeper who lost 100 of his hives to the ants, and what happens when these ants get into chicken houses?” Rasberry said. “We are dealing with an ant species that, because of its nature, is spreading much quicker than fire ants. I think we are at a critical boiling point with these pests.”
Rasberry said state and federal officials want more information about the pest before classifying it as an ag pest. — Brad Harbison

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Marion Knox, a Founder of Terminix Service, Passes Away
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Marion Alexander Knox, founder of one of the largest Terminix franchises in the country, passed away on July 31, at the age of 90.

The son of the late Thomas Pressley Knox Sr. and Juddie Chaplin Knox, Knox was born in Columbia, S.C. Most recently he resided at Still Hopes Episcopal Home.

Knox purchased the Terminix franchise in 1947 along with his father, his brother, Thomas, and his sister, Juddie Fortson. Knox, and later his brother Thomas, grew the small business to become one of the largest privately held pest control companies in the nation. It currently has more than 1,100 employees and operates throughout South Carolina, western North Carolina and counties around Augusta, Ga.

Knox served Terminix for 62 years and was vice chairman of the board at the time of his death. He also was a founding member of the South Carolina Pest Control Association and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1989.

Knox received a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of South Carolina where he was a dean’s list student, played intramural sports and remained a loyal Gamecock fan throughout the years. Upon graduation from USC in 1939, Knox went to work for Firestone Corporation until the outbreak of World War II. With the start of the war he received a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He served as disbursing and supply officer on the USS Tyrell (AKA) from its commissioning to the end of the war. The Tyrell was involved in a number of island invasions including Okinawa, where it was hit by a kamikaze plane and received minor damage. It was the first combat ship to enter Nagasaki at the end of the war, landing Marines to clear the docks. After the war Knox continued in the Navy reserves retiring as a LCRD after 26 years of service.

Knox is survived by his daughter, Barbara K. Cobb; son, Marion A. “Lex” Knox Jr.; and his wife, Cathy Coleman Knox; grandchildren, Alex, Ashley and Trevor Knox, Roger and Rion Cobb, Rami and Kevin McCutchen; great-grandchildren, Knox, Allison and Rachel McCutchen. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Rachel Spivey Knox, brother, Thomas P. Knox Jr. and sister, Juddie K. Fortson.
-Source: Legacy.com

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Professional Pest Management Alliance Creates Promotional Videos
Fairfax, Va. — The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), the public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), has created a series of entertaining “viral” videos designed to be shared, to ultimately promote PPMA’s consumer site, Pestworld.org.

 “Viral videos are wildly popular, as more and more people turn to the Internet as a source of information and entertainment,” said Missy Henriksen, executive director of PPMA. “Our viral videos are an excellent tool to promote our industry’s message and create buzz around professional pest control, while having a little bit of fun at the same time. We encourage everyone to view the videos and forward them to family and friends.”

The comedy-based video series, titled “Bug on the Street,” shows pests being obnoxious and annoying to the people they encounter on the street of a bustling city. The cockroach (known to trigger asthma) is blowing cigar smoke, the mouse (known for contaminating food) helps herself to someone’s newly purchased hot dog at a lunch cart, and the bed bug is trying to pick up a date to take him home. The videos all end with a narrator saying, “They’re annoying all right—how’d you like to live with them?” and Pestworld.org is promoted as the call to action.

Viral videos, which have grown in popularity through Web sites such as YouTube.com, are designed to be passed around to friends, family and coworkers through email, Twitter, Facebook and other electronic forms of communication.

To view PPMA’s viral videos, visit YouTube.com/PestWorld. For more information on the Professional Pest Management Alliance and its other marketing programs visit www.npmapestworld.org/PPMA.

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Copesan Adds Three New Partners
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Copesan has added three new partners its National Accounts Division: PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control, Fredericksburg, Va.; Modern Pest Services, Brunswick, Maine; and A-Active Termite & Pest Control Company, Virginia Beach, Va., will join the 70-plus partners already servicing Copesan National Accounts across North America.

Copesan is devoted serving the pest management needs of the commercial, national account marketplace, offering coast-to-coast coverage with local expertise from regionally-based partners.

Copesan says the addition of PermaTreat, Modern and A-Active underscores the value Copesan provides to the industries it serves, including food processing, restaurant, hospitality, supermarket and health care.

“Copesan Services, Inc. is pleased to welcome the newest members of our Partner Network,” said Deni Naumann, president. “Each of these companies brings a passion to address our national client’s pest management needs with quality service, professionalism and enthusiasm.”

A-Active Termite & Pest Control employs 20 service technicians and serves Southeastern Virginia with two service centers.

The company has earned the designations of QualityPro, GreenPro Certified and QualityPro Schools from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

Modern Pest Services serves Northern New England (including the states of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) and has earned the designation of QualityPro from the National Pest Management Association.

PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control, which has been in business since 1967, currently has 10 service centers serving Northern and Central Virginia. The company also has earned NPMA’s QualityPro designation.

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Comings & Goings

If your company has added new personnel, send a photo and press release to jdorsch@giemedia.com.

Governor Tim Kaine has appointed Joe Wilson, owner and CEO of PermaTreat Pest Control, to his sixth term as a member of the Pesticide Control Board (PCB). Governor Kaine also appointed Wilson to the Virginia Fire Services Board.

Kness has hired Dan Baldwin as an independent rep for the West Coast. Baldwin will cover Oregon, Washington, California and Arizona.

Arrow Exterminators has appointed Tim Pollard to senior vice president of sales. Pollard comes to Arrow with 18 years of sales and marketing experience. In other Arrow news, the firm appointed Hugh Kendrick to the position of director of professional development for Arrow University.

BASF Pest Control Solutions has promoted Jeff Vannoy to regional sales manager for the Southern United States and Jim Derbyshire will assume the role of regional sales manager for the Northern United States. In these regions, Vannoy and Derbyshire will spearhead implementation of the company’s strategy and oversee sales activities.

Antonio Galindez has been named president and CEO of Dow AgroSciences, following The Dow Chemical Company’s announcement that Jerome Peribere, Dow AgroSciences president and CEO, has been appointed president and CEO of Dow’s Advanced Materials Division.

Ken Parry joined Bell Laboratories as a technical sales representative for Australia.

Bug Doctor, headquartered in Paramus, N.J., promoted David Kelly to service supervisor.

Harvey L. Massey, chairman and CEO of Massey Services, has been named “Man of the Year” by the EarthWeb Foundation. The award honors Massey’s lifetime commitment to community philanthropy, environmental leadership and education. In other company news, Bud Brewer has been promoted to vice chairman of Massey Communications. Lynne Frederick has been promoted to president/CEO of Massey Communications, and Andrea Massey-Farrell has been promoted to executive vice president/COO of Massey Communications.

Dodson Pest Control has hired John Massung. He will oversee the management and maintenance of Dodson’s 600 company vehicles.

Exosect has appointed Garry Thompson as sales manager for the Professional Products division. He has more than 15 years of industry experience.

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AMVAC Selects Thorley to Lead Sales Effort
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – American Vanguard Corporation recently announced it is reorganizing the sales and marketing function of its wholly owned subsidiary AMVAC Chemical Co.

Trevor Thorley, chief operating officer of AMVAC, has been selected to lead the organization’s sales and marketing efforts. In his new role he will continue his responsibilities as COO with technology, regulatory, manufacturing and administrative functions reporting directly to him.

“As American Vanguard continues its domestic and international growth we want to fully utilize all of our resources to achieve that objective,” said American Vanguard CEO Eric Wintemute. “A large part of that effort will revolve around customer focus and superior product management. We believe that Trevor’s strong background in these areas will allow him to drive our sales and marketing initiatives and create an even stronger organization.”

“I inherit an experienced and effective organization and I plan to build on that foundation to raise AMVAC to the next level of service and support for our customers,” Thorley said. “We are well positioned in many promising segments of the market with our expanding product portfolio and a number of new initiatives. We will continue our growth in both domestic and international markets and in the strategically important non-crop business. We will provide our customers a comprehensive offering of value-added products, responsive service and operational excellence. Our entire organization will be focused on and accountable to the interests and success of our customers.”

Thorley, who previously worked for Bayer and Valent USA, was raised on a family farm in England and received his Honors Degree in Crop Science and Agriculture from Newcastle upon Tyne University. His industry involvement has included volunteering his time and expertise in leadership roles at RISE and CropLife America.

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GCPMA’s ‘Meeting of the Minds III’ Set for October
CHICAGO — The Greater Chicago Pest Management Alliance (GCPMA) announced its third annual education and recertification conference, “A Meeting of the Minds III” is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at the Tinley Park Holiday Inn & Convention Center.

Speakers and topics for this year’s program include Rick Cooper, Cooper Pest Solutions, “Bed Bugs: Getting Out in Front of the Problem”; Bobby Corrigan, RMC Pest Management Consulting, “Updates in Rodent Biology and Control Strategies”; Michael K. Rust, Professor, University of California-Riverside, “Re-Thinking IPM for Ant Control”; and Rick Vetter, Research Associate, University of California-Riverside, “Spiders – Mythconceptions to Mythdiagnosis.”

Additional details and a conference brochure and registration form for “A Meeting of the Minds III” can be obtained at the GCPMA web site. Visit www.gcpma.com and click on “News.”

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Charleston Association to Hold Summer School 2009
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Greater Charleston Pest Control Association, a local association of the South Carolina Pest Control Association, will host a summer school for pest management professionals, on Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The all-day course will offer pest management professionals an opportunity to learn more on a broad range of topics and receive five recertification credits in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Featured speakers include Dr. Brian Forschler, Dr. Pat Zungoli, Cam Lay and Larry Rowlett. The topics for this seminar include a “new view” on termites; design control strategies for spiders and stinging insects; inspection tips, tricks and traps; and rodent control. Exhibitors will be present to answer any questions you may have about their product lines.
To register, visit www.gcpca.com, click on the “Education” tab and download the registration form.

Entrepreneur, Marketing Expert to Keynote PestWorld 2009 in Las Vegas
FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association recently announced the line-up of keynote speakers at its 76th Annual PestWorld Convention & Exhibition this fall. Speakers include entrepreneur Christopher Gardner and Bob Pritchard, a global marketing expert.

PestWorld 2009 is the largest gathering in the world of pest management professionals and will be held Oct. 26-29 at The Venetian Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas. The event features innovative solutions and technical information with three days of educational sessions, an expansive trade show with more than 150 exhibiting companies, and multiple networking opportunities with thousands of attendees from the United States and 55 other nations.

Keynote speeches by Gardner and Pritchard will highlight the event. Gardner, who conquered grave challenges to become a successful entrepreneur, brings a timely message of hope and inspiration to PestWorld 2009. The amazing story of his life was the inspiration for the film “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith as Gardner. Gardner’s keynote presentation is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences.

Pritchard is one of the most sought-after business and marketing experts in the world. Winner of the coveted “International Marketer of the Year” award, whose other recipients include Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos, Pritchard is a business and marketing troubleshooter for 80 of the Fortune 500 companies including 3M, BMW, Microsoft and The Coca-Cola Company. He also is the author of three international best-selling books. Sponsored by the Professional Pest Management Alliance, Pritchard’s keynote presentation will focus on the new rules of doing business with “Recession Busting Business and Marketing Keys.”

At the Opening Ceremony, sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science, attendees will be taken back to 1960, when the Sands Hotel stood on the ground that is now home to The Venetian, with a captivating performance by “The Rat Pack.”

Other convention highlights include the PestWorld 2009 Vegas Night with the World Class Rockers, featuring former members of Santana, Journey, Boston, Steppenwolf, Toto and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The PestWorld 2009 Vegas Night is sponsored by BASF.

New for PestWorld 2009 are the “Thought Leader” educational sessions, which will allow attendees to hear from industry leaders in their respective fields and exchange thoughts with presenters on a variety of topics.

The PestWorld 2009 marketplace is the heart of the show and features exhibitors representing every segment of the pest management industry, including manufacturers, distributors and business services launching new products, showcasing cutting-edge technology, and demonstrating new ways for the pest management professional to be more successful.

The PestWorld 2009 program of events and conference registration are available online at www.npmapestworld.org/events. For more information, contact NPMA at 703/352-6762 or e-mail npma@pestworld.org.

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PCT News

Please send press releases about your firm to jdorsch@giemedia.com.

Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators announced the acquisition of Denham Pest Control in Americus, Ga. Owners Mike and Carol Denham acquired the company a few years ago. This is Arrow’s 93rd acquisition since 1988.

The national professional pest control fraternity Pi Chi Omega has awarded three $2,000 scholarships for the fiscal year 2009-2010. The recipients are Alexis Barbarin (Penn State University), Paul Botch (University of Missouri — Columbia) and Nicola Gallagher (Ohio State University). The fraternity’s selection committee was chaired by Dr. Terry Whitworth and included Dr. Janet Kintz-Early and Patricia Hottel.

Team Too Termite & Pest Control, headquartered in Corona, Calif., teamed with Best in The West Racing to sponsor Heatblast.com 200 at the Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino, Calif., in May. Team Too’s partnership with Best In The West Racing includes a year-long marketing program that will allow families and local charities to see racing events and participate in the weekend activities at Orange Show Speedway. Team Too holds both a QualityPro and QualityPro Green certification from the NPMA, and is a certified ECOWISE provider.

American Pest Management, Manhattan, Kan., was selected for the 2009 Best of Manhattan Award in the Pest Control Services category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA). The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes standout local businesses throughout the U.S.

Slug-A-Bug, Melbourne, Fla., has become a member of the bedbugFREE network.

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Bed Bug TV Airs Live Research Session
Lawrenceville, N.J. — Bed Bug Central TV (BBCTV), part of the popular bed bug Web site bedbugcentral.com, in July aired live research findings on structural heat treatments for bed bugs. BBCTV is hosted by entomologist Jeff White.

BBCTV, launched in October 2008, currently includes 34 recorded segments. The segments, hosted by White, typically run between four and 10 minutes and are found at www.bedbugcentral.com.

White piloted the live concept on July 14 with a limited audience. The premier episode of BBCTV Live for the general public, occurring on July 28, focused on the use of Temp-Air’s Mobile Thermal Remediation unit to structurally heat apartments for bed bugs. White discussed the basics of structural heat treatments, the effectiveness of heat on bed bugs and some things to consider when having a home heated for bed bug control. White also hosted a live Q&A chat session at the end of the presentation.

With the rapid success of BBCTV, White looked to add some innovation to Bed Bug TV, and going live was the logical choice. “I’m extremely excited about BBCTV Live because I think it provides audiences world-wide with a chance to tune in and hear the latest advances in bed bug control. The more universal we can provide good, accurate bed bug information the more we can raise public awareness which is truly the best way to prevent future bed bug infestations.”

Phillip Cooper, president of Bed Bug Central, looks at this new venture as another valuable feature to the website www.bedbugcentral. “Most of the information presented during our live presentations will be previously unreleased information about advances in bed bug control,” Cooper said.

Bed Bug Central promoted the live web-cast to homeowners, renters, property managers, pest control professionals and anyone interested in bed bugs.

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INNOVATIVE PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE
BOCA RATON, FLA. — Innovative Pest Control Products (IPCP) has launched a new Web site at www.antcafe.com. Visitors can find information on “Green Pest Control,” “IPM” and some of the latest scientific research on ants and ant control using baits.

The new site is designed to make it easier to find product information, training material, education links, industry links and distributors that carry the company’s products.

For additional information on Innovative Pest Control Products; Gourmet Ant Bait Gel, Gourmet Liquid Ant Bait, Gourmet Liquid Ant & Roach Café Ready To Use Bait Stations, Ant Café Bait stations, and the KM AntPro Bait Station, visit the company on the Web at: www.antcafe.com.

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Foreclosed Properties Pose Public Health Risks
FAIRFAX, VA. — In light of continued high foreclosure rates across the country, the National Pest Management Association is reminding homeowners to remain vigilant of an ancillary issue stemming from continued increases in vacated homes — potential mosquito infestations, especially in and around foreclosed properties with backyard pools.

“Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance pest but also, a major health threat,” said Greg Baumann, senior scientist, NPMA. “While associated with causing itchy welts, these pests can also transmit West Nile virus,” Baumann said. “Awareness of conducive conditions for mosquito breeding, especially in and around foreclosed homes, is the key to preventing potential mosquito infestations and limiting West Nile virus in 2009.”

As PMPs know, the abandonment of pools due to foreclosure is important as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. When pools are not maintained and/or properly treated, the potential for a significant mosquito infestation rapidly rises. Considering that the standing water that collects naturally in empty flower pots or bird baths provides a terrific opportunity for mosquito breeding, an abandoned swimming pool offers an even greater chance for a major pest infestation that can affect the homes adjacent to the foreclosed property.

NPMA recommends that homeowners who are concerned about nearby foreclosed properties with backyard pools contact their local health departments. In addition, PMPs are urged to direct consumers to Pestworld.org for mosquito prevention tips or to conduct a search for a local company.

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Date Book

Send your announcement at least 14 weeks in advance to jdorsch@giemedia.com. For additional dates, visit www.pctonline.com/events.

Sept. 28-30: 39th Annual University of Kentucky Pest Control Short Course, Lexington, Ky. Contact 859/257-5955 or e-mail dthorpe@uky.edu.

Sept. 28-29: 40th Annual TPCA Texas Tech Workshop, Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, Lubbock, Texas. Contact: TPCA, 512/835-2801, or e-mail txpca@sbcglobal.net.

Sept. 29: Greater Charleston Pest Control Association Summer School, Charleston, S.C. Contact: visit www.gcpca.com and click on the “education” tab.

Oct. 22: Greater Chicago Pest Management Alliance’s A Meeting of the Minds III, Tinley Park Holiday Inn, Tinley Park, Ill. Contact: visit www.gcpma.com, and click on “News.”