[Conference Preview] Mallis Handbook Comes Alive at Technical Forum

The Handbook of Pest Control, published continuously since 1945, holds a special place in the hearts of generations of pest management professionals. Originally written by Arnold Mallis, one of the true "pioneers" of the industry, the Handbook of Pest Control was written specifically for structural pest control operators, an audience that was largely ignored when Mallis, a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, began writing his book.

"At the time Arnold Mallis made the decision to create and write the Handbook of Pest Control in the early 1940s, the pest control industry had little in the way of reference materials," observed Stoy Hedges, the editorial director for the soon-to-be-published 10th edition. "He was the first to bring together a comprehensive pest control guide, and 65 years later, the 10th Edition continues the tradition he began."

Mallis updated the Handbook of Pest Control four more times before the publisher, McNair-Dorland Company, sold the rights to the book to Richard Foster, COO of GIE Media, in 1981. Since then, the book has been revised and updated five more times, with some of the most respected names in entomology serving as contributing editors under the watchful eye of Editorial Director Stoy Hedges.

The Handbook of Pest Control was Arnold Mallis' "labor of love," Hedges says. "He was the sole author of the first five editions, and I have been fortunate to serve as the editorial director of the past three editions and cannot imagine how much effort Mr. Mallis had to put into updating earlier editions without the benefit of many industry professionals and researchers."

The Renaissance Orlando at Sea World The Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, host hotel for the Mallis Technical Forum, sits directly across from SeaWorld Orlando and just minutes from the area’s finest shopping and restaurants, golf courses and popular area attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. In addition, the state-of-the-art hotel is just a short drive to Orlando-area beaches. What better way to prepare for the holidays than with a relaxing stay in sunny Orlando. To receive the special Mallis Technical Forum rate of $169 per night, call 407/351-5555.

Now, in the ongoing evolution of this beloved book, PCT magazine is pleased to announce the first-ever Mallis Handbook Technical Forum, set for Dec. 5-7 at the Renaissance SeaWorld at Orlando (see story below). The three-day conference features dinner with the authors in addition to a broad mix of technical sessions featuring some of the most sought-after speakers in the pest management industry.

"Whether you're an owner/operator, technical director, service technician or student, you won't want to miss this opportunity to interact with leading entomologists from throughout North America," said Dan Moreland, publisher of PCT magazine. "CEU credits will be awarded and every registrant will receive a coupon for a 40 percent discount on the purchase of the 10th Edition of the Handbook of Pest Control."

Registration cost of the three-day conference is $299 per person. Group discounts are available for multiple registrations from the same company. A student registration rate of $169 per person also is available. To register, visit www.mallishandbook.com/forum or call 800/456-0707 and ask for a conference representative.

Space is limited, so attendees are urged to make their reservations no later than Nov. 7. Group rates and availability can't be guaranteed after this time. A brief overview of the conference program follows:


Program at-a-Glance:

Totally Termites
Dr. Michael Potter, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.

Termites continue to be a core market for PMPs from coast-to-coast, but the science of termite control has advanced significantly since the previous edition of the Handbook of Pest Control, challenging conventional thinking as it relates to this prehistoric pest.
 

The Amazing World of Rodents
Dr. Robert Corrigan, RMC Pest Management Consulting, Richmond, Ind.

Learn the latest research findings about rats and mice while being regaled with stories from the "front lines" of the pest management industry by one of the most talented and entertaining speakers to grace any podium.

The Secret Life of Ants
Dr. Karen Vail, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.

One of the most highly evolved and dominant group of insects in the world, there are few creatures more intriguing than the ant. From the growing threat of invasive species and a discussion of the feeding habits of ants to practical strategies for controlling specific ant species, Dr. Karen Vail will provide attendees with a wealth of information they can apply immediately to their business, reducing callbacks and enhancing control for an array of structure-infesting ants.
 

Occasional Invaders & Overwintering Pests
Frank Meek, Orkin Pest Control, Atlanta, Ga.

While occasional invaders may appear to be "minor" pests to the pest management professional, they are "major" pests to the client. From earwigs and silverfish to lady beetles and brown marmorated stink bugs, this veteran PMP will share his practical insights about the biology and control of common and not-so-commonly encountered occasional invaders.
 

Born to be Wild
Scott McNeely, McNeely Pest Control, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Are you thinking about entering the urban wildlife market or expanding your offerings to include a broader range of vertebrate pest control services? Whether its groundhogs, marmots and porcupines or snakes, moles and opossums, you'll get the answers you need at this informative session.
 

Pest Control in Food Plants & Complex Commercial Accounts
Jay Bruesch, Plunkett's Pest Control, Fridley, Minn.

After nearly 30 years in the business, Jay Bruesch — the longtime technical director of Plunkett's Pest Control who was elected to the Minnesota Pest Management Association Hall of Fame in 2006 — is uniquely qualified to discuss complex commercial environments and share his expertise. If you're interested in learning more about what it takes to succeed in the highly competitive commercial sector, don't miss this session.
 

Implementing Structural Pest Management
Jeffrey Tucker, Entomology Associates, Houston, Texas

Before front-line service personnel can be successful they must understand the basic tenets of Structural Integrated Pest Management (SPM), which is where Jeff Tucker, a Board Certified Entomologist and noted industry consultant, comes in. Whether you're an owner/operator, technical director or technician, upon leaving this session you'll be armed with everything you need to incorporate SPM into your treatment protocols.
 

Bed Bugs & Spiders & Cockroaches, Oh My!
Stoy Hedges, Terminix International, Memphis, Tenn.

In this session, the editorial director for the 10th Edition of the Handbook of Pest Control shares the key highlights from the chapters devoted to Ectoparasites: Bed Bugs & Kissing Bugs, Spiders and Cockroaches.
 

Building an Insect Collection: How to Get Started
Stoy Hedges, Terminix International, Memphis, Tenn.

Insect collecting is not only a great hobby, but a valuable learning tool for PMPs and technical directors interested in enhancing the educational experience of front-line service personnel. Learn how to create a high-quality insect collection — from collecting and preserving insects to mounting and displaying your specimens — in this informative, "hands-on" session.
 

Photographing Insects
Tom Myers, All-Rite Pest Control, Lexington, Ky.

Tom Myers, owner and president of All-Rite Pest Control, is a respected nature photographer whose extensive knowledge of insects has enabled him to take exquisite photographs of these remarkable creatures. His travels around the globe have generated an impressive portfolio of stunning images that will inspire anyone with a passion for insects. Learn the tricks of the trade from one of the finest insect photographers in the country, a man who has had his work published in leading publications throughout North America, including National Geographic Traveler magazine.

Want to see a more detailed program? Turn to page 115 for the complete schedule for the Mallis Technical Forum. Additionally, visit www.mallishandbook.com/forum for more information and to register.