[News]

NPMA and PCOC Win Relaxation of Endangered Species Restrictions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) included pesticide use patterns recommended by the National Pest Management Association and Pest Control Operators of California in a revised Endangered Species Act (ESA)-related legal agreement the agency recently filed with a federal district court in Northern California, representing a significant victory for the professional pest management industry.

The agreement, known as a stipulated injunction, is an attempt by EPA to resolve a May 2007 lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) alleging that EPA failed to meets its requirements under ESA to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service — the primary agencies charged with implementing ESA — when registering and re-evaluating pesticides. Under ESA, all federal agencies must consult with the Services when an action they take or decision they make may adversely impact a threatened or endangered species and their critical habitat. The plaintiffs specifically asked the court to impose interim risk mitigation measures on the use of 74 active ingredients in much of Northern California. Concerned that the judge would rule against it and impose his own pesticide-use restrictions, EPA last summer entered into a preliminary agreement with CBD that would have disallowed the use of many PCO products in the covered areas, including all of the rodenticides, pyrethroids, fipronil and imidacloprid.

NPMA and PCOC responded immediately by meeting with senior EPA officials and members of Congress, generating grassroots comments and enlisting the help of a broad cross-section of non-agricultural pesticide manufacturers, formulators, distributors and applicators. NPMA and PCOC urged EPA to revise the agreement, specifically arguing that there should be exemptions for vector control performed by non-government certified applicators, rodenticide and termiticide applications outside of structures, and for better mapping to allow PCOs to comply the with the court’s order.

The pending stipulated injunction, which EPA and CBD have asked the court to ratify and could be ratified and in effect very shortly, includes much of what NPMA and PCOC requested. Moreover, EPA officials have informed NPMA and PCOC that the mapping technology has been upgraded, allowing pest management professionals to more easily comply with the court imposed requirements.

Visit www.pctonline.com/FileUploads/file/ESAupdate310.pdf to view the revised stipulated injunction.

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RISE Launches Consumer Web Site, Conducts Executive Search

WASHINGTON, D.C. — RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) has launched a new Web site to answer the many questions consumers have about pesticides, their use and the impact on family, pets and the environment.

The site, www.debugthemyths.com, is part of a larger, proactive communications campaign the industry is launching to reposition itself in light of the "green" movement. The Web site will help proactively communicate the benefits of insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, clarify common misconceptions and provide tips for safe and effective use. Site visitors will learn about pests that might be lurking in their home from a bug’s eye view. An interactive home inspection provides information about the most common areas to find hiding pests and the dangerous health impacts each can cause. The Web site filters through the facts and fiction about pesticides and helps visitors chose the right product and use it correctly. Garden and health experts are also available to provide advice and answer questions. Or, visitors can read a weekly blog from the experts.

In other association news, RISE has begun the search for a new president. Current RISE President Allen James has announced his retirement, effective Aug. 31. The RISE president is responsible for leadership and management of the association, which is an affiliate of CropLife America. The president serves as spokesperson for the group, providing leadership and advocacy. The RISE president also leads a professional staff of four, focusing on government and regulatory affairs, communications and member services. The position is located in Washington, D.C., and the new president will assume duties on June 1, to allow for an overlap with James, ensuring a smooth transition, association officials say.

A search committee, comprising members of the RISE Governing Board, is conducting the interviewing and hiring process. A complete job description and information about applying for the position of RISE president is available at www.risejob.org.

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Terminix Unveils Revamped Educational Web Site

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Terminix is infesting the World Wide Web with fun insect lessons through the free educational Web site, www.harrysbigadventure.com.

Harry, a Chinese praying mantis, and his insect friends help users navigate the site, which provides parents, teachers and students with free access to a bug encyclopedia, comprehensive insect curriculum and lesson plans, bug-related videos, audio and more.

"Harry’s Web site is full of educational materials and is designed to be used both in the classroom and at home," said Valerie Sherman, Terminix vice president of communications. "With harrysbigadventure.com, we’ve created a fun, engaging site that makes the world of bugs more interesting and gives users the world over volumes of free information about insects."

The site includes an educator center that is designed specifically for teachers and provides them with a one-stop shop for classroom materials. Teachers can download a 20-page insect curriculum or choose from a variety of insect lesson plans. Both were created by entomologists at the Audubon Insectarium and Terminix and correlate with National Science Teacher Association’s (NSTA) standards. NSTA has also approved the site as part of the NSTA SciLinks program, which provides and recommends educational resources for teachers and students. Teachers also can use the educator center to schedule a time for a Terminix expert to make a special classroom presentation or submit a bug-related question to Terminix experts through the "Ask the Expert" feature.

The site also hosts a "Bugopedia" section that includes an insect encyclopedia with audio and video that lets visitors experience the sights and sounds of the insect world. In Bugopedia, students can learn what sound a velvet ant makes, go underground to see a termite nest or even see a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis via a webcam that streams live video from the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans.

Harry already developed a following while blogging about his five-day journey from Memphis, Tenn., to New Orleans, La., for the 2008 opening of Audubon Insectarium. Harry was the final bug to enter Audubon’s extensive collection and was donated and delivered by Terminix. To find out more about Harry and his friends, visit www.harrysbigadventure.com.

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PCT and BASF Recognize Technicians of the Year at NPMA Legislative Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — PCT recognized its 2009 Technicians of the Year during a special ceremony at NPMA Legislative Day in March. The annual awards program, sponsored by BASF Pest Control Solutions, recognizes a trio of standout service professionals in the residential, commercial and termite categories.

PCT Internet Editor and Managing Editor Harbison noted that it was "fitting to make this presentation here in our Nation’s Capital, as our country’s legislators make so many decisions that impact how service professionals perform their job.

"As I’ve heard other speakers say, ‘service technicians are the lifeblood of any pest control company,’ which is why it’s been PCT’s privilege to present our annual Technician of the Year Awards program the past 14 years." Harbison then presented this year’s awards to:

• Residential Technician of the Year Randy Miller, Orkin Pest Control, Taylors, S.C.
• Commercial Technician of the Year Rob Van Willigen, Batzner Pest Management, New Berlin, Wis.
• Termite Technician of the Year Sean Young, HomeTeam Pest Defense, Houston, Texas

During the past 14 years PCT has recognized 43 Technicians of the Year and more than 200 finalists from companies throughout the U.S. These technicians set the standards for the industry through their hard work, dedication and professionalism. The 2010 awards program was launched earlier this month (see page 147 of this issue for the nomination form). If you have any questions about the program, e-mail Harbison at bharbison@giemedia.com.

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University of Nebraska-Lincoln
to Offer Summer Workshops

LINCOLN, NEB. — The School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will offer two educational workshops this summer, one focusing on goose damage management, and the other on shooting in sensitive environments. Each program is two- and-a-half days.

The school’s Goose Damage Management Workshop, to be held June 29 through July 1, is designed to provide real-world training on all aspects of goose damage management. Participants will be certified by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association. The workshop is designed to provide attendees with the information necessary to respond to Canada geese damage complaints in a responsible and effective fashion, organizers say.

Meanwhile, the Shooting in Sensitive Environments Workshop, to be held Aug. 3-5, will provide intensive training in accurate shooting to improve the safety and effectiveness of shooting in non-traditional shooting locations. Topics to be covered include ballistics, shot choice and placement and overall firearm use suitable for wildlife damage management.

More information on both workshops is available at http://icwdm.org.

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NPMA Announces
Women of Excellence Award

FAIRFAX, Va. – The National Pest Management Association is seeking nominations for its Women of Excellence Award, sponsored by Orkin. This is the second year the association will recognize women dedicated to advancing the pest management industry. Nominations may be submitted online at www.npmapestworld.org by July 30. The winner will be announced during the 2010 PestWorld Convention, Oct. 20-23 in Honolulu.

"NPMA is proud to provide a forum through the Women of Excellence Award to honor women who are making significant and lasting impacts upon the industry. This is the premier recognition program for women pest control professionals and is the only such program in the industry," said Rob Lederer, executive vice president for NPMA.

The international honor is open to women across the pest management industry. According to NPMA, candidates are those who demonstrate outstanding leadership and make notable contributions to the development and growth of the profession and to other women.

The winner of NPMA’s Women of Excellence Award will be chosen by an independent panel of judges with backgrounds in pest management, human resources and other industries. The judges are Tory Johnson, Women for Hire magazine; Emily Thomas Kendrick, 2009 Women of Excellence Award recipient; Rob Lederer, NPMA; Jean Seawright, Seawright & Associates; and Barbara Thorne, Department of Entomology of the University of Maryland.

"We are proud to celebrate women who have made significant strides to advance their companies, their colleagues and the pest control profession overall," said Glen Rollins, president and chief operating officer of Orkin, the presenting sponsor of the annual award.

For more information about the NPMA Women of Excellence Award, please visit www.npmapestworld.org or see page 43 of this issue.

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Target Fumigation School Raises
$1,500 for Urban Entomology

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. — More than 40 individuals representing the fumigation industry attended Target Specialty Products’ 15th Annual Fumigation School in February at the University of California-Riverside’s extension facility. Proceeds from the distributor’s program will benefit the university’s Urban Entomology Fund. The program raised more than $1,500 to further university research on pests of concern to the urban environment.

Featured speakers included Curtis Good, owner, Newport Exterminating; Don Reierson, staff research entomologist, University of California; Ed Hernandez, Master Fume program manager, Drexel Chemical Company; and Luis Gonzalez, co-owner, North County Exterminating. Regulatory panelists were also on hand to answer questions concerning the new MasterFume label as well as regulations affecting the fumigation industry.

In addition, the program featured hands-on demonstrations and observation of the fumigation of a nearby church, which received the service at no charge. Victor Tinoco, owner of Dr. Fume in Orange, Calif., facilitated the fumigation and donated the services of his fumigation crew. Drexel Chemical Company supplied MasterFume fumigant for the job.

"This is the first year our fumigation school has featured MasterFume fumigant, so participants had the opportunity to learn about the new fumigant as well as Drexel’s custom calculator, and recent software updates which address the new variable chloropicrin rate," said Dean Osborn, fumigation business manager for Target Specialty Products.

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Comings & Goings

Massey Services, Orlando, Fla., promoted Jeff Buhler to executive vice president of landscape services and Paul Giordano to vice president of the PrevenTech Commercial Services Division. Buhler will oversee the operations of Massey Services’ GreenUP Division, the division of the company that handles landscape services. Previously Buhler was vice president of operations with Middleton Lawn & Pest Control, a pest management organization that Massey acquired in December 2009. Giordano will manage all team members responsible for Massey Services’ commercial customers. Previously Giordano served as division Manager of the PrevenTech Commercial Division.

B&G Chemicals & Equipment Company, Dallas, Texas, hired Rachel Williams as Austin branch manager. Williams joins B&G with an entomology degree from Texas A&M University, with an emphasis in forensics.

Univar USA named Jim Sparks to the position of business development manager, Professional Products and Services, Specialty Ag Business. In this newly created position, Sparks will direct and manage the growth and expansion of Univar’s specialty business. Univar USA also has hired Chad Cordell as an outside sales representative with the company’s Professional Products and Services business unit. Cordell brings more than nine years professional sales experience to the position, most recently with HomeTeam Pest Defense in Greensboro, N.C.

Swat Pest Management and Healthy Spaces, both of Evansville, Ind., hired urban entomologist Brandon Runyon to serve as technical director for Swat Pest Management. Runyon is a recent graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in entomology.

Brad Baker, Billy James, Phil Hall and Robbie Dyson of Gregory Pest Solutions, Greenville, S.C., recently became associate certified entomologists, having passed the proctored exam in January.

The New Jersey chapter of the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) has elected its board of governors for the 2010-11 term. President is Kirk La Pierre, Saver-NGM Wildlife and Bird Control Services; vice president is Frank Spiecker, Harbor Wildlife Control; secretary is Aileen La Pierre, Saver-NGM Wildlife and Bird Control Services; member at large is Stuart A. Aust, Bug Doctor/Bird Doctor/Animal Doctor; and treasurer is Joe Kosakowski, Wildlife Control Specialists.

Bug Doctor Termite & Pest Control, Paramus, N.J., hired Timothy Periard as branch manager. Periard has been in the pest control industry for more than 26 years, most recently as a district and regional manager with Rentokil.

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Liphatech Awards
Gift Cards at Second Rodent Rally

Las Vegas — The fastest mouse took more than the cheese at Liphatech’s second Rodent Rally during PestWorld 2009. First-, second- and third-place winners of the race took home $150, $100 and $50 gift cards, respectively.

Liphatech featured its second "Rodent Rally" competition at the trade show in Las Vegas in October. More than 170 competitors took part in 85 timed speed events that rely on radio-controlled mice. The road course, housed in the Liphatech booth, featured various company products as elements of the raceway and as obstacles on the course.

"The Rodent Rally proved to be even more popular in 2009," said Jim Doll, marketing manager, pest management division, Liphatech. "We had more rally competitors than (in 2008) and a corresponding increase in the number of visitors to our booth. It’s a fun, interesting way to introduce people to our product offering. The game essentially teaches people what our products do."

In addition to the race, Liphatech displayed its complete rodent control offering, including soft-bait product, FirstStrike. FirstStrike is a 10-gram pouch designed to provide palatability and flexible dosing for use in bait stations and other applications.

Three winners were recognized each day of the show. First-day winners included Sean Horne, Commonwealth, Newport News, Va, first; Mitch Taylor, Capital Pest Services, Raleigh, N.C., second; and Paul Nibarger, Prime Pest Control, Spokane, Wash, third. Second-day winners included Garret Thrasher, Thrasher Termite and Pest Control, San Diego, first; Scott Pinkerton, Univar, Houston, second; and Tom Bickel, Pioneer Pest Management, St. Louis, third. Third-day winners were Jeff Keller, Arizona Exterminating Co., Phoenix, first; Brad Turner, Lady-Bug Services, Amarillo, Tex., second; and Shaun Mimick, Paraclipse, Columbus, Neb., third.

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PCT News

Joseph Edwards, CEO of J. Edwards Services, Atlanta, Ga., acquired North Fulton Exterminating in Alpharetta, Ga. Edwards is a former executive vice president of mergers and acquisitions as well as new business development for Arrow Exterminators.

Knockout Pest Control, Uniondale, N.Y., recently purchased A&S Pest Control of Westchester, N.Y. (photo above). Knockout has been in business since 1975 and services the New York metropolitan area. A&S services Westchester County.

Advanced Pest Management, Elkton, Md., acquired Eastern Termite and Pest Control of Stevensville, Md. Eastern Termite was founded by owner/operator John Guido, who joined the APM team.

Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, Streator, Ill., earned the GreenPro designation from the National Pest Management Association.

Heron Pest Control is moving its corporate office from Altamonte, Fla., to Apopka, Fla., to accommodate business growth. The company also added new office locations in Leesburg, Fla., and Orlando.

Atlanta-based Orkin recently established several new international franchises, including those in Lebanon, Jamaica and Ireland. The company now has 15 international franchises worldwide.

The Lebanon franchise is Orkin’s sixth in the Middle East and the company’s 13th international franchise worldwide. The franchise will focus primarily on commercial pest control, but also will offer residential and termite services. Franchise owner Samer El Khoury recently traveled to Orkin’s headquarters and training center in Atlanta to complete the initial franchise training program. El Khoury and the other franchise co-owners and staff will participate in additional training in Lebanon.

The Jamaican franchise will offer both residential and commercial pest control and termite services to the entire island of Jamaica. Kenneth Benjamin, a Jamaican businessman, is the franchise owner through his company, Guardsman Services Limited.

The Irish franchise will offer primarily commercial pest control service. Donal Butterly, a Dublin businessman, is the franchise owner.

In other news at the company, Orkin opened new branches in Ashburn, Va., and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Steritech Group, Charlotte, N.C., retained Leavitt Partners to advise the company on food safety and regulatory issues. The company said it hopes the relationship will keep clients ahead of the curve at a time when emerging food safety issues and pending legislation are likely to change the food-processing, retailing, medical and hospitality industries.

Cooper Pest Solutions of Lawrenceville, N.J., and Bain Pest Control of Lowell, Mass., have been approved for bedbugFREE membership. The companies have joined the bedbugFREE national network of pest management firms committed to the guidelines and practices of Bed Bug Central.

The Truly Nolen franchise based in Lexington, Ky., was honored at the company’s annual Truly Nolen of America Manager Meeting held in Orlando, Fla., in January for the franchise’s revenue growth of 46 percent for 2009 (photo above). The franchise has performed extensive bed bug work in Lexington, including a large, complex job treating multi-unit low income housing.

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Kansas State to Hold Third Fumigation Workshop

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University is hosting the third and final workshop titled, "Methyl Bromide and Alternatives: Past, Present and Future," from May 11-13, at the International Grains Program and Conference Center.

During the workshop, the state-of-the-art Hal Ross Flour Mill, adjacent to the conference center, will be fumigated with methyl bromide. This workshop is part of a larger effort by Kansas State University, Purdue University, USDA-ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research (CGAHR) and industry stakeholders to improve the structural fumigation process and advance the adoption of methyl bromide alternatives. It is also part of a research and technology transfer project supported by a grant from USDA to compare cost effectiveness of three structural treatments: methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride and heat. The workshop is limited to 50 participants and the registration cost is $150 per person.

Additional details are available at www.oznet.ksu.edu/grsc_subi. Information from the two previous workshops, which were held in May and August of 2009, is available at www.ksre.ksu.edu/grsc_subi/Conference/confrence.htm.