[News]

MENDHAM, N.J. — Specialty Products Consultants (SPC) has published the 10th edition of its research report, "A Strategic Analysis of the U.S. Structural Pest Control Industry."

According to the study, the U.S. structural pest control industry generated an estimated $6.322 billion in total service revenue in 2009, down 4.1 percent from the $6.593 billion measured in 2008. All service sectors surveyed, including commercial and residential general pest control work and termite control services, declined this past year. Nationwide, total income derived from termite control work, including renewal revenue, declined more than $100 million in 2009.

The weak housing market resulted in a more than 5 percent decline in the number of post-construction termite treatments performed this past year. Although an improvement from the nearly 15 percent decline in post-construction treatments measured in 2008, it was still another tough year for those involved in the termite market. Revenue from the pre-construction termite treatment market declined more than 20 percent due to continued weakness in new housing construction. Termite renewal revenue declined as well. "It’s apparent the increase in mortgage foreclosures adversely impacted the renewal revenue stream this past year," said Gary Curl, president of SPC.

Total service revenue derived from controlling bed bugs grew more than 10 percent over the prior year. Incidence of bed bugs was highest in the Northeast region, and expanded significantly throughout the Midwest region.

Total manufacturer level revenue declined for the third year in a row. Continued weakness in the housing market, coupled with the recession, resulted in another challenging year for many manufacturers and distributors.

More than 800 owners or managers of pest control companies were interviewed for this study. The market report forecasts pest control service revenue and corresponding pesticide product category sales through 2014. The impact of the commercial and residential real estate market, the recession, mosquito and wildlife management services, and pest control operators’ revenue expectations for 2010 are just a few of the topics analyzed in this year’s report. For more information visit www.spcresearch.com.
 

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NPMA announces keynote speakers for PestWorld 2010

FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association has announced the line-up of keynote speakers for its 77th Annual Convention & Exhibition, to be held in Honolulu.

The lineup features DeWitt Jones, one of America’s top professional photographers, and Colonel Mark W. Tillman who served George W. Bush as pilot of Air Force One from 2001-2009.

PestWorld 2010 will be held Oct. 20-23 at the Hawaii Convention Center and the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort in Honolulu.

Twenty years with National Geographic photographing stories around the globe has earned DeWitt Jones the reputation as a world-class photojournalist. In the business community, his work is also well known as Jones rose to the forefront of creative marketing by photographing national advertising campaigns for organizations such as Dewar’s Scotch, Canon, and United Airlines. During the opening general session, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, attendees will get a glimpse into the artistic world of Jones and leave with the message that creativity is a matter of perspective, and there is always more than one right answer.

During Friday’s general session, sponsored by BASF Pest Control Solutions, the audience will hear from Colonel Tillman who served as commander and pilot of Air Force One through multiple national events. Most notably, he protected the President and his staff the day of September 11, 2001, by escaping and evading many potential threats.

After 49 foreign trips to 75 countries during his career, Tillman has many thought-provoking and riveting stories to tell and he continues to mentor others as a consultant in the aerospace industry. He approaches each opportunity with the same personal mantra, "Zero failure doesn’t just happen ... successful leaders make it happen."

PestWorld 2010 features three days of educational programming, a trade show with more than 150 exhibiting companies, and multiple networking opportunities and social events with thousands of attendees from 56 countries.

Exhibit hall space, special registration rates, and group lodging rates are available. For more details, visit www.npmapestworld.org/events.

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New Ant Field Guide available from PCT

CLEVELAND — The PCT Media Group has published The PCT Field Guide for the Management of Structure-Infesting Ants, 3rd Edition by Stoy Hedges.

Completely revised and updated, the 3rd edition Ant Field Guide is a valuable educational resource for pest management professionals.

"To be without this field guide is akin to doing pest management without a flashlight," said longtime industry consultant Dr. Austin Frishman, AMF Pest Management Services, Boca Raton, Fla.

It’s no accident that ants are the industry’s No. 1 pest, representing millions of dollars in annual service revenue. Unique behavioral characteristics, rapidly changing dietary needs and dozens of structure-infesting species all make control difficult. The PCT Field Guide for the Management of Structure-Infesting Ants, 3rd Edition, was written to provide pest management professionals with a handy resource they can access from their service vehicles for practical, up-to-date information on these challenging pests. Topics covered include inspections, treatments, taxonomy, identification, ant behavior, and emerging species.

Hedges, manager of technical service for Terminix International, Memphis, Tenn., provides a thorough review of the biology and behavior of ants (updated with new data where appropriate), and has included new case studies from his extensive field experiences.

The 3rd edition Ant Field Guide also has been updated with six new ant species. "For example, we rolled into the pavement ant chapter information about a related pavement ant species we are seeing in Missouri and Illinois," Hedges said.

Perhaps the most significant revision is the inclusion of high-quality, full-color photographs taken by Joe MacGown from the Mississippi Entomological Museum. MacGown used a digital microscope for the photos, which provide incredible detail of each ant species.

"The biggest challenge for our service professionals is the identification of the pests involved and this guide was written with the service professional in the field in mind, so that they can solve the problem as quickly as possible," Hedges said.

At $9.95 per copy, this 325-page field guide is priced affordably to make it accessible to the largest audience possible, according to PCT Publisher Dan Moreland (quantity discounts available). For more information or to order visit www.pctonline.com/store or call 800/456-0707.

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Action Pest Control announces 2010 Food and Grain Industry Pest Management Seminar

Evansville, Ind. — Action Pest Control will host its 12th annual Food and Grain Industry Pest Management Seminar on July 23, 2010 at the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center in Evansville, Ind.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Bobby Corrigan. "We are very happy to get Bobby back after a three-year absence. His schedule is very demanding and we are fortunate to have him. His presentations are always informative," says Scott Robbins, technical director, Action Pest Control.

Joining Corrigan this year is Dr. Linda Mason of Purdue University and Judy Loven from USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services. "Dr. Mason participated in four of the early seminars and we are very glad to have her back on the agenda. Our audience will benefit greatly from her recent research. Judy Loven will bring a different perspective on bird management than we have heard the past few years.

"I considered renaming the seminar ‘Purdue South’ for this year as the West Lafayette influences are obvious," said Robbins. "It is another great program packed with the best in the industry."

For more information on the seminar, including the full agenda and a downloadable registration form, visit the News and Announcements section at www.actionpest.com.

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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.

June 29-July 1: Goose Damage Management Workshop, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Neb. Contact: Stephen Vantassel, svantassel2@unl.edu or 402/472-8961 or visit http://icwdm.org.

July 22-24: NPMA Academy, Omni Resort at Championsgate in Orlando, Fla. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

July 23-24: University of Florida Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) prep course, Orlando, Fla. Contact: call 352/273-3974 or visit http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/baldwin/webbugs/Florida_ACE.htm.

July 23: Action Pest Control’s 12th annual Food and Grain Industry Pest Management Seminar, Evansville, Ind. Visit the "News and Announcements" section at www.actionpest.com.

July 25-28: 93rd Annual meeting of the Florida Entomological Society, Jupiter Beach, Fla. Contact: www.flaentsoc.org/annual10.htm.

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Dow AgroSciences invests $340 million in R&D expansion

INDIANAPOLIS — Dow AgroSciences announced plans for a multi-year expansion of its global headquarters in Indianapolis, with investment of more than $340 million and the addition of more than 550 scientific and commercial jobs over the next five years.

The first phase in the multi-year expansion plan includes the construction of a 175,000-square-foot research and development building, as well as a 14,000-square-foot greenhouse on the company’s corporate campus. These facilities are part of a global growth plan for Dow AgroSciences’ research efforts as it develops and commercializes new product solutions for customers in agricultural and related market segments, including structural pest control. More than 550 new jobs will be added during the next five years at the headquarters location in both scientific and commercial roles.

"Dow AgroSciences is positioning itself for growth," said Dave Morris, commercial leader for the Pest Management business. "This investment to expand our research infrastructure and capabilities will help us continue to be able to deliver innovation that adds real value to the markets we serve."

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Pestmaster Services, Allergy Technologies, donate bed bug services to shelter

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Pestmaster Services donated its time and services, and Allergy Technologies donated ActiveGuard mattress liners to eradicate bed bugs from The Washington Manor/The Queens Galley, a shelter and soup kitchen for homeless adults in Kingston, N.Y.

A recent bed bug infestation at the shelter prompted Washington Manor administrator Diane Reeder to seek the help of Paul Alley, president of Pestmaster Services of Kingston, N.Y. Alley and Adam Stafford, service manager for Pestmaster, confirmed the infestation. "We knew immediately that we would be the only ones that could tackle such a large issue in a short time frame," Alley said.

Pestmaster also reached out to vendors such as Residex and BASF, and enlisted the help of its New Jersey branch as well as Pest-Shield Inc., of Suffern, N.Y. A pair of local companies also got involved; Herzogs donated coveralls and disposable gloves, while Allways Movers donated a truck for temporary storage of the resident’s belongings.

Numerous teams of technicians, as well as Sophie the bed bug dog, were able to make short work of an otherwise large task. The teams were able to complete a full bed bug treatment on this 50-bed facility on April 17.

In addition to donating the ActiveGuard mattress liners and defraying chemical costs, Allergy Technologies arranged for entomologist Jim Ballard to be on hand for technical support. Impregnated with an active ingredient, ActiveGuard knocks down bed bugs and prevents infestations on mattresses, box springs and sofa beds. "We are very grateful to Pestmaster and Allergy Technologies," said Washington Manor’s Reeder. "This donation of time and products to rid our facility of bed bugs will help improve the health and quality of life of our residents."

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Comings & Goings

BASF recently made several personnel announcements. Greg Good has been named termite marketing manager for the Pest Control Solutions business. Good will oversee marketing activities for the company’s termiticide portfolio. Prior to joining BASF, Good worked in product marketing with 3M Corporation and Vistage International, and most recently as a consultant focusing on strategic marketing and product development in a variety of business and consumer markets.

Additionally, Jim Derbyshire assumed the role of national sales manager. Derbyshire will spearhead implementation of the company’s product strategy and oversee national sales activities.

BASF also has made a change to its regions: the Southern Sales Region has been split between the newly expanded Eastern and Western Sales Regions. Jeff Vannoy will be responsible for nine sales representatives in the East and Mike Toce will be responsible for 10 sales representatives in the West.

Public relations professionals Debbie Clayton and Stacey Himes have partnered to form ClaytonHimes PR, a full-service public relations firm based in Philadelphia. The partnership will provide PR counsel for the FMC Professional Solutions Group.

DuPont Professional Products added Raj Saran as a principal research investigator and urban entomologist to its Product Support & Renewal group at the Stine-Haskell Research Center. Saran brings with him more than 10 years experience in the insect pest management industry.

Additionally, DuPont added Jonathan Davis and Bill Best to its Professional Pest Management team. Davis was previously DuPont’s Northeast sales representative and will serve as marketing manager, bringing more than 10 years of sales and marketing experience to his new role. Best has been hired as the Professional Pest Management team’s Northeast sales representative.

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PPMA offers crisis communications guide

FAIRFAX, VA. — The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), the public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association, has created a crisis communications guide to help pest management companies proactively develop their own plans of action for crisis situations.

Available exclusively to PPMA "guardians" and "contributors" through the PPMA Perks Program, this crisis communications guide provides information on the importance of preparing such a plan within the pest management industry, as well as a list of key elements that should be included in any forward-thinking and effective plan. The guide also offers tips for dealing with media attention during and after a crisis, information on training a company spokesperson, appropriate customer and employee relations strategies and crisis communications on the Internet. Further, the guide provides sample components of a plan, which can be customized to suit the needs of individual companies and the specific circumstances of any crisis situation.

"In the pest management industry, just as in any industry, a crisis can happen at any time," says PPMA Executive Director Missy Henriksen. "The key to minimizing the effect that a crisis has on your company is to be prepared by having a detailed plan for how you and your employees should respond if a crisis does occur. PPMA hopes that the guide developed will encourage our investors to develop a crisis communications plan for their businesses, if needed, or to review and update an existing plan."

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PCO News

A All Animal Control celebrated 15 years of operation in December 2009. The business was founded by Mark E. Dotson in Northglenn, Colo., and has grown to be a national franchise system with more than 30 locations from coast to coast.

Len Oppenberg, president of Victory Pest Solutions, Morris Plains, N.J., was elected the "2009 Purveyor of the Year" by The New Jersey Purveyors Association. NJPA is a partnership of companies working together in the food and beverage industry in New Jersey, pledging outstanding products and services to its thousands of clients.

R. Dana Pest Control, West Haverstraw, N.Y., recently achieved Green Shield Certification of its "Dana Green" service, offering customers in New York and New Jersey a new green option for pest management. R. Dana’s newly certified "Dana Green" service focuses on inspection first, using state-of-the-art methods such as thermal imaging to pinpoint moisture and heat. The firm also has launched a Canine Scent Detection division, headed by a bed bug-sniffing "puggle" (a pug-beagle mix) named Walter.

U.S. Pest Protection Company, Hendersonville, Tenn., this year commemorates 25 years of service to the greater Nashville area. President Erica Brister, one of the youngest women presidents in the industry, will turn 30 the same year. During the past quarter century, U.S. Pest has steadily grown to more than $4 million in revenue.

John and Melanie Noles have purchased their second Pestmaster franchise, located in Fort Hood, Texas.

GreenHow Pest Management, Newton, Mass., recently earned Green Shield Certification for its entire pest management division, becoming one of the few companies to offer 100 percent Green Shield Certified services, the firm reports.

Pest Solutions of St. Charles, Mo., has joined Anderson Pest Solutions, headquartered in Elmhurst, Ill. Pest Solutions served the St. Louis metropolitan region providing both residential and commercial services.

American Pest Management, Takoma Park, Md., introduced a new logo as of Jan. 1, 2010. The colors and font have been updated to represent the company’s continued growth and success, but still maintain a patriotic theme. The new logo also introduces a minor change to the company name, marking the official transition to "American Pest."

Pestmaster Services of the Hudson Valley, located in Kingston, N.Y., held a donation drop off to benefit the victims of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. The Pestmaster team was assisted by Kingston High School students Paul Alley Jr. and Melida Dessalines, and by Bailey Middle School 7th grader Patrick Carroll. The effort raised $2,320 and several bags of clothes in just four hours.

Craig Thomas Pest Control, Hyde Park, N.Y., recently assisted the not-for-profit organization, the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, located in Saugerties, N.Y., by providing free pest protection services. Additionally, the company acquired JBK Pest Control, Mt. Marion, N.Y. JBK Pest Control was founded by Scott Smith who is retiring from the pest management industry.

Rollins was named a winner in Atlanta’s Buckhead Area Transportation Management Association’s Go Green and Commute Clean Challenge. The company won Best Overall Commuter Program, having eliminated 400,000 vehicle miles of travel by encouraging employees to take advantage of commute alternatives. Rollins offers transit and vanpool riders the option of paying for their commutes through pre-tax deduction, enabling them to save up to 30 percent.

Bed Bug Central has welcomed several companies to its bedbugFREE network of organizations. The new members include A-Pro Pest Control, Campbell, Calif., Gene’s Pest Control, Marietta, Ga., Hassman Termite and Pest Control of Salina, Kan., Swat Pest Management, Evansville, Ind., and Bug Zero of Springfield, Mo. All of the companies have been approved for bedbugFREE membership, joining an expanding national network of pest management firms committed to the guidelines and practices of Bed Bug Central. bedbugFREE is a network of like-minded companies sharing the philosophies of Bed Bug Central. All companies undergo a screening process overseen by research entomologists Rick Cooper and Jeff White.

Gregory Pest Solutions, Greenville, S.C., completed negotiations for the purchase of Charleston, S.C.-based Pest Management Resources. Pest Management Resources Owner Larry Motes also has joined the Gregory Pest Solutions team.