Role of PMPs as Public Health Protectors Discussed at Purdue Conference

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The annual Purdue Pest Management Conference has always sought to provide attendees with progressive ideas they can use to help move the industry forward. At the 2018 event, held in January at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., special focus was on the role PMPs play in the protection of public health — an important issue now and in future years.

Atlantic Paste & Glue’s Dr. Stanton Cope reviewed vector-borne diseases that have expanded their range in the U.S., as well as others that have the potential to spread. Every year, about 30,000 Lyme disease cases are reported in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although Cope thinks the number of cases are under-reported. For example, Cope said, there are adults who develop arthritis later in life as a result of Lyme disease being undiagnosed.

While Lyme disease, West Nile virus and Zika virus continue to grab headlines, Cope said PMPs should keep an eye out for Heartland virus (which can be transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies). As of July 2017, 30 cases were reported, primarily in the Midwest and South (after it was first reported in Missouri). And Cope said the next public health disease PMPs should have on their radar is mosquito-borne Mayaro virus. Of particular concern is the fact Mayaro virus is spread by Aedes aegypti, the same mosquito species that spreads Zika and chikungunya virus, among others. Primarily found in South America, Mayaro was reported in Haiti in 2015.

Cope said it is important for PMPs to be aware of vector-borne diseases because it’s possible that (1) some of these vectors can be found in their customers’ backyards; (2) they can be deadly; and (3) they often go unreported or are misdiagnosed by medical professionals (often because patients fail to give their medical providers the necessary information). Increased international travel is another reason PMPs should be aware of emerging vector-borne diseases, Cope added.

Public health also was an important theme in consultant Dr. Bobby Corrigan’s presentation, a “state of the rodent market” overview. It’s an exciting time for those involved in rodent work, said Corrigan, thanks to the introduction of new products and technology the past two years. Corrigan examined some of this new technology in his presentation, including: (1) dry ice for rat control; (2) electronic monitoring, which Corrigan called a “game changer”; (3) the new rodenticide bait Selontra, featuring the active ingredient cholecalciferol, which Corrigan said offers “excellent palatability”; and (4) the use of video for monitoring, such as game cameras.

In 2017, EPA’s Registration Division registered Bell Laboratories’ dry ice product for control of burrowing rats, Rat Ice. When properly placed by PMPs in rodent burrows, dry ice asphyxiates rodents. Corrigan, who spends significant time controlling rodents in New York City, likes that dry ice is non-toxic to humans and pets, and poses no secondary threats to non-target animals. Dry ice also can help protect public health since it also kills ectoparasites associated with rodents (e.g., fleas, lice, mites and ticks).

Several industry manufacturers have introduced electronic monitoring technology. Again, the public health benefits of this technology appeal to Corrigan. For example, by responding quickly to a notification, PMPs can clear dead rodents out of bait stations immediately, thus reducing the chances of ectoparasite threats. Another benefit for PMPs can be time savings, Corrigan said; bait stations with electronic monitoring can be placed in difficult-to-access areas (places that can take significant time to inspect in person).

Corrigan reminded PMPs that monitoring is an essential part of any Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. In addition to the use of electronic monitoring technology, game cameras are another great way for PMPs to satisfy this important IPM requirement.

Other highlights included a review of “New Technologies: Products & Equipment” — which was presented by Rentokil’s Gene White and Action Pest Control’s Scott Robbins — and an educational tract on food safety. PCT will have additional coverage of the Purdue conference throughout the year. — Brad Harbison

Food Protection Alliance Dissolved in December

WESTFIELD, Ind. — In December, the Food Protection Alliance (FPA) sent letters to members and customers stating that FPA had been dissolved on Dec. 1, 2017, multiple sources have confirmed to PCT.

The dissolution was a result of Ecolab having acquired three of FPA’s founding member companies — Food Protection Services; Royal Pest Solutions; and Research Fumigation Company. Ecolab made that announcement also on Dec. 1, 2017.

FPA, created in 2004, described itself as “an organization of regional companies that holds the shared vision of providing excellence in pest management, food safety, fumigation services, alternatives to fumigation and product sales throughout North America.”

The group started with five founding member companies and had added more than 20 companies in subsequent years, providing nationwide coverage. — Brad Harbison

NPMA Releases Pride and Professionalism Video

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) announced the release of Pride and Professionalism 2017, a professionally produced video created to help companies communicate the value of the pest management industry.

“The work of our members and all pest management professionals affects the lives of millions, making people safer, healthier and happier,” said NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf. “Although we see the impact of our work daily, many of the positive outcomes of pest management go unrecognized. This video will help companies convey the value of our industry and the essential nature of our work to a diverse group of audiences.”

The video highlights the role pest management plays in protecting public health by controlling pests that threaten human health, the food supply and the structural safety of homes and businesses. Viewers also will learn about the benefits of a career in pest management, along with the industry’s projected economic growth and commitment to professionalism.

The video is available for immediate download and use in a variety of communication efforts including: client education, employee recruitment, staff orientation and business development.

PMPs can visit the training section of NPMA’s Resource Center (www.npmatraining.org) to learn more. Or contact Michael Bentley at mbentley@pestworld.org.

Corrigan Speaks at Texas Rodent Academy

DALLAS — Pest control professionals from companies in Utah, Georgia, New York and across Texas converged in Dallas for three days to train alongside Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomologists on controlling rodent infestations.

“We were especially pleased to get Dr. Bobby Corrigan, one of the top rodentologists in the country, to reinvent his New York City Rodent Academy training here in Texas,” said Janet Hurley, training organizer and Agri-Life Extension Integrated Pest Management

program specialist in Dallas. Texas Rodent Academy participants slithered through tiny spaces inside a mock industrial kitchen; peered behind bushes to find real rat tracks and droppings; and scoured attic spaces for signs of rodent pests. Trainees took classroom courses on pest identification, studied best practices for rodent control and practiced talking to the news media about pest control issues.

A mixed offering of classroom and field activities is customary in Rodent Academy trainings, said Dr. Mike Merchant, AgriLife Extension urban entomologist in Dallas.

“A lot of these companies have in-house training, but we’re able to offer a cut above in our quality of education,” he said. “Our teachers are often university scientists, including some of the best among industry professionals. Our training facility is also unique in Texas, and one of the few hands-on facilities like it in the country.”

Corrigan, a New York City urban rodentologist and national consultant, helped Merchant lead classroom instruction and real-world exercises at the IPM Experience House, a mock-environment training facility at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas.

“This was a full-on educational offering for rodent control using IPM, or Integrated Pest Management,” Merchant said. “That means we’re instructing on a variety of control tactics, not just chemicals. This is how we lower risks of developing insecticide resistance among pests and minimize environmental risks for people.”

Corrigan, when asked to compare the Texas training to others he’s conducted across the United States, said, “the courses were well-designed and everything was ready when the students showed up. It is critical to have all those logistical items online and ready to roll, so it stacked up very well.” Go to http://ipmhouse.tamu.edu for more information on upcoming industry training and public course offerings at the IPM Experience House. — Gabe Saldana, Texas A&M

PeruPlagas Addresses Public Health and IPM Issues

LIMA, PERU — Early November proved to be an eventful time for the people of Peru as their National Soccer Team defeated New Zealand to qualify for the country’s first World Cup in 36 years. The team and its fans will travel to Russia in mid-June in hopes of a strong showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, building on their impressive qualifying performances. At the same time Peru was celebrating its victory over New Zealand, PeruPlagas 2017, a two-day seminar with forums devoted to public health and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), took place in Lima, drawing a crowd of more than 530 industry professionals.

PMPs came together at the invitation of INRO, a leader in the field of distribution, which organized the event for a second time, attracting participants from more than 15 different countries. Mauricio Rubin and Guillermo Tarelli, from INRO’s management team, developed an impressive educational program, along with an exhibit hall featuring the support of a number of vendors. Both elements of the international congress were well received by attendees, who eagerly consumed the educational and product information that was presented at the event. Food safety and vector control programs were specific areas of interest at this year’s show, reinforcing the industry’s longtime commitment to protecting public health.

Peru is a nation of more than 30 million citizens with a strong cultural heritage and growing food-processing and hospitality industries, offering ample opportunity for pest management professionals to expand their businesses while serving these important marketplaces. — Benjamin Gomez

Haddad Receives NEPMA Bartlett W. Eldredge Award

Woburn, Mass. — Sheila Haddad, Bell Laboratories vice president of sales — east, was honored as the recipient of the New England Pest Management Association’s (NEPMA) highest award for distinguished service, the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award (BART Award). Haddad was presented with the award during the association’s annual meeting on Dec. 13.

The award is named in honor of the organization’s founder and first president and is intended to recognize a pest management professional who has distinguished him- or herself and demonstrated service to the association, the pest management industry, local community service, and who has earned overall respect and recognition by industry peers.

Haddad has been with Bell Laboratories for 14 years, and has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. As Haddad was recognized, Steve Levy, president and CEO of Bell Laboratories, said, “I don’t think there’s a harder-working individual that I know and it’s great to see the recognition for all the effort and energy that you put into this industry. The industry is better because of you.”

Following the presentation of the award, Haddad shared a few words with the association highlighting her appreciation of the people she has met, and the joy she receives from helping them and being a part of their lives. “The memories I have of helping each of you never seems like a job — it’s a love and passion that I have to see each one of you be successful in your business,” she said.

2018 IPM for Food Plants Seminar to be Held in June

HERSHEY, Pa. — Collins Pest Management is bringing together experts in the industry to share science-based pest management strategies at the IPM in Food Plant Seminar June 5-6.

The company says Integrated Pest Management practitioners working in or looking to get involved with the food industry will benefit from this seminar. Current regulatory trends, strategies for insect management and third-party audits that will affect programs will all be discussed.

This workshop is intended for food safety and quality assurance managers, pest management professionals and other personnel who work in food-processing plants, food distribution, packaging facilities, pharmaceutical plants, retail food establishments and foodservice operations.

Attendees will have ample opportunities to visit with suppliers of pest management products and services. A hospitality suite will be available on the first night of the seminar to allow for relaxed and open discussion with presenters and other participants to enhance the learning experience, organizers say.

This seminar will be approved by state agencies for pesticide applicator recertification and CEUs. The IPM in Food Plant Seminar will be held at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Call 866/875-PEST or visit www.collinspestmgt.com to learn more about the event.