Educate customers for successful ant management

James Rodriguez, ACE, Technical Director, J.T. Eaton & Co.

You arrive at the property, conduct your inspection, and start explaining to your customer why they see ants everywhere. Your explanation falls on deaf ears. Controlling food and water sources, pet food left out on the back porch, fruit that’s fallen from trees, all mean nothing to them — they just want the ants dead.

Sound familiar? One tip to help get your customer’s attention involves pointing out and explaining construction issues that are conducive to ants getting into their home, including:

• Soil touching the bottom flashing of a structure, known as a faulty grade.
• Tree roots from live or dead trees abutting the foundation.
• Areas of puddling water abutting the building.
• Hollow block walls abutting the building.
• Trees and bushes touching the building.

Most of these areas can be treated effectively by dusting the nearby voids with a residual insecticide. However, just as important to your long-term success will be your customer correcting the conducive conditions noted above. Good luck.

The post Educate customers for successful ant management appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/31/educate-customers-for-successful-ant-management/
Sacramento CA

Choose, apply insecticides correctly for ant control

Dr. Chuck Silcox, Product Development Manager, AMVAC Environmental Products

Traditional insecticides can still play an important role in ant management. First, locate ant trails, nests or mounds and areas where ants may be expected to forage. From there, it’s all about choosing the most appropriate insecticide and applying it correctly. Two active ingredient options include:

• Bifenthrin — Granular formulations may be used for perimeter applications and fire ant mound treatments. Liquid bifenthrin formulations may be applied indoors and outdoors.
• Fipronil — It may be applied to the outside surfaces of labeled structures, into wall voids and as a perimeter application 1 foot up and 1 foot out from where the ground meets the foundation.

The post Choose, apply insecticides correctly for ant control appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/30/ant-control-insecticides/
Sacramento CA

ISSA Today's April Digital Edition Now Available

The April issue of ISSA Today—available in digital formats for your desktop or mobile device―includes all the latest industry and ISSA-member news. In this edition, learn the crucial... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa-todays-april-digital-edition-now-available/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

ABM Secures Contract With Wisconsin School District

ABM has been awarded a custodial services contract with Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) in eastern Wisconsin. The agreement calls for ABM to provide management of the district’s... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/abm-secures-contract-with-wisconsin-school-district/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Truly Nolen adds international offices

PHOTO: TRULY NOLEN

Truly Nolen International opened eight new branches worldwide in 2018.

“We are excited to have welcomed a baker’s dozen of new service offices to our family,” says Jose Lutz, CEO of Truly Nolen International. “Coming off adding 12 service offices in 2017, the addition of 20 total offices the last two years continues to make this one of the most successful periods in our company’s history in terms of expansion and growth.”

Truly Nolen International’s goal remains to be present in every country in the world. “Our franchisees’ drive to embrace our culture as a company, combined with their goal of making sure their customers receive quality service, has helped us continue to grow worldwide,” says Lutz. “This combination and how recognizable the Truly Nolen brand is across the globe remain a hallmark to our success.”

Truly Nolen International’s newest locations include Pnomh Penh, Cambodia; Chiloe, Chile; Milan, Italy; Hamilton, New Zealand; Moscow, Russia; Khamise Mushayt, Saudi Arabia; and Chernivtsi and Kiev, Ukraine. These eight openings bring the company’s total number of offices to 238 in 66 countries.

Truly Nolen International employs more than 3,500 people around the globe. Currently, 90 percent of the company’s international branches serve businesses with active and preventive protection from pests.

Tucson, Ariz.-based Truly Nolen of America was founded in 1938 and has more than 80 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in a number of states, countries and territories, including Kentucky, Georgia, New Jersey, Canada, Puerto Rico and more than 60 countries.

The post Truly Nolen adds international offices appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/29/truly-nolen-adds-international-offices/
Sacramento CA

Gordon Brush Acquires Spectrum Paint

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. has acquired Spectrum Paint Applicator Corp. Per the terms of the deal, Spectrum Paint’s manufacturing and operations will be relocated from Newark, NJ, to Gordon... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/gordon-brush-acquires-spectrum-paint/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Clegg’s gives back with housing unit

Clegg’s Pest Control partnered with the Durham Rescue Mission to build the Clegg Family Student Housing unit. The facility was dedicated on March 27 and will provide housing for up to 64 men working to get back on their feet after struggling with addiction and homelessness.

The facility includes a full kitchen, dining room, laundry room, bedrooms with private bathrooms and more. The study room allows the men to read and do homework before classes they are taking to improve their lives.

Gail Mills, CFO and co-founder of the Durham Rescue Mission says, “Much effort has gone into the planning of this facility to make it as ‘homey’ as possible.”

Founder of Clegg’s Termite and Pest Control Rev. Ralph E. Clegg and his family have supported the Durham Rescue Mission since its founding in 1974. CEO of the Durham Rescue Mission Dr. Ernie Mills started the organization with his wife Gail Mills while working for Clegg’s Pest Control. The Durham Rescue Mission is a 501(c)(3) organization which relies solely on gifts and volunteer efforts.

“It has been our honor to work with the Durham Rescue Mission and aid their efforts in transforming lives. Every member of Clegg’s Pest Control recognizes the importance of giving back to our community and helping others,” adds Phil Clegg, president of Clegg’s Pest Control and Rev. Clegg’s son.

Clegg’s Pest Control, headquartered in Durham, N.C., provides pest control services in Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, and across North Carolina through 13 locations. Clegg’s has been family owned and operated since 1964, providing pest, termite and moisture control services to residential and commercial properties.

President of Clegg’s Pest Control Phil Clegg, left, and CEO of Durham Rescue Mission Ernie Mills. PHOTO: CLEGG’S PEST CONTROL

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/29/cleggs-gives-back-with-housing-unit/
Sacramento CA

Prevent ant intrusion

Dr. Reid Ipser, Director of Technical Services, Nisus Corp.

Ants — the social pests that forage, grow and harbor in every land environment — are still the industry’s No. 1 pest. As the winter months continue, many species will hibernate and stay dormant. When spring arrives, though, colonies will start their growth phase and will need protein.

To prevent intrusion and reduce resurgence in the spring, keep structures free of debris and any food particles. Spray residual liquids and/or broadcast residual granules around the perimeter of the structure. Manicure plants and shrubs in early spring prior to insecticide application. Make sure grass is short, and plants and trees do not touch the periphery.

The post Prevent ant intrusion appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/29/prevent-ant-intrusion/
Sacramento CA

Ask the Expert: Determining lures for different moth species

The mystery moth in the webbing clothes moth trap probably is Niditinea fuscella like this specimen. (PHOTO: DR. MARK DREILING, BUGWOOD.ORG)

QUESTION: We have a large home that has webbing clothes moth traps. Recently, we found some of the traps with clothes moth, Indianmeal moths and a moth we don’t recognize. Are all these moths attracted to the same lure?
—FLUSTERED BY PHEROMONES

ANSWER: The short answer is yes. Explaining why requires a longer answer.

Indeed, you sent me a photo of a trap that shows webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and Indianmeal moths (Plodia interpunctella, or IMM).

The moth you don’t recognize is one of several closely related species that only can be determined by experts in the group. Whether it is European house moth or brown-dotted clothes moth is probably unimportant. Niditinea orleansella and N. fuscella (also known as the poultry house moth by some) are both referred to by both common names depending on the reference you use. It’s very confusing. They showed up a few years ago in webbing clothes moth pheromone traps and are quite attracted them.

Both Niditinea species feed primarily on feathers and bird droppings, and are said to be found in bird nests. Very few reports exist of them ever destroying clothing or the like. It may happen under some conditions, but they should be considered a curiosity and not a threat.

Webbing clothes moths can be quite destructive, but they are relatively slow-growing. Females lay only about 45 eggs in their lifetime. If left undisturbed, they can build large populations and will destroy furs, woolens and other animal products. If susceptible items are regularly examined and cleaned, however, little destruction will occur. This is why most webbing clothes moth traps will show a moth or two — but never very many, unless a growing population is present.

IMM are a different story entirely. Pheromone traps are very effective and can bring in IMM from great distances, but they are not attracted to webbing clothes moth pheromone. Why are they on your trap? Several explanations exist.

The Midas touch

After a day of handling pheromones, a person need only approach an infestation — such as one found in a store — and IMM will rise up to greet them. Those of us who have worked with these pheromones are quite familiar with the phenomenon of becoming a Pied Piper of sorts as we walk down the dog food aisle in a supermarket, for example.

If you’re not careful, anything you touch can become attractive to moths, and that may be the most likely way to attract IMM to a webbing clothes moth trap. Often, traps are made in the same facility. It is also possible that some of the pheromone was inadvertently transferred to the webbing clothes moth lure during its manufacture.

If this occurred, it doesn’t affect the ability of either lure, but it may be confusing if you didn’t expect it.

The post Ask the Expert: Determining lures for different moth species appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/29/determining-moth-lures/
Sacramento CA

ServicePro: ServSales Mobile App

ServSales is now a fully functional mobile application — the perfect companion to your ServSales core program and field sales operations. This app automates the sales process and helps you find prospect opportunities in an area you are already servicing. You can then manage the entire sales process from lead, to estimate, proposal and, finally, to a signed customer. The app integrates with the maps on your mobile device, so that the address automatically populates when you’re doing door to door sales. ServSales is integrated with ServSign. This helps you paperlessly manage and store your digital proposals right from your phone or tablet and get them signed on the spot.

ServicePro.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/29/servicepro-servsales-mobile-app/
Sacramento CA

14 ISSA Members Earn Perfect Corporate Equality Scores

Fourteen ISSA-member companies have achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 2019 Corporate Equality Index. First published in 2002, HRC’s annual list rates... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/14-issa-members-earn-perfect-corporate-equality-scores/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Veritiv Donates to Red Cross

Veritiv Corp. recently donated a humanitarian services vehicle to the American Red Cross. The vehicle donation was made possible by Vertiv’s community engagement and philanthropy program,... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/veritiv-donates-to-red-cross/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

PJP Named One of the Top Workplaces in Philadelphia

Penn Jersey Paper Co. (PJP) has been named one of the top workplaces in the Philadelphia, PA, metro area for 2019 by The Philadelphia Inquirer. The annual index, which is based on a Workplace... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/pjp-named-one-of-the-top-workplaces-in-philadelphia/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

4M Announces Staff Appointments

4M Building Solutions announced the addition of several new employees to its team. Sergio Vargas has joined 4M as an account manager, while Paul Wilson has been named a regional manager. 4M... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/4m-announces-staff-appointments/
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Wil-Kil wins Copesan award

Wil-Kil Pest Control, a pest management provider in the upper Midwest and a Copesan Pest Solutions Partner, earned Copesan’s 2018 Quality Partner of the Year distinction in the large category.

This is the fourth consecutive year Wil-Kil Pest Control has received this award.

“It is an honor to be named Copesan’s 2018 Quality Partner of the Year in the large category for four years running,” says J. Kevin Jeffrey, general manager of Wil-Kil Pest Control. “We could not earn this recognition without the outstanding efforts of our technicians and industry experts who work tirelessly to provide the highest quality pest management service to their customers every day.”

Copesan’s Quality Partner of the Year is awarded to Copesan partners that have the highest levels of consistent quality in their divisions, including service delivery, net promoter score, audits and action plan follow-through, as well as adherence to specific client protocols. Copesan recognized Wil-Kil Pest Control at its annual awards banquet held on Feb. 19, 2018, in Florida.

Wil-Kil Pest Control is part of the Copesan network, an alliance of pest management companies united to provide quality pest solutions to commercial businesses throughout North America.

Wil-Kil Pest Control, founded in 1924, is a regional pest management company providing pest management services to residential and commercial properties throughout the Upper Midwest – including Wisconsin; Minnesota; the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; parts of Iowa; Chicago, Ill.; and Northern Illinois. Wil-Kil is an operating division of Copesan Services Inc., with offices located in Sun Prairie, Menomonee Falls, Chippewa Falls and Appleton, Wis.

The post Wil-Kil wins Copesan award appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/28/wil-kil-wins-copesan-award/
Sacramento CA

How to Use Catchmaster 100i Insect Monitors | DoMyOwn.com

from DoMyOwn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGnFqZLd720
Sacramento California

Clean Buildings Expo Winds Down

The inaugural Clean Buildings Expo (CBE) came to a close yesterday in Baltimore, MD. ISSA joined forces with Trade Press Media Group to bring this unique two-day event to the commercial... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/clean-buildings-expo-winds-down/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

4 key treatment sites for better ant control

Mel Whitson, Senior Field Technical Service Manager, Zoëcon Professional Products

Different ant species require different treatments, thanks to unique character traits, so be sure to properly identify the invaders before you start a control plan. To help identify different ant species, PMPs should plan on thoroughly inspecting their clients’ homes with these key treatment sites in mind:

• In kitchens, remove all pantry items and instruct clients to maintain food-free surfaces. Look for ants on the edges of counters, seams, baseboards and other elements of construction.
• Ants find their way into bathrooms in search of food and water sources, such as standing water or hair in drains. To spot ants, look along the edges of toilets, sinks, bathtubs and pipes.
• In bedrooms, ants can be found on bed seams, baseboards and the edges of desks and dressers. Place baits in hidden areas to avoid nuisance.
• Ants can make spending time outdoors uncomfortable. In addition to targeted insecticide treatments in yards, encourage clients to maintain good lawn health to prevent future ant infestations. Most species of ants nest underground, but some can be found in compromised wood, dead mulch, leaf litter and gutters.

With all treatment sites, a thorough inspection and plan of action will lead to long-lasting results.

Read more tips and tricks from Mel Whitson.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/28/key-ant-treatment-sites/
Sacramento CA

J.T. Eaton: Puffy D

PHOTO: J.T. Eaton

The Puffy D Insecticide Bulb Duster holds up to 14 ounces of dust, and is manufactured for years of repeated use. Made of a thick, pliable rubber body, this bulb duster has a metal top and brass tip. It also includes an optional 12-inch brass extension and curved tip for use in hard-to-reach areas. The rubber tip offers protection around electricity, and the end cap helps prevent powder leakage. This duster has a screw-top lid and includes a funnel for easy filling. The Puffy D can be used with most granular insecticides.

JTEaton.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/28/jt-eaton-puffy-d-insecticide-bulb-duster/
Sacramento CA

Workwave Names New Chief Operating Officer

Workwave has appointed David Giannetto chief operating officer (COO). Giannetto joins Workwave from Astea International where he served as COO. Giannetto has extensive experience with... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/workwave-names-new-chief-operating-officer/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Sodexo Secures Deal With MedStar Health

Sodexo has been awarded a contract with MedStar Health. The deal calls for Sodexo to provide catering, dining, and nutritional services to the Columbia, MD-based healthcare organization. Sodexo... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/sodexo-secures-deal-with-medstar-health/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

NPMA seeks committee nominees

The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA)’s annual committee nominations and board elections are approaching. Deadlines for both are in April:

• Committee nominee submissions are due April 1.
• The board election deadline is April 15.

Each year, NPMA works to identify and recruit members to serve on the association’s committees, where participants can foster fresh ideas and share their expertise. Nominate yourself or an industry colleague to serve on one of these committees by completing an application here. Your involvement and leadership help ensure a successful future for the pest management industry. The NPMA committees include:

• Business Development Committee
• By-Laws Committee
• Commercial Committee
• Diversity Committee
• Finance and Audit Committee
• Fumigation Committee
• Leadership Development Group
• Marketing to Membership Committee
• Nominating Committee
• P3 Steering Committee
• Pest Management Foundation
• PestVets Committee
• Professional Women in Pest Management
• Public Policy Committee
• Recruitment & Retention Committee
• Super Committee
• Technical Committee
• Technology Committee
• Wildlife Committee
• Wood Destroying Organisms Committee

The NPMA Board of Director’s election for 2019-20 went live on Friday, March 15 and will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on April 15, 2019. Email notification regarding the election was sent to NPMA members directly from the election software company, Intelliscan Inc. If you are a voting member of NPMA and did not receive your electronic ballot or have questions about the board election, contact Jillian Gardner at jgardner@pestworld.org.

New board members will begin their terms in the summer. To find out who currently serves on the board, see PMP’s coverage of last year’s election.

The post NPMA seeks committee nominees appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/27/npma-seeks-committee-nominees/
Sacramento CA

Brady Donates to 11 Nonprofits

Brady announced the most recent beneficiaries of its Brady Shines charitable giving campaign. Established in 2017, the campaign provides a total of US$20,000 per cycle to benefit education- and... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/brady-donates-to-11-nonprofits/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Termite Battles: Why Taurus SC is the product of choice for J&J Exterminating

J&J Exterminating Regional Manager Bryan Gaspard has had his fair share of experience battling Formosan termites in Louisiana. That’s why when it comes to battling this growing pest, J&J Exterminating trusts Control Solutions Inc.’s Taurus SC to get the job done. Check out this video to find out why Taurus SC is J&J Exterminating’s perimeter product of choice.

This video is sponsored content from Control Solutions Inc.

The post [SPONSORED CONTENT] Termite Battles: Why Taurus SC is the product of choice for J&J Exterminating appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/27/sponsored-content-termite-battles-why-taurus-sc-is-the-product-of-choice-for-jj-exterminating/
Sacramento CA

Clean Buildings Expo in Full Swing

Yesterday, the first-ever Clean Buildings Expo (CBE) opened at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland. A joint venture between ISSA and Trade Press Media Group, the two-day event... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/clean-buildings-expo-in-full-swing/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Bird-B-Gone: 2019 catalog

PHOTO: BIRD-B-GONE

Along with a new website, Bird-B-Gone released its updated 2019 catalog. The fully redesigned catalog integrates a layout with logical, step-by-step processes for more accurate specification of bird deterrents. The product arrangement allows the reader to easily navigate and locate products, while presenting essential information in a precise format, according to the company. Pest management professionals (PMPs) can visit the new website to view or download a copy of the new catalog. Read more about Bird-B-Gone’s redesigned website.

BirdBGone.com

 

 

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/27/bird-b-gone-2019-catalog/
Sacramento CA

MilliCare Manager Designated Certified Franchise Executive

Becky Lewis, franchise development manager for milliCare Floor & Textile Care, has been named a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. In order... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/millicare-manager-designated-certified-franchise-executive/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Johnson Controls Joins ISCI

Johnson Controls, Inc. has joined the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) as a strategic level member. ISCI develops certifications and standards for the cyber security of industrial... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/johnson-controls-joins-isci/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Measles Outbreak Strikes NY County

Rockland County, NY, has declared a county wide state of emergency due to an outbreak of measles. According to the Rockland County Health Department, more than 150 cases of measles have been... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/measles-outbreak-strikes-ny-county/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

NPMA certifies QualityPro providers

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) congratulates the following companies for earning QualityPro accreditation in recent months:

• Boundary Exterminare Corp., Massapequa, N.Y. (also offering GreenPro certified service)
• Brothers Exterminating LLC, Woodbury, N.J. (also offering GreenPro and QualityPro Schools certified service)
• Bust-A-Bug LLC, Virginia Beach, Va.
• Creepy Crawly Pest Control, Tempe, Ariz. (also offering GreenPro)
• Critter Getters Inc., Fruitland, Md.
• Pestmaster Service, Lanham, Md.
• Pest Solutions Inc., Thornburg, Va.
• Planet Orange, San Jose, Calif.

In addition, Bug Man Exterminating Inc. of Roanoke, Va., earned the QualityPro Food Safety certification.

QualityPro is administered by the Foundation for Professional Pest Management, an independent organization that has developed good business practices and standards since 2004. QualityPro sets the standards of excellence for professional pest management companies and their employees through education, training and certification. Over 500 companies in the pest management industry have been certified in the United States and Canada.

QualityPro Schools and QualityPro Food Safety are additional certifications available to pest management companies that are QualityPro accredited. Through additional testing and training, companies can show their commitment to service in schools and educational facilities, as well as in food plants and processing facilities, where special knowledge of the environment is required.

The GreenPro program recognizes QualityPro certified pest management companies that have proven their commitment to offering reduced risk, comprehensive, and effective pest control services. Less than 1 percent of companies in the United States earn the accreditation. The program standards are developed, reviewed and governed by an independent advisory committee comprised of environmental advocacy groups, state and federal government representatives, education experts and pest professionals.

The post NPMA certifies QualityPro providers appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/26/npma-certifies-qualitypro-providers/
Sacramento CA

MGK: NyGuard Plus Flea & Tick Premise Spray

Give customers an additional service for free: Treat for fleas and ticks on carpets, furniture and floors, plus eliminate pet odors and leave a clean, fresh scent. NyGuard Plus is an easy-to-use aerosol with no-drip technology. It kills fleas and ticks and prevents flea re-infestation for seven months, the company says. Each can of NyGuard Plus treats more than 2,000 sq. ft.

MGK.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/26/mgk-nyguard-plus-flea-tick-premise-spray/
Sacramento CA

PestEx Seminars – something for everyone

PestEx 2019 employed the now tried and tested format of two seminar programmes running in parallel, one dedicated to technical topics, the other to business subjects. Spread over the two days there was plenty for everyone. This format works well, although the lines between ‘technical’ and ‘business’ seemed a little more blurred at PestEx 2019 than at previous events.

from SmartBlog https://www.pestmagazine.co.uk/en/news/posts/2019/march/pestex-seminars-something-for-everyone
Pest Control Pros

Choosing the best bait for ant control

Dr. Jamel Sandidge, BCE, Research Entomologist, Rockwell Laboratories

Ant baits have become a major tool in the battle against structure-invading ants. But how do you choose the best bait for the situation? As a pest management professional (PMP), I used a technique I called the “Peanut Butter and Jelly Test”: Some ants prefer sweets/carbohydrates (the jelly), while others prefer fats and proteins (the peanut butter). Many ants switch from one source to the next, depending on the needs of the colony. It can be a predictable seasonal preference, or a rapid switch to take advantage of a new food source.

How do you determine what the colony needs? Ant species identification is the first major key, but often this will only reveal the general preferences of the species — leaving the question, what bait do I choose? Thus, carrying baits that contain a source of protein and fats, in addition to sweet baits containing primarily sugar and carbohydrates, is essential. Test the colony by placing small portions of each bait near the workers. Continue your inspection, then return after a few minutes to see whether a clear choice has been made. Adding a perimeter granular bait that contains fats, oils, sugars and protein also will provide a selection that even the pickiest ant colony will likely accept.

The post Choosing the best bait for ant control appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/26/choosing-the-best-bait-for-ant-control/
Sacramento CA

5 questions with Michael Patterson, Pest Pro Solutions

Michael Patterson, left, shakes hands with Dub Hayes to close their business deal. PHOTO: MICHAEL PATTERSON

This month’s question-and-answer session is with Michael Patterson, owner of Pest Pro Solutions, Shelbina, Mo. The 26-year-old has an unusual tale of acquiring his company — and an even more unusual success rate, having completed an industry acquisition within 12 months of taking over the business.

1. How did you get your start in pest control?

About five years ago, I started working part-time over the summer at Pest Pro Solutions while attending college full time. My dad helped start Pest Pro Solutions in 2005, but as a full-time veterinarian, his practice takes up most of his time. I trained under, and worked alongside, Pest Pro Solutions’ co-owner, Lynn Riley.

After I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in plant science/crop management, with a focus on entomology, I moved back to Shelbina and began working full-time with Pest Pro Solutions. By September 2018, Lynn and I had discussed the future of Pest Pro Solutions — leading to his gradual retirement and my purchase of Pest Pro Solutions.

2. In January, you acquired Hayes Pest Control, Moberly, Mo., from 92-year-old D.P. “Dub” Hayes. How did that come about?

I met Dub through our mutual pesticide supplier, Harry Connoyer, Harry’s Consulting & Pest Supplies, in September 2018. Dub and I hit it off immediately. I spoke with Dub numerous times, seeking advice on pest control jobs. In November 2018, Dub asked me if I would be interested in purchasing his company. We closed the acquisition on Jan. 3, 2019.

3. Why do you think he moved on the sale so quickly after meeting you?

Dub had multiple companies in the past approach him about buying his company, but after working with him and telling him my vision for Pest Pro Solutions and Hayes Pest Control, we realized we had the same vision for both companies. Dub has a deep passion and caring for his customers. When we started talking about the buyout, he wanted to make sure his customers were going to be totally cared for, the way he cared for them the past 60 years. I am up to this challenge, and I think that is why we meshed so well.

4. Your company is growing rapidly. What is your strategy?

With Pest Pro Solutions, our first big step was trying to get our name out there and expand on our current services. I didn’t want to bite off more than I could chew, so we stuck with the basics. I unofficially took over in mid-July, and by word-of-mouth and rebranding ourselves, Lynn and I grew the business in 2018 by 12 percent over 2017.
We built a company website. We purchased two trucks and had them wrapped with new logos; previously, we only had one van with a logo on the door. We implemented a continuing education program for myself and our four technicians. Hayes Pest Control is about 43 miles away from Shelbina.

With this new location, we have been able to start a termite division for inspections and treatment. Even though it’s new, having a termite division already has helped us tremendously — getting our name out there to Realtors and expanding into new markets.

5. Even in retirement, Lynn helps out at Pest Pro Solutions as needed and is your mentor. Is Dub still active in the business, too?

After six decades in pest control, Dub is still going strong! He has been a huge help in the transition — not necessarily with the day-to-day operations, but overseeing what I am doing. He offers advice and input on jobs and how he did things in the past. He doesn’t want me to make the same mistakes he did, and I am grateful to both Dub and Lynn for sharing their experience and wisdom.

The post 5 questions with Michael Patterson, Pest Pro Solutions appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/03/26/5-questions-with-michael-patterson-pest-pro-solutions/
Sacramento CA