Syngenta: 2020 PestPartners 365 Program

IMAGE: SYNGENTA

The 2020 PestPartners 365 Program from Syngenta makes it easy for businesses of any size to save all year. It’s simple: Purchase any combination of Syngenta products between Oct. 1, 2019, and April 30, 2020, to generate at least $200 in base rebates. No forms are required to redeem rebates. You can also defer payment on select products until June 26, 2020, with SummerPay, making it easy to manage your expenses throughout the season. A one-time Early Order Bonus rebate is also available to PMPs who purchase Syngenta products that generate at least $500 in base rebates between Oct. 1 – Dec. 6, 2019.

PestPartners365.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/11/01/syngenta-2020-pestpartners-365-program/
Sacramento CA

Truly Nolen wraps up 6th year of Halloween hospital visits

PHOTO: TRULY NOLEN PEST CONTROL

PHOTO: TRULY NOLEN PEST CONTROL

It started with one visit. In late October 2014, Tucson, Ariz.-based Truly Nolen Pest Control visited Tucson Medical Center for Children to deliver plastic pumpkins for decorating, and swag bags that would be repurposed for trick-or-treating.

The trip was a simple idea hatched by Michelle Nolen Senner, daughter of the late Truly David Nolen, the company’s founder. Nolen Senner has held many titles during her 18 years with the company and has been its director of operational administrative support and special projects since June 2019. She grew up with the idea that companies should always give back to their local hospitals during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s, because that is a normal time to give gifts to children. But she quickly realized from that inaugural visit to Tucson Medical Center that Halloween is an underserved time of year for children’s hospital. Between that fact and our company lending itself well to Halloween — our vehicles are always dressed up, after all — Michelle set out to have Truly Nolen make Halloween hospital visits its niche by branding “Truly Spooktacular.”

PHOTO: TRULY NOLEN PEST CONTROL

PHOTO: TRULY NOLEN PEST CONTROL

The company added three cities in Florida and one in California in 2015 along with a return trip to Tucson. When I joined the in-house team at Truly Nolen in September 2015, I was able to visit Palm Beach Children’s Hospital in West Palm Beach, St. Joseph’s Children Hospital in Tampa, and Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando. Those three hospitals along with Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, Calif. remain part of the program to this day.

After realizing Michelle was on to something and I could help grow the program, when we began scheduling for future visits, I added #TRULYSpooktacular as a hashtag for all of our social media posts. It was important to add hospitals in cities where our service offices are located with team members eager to make a difference.

PHOTO: TRULY NOLEN PEST CONTROL

In 2016, we were fortunate to add Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fla., Golisano-Southwest Florida Children’s Hospital and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The following year, we added Miami-Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, North Naples Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Palms West Hospital in Royal Palm Beach (Fla.), Shriners Hospital of Galveston (Texas) and JFK Indio Hospital (Calif.).

For 2018, Michelle wanted to think outside the box even more by adding a couple of non-hospitals like Nevada Childhood Cancer Center in Las Vegas; Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix; and Ronald McDonald House in Tucson. Altogether, we visited 16 hospitals or children centers in five states.

For 2019, I am happy to report we visited 22 hospitals or children centers in six states. Coming on board for the first time in 2019 included All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., The Children’s Center at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas and in El Paso, Texas, the El Paso Chlidren’s Hospital and The Hospitals of Providence Children’s Hospital.

PHOTO: TRULY NOLEN PEST CONTROL

One of my favorite things about #TRULYSpooktacular remains the simplicity of bringing 40 pumpkins into a hospital/venue, having children choose among four decorating sticker kits (this year was a princess, a cat, a scarecrow and a funny face), and watching our team members have fun helping the children.

My other favorite thing is that Michelle and members of both the Tucson Public Relations and Marketing Team, in a nod to being the original seed for this program, dress in full Halloween costume when doing their visit. This year, Michelle and company dressed as Bo Peep and Jessie from Toy Story 2, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Jasmine from Aladdin, and Batman.

With 2019’s visits behind us, I have already begun planning for 2020 — we hope to add a few of our franchises visiting hospitals/venues to our list while adding value to the lives we touch.

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Srebnik is manager of public relations and communications for Truly Nolen Pest Control. He can be reached at 954.247.3212 or toby.srebnik@trulymail.net.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/31/truly-nolen-wraps-up-6th-year-of-halloween-hospital-visits/
Sacramento CA

PestWorld 2019 – the same but different...

Once again PestWorld lived up to its name – it covered PESTS and pretty much represented the WORLD. Certainly delegates came from far and wide. It was held in San Diego, in sunny southern California between 15-18 October and, for those of us travelling from a cold and very wet Europe, the wall to wall blue skies and temperatures in the high 70°F (20°C) was a fabulous highlight.

from SmartBlog https://www.pestmagazine.co.uk/en/news/posts/2019/october/pestworld-2019-the-same-but-different
Pest Control Pros

The exhibition at PestWorld – the star attraction

There is no doubting the exhibition at any PestWorld is one, if not THE, key attraction. This is particularly true for international commercial delegates. The same was true this year, and with over 230 stands to get round there was plenty to see – but was there?

from SmartBlog https://www.pestmagazine.co.uk/en/news/posts/2019/october/the-exhibition-at-pestworld-the-star-attraction
Pest Control Pros

Air-Scent International purchases Sani-Air Associated Products

Air-Scent International, a provider of professional air care, acquired Sani-Air Associated Products to further its global position in the commercial air freshener market. Both companies are based in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Air-Scent International’s manufacturing facility and headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa. PHOTO: AIR-SCENT INTERNATIONAL

Air-Scent International’s founder Bob Surloff is considered to be the inventor of the first fan-operated air freshener in 1946. The company now holds more than 20 patents and provides ambient scenting diffusers, molecular odor neutralizing products and essential oil refills.

Pest management professionals use Air-Scent’s air fresheners as part of total facility care programs. Air-Scent’s products are also used by scent marketing companies, air freshener service providers and a number of commercial, industrial and institutional end-user businesses.

Sani-Air has served the janitorial and sanitation industry for more than 65 years. The company owns California Scents Professional, which is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and manufactures the API and Sani-Air product lines in Pennsylvania.

“We see Sani-Air’s stellar product line as a seamless extension to our current offerings, and one that further enhances our ability to provide one-stop-shop convenience to a global clientele,” says Arnold Zlotnik, CEO and president of Air-Scent. “We’ve worked very hard to make this acquisition a seamless integration and look forward to welcoming Sani-Air’s customers and employees to the Air-Scent family. We are confident that our combined capabilities will deliver a compelling valuable proposition for our customers across numerous segments and key markets.”

Sani-Air’s production and office staff will be joining the teams at Air-Scent’s manufacturing facility and headquarters in Pittsburgh.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/31/air-scent-international-purchases-sani-air-associated-products/
Sacramento CA

J.C. Restoration Raises $2,255 for Local Burn Prevention Charity

JCR hosts continuing education course on water damage restoration.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Restoring Success: Efficiency in our Movements

How often are we needlessly touching or moving something? How often do we look for something? How much time is being wasted unnecessarily in additional steps or needing something?

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Thank you for registering.

Thank you for registering for the upcoming Pest Management Professional webinar, “The Next Big Thing in Cockroach Control,” sponsored by Control Solutions Inc.

A link to the live event will be sent to you two hours before the event. Your personalized event URL will be automatically generated by the ON24 system. To ensure receipt of the email, please whitelist this email address by adding it to your contacts: do_not_reply@on24event.com.

This presentation will begin at 1 p.m. EST / 12 p.m. CST / 10 a.m. PST on Thursday, November 14, 2019.

Audience members may arrive 15 minutes prior to live time to confirm that the webinar platform is working. If you have any questions, please contact event producer Bethany Chambers at bchambers@northcoastmedia.net.

The post Thank you for registering. appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/31/thank-you-for-registering-11142019/
Sacramento CA

Automatic Trap Co.: Goodnature A24

IMAGE: Automatic Trap Co.

Automatic Trap Co. is the exclusive U.S. distributor for Goodnature A24, a humane trap designed in New Zealand. The rugged, weather-proof trap automatically kills up to 24 rats or mice with just one carbon dioxide canister. The rodent then falls out of the trap and can be safely foraged by its predators. It installs quickly and easily, has a bio-attractant lure bottle that lasts six months, and requires just monthly checks.

AutomaticTrap.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/31/automatic-trap-co-goodnature-a24/
Sacramento CA

The State of the Restoration Industry in 2019

The numbers are pointing to this being a solid year for restoration and remodeling contractors. Despite new home construction being a bit sluggish, remodeling and maintenance spending grew as expected thanks largely to storms and continued recovery efforts from hurricanes in 2018.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

RIA Appoints Ed Cross as Restoration Contractor Advocate

Cross will now be empowered to take carefully crafted position statements from the industry and  advocate at the highest levels.

from Subscribe to R&R Magazine's RSS Feed https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/88680-ria-appoints-ed-cross-as-restoration-contractor-advocate
Mold Remediation Baltimore

ODA selects agriculture inspection manager

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) named Ryan King agriculture inspection manager in the pesticide and fertilizer section. King succeeds Jim Belt, who is moving to ODA’s newly formed hemp program.

Ryan King. PHOTO: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

King started with ODA in 2006 as a plant health inspector with the plant pest control section. In 2009, he transferred to the pesticide and fertilizer section. King worked as a field inspector until 2015, when he was promoted to a plant health supervisor. In 2017, he became an ag inspection manager and a certification and training officer.

King will engage with the Ohio Pest Management Association (OPMA) to oversee certification functions.

“We hate to lost Jim,” says Lonnie Alonso, president of Columbus Pest Control in Columbus, Ohio, and newly minted PMP Hall of Famer (Class of 2019), referencing Belt’s years of experience and legal expertise. Belt gave recertification talks at an annual OPMA meeting, explains Alonso.

Alonso nevertheless looks forward to King’s appointment.

“This is good for OPMA as we all know Ryan and have worked well with him,” Alonso says.

Founded in 1846 as the Ohio Board of Agriculture, the ODA fulfills several important roles for Ohioans including supporting agriculture, protecting consumers, safeguarding plants and animals, and conserving natural resources.

The OPMA seeks to promote education and ethics for the pest control industry in Ohio, foster research and diffusion of knowledge of the industry among its members, and cooperate with the National Pest Management Association and with governmental and educational authorities for the good of the community and industry.

The post ODA selects agriculture inspection manager appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/30/oda-selects-agriculture-inspection-manager/
Sacramento CA

Facts + Stats: Wildfires

Fiftenn of the 20 largest fires in California history have happened since 2000.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

LabelSDS.com: Product info pages

IMAGE: LABELSDS.COM

LabelSDS.com has added an information page for each product in its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database. This page provides such data as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration number, signal word, product classification, and group numbers for resistance action committees for insecticides, fungicides and herbicides (IRAC, FRAC and HRAC). There is also a product information summary, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hazard diamond information, and Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard information. This new feature provides quick, vital information about each product to improve communication for technicians, office staff and customers.

LabelSDS.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/30/labelsds-com-product-info-pages/
Sacramento CA

Bed bugs: Proactive programs prevent poor performance

Clients with multi-family housing units can fall prey to the notion that a proactive program “costs too much,” when the opposite is actually true. PHOTO: MARK SHEPERDIGIAN, BCE

• Reactive bed bug programs in multi-family accounts cost more.
• Never underestimate your influence on client expectations.

Do your clients think bed bugs can be eliminated? Do they think they can be managed? Bed bug programs for multi-family housing are either proactive or reactive. The best programs are proactive, but many clients opt for reactive or a la carte programs, thinking it will be lower cost.

The key to lowering overall costs for bed bug management is early detection. Proactive programs may require more in effort and cost at the outset, but over time, the costs are always lower: It takes much less effort to control a light infestation than it does a heavy one.
 

START WITH INSPECTION

At first, you will have some heavy infestations to identify and control, and this will take effort. In fact, you will have to visit each unit to find the heavy infestations. Properly trained canine teams can cover an amazing number of units with incredible accuracy, but it also can be done with teams of trained professionals. Use interceptors in units that are questionable, and revisit them in two weeks. Remember that heavy infestations are easy to find visually.

Some heavy infestations are more difficult to treat than others, but finding them is more than half the battle. Be prepared for overstuffed units with hideous infestations. There are a number of strategies to deal with them, but none of them are cheap or easy.

PHOTO: MARK SHEPERDIGIAN, BCE

However you decide to go about it, make sure everyone — from the tenant to property management — is committed to a positive outcome. Don’t let a difficult unit stand in the way of a good program.

Regularly inspect all units to identify infestations early. Most infestations start from one or two bugs, and grow slowly over the first month or two. At about three months, the numbers begin to spike and, if left untreated or if only self-treated, the population may explode. If you can get into every unit at least once a quarter, there is little chance of anything getting out of hand. At that point, all the control measures will be easy and inexpensive.

Kick it up a notch by inspecting all move-outs, and then move-ins. The cost of inspection always is lower than the cost of treatment.

The program is completed by education and training. Educate property management on the best practices to prevent re-infestations, such as the proper disposal of infested furniture. Train staff to help tenants properly prepare for treatments.

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You can reach Mark Sheperdigian, BCE, vice president of technical services, Rose Pest Solutions, Troy, Mich., at shep@rosepest.com.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/30/bed-bugs-proactive-programs-prevent-poor-performance/
Sacramento CA

Review your online review responses

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/JUSTSTOCK

Few things in a pest control operator’s life will ruin his or her day as much as a one-star review. To be completely honest, one of my weaknesses is having thin skin, so a bad review hurts me more than watching Pierce Brosnan sing in “Mamma Mia!”

I’ve been in business for 13-and-a-half years, but we really didn’t start keeping track of reviews until a few years ago. In a short period of time, we have amassed nearly 600 reviews from Home Advisor, Angie’s List, Yelp, Google Reviews and Facebook. Our average score is 4.79 out of 5.00. Of that total, only 1.8 percent are less than a four-star review.

Recently, Schopen Pest Solutions got its first one-star write-up — and it stung pretty bad.

I say our “first” one-star review, but it’s actually our fourth. Two of our one-star reviews were from people I call “professional Yelpers.” They were trying to get free services out of us. These two ladies actually use reviews as a way to extort free treatments. I refused to be intimidated by either of them, and they promptly bashed us on Yelp and Google.

Another one-star review came from a gentleman who thought I was rude. I went to his home for a bald-faced Hornet nest, which was two feet above his front door. I went to his service entrance and knocked but he still came out of the front door! I told him to go back inside and wait for me. I finished the job, collected the money and left. The next day, he left a scathing review of our company stating how rude and condescending I was to him. After a quick phone call explaining to him that I was only trying to look out for his safety, he amended his review to a 4.0.

We even received a zero-star review, but at least it was temporary: If you remember my July 2016 column — “Going from hero to zero (and back again)” — I was able to work things out with the customer, and she took down her nasty review.
 

PLAN FOR GOOD REVIEWS

With poor reviews, it’s not a matter of if it will happen, but when will it happen. Kind of like my Chicago Bears: I know someday they will beat Aaron Rodgers before he retires, I just don’t know when it will happen.

How you prepare for and respond to bad reviews can set you apart as an owner. At Schopen Pest Solutions, we do everything in our power to avoid bad reviews. Among the many tactics we employ is passively selling our clients on the idea of a five-star review during the initial phone call, “Thanks for calling, Mrs. Jones, and if you ever need to reach out to us with a question, concern or a five-star compliment, feel free to call us anytime or leave a review for us online!” That’s planting the seed.

Next, our technicians will perform the service and then ask the client, “Did I do everything the office staff said I would?” They will follow this up with, “Did I meet or exceed your expectations?”

Ninety-nine percent of the time, the answer is “yes.” But occasionally, the client will have questions about something the tech did or didn’t do. After fixing the issue, our tech will ask again whether he handled all their concerns. If the answer is “yes,” then our tech will kindly ask the client to go online and give us a nice word or two.

The day after our initial visit, the tech’s programmer will call the client to thank him or her for using our company. During this follow-up call, our programmer/scheduler will remind the client of the next appointment date and ask whether the tech met all expectations. If the answer is “no,” the programmer will try to get more details from the customer. At this point, the office staff will again ask the client to go online and give us a review.

As a company, we make a big deal out of every five-star review.

I send a picture of the review to our company group text and we hang the review on our Wall of Fame. My office assistant, Wendy, keeps all of the reviews and puts them in a binder. At the end of the month, the techs get points for every five-star review they garner. Each tech is graded every month, and five-star reviews are a big portion
of their grade. We also show many of our reviews on our Facebook page.

A one-star review doesn’t need to define our company, but not responding to it in a professional manner speaks volumes on how we run our business.

The post Review your online review responses appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/29/review-your-online-review-responses/
Sacramento CA

Fighting extreme measures

ILLUSTRATION: LEO MICHAEL

You don’t have to live in a big city to know rodents are everywhere. That’s why a legislative-led state-wide ban on certain rodenticides seems extreme when federal and state agencies have the power to regulate these products.

California pest management professionals (PMPs) are experiencing a short-lived reprieve as legislation that would have banned second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides has been held until next year. In the meantime, legislators, activists and PMPs in the state may come to an agreement and craft a bill that does not endanger public health. Our cover story this month explains the details of the proposed bill, and provides feedback from a variety of rodenticide stakeholders, including PMPs and suppliers.

Although the latest developments regarding this proposed ban are a huge victory for the pest control industry, we cannot rest easy. This isn’t the first time legislation has threatened to permanently remove the tools in a PMP’s toolbox. It has happened before, and it will happen again. For proof, check out our list of pest control legislative milestones from the past 100-plus years.

PMPs in every state — not just California — must remain diligent. Get to know your city and state representatives, and get involved. The safety and well-being of the public is at stake.

• Read more:
• Industry advocates weigh in on California’s proposed rodenticide ban
• Massachusetts eyes creation of commission to study rodenticides
• California’s proposed rodenticide ban bill on hold

The post Fighting extreme measures appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/29/fighting-extreme-measures/
Sacramento CA

ServiceMaster acquires Gregory Pest Solutions

ServiceMaster acquired Greenville, S.C.-based Gregory Pest Solutions, one of Copesan’s largest service provider partners.

LOGO: SERVICEMASTER

“We continue to deliver on our commitment to build an industry-leading commercial pest business, starting with our Copesan acquisition in 2018, and followed by the acquisitions of other Copesan providers such as Assured Environments and Cooper Pest Control,” says Nik Varty, CEO of ServiceMaster.

“We firmly believe that it’s been our core value of taking care of people, both the employees and our customers, that has made Gregory Pest Solutions the success it is today,” says Phil Gregory, founder and CEO of Gregory Pest Solutions. “As a Copesan partner, we had the opportunity to experience how ServiceMaster conducts its business. It is because of the shared commitment to caring that we chose to partner with ServiceMaster.”

LOGO: GREGORY PEST SOLUTIONS

ServiceMaster will retain the management team and brand of Gregory Pest Solutions as it looks to strengthen its focus on integrated commercial pest management.

Ben Walker will continue on as president of Gregory Pest Solutions. In addition to this responsibility, he will take on the role of Southeast area leader of commercial pest operations, reporting to Greg Rutherford, president of Terminix Commercial.

This follows the recent announcement that Andrew Klein, former CEO of Assured Environments, will serve as Northeast area leader of commercial pest, reporting to Rutherford.

The acquisition of Gregory Pest Solutions is one of several completed by ServiceMaster in recent months. The company also purchased South Elgin, Ill.-based McCloud Services; Tamaqua, Pa.-based Seitz Brothers Exterminating; and Conyers, Ga.-based Inspect-All Services.

ServiceMaster entered the European market with the acquisition of Nomor Holding in Sweden and also purchased IoT service provider Pest Pulse in Ireland.

The post ServiceMaster acquires Gregory Pest Solutions appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/29/servicemaster-acquires-gregory-pest-solutions/
Sacramento CA

Restoration Builders Expands into Colorado and Wyoming Acquisition of Sorenson Roofing & Exteriors

The Restoration Builders network of companies will include a global infrastructure of offices, teams, equipment, trucks and other resources operating together to capitalize on the explosive growth of the $210B+ insurance restoration industry.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Restoration Advocacy Report #5

The RIA’s Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee continues to roll full steam ahead. In case you have not heard of us, the AGA is on a mission to advocate for the best interests of restorers, and to achieve a fair and level playing field, both legally and financially, with insurers and their partners. Each month, we report on our progress and recent developments.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

IICRC Seeks Volunteers for the Development of Three New Standards

The IICRC is seeking volunteers to develop new standards for flooring and substrate inspection, infection control, and wildfire damage restoration.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Natural State to ensure bed-bug free holiday for deserving family

The holidays can be overwhelming enough without the added burden of bed bugs.

LOGO: NATURAL STATE PEST CONTROL

For the third year, Natural State Pest Control is accepting applications from those in need to be considered for a free bed bug treatment this December.

A bed bug infestation is not only stressful but also poses serious health risks if left untreated. While professional treatments are usually the only way to ensure lasting relief, their cost can often take a toll on families already experiencing financial difficulty over the holidays.

Anyone in financial need is invited to apply for the free service.

“Bed bug problems are growing at a phenomenal rate in northwest Arkansas,” says owner Trent Ragar. “It’s something no family should have to live with, especially during the holidays. At Natural State Pest Control, we want to give the gift of peaceful sleep to a deserving family this Christmas.”

Interested parties can submit their applications here with a brief description of their situation and what receiving this free service would mean to them and their families.

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 12, and the winners will be contacted soon after to schedule their bed bug treatment.

Natural State Pest Control is based in Lowell, Ark., and serves the Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, Fort Smith, Siloam Springs and Huntsville, Ark., areas. The company offers a variety of pest management services, including ant, cockroach, spider, wasp, termite, mosquito, bed bug and rodent control. Natural State also serves the commercial pest control market.

The post Natural State to ensure bed-bug free holiday for deserving family appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/29/natural-state-to-ensure-bed-bug-free-holiday-for-deserving-family/
Sacramento CA

Wildlife Control Consultant: Resource compilation

IMAGE: STEPHEN VANTASSEL

PMP magazine’s wildlife consultant, Stephen Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is author of the third editions of both The Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook and The Wildlife Removal Handbook. He also blogs regularly at WildlifeControlConsultant.com and does a weekly segment on the Pest Geek Podcast. With the help of Michael Fall and Serge Lariviére, Vantassel has compiled “Information Resources for Animal Control and Wildlife Damage Management,” an up-to-date clearinghouse on wildlife control industry information. It is available as a free download online.

Bit.ly/36kwZXp

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/29/wildlife-control-consultant-resource-compilation/
Sacramento CA

PestRoutes, Lobster Marketing detail partnership success

Patrick McKittrick, CEO of PestRoutes, and Ross Mawhinney, CEO of Lobster Marketing Group, share details about their partnership. Their goal is to help pest control companies run a better business, as well as drive new customers.

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(Intro background image: iStock.com/Evgenii_Bobrov)

The post PestRoutes, Lobster Marketing detail partnership success appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/29/pestroutes-lobster-marketing-detail-partnership-success/
Sacramento CA

ServicePro updates ServSuite software

Andy Deering, COO of ServicePro, shares the new features of his company’s flagship product, ServSuite. The software is designed for PMPs to streamline and optimize their business inventory, scheduling, routing, billing, reporting and more.

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(Intro background image: iStock.com/Evgenii_Bobrov)

The post ServicePro updates ServSuite software appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/29/servicepro-updates-servsuite-software/
Sacramento CA

3 of MGK’s newest products

Brian Cooney, senior sales representative for MGK, shares the company’s newest products including Shockwave 1 Residual Aerosol, Decimari Fly Bait and Sumilarv.

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(Intro background image: iStock.com/Evgenii_Bobrov)

The post 3 of MGK’s newest products appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/29/3-of-mgks-newest-products/
Sacramento CA

Natural Remedies for Black Mold

Black mold is a common and toxic mold type often found in homes with some kind of water damage. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and flooding, are frequently followed by black mold, and can bring unwanted damage to homes and human health.

However, just like there is hope for your home to be properly remediated from mold damage, there is hope in getting rid of black mold symptoms! First, lets take a quick look at what black mold is, the symptoms of black mold exposure, and then learn about some natural remedies for black mold.

What is Black Mold?

When someone refers to black mold, they are usually talking about Stachybotrys chartarum. Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold that is commonly found in homes that have some sort of water damage, providing the constant source of moisture that black mold requires to grow. It prefers a high-cellulose diet and thus grows often on surfaces such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. (1)

Symptoms of Black Mold

Some of the most recognized black mold symptoms have to do with the respiratory system. Coughing, sneezing, and other allergy-like responses can often indicate exposure to black mold. Black mold symptoms may include:

• Chronic coughing/sneezing
• Nasal irritation
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Rashes
• Chronic fatigue

Severe symptoms from long-term exposure:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding from the lungs and nose (2)

Natural Remedies for Black Mold

It is important to seek medical care for your health if you are dealing with black mold. It is also very crucial that you remove yourself from the environment with black mold. Whether you need to move, or have your home professionally remediated, it is important to have a healthy place to live and recover from the health effects of black mold exposure. Once you have done both of these things, and if you wish to add in natural remedies to your health-boosting protocol, then these natural options may be worth trying.

In her book, Self Heal By Design, Barbara O’neill discuses the importance of this three-pronged approach to conquer mold-related illnesses.

1. Starve the fungus.
2. Kill the fungus.
3. Restore the balance of the beneficial microbes.

1) Starve the Fungus

Cut out Sugar

Mold thrives on sugar. As a result, you will want to cut out or significantly reduce your sugar intake. This even includes fruit, with the exception of Granny Smith apples and grapefruit

Avoid Yeasts

To starve the fungus, you will want to eliminate yeast from your diet. This includes yeasted bread (but not sourdough), alcohol, and all other yeast products, such as brewer’s yeast and soy sauce.

Old and Expired Food

Do not eat any old foods or expired foods. Anything with mold on it should not be eaten. Avoid eating foods more than a few days old.

Corn, Wheat, and Peanuts

Corn, wheat, and peanuts should be avoided because they are often contaminated with fungal growth as a result of how they are stored, thus fungal infestations are prevalent in these foods.

2) Kill the Fungus

Herbs

There are a number of herbs with anti fungal properties. The following herbs may be helpful in boosting your health while dealing with black mold symptoms:

• Garlic
• Olive Leaf Extract
• Oregano Oil
• Pau D’Arco
• Horopito
• Grapefruit Seed Extract
• Iodine

Always discuss adding herbs to your health-care protocol with your trusted health care practitioner, and use proper dosing.

Foods

These foods contain anti fungal properties and can be added to the diet to help boost your body.

• Coconut in all forms.
• All legumes.
• Raw nuts and seeds (except peanuts and pistachio nuts).

3) Restore the Balance

• Eat cultured foods such as sourdough spelt bread, sauerkraut, miso, organic tofu, and non-dairy yogurt.
• Consider adding a probiotic supplement, specifically containing acidophilus and bifidus.

For more extensive lists and information, please check out the book Self Heal By Design.

from Mold Blogger https://moldblogger.com/natural-remedies-for-black-mold/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

NCPMA establishes endowment program

In recognition of Dr. Mike Waldvogel’s contribution to the pest management industry in North Carolina, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) launched the NCPMA Extension Program Endowment in Honor of Mike Waldvogel at North Carolina State University.

LOGO: NCPMA

The NCPMA Extension Program Endowment in Honor of Mike Waldvogel will support the ongoing work of North Carolina State University, focusing on supporting positions that directly contribute to the education of the pest management industry. The endowment honors Dr. Waldvogel, extension associate professor and extension specialist in North Carolina State University’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

“Dr. Waldvogel has been an instrumental part of the pest management industry in North Carolina for decades. His knowledge of pests, their behaviors and trends is unparalleled, and we, as an industry, are truly thankful for all of the insight, guidance and wisdom he has shared with us throughout the years,” says Clint Miller, NCPMA president. “It is our privilege to be able to honor his contribution to the state by creating this endowment which will safeguard the academic positions that have played such a significant role in furthering the North Carolina pest management industry and ensure that future generations are able to receive quality entomology education.”

The NCPMA board has committed $50,000 to this endowment. These funds will be joined with a previous endowment fund created by NCPMA in 2002.

Founded in 1952, the NCPMA is the only statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals. NCPMA promotes the continued cooperation and success of all pest management businesses in North Carolina.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/28/ncpma-establishes-endowment-program/
Sacramento CA

Restoration Roundup: The Latest Headlines Affecting the Restoration Industry

A challenge to the EPA's stand on asbestos, mold-filled dorm rooms, new e-verification laws for employees, and more.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

How to Start Your Restoration Company with Pennies | WITH VIDEO!

In property restoration and other service-based industries, opportunities often come at all of the oddest hours of the day or night, testing your commitment to the cause. Identify the opportunities that are best for you and your team.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

IICRC 2020 Board Elects Kevin Pearson as Chairman

The IICRC Executive Committee helps run the day-to-day operations of the organization, and together with the Board, represents the interests of all IICRC registrants.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

NPMA approves workforce development initiative

The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) board of directors unanimously approved a comprehensive workforce development initiative to help attract and retain qualified talent in the pest control industry.

Logo: NPMA

“The timing is right for our organization to address the long-standing need for skilled workers in professional pest control,” says NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf. “Our members have shared that the number one thing standing between their business and continued growth is a lack of workers – and when individual companies are unable to grow, the industry is unable to grow. The National Pest Management Association is taking action now to fuel and drive greater awareness around the many job opportunities, career growth possibilities and earning potential that exists in the industry today.”

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pest control workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, which is 5 percent.

“We have been listening closely to the needs of our members, and are so pleased to bring this comprehensive initiative to the industry,” says Chris Gorecki, NPMA president and VP of operational support at Rollins. “We will position NPMA as an advocate for prospective and current employees with a top priority on attracting field technicians and other roles to our great industry, effectively building a pipeline of qualified candidates to help all NPMA members meet business demand.”

The group will develop a new external website dedicated to promoting careers in professional pest control, along with corresponding social media for Facebook and LinkedIn to help drive awareness of professional pest control as a desirable career path.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/28/npma-approves-workforce-development-initiative/
Sacramento CA

NPMA presents annual awards at PestWorld 2019

Bobby Jenkins, ABC Home & Commercial Services, was taken by surprise when he was awarded the 2019 Pinnacle Award. PHOTO: DANIELLE PESTA

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) presented its annual industry awards at PestWorld 2019 in San Diego, Calif. Each year, NPMA members earn several key awards that showcase their outstanding contributions and accomplishments to the pest management industry.

“Our industry is passionate about making a difference in the lives of its customers, employees and communities,” said Dominique Stumpf, CEO of NPMA. “Today’s program recognized several hardworking NPMA members who have played an important part in elevating our industry.”

The following individuals and organizations were recognized:

• Pinnacle Award: Bobby Jenkins, ABC Home & Commercial Services
• Women of Excellence Award: Suzanne Graham, Massey Services
• Young Entrepreneur Award: Chase Hazelwood, Go-Forth Pest Control
• NPMA Gives Award: Northwest Exterminating of Marietta, Ga.
• 2018/2019 Committee of the Year: Professional Women in Pest Management
• 2018/2019 Committee Chair of the Year: Faye Golden, Cook’s Pest Control, chair of the Diversity Council

Suzanne Graham, Massey Services Inc., received the 2019 Women of Excellence Award. PHOTO: DANIELLE PESTA

The Pinnacle Award, NPMA’s most prestigious accolade, honors an individual who has contributed not only to the success of the association but to the industry as a whole over a lifetime or career. Jenkins serves as a chairman on the NPMA board and has earned philanthropic and other awards in his home city, Austin, Texas.

The Women of Excellence Award recognizes women who demonstrate outstanding leadership and have made notable contributions to the development and growth of their profession, their business and other women in the industry. This year’s recipient, Graham, serves as Massey Services’ director of government affairs.

“This award speaks volumes about Suzanne and the contributions she’s made to our industry,” says Tony Massey, president of Massey Services. “She’s passionate about making a difference in our communities, driving positive changes for our industry and serving as a mentor to others. We are extremely proud of Suzanne for receiving this well-deserved recognition.”

Northwest Exterminating’s Good Deed Team (GDT) — a group founded in 2011 that seeks out and partners with local schools, businesses and organizations — was surprised to receive the NPMA Gives Award, as other members of the Northwest team had nominated them.

“We’re just glad we get to do what we do every day,” says Greg Green, co-director of the GDT. “Helping people, helping our communities, that’s what it is all about. I still can’t believe our teammates surprised us with something like this.”

Northwest Exterminating of Marietta, Ga., received the 2019 NPMA Gives Award. PHOTO: DANIELLE PESTA

The 2018/2019 Committee Chair of the Year was Faye Golden, Cook’s Pest Control Inc., chair of the Diversity Council. PHOTO: DANIELLE PESTA

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/28/npma-presents-annual-awards-at-pestworld-2019/
Sacramento CA

Cold Spots: Hidden Moisture or Paranormal Entities?

Editor’s Note: In honor of Halloween Week, we wanted to have a little fun – and offer you a way to potentially expand your thermal imaging services in a spooky new way. Enjoy!

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Bird Barrier: Optical Gel STIQ

IMAGE: BIRD BARRIER

While Optical Gel is a relatively fast product to install, it still takes a bit of time removing the lid, either before or after the dish is glued to the surface. The newly introduced STIQ allows installers to insert the dish into the tool, apply the adhesive, press the dish in place, then quickly remove the lid. The STIQ can save installers between 10 percent and 25 percent of the labor time, according to the manufacturer.

BirdBarrier.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/28/bird-barrier-optical-gel-stiq/
Sacramento CA

How to Use the B&G Pressurizing Tank Top | DoMyOwn.com

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

ServiceMaster to fund PWIPM empowerment grant upon executive’s retirement

On Oct. 15, more than 200 pest management industry leaders from across the country came together to celebrate the retirement of Deni Naumann, past president of Copesan Services Inc.; past interim president of Terminix Commercial; and strategic advisor/executive consultant for ServiceMaster.

Naumann’s retirement celebration on the USS Midway in San Diego, Calif. PHOTO: COPESAN

At PestWorld 2019 in San Diego, Calif., aboard the USS Midway, the group celebrated Naumann’s accomplishments throughout her 13 years in the industry, and acknowledged her commitment to service excellence and immense contributions to pest management.

Nik Varty, CEO of ServiceMaster, began the evening by announcing ServiceMaster’s partnership with the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) group to fund an annual Deni Naumann Women in Pest Management Empowerment Grant.

“I want to thank Deni Naumann….since joining us through the Copesan acquisition, she has provided incredible leadership and shown us a path toward sustainable, profitable growth in our important commercial and national accounts pest control businesses,” shared Varty earlier this year in announcing Naumann’s retirement.

The grant will begin in 2020 and provides the opportunity for a woman in any industry business role to compete for an all-expenses paid trip to attend PestWorld for educational purposes plus an award of $1,000 towards her professional goal. This also enables PWIPM to continue its annual Empowerment Grant program with guaranteed funds for at least one woman per year.

“On behalf of NPMA, we thank ServiceMaster for this grant and tribute to Deni’s legacy,” says Dominique Sumpf, NPMA CEO. “This grant will continue to help us build strong leaders for the future growth of our industry.”

The post ServiceMaster to fund PWIPM empowerment grant upon executive’s retirement appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/25/servicemaster-to-fund-pwipm-empowerment-grant-upon-executives-retirement/
Sacramento CA

Precise dusting with Technicide’s Exacticide

Technicide’s owner and founder, Jim Harper, shares how to be precise when dusting using his company’s flagship product, Exacticide. He also shares customer feedback and how this product can help your pest control business.

Click here to see more coverage from PestWorld 2019.

(Intro background image: iStock.com/Evgenii_Bobrov)

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/25/precise-dusting-with-technicides-exacticide/
Sacramento CA

Ensystex debuts VECTORTHOR LED fly lights

Mike Borys, the director of business development for Ensystex, shares details about the new VECTORTHOR LED fly lights that will launch in the U.S. in Q1 of 2020.

Click here to see more coverage from PestWorld 2019.

(Intro background image: iStock.com/Evgenii_Bobrov)

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/25/ensystex-debuts-vectorthor-led-fly-lights/
Sacramento CA

PMP shares favorite Nature-Cide products

Greg Pettis, owner of Dominion Pest Control and a Nature-Cide product rep, talks about some of Nature-Cide’s most popular products and why customers like to use them.

Click here to see more coverage from PestWorld 2019.

(Intro background image: iStock.com/Evgenii_Bobrov)

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/25/pmp-shares-favorite-nature-cide-products/
Sacramento CA

What’s next for Neogen

Casey Prewitt, national sales manager for Neogen, shares some updates for the full line of SureKill products in the company’s professional pest control segment. He discusses the new SureKill hand sanitizer COMMA as well as the patented dry fog formulation SureKill Flusher and SureKill Command.

Click here to see more coverage from PestWorld 2019.

(Intro background image: iStock.com/Evgenii_Bobrov)

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/25/whats-next-for-neogen/
Sacramento CA

BurrTec Co: Expanded Burrcut line

IMAGE: BURRTEC

Burrcut Flex Door Sweeps prevent the intrusion of insects and dust through gaps under doors. Easily mounted with screws, and featuring an easy-to-cut rubber frame in 82- or 16.4-foot lengths, it is now available in several bristle height sizes, as well as heavy-duty sweeps featuring three rows of bristles. The short (10mm) bristle frame can also be installed vertically.

BurrtecUSA.com/burrcut

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/25/burrtec-co-expanded-burrcut-line/
Sacramento CA

Catchmaster unveils Dual Action Twin Catch trap

Jim Shaver, Western U.S. and Canada regional manager for Catchmaster, introduces the Dual Action Twin Catch trap. Learn more about this new multi-catch trap.

(Intro image: iStock.com/Evgenii_Bobrov)

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/24/catchmaster-unveils-dual-action-twin-catch-trap/
Sacramento CA

The sort-of squirrelly bird catches the headline

Photo: Lee Karney, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bugwood.org

It has not escaped our attention that a variety of instances where birds are just being birds has been making the news lately. Take, for instance, the following:

• When male birds put in the work, happiness ensues: Inverse.com reports on a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that set out to figure out whether the song, dance and plumage of many male birds really has an effect on mating success. Spoiler alert: While it makes more work on the female bird when they are trying to raise young together (a fact that any spouse of a showboating human can also attest to), the displays also surprisingly strengthened the male-female relationship and tended to increase the number of eggs she might lay the next time they mate. In other words, “happy wife, happy life” pertains to feathered friends, too.
• Plane lands safely despite bird attack: In August, The Insider reported that an Ural Airlines flight carrying 232 passengers took off from Moscow, Russia. Two minutes later, during its initial climb, it made an emergency landing in a cornfield after “it struck a flock of birds causing both engines to fail.” Only minor injuries occurred, and The Insider article links to several photos and videos of the event. The Aviation Herald, meanwhile, reports on it from a more technical standpoint. It notes that the plane hit a flock of seagulls (not to be mistaken for this Flock, and yes, we’re only being glib because no one was seriously injured in the frightening event).
• Pigeons keep bob, bob, bobbing along: We’ve all seen “winged rats” bob their heads as they strut all over local parks and parking lots — and if you haven’t, well, just imagine Mick Jagger in his prime. And it’s not just pigeons, but chickens, storks, cranes, herons and other, usually ground-feeding birds. As you might surmise, it’s less about being cool and more about stabilizing the bird’s vision as it moves. As LiveScience reports, “What we see as a ‘bob’ is actually the head sliding smoothly forward and then waiting for the body to catch up. We perceive it as a bob because the motion unfolds so rapidly.”
• Birds are gray squirrels’ canary in a coal mine: Research has shown time and again that animals pay attention to the alarm calls of other animals, but a new study in the online journal PLOS ONE finds that squirrels in particular are attuned to what the birds are twittering on about. According to coverage from NPR, “researchers have found that a squirrel becomes incredibly vigilant when it hears the shriek of a red-tailed hawk, but it will relax and resume its food-seeking behavior more quickly if the predator’s call is immediately followed by the easygoing tweets of unconcerned birds.” That said, pity the poor researcher student riding a bicycle around Ohio’s Oberlin College campus in January, jumping off to hide in the bushes with her audio equipment whenever she encountered an eastern gray squirrel to mess with its daily activities.

Whether all this newly discovered information will aid bird control professionals as they continue to find new and effective ways to deter pest populations remains to be seen. But now it’s your turn: What offbeat behavior have you encountered at bird accounts? How do you predict the industry can harness bird calls to squirrel-proof attics and roofs? Sound off below, or drop us a line at pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/10/24/the-squirrelly-bird-catches-the-headline/
Sacramento CA