The one-two punch for mosquito control

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Go behind the science with Dr. Janis Reed, technical services manager for pest control operations with Control Solutions Inc as she discusses Tekko 0.2G mosquito larvicide and how the new product and Proflex can provide exceptional mosquito control.

This video is sponsored content from Control Solutions Inc.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/03/01/the-one-two-punch-for-mosquito-control/
Sacramento CA

Business insights for fleet products & services: Solutions that drive success

Providers of vehicle-related products and services explain what’s new, what’s coming, and their forecasts for 2020-2026.

We reached out to nine industry suppliers to learn more about the solutions that are currently available — and soon to be available — to help pest management professionals (PMPs) improve upon and better manage their fleets. Check out their insights and announcements on the following pages. We also want to know what fleet-related products and services you’re implementing and what you hope to add in the near future. Drop us a line at pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.

A.R.E. ACCESSORIES

Bryan Mutchler

Bryan Mutchler
Marketing Manager

On our A.R.E. Deluxe Commercial Unit (DCU), a lightweight aluminum truck cap, we recently upgraded our access door’s locking mechanism for easy, one-handed operation and self-adjustment — guaranteeing a secure, weather-resistant seal. Our 12V LED interior and exterior workspace lighting is positioned exactly as you need it for low-light conditions.

We’ve added several roof rack options with ergonomics in mind. We’ve also added many safety features, such as rearview cameras and exterior safety lighting options. All of these improvements are centered on making your truck perform in a safe and efficient manner.

PREDICTIONS: We continue to see strong demand for new products and product improvements that keep safety front and center. Much of our efforts today focus on delivering fleet products that will enhance the safety of technicians — and those around them while using their trucks — with an A.R.E. truck cap.

THE BROWNYARD GROUP

Peter Young

Peter Young
Program Manager and Underwriter for Auto, Property and Inland Marine

We’re proud of the enduring stability we provide for PMPs through our insurance program, PCOpro, including commercial auto coverage. But with digital technology increasingly becoming a part of fleet management, we need to think about ways to manage digital information, like PMPs’ driver license numbers. We’re looking forward to introducing a cyber liability insurance solution for PMPs within the next 12 months.

PREDICTIONS: An unfortunate reality of the past decade is increased costs to businesses related to auto accidents. But fleet managers and employers have been proactive in adopting risk management practices, such as reviewing and monitoring drivers and vehicles through motor vehicle records (MVRs), and implementing GPS tracking and other telematics. One trend to watch is the adoption of cell phone blocking apps, which are being used to combat distracted driving. However, no tool is a substitute for a company’s driver safety policies and procedures.

GPS INSIGHT

Ryan Driscoll

Ryan Driscoll
VP, Marketing

The most innovative fleet management solution our company has launched is our smart camera, Driveri. Its artificial intelligence (AI) constantly analyzes a 360° view that deciphers every moment on the road, delivering only those meaningful events — both positive and negative — to simplify your job and serve as a robust safety solution.

PREDICTIONS: We’ve identified three major trends:

1. Business intelligence (BI) software — BI software will pull in the data from all the business systems a company uses today to make visual, meaningful and actionable information come forward.
2. Industry benchmarking — Some telematics providers are compiling and anonymizing many fleets’ data to benchmark key metrics and comparison data.
3. Higher adoption of field service management software — Typically a smartphone app the tech uses that can handle work order details, invoicing, payments, timesheets, etc., this software eliminates the need for paper and streamlines communication back to the main office.

INSIGHT MOBILE DATA

Andrew de la Chapelle

Andrew de la Chapelle
Director, Business Development, NSC Certified Fleet Safety Instructor, OSHA Outreach Training

InSight Mobile Data recently launched LiveCam 360, a 360°-view camera that combines video capture, high-definition driver behavior monitoring, GPS tracking and vehicle security into one easy-to-install device. Its sleek, “low-profile” form factor doesn’t obstruct a driver’s view, and delivers a high level of sophistication within our StreetEagle platform. Customers can view live video streams from any device at any time for driver monitoring and vehicle security. In addition, the camera captures seven different levels of driver behavior events to use to coach and train drivers.

PREDICTIONS: InSight Mobile Data recently was acquired by Accel-KKR, a Silicon Valley, Calif.-based technology-focused investment firm that allows us to expand our offerings and continue to build upon our StreetEagle software platform. We know pest control, and we’ll continue to stay focused on what matters most: Every Driver, Every Day, Home Safely.

LYTX

Carol Roden

Carol Roden
Product Marketing Manager

Lytx can help keep your fleet safe and operating at peak performance with configurable solutions to meet your unique needs. Pest management clients can move seamlessly between addressing a driver productivity or a customer service issue using the Fleet Tracking Service, to getting insights and providing coaching on risky driving behaviors using the Driver Safety Program.

The Lytx Video Platform is at the heart of the portfolio, powered by our DriveCam Event Recorder. Clients can add Driver Safety and Fleet Management solutions that best meet their needs. Because no two pest management companies are alike, Lytx clients have the freedom to turn features on or off as they see fit to run their businesses.

PREDICTIONS: Historically, many pest control companies have limited their fleet management data to include only basic telematics. Now, we are seeing more pest control companies leverage video in their day-to-day operations, a trend we believe will continue.

MIKE ALBERT FLEET SOLUTIONS

David Bieber

David Bieber
Director, Sales & Strategic Markets

We’ve invested in data visualization tools and capabilities to help our pest control clients make sense of the immense amount of data being generated from their vehicles, their maintenance history and ancillary tools like telematics devices and fuel cards. We see a huge opportunity to leverage data being captured by telematics and camera devices to become more proactive in managing vehicle performance and driving behaviors. This includes capturing engine diagnostic information, as well as front-of-vehicle and in-cab videos.

PREDICTIONS: We anticipate PMPs will demand adaptive cruise control, automatic forward-collision braking, parking assist, lane-keep assist technology and other safety features. In addition, this industry eventually will begin using fully electric drivetrains as manufacturers begin to develop electric vehicle (EV) capabilities for work trucks and cargo vans.

PESTROUTES

Patrick McKittrick

Patrick McKittrick
CEO

Our latest feature, the Map View Schedule, is designed to make creating, optimizing and viewing routes easy. The tool combines the powerful job pool with the map, which gives the scheduler the ability to see and plan the routes they are managing.

The Intelligent Routing feature, meanwhile, allows PMPs to assign an area of customers by a preferred technician or region. And the Fill Routes feature not only creates optimized routes, but offers the ability to set a preferred technician for your customers.

PREDICTIONS: PMPs will demand continued innovation in their routing software, as the best algorithms of today will become relics over the next few years. Additionally, as the Internet of Things (IoT) movement continues to gain traction, there will be more demand for real-time connectivity and data sharing. Just as Waze has crowdsourced a better driving experience, you will see routing solutions with the ability to gather real-time traffic data and adjust routes on the fly to account for changing factors as the day unfolds.

SELECT INSURANCE AGENCY

Frank MacDonald

Frank MacDonald
President

We’ve continued to witness insurance carriers requiring on-site loss control before they will bind coverage. Some carriers are issuing non-renewal notices unless fleet management software is installed and proof of installation is provided, accompanied by the designation of a fleet manager to actively monitor the reports and driver behavior.

The most extreme scenarios illustrate multiple insurance carriers exiting the auto market altogether.

PREDICTIONS: How can PMPs insulate themselves from the increasingly challenging marketplace? Implement fleet management software, including cameras and phone-disabling technology in all vehicles. Consider the hiring or designation of a qualified fleet manager to review the reports of the software. Hold problem drivers accountable with disciplinary measures up to and including termination. Always run motor vehicle record reports on new hires — and a few times a year thereafter.

Taking a proactive approach will help control premiums and guarantee a company’s insurability.

SERVICEPRO

Andy Deering

Andy Deering
CEO

We’ve enhanced the ServSuite GPS Vehicle Tracking & Dispatch module to provide a complete fleet/vehicle management solution for your pest control business. Fleet management is no longer just about locating your vehicles. The ServSuite GPS module now allows you to set up a range of reports and notifications to ensure safe driving behavior and protect company property. Track driver behavior on key points such as Ignition On/Off/Idle, Hard Turns, Speed Limits, Driver Behavior, and Seat Belt Notifications — fully integrated with your office scheduling and fleet module. These improvements not only allow for savings on gas and labor, but also on insurance premiums.

PREDICTIONS: We believe PMPs’ GPS needs will continue to emphasize data-driven strategies and automation. Providing innovative solutions that automate office and field tasks while increasing productivity and safety will be increasingly important. By empowering pest control companies to make data-driven decisions on fleet management, ServicePro will continue to deliver growth.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/29/business-insights-for-fleet-products-services-solutions-that-drive-success/
Sacramento CA

Tri-Flo announces Heating Solutions for Restoration Drying

Tri-Flo solutions are safe, effective, environmentally friendly and are ETL Listed and bear the CE Mark.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Gauge your knowledge of rodents

PHOTO: DEJAN KOLAR/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

Editor’s Note: Questions for this test were contributed by Judy Black, BCE; Doug Foster; Frank Meek, BCE; Dr. Faith Oi; and Pete Schopen.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/28/gauge-your-knowledge-of-rodents/
Sacramento CA

Make the pay-per-lead model work for you

PHOTO: DESIGNER491/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

I’ve got something important to tell you. It’s earth-shattering, mind-blowing, volcano-erupting, box-office smashing, Independence Day huge. And it’s true:

HomeAdvisor (HA) works for us.

Let me repeat that, because some of you hate HA, and have a curious look on your face. HA works for Schopen Pest Solutions.

What’s that? I’m only writing this to draw attention to my column? I’m cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs? I have no clue about how to market my business?

Well, the truth is that I understand what HA, Angie’s List, Nextdoor, Thumbtack and other pay-for-lead companies can do for my business. And I also understand the costs involved.

In my April 2019 column, I wrote about how search engines and search engine optimization (SEO) can help a small company grow. Today, I want to share how I make HA and similar pay-for-lead companies work for Schopen Pest Solutions.
 

HOW IT WORKS

HA and Angie’s List, which HA purchased in May 2017, make professionals pay for every lead sent their way, regardless of whether you call the client. At HA, you pay more for certain areas; you also can be charged more for “direct” leads. Direct leads are when a client has read your reviews and already has chosen to talk to you for the job.

Normally, you have to compete with several other companies for every lead that goes to you (and your competitors). You can choose how much you pay each month, and where you want to spend. The more you spend and the more ZIP codes you add, the more leads will flow to you.

For example, if you budget $1,000 per month, you might only get 10 percent of the potential leads. Depending on the market size, though, that still can be a significant number of clients. I spend $5,000 per month — $4,000 for general leads and $1,000 for direct leads (remember, you pay more for direct leads).

In the Chicago, Ill., market, Schopen Pest Solutions is getting about 60 percent of all potential leads funneled to us. During the summer, we average more than 20 leads per day. During the winter, we average about eight to 10 per day. We continue to receive leads until we hit $5,000, though that very rarely happens.

What’s nice about HA in particular is that I get an automated phone call, text message and email within seconds of the potential client filling out an HA questionnaire. If my competitors are asleep at the wheel, we probably will get in touch with the lead first. All of my office staff understands the importance of calling the potential clients within moments of the text first coming through.

If we don’t connect immediately with the client, we will text them via an HA automated response. People sometimes respond better to text messages than to phone calls.

After the text, we send them an email. If we don’t hear back from the client, we will call them again before the end of the day. If we make contact and quote them a price, but they are non-committal, we will call them again 48 hours later.
 

THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE

Here are our totals for November. Keep in mind, this is the beginning of our slow season:

• 159 leads (eight leads per day). Cost = $4,764.65
• 53 sold upon initial contact. Sales = $8,730
• Sales rate = 33.33%
• 24% of the callers went with another company
• Most of the 53 sold clients had additional visits with us during November. Total Sales from HomeAdvisor for November = $14,485

Our goal is to turn our follow-up visits into quarterly accounts. We have about a 40 percent success rate, so our projected revenue from November HA leads, as I write this in mid-December, will be more than $20,000.
 

BEST PRACTICE TIPS

Here are some pointers I have from working with HA and other pay-per-lead companies:

• Create a profile on their websites, and ask for reviews. My technicians and office staff are taught to always ask for reviews. Clients love to see 5-star reviews.
• Turn off your leads when your office is closed. One of the benefits of HA is that vendors can “pause” leads. I turn them off every weekend.
• If your leads are “off,” do not accept “job opportunities.” You’ll pay 50 percent more! Job opportunities are leads outside of your coverage area, and/or leads being funneled to your competitors while you have your leads paused. You can still “accept” these leads, but HA charges a premium for the privilege.
• If you get a bad lead — a wrong phone number, category, etc. — fight for a reimbursement. Companies like HA will reimburse for bad leads. They don’t always agree with you, though, so sometimes you need to make a big stink.

I’m not writing this as an advocate for HA, and I might not use them forever. For now, though, their leads work for me. If you are a start-up business and you are looking for a quick shot in the arm, using a pay-per-lead company could be a short-term fix.

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Schopen is owner and founder of Schopen Pest Solutions, McHenry, Ill. You can email him at pete@schopenpest.com or reach him via Twitter: @schopenpest; Instagram: @peteschopen; or Facebook: Schopen Pest Solutions, Inc.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/28/make-the-pay-per-lead-model-work-for-you/
Sacramento CA

Neighborly wins franchise award for 2nd time

LOGO: NEIGHBORLY

For second year in a row, Neighborly — a franchisor of home service brands — earned the distinction Best Property and Home Maintenance Franchise of 2020 from Global Franchise, a brand management company. Neighborly’s brands include Mosquito Joe, The Grounds Guys, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance and more.

Neighborly President and CEO Mike Bidwell accepted the Global Franchise Award at the 60th annual International Franchise Association (IFA) Convention in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 8-11.

“We kicked off 2020 stronger than ever, now with around 3,800 franchisees representing our 22 service brands across nine countries,” Bidwell said. “Receiving this award once again from Global Franchise magazine is a testament to how Neighborly’s growth has been a contributing factor to our continued success as we strive to be ‘the world-class leader in multi-branded service franchising.’ We look forward to what is to come in 2020 as we continue raising the bar for home services franchising worldwide.”

The Global Franchise Awards are the only awards that focus solely on international franchising. Since the awards’ inception by Global Franchise magazine in 2018, the number of applicants has increased significantly. Winners were selected by qualified judges based on the companies’ overseas ambition, strong franchisee support, strong marketing efforts and an overall willingness to advance the cause of franchising itself.

“In the three years since this award program’s inception, the amount of entries we’ve received has risen steadily along with the caliber of those entries,” said James Fell, head of content for Global Franchise. “Neighborly’s proven franchise model and continued growth made the company stand out to our esteemed judges as the clear leader in its category of property and home maintenance franchises, making Neighborly a key player in this year’s elite group of Global Franchise Award winners.”

Last year, the company rebranded from Dwyer Group to Neighborly. The company was founded in 1981 as Dwyer Group and is based in Waco, Texas.

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Sacramento CA

PWIPM of Alabama raises funds, awareness

Pictured from left are Pat Callahan, Pelsis/B&G Equipment Corp.; Faye Golden, Cook’s Pest Control and Co-chair, PWIPM of Alabama; Bob Plaster, Assistant Commissioner, Alabama Department of Agriculture; Dr. Sonja Thomas, Auburn University-PSEP and Co-chair, PWIPM of Alabama; and Kristiana llies, Auburn University. PHOTO: PWIPM OF ALABAMA

Earlier this month, the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) of Alabama spread awareness and raised funds for the group at the Alabama Pest Control Association (APCA) Winter Conference in Auburn, Ala.

Oldham Chemical Co.’s Butch Cauthen donated a B&G sprayer with pink covers to be raffled. Cauthen also donated booth space for the PWIPM of Alabama at the event.

With support of the APCA membership, the PWIPM of Alabama raised more than $1,200 to help their chapter grow at the event on Feb. 7.

“The Alabama Pest Control Association Winter Conference is a great event for the PWIPM of Alabama to showcase the strength of women in the industry,” said Faye Golden, co-chair of the PWIPM of Alabama. “This is our second year having a booth at the conference; we distribute educational information, resources and upcoming networking opportunities.”

Pictured from left are Carol Cauthen, APCA Executive Director; Butch Cauthen, Oldham Chemical Company; Bob Plaster, Assistant Commissioner, Alabama Department of Agriculture; and Faye Golden, Cook’s Pest Control and Co-chair, PWIPM of Alabama. PHOTO: PWIPM OF ALABAMA

Golden is the governmental affairs manager for Cook’s Pest Control in Decatur, Ala., and serves as the chair of the Diversity Council for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

At PestWorld 2019, Golden was awarded the 2018/2019 Committee Chair of the Year.

“Our chapter gives women the resources and tools to not only help with their professional position in their companies but also empower them personally,” Golden said.

The PWIPM is an affiliate group of the NPMA, whose mission is to attract, develop and support women in the pest management industry through educational programs, resources and peer networking.

APCA attendees wearing ALPWIPM socks. Pictured from left are Eric Ham, FMC; Dr. Sonja Thomas, Auburn University-PSEP and Co-chair, PWIPM of Alabama; Brandon Sartain, Bell Labs; Wade Sanders, Santa Fe Dehumidifiers; Kristiana llies and Sylvia Beard, Auburn University; and William Gettys, BASF. PHOTO: PWIPM OF ALABAMA

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Sacramento CA

5 ways to prevent the canceling customer

ILLUSTRATION: PHOTOTECHNO/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

Pest management professionals (PMPs) understand the value of expanding their customer databases. With social media, digital marketing and other modern sales tools available, companies are spending record amounts of resources to grow their businesses. Sales reps also are pushing hard to capture the three-quarters or more of the residential population that do not use pest management services (Sources: The National Pest Management Association, Specialty Consultants). Sales boards in most offices visually depict progress and challenges: “Is Sally selling on par with Debbie?” “Jim’s sales have really increased this month.”

Acquiring new customers is exhilarating. Charts, boards and analytics all look impressive. However, many owners and managers are bewildered when adding so many new customers did not really improve profit.

The real challenge is to nurture existing customers. For example, if a $1 million company wants to grow by 5 percent this year, simple math shows that company would only have to sell an additional $50,000 to meet the goal, right? A closer look, though, might reveal a vulnerable spot: A company with a 93 percent retention rate might think that is excellent (i.e., 7 percent of gross in cancellations). But that now means that to grow 5 percent, $50,000 would have to be sold. The 7 percent lost would have to be made up as well, so a net 5 percent growth would mean 5 percent growth plus replacing the 7 percent lost, or a 12 percent sales increase ($120,000).

Put simply, using this model for a year of 12 percent sales, any sales that closed from Jan. 1 until Aug. 1 would be just to make up for cancellations.

SHIFT IN FOCUS NEEDED

A reputable business analysis shows that only about half of service companies have a customer retention program, or even a process in place to try to save cancellations. Many companies focus spending on new sales efforts, without making nearly enough effort to retain customers. Too often, when customers call to cancel, the process is to do so with no questions asked or attempts to save the account.

The average cost of acquiring a new customer is more than five times the cost of retaining an existing customer (Source: Forbes.com). To win and keep customers, it is important to have a retention program in place from the start.

Simple steps can be taken to reduce cancellations, including:

1. Get to know the customer. Ask how things are going. Have customer service staff ask about the kids, the dog, the cat by name. Technicians can add personal notes on service tickets to update the file. A personal touch goes a long way.
2. Periodically email news about pests, and why your company is important in protecting their health and their living and working environments. If the customer email is not on file, obtain their email address. In this era of information overload, though, don’t overcommunicate and let them unsubscribe. Note that many older customers likely would appreciate a hard copy left during the service call.
3. Celebrate customer longevity by offering a deep discount for a first add-on service. For example, if customers have a termite contract with your company, offer a reduced price or first free monthly/bi-monthly/quarterly general pest service if they agree to a longer-term service agreement. Customers with more than one service are much less likely to cancel. The probability of selling to an existing customer is about 65 percent; the probability of selling a new customer is just over 5 percent (Source: Forbes.com).
4. Make follow-up phone calls. Calls from owners or managers to save an account have no value if the customer believes he or she hasn’t been appreciated up to that point. Don’t wait until it is too late to make customers raving fans of your company. Make the call no later than the day after service.
5. Get employee buy-in. Your office staff and field technicians are the company, in the eyes of the customer. Make sure they know how to properly represent the company. Remember to reward any retention success on their part.

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BAUMANN, a PMP Hall of Famer (Class of 2013), is VP of technical services and regulatory affairs for Nisus Corp., Rockford, Tenn. He can be reached at gregb@nisuscorp.com.

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Sacramento CA

Experts share emerging pest issues to look out for

PHOTO: MARK SHEPERDIGIAN, BCE

We asked Pest Management Professional’s columnists and editorial board members to share some emerging pest issues that pest management professionals (PMPs) should be on the look out for and what might keep them busy this year. Here are some of their responses — including a few extra that didn’t make it into our February 2020 print edition. Share some of the pest issues you’ve noticed in your area in the comments below or email us at pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.
 

PMP’s Regular Contributors

Judy Black, BCE: “While the answer to this question dramatically depends on the part of the country you are in, if you’re in south Florida, you are bound to have several. Tawny crazy ants (Nylanderia fulva), ghost ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum) and white-footed ants (Technomyrmex albipes) are going to continue to be a problem. Asian termites (Coptotermes gestroi) are one to keep an eye on as well.”

Greg Baumann: “Stink bugs — and not just the brown marmorated species — are expanding and continuing to be more of a challenge, based upon reports from the field. The key is to start preventive services early and not wait until peak populations are established.”

Bobby Jenkins: “In Texas, we have seen quite an upswing in flea and tick populations. Both pests represent an opportunity for PMPs to offer services to their customers, as they are tied to health for pets and families.”

Pete Schopen: “It’s hard to say because each year is very different. We had lots of stink bugs in 2019, but their numbers were down from 2018. Yellowjackets also were down in 2019. So, depending on the weather, we are looking for stink bugs and yellowjackets to rebound in 2020.”

Mark Sheperdigian, BCE: “For PMPs across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, it’s the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). It’s a colorful little bug — and it is a bug, not a fly — that causes a lot of damage to a wide variety of crops. In addition, they will cover a backyard with sticky goo until the cold weather ends their season.”
 

PMP’s Editorial Advisory Board

Stuart Aust: “Stink bugs are a growing and escalating pest issue. With milder winters in various parts of the country, we are seeing more and more stink bug occurrences, even in the winter.”

Ryan Bradbury: “Air travel is at an all-time high, and bed bugs are on the rise. The industry is still slow to have a proper resolve that satisfies the client and the PMP, due to high labor costs. New technologies are becoming available, however, that will improve this dramatically.”

Michael Broder: “Cockroaches: Gel baits remain an amazing tool, but we can no longer rely on quick applications to eliminate every infestation. We have to relearn old-school inspections to identify all breeding sites.”

Paul Hardy: “Drain flies have been a growing problem during the 60 years I have been in the pest control business. For years, they were just accepted in most residential situations. Today’s customers have no tolerance for small bugs flying around, especially at meals. Now, they have become one of my most frequent calls as a consultant, because drain flies cause cancellations.”

Dr. Faith Oi: “With mild winters in many parts of the U.S., ticks can be a problem inside and outside, depending on the species. Classes of acaricides are limited. They are significant vectors of pathogens — new and old.”

Kurt Scherzinger: “Mosquito and tick services seemed to be on the rise over the past few years. I do not see it slowing this year.”

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Sacramento CA

LabelSDS.com: Commercial Client Portal with Logbook

IMAGE: LABELSDS.COM

LabelSDS.com, a leading provider of product labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) for the pest and turf industries, has created a Commercial Customer Portal that allows your commercial customers to have access to the product labels and SDSs for products used in their facilities. In addition, the new service logbook feature allows managers and technicians to place service log information into the commercial customer portal so that your clients have 24/7 access to this important information. A free demo of these and other features is available.

LabelSDS.com

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Sacramento CA

5 Tips to Find an Odor Source

While some odors are easily identifiable and the source more easily found and eliminated, such as fire or smoke-related smells, others take a bit more detective work by estimators and project managers.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Killingsworth Environmental grows with acquisition, new leadership

LOGO: KILLINGSWORTH ENVIRONMENTAL

Killingsworth Environmental, an Anticimex company, has named new leadership and a recent acquisition of Woodstock, Ga.-based Bug Busters.

Jens Peter Nielsen was appointed president of the Charlotte, N.C.-based Killingsworth in June 2019. Nielsen most recently served as VP of Anticimex North America has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions.

Nielsen’s leadership helped Killingsworth focus on supporting growth in its core business through improving customer offerings and divesting the company’s HVAC and plumbing businesses.

The Killingsworth mergers and acquisition efforts were ignited with the acquisition of Bug Busters in October 2019.

“The Carolinas are one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and we are looking to acquire companies to expand our reach to these areas,” Nielsen said.

Founded in 1985, Bug Busters’ success is based on high customer service standards, employee development and the latest technology.

“On top of accelerating our growth, every acquisition opens great opportunities for more customers to interact with our new innovations within technology driven preventative pest control,” Nielsen said.

To accommodate future growth, Killingsworth will be consolidating its current 10 branch locations to two new offices located in Charlotte and Matthews, N.C.

Mat Rogers, VP of marketing for Killingsworth, said, “Consolidating our branch offices not only provides adequate space for employees, it allows us to service our customer base from a central location to continue providing the highest level of client service.”

Founded in 1993, Killingsworth provides residential and commercial pest control services. The company was acquired by Stockholm, Sweden-based Anticimex in 2018.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/27/killingsworth-environmental-grows-with-acquisition-new-leadership/
Sacramento CA

NCPMA awards 7 college scholarships

Maria Gonzalez receives her scholarship from Clint Miller, NCPMA president, at the 2020 NCPMA Pest Control Technician’s School. PHOTO: NCPMA

The Education Foundation of the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) awarded a scholarship to North Carolina State University (NCSU) student Maria Gonzalez and six other students pursuing post-high school degrees.

The NCPMA Education Foundation awards $1,500 in scholarships annually to students attending NCSU. McPherson’s Past President’s scholarship was presented as part of the 70th Annual NCPMA Pest Control Technician’s School. This year’s event was held Jan. 26 to Jan. 30 in Durham, N.C., and attracted more than 1,000 pest management professionals, making it the largest event for the association to date.

In addition to Gonzalez, the other scholarship winners include:

• Ashley Terrell, Carolina Pest Management, Liberty University
• Makayla Roberts, A-1 Termite and Pest, North Carolina State University
• Ansley Smith, Rid-A-Pest, East Carolina University
• Ethan Davidson, Master Exterminators, Carolina College of Biblical Studies
• Joseph Hall, McNeely Pest Control
• Samantha Barber, Lake Norman Pest Control, Western Carolina University

The scholarship for Gonzalez will assist in the continuation of her studies at NCSU. Gonzalez is a graduate student studying entomology. She is working toward her Ph.D. and is completing research focused on issues pertaining to cockroaches and bed bugs.

See scholarship winners from 2019, 2017 and 2015.

The Past President’s scholarship was created in 2004 to help encourage the next generation of pest management professionals. Scholarships are awarded to owners or employees of NCPMA member companies and/or their family members including spouses, children and grandchildren. Preference is given to students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing careers in the pest management industry. The NCPMA has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships since 2005.

Founded in 1952, the NCPMA is the trade association representing the professional pest management industry in North Carolina. The NCPMA is a statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/27/ncpma-awards-7-college-scholarships/
Sacramento CA

Pest Posse to host women in pest control YouTube series

LOGO: THE PEST POSSE

For the third year in a row, The Pest Posse will host a Women in Pest Control YouTube series. The Pest Posse, based in San Jose, Calif., is a weekly YouTube series dedicated to the pest management professional (PMP).

The upcoming 2020 Women in Pest Control series will run every Monday and Thursday throughout the month of March beginning March 2.

March is also Women’s History Month, which highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. The series will recognize eight women who work in the pest control industry as service technicians, business owners or sales representatives.

The series will be sponsored by two companies: B&G Equipment and Nisus Corp.

You can watch the 2018 series and 2019 series on YouTube.

The Pest Posse’s mission is to be a trusted resource for training and information that PMPs needs to grow their skills and knowledge in the industry. The Pest Posse currently provides a weekly YouTube series on Mondays with special episodes on periodic Thursdays.

The Pest Posse also provides the Pest Posse Academy, a plug-n-play, video-based training system. The training solution provides an online video-based training through a monthly subscription. The program delivers regular weekly training on topics such as safety, pest identification, reading pesticide labels and specific application techniques.

The Pest Posse Academy is an approved continuing education provider in Nevada, California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas. The Pest Posse is working on gaining several more state approvals, some of which are expected within 6-12 months.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/27/pest-posse-to-host-women-in-pest-control-youtube-series/
Sacramento CA

Legend Brands Welcomes Jeff Heyd as National Accounts Manager

A 20-year veteran of the restoration, remediation and cleaning industries, Heyd has owned and managed a variety of restoration and cleaning companies.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Abundant career opportunities

Click to enlarge. IMAGE: PMP ARCHIVES, JULY 1973

Take solace that even 47 years ago, the pest management industry was struggling to find qualified professionals. Companies across the country are still looking for ways to hire and retain top-notch technicians today.

In 1973, the July issue of Pest Control magazine, now Pest Management Professional (PMP), highlighted the struggle to recruit students into pest control at a collegiate level. Dr. Gary Bennett, PMP Hall of Fame Class of 2006, shared his strategy to bolster the pest management industry’s labor pool and develop trained professionals.

At the time, Dr. Bennett served as an assistant professor of entomology at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. He recognized that many students in entomology programs, or otherwise, didn’t realize pest control was a career path they could follow, saying: Most people do not understand the scope of the career field or the large number of pests the professional deals with.

Dr. Bennett’s service in the pest management industry began when he was 12 at his father’s company in Lake Charles, La., Bennett Pest Control. He saw firsthand the challenges of operating a pest control company without enough technicians.

He noted pest control offers a variety of choices for graduates:

He cited the federal government’s Public Health Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Armed Forces. Others who need pest control graduates include mosquito abatement districts, hospitals, nursing homes and other public institutions, lawn and garden centers and, of course, pest control firms.

Last summer, Dr. Bennett retired from his post as coordinator of Purdue’s Urban and Industrial Pest Management Center.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/27/abundant-career-opportunities/
Sacramento CA

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/2020/02/27/bird-barrier-optical-gel-stiq/
Sacramento CA

Remembering Dr. Margaret Collins, the ‘Termite Lady’

I’ve been in the industry since Moses was a lad, seems like, yet it was only this week that I learned of an entomologist that I wish I could have known while she was still living. Dr. Margaret Collins (1922-1996) was the first African American woman to earn a doctorate in entomology, and was a Civil Rights activist as well.

With African American History Month winding down this week, it seemed like an appropriate time to learn more about Dr. Collins and her contributions to entomology. According to an excellent biographical profile on the JSTOR Daily website, Dr. Collins was born Margaret James in Institute, West Va., the same town as the historically black college West Virginia State: “Her father was a professor of agriculture there, and she was surrounded by a black intellectual community. Given access to the college library at age 6, she read voraciously, excelled at school, and was able to enter the college as a student at 14 years old.”

The article goes on to note:

After obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology, she was admitted to the zoology program at the University of Chicago, which had already granted more Ph.D.s to African American students than any other university in the world. On orientation day, she met Dr. Alfred Emerson, an entomologist with expertise in termites, a subject that would become her own enthusiasm and earn her the nickname “Termite Lady.”

While Dr. Emerson was a friend and mentor, he was not without prejudices: He felt women were “annoying” during fieldwork. Dr. Collins thus had to work with Dr. Emerson’s own collection of termites for her dissertation, unable to see them in situ.

After graduation in 1950, she held faculty positions at Howard University, Florida A&M University (FAMU), and Federal City College (now the University of DC), all historically black institutions. Dr. Collins was active not only as a scholar, but as an advocate for civil rights — a role that many African American academics fill. During a pause in her scientific work at FAMU, she acted as a driver for coworkers in the Tallahassee Bus Boycott, which started in 1956. This activism put her at risk of arrest.

According to the book Black Women Scientists in the United States, she was like many budding scientists as a child, being quoted as explaining “I ruined Christmas for everyone because I couldn’t figure out how a reindeer could fly. I mean, they just aren’t built for flying, anyone could see that. So I had to reject either the truthfulness of adults or the conclusions of my own mind.”

In 1989, Dr. Collins was credited (with Dr. David Nickle) with co-discovering a species of Florida dampwood termite, Neotermes luykxi. Seven years later, she died at age 73 from congestive heart failure while doing what she loved, collecting specimens in the field, according to a solid biography from the Smithsonian Institution Archives.

Dr. Collins’ profile section in the Black Women Scientists book begins with a positively inspirational quote: “Because of my family and our community, my childhood was unique. I never learned what I couldn’t do — as a child, as a woman, or as a black person.” She was a living embodiment of what someone with such encouragement could accomplish.

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(*FEATURED GRAPHIC: ISTOCK.COM/ERAVAU)

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/26/remembering-dr-margaret-collins-the-termite-lady/
Sacramento CA

American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA) Enters Partnership Agreement with Seven Like-Minded Organizations

Organizations comprising the Allied Industry Partners group are; the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA); the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA),  Environmental Information Association (EIA), the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the Basement Health Association (BHA). 

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

There are no excuses for no videos

Jeff King

There’s no shortage of ideas for video topics and no excuses for thinking you have nothing to say in a video. Your customers, and potential customers, are more apt to watch a video than read text if both are available on the same page.

Jeff King, president, The Pest Rangers, Wilkes Barre, Pa., uses video to attract and inform customers. During a presentation he gave on the subject at the National Pest Management Association’s 2019 Technology Summit, King listed several ideas for video content, including:

• Demos — Showcase the services you offer or how the products you use work. Customers are curious, and want to know what you’re going to do when you show up at their homes or businesses.
• Brand-building — Build awareness around your company by explaining how you got started and what your company values are.
• Event coverage — Record what happens at company functions, fundraisers and pest control conferences.
• Expert interviews — Speak with industry thought leaders or other experts to spotlight a topic that is of interest to customers.
• Educational insights — Share the knowledge you’ve gained over the years to help build trust with customers and help them better understand pest control.
• Explainers — Customers go online to learn more about their pest problems and how you can solve them. Help them understand why they need your services.
• Entertainment — Use humor to grab the attention of your target audience. Videos that are shared extend your brand reach even further.
• Testimonials — Ask your most loyal customers to explain how your services helped solve their pest problems.
• Personalized messages — Address customers directly by recording yourself recapping an important meeting or answering commonly asked questions. Or get in front of the camera and tell your story.
• Live Q&As — Using Facebook Live, encourage viewers to ask questions and answer them on the spot. A scrolling screen of messages will let you see which questions are relevant that you want to answer on camera.

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*Featured photo: iStock.com/Peshkova

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/26/there-are-no-excuses-for-no-videos/
Sacramento CA

Nisus Corp.: Prebait with Niban

IMAGE: NISUS CORP.

Spring prebaiting helps control pest populations and callbacks before they become a problem. During early spring, apply Niban Granular Bait to get a jump on emerging pests with their first (and final) meal. Weather-resistant Niban won’t degrade in heat or sunlight, the manufacturer says, and it withstands up to 6 inches of rain. Niban is available in a 10-pound bag, 40-pound box and 4-pound Comfort Grip container. Try using Niban’s 10-pound bag to carry just what you need, fill a spreader or service container, and save space in your truck.

NisusCorp.com/niban

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/26/nisus-corp-niban/
Sacramento CA

Pest Control Insulation adds sales representative

Tyler Goodson. PHOTO: PEST CONTROL INSULATION

Pest Control Insulation, makers of TAP Pest Control Insulation, welcomed Tyler Goodson to its team as a new sales representative.

In his new role, Goodson will work with Pest Control Insulation clients promoting revenue opportunities featuring the company’s products, including TAP Pest Control Insulation and ComfortTherm Fiberglass Insulation.

“Tyler is a rare find. His experience and drive will be a catalyst for growing new business and providing technical support for existing and future clients,” said Bill Turk, CEO and founder of Pest Control Insulation.

Goodson, a Georgia native, comes to Pest Control Insulation after six years serving with the United States Marine Corps. A relationship builder, he brings a solutions-oriented sales approach which will be an asset to the sales and customer service teams. Goodson also previously owned and operated Habersham Recycling. He is currently pursuing his MBA from Piedmont College.

Since 2001, Lula, Ga.-based Pest Control Insulation has provided equipment packages, as well as training and support, for pest management and wildlife professionals. Pest Control Insulation’s flagship product, TAP Pest Control Insulation, is an EPA-registered, cellulose insulation bearing the Energy Star and UL-Classified marks, manufactured specifically for the pest management industry. The company also offers insulation machines — including blowers and vacuums — attic stairway covers, and safety and personal protection equipment (PPE), among other products.

The company recently partnered with Univar Solutions Inc., a global chemical and ingredient distributor and service provider, to expand delivery options for pest management professionals (PMPs) in Southern California wishing to sell and install TAP Pest Control Insulation.

Another alliance with Georgia Insulation helps support pest control companies across Georgia who want to add TAP Pest Control Insulation to their service program. Those Georgia firms can now subcontract the installation to a trusted partner and continue selling the bundled service to their customers.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/25/pest-control-insulation-adds-sales-representative/
Sacramento CA

Blasingame Services reignites training program

Billy Blasingame, ACE, owner and CEO of Blasingame Pest Management, and William E. Blasingame Sr., a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2011).

W. E. Blasingame Services, a training and consulting firm for urban pest control, has been re-established and reopened.

The new training initiative was reignited by Billy Blasingame, ACE, owner and CEO of Blasingame Pest Management. The training will be conducted via webinars and small groups — either at the company’s headquarters in Locust Grove, Ga., or at the client’s location.

Blasingame Services originally began by Billy’s father, William E. Blasingame Sr., a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2011). He provided training and consulting for many years as Blasingame Services. Blasingame Sr. is a past president of the National Pest Management Association and the Georgia Pest Control Association.

“We are excited to begin this again, on a full-time basis, while Dad is still able to enjoy seeing this come to fruition,” Billy said. “He’s even looking forward to being a part of some of the training from time to time.”

Billy will be an instructor for Blasingame Services. Also a part of the team is Jan Bunn, who will be working as the lead trainer. Bunn spent 17 years as a field inspector for the South Metro Atlanta area with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, before retiring in May 2019.

She also served as an instructor at the Structural Pest Management program at the University of Georgia’s Griffin Campus. Bunn is certified in wood destroying organisms and household pest control categories in the state of Georgia.

“We are very excited to have Jan as a part of the team,” Billy said. “She brings a unique knowledge base in regards to regulatory issues that pest control companies deal with as a part of day to day operations.”

Founded in 2012, Blasingame Pest Management was started by Billy and his wife Shayne. Billy’s son Dylan has become the third-generation Blasingame to join the business.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/25/blasingame-services-reignites-training-program/
Sacramento CA

BASIS PROMPT celebrates 20th anniversary

Staff and committee members raised a glass to two decades of success when they came together to celebrate the 20thanniversary of the professional CPD register BASIS PROMPT.

from SmartBlog https://www.pestmagazine.co.uk/en/news/posts/2020/february/basis-prompt-celebrates-20th-anniversary
Pest Control Pros

Rosebrook's Restoration Trends: 2020 Predictions

The disaster restoration industry is moving quickly; many new players and influences are driving changes in technology, labor force, program work, and more.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Rosebrook's Restoration Trends: Grading 2019 Predictions

Phil will look back at his predictions for 2019 on things like TPAs, weather events, labor shortage, and more. See how his predictions played out!

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Noble Pine Products: Sterifab

Now in its fifth decade, Sterifab remains unique among products registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This ready-to-use insecticide/disinfectant, available in pints, gallons and 5-gal. pails, has become an indispensable tool in the ongoing war on bed bugs. Sterifab offers additional protection against bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, germs and odors. Labeled for application on inanimate objects including, but not limited to upholstered furniture, mattresses, carpets, chairs and other items, this allows Sterifab to be applied to many sensitive items that may not be suitable for other insecticides and disinfectants.

Sterifab.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/25/noble-pine-products/
Sacramento CA

Key West Pest Control opens new office following “biggest year of growth”

Leeds-based commercial pest control company Key West Pest Control has relocated to a new head office following a successful year of business and the expansion of its existing team.

from SmartBlog https://www.pestmagazine.co.uk/en/news/posts/2020/february/key-west-pest-control-opens-new-office-following-biggest-year-of-growth
Pest Control Pros

Target Specialty partners with 1st Defence Industries

IMAGE: 1ST DEFENCE

On Feb. 21, Abbotsford, B.C-based 1st Defence Industries announced a partnership with Target Specialty Products, a leading value-added service provider of pest, turf and ornamental solutions in the United States and Canada. The partnership gives Target the exclusive rights to sell 1st Defence’s industrial-grade pest monitors, lures and traps; provides the exclusivity for Target Specialty Products for a line of all-natural pest deterrents, including rodents and nuisance wildlife; and a line of all-natural pest deterrents, including Rat Dust.

“We are truly excited to work with Target Specialty Products to offer an extensive line of products to customers,” Randall Sanford, founder and president at 1st Defence Industries, said in a press release. “Target Specialty Products can now expand its offering of eco-friendly, pesticide-free, non-toxic, child and pet safe pest control solutions to their customers directly.”

David Helt, president of Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based Target Specialty Products, also noted in the release that he and his team were pleased to “now be able to offer pest-friendly bug coasters and sticky cones from 1st Defence Industries that are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, and residential and commercial end-users.”

1st Defence Industries’ product lineup includes:

IMAGE: 1ST DEFENCE

The Original Bug Coaster line of coasters and bait trays — Built to commercial standards, these products can withstand up to 3,000 pounds of pressure, are cost-effective, durable and reusable for years of service. By placing Bug Coasters in strategic areas throughout the establishment, you or your clients can easily monitor for any potential infestations. Since crawling pests are trapped inside the coaster device, you will be able to properly assess the problem and increase the efficiency of the eradication process. The attractant trays are built to insert into the 4-inch round coasters, to allow you to use whatever bait or pheromone you prefer.

IMAGE: 1ST DEFENCE

Sticky Cones — Encircle the base of every plant at your client’s account with a reversible Sticky Cone to prevent crawling pest infestations. Place the adhesive side facing out to target thrips, or face the adhesive side in to target gnats. The non-toxic, pesticide-free product is designed to last up to 30 days, and protects against spider mites, russet mites, mealybugs, aphids, beetles, ants, caterpillars, and many other crawling pests.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/24/target-specialty-partners-with-1st-defence-industries/
Sacramento CA

Cold-weather ticks provide opportunities for education

PHOTO: GOLDFINCH4EVER/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

As public awareness regarding tick-borne disease continues to rise, an increasing number of pest management firms are offering tick management services. Such services often include acaricide treatments and recommendations for reducing tick habitats or limiting exposure to infested areas. As such, pest management professionals (PMPs) are an important resource for educating the public about this pest.

Most tick questions come in the warmer months, when clients are more likely to be outdoors and ticks are most active. But don’t be surprised if a client calls with a concern about ticks in the colder months. When temperatures drop below 50°F, tick activity (like most arthropods) is severely reduced by the cool temperatures. But on the rare days that temperatures rise, ticks can become active and seek bloodmeals. These warm winter days also coincide with outdoor recreation activities by people.

The result is a higher potential for tick exposure, because clients are less likely to apply repellent or perform tick checks. Winter ticks often are brought home, and undetected ticks may drop off from their host following a bloodmeal, which is why engorged ticks may sometimes be found indoors in winter.

The only tick that survives and reproduces indoors is the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Other species will soon die indoors, even when hosts (pets and people) are accessible.

Explain to clients how overwintering ticks may become active on warm days. Recommend precautions such as using repellent and performing tick checks after spending time outdoors. Assuming that any tick found inside a structure is not a brown dog tick, clients can be reassured that an indoor treatment is unnecessary, as humidity levels and habitat are unacceptable for ticks.

PMPs can help clients understand why they might have encountered a tick. But remember, our expertise only extends so far. If your customers have any health-related concerns related to ticks, refer them to a physician.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2020/02/24/cold-weather-ticks-provide-opportunities-for-education/
Sacramento CA