PCI offers service to N.M. PMPs

LOGO: PCI

In an effort to deliver an additional service option for pest management professionals (PMPs) in New Mexico, Pest Control Insulation (PCI) has joined forces with Arizona’s largest insulation contractor, Banker Insulation. The alliance enables PMPs in the Land of Enchantment State the ability to generate profits through a new service offering without the capital expenditure, just like a similar deal was struck two years ago for Arizona PMPs.

Banker Insulation does not sell TAP Pest Control Insulation directly to homeowners or offer any additional pest control services.

“Our highly skilled team understands the importance of relationships, and has provided the highest level of service to our pest control clients,” says Jeff Banker, president and CEO of Banker Insulation.

With the alliance, PMPs sell the TAP Pest Control Insulation service and subcontract  the work to Banker Insulation, which acts as an arm of the PMP’s team of professionals. The result is an additional revenue stream for PMPs and a more comfortable home environment for their customers.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/31/pci-offers-service-to-n-m-pmps/
Sacramento CA

Jazz Bear plays Batman

LOGO: UTAH JAZZ

On Jan. 25, NBA fans were treated to an unusual sight at Vivint Smart Home Arena shortly before tipoff of the Utah Jazz vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. A bat flew around the arena, eluding “several security guards and an on-court employee armed with a net,” according to ESPN’s coverage.

Leave it to Jazz mascot Jazz Bear, then, to actually be the one to nab the pest in his paws. The crowd roared its approval, and the pre-game activities resumed.

For LA Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, it brought to mind memories of when San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili swatted a bat onto the hardwood on Halloween 2009 (and had to get a rabies shot as a result, ESPN reported at the time). “Where is Manu when you need him,” Kuzma tweeted.

Evidently, all that was needed this time was a brave soul in a bear suit.

Check out the Deseret News’ photos and video of the event here. Where’s the strangest place you’ve had to capture a bat? Sound off below.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/31/jazz-bear-plays-batman/
Sacramento CA

Staples Completes Acquisition of Essendant

Staples, Inc. has successfully completed its tender offer for outstanding shares of Essendant. The acquisition, valued at US$996 million including debt, was announced in September 2018. Per the... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/staples-completes-acquisition-of-essendant/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

U.S. Battery Restructures Leadership Team

U.S. Battery Mfg. Co. recently reorganized its corporate leadership team. Don Wallace has been named chief operating officer. Wallace has been with U.S. Battery for more than 20 years, most... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/us-battery-restructures-leadership-team/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Gregory acquires 5 in 2018

LOGO: GREGORY PEST SOLUTIONS

Greenville, S.C.-based Gregory Pest Solutions closed on five acquisitions in 2018, including Co-Operative Exterminating, Marrietta, Ga., in March; Guardian Pest Control, Cartersville, Ga., in June; Commander Pest Solutions, Greenville, S.C., in July; Heritage Termite and Pest Services, Knoxville, Tenn., in September; and ARMS Pest Management Professionals, Charleston, S.C., in December.

“We are thrilled to not only continue our growth, but to give owners in our industry a chance to grow their own legacy and maximize their investment,” says Ben Walker, president of Gregory. “Our team’s experience combined with each new partner affords us the opportunity to look towards a successful future with each customer in mind.”

Phil and Sara Gregory, owners of Gregory Pest Solutions, note they are proud to see Gregory’s service area continue to grow — knowing that Gregory Pest Solutions remains family-owned and locally operated.

PMP Contributor Stuart Aust, The Aust Group, represented ARMS. Terms were not disclosed for any of the acquisitions.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/31/gregory-acquires-5-in-2018/
Sacramento CA

ABM to Help Georgia County Cut Energy Costs

ABM has secured a contract with Turner County, GA, to implement energy and facility improvement projects in several county buildings. The contract calls for ABM to upgrade six county facilities... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/abm-to-help-georgia-county-cut-energy-costs/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

ISS Exits Two South American Markets

ISS announced the successful divestment of activities in Argentina and Uruguay. The company’s operations have been purchased by the shareholders of Grupo Serza, an Argentina-based facility... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/iss-exits-two-south-american-markets/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

How to Use the Dustick Duster | DoMyOwn.com

from DoMyOwn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxpd7Fxt8JM
Sacramento California

ISSA Members Listed Among Fortune's Most Admired

Ten ISSA-member companies have been included in Fortune magazine's annual list of the most admired companies in the world. Fortune and global management consulting firm Hay... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa-members-listed-among-fortunes-most-admired/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Insects Limited: SightTrap, Powered by ForesightIPM

PHOTO: INSECTS LIMITED

Stay one step ahead of infestations and customer complaints with remote pheromone monitoring provided by SightTrap, which puts cameras in your traps and gives you access to essential information and data on your computer and smartphone. SightTrap powered by ForesightIPM gives users a high-tech tool for preventing problems before they happen.

ForesightIPM.com

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/31/insects-limited-sighttrap/
Sacramento CA

Grainger Continues Consistent Dividend Payout

W.W. Grainger, Inc. has declared a quarterly dividend of US$1.36 per share on the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable March 1 to shareholders of record at the close of business... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/grainger-continues-consistent-dividend-payout/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

HFI Releases Spanish Version of Handbook

Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI) recently released a Spanish edition of its The Healthy and Safe Facility Handbook ─ School and College Edition. Originally released in English about a year... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/hfi-releases-spanish-version-of-handbook/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Ecolab Director Honored by ACI

William H. “Bill” Phillips has been named the recipient of the 2019 American Cleaning Institute (ACI) Elva Walker Spillane Distinguished Service Award. Phillips currently serves as the... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ecolab-director-honored-by-aci/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

3M Increases Annual Sales 3.5%

3M has reported fiscal-full-year sales of US$32.8 billion, up 3.5 percent year-on-year. Sales in the company’s industrial segment increased 3.4 percent to $12.2 billion in 2018, and sales in... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/3m-increases-annual-sales-35/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

USGBC Opens Registration for Latest LEED Certifications

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened registration for the latest editions to its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building program, LEED v4.1. The council... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/usgbc-opens-registration-for-latest-leed-certifications/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

NCPMA event underway

LOGO: NCPMA

The North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) kicked off the 69th Annual Pest Control Technician’s (PCT) School in Durham, N.C., on Tuesday, Jan. 29. The three-day event has attracted nearly 1,000 pest management professionals from across the state for education, training and networking.

“For nearly 70 years, NCPMA has offered unmatched educational opportunities at our annual PCT School, and we are excited to continue that tradition today,” says NCPMA President Bruce Roberts. “Each year, we try to offer something new to our attendees in our effort to make this one of the best pest management events in the nation. This year, we have expanded our course offerings to provide our attendees with more hands-on and certification opportunities.”

The 2019 PCT School offers attendees courses that have never before been offered, including:

• North Carolina State University (NCSU) Hands-On Spray School and Live Learning Course: Held at the NCSU Structural Pest Management Training Facility on Chi Road in Raleigh, this 4-hour, hands-on training session for pest management managers and technicians focused on proper equipment handling, calibration and repair and how to ensure accurate pesticide application rates and techniques.

• NWCOA Bat Standards Course: An 8-hour wildlife course designed to provide a comprehensive educational opportunity to earn credits while learning the latest in control techniques. The NWCOA Bat Standards Course is offered by NWCOA to aid in the survival and future of bats in the North America, as well as to educate those who perform bat exclusion services in residential and commercial structures.

• A.C.E. Review Course and Exam: The PCT School offers the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Review Class and Exam from the Entomological Society of America (ESA).

The event is offered by the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) and is held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center. It continues through Jan. 31.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/30/ncpma-event-underway/
Sacramento CA

Andy Linares greets attendees at 2018 New York Pest Expo

Andy Linares, owner of Bug Off Pest Control Center and organizer of the New York Pest Expo, welcomes attendees at the 2018 conference while recognizing and celebrating veterans.

Click here to read a recap of the event by PMP‘s Marty Whitford.

Click here to watch more videos from the event.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/30/andy-linares-greets-attendees-at-2018-new-york-pest-expo/
Sacramento CA

5 ways to improve your website

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/OLM26250

As an internet marketing provider, we have looked at hundreds of pest control service providers’ websites. Some websites are good. Some are bad. Some are terrible. We aren’t talking about graphics, or even search engine optimization (SEO) — although those are important.

No, we are talking about barriers unknowingly put up on a website that actively deter prospects from calling. Not all of these may apply to you. If none of them do, congratulations! But we’ve come across enough websites with some or all of the following issues that I felt the need to bring it to the industry’s attention. Let’s jump into our Top 5 ways to increase website leads:

1. State your service area(s).

This is our top offender: There is no physical address for the business listed on the website. There is no mention of any city, state or service area anywhere in the content. There is nothing in the meta title and description that might give a hint. Prospects have no clue whether the company will come to their home — or even if they are in the same time zone. Best practices when it comes to signaling your service area include:

• A footer and a “Contact Us” page. Put your physical address in the footer of your website and on your contact page for ease of viewer reference. Have your website developer use a data schema (he or she should know the term) to mark up the address and aid in your Google Local rankings for SEO.
• A service area map or list. If it makes sense for your market, add a map that visually reflects your service area. Otherwise, a list of the counties or major towns, along with the phrase “And Surrounding Areas” goes a long way in indicating where you work. This can go on a standalone “Service Area” page or in the content of a main page.
• Inclusion in the content itself. Your website developer should update your meta titles and page description so viewers and Google know where you work.

2. Use local phone numbers.

We have come across websites that do not tell what their service area is and, maddeningly, have a toll-free phone number. Where is this company located? Where do they offer service?

Even in the world of cell phones, area codes still help differentiate where we are from. It’s one thing for a consumer to have an out-of-area number — perhaps they moved, but kept their cell phone number. It’s another thing entirely for your business phone number to not reflect the area you service.

If you are committed to retaining your toll-free number, be sure that your service area is explicitly stated so there is no question about where you are located and the location you service. A best practice is to have your phone number featured prominently “above the fold” so it is visible right away when a visitor lands on your website.

Read more: Local area codes send positive signal to customers

3. Spell out which pests you treat.

To consumers, “pest control” is a broad term. Do you control bed bugs? How about termites? Wildlife? Pigeon removal?

The more information you can give the visitor about which specific pests you treat, the more confident they will be that you can help them. You’ll also be doing yourself a favor by giving search engines a clear indication of what your services are.

Keep in mind: While creating one page and listing in bullet points or a run-on sentence the pests you treat may seem like the least time-consuming way to accomplish this, it will not help you overall. Rather, take the time to create individual pages for each pest, and list them in an easily accessible menu. Even if you technically only offer “General Pest” and “Wood-destroying Organisms,” break it down by pest types. This is a great way to keep your website clean for visitors, and will help you in your SEO and search engine marketing (SEM) efforts by providing relevant, content-rich pages. The search engines will reward you with more traffic — and that traffic will be more inclined to call, knowing you can handle their problem.

4. Include a call to action.

Mrs. Smith lands on your website, and sees you are local and can handle a pest she has a problem with. Great! You have her attention; now tell her why she should call you.

Too many pest control service providers’ websites drop the ball at this point. They don’t offer a compelling reason to call, other than they are in the pest control business. You want to go above
and beyond, and really compel that person to call you for help.

Do you offer any coupons? What about free inspections or same-day service? Have you been in the community for 30 years? Do you regularly receive 5-star reviews? Communicate clearly and effectively why visitors should call you right now. And make that call to action front and center so they see it.

5. Add a review page.

Reviews can go either way, good or bad, but they are an important part of how customers make decisions. If you are receiving rave reviews about your services, why not showcase them?

While review sites such as Yelp or Google Reviews have your reviews online to view, it’s wise to round up your best reviews on a page on your website for potential customers to see.

Giving customers a review page can allow them to learn about your coupon, service areas and locale, the pests you treat, and how others view your pest business, all in one spot. This allows their decision-making to become one-stop shopping.

Converting customers

You want to convert customers in the most seamless way possible. Having a locally optimized website with all the key components visible can help convert your potential customer to an actual customer. Offering first-time customers a way to save money is a quick and easy way to gain their attention. You might not be able to offer a coupon for $100 off like the bigger companies, so offer something else they can’t, such as: “Same-day service guaranteed!” “Work with a family-owned and -operated business!” “Over 50 five-star reviews in 2018!” “100% satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back!”

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/30/5-ways-to-improve-your-website/
Sacramento CA

Seaira Global: WatchDog NXT85

PHOTO: SEAIRA GLOBAL

The WatchDog NXT85 is the second in a new series of crawlspace and basement dehumidifiers. With a capacity of 85 pints per day (80F/60%), and a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 2.71 L/kWh, this unit can maintain up to 15,000 cubic feet. User-friendly features include a digital display, low-temperature operation, and auto defrost. The 85 is also compatible with optional upgrades, including remote control, duct collar kits, and Wi-Fi remote sensors.

SeairaGlobal.com

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/30/seaira-global-watchdog-nxt85/
Sacramento CA

LCS Employees Honored by Local Chamber of Commerce

Daniel, Joseph, and Domenico Lepore, employees of LCS Companies, have been named recipients of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Next Generation Award. The three brothers are... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/lcs-employees-honored-by-local-chamber-of-commerce/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

CBE Helps Get Your Cleaning Operations on Track

If you’re looking for information on the latest jansan trends, technologies, and tips, the Clean Buildings Expo (CBE) offers the knowledge you need in one location. The first-ever Clean... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/cbe-helps-get-your-cleaning-operations-on-track/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Diversey Launches Online Training Platform

Diversey has launched Hygiene Academy, a cloud-based training platform for food and beverage professionals. The Hygiene Academy’s e-learning system allows employers to manage and develop... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/diversey-launches-online-training-platform/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

IICRC Names New Standards Chairman

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has appointed Brandon Burton standards chairman. Burton has more than 20 years of experience in the cleaning and... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/iicrc-names-new-standards-chairman/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Black joins Rollins as VP

PHOTO: JUDY BLACK, BCE

PMP Editorial Advisory Board member Judy Black, BCE, has joined Atlanta, Ga.-based Rollins Inc. as VP of Quality Assurance and Technical Service.

The 32-year industry veteran was most recently VP of Technical Services for Rentokil North America since 2015, and for the Steritech Group from 2005 through 2015. While at these companies, she managed the technical services and education training groups and supported quality assurance initiatives. Her international experience will help Rollins as the company continues its global expansion.

Black received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture (emphasis on environmental protection) and a master of science degree in entomology from West Virginia University. Currently the immediate past president of Pi Chi Omega, Black is also a National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certified Professional – Food Safety, and received the National Pest Management Association’s Women of Excellence Award in 2012.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/29/black-joins-rollins-as-vp/
Sacramento CA

Termite management tips from the pros

PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/TOMMYIX

Take some advice about termite management from the pros who have learned from experience.

The customer is always right. Nurture the same attitude in your employees and inspectors. — John Etheridge, Owner, Seashore Pest Control, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Treat customers with respect. Do for the customer what you promised. — John Higley, Owner, John Jr’s Termite & Pest Control, Tucson, Ariz.

Show the client where the infestation is, and explain how you treat for termites. — Gustavo Hernandez, Owner, H2 Environmental Pest Management, Astoria, N.Y.

Do not rush to the point of doing a shabby job. — Perry DuBose, Owner, Absolute Termite and Pest Control, Sugar Land, Texas

Build the customer/company relationship. — Ed Chamberlain, Owner, Chamberlain Exterminators, Salisbury, N.C.

Review the contract with the customer prior to doing the work. — Bud Ore, President, Bud’s Pest Control, Palm Coast, Fla.

Take time to explain to the customer the differences among termite species. — Colby Gregory, Owner, Pest Control Solutions & Services, Largo, Fla.

Know your customer’s structure intimately, and keep accurate inspection and treatment records. Historical data is very valuable. Know your customers, past and present. — Wayne Koide, President, Environ Control, Waipahu, Hawaii

Offer complimentary inspections to the neighboring properties of those you treat. — Eric Fletcher, Owner, Eastern Arizona Exterminating, Gilbert, Ariz.

Use your existing customer base to upsell. If you are providing them with outstanding service elsewhere, make sure they know you offer termite protection as well. — Randal D. Dawson, ACE, Operations Director, DC Scientific Pest Control, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Offer discounts on termite treatments to seniors, veterans and single mothers. — Kyle Elzey, DCO/IPM Specialist, Pest King Services, Gainesville, Ga.

Make the retention of existing contracts a priority. — Tim Harris, Owner, Harris Pest Control, Effingham, S.C.

Educate your whole team of employees. It could be a problem if just your termite guy — and not your general pest control or office employees — knows termite management. — Aaron Brunell, Manager, Brown Exterminating Co., Stanardsville, Va.

Always buy the best equipment possible. It makes hard work easier and [your tools will] last longer. — Dayton Hylton, Owner, Dayton’s Pest Control Services, Knoxville, Tenn.

Have all your termite-related paperwork finalized by an attorney specializing in the pest management industry. Also, it is not a bad idea to have your general liability insurance company look it over, too. — Scott Kight, Associate Certified Entomologist, Fort Myers Pest Control Inc., North Fort Myers, Fla.

Develop and implement new programs to keep up on cutting-edge technology. — Mike Barker, Office Manager, Times Up Termite, San Leandro, Calif.

Provide more public awareness during swarming season. Educate city building inspectors and real estate agents on termite behavior overall. — Jason Moreno, Owner, Moreno Exterminating, Odessa, Texas

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/29/termite-management-tips-from-the-pros/
Sacramento CA

Use IPM to recommend solutions

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

Flying insect control can be challenging because of the wide variety of pests, but a technician should always be prepared to recommend a solution. To do this, the technician should know the type of insect and whether it’s possible to control.

Focusing on integrated pest management (IPM) methods, solutions may be as simple as knowing which light bulbs are being used for outdoor lighting and knowing how capture devices work. Here are two tips to help:

• Minimize or eliminate the use of incandescent bulbs, which attract a wide range of insects. Instead, use LED warm-color bulbs, which are less attractive to most flying insects — with the exception of the regions where stink bugs are an issue.
• Employ capture devices designed to attract flying insects. The key to success is to ensure the devices are maintained regularly.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/28/use-ipm-to-recommend-solutions/
Sacramento CA

Bird Banisher: Avian Deterrent

PHOTO: BIRD BANISHER

Protect your customers’ roofs, porches, buildings, pools, balconies and more from woodpeckers, gulls, sparrows, starlings and other nuisance birds. The easy-to-install Bird Banisher uses sunlight and wind to create a blinding visual deterrent that disorients birds. Made in the USA, the product has had five years of testing and research to find the correct patterns, colors, and materials to deter birds and to withstand harsh climate situations — yet it’s backed at a price designed to maximize your profits. A one-year warranty is included.

BirdBanisher.com

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/29/bird-banisher-avian-deterrent/
Sacramento CA

LCS Names New Senior Operations Manager

LCS Companies has appointed Quincy Harper senior operations manager. Harper joins LCS Companies from the U.S. Air Force, where he served for more than 25 years. He most recently worked for... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/lcs-names-new-senior-operations-manager/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Aramark Honored for Inclusion Efforts

Aramark has been named a Top 50 employer for people with disabilities by CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine. The publication recognized Aramark for providing a positive working... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/aramark-honored-for-inclusion-efforts/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

ISSA Members Commit to Reusable Packaging Initiative

Several international product manufacturers announced their commitment to a new shopping platform during last week’s World Economic Forum. The initiative, Loop, is the idea of New... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa-members-commit-to-reusable-packaging-initiative/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

IEHA Partners With the Deming Institute

IEHA, a Division of ISSA, has entered into a partnership with the W. Edwards Deming Institute®. The agreement allows IEHA to share the institute’s acclaimed Deming Philosophy and the... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ieha-partners-with-the-deming-institute/
Mold Remediation Baltimore

Control Solutions Inc.: FUSE Termiticide/Insecticide

IMAGE: CONTROL SOLUTIONS INC.

FUSE Termiticide/Insecticide is a proprietary Combination Chemistry product containing 21.4 percent imidacloprid and 6.6 percent fipronil. FUSE offers multiple modes of action to fight resistance and provide a powerful tool for termite and perimeter pest control applications. Available in 7.5-, 27.5- and 137.5-ounce containers.

ControlSolutionsInc.com/Fuse

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/28/control-solutions-inc-fuse/
Sacramento CA