Friday, August 30, 2019
American Pest Control awards 23 scholarships
From left are Laurie Higginbotham, CEO of American Pest Control, and Lexye Hill. PHOTO: AMERICAN PEST CONTROL
American Pest Control, a family-owned and operated pest management company, awarded 23 scholarships in the total amount of $28,000 this year throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
The company introduced the Gene Higginbotham Memorial Scholarship in May 2016. Gene Higginbotham founded American Pest Control in 1971. He valued family, education and community as top priorities for his company. Higginbotham passed away on Aug. 30, 2015, and the scholarship was created in his honor by family and employees to continue his legacy.
“It is an incredible privilege to play a role in sending students on their new journey while honoring the memory of my father and all the values he cherished,” says Laurie Higginbotham, CEO of American Pest Control. Since its inception, American Pest Control has awarded $93,000 in scholarship funds to 66 students across northeast Georgia. This spring, for the third year, the scholarship was offered to all local students. Recipients included:
- Zora Duncan — Rockdale County High School
- Gator Wallace — Landmark Christian School
- Nolberto Chastain — Habersham Central High School
- Emma Whitfield — Stephens County High School
- Morgan Beasley — Hart County High School
From left are Erynn Culbreath and John Miller, director of sales and service for American Pest Control. PHOTO: AMERICAN PEST CONTROL
- Garrett Anderson — Elbert County High School
- Erynn Culbreath — Cedar Shoals High School
- Carson Allen — North Oconee High School
- Jacob Kitzmiller — Oglethorpe County High School
- Madisyn Temple — Madison County High School
- Gracen Ricketts — Prince Avenue Christian School
- Alexa Hill — Athens Academy
- Anna Paschall — Oconee County High School
- Rylan Laird — North Oconee High School
- Victoria Clendenning — R.W. Johnson High School
- Megan Harris — Loganville Christian Academy
- Jaycie Bowen — Banks County High School
- Morgan McCall — Jackson County Comprehensive High School
- McCall Chambers — White County High School
- Kasin Old — Rabun County High School
- Kelsi Schell — Putnam County High School
- William McCommons Jr. — Nathaniel Greene Academy
- Ramiro Ferreyra — Washington Wilkes Comprehensive High School
All the recipients boasted academic, athletic or community service-oriented accomplishments throughout their high school careers and reflected the values held by the Higginbotham family. American Pest Control will continue to offer this scholarship to high school seniors across northeast Georgia and parts of South Carolina.
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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/30/american-pest-control-awards-23-scholarships/
Sacramento CA
Thursday, August 29, 2019
MGK: Shockwave 1
PHOTO: MGK
As the latest innovation from MGK, Shockwave 1 Flushing, Killing & Residual Aerosol contains two adulticides and an insect growth regulator to flush cockroaches out of hiding, kill and leave a residual for long-term control. It also contains two synergists that enhances the effectiveness of the other active ingredients and helps combat resistance. This all-in-one aerosol saves you time and money. With multiple modes of action, it eliminates the need for reapplication, simplifies training, and reduces waste. It can be applied in food-handling areas, and even sprays upside down so you can apply in tough-to-reach locations.
The post MGK: Shockwave 1 appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/30/mgk-shockwave-aerosol/
Sacramento CA
Win Super Bowl tickets from Coalmarch
As part of its fourth annual CO2 conference for pest control and lawn care business leaders, Coalmarch is sending one lucky winner and a guest to the 2020 Super Bowl.
IMAGE: COALMARCH
To enter, registered CO2 attendees must create an original 30-second video entry promoting their business as if they had a commercial slot during the big game itself.
Voting will be open to the public Nov. 18 through Dec. 5.
The video that gets the most votes will be declared the winner during the CO2 conference Thursday evening reception, and the winning company will take home a prize package that includes:
- Two endzone tickets to the Super Bowl LIV game.
- Four-night stay at the Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables.
- Hotel golf package.
“The conference is about giving owners ideas and the tools to take their businesses to the next level, so it’s exciting for us to be able to level up the conference like this, too,” says Coalmarch CEO, Donnie Shelton.
“A huge focus for our content is leadership in marketing, so we’re flipping the script and I can’t wait to see the creativity that comes out of it.”
The CO2 conference will be held Dec. 3-6 in Raleigh, N.C.
Conference attendees can expect to spend one day focused on maximizing marketing and sales and one day focused on recruiting, hiring, training and retaining talent. Shelton will also lead a guided workshop on leadership and developing a results-oriented action plan for your business. Register here for the event.
Coalmarch offers digital marketing solutions, as well as the Forgely people management and hiring platforms for growing pest control businesses.
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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/29/win-super-bowl-tickets-from-coalmarch/
Sacramento CA
HOSPECO celebrates 100-year milestone
HOSPECO reached its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1919, the company provides a broad variety of product categories focused on providing personal care products, keeping facilities clean, and assuring workers and patrons remain safe.
Photo: HOSPECO
When the company began, it offered personal care products in public restrooms and quickly emerged as a leader in vended menstrual care products. HOSPECO soon expanded its product offering in public restrooms with the addition of toilet seat covers and air-care products.
Today, the company has established core markets in janitorial/office supply, healthcare, hospitality and foodservice, providing personal care, cleaning and protective products.
“For 100 years, HOSPECO has been growing strategically, innovating and creating true end-user value in each of our core product categories. But our success has been a result of our distribution partners who have supported us all these years,” says Bill Hemann, HOSPECO’s VP of sales and marketing. “We personally and professionally value all of our distributors and, really, our world revolves around them. We thank each for our 100 years and we celebrate that loyalty. In addition, we couldn’t have continued to grow, maintain relevance, and innovate for over 100 years without the talent and dedication of our HOSPECO team, whose passion and dedication to our mission and our customers will continue for the next 100 years. We recognize and thank all the generations of HOSPECO employees.”
More than 1,200 independent distributors servicing the away-from-home customer in North America sell HOSPECO products. With headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, and facilities in Knoxville, Tenn.; Sparks, Nev.; and Irvine, Calif., the company has more than 450 employees.
HOSPECO is a charter member of the International Sanitary Supply Association, with which the company shares a common mission: to contribute thoughtfully to maintaining healthy, safe and clean away-from-home environments.
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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/29/hospeco-celebrates-100-year-milestone/
Sacramento CA
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Neogen: SureKill Fall Rodenticide Promotion
IMAGE: NEOGEN
From Aug. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2019, receive a $10 rebate for every pail of SureKill Command, Assault or Guardian purchased. Redemptions must be submitted by Oct. 15, 2019. Please allow four to six weeks for processing and delivery.
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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/29/neogen-surekill-fall-rodenticide-promotion/
Sacramento CA
NPMA’s Mosquito Multiplier displays breeding power of mosquitoes
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is educating consumers about mosquitoes with the results of its new video project – Mosquito Multiplier.
The time-lapse video shows just how quickly mosquitoes are able to multiply right in their own backyards. By recreating ideal conditions that allow mosquitoes to thrive, researchers were able to capture the breeding power of mosquitoes.
“The Mosquito Multiplier project is a visual simulation that’s designed to show homeowners exactly how mosquito populations can explode under the right conditions,” says Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the NPMA. “Our team of experts took mosquito eggs and hatched them under controlled conditions that mimic those you would find in a typical backyard, and in less than a week, we had over 5,000 mosquitoes.”
Found all across the country, mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet areas and only need as little as half an inch of water to breed, turning seemingly innocent items such as kiddie pools, wheelbarrows and overturned frisbees into potential breeding grounds.
“To reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes breeding on your yard, conduct a survey of the property at least once a week and eliminate any areas of standing water,” says Dr. Fredericks.
Able to spread West Nile virus, malaria, dengue and Zika virus to humans, mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animal on earth. According to the World Health Organization, mosquitoes are responsible for several million deaths and hundreds of millions of cases of vector-borne diseases every year. With more than 150 different species of mosquitoes found in the United States alone, vigilance is key to preventing an infestation.
Image: NPMA
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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/28/npmas-mosquito-multiplier-displays-breeding-power-of-mosquitoes/
Sacramento CA
Ensure you’re properly insured
PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/Pattanaphong Khuankaew
Check your policy so you’re up to date on all your service offerings. We spoke with three insurance pros who specialize in the pest management industry to get their take on what pest management professionals (PMPs) should include in their policies right now, as well as what the insurance outlook is for the near future. Got something to add? Let us know via pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.
John Culotta
BROWNYARD GROUP
John Culotta
PCOpro Program Manager
My team at PCOpro offers protection and peace of mind — that is, insurance. We provide the broadest insurance coverage available on the market, including general and professional liability, workers’ compensation, auto, property and excess.
However, we will soon be able to offer a new coverage to PMPs: cyber liability. Today, every business faces significant exposures on the cyber side — from employees losing devices in the field to hackers that expose customer data.
PREDICTIONS: With more drivers than ever on the road, we have watched accident frequency and severity drive up premiums. In response, we have focused on supporting our customers and the industry with information on safe driving and ways to reduce the costs associated with claims.
We also are keeping an eye on how technology is shaping the future of pest control. We caution PMPs to be judicious and cautious in adopting and adapting to new technologies. Give us a call to find out whether a new tool or treatment is covered by your current policy.
Andy McGinty
LIPCA INSURANCE
Andy McGinty
EVP/COO
We offer insurance for pest control and lawn care professionals that is completely owned by the pest and lawn industries. We now offer additional coverage for cyber liability, canine mortality/liability and drones. We also offer free loss control, including customer contract reviews.
PREDICTIONS: Educating customers and employees, and new technology are going to be the big focus areas of the future. PMPs should educate not only on the strengths, but on the weaknesses of their services.
Explaining what can happen in the event of a potential loss, infestation or damage is more important than you might think. Take, for example, two Formosan termite customers. Customer A has been told about possible secondary colonies and swarms down the road; Customer B was not informed in any way. Which customer is going to be easier to deal with should a claim occur?
Thermal imaging, drones and other tools and technologies are becoming more and more common. Make sure the policy you have covers these newer services.
Frank MacDonald
SELECT INSURANCE AGENCY
Frank MacDonald
President
We offer customized insurance programs for PMPs, particularly general liability (including pollution), automobile, workers’ compensation, property, umbrella, employment practices, cyber liability and crime.
PREDICTIONS: Auto liability has become, and will continue to be, the largest liability and premium expense facing the industry as a whole. PMPs need to get a good handle on the drivers they hire and retain, and those drivers’ driving habits. They need to take disciplinary action when necessary. If they aren’t on file already, vehicle use and cellphone policies need to be created and signed by each driver.
Telematics — tracking hard braking, speeding, geofencing and after-hours use — should be installed in all vehicles. Phone block technology and driver cameras are going to become critical to ensure premium costs are controlled and may be necessary for the overall insurability of the organization, if loss ratios dictate such requirements.
The post Ensure you’re properly insured appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/28/ensure-youre-properly-insured/
Sacramento CA
Inaugural Women in Pest Control conference makes industry waves
More than 100 women gathered for the inaugural Women in Pest Control conference in Austin, Texas. The one-day event included nine presentations. Multiple vendors participated and 23 gold and silver sponsors supported the conference.
The Women in Pest Control group was started by Bobbie Terry, owner of The Bug Lady Pest Services in Cedar Creek, Texas. Together with Lisa Myers-Botts, owner of Peacock Pest Prevention in Cypress, Texas, the event on Friday, Aug. 23 became a reality.
Janis Reed, Ph.D, BCE, kicked off the event with a powerful presentation called “Women in Pest Control: The Advantages, Disadvantages, and the Past and Future of our Profession.” Cisse Spragins, Ph.D, Rockwell Labs, and Sydney Gambrell, Univar, shared insights on the latest advances in green pest control. Three presentations from women from Texas A&M covered fly control, exclusion tip, wildlife trapping and testing for ACE (Associate Certified Entomologist) certification. Those presentations qualified for CEU credits.
Next year’s event is planned for Sept. 25 in Houston. We will share more details when available.
Look for more coverage from the event online with upcoming videos and extensive reporting in our December issue, Pest Management Professional‘s yearly issue dedicated to stories and content about women in the pest management industry.
See some photos below for highlights of the event.
More than 100 women attended the one-day event. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Multiple vendors sponsored the conference. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, Control Solutions Inc., kicked off the conference. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Bobbie Terry with Lisa Myers-Botts. Photo: Diane Sofranec
The comfortable setting made for easy conversations and networking. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Dr. Cisse Spagins, founder of Rockwell Labs, shared insights about green pest control. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Jessica Terry with Kness Pest Defense chats with an attendee. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Mary Haji Gibbins, recovering from breast cancer, stands with her new B&G. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Dr. Janis Reed with Control Solutions Inc. chats with attendees. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Sydney Gambrell shares the latest innovation from Univar. Photo: Danielle Pesta
P.E.S.T. Relief International. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Elizabeth Brown of Texas A&M shares details about the ACE exam and certification. Photo: Danielle Pesta
The one-day event included nine presentations and a BBQ lunch. Photo: Danielle Pesta
At the end of the day, raffle winners were announced, including the winner of the entomologist Barbie. Photo: Diane Sofranec
The ladies at registration making sure everyone checked in and received a name tag. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Molly Keek, BCE, from Texas A&M, gave a presentation on fly control. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Janet Hurley, ACE, from Texas A&M, shared exclusion tips and wildlife trapping. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Nothing like a cake to make things official. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Nisus passed out these tote bags to attendees. Photo: Danielle Pesta
The ladies at JAK Pesticide Consultants . Photo: Danielle Pesta
Put on a dress for a quick photo op?! Photo: Diane Sofranec
Visiting the Univar booth during breakfast. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Some fun pests were left at each attendees’ seat. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Bobbie Terry with Lisa Myers-Botts. Photo: Diane Sofranec
The winner of the PMP Pests Playing Poker Poster. Photo: Diane Sofranec
PMP’s booth. Photo: Diane Sofranec
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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/28/inaugural-women-in-pest-control-conference-makes-industry-waves/
Sacramento CA
California’s proposed rodenticide ban bill on hold
PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/GLOBALP
The California Ecosystems Protection Act, or bill AB 1788, that would ban second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) for use in the state and first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) for use on state-controlled property, has been put on hold for now.
The bill was moving closer to becoming law until it was taken off the Senate Appropriations Committee’s hearing schedule. This would have been the last stop before making its way to the Senate floor for a vote and the Governor’s desk for his signature.
The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) convinced California Gov. Gavin Newsom that signing the bill would lead to a public health disaster. The author of AB 1788, California State Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), met with Cal EPA and the DPR and decided to place the bill in the suspense file after realizing he had no path forward, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). The bill is not expected to die, however. It is likely it will be revised in 2020.
If the bill had been passed and signed into law by Gov. Newsom as written, California would have been the first state in the country to impose an all-out ban on SGARs with a few exceptions that would have included: a warehouse used to store foods for human or animal consumption; an agricultural food production site, including, but not limited to, a slaughterhouse and cannery; and a factory, brewery, or winery.
As PMP reported in February, the DPR announced plans in November 2018 to re-evaluate SGARs brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum and difethialone. These rodenticides were named Restricted Materials the last time they were assessed in 2014. Since then, only licensed applicators, not consumers, could buy and use them.
The NPMA issued a statement calling on pest management professionals (PMPs) to take action when the bill makes its way through the California legislature again next year.
“The activist groups are angry. They are going to put up another fight. But so are we. Our industry remains electrified, organized, and unified. Together, we are going to continue our persistent pursuit to protect public health, like we always do. When it comes to advocacy in 2020, our industry is ready and waiting.”
PMPs who want to help are encouraged to send a message to California legislators regarding the proposed rodenticide ban. Visit the Take Action page on the NPMA’s website to make your voice heard.
For past updates and future updates, follow along at: mypmp.net/californiarodent/
The post California’s proposed rodenticide ban bill on hold appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/28/californias-proposed-rodenticide-ban-bill-on-hold/
Sacramento CA
P.E.S.T. Relief, CPCA partner to serve youth shelter
The Colorado Pest Control Association (CPCA) joined P.E.S.T. Relief International to bring comfort and relief to youth who reside at Urban Peak Youth Center, a homeless shelter for ages 15-24 in Denver, Colo.
Founder of P.E.S.T. Relief International Andrea Hancock (center) with the CPCA team. (PHOTO: P.E.S.T. RELIEF INTERNATIONAL)
During the 2019 CPCA Conference, members donated boxer briefs, Starbucks gift cards and wrote notes of encouragement to be distributed at the shelter.
On the last day of the conference, volunteers from Sprague Pest Control headed to the shelter to prepare meals for more than 30 residents who end their day with dinner at the shelter. Upon arrival, colored pencils and markers were scattered across the table to engage the youth and help explore their creative side. Artwork, manicures and Jenga were some of the favorite activities of the evening.
P.E.S.T. Relief donated 68 mattress protectors to provide clean bedding and bedbug protection, while Sprague Pest Solutions continues to service Urban Peak’s transitional housing. These units serve as a stepping stone in helping young adults get back on their feet.
The visit not only encouraged the residents and staff but also touched all of the volunteers who attended.
“Thank you for allowing our team to help serve the youth at Urban Peak,” says Kolbin Bertilison of Sprague Pest Solutions in a press release. “We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation and commitment to helping make our urban environments a better place to live.”
Volunteers and donors for this event included:
- Kevin Lemasters — EnviroPest
- Kolbin Bertilison — Sprague Pest Solutions
- Alberto Quinonez — Sprague Pest Solutions
- James Mullen — Sprague Pest Solutions
- Jon Martin — Sprague Pest Solutions
- Jeff Hancock — Mattress Safe Inc.
- CPCA Conference Attendees
The post P.E.S.T. Relief, CPCA partner to serve youth shelter appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/28/p-e-s-t-relief-cpca-partner-to-serve-youth-shelter/
Sacramento CA
NJPMA recognizes association leaders
The New Jersey Pest Management Association (NJPMA), at its 72nd annual Clinic, Trade Show & Clambake, named Ralph Citarella Jr., BCE, as the Pest Management Professional of the Year. It also honored Bernie Holst Jr. upon his retirement as NJPMA treasurer, a position he held for the past 20 years.
Ralph Citarella is awarded his Pest Management Professional of the Year plaque, standing between Harry Ross and Paul Utts. PHOTO: NJPMA
Citarella currently serves on the board of directors for the NJPMA and has been the educational program committee chairman for the past four years. In 2005, he completed the NJPMA leadership program.
Citarella is a third-generation owner of Bayonne Exterminating Co., and has been instrumental in creating new educational programs for NJPMA members, says the association. Under Citarella’s guidance, the NJPMA now offers specific training in its credentialed wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspector program, bed bug workshop, food processing course and wildlife control program. Currently, Citarella is starting a master technician program to promote greater competency for technicians.
Harry Ross, ACE, president of NJPMA and Immediate Past President Paul Utts presented Citarella with his award, noting his contribution to the development of new programs that help promote the industry and the professionalism of its members.
Bernie Holst. PHOTO: NJPMA
“I have found Ralph Jr. to be one of the most knowledgeable and cooperative people that I have dealt with in my 30-plus years in the pest control business,” says Ross. “There is no more deserving individual for Pest Management Professional of the Year. He is an unbelievable asset to his company, your association and the industry as a whole.”
Even while busy growing his company, Horizon Pest Control, Holst promoted the NJPMA and offered his dedication and leadership for more than 40 years. He is only the second person from New Jersey to serve as president of both the NJPMA and the National Pest Management Association. During Holst’s tenure as NJPMA treasurer, the association grew both in size and in wealth.
“Bernie Holst Jr. has been the conscience and the guiding force of our association,” says Len Douglen, executive director of the NJPMA. “His credo in both running his company and advising our board of directors has always been ‘do the right thing.'”
The post NJPMA recognizes association leaders appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/08/28/njpma-recognizes-association-leaders/
Sacramento CA
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