The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors.
Choosing the right fall protection equipment for a job can not only keep technicians safe, but also save lives. Barry Rice gives choices and solutions for the Restoration Industry.
FMC GSS Professional Solutions is proud to introduce, in support of the National Pest Management Association, is the PestVets Give Back Program. FMC will donate a portion of purchases on qualified products to PestVets presented annually at NPMA’s PestWorld event. Contributions to this program are based on purchases of qualifying products by FMC True Champions. FMC will donate a portion of purchases of Scion, Totality, CB-80, Transport Mikron and D-Force made from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31.
The post FMC: PestVets Give Back Program appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
Encircle to Give Away Multiple Prizes in Celebration of Administrative Professionals' Day.
The Minnesota Chapter of Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM MN) is partnering with the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys (GSRV).
This will be the “first ever of its kind Exclusive Bug Masters Partnership,” according to the news release. It will provide programming for girls in second and third grade to explore the world of bugs and girls in sixth to eighth grades learn more about the pest management industry from cross-country experts on STEM related nature and environmental jobs.
Despite all genders having an equal interest in STEM in elementary school, by high school, girls have a lower interest in STEM than boys, and only 13 percent of teenage girls think of STEM as being their first career choice, according to the news release. As a result, women make up only 30 percent of Minnesota’s 23-25 year old STEM workforce. Girl Scouts ensures that girls see themselves as STEM leaders and have access to learning opportunities in these high-paying fields. PWIPM MN is also excited to share that this is a unique collaboration between three of our area’s biggest Pest Management Companies, ECOLAB, Plunkett’s Pest Control and Adam’s Pest Control. Together, we have secured the funding for this incredible sponsorship.
Professional Women in Pest Management is an affiliate group of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) whose mission is to attract, develop and support women in the pest management industry through educational programs, resources and peer networking.
Each year, PWIPM:
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IMAGE: BASF
The active ingredient (AI) in Fendona CS Controlled Release Insecticide, alpha-cypermethrin, is four times more potent than regular cypermethrin and is protected by a unique micro-mesh encapsulation technology that preserves the highly active AI long after the treatment, the company says. This fast-acting, rainfast formula is effective against a wide spectrum of arthropod pests, including spiders, mosquitoes and scorpions. Now through Dec. 15, qualified end users can capture significant savings when purchasing Fendona CS Controlled Release Insecticide by the pallet. Contact your distributor for more information.
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Burst pipes present big opportunities in the restoration industry, but knowing the proper tools and techniques to properly mitigate contaminants from the aftermath of burst pipes is key.
The 2023 Pest Management Professional (PMP) Growth Summit is March 28-30 at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, Fla.
The PMP Growth Summit is an exclusive, buyer-seller networking event complete with one-on-one meetings, educational sessions, professional networking — and the opportunity to play golf on a Signature course.
Check out photos from the event so far:
Check in at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, Fla. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
Check out the PMP Growth Summit partners for 2023. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
The first day of the Summit started with boardroom presentations from all of the partners. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
The first day of the Summit ended with dinner and networking at the Eleven restaurant. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
The second day of the Summit kicked off with breakfast and roundtable discussions. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
Pest management professionals met individually with partners, like Neogen, to learn more about the company’s products and services. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
Behind the scenes at the next magazine cover. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
PMPs and partners line up for the afternoon golf outing. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
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Mark VanderWerp, BCE, manager of education and training for Rose Pest Solutions. PHOTO: ROSE PEST SOLUTIONS
Troy, Mich.-based Rose Pest Solutions hosted its 18th Annual Technical Conference March 22-24 at The FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Mich.
More than 350 people were on-site during the three-day exhibition. Speaker sessions featured industry leaders and professionals from outside Rose Pest Solutions, including:
Knowledge-building sessions were also offered that combine learning and humor in an engaging format. Topics for this year included “Pest Management Knowledge Showdown” and “Phorid Flies: Small Flies Causing Big Problems” – which will be hosted by some of Rose Pest Solutions’ Board- and Associate-certified entomologists (BCEs and ACEs).
Mark “Shep” Sheperdigian, BCE, vice president of technical services for Rose Pest Solutions and frequent PMP magazine contributor, speaking at the conference.
As part of the conference activities, Rose Pest Solutions hosted its annual employee award ceremony on March 22. The company recognized employees and districts for their dedication and service. With more than 300 employees throughout its 17 locations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, Rose Pest Solutions takes the opportunity each year to honor its team for their successes, tenure and talents in a special awards ceremony.
“As a fourth-generation, family-owned and -operated business for more than 163 years, we see each of our employees as an extension of our own family,” Jim Ives, president of Rose Pest Solutions, said in the news release. “We’re proud to offer them the opportunity to learn and continuously build a new set of skills each year through our annual conference.”
The company also invited individuals from outside its organization to this year’s event — providing learning opportunities and a chance to hear from some of the most accomplished voices in the pest control field. Attendees received continuing education credits for license recertification.
“We’re grateful to once again play host to some of the most accomplished pest management professionals in the field,” said Mark VanderWerp, manager of education and training for Rose Pest Solutions. “This year’s conference will highlight the latest and most effective technologies and pest management strategies — ensuring that our attendees have access to the skills they need to stand out from those companies where ongoing training is not a core part of the culture.”
James Ives, president of Rose Pest Solutions, and Drew Koopman. PHOTO: ROSE PEST SOLUTIONS
From left: Account Manager Nick Sattler and Corporate Sales Manager Mike Rogers of Rose Pest Solutions. PHOTO: ROSE PEST SOLUTIONS
The Rose Pest Solutions Cleveland office won a quality award for best overall service. PHOTO: ROSE PEST SOLUTIONS
Attendees participate in the Integrated Pest Management Game Show during the conference. PHOTO: ROSE PEST SOLUTIONS
Contestants take part in another segment of the Integrated Pest Management Game Show. PHOTO: ROSE PEST SOLUTIONS
A cup stacking segment of the Integrated Pest Management Game Show. PHOTO: ROSE PEST SOLUTIONS
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IMAGE: INNOVATIVE PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS
Gourmet Ant Bait Gel has been an effective tool for pest management professionals to use for ant and cockroach control for 20 years. Its exclusive formulation is attractive to sweet- and protein-feeding ants, as well as German cockroaches. Gourmet Ant Bait gel is clear when applied, stays clear, and won’t get runny even at temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours. There is no documented resistance to the active ingredient, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, the company says. The competitively priced product is packaged six syringes and six plungers to a box.
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Matt Remmen
Cockroaches are potential vectors of diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid and poliomyelitis, so a successful management program is essential for protecting public health. Here are a few fundamental best practices to remember:
The post Tips to treating cockroaches appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
IMAGE: APPLAUSE
The Applause app is designed to motivate your employees to improve your customer experience, increase your positive Google reviews, and enhance the retention of your team and your clients. When employees provide great service, they automatically earn more through customer tips and performance bonuses. Increase employee and customer satisfaction, reduce churn, and eliminate staffing issues.
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Dr. Cisse Spragins, founder and CEO, Rockwell Labs
There are many effective tools for cockroach control available. It’s best to use an integrated approach and adapt the tools you use to the situation. As with small flies in a commercial food establishment, look for “mystery voids” that may be a potential harborage for a persistent infestation. Commercial kitchens often have several such void areas that may provide warmth, moisture, food or all three.
Inspect the account in a systematic way, looking for clues that might point to a hidden void. Monitors also can help pinpoint where a source area is. I suggest treating damp, scummy areas with boric acid powder to turn the scum into “bait.” If voids are relatively dry, I suggest treating with silica dust for long-lasting control.
Sanitation is almost always a problem and it’s difficult to get client cooperation. Use bio sanitation to help the problem and help your client. Baits are a great tool, but shouldn’t be used exclusively in
most cases, and should be rotated to prevent aversion from developing. For initial cleanouts, use a botanical flushing aerosol and a vacuum to quickly take down numbers.
Again, developing a structured program that takes advantage of the benefits of multiple prevention and control techniques will provide the best results.
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New Paul Davis Restoration franchise owner Adriana Young shares what it takes to be a new franchise owner.
IMAGE: WOODSTREAM
Woodstream has expanded its connected products platform with the introduction of the Victor VLINK Bait Box. Using patented capacitance sensors, the VLINK Bait Box will notify technicians of bait consumption so service can happen as soon as possible, reporting of activity is accurately captured, and detailed reports can be provided to customers. The device operates on replaceable AA batteries that result in a 2-year battery life. Reporting functions include the ability to track the type of bait used and compare consumption of those baits by device and location. Find out more and design your system by contacting your Woodstream sales representative or visiting the link below.
VLINK.victorpest.com/contact-us
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Ed Van Istendal
Cockroaches. Just the word can bring a smile and a shudder. This industry always seems to be looking for two things: the better mouse trap, and the better cockroach spray! Of course, we have learned over the years that theoretical silver bullets cannot take the place of target pest knowledge, targeted training, and a toolbox of specifically developed materials.
My experience in pest management dates to 1973, when spraying and fogging was the standard approach. Sprays are quick and easy. I understand that time is money, but time and experience have taught me that thorough inspections, intense zone monitoring, and the judicious use of insecticidal baits in adequate quantities are the real keys to cockroach elimination.
IPM can neither be overstated nor overemphasized. Inspections are critical. Verify the species, where they are concentrated, and the approximate population level. Evaluate the available tools with regard for the targeted treatment zones. Make sure the product is labeled for the pest and the site.
Prior to any baiting treatment for cockroaches, particularly the German species, sanitation must be addressed scrupulously. In most cases, neither baits nor sprays will be effective on dirty surfaces: The active ingredient gets bound up in grease and dirt and is not available for killing the target pest. If the customer is not willing to improve sanitation, or is not able to perform the cleaning, you have a decision to make: Do you want a constant infestation/reinfestation at this account, or control? No sanitation = No control.
The post Sanitation before treatment appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
IMAGE: LABELSDS.COM
LabelSDS.com has developed a new QR Coded Technology that allows subscribers to easily access their company labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) by scanning their own unique QR code. Additionally, in the event of an accident, emergency personnel will be able to access company label and SDS information by scanning this code. This new technology is also designed to help pest management companies comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication (OSHA HazCom) rules. You can be sure that your labels and SDSs are the most up-to-date with the LabelSDS Auto Revision Feature. You can also access your important company documents, such as business license and insurance information, all from the LabelSDS.com digital app.
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Nation's largest presale renovation company recognized as one of 2023's Fastest-Growing Franchises
Mike Holmes Inspections to partner with EagleView and will utilize their revolutionary drone-based damage analysis and digital image capture technology.
All-American Pest Control is now accepting nominations for its fifth annual Hometown Hero Award.
The locally owned and operated pest control company seeks to honor a local hero in middle Tennessee by gifting him or her with 10 years of free pest control, mosquito reduction, termite protection and yard treatment services, valued at $10,000.
The nominator of the award winner will receive a $500 cash prize as a thank-you for helping celebrate local heroes.
“We launched this award program five years ago as a way to say thank you and give back to the unsung leaders in our community,” said All-American Pest Control Owner and CEO Erin Richardson. “At All-American Pest Control, we believe in celebrating all the good people in Middle Tennessee who keep our families, schools, churches and community safe and strong. We can’t wait to name our 2023 Hometown Hero!”
Nominations are open until 8 p.m. on April 24 and can be submitted at All-American Pest Control Hometown Hero website for anyone residing in the following counties: Davidson, Williamson, Maury, Dickson, Rutherford, Wilson, Montgomery and Sumner. The nominee should be someone who lives by All-American Pest Control’s core values of reliability, remarkable service, teamwork, respect, thoughtful innovation and servant leadership. One winner will be announced on or before May 11.
After numerous outstanding submissions, All-American Pest Control selected Kenyatta Wade as their 2022 Hometown Hero. As the director of nursing at Blakeford Senior Life, a Nashville 501-c nonprofit company and continuing care retirement community, she was recognized for her passion for caregiving and local support by bolstering the physical and mental health of members of her community. All-American celebrated her with a fun block party at the Blakeford campus in Green Hills surrounded by her coworkers and residents. To read more about her story and the nomination details for 2023, visit www.allamericanpestcontrol.com/hero.
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Clockwise from upper left are Andrew Davitt, Jeremy Wall, Will Shacklett and Joe Shuler.
Cook’s Pest Control recently promoted four employees to various roles throughout the company.
Andrew Davitt, BCE, was promoted to pest control services manager. His career with Cook’s Pest Control began in 2018 when he was hired as a technical specialist for the home office. Over the past five years, he has served Cook’s Pest Control technical department and now will oversee the company’s pest control division. Davitt and his wife, Faith, have two children, Ben and Alice.
Cook’s Pest Control also promoted two district employees to the home office as pest control operations managers.
Jeremy Wall began his career at Cook’s Pest Control in 2005 as a commercial pest management professional (PMP). In 2013, Wall was promoted to commercial pest control supervisor. In 2021, he was again promoted to pest control department manager. Wall and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters, Koy and Lakelyn.
Will Shacklett joined the company in 2010 as a residential PMP. In 2013, he was promoted to pest control supervisor. In 2016, he was named pest control department manager. Shacklett is the father of Emma and Aiden.
Following the retirement of long-term district manager Steve Mullins, Joe Shuler, ACE, was promoted to district manager of the company’s Shelbyville, Tenn., district office. Since his hire in 2008, Shuler has served as a residential PMP, commercial PMP and pest control department manager. He has been a member of Cook’s President’s Club five years, and has earned credentials as an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) and a Cook’s Master Pest Management Professional. Shuler and his wife, Shelly, have two children, Makenzie and Norma.
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IMAGE: UNIFIED PURCHASING GROUP
UPG members enjoy exclusive discounts on leading brands, including Verizon, Staples, Best Buy, ADP, Yellow and more. Simply join the 55,000-plus other smart businesses already saving money with the power of group purchasing. Becoming a UPG member is free and easy, and there are no purchasing minimums or obligations. Enroll online today.
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The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is holding Legislative Day 2023 March 22-24, at the Capital Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C.
This year, Capitol Hill visits will take place in person for the first time since the 2020 event, when government restricted public access to Capitol Hill due to COVID. Attendees will meet with their state representatives on March 23.
Pesticide preemption is among this year’s talking points for pest management professionals (PMPs) who are meeting with their representatives while in Washington, D.C. This year, Congress is expected to pass the reauthorization of the 2023 Farm Bill. The NPMA is pushing for the inclusion of pesticide preemption because it would prevent localities from regulating pesticides, and instead ensure agencies with scientific expertise are able to evaluate whether a product is safe and effective. Oversight of pest control would be handled jointly by each state’s lead agency and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Attendees check in to the 2023 Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. on March 22. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
The SPAR meeting was the most well attended SPAR meeting ever at Legislative Day. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
Ceola Henderson, of Cook’s Pest Control, sang the national anthem to open the keynote lunch and speeches. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
The 2023 David Cooksey PestVet of the Year recipient was Xavier Cugnon, SHRM-SCP, PHR, of Arrow Exterminators in Atlanta, Ga. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
Don Corrothers, of FMC, shakes hands with Chris Haggerty, of American Pest Control, who won the FMC award. He is also a member of the the NPMA’s Illinois SPAR. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
The keynote panel included Jonah Goldberg, founding editor of National Review Online; moderator J.D. Darr of the NPMA; and Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for NPR. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
Attendees at the keynote luncheon at 2023 Legislative Day on March 22. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
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It seems like almost everyone in the pest control industry knows and respects Dr. Austin Frishman. After 40 years in the business, he says he’s on a first-name basis with an estimated 3,000 people.
He is constantly in demand as a speaker and industry expert, and has appeared on national television programs discussing pests and professional pest management. His goal in these appearances — to get others to understand the importance of professional pest management.
Dr. Frishman’s role as an inspiration for many in the industry began when he was a young child of only three years, who became fascinated with insects. He is described as having an almost “boyish enthusiasm” for his work, which continues to affect those around him.
His early life growing up on a chicken farm fed his interest in livestock entomology. He was encouraged by his family and teachers to study entomology at Cornell University, and that was when he started working as a summer technician for Al Hochman, who owned Clover Exterminators in Monticello, N.Y.
His interest in insect biology became a passion when he saw the effects on public health that pests caused and knew he could help people through his work.
Hochman took Dr. Frishman under his wing, introducing him to the professional side of the industry at a pest control conference in 1960 at Rutgers University. This helped him realize his career options and Dr. Frishman soon earned a master’s degree at Cornell. Due to the persistent interest and encouragement of Dr. John Osmun at Purdue University, Dr. Frishman and his young family moved to West Lafayette, Ind., so he could pursue a doctorate.
It was there that Dr. Frishman met and became influenced by the strong tradition of research and teaching at Purdue, and there he came to know industry pioneers like J.J. Davis.
Even though he left Purdue in 1967 to head the structural pest control curriculum at the State University of New York in Farmingdale, Dr. Frishman became a dedicated participant for the Purdue Conference, a role he continues today.
Dr. Frishman’s love of teaching blossomed in this time and he became a major influence in the lives of many practicing pest management professionals, teachers and experts working today.
He stayed at Farmingdale until 1979, then left to devote more time to his business, which did sanitation inspections at commercial and institutional sites. That business eventually was sold seven years ago but he still consults, teaches, researches, writes and speaks.
He says he couldn’t do it without the help of his best friend, wife Barbara, who helps him run the business. His daughter Marcy is married to Ian and they have two sons; his son Allen is married to Katia.
Dr. Frishman’s ongoing interest in research and product development has been fruitful over the years. One of his major developments includes work on cockroach bait in the early 1980s.
The bait project was the first that got cockroaches to eat a toxicant, he recalls. Another contribution he is proud of was his work with Southern Mill Creek Products of Florida in 1971, he says, where he helped make glue boards easier for PMPs to use.
Dr. Frishman continued to test new products and perform research, such as the project that linked roaches with the spread of disease.
Read more about Dr. Frishman on the PMP Hall of Fame website.
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Josh Bachman gives a high-level overview of how sales and production teams working together helps improve company business and culture.
Dr. Jamel Sandidge, BCE
Cockroaches are a public health pest known to spread diseases and introduce allergens into their environment. When we think of eradicating severe infestations of these pests, we usually gravitate toward eliminating live cockroaches, removing conducive conditions and correcting sanitation practices to prevent future issues. However, there are additional opportunities to clear the carnage, disinfect and sanitize surfaces, and remove the stains and odors that are often overlooked.
Thanks to COVID-19, many companies already have established protocols for mixing and applying disinfectants and sanitizers. They also have purchased the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and other materials for the job. There is an opportunity to put these tools to work promoting human health and safety by using them for more thorough cleanouts.
Your comprehensive approach to cockroach services should involve eliminating debris, lingering odors, pheromones and stains associated with infestations. Use a vacuum to remove dead cockroaches, egg sacs and exuviae (cast skins) to help eliminate allergens. Additionally, applying a bio-sanitation liquid or foam to surfaces can help eliminate the organic material responsible for odors, aid in cleaning fecal material and assist in removing surface stains.
The post Eliminating cockroaches for good appeared first on Pest Management Professional.
Sean M. Scott highlights the importance of supervision and project management for restoration professionals.
IMAGE: B&G EQUIPMENT, A PELSIS COMPANY
Estimating the amount of ant or cockroach gel bait that’s put down typically leads to overapplication, inconsistencies, and economic loss. The Multi-Dose Bait Gun is designed to deliver consistently sized bait placements over and over again. The user can adjust the amount of bait that’s delivered by adjusting a dial on the back of the gun. There are no partial deliveries; precision bait application is achieved with every pull, without dripping. An optional belt holster is available for easy storage of the gun.
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United Rentals Inc. announces its 2023 Spring Used Equipment Sale Event.
IMAGE: WALTHAM PEST SERVICES
Waltham Pest Services is celebrating its 130 years of bringing pest control services to Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and Maine.
The company was started as a chemical company in 1893 by Frank “Bugs” Martin. As the company grew and was purchased by interested parties and then a long-time employee, it continued to add services and blaze the trail in the pest control industry in New England. Waltham Pest Services were the first to use baits for cockroaches, one of the owners founded the New England Pest Management Association and was using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies before it was popular, according to the news release.
Waltham is constantly looking to innovate and is committed to putting people first for both its employees and customers. In 2010, Rollins Inc. acquired them into their portfolio of pest control companies. It gave a relatively small pest control company the support of a large company, but but Waltham Pest Services has managed to keep the “family feel” for which it is known.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this company and to help celebrate this momentous occasion,” Chris Weppert, region manager, said in the news release. “While 130 years is quite a milestone, we never would have made it there without the hard work and dedication of our employees. I really dedicate these 130 years to them – and hopefully the next 130.”
In addition to general pest control, Waltham Pest Services continues to innovate with new services like its professional disinfectant treatment, UltiClean and a line of scenting services; its educational program, Waltham Services Academy; and recently, GreenSuite — year-round green pest control for homes. It also continues to bring in new technology, like its MyPestData Customer Portal.
Check out the timeline of Waltham Pest Services.
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Albiware to Revolutionize the Restoration Industry with Cutting-Edge Technology.
FMC team members presenting a check for NPMA’s PestVets program at PestWorld 2022 in October. PHOTO: FMC
FMC GSS Professional Solutions will once again be the premier sponsor for the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) 2023 Legislative Day in Washington D.C., which is March 22-24.
FMC has filled this role since Legislative Day’s inception in 1988.
“As a company, we’re solidly behind the pest industry’s efforts to keep Congress educated about new and ongoing challenges and opportunities for the many small businesses providing pest control services across America,” Dan Carrothers, commercial director for FMC North American GSS Professional Solutions, said in the news release.
A new initiative FMC is proud to introduce, in support of NPMA, is the PestVets Giveback Program. FMC will donate a portion of purchases on qualified products to PestVets presented annually at NPMA’s PestWorld.
“We’re excited to support NPMA and give back to those who have served our country,” said Kyle Richards, pest and nursery/greenhouse market manager for FMC.
Contributions to this program are based on purchases of qualifying products by FMC True Champions. FMC will donate a portion of purchases of Scion, Totality, CB-80, Transport Mikron and D-Force made from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31.
In addition, FMC will be sponsoring several events and programs at Legislative Day and beyond. Sponsorships occurring on March 22 include:
The Legislative Day program features keynote speakers, panel presentations, and sessions covering the latest policy issues, industry data and challenges facing the pest management industry, including workforce development. This year’s program will also give attendees the opportunity to meet with congressional leaders in person for the first time since 2020.
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National Restoration Contractor BlueSky adds new face to their leadership team.
From left: A brown widow spider and black widow spider. CREDIT: LOUIS COTICCHIO
Black widow spiders have earned a reputation for their venomous bite. But in parts of the southern United States, these spiders have much to fear themselves — from spider relatives who really don’t like their company.
In the past couple decades, researchers have noticed black widow spiders commonly being displaced by the brown widow, a fellow species in the same genus, Latrodectus. But new research suggests this isn’t a just simple case of one species winning the competition for food or habitat. Instead, a study shows brown widow spiders have a striking propensity to seek out and kill nearby black widows.
In experiments pairing brown widow spiders in container habitats with related cobweb spider species, the brown widows were 6.6 times more likely to kill southern black widows than other related species. The findings of the study, conducted by researchers at the University of South Florida (USF), are reported in an article published March 13 in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
“We have established brown widow behavior as being highly aggressive toward the southern black widows, yet much more tolerant of other spiders within the same family,” said Louis Coticchio, who led the study as part of his undergraduate research at USF.
Brown widow spiders (L. geometricus) are believed to be native to Africa, but have been introduced on all continents but Antarctica. Black widow spiders are native to North America and comprise two closely related species, the western black widow (L. hesperus) and the southern black widow (L. mactans).
Coticchio spent the first part of his career as a zookeeper specializing in venomous animals in California and returned to Florida to earn a degree in biology, channeling a passion for spiders into his research projects. In collecting wild spiders in Florida, he says he noticed brown widows displacing black widows but not other related species. This got him wondering.
“I had a sneaking suspicion that Florida in particular provided plenty of food and habitat for both the brown and black widow, and that there was possibly some other area such as behavioral differences that were playing a role,” Coticchio said in the news release. “My observations in the field showed that brown widows appeared to be much more tolerant of other species outside of their genus, and so if resources were the main factor, then we should have seen the same behavior with other spiders competing for the same resources, but that did not seem to be that case.”
Coticchio partnered with advisor Dr. Deby Cassill, an associate professor in the department of integrative biology at USF. Along with spider expert Dr. Richard Vetter of the University of California, Riverside, they devised a three-part study to explore the potential drivers of brown widows displacing black widows.
One element of their study applied mathematical modeling to the risk factors to survival that brown and black widow spiders face, which showed both species are far more likely to die by predation than by starvation. In other words, “competition for scarce resources is not a significant cause of mortality among spiderlings for either species,” the researchers say.
They also compared rates of growth and fertility between brown and black widows, finding that sub-adult brown widow females were 9.5 percent larger than black widows, and adult female brown widows reached reproductive maturity 16 percent sooner. While adult male brown widows were 25 percent smaller than adult male black widows, they reached reproductive maturity 21 percent sooner. Meanwhile, brown widow females were about twice as fertile as black widows, with brown widows often producing multiple egg sacs at a time versus black widows producing just one.
Placing brown widows in proximity with black widows and other spider species, however, showed the clearest results. Sub-adult brown widow females simply cohabitated with red house spider (Nesticodes rufipes) females in 50 percent of pairings and were killed and consumed by the red house spiders in 40 percent. Brown widows cohabitated with triangulate cobweb spiders (Steatoda triangulosa) in 80 percent of pairings and were killed in just 10 percent. But when sub-adult brown and black widow females were paired, the brown widows killed and consumed the black widows in 80 percent of pairings. In pairings of adults, black widows were killed in 40 percent of trials, while they defensively killed brown widows in 30 percent of trials and cohabitated in the remaining 30 percent.
Throughout the experiments, brown widow spiders regularly ventured into black widow webs, the researchers say. Red house spiders and triangulate cobweb spiders also showed such “bold” behavior, but black widows were never observed as aggressors.
“We didn’t expect to find such a dramatic and consistent difference in the personalities of the brown widow and the black widow,” Dr. Cassill said in the news release. “Brown widows are boldly aggressive and will immediately investigate a neighbor and attack if there is no resistance from the neighbor. For two bold spiders, the initial attack is often resolved by both individuals going to separate corners and eventually being OK with having a nearby neighbor. The black widows are extremely shy, counterattacking only to defend themselves against an aggressive spider.”
The characterization of brown widow spiders as “aggressive,” however, is a relative term, reflecting their stance toward black widow spiders, but not toward humans. While widow spiders are “synanthropic” (i.e., commonly found around human-made structures, such as barns, garages, and sheds), they “are very shy when harassed by humans or larger animals that are not considered prey,” Coticchio said. “They will run or roll up into a ball and play dead when being attacked or harassed by most other animals outside of their prey range.” Brown widow venom causes less severe reactions to humans than black widows, and bites to people are very rare.
Brown widow spiders’ evident aggression toward black widows raises many questions, perhaps first and foremost: Why? What drives such behavior toward a closely related species? The researchers note that invasive species typically outcompete natives through advantages in factors such as fertility, growth, dispersal, or defenses against predators. Direct predation by an invasive species on its native relative, across the animal kingdom, is rare.
“One question I would love to answer is how brown widows interact with other species of spiders, more specifically black widows in Africa, where brown widows are believed to have originated,” Coticchio said. “I would love to see if their behavior and displacement of black widows is something that they have adapted here in North America, or if this behavior is something they exhibit naturally even in areas where they have coevolved with black widows for much longer periods of time.”
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Benjamin Riccardi shares knowledge on how to drive job leads by using the “Google My Business” tool.
Mel Whitson, Senior Field Technical Service Manager, Zoëcon Professional Products
Cockroaches tend to congregate in the same places people do. They’re after food sources, shelter and water. A cockroach infestation can be difficult to identify and treat, however. Cockroaches are nocturnal insects, and they thrive in cluttered, dark spaces. Sensitive areas like kitchens, warehouses or other food-handling and food storage sites are particularly susceptible to cockroach infestation. But because cockroaches spread harmful bacteria and diseases, causing major health and sanitation issues, cockroach control is critical to any home or establishment.
The key is to cut off the resources on which cockroaches depend and to limit harborage areas. Remind customers that the most important factor in cockroach control is to keep spaces clean, sanitized The key is to cut off the resources on which cockroaches depend and to limit harborage areas. Remind customers that the most important factor in cockroach control is to keep spaces clean, sanitized and well-organized. Clutter, cardboard boxes and haphazard containers provide cockroaches many places to hide. Effective and lasting control after a professional treatment is more sustainable when the treated area is regularly cleaned, maintained and sanitized.
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IMAGE: APREHEND
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin famously advised this to fire-threatened Philadelphians in 1736, and the same holds true for bed bugs: Be proactive. Just 1 ounce of Aprehend is enough to treat a bedroom for up to three months of protection against the establishment of an infestation. It’s ideal for community and hospitality environments, multi-unit housing, or any space that welcomes the public. Contact your Aprehend rep today to see how easy and profitable it can be to add bed bugs to your list of quarterly servicing offerings.
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From left: Chris Aust, Stuart Aust, Pete Schopen, Dennis Cone, Dan Aust and Nick Aust. PHOTO: OPC PEST SERVICES
OPC Pest Services, a subsidiary of Rollins based in Louisville, Ky., has grown its service area by acquiring Schopen Pest Solutions.
As a local company with more than 30 years of experience, headquartered in McHenry, lll., Schopen Pest Solutions services the communities within Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin. As a published author for Pest Management Professional (PMP) magazine, a founding member of the Greater Chicago Pest Management Alliance, a former board member of the Wisconsin Pest Control Association, and a former regional Vice President for the Illinois Pest Control Association, owner Pete Schopen “strives to work harder than any other pest control company around to not only be available to the consumer, but advance his knowledge in the industry in order to better serve his customers,” per an OPC news release.
“We know the owner Pete is passionate about helping people and providing genuinely excellent pest management programs,” Dennis Cone, division vice president, said in the news release. “Their proactive product designs and improvements give them the ability to do their job more efficiently, eco-friendly, and beneficial to their customers, as well as the community.”
Schopen told PMP that he and his wife, Tami, will spend time traveling in their RV — but he is far from retiring. He will stay on with the company through Oct. 31; continue writing for PMP; and is on the steering committee for the 2024 Purdue University Pest Management Conference.
He will also continue his speaking engagements at state associations, industry conventions and for individual pest control companies. This spring, Marie Sorrentino (Pest Pros Michigan), Alan Feuer (Preventive Pest Control), and Schopen will kick off a series of two-day seminars, teaching leadership to interested owners and managers. The first one is at the end of April in Denver, Colo.
Schopen was exclusively represented by The Aust Group.
To read more about the sale, check out Schopen’s “I sold my startup” that is featured in the March issue of PMP magazine.
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Tim Husen
A thorough integrated pest management (IPM) program for German cockroaches must include treatment and inspection. However, another equally important, but often-neglected component is assessment. Glue boards and other monitoring traps can provide a snapshot of the latest activity since your last service. Keeping accurate inspection records of the catch number, time and date is essential. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to accurately interpret population trends over time.
You can learn more from these records than just the population number. Look at the populations you’re trapping and dig deeper with the following questions:
Use your time since the last monitoring to align with potential introduction sources. Communicate these next-level insights to your customers and engage them beyond just a number reported in service records. It may make solving a tough cockroach problem easier.
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IMAGE: ROCKWELL LABS
InVict AB gel bait is formulated with 0.05 percent abamectin, combined with a range of sweet, oil and protein attractants. Not only does it control cockroaches and ants, it is the only gel bait on the market for silverfish, the company says. InVict AB is specially formulated for rotation with InVict Gold for cockroaches to help prevent bait aversion. Working for up to 90 days, it rapidly kills ants, including workers, queens and brood. The protein content makes it ideal for general spring ant baiting, and pest management professionals report particular success against pharaoh and pavement ants year-round. InVict AB is labeled for indoor and outdoor use, including food areas. It is free of peanut ingredients, making it an ideal option for sensitive applications such as food plants, schools, childcare and healthcare facilities. Packaged in boxes of five 35-gram syringes, it is also available in a single 300-gram “Big Gun” syringe that fits a standard caulk gun.
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BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC, a leading national property restoration company in the U.S., announces new business merger.
Jacy Imilkowski
The Wisconsin chapter of Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) will host its next Lunch and Learn on March 29 at 1 p.m. Eastern via Zoom.
This interactive session will feature guest speaker Jacy Imilkowski, who will present on “Communication Strategies to Navigate Unconscious Gender Bias in the Workplace.”
During the session, Imilkowski will cover:
Imilkowski is a mental fitness and resilience coach that helps purpose-driven professionals build personalized stress-busting strategies to build resilience, beat burnout and lead happier, lower-stress lives. Her experience with resilience is personal, having lost her dream career due to to a disabiling back injury in her 20s. While recovered now, over 15 years of rehabilitation taught her the resilience skills she shares with others today.
A self-admitted “communication nerd,” Imilkowski specializes in the neuroscience of conversation and positive habit formation to achieve personal and professional goals. She has spent over 20 years as a team leader, trainer and coach, including 10 years with a Fortune 50 healthcare account. She’s also an adjunct instructor on communication, coaching and leadership for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Recognized as one of 40 Under 40 up-and-coming professionals in Madison, Wis., she lives her values of building personal and professional communities, When she is not working, Imilkowski has enjoyed volunteering as a Speakers Academy Dean for the National Speakers Association-Wisconsin chapter and a foster home for Greyhound Pets of America.
Registration for the event is still available.
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IMAGE: SPECTRUM 3D
Spectrum 3D has launched what it’s calling “the first duster specifically for the pest control industry.” Pro Duster is a stiff-bristled, firm cobweb duster specifically for the rough outdoor surfaces pest control techs deal with every day. Pro Duster will hold up for long periods as it doesn’t deform as fast as a soft-bristled, flimsy duster would. Pro Duster has thick, strong bristles that make it effective at getting down stubborn wasp nests and heavy-duty cobweb areas.
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