Crash the colony kill the queen!

[SPONSORED CONTENT] New from Control Solutions Inc., Doxem® Plus Fire Ant Bait, a triple mode of action solution for controlling fire ants all season long. It contains three active ingredients: indoxacarb, novaluron, and pyriproxyfen, and is labeled for use in residential and commercial lawns and landscape areas, golf courses, recreational areas, and industrial sites. Doxem Plus Fire Ant Bait works to kill the queen and workers, resulting in the elimination of the entire colony. One application controls fire ants for an entire season. Doxem Plus Fire Ant Bait is labeled for application to individual mounds or as a broadcast treatment for larger areas. It is not a restricted use product, allowing applicators to use the product where they need it without the burden of additional record keeping.

Doxem Plus Fire Ant Bait is labeled not only for Red Imported Fire Ants, but also for bigheaded ants, pavement ants, and turfgrass ants. Visit csi-pest.com for more information.

This video is sponsored content by Control Solutions Inc.

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Sacramento CA

William Blair white paper: Residential service market poised for growth

IMAGE: WILLIAM BLAIR & CO.

Chicago, Ill.-based William Blair analyst Tim Mulrooney, who collaborates monthly with Pest Management Professional financial columnist Dan Gordon, CPA, on a monthly Pest Control Index, has published a white paper on the residential services sector. Among Mulrooney and his team’s conclusions is “the sector will experience strong growth over the next decade due to accelerating end-market dynamics and evolving consumer behavior.”

This report, which was compiled to assist investors in discerning what to look for in coming years as sound investments, focuses on the residential services vertical, which includes “many large, highly fragmented markets such as pest control; landscaping; lawn care; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); electrical and plumbing; moving and storage; pool services; roofing services; renovation; home restoration; and other interior and exterior services,” per Mulrooney’s news release.

“Although there are very few publicly traded companies servicing these end-markets today, we expect that this dynamic will change over the next several years,” he said in the news release. “Private equity and other financial sponsors, drawn in by favorable investment characteristics, continue to consolidate these large, highly fragmented markets. We expect institutional investors to take a similar level of interest as many of the larger platforms consider a public exit.

“Investment in the residential services sector is being fueled by attractive secular tailwinds, accelerating end-market dynamics, and evolving consumer behavior,” Mulrooney continued. “Against this backdrop, the residential services industry will experience strong growth over the next decade, in our opinion. Moreover, we believe that investors in both the public and private equity markets will achieve superior long-term returns by identifying and investing in strong platforms in these industries, many of which are redefining the marketing strategies, customer experience, and levels of technician engagement, and are capturing outsized market share in the process.”

Download the full report here.

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Sacramento CA

Rockwell Labs: July Savings

IMAGE: ROCKWELL LABS

From July 1, 2023, through July 31, 2023, save on the “Dynamic Aerosol Duo”: Get $2 savings per can of EcoVia WH Stinging Insect Killer and $3 savings per can of EcoVia CA Crawling & Flying Insect Killer. Both aerosols fall into the 25(b) category of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). EcoVia WH foaming jet spray delivers fast knockdown of wasps, yellowjackets and hornets up to 18 feet away. It also kills spiders and helps prevent future webbing. EcoVia CA delivers quick-contact kill and residual control of crawling and flying insects, and is ideal for flushing cockroaches. There are no limits on either product, and the discount is applied at time of purchase. Available at participating distributors.

Rockwelllabs.com

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Sacramento CA

Solatube International Introduces New Engineered Performance Series (EPS) Whole House Fan

Solatube International Introduces New Engineered Performance Series. 

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Be authentic with DEI efforts

Scarlett Nolen

During the height of busy season, one of the first things that can take a hit is your culture. Everyone is busy just drinking from the proverbial fire hose and surviving the heat of summer. A team’s culture — and more specifically, employment engagement levels — can easily be put to the test as everyone and everything is abuzz.

Despite the chaos, now is a great time to pause for reflection on how we engage our employees. Often, I am focusing on doing this through career pathing. However, engagement comes in many layers, and a current hot topic in many executive meetings nationwide is diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

It is no secret that pest control has historically been a predominantly white male industry, and still heavily skews void of diversity. I think we have not only an ethical responsibility as an industry, but also a business opportunity to widen the lens of perspectives to reach our full potential. I have touched on this topic in other blogs noting the importance, and the subject continues to persist in relevancy. In 2019, countless articles came out reporting on the companies with gender diversity in leadership outperforming companies that are “one-note.” The same impressive results are reflected in companies with diversity in ethnic and cultural backgrounds of leadership.

In the last couple of years, companies adding DEI programs are more prominent than ever before. The likes of Microsoft, Target and Allstate have jumped on this strategy to direct their company culture to the culture of today. These giants have allocated sizable resources, often with the hopes of aligning their brands to reflect societal trends, increase employee retention, and perhaps gain favor with their shareholders politically.

Where does this leave small and even mid-size companies without the same resources as these giants? Realistically, the majority of pest control firms do not have space in their budgets to create entirely new DEI departments or hire expensive DEI consultants. But it’s this very reason why I believe these same firms have an opportunity for a more authentic approach.

Where to start

1. It starts from the top. Company leaders must reflect on their own biases, because we all have them! It starts by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. It starts with relating to that feeling of being the “odd man out.” Regardless of our color or creed, everyone has experienced the feeling of not fitting in somewhere or in some way. It may be as superficial as showing up in a blue shirt when the team is wearing red, or everyone at the watercooler is caught up discussing the latest episode of Yellowstone while you are in the dark.

   For minorities in our industry, that feeling of being the “odd person out” runs a bit deeper, like being the only Jewish person at the company’s Christmas party or the only Black person at a conference. Or, the people that they notice are getting promoted all look the same and seemingly have their own club for which they do not feel they have an invitation. That reality can be distracting, discouraging and disengaging.

   As leaders, it is our responsibility to make ourselves aware of these often subtle and occasionally overt obstacles. In order to reach our potential as an industry, we should be intentional about creating an environment that fosters open conversation that challenges our assumptions and pushes us to be better.

2. Listen. Take the time to facilitate conversations that open the door for minorities in your business to share their stories and experiences. I have learned many things through these conversations that I believe has helped me as well as our company. One of our area managers, Emily Cruz, recently summed up this concept perfectly when she said, “You can have an open and supportive environment within the company; however, our partners still have to navigate and contend with the world where there are many biases. It is important that we recognize and see those experiences.”
3. Find resources that expand your mind. Our termite specialist and brand ambassador Lynden Turnquest recommended the book The Other Talk by Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds. It is an easy read and tremendously relatable, illustrating white privilege in a way I had not seen in presented before while giving new insight.

Taking action

Beyond reflection, listening and understanding others’ experiences, all of which is important, sometimes action can be necessary. James Adams, Truly Nolen’s Area Manager of Phoenix, AZ, shared one of his proudest moments as a manager: the time he fired a customer. It is every company’s mission to grow, and gain as many customers as possible. However, there are times when some customers simply do not fit our core values. This customer requested that we do not send people of color to his home for service. While we always try to find a way to say yes to a customer, sometimes a customer is wrong. James respectfully fired this customer and, as president of Truly Nolen with a daily mission to grow my customer base, I am incredibly proud of James and support his decision.

In conclusion, try not to let difficult answers change the important questions you should be asking. If we want our industry to stop having a stereotypical vibe from outsiders, we need to make sure our company cultures have diversity as a standard key performance indicator (KPI), with grassroots DEI efforts as an attainable goal throughout out industry.

 

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Sacramento CA

Plunketts Pest Control obtains Conquest Pest Solutions

Plunkett’s Pest Control has acquired Conquest Pest Solutions, a pest management company that provides full-service pest control in Chicago, Ill. This acquisition unites two privately owned pest management companies and broadens Plunkett’s service capabilities in Illinois.

From left are Aly Silva-Mulgrew, president of Plunkett’s Pest Control; Alex Guzman and Mark Winston of Conquest Pest Solutions; and Plunkett’s Scott Steckel. IMAGE: PLUNKETT’S PEST CONTROL

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark Winston and the Conquest team to the Plunkett’s family,” Aly Silva-Mulgrew, president of Plunkett’s Pest Control, said in a news release. “Mark and his team have a proven track record of providing exceptional pest management services to their clients in the Chicago market. Their expertise and experience will deepen our capabilities and allow us to better serve our clients in this region. We are confident that this acquisition will be a win-win for both companies and our clients.”

Conquest Pest Solutions’ owner, Mark Winston, agreed, noting in the release, “I chose Plunkett’s because I believe our values and corporate cultures are in harmony. We share a deep commitment to fostering a culture of loyalty, both within our companies and in our relationships with our customers. I am thrilled to be a part of this team, and eager to witness the amazing things we will achieve together.”

About Conquest Pest Solutions

Conquest Pest Solutions was founded by Winston in 2008. It was initially a full-service pest control company after Winston moved on from termite inspections – what got him into the pest control industry. Assisting people in the community was always an important practice at Conquest Pest Solutions. Winston and his entire team at Conquest Pest Solutions plan to join the staff at Plunkett’s and continue servicing Chicago, Ill.

About Plunkett’s Pest Control

Founded in 1915 in Minneapolis, Minn., Plunkett’s Pest Control is a privately owned and operated corporation led by President Aly Silva-Mulgrew, and third-generation owner and board chair, Stacy O’Reilly.

Still based in Minneapolis, with regional offices in Columbus, Ohio, and Farmington, N.M., Plunkett’s Pest Control and Varment Guard Wildlife Services deliver professional pest and wildlife control services to over 70,000 residential and commercial clients in 22 states.

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Sacramento CA

RISE brings industry needs to the regulatory table

Standing in front at the renowned Capitol Hill restaurant, The Monacle, where the governing board finished its Legislative Rally visits during March are, from left, Blaine Pinkerton, RISE governing board vice chair, Nufarm Americas Inc.; Karen Larson, RISE governing board chair, Clarke; Scott Reasons, Syngenta; Brian Phillips, AMGUARD; Megan Provost, RISE president; Sam Barrick, SePRO Corp.; Steven Farrington, Gowan Co.; and Todd Mason, Sipcam Agro USA. PHOTO: RISE

Fully funded pesticide regulation has been a priority for RISE, with significant progress made on increasing funding for the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This work will help bring pest management professionals (PMPs) innovative new products and new uses for existing products.

For RISE, much of 2022 was dedicated to passing reauthorization of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA 5) for the fifth time since 2004 (Editor’s Note: For more on this topic, see Pest Management Professional’s November 2022 issue, p. 20). This year, our efforts are focused on securing PRIA funding for OPP through federal appropriations at a minimum of $166 million.

In addition to our work on appropriations, we continue to hold FIFRA 101 meetings to educate members of Congress and their staffs about pesticide regulation as it relates to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is active in these educational sessions, too.

Endangered species assessments

Another focus is the EPA’s process for conducting Endangered Species Act (ESA) assessments, with reviews now happening earlier in the pesticide registration process. In November, the EPA published its ESA Workplan, detailing some of the types of mitigation measures it will place on pesticide labels when registering a pesticide.

Our concern is that those proposed for agricultural applications cannot always be applied to specialty applications; a one-size-fits-all approach is neither appropriate nor desirable to achieve ESA objectives.

PMPs can play an important role in this evolving process by commenting during open regulatory dockets so the EPA can think about how mitigations impact end users. This helps ensure mitigations for products with agricultural and specialty uses are appropriate to the end use of the product.

Maine as the canary in the coal mine

Megan Provost is president of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE).

In March, we had the opportunity to discuss issues related to fluorinated chemistry and new regulatory requirements in Maine with NPMA members during its Legislative Day activities.

The takeaway from Maine is that fluorinated chemistry — and products containing it — will be banned on Jan. 1, 2030, either through Maine’s Board of Pesticides or through its Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Unfortunately, EPA-assessed and -registered pesticides are included in both agencies’ regulations.

We are working to prevent similar legislation from being introduced, and are seeking exemption from all-encompassing laws as a scientifically regulated industry. We have had several state-level legislative successes so far in 2023 by educating policymakers about the rigorous process for pesticide assessment and registration. Today, the call to action for PMPs is to become aware of this issue and to look for news about new developments from the NPMA and RISE.

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Sacramento CA

Bird Barrier America: Daddi Long Legs

IMAGE: BIRD BARRIER AMERICA

Daddi Long Legs deters large birds like gulls and pigeons from landing on open spaces like shopping malls, walkway promenades, marinas, parking lots, streetlights and rooftop equipment units. Made from stainless steel rods, this lightweight bird control product rotates in the breeze and creates a wavy motion, which interferes with a bird’s landing ability. Its easy-to-install design is unobtrusive and invisible from 50 feet away. The Delrin (plastic) base can be screwed into most surfaces and comes with a 0.25-inch adhesive neoprene gasket. A PVC base adapter is available for glue-on applications. The waving rods have plastic tips to prevent injury to birds or humans.

BirdBarrier.com

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Sacramento CA

NADCA to Host Fall Technical Conference in Texas

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), also known as the HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association announces fall technical conference. 

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Percheron Capital partners with Lookout Any Pest

The pest control services platform of Percheron Capital, a San Francisco, Calif.-based private equity firm focused on partnering with essential services businesses, has established partnerships with Lookout Pest Control and Any Pest Inc. The firms are based in Rossville and Kennesaw, Ga., respectively.

Established in partnership with industry leader Mike St. Clair, the platform is focused on building a network of pest control service providers through acquisitions and organic growth. Percheron continues to seek additional partnerships and is in active discussions with several leading businesses.

Founded in 1983 and 1989, respectively, Lookout Pest Control and Any Pest provide general pest, termite control, and other pest control services in Tennessee and Georgia and have dedicated, long-tenured team members, loyal customer bases, and reputations for outstanding customer service.

“We are proud that over the last four decades our family business has been known for delivering high-quality service with the utmost integrity,” Chad and Robb Haney, second-generation co-owners of Lookout Pest Control, said in the news release. “Maintaining that legacy and supporting our employees was paramount in selecting a partner, and it was immediately apparent that the Percheron team is strongly aligned with our core values.”

Kathy and Nello Montesi, co-owners of Any Pest, agreed, noting in the news release that they “are thrilled to partner with Percheron to support Any Pest’s next stage of growth. We look forward to leveraging Percheron’s substantial experience supporting high-growth, acquisitive services businesses.”

About Percheron Capital
Percheron Capital is a private equity firm focused on partnering with exceptional teams to build market-leading essential services businesses. The firm’s purpose is to support high-quality businesses to accelerate growth and enhance long-term value. Percheron has more than $2 billion in regulatory assets under management and focuses on investing in strong services businesses in resilient end markets.

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Sacramento CA

Microbial Warrior Academy Conducts Industry First Joint Certification

Students to receive OSHA HAZWOPER and Microbial Warrior Certification in one session. 

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Syngenta: Advion Insect granular bait and ant services guidelines

IMAGE: SYNGENTA

Put up a targeted defense against perimeter pests with Advion Insect granular bait from Syngenta. It features a novel bait matrix that is highly attractive to ants and other perimeter pests, resulting in great bait consumption for enhanced control. With the trademarked MetaActive effect found in all Advion products, the active ingredient indoxacarb is only activated once ingested by target pests, leaving non-target organisms largely unaffected. Plus, it can be applied for year-round outdoor ant applications, according to the new ant services guidelines developed by the Syngenta technical services team.

SyngentaPMP.com/AdvionIGB 

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Sacramento CA

TikTok video raises concerns on the risk of bedbugs from second-hand furniture

A TikTok user found a used couch on a New York City curb and had intentions of putting it in her apartment. Commenters noted that she should be cautious of potential bedbugs.

Photo: ©istock.com/John-Reynolds

The user, yafavv.mandaa, posted footage of her and her family cleaning the couch (video here). In a follow-up video, she stated that it sat at her father’s workplace for two weeks before she took it home. “If there were bed bugs, we would have seen it!” she said.

If a piece of second-hand furniture has bed bugs, a thorough cleaning and time may not be enough to completely get rid of them. “In my mind, it may not be worth the risk,” Dr. Jim Fredericks, BCE, senior vice president at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), told NPR.

“At low levels, bed bugs are sometimes hard to detect, and so you may not even realize that you have a bed bug problem until the bed bugs that you’ve brought in with that couch have kind of blossomed into a full-blown infestation, maybe even in multiple rooms,” he said.

Dr. Fredericks also said it’s possible to get bed bugs out of second-hand furniture with vacuuming, steaming and thorough cleaning. But if you miss even a few, they can become a bigger problem. “If there are 100 bed bugs on this couch and you kill 90 percent, you still have 10 bed bugs, and that’s enough to start a new infestation.”

Forgetting about the piece of furniture for a while to try to wait them out won’t work, since bed bugs — which Dr. Fredericks referred to as “little, six-legged vampires” — go into a state of dormancy in the absence of food.

“Bed bugs are known to be able to live for more than six months without a bloodmeal,” he said. “So by trying to just starve the bed bugs, what you wind up with are just really hungry bed bugs when you return to that spot.”

Dr. Fredericks told NPR listeners that it may be best to avoid second-hand furniture — but if they “must” have it, exercise extreme caution and call a pest management professional.

So now it’s your turn: Have you seen a connection at accounts with bed bugs and recently brought-in furniture? Sound off below.

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Sacramento CA

Bug Busters Sureguard expand in local markets

Mike Houston, president of Sureguard Termite & Pest Services, left, stands with Champion Pest Control owner Lawrence Cepeda. PHOTO: SUREGUARD TERMITE & PEST SERVICES

Two pest control firms recently expanded in their local markets: Sureguard Termite & Pest Services of Dallas, Texas, and Bug Busters of Atlanta, Ga.

Sureguard Termite & Pest Services acquired Champion Pest Control of Dallas, a family-owned company serving the Dallas-Fort Worth market. “We are excited to be able to service the Champion customers and provide them with the personalized services that they are accustomed to,” Mike Houston, president of Sureguard Termite & Pest Services, said in the news release. “We can also provide them with additional services that were not previously available by Champion.”

Lawrence Cepeda said he was happy to transition his firm to another third-generation, family-owned company. “My grandpa, Ben Silva of Bens Pest Control, knew Mike Houston, and I was trying to run the business both in Dallas and San Antonio,” he explained in the news release. “It was too hard to try and run both locations… The process was easy, Mike was very detailed about everything and answered all the questions I had. They worked with me having to travel back and forth from San Antonio. To me, everything went as expected, I know have a huge burden lifted off my chest and know my clients were in good hands.”

In addition, Bug Busters acquired Bee Mindful Mosquito of Atlanta, Ga.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bee Mindful Mosquito to the Bug Busters family,” Court Parker, CEO of  the 39-year-old company, said in the news release. “Their expertise in mosquito control aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing innovative solutions for our customers.”

In the coming months, Bug Busters plans to work closely with the Bee Mindful Mosquito team to integrate operations.

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Sacramento CA

PMP resolves to continue to improve

One of the cool things about writing this column is that I get a chance to meet people from all walks of life. Last year, when Pest Management Professional Editor-in-Chief Heather Gooch and I were brainstorming about the shape of “Start-Up Stories,” I wanted to pick a wide sample of Americana. This month, we are going to talk with 13-year pest veteran Carlos Lugo.

Carlos owns Resolve Pest Management in Bayville, N.J. After a successful 10-year-stint at a local pest control firm, he started his company at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I took a big gamble, leaving a high-paying job,” he admits. Not only that, he and his wife, Sylvia, had four youngsters in the home. But the pandemic didn’t deter him. In fact, starting in March 2020 might have helped the young entrepreneur, as he notes, “Many of my first customers were from New York and Philadelphia, trying to get away from the crowds.” Because these people were working from home, Carlos says, they noticed pest issues and needed service.

He battled through 2020 and finished 2021 with $70,171. In 2022, he managed $141,000 in sales. He’s projecting to service between $180,000 to $200,000 this year. He does a little bit of commercial work, but most of his clients are residential and need termite, wildlife, bed bug and cockroach services.

Carlos performs bi-monthly services and hopes to hire his first technician before the end of the year. His three-year goal is to have four technicians, and his five-year goal is to own a boat and maybe add another location a little farther south.

What makes Carlos confident that he will grow his company? “My strength is that I am personable,” he says. “I really like my customers and I get a personal connection with many of them.”

Pete Schopen

For example, while I was interviewing him for this article, a grateful client called him to let him know he successfully caught her squirrel. He and I finished the interview early so he could race to help his customer.
Carlos also has been known to help his elderly clients with chores around their homes, which endears him to them. He even chose the company name, Resolve, because he likes solving client’s problems vs. just treating the symptoms.

Starting a business from scratch has been challenging. Carlos told me his parents, Carlos and Maggie, owned an ice cream parlor for a short period but otherwise, he didn’t really have anyone to lean on and ask questions about business. Carlos has been very receptive to many of my ideas to help him grow. We worked on improving his termite renewals to increase his recurring revenue, and he’s been handing out business cards to real estate offices and home inspectors. Both groups should be able to help him get his foot in the door at residential clients. He also joined two networking groups and will soon be a trustee for one of them.

Carlos and Sylvia are expecting another child in August. The new baby will join C.J. (11), Olivia (9), Arianna (8), and Sammy (4). The love he has for his family pushes Carlos to always improve as a business owner, he says, adding, “I had my first child at 20. That shaped me to be the man I am today. I would never let my family down.”

S.W.O.T. Analysis: Resolve Pest Management

STRENGTHS

• Experienced
• Same-day service
• Low overhead
• Organized
• Fully equipped with proper tools

WEAKNESSES

• Lack of capital
• Lack of marketing experience
• Poor website presence
• Lack of reputation
• Not maximizing recurring revenue

OPPORTUNITIES

• Construction of large apartment complexes near his business
• Creating an SEO presence
• Local marketing available (banners at fields and schools)
• Sleeker, more professional website to draw in clients
• Working with property managers on larger estates

THREATS

• Current economy and inflation
• Losing termite jobs to larger companies that offer termite damage remediation
• Competitors have deeper pockets
• Rising product costs

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/27/pmp-resolves-to-continue-to-improve/
Sacramento CA

FieldRoutes: IGNITE User Conference

IMAGE: FIELDROUTES

FieldRoutes’ inaugural user conference, IGNITE, is taking place Nov. 7-9 at the Caesars FORUM in Las Vegas, Nev. Attendees from diverse roles and skill levels will benefit from more than 40 dynamic breakout sessions addressing critical topics like field sales, marketing, reporting, accounting and more. In addition, three-time Super Bowl champion, Pro Football Hall of Fame member, and the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, will deliver an insightful keynote speech. Register online today.

FieldRoutes.com/ignite

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Sacramento CA

Basic Vehicle Safety for Restoration Companies

A nice refresher on vehicle safety and added safety measures to implement while in the job.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

First Onsite Property Restoration promotes Kristy Kleto to EVP National Sales

First Onsite Property Restoration adds new leadership to their National Sales team.

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QualityPro appoints 2023-2024 board of directors

QualityPro appointed its 2023-2024 board of directors.

QualityPro is governed by a board of directors comprised of elected representatives from QualityPro accredited companies. This group is tasked with oversight of the program and maintaining a strategic focus on the three goal areas: standards of excellence, education and training, and QualityPro branding.

Board members will begin their new term of office on July 1, 2023.

• Susan Hare, Chair | Thrasher Termite & Pest Control, Los Gatos, Calif.
• Tom Jarzynka, Treasurer and Vice Chair | Massey Services, Orlando, Fla.
• Kurt Scherzinger, Secretary | Scherzinger Pest Control, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Andrew Feldstein, Immediate Past Chair | Assured Environments, New York, N.Y.
• Dominique Stumpf, NPMA CEO | NPMA, Fairfax, Va.
• Marillian Missiti, NPMA Board President | Buno Pest Control, Belmont, Mass.
• Tim Baietto | Quick-Kill Pest Eliminators, Streator, Ill.
• Judy Black | Rollins, Atlanta, Ga.
• Hélène Bouchard | MBM Gestion Parasitaire, Longueuil, QC
• Carl Braun | Quality Pest Control, Omaha, Neb.
• Greg Canning | Economy Exterminators, Apex, N.C.
• Adam Carace | Pest-End, Plaistow, N.H.
• Sara Cromwell | Abell Pest Control, Etiobicoke, Ontario
• David Fisher | Rentokil Terminix, Reading, Pa.
• Scott Fortson | Terminix Service, Inc., Columbia, S.C.
• Alyson Gilleland | Arrow Exterminators, Atlanta, Ga.
• Bobby Jenkins | ABC Home & Commercial Services, Austin, Texas
• Jeff King | the Pest Rangers, Hannover Township, Penn.
• Aly Silva Mulgrew | Plunkett’s Pest Control, Fridley, Minn.
• Jordan Murad | Cross Pest Control of Tampa, Tampa, Fla.
• Andrew Richardson | Saela, Orem, Utah
• Greg Schmidt | Pest Solutions, Thornburg, Va.
• Leila Starwich | Sprague Pest Solutions, Tacoma, Wash.
• Trey Strickland | Waynes Pest Control Services, Birmingham, Ala.
• Julie Tesh-Clark | Pest Management Systems, Inc., Greensboro, N.C.

 About QualityPro

QualityPro is administered by the Foundation for Professional Pest Management, an independent organization that has been developing good business practices and standards since 2004. Designed specifically for pest management companies in the U.S. and Canada, the entity has certified more than 500 pest management companies. QualityPro is endorsed by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/26/qualitypro-appoints-2023-2024-board-of-directors/
Sacramento CA

PelGar USA: Alert Station

IMAGE: PELGAR USA

The PelGar Alert Station has been designed by pest management professionals to offer the ideal environment for rodents to be trapped and baited, with an easy mechanism for checking the results of placed snap traps. Features include a secure, dual-lockable, tamper-resistant lid; space for two rat snap traps; rods for block bait use; and a flag to alert whether the trap has been triggered.

PelGar.co.uk/usa

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Sacramento CA

Use 1-2-3 approach to treat fleas ticks

Dr. Chuck Silcox

Controlling fleas and ticks can be challenging, because their habitats tend to be where pets and humans like to spend time outdoors. Because this is expected to be a strong pest segment again this summer, we suggest PMPs take a comprehensive, “1-2-3” approach to flea and tick control:

1. Have customers consult with their veterinarians for flea and tick preventives, to treat pets orally or topically.
2. Treat outside spaces with residual insecticides, concentrating on shady areas of the yard for control of flea larvae and adults, and on vegetation and other sites that harbor questing ticks. Products containing bifenthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin are ideal choices and should be applied as coarse fan-spray applications. Be sure to use the higher labeled application rate in areas of dense groundcover or heavy leaf litter and apply to entire areas of potential infestation, as opposed to spot-treating.
3. Treat inside spaces with an IGR to control developing flea larvae and apply bifenthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin as a coarse, low-pressure, crack-and-crevice or spot spray to localized areas where ticks have been observed.

While environmental conditions ultimately determine the severity of flea and tick pressure, it is time to gear up for a busy season ahead.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/23/use-1-2-3-approach-to-treat-fleas-ticks/
Sacramento CA

How to have successful fly control

Anna Berry, technical director at B&G

Effective fly control requires identifying the juvenile stages of flies, primarily the larvae. This can be a challenging task, as different fly species prefer different larval habitats. For instance, house fly larvae are typically found outside, while drain fly larvae thrive in drains.

By contrast, the larvae of red-eyed fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) can be found under the trash bag in the trash can. The larvae of blow flies (Calliphoridae), which are attracted to decomposing wildlife, often can be found in the attic. Cluster flies (Polleniidae), whose larvae parasitize earthworms, are commonly found outside.

To effectively control flies, it’s essential to focus on the areas that are harboring the larvae of the species in question. By doing so, we avoid wasting time and chemicals on areas that are not conducive to fly development. While there’s rarely a silver bullet for fly control, focusing on the right areas can make all the difference.

Pay close attention to fly monitoring tools to identify the species present and their locations. After you have that information, it’s crucial to eliminate the conducive conditions to their larval success — and remove the larvae themselves.

In other words: Identify larvae habitat, focus on monitoring, and eliminate conducive conditions for successful fly control.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/23/how-to-have-successful-fly-control/
Sacramento CA

Basic steps in chemical treatment for ticks

Andrew Fisher, BCE, PHE

Chemical treatments are an important tool in professional tick management. Precise pesticide applications can significantly reduce the number of ticks in an area, making it safer for people and pets. Here are the basic steps involved in a typical chemical treatment for tick control:

1. Inspection. Examine known areas with tick activity in addition to tick-prone areas, such as tall grasses and shrubs, to determine your treatment site. Questing ticks will favor areas with leafy, brushy overgrowth to increase their chances of finding a host.
2. Selection. Determine the appropriate pesticide based on the treatment area and the severity of the infestation.
3. Preparation. Some treatment sites may need to be prepped beforehand to increase application success. This can include mowing tall grasses and removing debris that may harbor ticks.
4. Application. Apply the pesticide, in accordance with label language, to vegetation and other tick-prone areas using a handheld or backpack sprayer. Apply evenly across the area to ensure maximum exposure.
5. Post-application. Monitor the area for effectiveness, and repeat treatment if necessary.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/23/basic-steps-in-chemical-treatment-for-ticks/
Sacramento CA

Weather changes cause increase in calls for various species

Mel Whitson, Senior Field Technical Service Manager, Zoëcon Professional Products

As temperatures rise and rainfall increases in many areas, PMPs should be on the lookout for an increase in calls for various species of flies, fleas and ticks. The house fly (Musca domestica), for example, is known to spread more than 100 pathogens and can cause food safety violations. Check garbage and refuse areas, and spots where manure or decaying organic material are found to get to the source.

Flea populations, meanwhile, threaten pets and humans alike. They also carry diseases, such as flea-borne typhus or cat scratch disease. Places to check for flea infestations include pet bedding; floor cracks and crevices; or deep in carpets, upholstery and drapes. Make sure to check for possible animal harboring spots in chimneys, crawlspaces and wall voids. Outdoors, check for potentially abandoned animal nests and burrows.

Ticks are another warm-weather culprit. They have prolonged feeding behaviors that make them excellent vectors of many different diseases, including Lyme disease. Check bordering wooded areas, tall grass areas, under ground cover, in leaf litter, around stone walls and woodpiles, and around bodies of water.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/23/weather-changes-cause-increase-in-calls-for-various-species/
Sacramento CA

Salino Scholarship Committee awards 6 scholarships

The Salino Scholarship Committee, under the direction of the Pennsylvania Pest Management Association (PPMA) board of directors, awarded scholarships to six high school students.

Almost $10,000 in scholarship funding went to six students planning to the 2023-2024 academic year.

Each student is sponsored by a PPMA member company.

“The Salino Memorial Scholarship gives us the opportunity to carry on Joe Salino’s legacy,” says PPMA President Jeff King. “An integral part of our industry for nearly 40 years, Joe was a role model for young people looking to make their mark on the world. He set a great example through his expertise, leadership and service to others.”

The following students will receive a financial award to help fund their college education in 2023-24 (sponsors in parentheses):

• Jaden Colwell, Wallenpaupack Area High School – Springfield College (Colwell Termite & Pest Control, Wyoming, Pa.)
• Kaley Williams, Canton Jr/Sr High School – Bloomsburg University (County Pest Control, Canton, Pa.)
• Caitlyn Bowen, Daniel Boone High School and Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School – Alvernia University (Hyres Pest Control Inc., Douglassville, Pa.)
• Jared Byer, Harry S. Truman High School and Bucks County Community College – Penn State Abington (Terminix, Levittown, Pa.)
• Camryn Gore, Thomas Jefferson High School – Slippery Rock University (Rentokil Terminix, Wyomissing, Pa.)
• Daniel Rauch, Moon Area High School – Edinboro University (Grill Pest Control, Verona, Pa.)

Paul Kutney, chair of the Salino Scholarship Committee, said the judges considered volunteerism and other community involvement, participation in extracurricular activities, academic merit and more in their evaluation process.

“We look at what candidates have achieved in their lives so far and ask about their goals for the future. We want to know that they are committed to education and career excellence, and driven to make a difference,” Kutney said in the news release. “Our committee and the entire membership of PPMA are proud to support these rising stars, the emerging leaders of tomorrow.”

The Salino Scholarship Committee plans to award three $2,500 scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year. Applications will be available this fall.

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Sacramento CA

ChatGPT AI will revolutionize pest control businesses

Photo: Guillaume/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve probably been hearing about ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI). But what is behind all the hype?

Like other AI tools, ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art language generation model that can generate human-like responses to typed or voice recognized queries. It accesses a massive dataset of facts and figures and can generate a wide range of responses that are often just as — or more — logical than those of a human. AI is being used in various industries, including finance, manufacturing, retail and logistics to optimize processes, reduce costs and improve customer experiences.

Efficient accounting

From an accounting perspective, AI could automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, bookkeeping and transactional processing. AI-powered software can process large volumes of data and perform complex calculations much more efficiently and cost-effective than humans. This automation allows accountants and bookkeepers to focus on higher-value tasks such as analysis, strategy and decision-making.

For example, AI can automate invoice processing by extracting data from invoices, matching them to purchase orders, and posting them to the correct accounts. This automation saves time, reduces errors, and frees up accountants and bookkeepers to focus on more complex tasks. AI also can automate bank reconciliations by automatically matching bank transactions to invoices and purchase orders. This automation can significantly reduce the time and effort required for bank reconciliations and reduce the risk of errors.

Currently, our pest control clients who use our accounts payable service are using AI each time they submit an invoice for coding. In addition, clients who use QuickBooks banking feeds also are using AI.

Indispensable dashboards

Dan Gordon, CPA

Another area that will save significant time and effort is the creation of financial dashboards, which are a valuable tool for businesses to monitor and analyze their financial performance. They provide a real-time view of key financial metrics such as revenue, expenses, profits and cash flow, enabling users to make informed decisions. Traditionally, financial dashboards have been created using spreadsheets and other manual methods. However, with the advent of AI, it is now possible to create financial dashboards that are automated, as well as more accurate and insightful.

The AI dashboards contain graphs, charts and tables. These visualizations can help users understand financial data more easily, identify trends and track key performance indicators (KPIs). AI-powered dashboards also can be interactive, allowing users to drill down into the data and explore specific metrics in more detail.

Other benefits of AI-powered financial dashboards include:

• Saving time and reducing errors.
• Analyzing large amounts of data accurately and identifying trends that might be missed using traditional methods.
• Providing valuable insights into financial performance, enabling users to take proactive actions to make informed decisions.
• Detecting fraud and other irregularities, enhancing financial security and reducing the risk of financial loss.

AI has the potential to transform the way we do business by automating repetitive tasks, analyzing large amounts of data, and providing valuable insights. From a reporting perspective, data from AI-produced dashboards allow us to get organized and slice-and-dice data in more ways, more efficiently than in the past. Pest management professionals who embrace AI and learn how to use it effectively will be better positioned to succeed in the future.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/23/chatgpt-ai-will-revolutionize-pest-control-businesses/
Sacramento CA

Air Quality Improvement

R&R Editor in Chief Myldred Ingram blogs about the recent air quality alert in the northeastern region of the United States.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

B&G: Flex-A-Lite 2600

IMAGE: B&G EQUIPMENT

The Flex-A-Lite 2600 sets the industry standard for heavy-duty point-and-spray foggers with its brawny construction and rugged dependability. Its compact size makes this ultra low-volume (ULV) fogger ideal for when large areas need to be treated with little access, such as attics and small crawlspaces. The unit is equipped with an 18-inch flex hose and an adjustable flow rate knob to comfortably switch between fogging at 20 microns and misting at 56 microns. The Flex-A-Lite sports a 1.5-gallon chemical-resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tank. Each fogger is individually built and tested for peak performance.

BGEquip.com/flex-a-lite-2600

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Sacramento CA

FMC to host CEU webinar in July

FMC Corp. will host its next First Friday continuing education credit (CEU) Webinar Series on July 7 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.

“Perimeter Pest Control” is a one-hour continuing education credit CEU (selected states for True Champion members) training webinar that will detail how to inspect the perimeter of a home, how to calibrate equipment, and perimeter pest identification. These include locating potential entry points, pest harborage, hand-held sprayers, and spreaders, and identifying spiders, ticks, roaches, and other invaders.

FMC True Champions earn Continuing Education (CEU) credits in selected states! Approved CEU states at this time are Arizona, California (Structural Pest Control Board), Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Find out more about CEU details here.

Brian Mount

The webinar will feature Brian Mount, M.S., BCE, technical services manager for insecticides at FMC.

Mount received his master of science in entomology from the University of Nebraska with a focus in urban entomology in 2007. He completed an undergraduate degree in business administration/management at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. in May 1994. He received his Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) designation in 2007.

He started in the pest control industry in 1995 in a management training program for a large pest control company where he spent two years. Mount then moved on as sales and training manager for a smaller company where he spent three more years doing hands on pest and termite work, sales and technical management.  From 2000 to 2010, he worked for FMC in a technical service role. His varied experiences with FMC have given him a unique insight into the types if issues, both positive and negative, that pest professionals deal with every day.

From 2006 to 2010, Mount was a field technical service representative for the Western U.S., where he was responsible for working with not only insecticides but also herbicides, and fungicides across all markets including; structural pest, golf, turf and ornamental, and nursery greenhouse. This gave him the opportunity to work with university researchers on new product development trial, writing protocols, seeking advice, and creating relationships across the Western U.S. From 2011-2013, Mount took on the challenging role of turf market specialist in the state of Florida. This new role is a combination of the technical and sales role with responsibilities for both in the turf market.

Registration for the webinar is now available.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/22/fmc-to-host-ceu-webinar-in-july/
Sacramento CA

Pest Management Foundation awards 5 scholarships

The Pest Management Foundation Scholarship Program announced the five recipients of its 2022-2023 student scholarships.

These scholarships were awarded to five students at accredited entomology programs at U.S. colleges or universities in the amount of $2,000 each.

This year’s recipients are:

• Christopher Hayes, North Carolina State University
• Jin-Jia Yu, Rutgers University
• Madison Gits, University of Florida
• Simona Principato, University of Kentucky
• Jun-Yin Lum, University of California – Riverside

To be eligible for scholarship consideration, applicants needed to be currently enrolled undergraduate (junior or senior year) or graduate students majoring in entomology and focused on urban pest management. They also had to have completed at least two semesters of study with at least one year remaining before graduation. Applicants also had to be full-time students in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or better on 4.0 scale). Only one scholarship is awarded per college or university each year.

Christopher Hayes

Christopher Hayes

Christopher Hayes is Ph.D. candidate at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in the field of urban entomology and is investigating how malaria control tools may drive the evolution of pyrethroid resistance in bed bugs. He is interested in how long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs), as well as commonly used repellent products affect bed bug host-seeking behavior. Hayes regularly co-teaches workshops on a variety of pests to pest management professionals (PMPs) from around North Carolina and the surrounding states in association with the NCSU Structural Pest Management Training & Research Facility. Outside the university, he has taught over 1,500 members of the community about the importance of urban pest management, served as a National Pest Management Association (NPMA) intern and is a member of the Pi Chi Omega fraternity.

Jin-Jia Yu

Jin-Jia Yu

Jin-Jia Yu is a second year Ph.D. student in the department of entomology at Rutgers University – New Brunswick. He obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in entomology from National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan in 2017 and 2020, respectively. He works with Dr. Changlu Wang in urban entomology. His research focuses on insecticide resistance of bed bugs and ectoparasites carried by house mice. Currently, he is studying the mechanisms causing high pyrethroid resistance in field-collected bed bugs. He published three peer-reviewed journal articles from his previous and current research. His career goal is to work as a scientist developing new solutions to urban pest management.

Madison Gits

Madison Gits

Madison Gits is from La Porte, Ind. She received her bachelor’s degrees in animal behavior and biology from Indiana University and her master’s degree in entomology from Purdue University. She is currently an entomology Ph.D. student at the University of Florida co-advised by Dr. Michael Scharf and Dr. Faith Oi. She is interested in studying insecticide resistance in German cockroaches and how to transfer knowledge to stakeholders.

 

 

Simona Principato

Simona Principato

Simona Principato is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kentucky. She is currently working with bed bugs in the urban entomology lab with Dr. DeVries. She completed her bachelor of science in biotechnology at the Universita’ degli Studi di Perugia (Italy) and her master of science in entomology at Harper Adams University (United Kingdom). Her work focuses on understanding the distribution of histamine excreted in the feces of common urban pests and the possible health relevance of bed bug- derived histamine, mitigation strategies and bed bug control. As she continues with her studies, she strives to acquire a wide knowledge, research expertise, laboratory techniques and skills to support the pest management industry in efficiently tackling the continuous challenges of urban pests.

Jun-Yin Lum

Jun-Yin Lum

Jun-Yin Lum is currently attending the University of California – Riverside. His research focuses on using a combination of toxicology and population genetics on the German cockroach, to understand how insecticide resistance can be inherited in these insects. His goal is to develop better methods of control, especially in insecticide-resistant populations.

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Sacramento CA

Predicting this years pest problems

More 2023 PMP Growth Summit attendees tell us what they think will be the most problematic pests this year.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/22/predicting-this-years-pest-problems/
Sacramento CA

Zoëcon: Fire Ant Bait Rebate

IMAGE: ZOËCON

Put out fire ants with Extinguish Plus and ProBait Formulation for Professionals fire ant baits. Extinguish Plus bait is an effective combination product that controls existing fire ants while preventing new colonies from forming. ProBait Formulation for Professionals leverages the active ingredient hydramethylnon to quickly kill nuisance ants immediately after ingestion. Fight off fire ants and get cash back through Zoëcon’s fire ant rebate.

Zoecon.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/22/syngenta-professional-pest-management-fire-ant-bait-rebate/
Sacramento CA

SERVPRO Team Cuthbertson is proud to announce the grand opening of its new West Knoxville location.

SERVPRO Team Cuthbertson is proud to announce the grand opening of a new location.

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Orkin event gives back to Arkansas pet shelter

Stephanie Jones, administrative assistant of the Orkin Jonesboro, Ark. branch, sits in a Northeast Arkansas Humane Society van after a successful event. PHOTO: STEPHANIE JONES

The Jonesboro, Ark., branch of Orkin Pest Control recently collaborated with Northeast Arkansas Humane Society (NEAHS) to raise money for animal protection against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as heartworm and parasitic, viral and bacterial infections.

The Paws for Pets food and supply drive on Friday, May 26, was a success, according to Stephanie Jones, administrative assistant at the Orkin branch. By the end of the event, enough supplies were collected to fill the NEAHS van. Supplies included peanut butter, pet food, paper towels, water bottles, laundry detergent, bleach and other cleaning supplies.

Money was also collected for a local animal shelter based in Jonesboro, where Orkin provides free mosquito services for the building.

Every year, the Orkin branch hosts two drives to give back to the community. Along with the pet food drive on May 26, another drive will benefit the local food bank.

“We are looking to add a third community event this year,” Jones said. “We believe in giving back to the community that has been so supportive of us and to build a culture of awareness of the needs of others among our own employees by planning the events during paid working hours.”

About Orkin

Founded in 1901 by Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer Otto Orkin (Class of 1999), Atlanta, Ga.-based Orkin is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects. Its parent company is Rollins Inc., the chairman of which is PMP Hall of Famer Gary W. Rollins (Class of 2012).

About NEAHS

Founded in 1971, Northeast Arkansas Humane Society is a 501c non-profit animal shelter devoted to placing surrendered or abandoned pets into loving homes.

Devon Mencke, termite technician at the Orkin Jonesboro, Ark. branch, stands by supplies collected. PHOTO: STEPHANIE JONES

 

Devon Mencke, termite technician at the Orkin Jonesboro, Ark. branch, stands by supplies collected. PHOTO: STEPHANIE JONES

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Sacramento CA

INZECTO to host 2 webinars

IMAGE: INZECTO

INZECTO will host a webinar series titled “Integrated Mosquito Management + Better Profits with INZECTO Mosquito Traps” on June 28 and July 11.

Industry veteran Patrick Callahan will be discussing the changing landscape of mosquito management and the benefits of integrating INZECTO Mosquito Traps into your business.

For the past decades, mosquito management involved either space spraying for actively flying mosquitoes or spraying shrubbery to apply a residual barrier to kill resting mosquitoes. New technologies have emerged, with INZECTO Mosquito Traps being one of them, that have already started to become integral parts of cutting-edge service companies’ protocols.

Topics to be discussed in the upcoming webinars include:

• Advantages of Utilizing the INZECTO Traps in your Business:
  • Physical proof of treatment
  • Allows placement of insecticides when and where you are prohibited
  • Long-term effectiveness to reduce callbacks
  • Allows mosquito service in inclement weather (rain)
• Technician Benefits:
  • Minimal training for technicians
  • No handling of active ingredients or required personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • No allergens
  • Easy and quick installation – one part with no assembly
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Utilizes just one pint of water
  • Happier and more productive technicians

Registration for both webinars are now available.

The first webinar will be June 28 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern. Register here.

The second webinar will be July 11 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern. Register here. 

If you or your firm cannot attend any of these webinar dates, please contact randi@inzecto.com or pat@inzecto.com for more details.

About INZECTO

INZECTO is a Gainesville, Fla.-based company that strives to manufacture effective, affordable, innovative and environmentally sensitive pest control products and systems backed by science, with stringent testing standards that protect humans from insects while respecting the environment and other animals.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/21/inzecto-to-host-2-webinars/
Sacramento CA

Pest Problems

Attendees of the 2023 PMP Growth Summit tell us what they think will be the most problematic pests this year.

The post Pest Problems appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/21/pest-problems/
Sacramento CA

2 tips to tell customers to lookout for fleas ticks

John-Michael Kibrick

Vigilance is key when it comes to avoiding the worst of a flea or tick infestation. Remind your customers to always be on the lookout for fleas and ticks, especially if they own pets and especially if those pets go outside regularly.

Here are two things they should be looking for:

• Ticks often can be found by simply petting a cat or dog. They stand out well against white fur despite their small size. After spending a day or two attached to the animal, ticks become enlarged and hardened with blood, making them that much easier to spot. Have customers simply remove them with special tweezers, making sure the head comes out as well.
• Fleas require a sharper eye to handle. If a flea problem is suspected, your customers should watch carefully for small, jumping adults, eggs or larvae everywhere they or their pets have been recently. Fleas spread quickly and probably will have infested several spots in the home by this stage. Have customers spray, wash or discard anything in which fleas may be hiding, including beds, curtains, carpets, furniture and outdoor plants where they may have originated in the first place.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/21/2-tips-to-tell-customers-to-lookout-for-fleas-ticks/
Sacramento CA

Ensystex: Bithor SC and Plott Carta deal

IMAGE: ENSYSTEX

Now through Sept. 1, 2023, purchase 20 quarts of Bithor SC and receive a free Plott Carta. The Plott Carta delivers a state-of-the-art, real-time mapping and measuring system – displayed directly on your smartphone. Simply wheel along the edges of an area using Carta to digitally capture the shape and dimensions. Carta effortlessly measures any curved or freeform shape, then instantly calculates square footage, cubic yards/feet, and perimeter data. The Carta app allows you to easily share and export information with colleagues and clients via JPG, DXF, CSV, PDF and Plott files.

Ensystex.com

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Sacramento CA

Aramsco Inc. Acquires Traffic Supplies & Distribution

Aramsco, Inc. Acquires traffic supply and distribution company. 

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Kness Pest Defense: Big Snap-E

IMAGE: KNESS PEST DEFENSE

Confidently conquer rat problems fast and discreetly with the Kness Big Snap-E Rat Trap and Big Snap-E Cover. This Kness trap is designed to eliminate rodent problems quickly. This solution is effective, easy to use, and built to last. The optional Big Snap-E Cover accessory keeps traps and captured target pests out of sight and out of reach of children, pets, and non-target pests. Specially designed holes on the cover allow for faster trap inspections.

Kness.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/20/kness-mfg-big-snap-e-cover/
Sacramento CA

American City Pest & Termite promotes Greg Bausch

From left: Greg Bausch and Cindy Ziemke

American City Pest & Termite recently promoted Greg Bausch to the position of vice present.

This promotion comes after Bausch’s 14-year tenure as the company’s operations manager, where he consistently “demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and expertise,” according to the news release.

Bausch joined American City Pest & Termite in 2009 as an operations manager.

“Greg Bausch has been an invaluable asset to American City Pest & Termite, and we are thrilled to recognize his outstanding contributions by promoting him to the position of vice president,” said Cindy Ziemke, president of American City Pest & Termite. “His unwavering commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, and ability to inspire and lead teams make him the ideal candidate to help steer the company’s continued growth and success.”

“I am incredibly honored to be promoted to vice president of American City Pest & Termite,” said Bausch. “Over the past 14 years, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and professionalism of our team, and I am excited to lead them in achieving even greater heights. Together, we will continue to provide our customers with top-tier pest control services while focusing on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.”

About American City Pest & Termite

Since 1979, American City Pest & Termite has been a provider of residential and commercial pest and termite control solutions serving residential and commercial customers throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties in California. In February, American City Pest & Termite announced a change in ownership as Jim and Celia Shockey handed the reins to their daughter, Cindy Ziemke.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/20/american-city-pest-termite-promotes-greg-bausch/
Sacramento CA

Tips for working with distributors

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We asked Pest Management Professional’s columnists and editorial advisory board members share tips for working with distributors. Here are some of the experts’ responses from our June 2023 print edition.

Please take a minute to answer our latest one-question poll on this topic and let us what you’re bring to the new year: Reader poll: What’s a good tip for working with distributors?

PMP’s Editorial Advisory Board and Regular Contributors

Judy Black, BCE: “You can minimize the surprises you give your distributor by forecasting as accurately as possible, and giving your distributor a heads up if you have put in a bid on a big job that is going to require a large materials and supplies, or M&S order. They will realize you may not get the job, but they can review their inventory and decide whether they should stock up.”

Greg Baumann: “Distributor representatives know more than anyone what is trending in the area, such as what’s working and which pests are an issue at the time. Use their intel to your advantage.”

Desiree Straubinger, BCE

Paul Hardy: “Our industry has been blessed to have distributors serving as great assistants to pest management professionals. The keys to our success include mentorship and good products, both of which they can offer.”

Desiree Straubinger, BCE: “Many distributors offer classes for continuing education units either in person or virtually. Take advantage of these when planning for your licensing needs. Also, you can lean heavily on a distributor to help choose the right products for your services. Manufacturers work closely with distributors, so they have the most up-to-date information on products.”

Jerry Schappert, ACE: “Realize they are busy, too, and perhaps deal with just as many, if not more customers than we do. A little time and grace in your dealings will go a long way.”

Pete Schopen: “Distributors, in many instances, are the ‘gatekeepers’ between the vendors and pest pros. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your distributor to meet vendor representatives. These vendors, in turn, can supply you with training materials, speakers and samples.”

Doug Foster: “Treat them with respect; value the services they provide; and build that relationship into a partnership. My distributors are critical to the success of my business.”

Kurt Scherzinger: “Use distributors as a resource for opinions on different products. They have all the manufacturers’ products at their fingertips and if something isn’t working for you, they often can tell you what others are using that is producing results.”

Dr. Hamilton Allen

Dr. Hamilton Allen: The key to having a good relationship is to do good business. Be honest and upfront about your needs. Most distributors are looking for creditable partners. To that end:

1. Take advantage of training classes and training materials. The return on your investment includes key pieces of information that can enhance your business. 
2. If you have a primary product, discus potential rebate options. 
3. Ask questions. Distributors offer more than product sales. Discuss your business needs to determine whether your distributor has a solution specifically for your operation. 

The post Tips for working with distributors appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/20/tips-for-working-with-distributors/
Sacramento CA