Syngenta: 2024 PestPartners 365 Program

IMAGE: SYNGENTA

Syngenta’s PestPartners 365 Program is back for 2024 with even greater opportunities for yearlong savings. By participating in the only rebate program that applies to a full portfolio of products throughout the year, pest management professionals (PMPs) can save on the quality products they need ― and be a hero to customers by providing a life uninterrupted by pests.

It’s easy to become a PestPartners 365 Program member. PMPs simply need to generate at least $200 in base rebates by purchasing any combination of Syngenta products during the qualification period from Oct. 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.

PestPartners 365 Program members can enjoy the following benefits:

• Yearlong savings on the full portfolio of Syngenta pest control products, including the new 1-quart bottle of Demand CS insecticide
• Syngenta’s trademarked SummerPay terms, which allow deferred payment on select products through June 20, 2024
• Access to the rebate status tool, which displays estimated rebates, current rebate level and membership history

PestPartners 365 Program members and nonmembers alike can also access free digital tools, such as:

• The PestPartners 365 rebate calculator, which can help PMPs quickly identify and maximize their potential savings
• The new callback calculator, which can help PMPs compare retreatment costs
• The new mixing calculator, which simplifies the tank-mixing process

Join the conversation with Syngenta Pest on LinkedIn, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), using the hashtag #PestPartners365.

About Syngenta PPM

Based in Greensboro, N.C., the U.S. Syngenta Professional Pest Management division is part of Syngenta Group, a worldwide manufacturer headquartered in Switzerland. Among its many initiatives, Syngenta actively partners with conservation groups around the world to maintain natural environments and eradicate pests that threaten native species. As a developer of innovative pest control products, Syngenta works with conservationists to provide solutions to aid wildlife recovery efforts that help communities boost nature-based tourism and fuel economic growth.

PestPartners365.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/29/syngenta-2024-pestpartners-365-program/
Sacramento CA

Mastering the Art of Saying No

Sometimes saying no can be a challenge but it can also be very rewarding and what’s needed for peace of mind and putting yourself in the best position to succeed. Our editor in chief Myldred Ingram shares a few tips to help with this sometimes challenging task.

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Dr. Vargo elected as ESA Fellow

Dr. Edward Vargo (Photo: Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Michael Miller)

Dr. Edward Vargo, professor and endowed chair of urban entomology in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology, was elected as an Entomological Society of America (ESA) Fellow.

Dr. Vargo is internationally recognized for research in the reproductive biology and molecular ecology of social insects and urban insect pests. He received his award at the society’s recent annual meeting in National Harbor, Md.

“Fellow is the society’s premiere award, and when I look at the people who have been named fellows, it’s a pretty distinguished group,” Dr. Vargo said in the news release. “I think the award recognizes what an entomologist has accomplished throughout their career and their impact on the field. So, it’s a real honor to be considered among that group.”

Scientific curiosity leads to entomology

Dr. Vargo’s interest in entomology didn’t begin with a fascination for insects.

Lewis Thomas’ 1974 book, “The Lives of a Cell,” first captured his imagination. He was intrigued by behavioral and biological concepts surrounding Thomas’ explanation of how cells work together for the benefit of the organism. He then discovered ants and termites, bees and wasps could be considered “superorganisms” because, much like cells for an organism, they coordinate individual activity and work together to benefit the colony.

His doctoral research focused on the social regulation of reproduction and development in colonies of fire ants (Solenopsis spp.).

“In grad school, we were working on this very big pest species, but I was in a lab doing very basic research, so we weren’t looking at how fire ants impact people and ways to control them,” Dr. Vargo said.

In 1987, Dr. Vargo was awarded a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellowship to work with Dr. Luc Passera at the Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France, on the regulation of reproduction and caste development in Argentine ants (Linepithema humile).

By the late 1980s, fire ants had spread to Austin and were becoming a pest in agriculture and urban areas around major swaths of the state. Dr. Vargo returned to the University of Texas to study the reproductive biology of fire ants as a research scientist from 1989 to 1998.

“Fire ants started like many invasive species,” he said. “They hang out for a while, and then something happens, and it just explodes. I began to work with the Texas Department of Agriculture on issues that fire ants presented, and I realized this is important.”

Scientific opportunities with social pests

Dr. Vargo began studying a pest he had no experience with, termites, when he joined the Department of Entomology at North Carolina State University as an assistant professor in 1998.

“There was a lot we didn’t know, and so we were discovering basic biology and foraging behavior because termites have a very cryptic lifestyle living and foraging underground,” Dr. Vargo said.

New genetic and molecular methods presented opportunities for Dr. Vargo and others to understand termites’ social organization, foraging dynamics and other behaviors. Dr. Vargo said the approach has helped him and other scientists understand invasive pest species and retrace their introduction history.

“I saw the opportunity to get some basic biological information and also do things that were of interest to the pest management industry in terms of controlling them,” he said. “It was the integration of molecular ecology with urban entomology, using molecular genetic methods to understand colonies and populations.”

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/28/dr-vargo-elected-as-esa-fellow/
Sacramento CA

FMC: Talstar Professional

IMAGE: FMC

For the past 25 years, Talstar Professional insecticide has been an industry standard, effectively providing long-lasting control over ants, termites, cockroaches and more than 70 other pests with one of the broadest labels of any pest control product on the market. Its active ingredient, bifenthrin, was developed by FMC, and has become the blueprint for other companies trying to replicate the long-lasting power and success of Talstar Professional.

But, you just can’t beat the original.

In addition to its wide range of control and efficacy that have stood the test of time, and allowed it to remain the top choice for many pest management professionals (PMPs), Talstar features a water-based formulation for non-irritating application. It contains no odors or plant-dissolving substances and leaves behind no residues or phytotoxicity. Once it has dried, the only evidence that Talstar has been sprayed at all is its powerful insect control, the company says.

These low-impact applications also make Talstar one of the most flexible products on the market, and it is approved for use in nearly every application. Labeled use sites include both indoors and out, even in commercial settings, industrial buildings and food-handling spaces. With more than two decades of providing PMPs with the ultimate pest control solution, Talstar Professional is a proven choice for a wide-reaching, long-lasting, adaptable insecticide.

About FMC

The FMC Global Specialty Solutions (GSS) business utilizes market knowledge and gifted scientists at its Stine Research Center in Newcastle, Del., to serve growing needs in expanding markets. By leveraging FMC’s global agricultural technology portfolio, the GSS business has served a diversified mix of non-crop segments, including golf courses, lawn care, structural pest control, vegetation management, nursery and ornamental, vector and consumer.

Continued research and development has led FMC as it ventures into new markets, traditional herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Future solutions include molecules with new modes of action, differentiated biological products, natural repellents, encapsulated formulations and precision applications for existing products.

GSS.FMC.com

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Sacramento CA

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at The Experience: New Year, Continued Progression

We bring you episode 4 of Trade Talks: Unlocking The Experience with special guest BNP Event Manager Andrea Hanson!

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

Tips for using a bait station for rodenticide

Anna Berry, BCE

Rodenticide is a hot topic in our industry — and it got there, in part, due to misuse. When using block or packet rodenticides, always follow the label. The label will address where to place the rodenticide.

When using a bait station for rodenticide, it’s key that:

• The rodenticide is held firmly in place by rods.
• The bait station is secured, typically by weighting with a pavement stone.
• It’s tamper-resistant, which typically means it locks with a key.

If the pavement stone is broken, the station is no longer considered secured. If the station cannot close or lock, it’s not considered tamper-resistant.

Be mindful of the condition of your stations. If any parts are broken, do not add rodenticide, as that is typically a violation of the label. Luckily, there are often other alternatives, depending on the environment and the station. You may be able to place snap traps or monitoring blocks in a station, for example, until it can be replaced or fixed.

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Sacramento CA

How Restoration Pros Can Find Clarity by Taming Mind Clutter

With the new year being here, we often like to start fresh in some part of our lives, but, that all starts with the mind, and Shauna Parsons gives us tips on step one of any type of productivity… decluttering your mind!

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Skyhawk: Trapmate

IMAGE: SKYHAWK

Skyhawk Trapmate is one of the fastest-growing and most advanced electronic remote monitoring (ERM) systems available for rodent control today. The company has made it even easier to add remote monitoring to your arsenal, offering high performance at a low cost of ownership. Using Trapmate, you’ll be able to:

• Stop checking empty traps. You’ll know which traps need checking and which you can skip. Use the time you save to focus on eliminating the rodent problem, not just the rodents. Trapmate’s multi-sensor devices all but eliminate false alerts.
• Work with your existing gear. You can easily attach Trapmate’s sensors to your existing traps; the company does not require you to buy new traps. There’s no need for passwords or pairing either, making Trapmate a quick system to deploy.
• Monitor all your traps from anywhere. Trapmate offers true remote monitoring; you don’t need to be on-site to know what’s in your traps.
• Deploy monitoring anywhere. Trapmate will run for years on batteries, allowing you to monitor traps anywhere — regardless of whether there’s electrical power available.
• Maximize your profits from ERM. Skyhawk manufactures everything it sells, so it can pass along its cost savings to its users.

About Skyhawk

Based in Derry, N.H., Skyhawk is the Internet of Things (IoT) business unit of PICA Product Development (PPD), part of the PICA Group, a leading electronics manufacturer that for more than 30 years has helped technology leaders to bring a variety of innovative products to market.

Skyhawk has developed in its PRIoT platform the IoT industry’s only fully battery-powered connectivity solution. PRIoT combines long-range radio frequency connections to sensors, a cellular backhaul to the cloud, and a full suite of backend and applications software for sensor and gateway management.

Portable, easy to deploy and able to operate for years on off-the-shelf batteries, Skyhawk PRIoT enables new types of data collection solutions which haven’t been possible on other IoT platforms, such as the Skyhawk Trapmate electronic remote trap monitoring product line.

Trapmate.ai

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/27/skyhawk-trapmate/
Sacramento CA

Try these 3 social media tips in 2024

Adam Holt

Many pest management firms rely solely on outside marketing companies to grow their businesses. But as a pest control operator, you have built an entire empire from the ground up. If you can do that, you can definitely tackle social media on your own.

Your first question might be, do you have — or want — to take the time to grow your social media? The next question is, what is the value return from the time invested? If you have the time and desire to do it on your own, you should.

Here’s my story. I started my TikTok channel (@Namedatbug) three years ago, during COVID-19. Just a few of my TikTok lifetime achievements are as follows:

• 535,000 followers
• 500,000 views for my hashtag “Namedatbug”
• $25,000 in generated revenue
• 50 campaigns with companies such as Coldest, BugMD, Eskter and more

So, let’s get on to the social media tips and how to grow your marketing channels such as Instagram, Linkedin, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook Reels, X (formerly Twitter) or any other social media
channel:

1. Post, at minimum, one video per day — especially in the beginning when you are trying to grow your channel of choice. The more, the merrier.
2. Add a trending song to your video by googling “viral TikTok songs.” This helps drive the algorithm in your favor.
3. Add the current Top 10 viral hashtags to your video, plus any related hashtags such as “#pestcontrol.”  This, too, helps drive the algorithm in your favor.

At the end of the day, do not be discouraged if your channel does not grow super-fast. It does take time and effort. I am happy to answer any questions offline, so do not hesitate to contact me at namedatbug@gmail.com or 352-408-6122.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/26/try-these-3-social-media-tips-in-2024/
Sacramento CA

Aprehend: Aprehend 6-pack

IMAGE: APREHEND

Aprehend 6-packs are ideal for pest management professionals (PMPs) doing preventative work and quarterly servicing, such as multi-unit housing and long-term care facility contracts. Aprehend is a great option for jobs in community spaces and hospitality customers, too.

The long-lasting residual action of Aprehend remains active for up to three months, and ensures that any bed bugs introduced will pick up the spores and die before establishing an infestation. A quarterly proactive contract provides property managers with peace of mind, and costs less in the long run than attempting reactive treatments once bed bugs have become firmly established in a property.

Be sure to check out the proactive protocols for details on working Aprehend into your protocols: www.aprehend.com/documents. Contact your favorite Aprehend representative for more info or Aprehend HQ at 800-891-8610 to discuss easy and profitable bed bug preventative work.

About Aprehend

Aprehend is manufactured by ConidioTec, a privately held company based in Centre Hall, Pa. Its initial product, Aprehend, was launched in 2017 based on technology licensed from Pennsylvania State University. Aprehend is now sold throughout the U.S. and Canada and is increasingly relied upon for challenging infestations in residences, multi-unit housing, rental properties, long-term care facilities and commercial properties.

In October 2023, Andermatt Biocontrol Suisse, a Swiss-based Andermatt Group subsidiary, announced that it has partnered with ConidioTec to introduce Aprehend biopesticide for the control and prevention of bed bugs in the European market. Per the agreement, Andermatt Biocontrol Suisse will formulate Aprehend with a highly effective B. bassiana strain of the South African sister company Andermatt PHP and will undertake biocide registration for the European Union. Read more about this partnership here.

Aprehend.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/26/conidiotec-aprehend-6-pack/
Sacramento CA

Corteva Agriscience: The Sentricon System

IMAGE: CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE

The Sentricon system is a standalone solution for termites that pest management professionals (PMPs) can rely on in curative and preventative subterranean termite situations. Whether installing Recruit AG FlexPack bait stations to target aerial Formosan termite colonies or in-ground stations to combat hard-to-treat and impossible-to-see underground termite infestations, the results remain the same: total colony elimination.

The Sentricon system is a comprehensive solution that provides every component PMPs need to be successful. The Recruit AG FlexPack bait stations contain 100 grams of bait that can be applied directly to a mud tube, ensuring termites promptly start feeding on the bait while providing peace of mind to the homeowner.

The Sentricon system also saves PMPs time and labor with the Sentricon Scout equipment. The Sentricon Scout equipment makes the annual inspection more efficient by helping technicians quickly locate stations using the radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded into each station’s top cap. Couple that with reduced headaches and increased employee satisfaction, and you’ve got a recipe for success. Plus, with less labor needed for installations and renewals, PMPs can improve their margins and increase long-term cash flow.

Additionally, the Sentricon system enhances PMP profit potential through recurring revenue, higher margins and an industry-leading 92 percent customer retention rate. Both new and recurring customers appreciate the efficacy of the system, which is backed by more than 70 studies. PMPs can easily communicate the value of the Sentricon system to homeowners, leading to higher revenue and a better bottom line. The Sentricon system can also be bundled and cross-sold with general pest control and other services, which can create higher long-term value for PMPs and the growth of their business.

Sentricon.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/22/corteva-agriscience-the-sentricon-system/
Sacramento CA

Website Conversion Fundamentals for Restoration Contractors

Marketing guru Benjamin Ricciardi shares how to use website conversion fundamentals to further maximize business leads.

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Joe Barile, Pat Morrow, Al Turner retire from Envu

After years of dedicated service to Envu and the pest management industry, Joe Barile, Pat Morrow and Al Turner are each announcing their retirements.

They each held vital roles for the Envu Professional Pest Management business. They each plan to retire in January.

“Joe, Pat and Al are loved and respected in this industry because they have impacted so many of us,” said Gokhan Vergon, head of Professional Pest Management for Envu U.S. “They have helped us solve our toughest challenges and changed the way we approach problems. Their contributions to Envu, the entire industry and us as people are immeasurable.”

Joe Barile

Joe Barile is senior technical market development manager at Envu Professional Pest Management. Barile has been in the pest management industry for more than 40 years.

He was first attracted to pest management as an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Renowned professors John Stoffolano and Mike Peters noticed his potential and invited him into their research program. Barile has held many roles throughout his career, including positions in mosquito control, food manufacturing and handling, technical advising for global companies and more. Barile has helped the industry evolve and adapt to changes. His contributions extend from protecting the food supply chain to consulting with the U.S. Department of Defense to helping pest control operators of all sizes.

Next, Barile said he will be enjoying the outdoors and going on fishing trips around the country. He will also stay involved in the industry.

Pat Morrow

Pat Morrow is the senior marketing manager at Envu Professional Pest Management. Morrow has spent her career dedicated to continuous improvement in marketing and communications.

With Envu, she has led campaigns designed to help pest management professionals learn more and solve problems for their customers. She joined Envu’s legacy company, Bayer, as the senior marketing communications manager for turf and ornamentals businesses, spent a year in a global communications role and most recently led marketing communications for the pest management business.

Her prior roles have included marketing and marketing communications roles in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, with companies such as BASF and GlaxoSmithKline. A recipient of two PRSA Silver Anvil Awards, and other industry recognitions, the campaigns and programs hae delivered results for the business.

Next, Morrow said she will continue contributing where she can to the industry, dig deeper into volunteering with an equine therapy association in central Florida; spend more time cheering on her alma mater, Duke University Blue Devils and her hometown team, the New York Yankees; and improve her golf and pickleball skills.

Al Turner

Al Turner is the area sales manager at Envu Professional Pest Management. Turner has helped countless pest management professionals and formed lifelong friendships after more than 30 years of industry experience.

As a car enthusiast, Turner started his career at a car dealership before he was recruited into the pest management industry. With an entomology degree and sales experience, Turner says, he found a natural fit for the rest of his career.

Turner has helped the industry adapt to changes, teaching techniques and providing the right solutions to help pest management professionals solve their toughest challenges. Over the course of his career, he has been a technical director and sales manager for top companies. As a people-focused leader, Turner has particularly enjoyed mentoring new talent in the industry. He has led training sessions and helped numerous professionals learn the industry.

Next, Turner will be busy enjoying his boat, gardening and consulting in the industry. He will also continue his various hobbies like hunting, fishing and working on cars.

The post Joe Barile, Pat Morrow, Al Turner retire from Envu first appeared on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/21/joe-barile-pat-morrow-al-turner-retire-from-envu/
Sacramento CA

Reducing hazards when treating rodent infestations

Dr. Jamel Sandidge, BCE

Urine, feces, grease marks, volatile fatty acids, bodily secretions, odors, bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, fleas, ticks, lice and mites — all of these are potential hazards when dealing with rodent infestations. That’s because rodents leave behind a plethora of potentially harmful pathogens, ectoparasites, and many forms of organic filth such as soiled insulation, drywall, carpets and other contaminated materials in their wake.

In integrated pest management (IPM), much of our focus centers on corrective actions after the invading pest has been removed or evicted. However, action also can be taken to reduce microorganisms on surfaces, ectoparasites that hitchhike into the structure, and the inevitable organic waste that builds up while rats, mice and other pests are actively infesting and moving throughout the structure.

It can take considerable time to reduce and eliminate cosmopolitan populations of rodents. In the meantime, they will continue to deposit urine, feces and other bodily secretions, as well as spread potentially harmful pathogens every day — even as you work to find the winning combination of chemical and physical interventions. Using disinfectants or sanitizers during each service to eliminate listed microorganisms throughout active infestations can help reduce the potential spread of microorganisms during this period.

A combination disinfectant/pesticide formulation can be especially useful to eliminate ectoparasites and microbes listed on the product’s label simultaneously.

When it comes to dealing with issues stemming from organic matter such as urine, body secretions and oils, adding bio-sanitation liquids and foams during active infestations can help reduce and prevent the buildup of organic contamination on surfaces where the product has been applied. It also can neutralize and degrade volatile odors at their source.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/21/reducing-hazards-when-treating-rodent-infestations/
Sacramento CA

Contents Restoration, The Experience and Everyday Life

We bring you episode 3 of Trade Talks: Unlocking The Experience with special guests Kevin and Annissa Coy!

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Mold Remediation Baltimore

FieldRoutes: ServiceTitan Fleet Pro

IMAGE: FIELDROUTES

FieldRoutes, a ServiceTitan company and a software platform for field service providers, recently announced its new integration with ServiceTitan Fleet Pro, which delivers integrated fleet management and tracking tools to pest control companies using the FieldRoutes platform.

Fleet Pro utilizes GPS tracking, geofencing, driver scorecards, video capture, alerts, and more, to help pest control operators track their vehicles, reduce unnecessary expenses, and minimize risk and liability on the road.

The new integration means all GPS data is transferred automatically to FieldRoutes. This allows users to quickly see where technicians are at any given time, so they can pivot effectively and view all relevant data in one place. Users are also able to view driver scorecards, which highlight unsafe driving practices, and get geofencing alerts, which inform them of unauthorized vehicle use, among other key features.

Previously, FieldRoutes announced its integration with ServiceTitan Marketing Pro, which allows users to quickly create and schedule direct mail and email campaigns to engage and nurture customers for upsell, cross-sell and renewal opportunities. Schedule a demo today to learn more about these new solutions.

About FieldRoutes

Based in McKinney, Texas, FieldRoutes’ platform automates many aspects of field service operations for enterprise and small business customers with office management, advanced route optimization, payment processing, digital sales, marketing, and customer acquisition capabilities. Contractors across the country rely on FieldRoutes to provide them with data-driven insights to become more efficient and drive revenue to their business, so they can “grow quickly, scale intelligently, and serve their customers relentlessly.”

FieldRoutes.com/FleetPro

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/21/fieldroutes-servicetitan-fleet-pro/
Sacramento CA

Survey finds Americans are worried pests will ruin holiday plans

Photo: Willowpix/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

A recent survey found that Americans are worried that their holiday plans will attract pests to their homes.

According to an article from Talker, a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults showed 77 percent agreed they’d start to feel worried if they came across even a couple of bugs in their home over the holidays.

Nearly nine in 10 (87 percent) survey participants said they host more people in their home during the holiday season than any other time of year and 78 percent are concerned about spotting pests in their home while hosting guests.

During the holiday season, the study — commissioned by Zevo, developed by P&G Ventures, and conducted by OnePoll — found 72 percent are concerned about finding pests hiding amongst their holiday decorations when it comes time to dig things out of storage.

People are most concerned about spiders (49 percent), fruit flies (46 percent), ants (45 percent) and cockroaches (44 percent). Sixteen percent are afraid of finding fungus gnats among their holiday decorations.

Respondents said they’re especially concerned about finding pests in their wreaths (63 percent), holiday lights (60 percent), trees (52 percent), garlands (51 percent) and ornaments (40 percent).

Forty-five percent are at least lucky enough to find pests in their decorations before putting them up; 43 percent don’t realize it until it’s too late.

Results also found that 65 percent of Americans like using fake plants as their holiday decorations, while 59 percent like using real plants.

Those who prefer live plants said it’s because they seem more “holiday” like (61 percent), they smell better (56 percent) and it’s part of a family tradition (52 percent). Yet 91 percent are concerned about pests hiding out in them.

Alternatively, those who prefer fake plants said it’s because their pets would destroy real plants (52 percent), it’s better quality (50 percent) and their pets are allergic or would be harmed by live plants (47 percent). And compared to live plants, only 64 percent are concerned about pests hiding in fake plants.

Regardless of where pests are hiding, people said they’d react to seeing pests in their home during the winter months by calling an exterminator to take care of them (39 percent), killing them immediately (32 percent) or simply being embarrassed (27 percent).

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans who celebrate a winter holiday was commissioned by Zevo between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/20/survey-finds-americans-are-worried-pests-will-ruin-holiday-plans/
Sacramento CA

AI offers promising possibilities for pest control businesses

Photo: Shutthiphong Chandaeng / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a big trend that is coming regardless of whether we are ready. Companies are already using this technology to do things like answer the phone, sell services over the phone, and even route field staff. The only thing I have not seen it be able to do is to make the morning coffee, but I am quite sure that is coming as well.

I recently watched a demonstration of AI answering the phone, listening to the customer’s questions, selling a program, and then setting the appointment. While I could tell it was not a person, I suspect that was only because I already knew it was AI and was listening for clues. If I had called and AI had answered the phone, I may have thought the person was distracted, but I doubt I would have known it wasn’t a person at all.

The following week, I attended a seminar with people from other industries through a business group I am in. The demonstration was fascinating: Imagine dumping your customer database into a program that would analyze who your customers are so people just like them could be identified and marketed to. Maybe it would even use public information to market to homes closest to the ones you already serve. It also could analyze the pest trends occurring in that area and send emails to neighbors to let them know that “X” is becoming a problem in their neighborhood and you already are working with “X” (hopefully, a significant number) of their neighbors to solve the issue.

Efficient sales tool

Certainly, AI could be used to cross-sell to your existing customers the additional services you offer. If you only provide general pest control for that customer, maybe they need termite treatment/coverage or rodent exclusion services. As the weather turns, your marketing could target the prospective customers who are closest to your existing customers, and be very specific — and compelling. Add in those prospects who already are seeing your well-branded (at least they should be) vehicles in the area, and soon your customer base grows in a specific area.

AI could be used for advertising. It can analyze trends of customer needs, in addition to activity happening seasonally in real time, and get your message out before anyone else.

Dennis Jenkins

For the advertising creative, AI can come up with compelling artwork and characters (think insects animated with personality) that will grab the attention of the reader — all without you needing a creative director. Email campaigns would be much more compelling than most of us could imagine, without having to budget for staff to do this.

AI can analyze your database. It can find people with similar interests in the areas you want customers, and serve up messages and images that cater to the person you are targeting.

Changes ahead

The thought of AI having and using all the information there is about us, our customers and our potential customers, may be disturbing. But I don’t think anyone is going to stop this train.

I am actually looking forward to this technology because I know phone calls will be answered more quickly. However, every time we implement technology like this, we have to consider the people who used to do those jobs. How far into the future will it be before there are no people in call centers — and where will they go after that to get jobs?

The future holds much wonder. I just hope we all don’t wonder when we became irrelevant.

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Sacramento CA

Dr. Tim Husen talks ants at the 2023 New York Pest Expo

Dr. Tim Husen, BCE, PHE, PCQI, technical services manager at Syngenta Professional Pest Management, shares the how ants use food sources throughout the year to better understand how to treat these pests at the 2023 New York Pest Expo.

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Sacramento CA

Bell Sensing Technologies: T-REX iQ Rat Snap Traps

IMAGE: BELL SENSING TECHNOLOGIES

Pest management professionals (PMPs) know that rats travel in hard-to-reach areas. T-REX iQ rat snap traps utilize technology to make trapping easier at any account by checking traps without needing to access them.

As with the entire line of Bell’s durable iQ traps, the bases and tops of the T-REX iQ rat snap traps are made out of a strong polycarbonate material that holds up to active environments and won’t rust. Extensive field and laboratory testing ensure performance and reliability.

The T-REX iQ rat snap traps is just one of several rodent management traps and bait stations powered by Bell Sensing Technologies. Others in the line include Express iQ; 24/7 iQ ; Pulse Mouse iQ; Pulse Rat iQ; and Weighted Landscape iQ.

T-REX iQ has same ferocious trapping power that T-REX traps are known for, with its patented interlocking teeth making rat escapes virtually impossible. Its removable bait cup can be withdrawn, filled with an attractant and re-inserted without having the trap set.

Place T-REX iQ traps alone or in pairs back-to-back along rat pathways. You can also place the traps inside Bell’s rat-sized tamper-resistant bait stations, designed to accommodate T-REX, including:

• EVO Express
• EVO Ambush
• EVO Circuit
• EVO Landscape
• EVO Weighted Landscape
• EVO Edge
• Protecta
• Sidekick

Goodbye crawlspaces, attics, ceilings and other out-of-the-way locations until there is a verified catch. T-REX iQ rat snap traps communicate to the PMP whether any of the traps have a catch — before the PMP ever reaches for a ladder. Focus time and effort at accounts where it matters most, and never check an empty trap again.

BellSensing.com

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Sacramento CA

Innovative Pest Control Products: Bug Bar Insect Bait Station

IMAGE: INNOVATIVE PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS

For more than 10 years, pest management professionals (PMPs) have been saving money with Innovative Pest Control Products’ Bug Bars, the company says. These bait stations are a cost-effective method for keeping ant and cockroach baits fresh for longer. Fill the reservoir with the liquid, gel or granular insect bait of your choice to preserve and extend the life and palatability of your bait. Bug Bars’ patented “stepped ramps” design allows for easy access by ants and cockroaches while also being able to close securely to resist pet and child access to baits. Additionally, these bait stations are useful for preventing contamination of surfaces and for preventing pollutants from reaching baits and reducing their effectiveness. Each box of Bug Bars contains 50 refillable insect bait stations. The stations are recommended for use with Innovative Pest Control Products’ Gourmet Liquid Ant Bait and Gourmet Ant Bait Gel.

Features include:

• The Bug Bar Insect Bait Station is designed to be a sturdy, attractive, thermoformed bait station approximately 2 inches square.
• The reservoir holds up to 0.33 ounce of liquid, gel or granular bait.
• The entryway is designed to accommodate both ants and cockroaches.
• The ribs on the entryway provide a secure foothold for large cockroaches.
• The cover easily snaps closed and is difficult for pets or small children to open.
• The Bug Bar can be filled or refilled through a fill port on the top of the bait station.
• The Bug Bar can be secured in place with double-sided tape or Hercules putty.

AntCafe.com

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Sacramento CA

Miller Pest & Termite celebrates its 5th year of ‘Pest-Free Holiday’

Miller Pest & Termite will provide three local families with free pest control as part of celebrating its fifth year of its “Pest-Free Holiday” program.

“About five years ago, we wanted to find a way to give back to the people in our neighborhoods,” CEO Joel Miller, CEO of Miller Pest & Termite, said in the news release. “So we decided to donate services to some families who needed help getting rid of pests like bed bugs and rodents in their homes but couldn’t afford it.”

Joel Miller, alongside his wife, Jen, the chief strategic officer for Miller Pest & Termite, created the “Pest-Free Holidays” campaign in their local Des Moines, Iowa, service area to not only give back to those in need during the holidays, but make a positive impact on their community.

“We typically help two or three families every year, which might not seem like a lot, but to those families, our donation makes a world of difference,” Miller said.

Miller explained that the company’s applicant numbers grow every year, making the selection process even harder, but they hope to increase those applications significantly this year to reach further in their community.

“To me, this project is really special and something I hold close to my heart,” Jen Miller said. “It’s our way of saying thank you to our community and helping the people who have supported us. It feels incredible to be see the impact our donation truly makes on the lives of those in our community.”

As Jen Miller approaches her 10-year milestone, having been instrumental in the growth of Miller Pest & Termite for the past nine years, she is eager to spearhead other initiatives and aims to establish her presence within and beyond the pest control industry, starting with her “Pest-Free Holiday” community outreach project.

“We want to continue to see this project grow each and every year, impacting more and more lives, and perhaps even inspiring other pest control companies to do the same in their communities,” she said.

Miller Pest & Termite began their search for the next “Pest-Free Holiday” families on Dec. 1, and will continue through Dec. 22, 2023.

Families who are dealing with troublesome pests, such as rodents, bed bugs, roaches and more, without the financial means to pay for treatment will be considered and are encouraged to apply.

Qualifying families can apply for the program by filling out the form on the Miller Pest & Termite website.

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Sacramento CA

Set measurable goals for a fantastic new year

Getty Images: Pict Rider / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Are you tired of repeating the same year over and over? Do you want to grow your business, but you’re unsure how?

It all starts with a plan. As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

In my November column (p. 72), I discussed using a “Vivid Vision,” which is a definition of what your company will look like in three years. This month, let’s turn your Vivid Vision into an actionable plan. Don’t worry, you can still create a plan for the coming year if you don’t have a Vivid Vision yet. What follows is an easy example, using round numbers.

Last year, we earned $1 million in revenue. Of the $1 million, we did $200,000 in one-time services, leaving $800,000 on the books to be serviced in the new year. Our goals include:

• We want to grow by 10 percent, or $100,000, to end 2024 with $1.1 million in revenue.
• With $800,000 on the books and a goal of $1.1 million in revenue, we need to grow revenue by $300,000.
• To grow revenue by $300,000, we must sell $600,000 of new business — both recurring and one-time. That’s an average of $50,000 in sales per month. In most of our service markets, we sell more in the spring and summer, and less in the winter. Our monthly sales goals will vary, but should total $600,000 for the year.
• Per my colleague and fellow Pest Management Professional columnist Dan Gordon, CPA, of PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists, the industry average marketing spend is between 4 percent and 8 percent of revenue. Therefore, we need to set an annual marketing budget of $44,000 to $88,000 to generate enough leads to sell this amount of business. This will also vary monthly, spending more in busy months vs. slow months.
• If each technician can conservatively do $250,000 in production monthly, we will need five technicians to do the work by year-end. Planning to hire and train before you need more technicians is critical. You’ll also need to plan for additional vehicles and equipment — everything required to complete the work.
• If each salesperson can sell a yearly average of $400,000, we will need 1.5 to two salespeople to achieve our sales goals. If you don’t have salespeople, now is the time to hire and train to hit your goal.
• We will need one office staffer per eight technicians to schedule and handle office tasks. We’ll also need one office staffer per four technicians to handle phone volume. Inside sales can be counted as office staff because they help answer the phones.

As you can see, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial. Monthly, quarterly and annual numbers guide the creation of realistic goals. Once your goals are set, you must measure and track results daily to identify where to adjust or step up your game.

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The Game Plan

Once you have your yearly numbers as outlined in the example at left, breaking them into monthly and daily numbers makes achievement much easier. For example, when one year is 280 workdays:

• Growing by $100,000 requires daily growth of $357.
• Selling $600,000 requires selling $2,142 per day.
• Producing $1.1 million requires producing $4,000 per day, or $800 per technician per day if you have five technicians.

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Sacramento CA

First Onsite Property Restoration acquires DryPatrol LLC.

First Onsite Property Restoration (First Onsite), one of North America’s largest disaster recovery and restoration providers for commercial enterprises, has acquired DryPatrol LLC. 

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BASF: Termite Bait Solutions

IMAGE: BASF

Flexibility is key when choosing the best termite service for your customers. BASF offers two baiting options that ensure you have the right solution for every job, along with complete freedom to operate – you maintain ownership of the equipment and the accounts.

For homeowner accounts that prefer ultimate peace of mind, Trelona ATBS Annual Bait Stations are preloaded with the active ingredient before the stations are installed.

With Advance Termite Bait Stations, meanwhile, the active ingredient is added when termite activity is detected. Because of the station design, termites find the Trelona Annual and the Advance stations fast. Plus, the flexibility of an annual inspection label translates to time and labor savings, putting you in complete control.

From the power of industry-leading liquids and foam to best-in-class baiting and monitoring, BASF’s options can help you build a termite solutions program that meets any situation, ensuring satisfied customers and a strong bottom line for your business.

About BASF

BASF Corp., headquartered in Florham Park, N.J., is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $25.7 billion in 2022.

BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future by combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of its customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. BASF’s portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions.

PestControl.basf.us

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Sacramento CA

New IICRC Standard Published for Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

IICRC announces the publication of a newly revised ANSI-approved ANSI/IICRC S540 Standard for Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup.

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OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting for Restoration Companies

In this month’s safety Insight, Barry tells us the importance of recordkeeping and reporting for companies to help avoid issues when having a potential OSHA inspection.

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Waltham Services acquires Empire Pest Control

From left are Chris Aust, Stuart Aust, Ken Cyphers, Diane Cyphers, Nick Aust, Jake Hart, and Dan Aust. PHOTO: THE AUST GROUP

The Aust Group announces the acquisition of its Marlborough, Mass.-based client, Empire Pest Control, to Waltham Services, a Waltham, Mass.-based subsidiary of Atlanta, Ga.-based Rollins Inc.

Empire Pest Control is a full-service pest and termite control business, offering services to commercial and residential customers throughout eastern Massachusetts. Established in 2004 by Ken and Diane Cyphers, Empire is an active member of both the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA).

“What an incredible job The Aust Group did in representing, marketing, and helping us sell our pest control company,” the Cypherses said in a news release. “We had never sold a business before and even the thought of it was downright stressful. Choosing The Aust Group immediately paid dividends as their professional and calming influence allowed us to run our business without disruption and to focus on our family, employees, and customers.”

The Aust Group represented Empire Pest Control on the transaction, which closed Nov. 8, 2023. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Law Offices of Mark H. Ruff, P.A., represented Empire Pest Control as legal counsel.

About The Aust Group

The Aust Group is a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for pest control and service related businesses that have a recurring business model. A former pest management professional himself, Founder Stuart Aust and his team guide companies that range in size from small businesses to lower-middle market through the transaction process, and help facilitate successful transactions between buyer and seller. The Aust Group also offers consulting and mentorship packages to help business owners and shareholders improve performance and prepare for an eventual sale of their business.

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Sacramento CA

FMC: Scion Insecticide with UVX Technology

IMAGE: FMC

FMC’s Scion insecticide with trademarked UVX technology is the perimeter control product pest management professionals (PMPs) can count on. It is engineered with the active ingredient gamma-cyhalothrin to effectively control tough insect and arachnid pests with a formulation that maintains continuous residual for up to 90 days, even when faced with harsh surfaces, high temperatures and intense sunlight.

This product is particularly beneficial for managing biting pest populations in areas where people tend to spend a lot of time outside. Not only are mosquito and tick bites a nuisance, they can be a major health hazard, spreading illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Defending against these dangerous pests requires a product that can deliver both efficacy and efficiency in any environment, a product like Scion.

In addition to providing an industry-leading shield against mosquitoes and ticks, the company says, Scion is designed to save PMPs both money and time. The residual from a single treatment means longer protection and fewer applications, limiting callbacks and saving on the labor and time costs required for each job site.

FMC is so confident that Scion will deliver on all these promises that it offers 75-day assurance programs for both mosquito and tick control. Any FMC True Champions member who uses this product at the listed application rate to control these pests in an exterior perimeter is guaranteed no retreatments within that 75-day window. If a retreatment is required, FMC will supply the quantity of product needed for the service at no additional cost to the PMP.

GSS.FMC.com

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Sacramento CA

Pest Control Insulation: The Attic Power Box

IMAGE: PEST CONTROL INSULATION

From the makers of TAP Pest Control Insulation comes the Attic Power Box — the ultimate power solution for powering your insulation blowers while working in a residential attic. The box can be plugged in to a dryer or range outlet and adds 48 amps at 120 volts. Don’t worry about finding power or lugging around a bulky generator ever again! The Attic Power Box Package includes a 30-amp power distribution center; a three-wire old dryer adapter; a four-wire new dryer adapter; a three-wire old range adapter; a four-wire new range adapter; a 25-foot, heavy-gauge extension cord; a rolling pack bag; and a three-year warranty.

About Pest Control Insulation

Thermal Acoustical Pest Control (TAP) Insulation was created in 2001 by industry visionaries as the ideal fusion of two value propositions important to homeowners: pest control and energy-efficient insulation. Based on environmentally responsible cellulose insulation, this premium insulation product would save consumers money through superior energy efficiency and help protect their home against a myriad of common pests, including ants, cockroaches and termites.

While energy costs were skyrocketing for consumers, pest management companies were losing employees in the fall and winter due to the seasonality of the industry. Seemingly unrelated, the new TAP Pest Control Insulation represented a major opportunity for household energy efficiency at the consumer level and valued employee retention for pest management companies.

The result would be the “greenest of the green” — an insulation made up of almost 90 percent recycled paper, that would also eliminate pests from gaining access to homes through attics, crawlspaces and wall voids.

TAPInsulation.com/product/attic-power-box

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Sacramento CA

The Experience Convention & Trade Show’s Rich History and Future Trajectory

We bring you episode 2 of Trade Talks: Unlocking The Experience with special guest industry veteran Barry Costa!

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Where to place glue boards

Ed Dolshun

As professionals, we must always be able to answer the question: Why did we place that piece of equipment where we did?

It is important that PMPs do not fall into the “trap” of placing glue boards — or any other piece of equipment, for that matter — based on a formula or recommendations centered solely on square footage. It is critical to remember that each situation needs to be evaluated individually. This includes multi-family dwellings and apartment buildings that have virtually identical footprints. Every account has a unique set of circumstances that are allowing pests to thrive.

Glue boards are designed as “blunder” traps that intercept rodents as they quickly scurry from one point of security to the next. Glue boards or trays should be placed in known or potential rodent runways, where they act as interceptors as rodents quickly navigate through open and exposed areas. When rodents move quickly from point A to point B, they tend to let their guard down. Generally, they move across open spaces in a more erect posture, with their super-sensitive vibrissae (whiskers) and guard hairs held back and close to their bodies. It is during these times that rodents are most vulnerable.

As a rodent approaches an impediment in its path or a potential food source, it slows and shifts its focus forward — bringing sight, smell, hearing and, most importantly, touch into play. Posture becomes closer to the ground. Guard hairs and vibrissae flare out and begin to sense the surroundings. Each set of vibrissae are like individual hands responsible for “feeling out” the environment. This trait is exactly why we never place glue boards in corners or place bait on glue boards when targeting rodents.

Glue boards have proven to be indispensable IPM tools that are readily available, effective and affordable. When used properly, they not only capture the intended offenders, but act as effective containment devices that help minimize the spread of potentially harmful pathogens and ectoparasites.

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Sacramento CA

Thorough approach to rodent control

Dr. Chris Keefer

Effective rodent control requires a thorough approach. Follow these steps to help ensure success:

• Conduct thorough inspections. Make diagrams, take pictures, document conducive conditions and use technology such as a thermal imaging camera.
• Based on your inspection results, place control devices (snap traps, bait stations, multi-catch traps, glue boards, etc.) where rodents tend to move and harbor.
• Consider placing control devices in corners that have shadows, areas that offer protection, rooms that are less frequented by humans, and around clutter.
• Be able to identify the feces of common rodents in your region to aid in identification (such as house mice, roof rats and Norway rats).
• Determine the type of food rodents are feeding on within the account and use that as a lure; if unsuccessful, try the opposite instead — a sugar vs.
  a protein, for example.
• Ensure you have an uninterrupted supply of bait, as it can sometimes take weeks for rodents to start feeding on bait again if their supply is interrupted.
• Communicate with your clients. Be up front and direct, explain processes in detail, and use pictures along with written and verbal communication.

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Sacramento CA

Education and Contents Restoration

We chat with Tim Fagan, President of Blue Kangaroo Packouts, on all things contents restoration. 

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Kness Pest Defense: Big Snap-E and Big Snap-E Cover

IMAGE: KNESS PEST DEFENSE

The Kness Big Snap-E, in tandem with the Big Snap-E Cover, forms a comprehensive solution for trapping rats and other medium-sized pests with practical features. The Big Snap-E, constructed from durable materials, involves a powerful spring mechanism for swift and effective rodent capture. Its design allows for repeated use and includes a large bait pedal for enhanced trapping accuracy.

The Big Snap-E Cover, a protective accessory, complements the trap with a resilient plastic construction that resists stains and odors commonly associated with traditional wooden traps. This dynamic duo offers pest management professionals an efficient and hygienic approach to pest control, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance in diverse environments.

About Kness Pest Defense

Per company history, the Ketch-All was invented by a young, widowed father of six, Austin Enos “Brick” Kness, in 1924. Mice were prevalent at the high school in which Kness was a custodian, “and led him to the idea of the ‘box’ trap. He built the first trap from a square oilcan, a Tuxedo Tobacco can, a spring from a curtain rod, and the wood base of a crate. The first night he set his trap, he captured five mice.

“He was elated and showed the teachers and his friends. He was encouraged to build others for his friends and to seek a patent. By 1927, Kness Mfg. Co. was formed to produce the KetchAll Automatic Mousetrap and another of Kness’ inventions, the RotoBow tree saw.”

Based in Albia, Iowa, Kness Pest Defense will celebrate 100 years of business in 2024.

Kness.com

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Sacramento CA

EPA updates RUP certification rule

Diane Sofranec

Pest management professionals (PMPs) who use restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) will be held to higher safety standards in an effort to protect themselves, the public and the environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says.

Federal law and regulations require those who use or supervise the use of RUPs to be certified applicators. State, territorial and tribal authorities can certify applicators. PMPs must be certified in each state, territory and area of Indian country where they apply RUPs.

Background on ruling

The EPA updated the Certification of Pesticide Applicators (CPA) rule on Jan. 4, 2017, and required authorities who certify RUP applicators to submit to the EPA for approval revised plans that would strengthen safety. In 2022, the EPA extended the existing plans’ expiration date to Nov. 4, 2023. On Nov. 3, 2023, the EPA announced the final approval of 67 updated safety plans for certifying RUP applicators.

Since 2020, the EPA says it has been working with certifying authorities from all 50 states as well as five territories, six federal agencies, six tribes, and the District of Columbia to modify the plans, which are designed to protect the environment and human health. This includes the health of certified pesticide applicators and those under their direct supervision and ensures certified pesticide applicators are trained to prevent pesticide exposure.

Each safety plan (see “Approved safety plans,” at right) will have an implementation schedule agreed to by the EPA and the state, tribe, territory or federal agency administering the safety plan to give them and applicators time to comply with the new requirements.

Applicator certification standards

The CPA rule requires PMPs show practical knowledge of core pesticide use and safety, and at least one specific category, such as structural, of application.

When it comes to core pesticide use and safety, PMPs must show practical knowledge of:

• Pesticide label and labeling comprehension.
• Safety, including pesticide hazards, first aid, personal protective equipment and emergency response.
• Pesticides in the environment.
• Pest identification and management.
• Pesticide formulations.
• Pesticide application equipment and application techniques.
• Laws and regulations.

Many states and territories offer a Pesticide Safety Education Program that provides training and study materials. The EPA maintains a list; for more information, visit EPA.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/pesticide-safety-education-programs-0.

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Approved safety plans

Revisions to the CPA rule aim to ensure RUPs are used safely and applied correctly. The revised rule stipulates:

• Applicators must demonstrate they are competent to use RUPs by completing training programs and/or passing a written exam. Competency standards now include more specific information on pesticide application and safe use.
• Certification is now required for aerial, fumigation and predator control RUPs.
• Applicators and noncertified applicators under a certified applicator’s direct supervision must be at least 18 years old to apply RUPs. There is a limited age exemption of 16 years old for some uses of RUPs on family farms by noncertified applicators, under the direct supervision of a certified applicator who is an immediate family member.
• Those applying RUPs under the direct supervision of a certified applicator must receive safety training in a manner they can understand. Applicators must verify training records for those working under their direct supervision before applying RUPs.
• Recertification programs must ensure applicators continue to maintain competency.
• Certifications are now valid for a maximum of five years; previously, there was no federal limit.
• Dealers of RUPs must maintain sales records.
• Certification exams must be proctored. Only approved materials may be used during exams.
• Candidates for certification by exam and training, and candidates for recertification by exam must present government-issued identification or a state-established equivalent.

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Sacramento CA

How to Properly Bill for Fire Restoration

Annissa gives us knowledge on how to properly bill for fire restoration services.

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Wonder Makers Environmental is Getting New Ownership

Michael and Susan Pinto, the founders of Wonder Makers Environmental have sold the organization.

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Neogen: SureKill Gel Bait Pro Applicator

IMAGE: NEOGEN

Designed for comfort and efficiency, the new SureKill Gel Bait Pro Applicator features an exclusive thumb-driven design, intended to reduce hand strain from repeated use. Compatible with SureKill gel baits and most industry syringes, the applicator’s adjustable dial offers five settings for optimal gel output, ensuring consistent and controlled applications. Crafted with industry-grade plastic and steel, this lightweight yet durable tool allows users to effortlessly target hard-to-reach areas while minimizing bait waste and innovating baiting protocols.

About Neogen

Neogen provides a comprehensive range of solutions and services for the food processing, animal protein and agriculture industries, not only helping to protect the world’s food supply, but helping to enable its customers to produce more efficiently and effectively.

Back in 1982, per a history that appears on the Neogen website, scientific innovations blossoming out of Michigan State University needed an avenue to reach the people who could use them to better the world — solutions searching for problems. The university reached out to the men who would become Neogen’s founders, Ted Doan and James Herbert, and soon after, the company was born. What started as a small team that held organization-wide meetings in a single hallway in Lansing, Mich., expanded into new industries and new states, soon reaching across one ocean, then another. Neogen became a publicly traded company in 1989. Today, it has teams stationed in 12 countries and a sales presence in more than 140.

Now through Dec. 31, 2023, take advantage of rebates on your favorite Neogen products like SureKill aerosols, gel baits, rodenticides, and liquid concentrates, including newly launched SureKill Evolve SC.  Additionally, take advantage of the SureKill+ Multiplier and get 2x rebate dollars on select program categories. Visit Neogen’s enrollment page for complete terms and conditions.

NeogenProfessionalPest.com

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Sacramento CA

Syngenta: 2024 PestPartners 365 Program

IMAGE: SYNGENTA

Syngenta’s PestPartners 365 Program is back for 2024 with even greater opportunities for yearlong savings. By participating in the only rebate program that applies to a full portfolio of products throughout the year, pest management professionals (PMPs) can save on the quality products they need ― and be a hero to customers by providing a life uninterrupted by pests.

It’s easy to become a PestPartners 365 Program member. PMPs simply need to generate at least $200 in base rebates by purchasing any combination of Syngenta products during the qualification period from Oct. 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.

PestPartners 365 Program members can enjoy the following benefits:

• Yearlong savings on the full portfolio of Syngenta pest control products, including the new 1-quart bottle of Demand CS insecticide
• Syngenta’s trademarked SummerPay terms, which allow deferred payment on select products through June 20, 2024
• Access to the rebate status tool, which displays estimated rebates, current rebate level and membership history

PestPartners 365 Program members and nonmembers alike can also access free digital tools, such as:

• The PestPartners 365 rebate calculator, which can help PMPs quickly identify and maximize their potential savings
• The new callback calculator, which can help PMPs compare retreatment costs
• The new mixing calculator, which simplifies the tank-mixing process

Join the conversation with Syngenta Pest on LinkedIn, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), using the hashtag #PestPartners365.

About Syngenta PPM

Based in Greensboro, N.C., the U.S. Syngenta Professional Pest Management division is part of Syngenta Group, a worldwide manufacturer headquartered in Switzerland. Among its many initiatives, Syngenta actively partners with conservation groups around the world to maintain natural environments and eradicate pests that threaten native species. As a developer of innovative pest control products, Syngenta works with conservationists to provide solutions to aid wildlife recovery efforts that help communities boost nature-based tourism and fuel economic growth.

PestPartners365.com

The post Syngenta: 2024 PestPartners 365 Program first appeared on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/11/syngenta-2023-pestpartners-365-program/
Sacramento CA

Understanding mice behavior

Andrew Fisher, BCE, PHE

Mice possess a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to better navigate their surroundings and detect potential threats. In specific scenarios, mice display avoidance behaviors toward certain scents, such as the pheromones left behind by other rodents. Thus, when a facility is inhabited by both mice and rats, it can make controlling mice more challenging.

For instance, if a rat passes through a bait station and leaves pheromones behind, mice may instinctively avoid that particular station. Understanding this behavior and implementing appropriate strategies can help overcome scent-related aversions and enhance the effectiveness of bait stations. It is important to remember to thoroughly clean the area, introduce alternative scents, relocate the bait, and adapt baiting strategies to effectively treat areas with competing rodent populations.

The post Understanding mice behavior first appeared on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/11/understanding-mice-behavior/
Sacramento CA

Pest Posse TV announces December programming

The content The Pest Posse is offering in December is in line with its mission to be “a trusted resource for training and information pest management professionals (PMPs) need to sharpen their skills and gain knowledge.”

In December, The Pest Posse will be releasing the following new content on The Pest Posse TV:

Dec. 11: Terminating an employee is no easy task and if done incorrectly could lead to some serious legal issues. This episode will have guest Maria Berta, human relations consultant at Berta Consulting Group, back in the house to discuss with The Pest Posse co-owner Foster Brusca the best practices for terminating an employee.

Dec. 18: This episode has the owner of Olympia Pest Management and the executive director of the Washington State Pest Management Association, Samantha Malone, discussing what has helped her be successful in the pest control industry — as well as what has worked for growing her business.

Dec. 25: Spend Christmas with Brusca and The Pest Posse Culley Christensen as they unbox several J.T. Eaton products that were sent to them by Dale Baker, president of the Twinsburg, Ohio-based industry product manufacturer.

In addition, new “Today’s PMP” episodes will air Dec. 14 and Dec. 28. Created in partnership with PMP magazine, The Pest Posse series checks in with PMP Senior Editor Diane Sofranec on the latest developments in the pest control industry, and takes a sneak peek at what will be inside the latest issue.

Pest Posse TV is accessible on The Pest Posse website and features new weekly video content — tips, techniques, product reviews, training and pest control-related industry updates — to viewers who sign up for free.

About The Pest Posse

The Pest Posse is based in San Jose, Calif., and provides a continuing online and in-person training solution, as well as consulting options, to PMPs. It strives to be a trusted independent resource for video-based training and information for the professional pest control industry. Its mission is to provide PMPs and other small to medium size business owners with the information and training needed to grow their skills, knowledge, and business in the pest control industry.

The post Pest Posse TV announces December programming first appeared on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/12/08/pest-posse-tv-announces-december-programming-2/
Sacramento CA