Thursday, February 29, 2024

IN MEMORIAM: Bill Blasingame Sr.

William Blasingame Sr.

William Blasingame Sr. See his PMP Hall of Fame biography video online at Youtu.be/uXXXFHWgsHs

The Georgia Pest Management Association reports that Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer William Blasingame (Class of 2011) passed away Feb. 24. He was 99 years old, and was also one of the “90 top industry differencemakers” in the magazine’s 90th anniversary issue. Per the association’s release:

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Bill graduated from The University of Georgia in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in entomology. Since graduation, he has been continuously associated with the pest control industry in three different capacities – a regulatory official, a member of the industry, and as a consultant and teacher in the pest control industry.

Immediately after graduation in 1950, Bill began working with the Georgia Department of Entomology as Assistant State Entomologist. He was appointed State Entomologist in 1955 and served in that capacity until 1964, when he resigned to join Getz Services.

Bill worked with Getz as vice president and technical director until 1974. That year, he became director of Stephenson Services, a division of Stephenson Chemical Co.

The Georgia Structural Pest Control Act was passed in 1955 and Bill served as the first chairman of the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission. He served on the Commission until he left state service in 1964. As director of the Entomology Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, he was also responsible for the enforcement of this law.

He was one of the organizers of the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials and served one term as chairman.

Bill has served as president or chairman of the following professional organizations: 

  • National Pest Management Association
  • Georgia Pest Control Association
  • Georgia Entomological Society
  • Georgia Council of Entomology
  • Georgia Plant Pathology Association
  • Southern Plant Board
  • Pi Chi Omega

In place of flowers, memorials may be made online to the “Entomology Student Support Fund”  and indicate the gift is “in memory of Bill Blasingame, Sr.”  Gifts may also be made payable to the University of Georgia Foundation (reference “in memory of Bill Blasingame, Sr.” in the memo line) and mailed to:

UGA CAES Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Four Towers

Athens, GA 30602

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/29/in-memoriam-bill-blasingame-sr/
Sacramento CA

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Bentz Jaz USA hires 2 employees

Patrick Callahan

Patrick Callahan

Bentz Jaz USA recently hired Patrick Callahan, of Hugh Kendoit Emporium, and Kelly Brownlee, of KBI Marketing, to its team.

Callahan, who has been in the pest control industry for 25 years, will serve as the representative for the Bentz Jaz product line at various trade shows nationwide, while Brownlee will leverage her seven years of marketing experience to enhance awareness of the company and its innovative products.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Pat and Kelly join our team,” David Johnson, partner of Bentz Jaz USA., said in the news release. “Their expertise will enable us to showcase our products to a wider audience of pest control professionals, with the aim of introducing groundbreaking solutions like the FLYght Duo Fly Trap to our industry.”

About Bentz Jaz USA

Bentz Jaz USA is a partnership between industry veterans dedicated to providing cutting-edge global product distribution and development, with a focus on introducing innovative solutions to the U.S. pest control market.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/28/bentz-jaz-usa-hires-2-employees/
Sacramento CA

BASF: PT Alpine Pressurized Fly Bait

IMAGE: BASF

IMAGE: BASF

Make fast work of flies in almost any setting: Ready-to-use PT Alpine Pressurized Fly Bait is considered to be the only pressurized fly bait aerosol available in the market. With no mixing or water and no additional spray equipment needed, the right percentage of concentrate is always applied with no waste. It’s ultraviolet light (UV) stable, non-repellent and undetectable to flies. Is is also versatile: Use PT Alpine Pressurized Fly bait as a spot, band or area application – or as a removable bait placement – for residential accounts, tough commercial accounts and venues that host events. With proven residual activity of 30 days on non-porous surfaces, PT Alpine Pressurized Fly Bait is fast and effective, and can be used to complement other existing fly control methods.

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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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/28/basf-pest-control-solutions-pt-alpine-pressurized-fly-bait/
Sacramento CA

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

FMC: Transport Mikron Insecticide

IMAGE: FMC

IMAGE: FMC

Non-repellent Transport Mikron insecticide provides fast-acting, long-lasting control of bed bugs, ants, crickets and more than 30 other pests, including pyrethroid-resistant insects — especially in food-handling and commercial kitchen facilities. The exclusive microemulsion formulation features a particle size that is designed to be 100 times smaller than other emulsifiable products for multiple application advantages, including better insect penetration and a crystal-clear spray that leaves no visible residue. Formulated with a powerful combination of two active ingredients: bifenthrin, the same trusted active ingredient found in Talstar insecticide, and acetamiprid, for enhanced speed of kill. This one-two punch delivers lightning-fast control and enduring residual protection to even your toughest pest control accounts.

About FMC True Champions

The FMC True Champions program is a source for pest management professionals to access valuable Product Rewards and Product Assurances. It also has a third pillar that supports industry initiatives and associations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and PestVets. This depth of industry commitment by FMC includes increased investments in these causes and, to support those efforts, annual contributions are set aside based on annual purchases.

FMCTrueChampions.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/27/fmc-professional-solutions-4/
Sacramento CA

Monday, February 26, 2024

Pest Posse TV launches Road to Success Giveaway

IMAGE: THE PEST POSSE

IMAGE: THE PEST POSSE

Pest Posse TV recently launched the Pest Posse TV Road to Success Giveaway, designed to reward its members while helping them expand its community.

The giveaway officially kicks off on March 5, 2024, but members can start submitting entries today. Entries submitted between now and March 5, 2024, will be doubled, giving entrants even more chances to win.

The Pest Posse TV Road to Success Giveaway centers around one key element: new member referrals.

“By spreading the word about Pest Posse TV Succeed membership and bringing new members into our fold, you not only contribute to our community’s growth but also increase your chances of winning fantastic cash prizes,” the news release explains. “Here’s how it works: For every new member you refer, you earn entries into the giveaway. The more members you refer, the more chances you have to win. The Pest Posse’s ultimate goal is to reach 1,000 new members, a milestone that will pave the way for the launch of its highly anticipated iOS and Android apps.”

Check out The Pest Posse website for full details on how to participate, prize breakdowns and additional information.

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 pest management professionals (PMPs). It strives to be a trusted independent resource for video-based training and information for the professional pest control industry. Twice a month, The Pest Posse teams with Pest Management Professional Senior Editor Diane Sofranec to bring the video podcast PMP Today, for the latest discussions of industry issues.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/26/pest-posse-tv-launches-road-to-success-giveaway/
Sacramento CA

Stouffer Technologies: SCI-354 Kritter Cap

KritterCap SCI-354

IMAGE: STOUFFER TECHNOLOGIES

Made in the USA, Kritter Caps are designed to fit inside the corner posts of a vinyl-sided structure to stop mice, rats, snakes, bees, wasps, hornets and other pests from entering through an open corner post. The SCI-354 combination Kritter Cap is universal, and can be used on 2.75-, 3-, 3.5- and 4-inch corner posts. It is easily sized by snipping or breaking off sections with side cutters or pliers. The base filler tabs are used for filling voids where the plywood sheathing or insulation under the siding doesn’t come to a square corner, and can be removed if not needed. Other features include:

  • Simple installation without screws or glue
  • Completely hidden once installed
  • Glass composite formula deters chewing
  • Bulk packages available in quantities of 50 and 100

In addition, with energy costs skyrocketing, it only makes good sense for your customers to prevent as much heat loss in their homes and businesses as possible. Installing the Kritter Cap will not only keep them warmer during the long, cold winter months but will also help them save money on utility bills.

KritterCaps.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/26/krittercaps-sci-354/
Sacramento CA

Friday, February 23, 2024

Insects Limited: All Beetle AA Carpet Beetle Kit

IMAGE: INSECTS LIMITED

IMAGE: INSECTS LIMITED

Working closely with the pest control industry, Insects Limited recognized pest management professionals (PMPs) needed a device that could fit in areas suspected of insect infestation without taking any space. The All Beetle AA Carpet Beetle Kit (IL-2110) includes complete All Beetle traps, dermestid attractant lures, the company’s trademarked pheromone Bullet Lures for varied carpet beetles (Anthrenus verbasci) and black carpet beetles (Attagenus unicolor), as well as a glue board specifically designed to fit the All Beetle trap removable tray.

The dermestid attractant is a custom attractant lure for all types of dermestid beetle larvae and adults, including not only the carpet beetles listed above but also:

  • warehouse beetles (Trogoderma variabile)
  • odd beetles (Thylodrias contractus)
  • hide beetles (Dermestes maculatus)
  • larder beetles (Dermestes lardarius)

These lures are comprised of a combination of multiple food attractants that have been tested both in the laboratory and in the field on dermestid beetle larvae and adults.

These lures that will attract a multitude of species will remain attractive for 12 months. The larval stages as well as adult male and female carpet beetles are attracted to the lure, and are readily stuck in the glue for monitoring purposes when paired with an appropriate trapping system.

All these features come together to create an effective monitor for the presence of dermestid insects. The All Beetle trap has a clear view lid for easy inspection, a sturdy polypropylene base, and a replaceable tray that snaps in from below. This low-profile trap slides easily beneath equipment or fits nicely into corners or along walls.

InsectsLimited.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/23/insects-limited-all-beetle-aa-carpet-beetle-kit/
Sacramento CA

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Run Your Business: Put the work in

Photo: Pavel1964/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Photo: Pavel1964/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

One of the things I love about running is that nothing comes easy. You have to earn everything.

You have to earn every step you make. You want to run long distances? You must train and gradually build distance. You want to run faster? It’s the same thing; you have to work really hard to push your body out of its comfort zone.

It’s funny. So many non-runners think this is easy. If you can already run a 5K, how hard can it be to run a 10K? They have no idea how hard you must work to reach new plateaus. Many also have no idea how many weeks or months they must train, even if they are only running a short distance. Somehow, everyone expects instant success regardless of how little they put into it.

In nearly every race I’ve run, I’ve seen so many runners dropping out throughout the course.

Nearly every one of them admitted they didn’t train properly. They assumed a couple of good training runs were enough to get them across the finish line.

The olympic track star, Olympian Usain Bolt has a great quote on this: “I trained four years to run nine seconds, and people give up when they don’t see results in two months.”

If you want to succeed, you have to work for it, and you certainly cannot expect instant results. It’s not just with running. I’ve seen the same attitudes and expectations with our workforce.

Recently, a new technician reached out and asked to speak with me. We sat down and he expressed his desires to grow into sales and our management team. I love this attitude and let him know how excited I was to hear this. Not only does it show passion and drive, but it is amazing to see a young person looking into the future and seeing a long-term career with our company.

Or so I thought.

I really thought he was talking about his long-term goals. What he was really saying was that right now he was ready to move into sales and our management team. At this point, he had been with our company for two weeks. Two weeks!

I asked him, with all seriousness, what made him feel he was ready to move into sales and management. While I appreciate his confidence, his answer was absolutely shocking.

He said that he had nothing new to learn. In his time working with us (Again…two weeks!), he was able to service every one of our different groups of customers. In just two weeks, he serviced everything from individual apartments, single-family homes, apartment buildings and hotels. He was very proud that since none of them complained, he obviously knew everything he needed to know on how to service them and was ready to move up the ladder.

Not too surprisingly, that technician is no longer with us. He was not willing to take the time to learn his craft and gradually rise up through the ranks. Worse, he was convinced that he really did know it all. Like so many runners, he thought one good training run was all he needed to finish the race. Shortly after that conversation, he left us, seeing different opportunities.

I’ve always felt you had to work for everything you wanted. Put in the hard work, then you can reap the rewards. It is something so simple, yet something I find so rewarding. If it was easy, I always felt, everyone would do it.

Set your goals. It may be running that big race or attaining a new position. Put the work in. Work on it every day, and you will get there!

Have a great run!

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/22/run-your-business-put-the-work-in/
Sacramento CA

Celebrate Termite Awareness Week, National Pesticide Safety Education Month

LOGO: PPMAThe Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) is calling on the pest control industry to educate homeowners about termites during Termite Awareness Week, taking place March 3-9, 2024.

Recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events, this annual event highlights the threat posed by termites, advises homeowners on the best ways to prevent an infestation and encourages them to work with a pest control professional.

“Our industry knows just how destructive termites can be, but most homeowners are not always aware of the extent of their threat,” said PPMA Executive Director Dr. Jim Fredericks. “When adjusted for inflation, the estimated annual cost of termite damage in the U.S. is approximately $6.8 billion. We need industry partners to help drive home this message, underscoring the importance of working with a pest control professional as termite control is not a do-it-yourself task.”

Companies can participate by utilizing #TermiteAwarenessWeek in social media posts or by resharing PestWorld social posts. PPMA also created a marketing toolkit exclusive to Mainframe subscribers on PPMAMainframe.org. The toolkit contains valuable materials, including a customizable press release, social media content, logos and headers, infographics and high-resolution photography and video assets.

National Pesticide Safety Education Month

National Pesticide Safety Education MonthFebruary marks the seventh annual National Pesticide Safety Education Month.

The purpose of National Pesticide Safety Education Month is to reinforce principles of safe pesticide and raise awareness of and support for the land-grant university Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs).

There are many opportunities to participate and promote safe pesticide use. 

  • Download the logo and use it with your February pesticide safety education efforts.
  • Publicize the month using the trifold brochure or flyer. Click on the desired version and print “two-sided/flip on short edge” or post the flyer on your website. Fold the trifold twice, so the logo is on the front and the orange panel is on the back.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/22/celebrate-termite-awareness-week-national-pesticide-safety-education-month/
Sacramento CA

Pest Control Insulation: TAP Hatchmaster

Hatchmaster 2018

PHOTO: PEST CONTROL INSULATION

The versatile, lightweight and durable Hatchmaster Attic Entrance Cover is a must for every TAP Pest Control Insulation job. Did you know that an uninsulated 5-square-foot attic access loses an R-10 on the entire attic? The Hatchmaster is a great solution during the installation to keep the home free from dust and complete the insulation job by covering up the attic entrance. It also reduces heat loss and allows easy access to the attic year-round, with easy-to-zip access. The Hatchmaster Attic Entrance Cover installs with a staple gun in less than five minutes. Get free standard ground shipping on full case orders. Features include:

  • Made of 5/16-inch double bubble reflective insulation
  • Features an R-value of 15.2
  • Case Quantity = 4 or 8 Hatchmaster Attic Stairway Covers
  • Available in a variety of sizes to fit any folding stairway

 About Pest Control Insulation

Pest Control Insulation (PCI) is a Lula, Ga.-based distribution company focused on blended, customized insulation products, accessories and equipment for sale to the pest control industry. As the manufacturer of TAP insulation, PCI’s national customer base includes some of the largest pest control services companies in the country. In 2023, PCI generated approximately $24 million of revenue.

TAPinsulation.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/22/pest-control-insulation-tap-hatchmaster/
Sacramento CA

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

UF/IFAS unveils termite risk with interactive distribution map

SCREENSHOT: UF/IFAS

SCREENSHOT: UF/IFAS

Just in time for Termite Awareness Week on March 3-9, 2024, scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have developed ways to show termite infestation risk in the Sunshine State with an online interactive termite distribution map.

This tool helps residents, property owners and pest management professionals (PMPs) know risks of infestations and how to limit that risk through proactive science-based approaches.

“We are entering a new norm in terms of potential termite damage because the termite problem is changing in Florida,” said Dr. Thomas Chouvenc, an associate professor of urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. Dr. Chouvenc specializes in termite biology and pest control. “Florida’s year-round, warm climate has allowed several invasive termite species to thrive and cause structural damage to our homes and property, while some species are now having a concerning impact on our urban tree canopy.”

Florida is host to 20 termite species, although not all of them pose a threat. Certain invasive termite species specifically impact specific regions in the state. That is why it is critical for Florida PMPs to stay informed about these species, and know how to properly find and fight them.

Through the accumulation of more than 6,500 termite samples over the years, the map provides instant access to a general location where each termite species is known to be established. This gives Florida residents, pest control companies and UF/IFAS Extension agents a way to determine the termite risk at any given location within the state. A companion resource to the online termite distribution map and Extension Ask IFAS document provides detailed information on termite prevention and control.

“While termites are often noticed during their swarming activity, colonies are actually always active and it is important to be proactive year-round in Florida to reduce the potential for damage to your home and trees and save money in the long run,” said Dr. Chouvenc.

Dr. Chouvenc conducts research from his laboratory at the Fort Lauderdale REC. There he works with thousands of colonies of more than 25 million termites. At the same center is Dr. Rudolph Scheffrahn, professor and curator of the UF Termite Collection, which includes over 41,000 colony samples from around the world.

Together, they work to conduct termite research and provide resources to the pest control industry and the public. Particularly during spring, they come across and respond to an abundance of misinformation that rears its head throughout communities about the species and treatments.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/21/uf-ifas-unveils-termite-risk-with-interactive-distribution-map/
Sacramento CA

Aspire integrates with ServiceTitan Marketing Pro

AspireAspire Software, a ServiceTitan company and software provider for commercial landscaping businesses, integrated with ServiceTitan Marketing Pro.

With this all-in-one marketing automation tool, contractors can leverage customer data and boost their business with more calls, booked jobs and higher customer spend. This integration follows significant investments ServiceTitan has made into the Aspire platform, empowering more contractors in the landscape and commercial cleaning industries with the tools they need to be successful.

“In the competitive industries we serve, an effective marketing strategy is critical for contractors looking to amplify their presence and grow their business,” Mark Tipton, CEO of Aspire Software, said in the news release. “We’ve already seen the benefits Marketing Pro has brought ServiceTitan’s customers when it comes to more calls, booked jobs and higher customer spend. It’s time that contractors in the landscape and commercial cleaning industries also have access to this powerful, marketing automation solution that allows our customers to target audiences more effectively and efficiently.”

Marketing Pro empowers contractors to:

  • Leverage Aspire data to increase revenue – Target the right customer at the right time. Create specific audiences based on customer data like unsold estimates or expiring memberships.
  • Streamline initiatives – Manage and send email and direct mail campaigns from a centralized platform.
  • Maximize marketing budget – Optimize ad campaigns and get visibility into true ROI by tying campaign performance to actual jobs and revenue.

About Aspire Software

Chesterfield, Mo.-based Aspire Software, a ServiceTitan company, offers business management software for landscape, commercial cleaning, snow and ice, and construction companies. Aspire’s cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution is designed to help field service companies manage, create and execute against their business opportunities and challenges. Aspire is also meant to help contractors change the way they manage their business to enable them to provide better service, improve margins, and increase

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/21/aspire-integrates-with-servicetitan-marketing-pro/
Sacramento CA

Don’t let bed bugs mess with your head

Dr. Nina Jenkins

Dr. Nina Jenkins

Bed bugs mess with your clients’ heads. There is a broad spectrum of human reactions to bed bug infestations, from those who appear to be utterly oblivious to the problem to those whose response is to throw out all their furniture and scrub the house clean three times a day.

The oblivious clients tend to have the most extreme infestations. Still, the ones at the other end of the spectrum can cause even bigger headaches. Often, these clients have had several treatments from other companies and remain convinced the bed bugs are still present. Don’t get drawn into treating these accounts until you have verified live bed bug activity. Bites are insufficient evidence, and you will likely get continual callbacks because none of the products in your truck can treat delusory parasitosis! Set bed bug monitors and return two weeks later to determine whether treatment is required.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/21/dont-let-bed-bugs-mess-with-your-head/
Sacramento CA

Aprehend: Post-Treatment Door Hangers

IMAGE: APREHEND

IMAGE: APREHEND

Successful bed bug treatment requires client cooperation, both before treatment and after. This handy Aprehend post-treatment door hanger helps to set customer expectations and reduce callbacks. Fewer callbacks means more profit.

The “Keys to a Successful Treatment” door hanger is free to Aprehend professionals. Available in English, Spanish and French, it can be used as a post-treatment door hanger or a leave-behind,; it can also be used as a pre-treatment instructional tool. It details customer do’s and don’ts following your service, and helps to communicate behaviors they need to avoid for optimal success.

Most callbacks are attributed to client error. Often unknowingly, client behaviors counteract professional pest management treatments. For example, using over-the-counter sprays post-treatment, failing to regularly launder bedding, or not maintaining normal sleep routines. The door hanger illustrates easy and common suggestions for success. They’re especially helpful in multi-unit housing, long-term-care facilities, and hospitality (slide it under the door for anonymity, if necessary). There’s a space for the technician to indicate the re-entry time, assisting with documentation requirements.

ConidioTec offers other free perks for Aprehend professionals, too — enjoy homeowner referrals via the Aprehend Professional Locator map, Aprehend e-brochures customized with your logo and contact information, non-branded printed brochures, and more. ConidioTec also offers free live zoom training for your team, which can be customized to meet your needs. Or, watch the training series at your convenience on the Aprehend Channel on YouTube. Contact orders@conidiotec.com for more information.

About ConidioTec

ConidioTec is 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.

Aprehend.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/21/conidiotec-free-perk-for-aprehend-professionals/
Sacramento CA

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

What are you leaving behind?

PHOTO: DOUG FOSTER

Burt’s Termite & Pest Control’s in-house “stain board” helps technicians understand materials residue. PHOTO: DOUG FOSTER

You just left your last pest control account. Besides dead bugs and your service invoice, what did you leave behind? All too often, because of the product choice, we’ve left an unsightly visible residue or stain in our client’s home or business. Manufacturers have made huge improvements in products over the years, yet challenges still exist.

Just as your doctor should know the products he prescribes, we as pest management professionals (PMPs) should also know our products and how to use them most effectively. That’s how we gain respect and positive attention. If any trade lends itself to being a craftsman, pest control is it!

Solution for the solutions

Does it have an odor? Will it leave a strain or a streak, or mar the surface of the furniture? We came up with a test plot we creatively call the “stain board.” We use it to check products and what (if any) visible residue they leave on a dark surface such as furniture, exterior siding and yes, dare I say it, baseboards. It has helped us make better purchasing decisions and better choices when on-site.

The Impact of Water Quality on Pesticide Performance

The Impact of Water Quality on Pesticide Performance

The stain board, like most ideas, was born out of a problem. At least once or twice a year, we would get “the call” about a residue or spotting at someone’s house, business or rental property. The question is always the same: Is it safe and can we wash it off? We review our board each year during our Spring Training meeting, and several times throughout the year, especially when we introduce a new product into our arsenal. We want to give our technicians as much information as possible to make good product choices in the field. Remember, “a mistake repeated more than once is a decision.”

At the same time, the quality of water that you mix with your concentrate can also affect your control results. Research by Dr. Fred Whitford at Purdue University reveals how water chemistry impacts pesticide performance. His extension bulletin, “The Impact of Water Quality on Pesticide Performance (PPP-86)” should be read by every PMP and lawn care operator (LCO). It can be downloaded as a PDF at Extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ppp/ppp-86.pdf.

Other ‘leave-behinds’

While we’re on the topic of leave-behinds that don’t include marketing materials: Do you start your day with fresh product in your compressed air and backpack sprayer, or is it left over from yesterday or the weekend? How would you feel being served a salad from your favorite restaurant that has been sitting in the refrigerator for two days?

It’s imperative to know what you are leaving behind. Your professionalism and reputation depend on it.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/02/20/what-are-you-leaving-behind/
Sacramento CA

Avian Enterprises: Avian Fog Force TR Bird Repellent

Fog Force TR

PHOTO: AVIAN ENTERPRISES

Avian Fog Force TR offers pest management professionals an exclusive, timed-release aerosol bird repellent that is specifically designed for areas such as outdoor dining spaces, patios, swimming pools, workshops, storage sheds and other semi-enclosed areas. The active ingredient, methyl anthranilate (MA), is a proven and non-toxic repellent that, when coupled with its battery-operated time release dispenser, delivers an intermittent, invisible, vapor-like mist that provides at minimum 30 days of bird control with each canister if set at the most frequent mist setting. Registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Avian Fog Force TR is a bio-pesticide that controls unwanted birds by delivering a mist that irritates birds’ pain centers, teaching the birds to avoid the area after exposure. The timed release misting system can be programmed to operate only during the hours of bird activity, constantly reinforcing the repellent effect. One Avian Fog Force TR unit is able to control more than 35,000 cubic feet of space.

About Avian Enterprises

The Sylvan Lake, Mich.-based company was begun as a result of helping a client for its existing business. As its website explains:

In 2008, a Chicago area waste transfer station with a terrible bird problem called us at our affiliate company, Stone Soap Company, for help. The situation was so bad that employees had to wear raincoats and rain hats to protect themselves from bird droppings.

After many months of research and testing, we developed a revolutionary liquid bird repellent formula that, when sprayed or fogged, solved the bird problem. The birds were successfully driven away from the waste transfer station with no harm to the birds, the environment or the station personnel. We began to explore the potential for a repellent that would successfully repel birds without causing them harm. The formula was tested and refined and in 2009 we submitted Avian Control to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for registration. We received our registration in mid-2010.

AvianControl.com

 

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Sacramento CA