Seeking employee input leads to long-term success

Bobby Jenkins

As I write this, my company is in the middle of our annual Ownership Thinking meetings. We have been holding these company-wide meetings for the past 10 years, except during COVID-19.

In these meetings, we gather the team to work on two questions we believe are critical to our long-term success:

1. What can we do to make our service the best it can possibly be for our customers?
2. How we can make ABC a better place to work?

The idea is to get creative ideas and engage as many people on our team as possible. This has proven to be a great way to get people involved and energized about the company and the direction we are headed.

At ABC, we often talk about our passion to continue to improve and grow. Our core values are all built around growing — collectively and individually. One of our most common statements around here is: You are either growing, or you are dying.

Encouraging employee input

The process is straightforward: We meet in each branch at the end of the day and start with a nice BBQ or Fajita dinner. I attend and conduct each meeting along with VP Matt Burns. We ask everyone to sit at a table of six to seven folks and have one person be the scribe and be prepared to share the table’s ideas to the larger group.

We ask the first question about how we can make our service better for our customers. Each table brainstorms ideas for about 15 minutes, and then we ask each table to select their Top 2 or Top 3 ideas. We then go from table to table and hear and record their top ideas. After each table has presented, we have every individual vote for their Top 3 ideas from what they have heard.

We now do this electronically and can get the voting done in just a few minutes. Previously, each table would come up one by one and vote by making a mark next to their three favorite ideas.

After everyone has voted, we reveal the top ideas to the entire group. We then move to the second question about how we can make ABC a better place to work, and follow the same process.

At the Austin headquarters, we do it a bit differently. We don’t have a large enough facility to have everyone attend at one time, so we break up the meeting by service division. We have a pest management meeting, a mechanical meeting, a lawn management meeting, and a home improvement and office staff meeting.

This process takes a bit of time for us, as we will hold seven meetings over a three-week period. I refer to this as our Ownership Thinking Gauntlet. Each meeting lasts about two hours and is filled with energy and lots of creativity.

Implementing ideas

Once all the meetings are completed, we tabulate all the ideas and present them to the company in our monthly company meeting. We will present the top ideas broken down by branch and division. We will then show a compilation of the top ideas ranked by preference.

After we present it to the company, the management team gets to work. We evaluate all the ideas. While we tend to focus on the most popular, just because an idea isn’t in the Top 3 doesn’t mean we can’t implement it. Some ideas are simple and easy to accomplish, while others might take time and considerable resources.

I absolutely love this process, and the feedback we receive indicates that those who participate find it very valuable. This meeting is optional, and we generally have about 60 percent participation. I leave each meeting inspired and motivated to work hard to make our company better. I also believe this is a great process to promote and provide meaningful employee engagement and commitment.

Over the years, we have come up with some very meaningful and creative ideas that have made us — without question — a better company. I’m excited to see the new ideas from this year’s Ownership Thinking meetings!

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Sacramento CA

CSI: ‘Step into Spring’ program

IMAGE: CONTROL SOLUTIONS INC.

Step into Spring with Savings from CSI-Pest! Purchase qualifying sizes of Control Solutions Inc.’s (CSI’s) Cyzmic CS, Duraflex ZC, Fuse, Proflex and Tekko Pro between April 1, 2024, through May 31, 2024 and receive cash back.

To enter, visit CSI-promos.com and upload your purchases by June 14, 2024.

• To qualify, the participating end-user must earn a minimum rebate of $200.
• Rebates will be paid out via your choice of virtual or physical VISA card.
• This is an end-user promotion. Only purchases made by licensed professional applicators from authorized distributors may be used to qualify. Other sales and purchases do not qualify.

Distributors, dealers and retailers are not eligible. End-user purchases used to qualify for this promotion are not eligible for any other free goods, cash back or rebate programs.

About CSI

For more than 20 years, Control Solutions Inc. (CSI) has been a leader in the development of sustainable pest control formulations, with a wide array of active ingredients. According to its website, CSI is one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry. As one of the 40 subsidiaries that make up ADAMA, the fifth-largest agricultural chemical company in the world, CSI is able to not only offer a large selection of products, but also introduce such innovations as Combination Chemistry, Pressurized Solutions and Encapsulated Solutions.

The company can actually trace its roots to 1958, when President and CEO Mark Boyd’s father, Richard, purchased a small pest control company in Pasadena, Texas, and founded Ford’s Pest Control. By 1960, Richard Boyd launched Ford’s Chemical to formulate and sell pest control solutions to colleagues and the public. In 1976, he merged the two businesses into Ford’s Chemical and Service. Read more about the history in Pest Management Professional’s anniversary coverage in its July 2018 issue here.

CSI-promos.com

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Sacramento CA

Fighting silverfish in a hoarder’s home

So much had been accumulated in the home for more than a decade that it would be nearly impossible to gain control over pests with chemical treatment in its hoarded state. PHOTO: NATASHA WRIGHT

Pests are proficient at taking advantage of us, even when we think we’re being clean and tidy. In a hoarder’s home, the necessities of their “triangle of life” — food, water and shelter — are seemingly infinite. What lurks in those cluttered and undisturbed places? You have some guesses as to the pests that might inhabit a home of endless resources, as did I. I was surprised, but also not surprised, to find out for myself.

I recently had the opportunity to clean up a severely cluttered house. My first time there, I could barely open the front door to a 30-degree angle. The pathways through the home were narrow and consisted of trash compressed down to about 8 inches from the floor. Although there were pest issues, I was there to clean, not control. Still, pest control inevitably happened. In its state, this home was not a candidate for typical pest control efforts; no amount of chemical control could penetrate the dense and interwoven layers of debris.

The homeowner understood her hoarding was a problem, and she was willing to accept help. She let her 17-year-old son and me completely gut the house and throw away whatever we wanted — which was just about everything. We pulled out more than three tons of dilapidated furniture, color-faded clothing, petrified food, and garbage that was so far decayed I couldn’t even begin to guess what it might have been before.

So much had been accumulated in the home for more than a decade that it would be nearly impossible to gain control over pests with chemical treatment in its hoarded state. PHOTO: NATASHA WRIGHT

A haven for pests

This was a home with a decade’s worth of debris buildup and uninhibited pest activity:

• The couch had a palpable aura of ammonia from the deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) that were nesting in its cushions.
• The refrigerator, which was last opened six years prior, had a crusty layer of phorid flies (Phoridae) at the bottom.
• Cellar spiders (Pholcus spp.) took up residence in every single corner and in every single area slightly resembling a corner.
• Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile, or OHA) collected any exposed food and swarmed around the remains of other fallen pests.

The most remarkable pest of all, though, was what skittered among the vast heaps of outdated mail, snack wrappers, mismatched socks, disintegrating paper, used dental flossers, encrusted coins and cheap pens sporting the names of local businesses that no longer existed: the common silverfish (Lepisma saccharina).

The hardwood floor was hardly visible, lost to the ages under layers of rubbish. The browning waste was analogous to leaf litter decomposing on the forest floor. It was here in this moist microclimate that silverfish thrived and overpopulated all other pests in this home. Picking up a mere handful of floor-level debris would send hundreds of shiny, wriggling bodies into a frenzy of motion. Never have I seen so many silverfish in one place.

A bedroom in the house shown in its hoarded state. PHOTO: NATASHA WRIGHT

Dismantling Pest Valhalla

Over the course of roughly 10 days, her son and I discarded roughly 10 years’ worth of garbage. Silverfish kept retreating from the clean areas to the cluttered areas, until there were no more filthy places to hide. Very rarely, in pest control, do we get to see what cultural control can do all by itself. While I employed a bit of mechanical control for the deer mouse stragglers, very little chemical control was needed to take back ownership of this home from the pests.

In the end, the last holdouts of the pest population were cellar spiders and OHA. The silverfish were hit hardest by the loss of their damp and cellulose-rich habitat. OHA were brutal toward the end of the cleaning, but they succumbed after 60 grams of gel bait. This was the only chemical control that was necessary throughout the entire home.

I later pondered on the overabundance of silverfish and the underabundance of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica). My first thought was that the homeowner didn’t travel much, and she refused the company of her family and friends. The possibility existed that a cockroach may never have been introduced.

My second thought came much later, when I learned that the home is not consistently heated during the winter. Rather, heat is limited to a space heater and an electric blanket. I performed most of the cleaning during the late summer and fall, when heat was not necessary. Even if German cockroaches were present at some point in time, they would have struggled to survive during the colder months.

Would I have noticed any dead German cockroaches among the filth? Would the ants, silverfish, and carpet beetles have consumed their remains? It’s hard to know for sure, but there is one thing for certain: In this home, with its unique conditions and widely fluctuating temperatures, the common silverfish reigned.

 

A bedroom in the house shown in its cleaning state. PHOTO: NATASHA WRIGHT

 

A bedroom in the house shown in its cleaned-out state. Amazingly, no cockroaches! PHOTO: NATASHA WRIGHT

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Sacramento CA

Syngenta helps NPMA announce National Pest Management Month

IMAGE: NPMA

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) celebrates April as National Pest Management Month, emphasizing the critical role of pest management professionals (PMPs) in safeguarding public health, food and property.

This annual tradition recognizes not only the hard work of industry service professionals, but also customer service representatives, sales personnel, managers and more.

New this year to coincide with National Pest Management Month, NPMA has created a special webpage for the industry to celebrate the essential contributions of the pest management industry in protecting communities nationwide. Under the theme “Public Health Matters, Pest Management Counts,” NPMA will be providing tools to thank team members, colleagues and coworkers on a job well done.

This new recognition program is sponsored by Syngenta.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Syngenta for their invaluable partnership in helping us develop this great program,” Dominique Stumpf, CEO of NPMA, said in the news release. “Together, we reinforce the message that pest management is not just about eliminating nuisances; it’s about protecting public health, preserving food supplies, and safeguarding properties from damage.”

Throughout April, NPMA encourages PMPs to utilize the website resources, which includes e-cards for colleagues and staff, as well as sample graphics and copy for social media platforms. These resources serve to reinforce the critical role of pest management and highlight the industry’s dedication to ensuring healthier, safer communities.

“Our industry plays a vital role in promoting public health, keeping our families, friends, and communities protected from the threat of pests. Syngenta is excited to partner with NPMA on National Pest Management Month, when we come together to thank pest management professionals for the valuable work you do,” said Marshall Gaster, head of marketing for the Professional Pest Management division of Syngenta.

The National Pest Management Month resources will be available starting in April.

About the National Pest Management Association

The National Pest Management Association is a non-profit organization with more than 4,000 members. It was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food, and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. The association has had many notable leaders over the years, including Pest Management Professional Hall of Famers Bill Buettner (Class of 1998), Dr. Ralph Heal (Class of 2003), Dr. Phil Spear (Class of 2004), and Bob Rosenberg (Class of 2013), to name just a few.

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Sacramento CA

Lajaunie’s Pest Control hires director of operations

Jeremy Clark

Thibodaux, La.-based Lajaunie’s Pest Control recently hired Jeremy Clark as the new director of operations.

Clark brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to his new role.

An alumnus of Louisiana State University, Clark is the former owner and operator of Dugas Pest Control in Baton Rouge, La., and has been an influential figure in the pest control industry. Dugas was sold to Ja-Roy Pest Control, a Rentokil brand, in June 2023.

As the director of operations, Clark will oversee the day-to-day activities of the company’s pest control services, ensuring that our team continues to deliver the high-quality and effective solutions that clients expect from Lajaunie’s Pest Control.

He has actively contributed to various organizations, including the Louisiana Pest Management Association, showcasing his dedication to advancing the field and supporting his peers. His wife, Julie, is also involved in the National Pest Management Association, further exemplifying their shared passion for the pest management community.

“We are so excited to welcome Jeremy Clark to the Lajaunie’s family,” Jared Lajaunie, owner and CEO of Lajaunie’s Pest Control, said in the news release. “His lifetime of experience and knowledge in pest control, coupled with his leadership capabilities, make him an exceptional addition to our team. We look forward to the positive impact Jeremy will have on our operations and the invaluable contributions he will make toward achieving our mission of providing top-tier pest control services.”

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/03/28/lajaunies-pest-control-hires-director-of-operations/
Sacramento CA

Ensystex: Free Accuthor with qualified Bithor SC purchase

IMAGE: ENSYSTEX

From April 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2024, purchase 20 quarts of Bithor SC and receive a free Accuthor sprayer. Featuring the dual active ingredients of imidacloprid and bifenthrin, Bithor SC is labeled for more than 100 pests, indoors and out, including bed bugs, ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas, flies, ticks, yellowjackets, wasps and more. The Accuthor sprayer features a pressure relief valve to eliminate risk of chemical spray across the top of the tank. The stainless-steel unit also features a four-way crack-and-crevice tip with holster and a neoprene strainer for easy cleaning.

About Ensystex

Ensystex was founded in 1994 by pest control operators intent on changing the landscape of the professional pest control industry. Ensystex has the expertise to synthesize, source, formulate, manufacture, promote and distribute a wide range of products to pest management professionals. With products for termite and general pest control — as well as turf and ornamental — the company sells to thousands of pest and turf and ornamental management professionals around the world. Products include:

• Abathor
• Adjuthor
• Bithor
• Borathor
• Cane Catcher
• CleanRest Encasements
• Exterra
• Isophthor
• Maxxthor
• Prothor
• Rodenthor
• Vectothor
• Zythor

Ensystex is also an authorized distributor of the Nature-Cide line of products, which include:

• Nature-Cide All Purpose Concentrate
• Nature-Cide Pest Management X2
• Nature-Cide Insecticidal Dust

Free samples of Nature-Cide products are available upon request.

Shop.Ensystex.com

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Sacramento CA

WorkWave: PestPac Updates

WorkWave, a Holmdel, N.J.-based provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions that support every stage of a service business’s life cycle, has released  its newly modernized, industry-leading PestPac by WorkWave platform. This release is a full upgrade of PestPac’s core application, delivering a modern, intuitive user interface, combined with behind-the-scenes changes that allow PestPac to handle the entire footprint of any pest control provider in one instance, across all of North America, using scalable native cloud technology.  This release also lays the foundation for further workflow and efficiency improvements that will be spaced out across the coming months, delivering a new, elevated user experience, while allowing users to intuitively adapt to these changes.

This new release also provides customers with the ability to operate PestPac in multiple languages. This gives North American customers the ability to utilize PestPac in Canadian-English, with French-Canadian and Spanish coming shortly, and gives WorkWave the ability to bring its leading pest platform to the United Kingdom; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and the Asia–Pacific region, where it already has local offices operating.

“Customers are now seeing what looks and feels like an updated PestPac, but this release is significantly more,”  WorkWave CEO David Giannetto stated in a news release. “The new PestPac is a foundation for us to deliver the next generation of technology to our customers that will take user efficiency, productivity and scalability to a level that this industry has not previously seen.”

This new version of PestPac includes:

• Enhanced User Interactions: The introduction of a new look and feel that facilitates a more efficient user workflow and improved customer experience. Cards for location and billing information — along with redesigned buttons and icons — modernize the user experience, aligning it with the latest user interface standards.
• Streamlined Navigation and Workflow: Redesigned page details and advanced search screens, making them more intuitive and easier to navigate by increasing spacing and header sizes for a cleaner, decluttered appearance.
• Performance Improvements to Handle Large Datasets: True enterprise-level scalability, with the ability to have the entire data set of any pest or blended pest-green operator retained within one instance, with increased security, performance and reliability throughout the entire workday.
• Refreshed Appointment Scheduler: Recognizing the critical role of scheduling in our customers’ operations, the appointment scheduler has been revamped to include changes in color-driven workflows, intuitive layouts, and a new popup design for appointments that now offers a more organized, improved customer experience for schedulers.
• Updated Payment and Service Order Posting: The updated design helps users easily identify and select the correct options, reducing the risk of errors while delivering a more straightforward way to process payments and manage service orders.
• PCI & SOC Compliance: PestPac’s upgrades include full compliance with the industry’s top security and compliance standards.
• International Expansion: PestPac now has the capability to operate with multiple languages and financial reporting requirements, with Canadian-English now available, and French-Canadian and Spanish launching shortly.

This release also contains the foundation for future phases of PestPac’s modernization that will focus on creating more efficient user workflows, including:

• Artificial intelligence-driven intelligence
• Dual-side rail navigation
• Modernized displays and menus
• User-specific quick access
• Quick Search enhancements
• Efficient and streamlined navigation capabilities
• Flexible navigation toggle

WorkWave.com

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Sacramento CA

2024 season pest predictions, part I

Attendees of the 2024 PMP Growth Summit share what pests they see becoming a problem this year.

Learn more about the PMP Growth Summit and how to register for 2025.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/03/26/2024-season-pest-predictions-part-i/
Sacramento CA

Douglas Products hires business development manager

Cavan Bruederle

Douglas Products recently hired Cavan Bruederle as business development manager.

Bruederle spent over 14 years at Cardinal Professional Products, where he managed several territories along the West Coast. Within these territories, the focus is on the tree nut market, specifically almonds and walnuts. There, he distributed post-harvest fumigants, became the “go-to guy” for ProFume fumigant, completed product stewardship training for all fumigants and gained a rich understanding of pest control.

“I am thrilled to be joining a wonderful team at Douglas Products,” Bruederle said in the news release. “I have worked alongside the Douglas Products team throughout my time in the industry, so I am looking forward to being part of the Douglas Products team.”

One of Bruederle’s biggest accomplishments in his previous role was his leadership with a company that was fumigating for the first time with ProFume. In this role, he led site walk-throughs and training sessions, and he was a fundamental piece in getting the job started. Despite the challenges, this was, and continues to be, a huge success for this specific company.

“We are so excited that Cavan is joining Douglas Products,”said Aric Schroeder, chief revenue officer at Douglas Products. “His deep integration and understanding of the West Coast region, extensive knowledge of ProFume and unique experience globally will make him a key asset to the Douglas team.”

On a personal level, Bruederle raises sheep to be bought and shown. He spends his free time volunteering for livestock and agricultural committees for 4-H, local county fairs and high schools. He also enjoys spending his time working on cars and motors.

About Douglas Products

Douglas Products is a specialty products manufacturer and marketer of high-quality brands in the global agriculture production and structural pest control markets. For more than 100 years, Douglas Products has partnered with customers who seek to build and protect mutually beneficial business value.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/03/26/douglas-products-hires-business-development-manager-5/
Sacramento CA

Liphatech: TakeDown II series

IMAGE: LIPHATECH

Pest management professionals (PMPs) who need to “take down” rodents can count on Liphatech for a solution. TakeDown II, featuring the active ingredient bromethalin, is available to the professional pest control market. As an acute rodenticide, it can provide faster results than anticoagulant rodenticides. It is effective in fighting anticoagulant-resistant rodent populations and heavy infestations, especially those in a commercial setting. The first dead rodents may appear in two or more days after a lethal dose of TakeDown II is consumed. TakeDown II is available in both soft baits and mini blocks and can be used by PMPs to target Norway rats, roof rats and house mice indoors or outdoors. TakeDown II soft bait and mini blocks offer the same great benefits, providing PMPs options for what works best for their individual customers amidst the harder challenges:

TakeDown II Soft Bait features a formula that is palatable to rats and mice. The bait maintains its integrity even in hot environments. TakeDown II soft bait is available in 8-gram pouches in 4-pound bags. It is sold by the case with four 4 -pound bags.

TakeDown II Mini Blocks are designed with rodent gnawing edges and feature a center hole for securing the bait on vertical or horizontal rods in bait stations. TakeDown II mini blocks are 14 grams and available in 4-pound bags, with a case consisting of four 4-pound bags. At this writing, TakeDown II mini blocks are registered in all states except Hawaii and Maine.

Liphatech.com/TakeDown

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Sacramento CA

Plunkett’s Pest Control receives Supplier Diversity Award

Plunkett’s Pest Control received the Supplier Diversity Award from ADM. Pictured, from left, are Jay Rempfer, John O’Reilly, Paul Fromm, Nate Bock, Joe Puchtel, Patrick Davis, Jeff Zamzow, Kevin McClernon, Sandy O’Reilly, Barb Olson, Aly Silva Mulgrew, Stacy O’Reilly, Brenda Babineau-Evans and DeeDee Crow. PHOTO: PLUNKETT’S PEST CONTROL

Plunkett’s Pest Control has been named a 2023 Supplier Award winner by ADM, a leader in sustainably sourced solutions from nature.

Plunkett’s Pest Control received the Supplier Diversity Award this year. ADM honored seven companies based on superior performance and the ability to deliver exceptional value to ADM and its customers.

“ADM’s purpose is to unlock the power of nature to enrich the quality of life, and we cannot achieve that purpose without strong partners who share our values and our commitment to driving innovation through collaboration,” Wade Wright, ADM vice president of global indirect procurement, said in the news release. “That’s why we’re excited to recognize these seven suppliers and vendors who have demonstrated excellence in safety, service, sustainability, quality, and value while helping us deliver for customers and consumers around the world. We are very excited to announce Plunkett’s Pest Control as a recipient this year.”

The award criteria was based on both hard and soft data points from the supplier scorecard process, as well as direct feedback from ADM stakeholders. Awards were presented to non-commodity suppliers across seven categories: Value in Excellence, Safety Excellence, Quality, Sustainability, Service in Excellence, Supplier Diversity and Supplier of the Year.

“Plunkett’s is honored to be an ADM 2023 Supplier Recognition Award Recipient,” Plunkett’s President Aly Silva Mulgrew said. “ADM sets the standards in food quality and safety. It is rewarding that they consistently look to Plunkett’s to partner on this initiative. To be recognized for our effort in this space is truly humbling.”

About Plunkett’s Pest Control

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

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

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/03/25/plunketts-pest-control-receives-supplier-diversity-award/
Sacramento CA

FieldRoutes: Mobile app

IMAGE: FIELDROUTES

The FieldRoutes Mobile app connects your team and boosts productivity by assisting in route management and improving communication with office staff and with customers. Enable your team to record door-knocking, add a new customer, sell services, sign contracts, and update and charge customers’ billing information, all in the field. Plus, your team can log products used for an appointment, including adjusting the estimated capacity of spray for optimized scheduling.

When it comes to mobile functionality, here’s what FieldRoutes software partners say:

• “The new FieldRoutes Mobile app is awesome! The new-and-improved functionality saves us time while we are in the field. The app allows technicians to access customer information and schedule appointments with ease.” – Christian Allen, Owner, Tailor Made Pest Control, Louisville, Ky.
• “If payments come in or an email comes in, or a guy has a question about something, even though I don’t have my laptop with me I can look at my phone, two seconds, to answer their question. It’s efficient.” – Melanie Espinola, Director of Operations, General Environmental Services, Malden, Mass.

• “The availability and being able to see everything, regardless of where we’re at, is very helpful.” – Dylan Morrison, Director of Operations, City Wide Exterminating, Locust, N.C.

The FieldRoutes Mobile app provides the full features of a unified solution to sell and service customers in the field. Access the tools you need wherever you need them — whether in the breakroom or out in the field.

FieldRoutes.com

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Sacramento CA

Maximize your inspection findings

Matt Remmen

This time of year, pest management professionals often receive an increase in calls about cockroaches. American cockroaches are nocturnal, spending the day hiding in cracks and crevices. Meanwhile, German cockroaches establish harborages anywhere in a structure where essential resources (food, water and shelter) are available. German cockroaches spend over 90 percent of their time in harborages, typically only leaving these microenvironments to feed and mate.

To maximize your inspection findings, look for certain conditions and signals. These might include fecal matter, egg cases, cast skins, carcasses and fecal focal points, which can look like dark-colored stains. Communicate your findings clearly with customers.

Keep in mind, too, that both American and German cockroaches feed on a large variety of foodstuffs. They often are commonly discovered wherever food is stored and prepared. American cockroaches are also found in sanitary sewers, plumbing chases, and other construction elements.

If you decide to bait, remember that your materials must compete with existing food and water sources. Make placements directly into harborage sites, or as close as possible to the harborage, and between harborage and food sources. The goal is for cockroaches to find the bait before acquiring a meal from local resources.

As effective and attractive as baits are, however, they will not provide acceptable control if inadequate amounts are applied. Follow label directions and apply enough bait to feed the population.

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Sacramento CA

Develop protocol for cockroaches

Dr. Chris Keefer, technical services manager at Syngenta Professional Pest Management

Developing a sound protocol for cockroaches is critical to success. For thorough control, your protocol should include understanding biology and ecology, following sanitation guidelines and using multiple formulations and active ingredients.

An appropriate HEPA vacuum can be used in situations with dense cockroach populations. HEPA vacuums will not only collect cockroaches, but also trash, fecal material and other debris in harborage areas.

For long-term results in preventing insecticide resistance, rotate multiple cockroach gel baits with different active ingredients in varying chemical classes. For each active ingredient in your rotation, refer to the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) designation to ensure you’re using products from different chemical classes with the appropriate modes of action. Visit irac-online.org to learn more.

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Sacramento CA

Pest Control Insulation: TAP Insulation

IMAGE: PEST CONTROL INSULATION

Registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Pest Control Insulation (PCI) products and revenue program opportunities are proactive, preventative, and follow current integrated pest management (IPM) techniques while offering your clients cost-reducing solutions for their homes. With more than two decades of working in the pest control and wildlife industries and partnering with some of the most influential pioneers and companies in the business, PCI’s products and programs have been proven to deliver results that not only satisfy your current and future customers, they help grow your business.

Thermal-Acoustic-Pest Control (TAP)  Insulation is an innovative and revolutionary pesticide (EPA #89140-1) combining an environmentally responsible borate-based pest control with cellulose insulation made from recycled paper. It’s ideal for new and existing homes and buildings. Not only does TAP Insulation outperform traditional insulation in nearly every category, it also controls pests such as ants, booklice, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, darkling beetles, earwigs, millipedes, silverfish, sowbugs, and termites (including Formosan termites. Availble 36 bags to a pallet, TAP Insulation bears the ENERGY STAR Seal and Insulate Mark and is UL Classified.

Choose TAP Pest Control Insulation, which controls pests as well as the home’s structure and your customer’s health — and watch your profits grow.

 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. It is now a brand of TopBuild Corp.

TAPInsulation.com

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Sacramento CA

March 2024

https://editions.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=817595

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Technicide: Products for PMPs

IMAGE: TECHNICIDE

Technicide, a prominent name in the industry since its inception in 1989 by pest management professional (PMP) Jim Harper, has consistently delivered innovative solutions for pest control. The company’s commitment to excellence is evident in its range of cutting-edge tools designed to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in pest eradication.

One of Technicide’s standout offerings is the Exacticide, a handheld pest eradication tool that revolutionizes the way PMPs approach pest control. With its multi-speed dial for flow control and long-lasting battery, the Exacticide helps to ensure precise and uninterrupted application of pest control products, saving time and resources for PMPs.

In addition to the Exacticide, Technicide offers two additional game-changing tools: the Tech-Reach Bait Pro and the Techni-Baiter rodent bait station:

• The Tech-Reach Bait Pro is a remarkable extension for bait applicators, providing PMPs with the ability to reach far above, behind and around customers’ items. This innovative tool minimizes waste by ensuring that no pest control bait is wasted from the gun, thanks to the bait tube that attaches securely to the end of the 24-inch bait gun applicator extension. With the Tech-Reach Bait Pro, PMPs can achieve precision baiting in even the most challenging and inaccessible areas, improving the overall effectiveness of pest control treatments.
• Designed for ease of use and maximum efficiency, the Techni-Baiter rodent bait station offers a 15- to 20-second routine service time for each bait station, significantly reducing labor costs and streamlining maintenance processes. Its key connects seamlessly to the end of an extension pole or threaded broomstick, allowing PMPs easy access to bait stations without the physical labor of bending over and getting up, over and over again. With four compartments for bait — one exposed to the rodent and three airtight for easy bait storage and replacement — the Techni-Baiter simplifies the baiting process while ensuring optimal pest control outcomes.

Both the Tech-Reach Bait Pro and the Techni-Baiter have garnered praise from PMPs over the years for their efficiency, reliability and ability to improve overall pest control operations. Technicide’s commitment to innovation and excellence shines through its range of advanced pest management tools, including the Exacticide, Tech-Reach Bait Pro and Techni-Baiter, all of which contribute to more efficient, cost-effective and reliable pest control solutions for PMPs.

Technicide.com

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Sacramento CA

Insects monitors to manage cockroaches

Andrew Fisher, BCE, PHE

Insect monitors are a crucial tool in the management of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) and other cockroach species. To maximize the effectiveness of monitors, place them near potential harborage areas and secure in place. In hard-to-reach areas, consider using an adhesive to fasten the monitors firmly. Using monitors can provide essential insights such as:

• Species identification. Insect monitors aid in pinpointing the presence of cockroaches and facilitating targeted treatment strategies.
• Harborage areas. Observing the direction of cockroach movements on monitors can uncover the number and location of harborages for more precise treatment efforts.
• Infestation level. Monitoring nymphs and adults on insect monitors helps gauge infestation severity and tracks population growth or decline. For example,
  the presence of adults can indicate recent introductions, while many nymphs may suggest an overcrowded harborage.
• Streamlined visits. Regularly monitoring will save time on follow-up inspections, offering early detection and swift response.

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USDA: Algae diet helps honey bees

PHOTO: © GENE WHITE

A research team at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has developed an edible antiviral treatment that can be used to protect honey bees against Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and other viruses, according to a recent study published in Sustainable Agriculture and an agency news bulletin.

DWV and other viruses have been linked to the deaths of millions of colonies worldwide. DWV, like other viruses, is most often spread by Varroa mites who carry the disease and infect bee colonies. Infection typically causes deformity and death in bees, especially in the pupae and brood.

While there are medicines for other bee diseases and parasites, the bulletin notes, there is currently no treatment available to help beekeepers reduce viruses in their colonies. Nearly all colonies have DWV and can often be infected with multiple viruses at any given time. Effective antiviral treatments could help to improve colony health and survival, as well as crop pollination efficiency.

“We found that engineered algae diets suppressed DWV infection and improved survival in honey bees,” said Dr. Vincent Ricigliano, research scientist at the ARS Honey Bee Laboratory in Baton Rouge, La. “When mixed into bee food, the engineered algae boost the bee’s immune system to fight off the targeted virus.”

Dr. Ricigliano and other ARS researchers previously studied blue-green microscopic algae, also known as microalgae, as a potential food source for honey bees. The algae showed promise because it has a nutritional profile that resembles pollen and is scalable to the level of commercial beekeeping.

“In addition to the nutritional benefits and immune-boosting effects, engineered algae strains have the potential to protect bees against a wide variety of pathogens,” said Ricigliano.

Blue-green algae grow via photosynthesis and can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the bulletin notes, making it an ecologically friendly approach to improve the health of honey bees.

The researchers filed a patent application for the technology, and plan to use variations of it to target additional bee viruses and other pathogens in future studies.

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Aantex acquires Green Hornet Pest Control

Aantex Pest Control, a Brentwood, Calif.-based provider of integrated pest management solutions, has acquired Aromas, Calif.-based Green Hornet Pest Control. The acquisition went into effect March 1, 2024; pricing was not disclosed.

“We are excited to bring on the Green Hornet family, and are excited to enhance our capabilities and better serve all our customers,” CEO Sean McCauley said in a news release.

In a statement, the Green Hornet Pest Control team noted that “joining forces with Aantex Pest Control represents a significant milestone for us. We share a common vision to deliver superior pest control solutions that are safe for the environment.”

About Aantex Pest Control

Per his biography page, founder and co-owner Sean McCauley was president and founder for more than 15 years of one of the largest pest management companies in Northern California. He also served as a regional VP of operations for Home Team Pest Defense. He is a past Chairman and board member of the Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC), and has been featured in several notable, national publications. Other career highlights include:

• Serving as an advisor to the first stages of standards for integrated pest management (IPM) requirements by state and local agencies.
• Establishing residential and commercial pesticide regulations for less pesticide exposure to the environment.
• Consulting on acquisitions for several national pest management companies, as well as regional and local companies.

Outside the industry, McCauley’s passion and expertise is in agricultural pest management, farming and crop horticulture. He currently farms more than 200 acres of Spanish and Italian varietals of olives.

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Sacramento CA

Kness Pest Defense: Stick-All Glue Trap

IMAGE: KNESS PEST DEFENSE

As the weather gets warmer and insects begin to invade homes, put them in a sticky situation with Kness Stick-All Glue traps. Achieve results you can see with these pre-scented, easy-to-place sticky traps. The pre-scented glue contains no poisons or chemicals, making it convenient to use and considered to be safe for the environment. This sticky trap is ideal to have on hand for any insect situation: Just peel, set and dispose.

About Kness Pest Defense

Kness Pest Defense, based in Albia, Iowa, celebrates 100 years of business in 2024.

In 1924, Austin Enos “Brick” Kness, then a janitor at an Iowa high school, created the world’s first multiple-catch mousetrap. The product evolved into the Ketch-All Mousetrap, which was the springboard for various pest control products and inventions and the founding of Kness Manufacturing.

Flash forward 100 years, and Kness Pest Defense continues to manufacture and sell professional-grade, industry-leading pest control solutions. The company attributes its success to its far-reaching global distribution and customer network as well as the unwavering dedication of its team to provide innovative, reliable and easy-to-use pest control products.

Similar to the company’s longevity, Kness’ line of reusable, professional-grade products are known to be proven, durable, and produced from high-grade materials. Each product is thoroughly hand-tested per the company’s rigorous quality control processes. A less-than-1-percent product return rate exemplifies Kness’ commitment to quality.

To celebrate the company’s century milestone, Kness has developed a celebratory landing page containing historical facts and content that can be viewed at Kness.com/100-years. Throughout 2024, the company will be promoting its rich history and success stories across all marketing touchpoints.

Kness.com

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Sprague Pest Solutions acquires SOS Pest Control

IMAGE: SPRAGUE PEST SOLUTIONS

Tacoma, Wash.-based Sprague Pest Solutions will further expand into Montana with the acquisition of SOS Pest Control, based in Billings, Mont.

This acquisition is Sprague Pest Solutions’ second strategic expansion in Montana in 2024, reinforcing its dedication to growth and leadership in pest management solutions across the Western United States.

SOS Pest Control, operated by Jim and JoLynn Fellows for over two decades, has been a cornerstone in its community, known for its pest management service and commitment to customer satisfaction.

“This expansion allows Sprague to build on the strong foundation laid by Jim and JoLynn and we will remain committed to enhancing the legacy of their excellence,” AJ Treleven, director of operations at Sprague, said in the news release. “We can’t be more excited to further cement our footprint in Montana.”

This acquisition is part of Sprague‘s strategic plan to extend its reach and reinforce its position as a leader in commercial pest management, providing innovative and environmentally responsible pest solutions to businesses across the Northwest, Southwest and Mountain States.

About Sprague Pest Solutions

Sprague Pest Solutions provides preventive and remedial pest management and food safety consulting services to leading food processing, agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality and distribution facilities across the Western U.S. The company services commercial clients in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona and California. Sprague’s vice president and co-owner Larry Treleven is also a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame (Class of 2016) and was recently awarded the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) Pinnacle Award along with his brother, Sprague chairman and CEO Alfie Treleven. In addition, Sprague Director of Operations AJ Treleven won the NPMA 2023 Emerging Leaders Award.

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Sacramento CA

Pelgar USA at the 2024 PMP Growth Summit

Andrej Branc, Americas business manager at Pelgar USA, shares what pest trends he is seeing in the industry and how the PMP Growth Summit is beneficial to his company.

Learn more about the PMP Growth Summit and how to register for 2025.

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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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Identify cockroaches through IPM

Michael Boyd

As a former technician, I’ve encountered numerous instances of active cockroach infestations within residential settings. Addressing such issues requires a systematic approach.

Identification is the first crucial step in an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. Through meticulous monitoring, document both live and dead cockroaches, as well as the presence of fecal matter. This sets a threshold for your action plan, so you can then move on to treatment and prevention.

The most important preventive step in cockroach IPM is cleanliness and sanitation. Remove all food and debris from affected areas of harborage and use a vacuum with HEPA filtration to remove dead cockroaches and their castings. Follow up with a thorough cleaning, using environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. This will reveal otherwise hidden points of entry or moisture sources, which can be repaired or simply filled with caulking. Clean and dry trash cans, and move them away from food sources.

After appropriate treatment, use glue boards to monitor progress during follow-up visits.

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Sacramento CA

Aprehend: Free training for PMPs

IMAGE: APREHEND

ConidioTec, makers of Aprehend, offers a free series of seven short videos on its YouTube channel that discusses information essential to successful treatment for bed bug prevention and elimination. Starting with bed bug biology in segment one and ending with Aprehend storage and handling, viewers will finish the series with understanding and confidence for success with Aprehend. The entire series is 36 minutes in duration.

Topics included: customer prep, assessment-based pest management, strategic barrier placement, complimentary products, and customer education. Also, find tips and tricks that make pest management professionals’ (PMPs’) bed bug work faster and easier.

This Aprehend Training video series is essential for new Aprehend users, as a brush-up, or anyone doing bed bug work. Viewers can watch at their convenience, whether that’s in the evenings via mobile device or as a team at the weekly staff meeting.

The Aprehend Channel offers more than Aprehend Training. Find a playlist with ConidioTecTips — useful hints to boost efficiency and efficacy in the field. Another playlist is devoted to Aprehend equipment use, and yet another for troubleshooting and maintenance of your Aprehend equipment. There are even overview videos that explain Aprehend, which can useful for PMPs when their clients ask, “What is Aprehend and how does it work?”

ConidioTec also offers free live zoom bed bug training for your team. It can be personalized and focused to fit your needs. Contact them at orders@conidiotec.com to set it up.

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.

Bit.ly/3VVq0hk

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Dusts contributing to cockroach control

Dr. Cisse Spragins, founder and CEO, Rockwell Labs

Dusts can be excellent tools for cockroach control. Both boric acid and silica dusts, for example, are odorless and non-repellent and will not interfere with baits. Boric acid is the best option in damp areas like commercial kitchens and needs to be ingested to kill.

Self-grooming insects such as cockroaches pick up the dust when walking through it and ingest it when grooming.

Boric acid dust that is super-fine milled will stick to insects. When applied to areas with organic build-up, it effectively turns the gunk into “bait” upon which cockroaches (and small flies) feed and die.

Silica dust kills by contact, causing rapid dehydration and death. It’s an ideal choice for areas that aren’t washed down regularly, such as multi-family and residential accounts.

Both types of dust are mineral-based, so they don’t break down. They are effective until physically removed.

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Sacramento CA

Using abamectin for pest control

Sylvia Kenmuir, BCE

Abamectin is a unique active ingredient, despite being a long-standing tool in pest management. Derived from a soil microorganism (Streptomyces avermitilis), it functions as a broad-spectrum nerve toxin. When formulated into dry flowable bait, it can reduce exposure to non-target insects.

As a dry flowable bait, abamectin can be effective against ants, cockroaches and other crawling insects. The beauty of the formulation is that it allows the product to penetrate deep harborage sites.

Cockroaches have two ways of interacting with abamectin-based dry flowable formulations: they either directly consume the bait, or the fine particles will cling to their bodies as they crawl through a treatment. Later, as they preen themselves, cockroaches will ingest the bait. It’s essential to note that dry flowable baits are not insecticidal dusts, so review the label and apply in accordance with the label instructions.

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Marketing blueprint helps guide growth

PHOTO: THE PEST POSSE

To set yourself up for success in 2024, you need a plan. On a recent Pest Posse TV live stream — a monthly segment I host with The Pest Posse Co-owner Culley Christensen — guest Casey Lewis, CEO of Rhino Digital Media, discussed a marketing plan spreadsheet he developed specifically for pest control companies.

This spreadsheet serves as a comprehensive blueprint for both the marketing agency and the pest control company, facilitating the clarification of goals, strategies and budget allocation. Through annual discussions about objectives and required resources, the spreadsheet offers a structured approach to collaboration and accountability. It enables the tracking of progress, identification of areas for adjustment, and a focus on business development rather than solely on operational tasks.

Lewis emphasized the significance of setting clear goals for effective planning and execution, as well as the necessity of defining revenue targets with precision and understanding how they translate into actionable steps.

Hitting sales goals

Pest control companies must concentrate on generating new revenue streams and maintain consistency in their sales efforts throughout the year, especially considering seasonal fluctuations in demand. Understanding the average customer value and conversion rates is crucial for achieving sales goals. Lewis underscored the importance of thoroughly assessing all leads, even those outside your immediate service area, to enhance conversion rates and optimize marketing endeavors. Other points we discussed include:

• A comprehensive marketing plan and budget are indispensable.
• It’s crucial to track sales and marketing efforts accurately to gauge success.
• Implementing mechanisms to manage and measure marketing endeavors, rather than relying solely on intuition, is essential.

Monitoring progress

Lewis also brought up several points about the importance of both ongoing training and evaluating sales processes. This is the checks-and-balances process to ensure what you’re implementing is working. He also advised:

• A strategic, long-term commitment to marketing is necessary, including budgeting funds for marketing activities.
• Try using tools such as Google Locker Studio to monitor leads, sales and return on investment (ROI). Doing so can provide insights into the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

Watch a full live replay of this episode at PestPosseTV.com at pestpossetv.com/programs/2024-marketing-blueprint.

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PHOTO: THE PEST POSSE

Tune into Pest Posse TV

April guests include:

• April 1: Erin Gilchrist, IntelliShift, marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month
• April 8: Dr. Tim Husen, BCE, PHE, PCQI, Syngenta, presents “Cockroaches 101”
• April 15: Heather Patterson, CSI, offers company updates
• April 22: FLYght Duo field installation and review
• April 29: Secret weapon for commercial kitchens

Watch all this and more at PestPosseTV.com

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Sacramento CA

Rockwell Labs: EcoVia MT Mosquito & Tick Control Concentrate

IMAGE: ROCKWELL LABS

EcoVia MT Mosquito & Tick Control is an advanced, specially formulated botanical concentrate for mosquito and tick control. It is exempt under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 25(b) provision. EcoVia MT delivers quick kill control and residual repellency for optimal mosquito and tick management. Its concentrated formula results in low use rates (0.33 ounces per gallon for mosquitoes and deer ticks), and it mixes easily and stays in solution. Like other FIFRA 25(b) products, there are no notification requirements (recommend verification with your state regulations), and no water set-back or pyrethroid application restrictions. It also offers minimal risk to pollinators. EcoVia MT can be applied in compressed air sprayers, mist blowers and foggers. Its water-based formula will not leave behind an oily residue. Available in a 16-ounce and a 64-ounce tip-n-measure bottle, this Green Zone product is suitable for green service programs.

About Rockwell Labs

Founded in 1998 by Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Dr. Cisse Spragins (Class of 2018), North Kansas City, Mo.-based Rockwell Labs offers products that are conceptualized, developed and formulated in-house. New products undergo extensive testing in-house, in the field and at major universities before they are produced and launched in the professional market.

RockwellLabs.com

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PMP responds to news of U.S. plague death

Dan Baldwin

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announced March 8 that a Lincoln County man died of plague after being hospitalized for the disease.

The case is the first human case of bubonic plague in New Mexico since 2021 and the first death since 2020.

Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents and is generally spread to humans through the bites of infected fleas. It can also spread by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets. Dogs and cats that are allowed to roam and hunt can bring infected fleas from dead rodents back into the home, putting household members at risk.

NMDOH staff is conducting outreach to area residents. An environmental assessment will also be conducted in the community to look for ongoing risk.

The last human plague case in the state was a Torrance County resident in 2021. In 2020, there were four human plague cases: one in Santa Fe County, two in Torrance County and one fatal case in Rio Arriba County.

Pest Management Professional turned to one of its frequent contributors and Editorial Advisory Board member Dan Baldwin, BCE, CCFS, CP-FS, REHS/RS, vice president of technical services for Hawx Pest Control in Tombstone, Ariz. Here is his take on what these recent incidents could mean to the professional pest management industry:

Collectively, we have short memories, forgetting how not so long ago, pests represented much more of a threat to human health here in North America. 

Much of the population doesn’t know that the plague involved rodents and fleas, that Hanta involves rodents, and just think about how a few years ago, Zika was the lead story…until Covid. 

Thanks in no small part to the efforts of pest prevention professionals and public agencies, much of the population lives in areas that are far from natural reservoirs of organisms that cause serious illnesses, but that doesn’t mean that the hazards don’t exist, it just means the risk of encountering one of these reservoirs is relatively small for most people. 

Just because the North American reservoirs are small and isolated, however, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Neither does it mean that a pest-borne illness isn’t always one series of interactions from becoming a public health crisis. 

No, you really shouldn’t deliver that message to your customers, there’s no need for scare tactics. What you should do, however, is be mindful of the hazards. But as professionals, we’re guilty of forgetting, or perhaps minimizing the association between pest activity and disease.

When we perform a service to eliminate a German cockroach infestation, do we recommend clean up and santization services? When rodents or other wildlife pests are involved? Do we always wear the proper PPE, recommend clean up and sanitization? What about flea control services after a rodent infestation? Sanitizing after a rodent service? Gosh I hope so. I guess that brings us right back to the plague, doesn’t it?

There is a background level of plague in the U.S., with an average of seven cases per year. New Mexico, from where this latest case originates, has the highest number of cases, with over 250 cases from 1970 to 2020. 

The underlying message is that, although we are fortunate to live where vector borne illnesses are rare, the potential for encountering pathogens exists; we need to be mindful of that while serving the needs of our customers. 

What are your thoughts on plague on the industry? Sound off below or email pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.

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