[2006 State of the Industry]

We work in a dynamic industry filled with "new." As stewards of the industry, Bayer’s dedication to pest management is built on a foundation of "new" — new product technology for more effective pest control, new convenience-focused innovations to trusted brands, and new definitions of value and support to help build your business. For us, the launch of a new product or formulation is just the beginning of our commitment to the work you do.

For example, 10 years ago we launched Premise®, the first-ever non-repellent termiticide. As the need arose for a more targeted approach to spot treating inside a structure, we developed Premise Foam in a can. And this year, we launched Premise Granules, the first-ever, non-repellent termiticide available in a convenient, ready-to-use granular formulation for outdoor spot and perimeter treatments. Premise termiticide is being used by more of you every year as the product continues to replace old-fashioned technology. There are twice as many homes being treated today than there were just four years ago.

Or, consider the development of Maxforce® FC Select insecticide, which revolutionized the cockroach control industry, solved the problem of aberrant-feeding cockroaches for the second time, and continues to stay on the forefront of cockroach bait aversion issues. With continued significant investment, we’ve been hard at work on a new formulation, which will kill cockroaches with two modes of action, an unbeatable combination of contact and ingestion.

But don’t worry; we saved some of our newest product innovations to unveil at this year’s NPMA Convention. Be sure to stop by Bayer’s booth (no. 417) for a look at the new Maxforce Fly Spot Bait insecticide, which is sprayable, colorless, easier to use and can be applied indoors in commercial establishments and around residential homes. We’ll also introduce Maxforce FC Fire Ant Bait insecticide, the perfect complement to TopChoice® insecticide for season-long granular fire ant control.

As always, all of our innovations are Backed by Bayer and include all the support you’ve come to expect:

• Dedicated sales and research teams to help sort out any issues you face on the job;

• Access to industry experts at national seminars or one-on-one time at local mobile university trainings;

• Business building resources like Bayer Pest Management Insights magazine;

• Advancement of the industry through alliances with state associations, the NPMA and PPMA; and

• Important ties to the academic community currently producing critical research on the pests we fight, as well as the next generation of the industry’s scientific leaders, including the finalists in the "Young Scientist of the Year" program we will honor at PestWorld 2006.

As the industry continues to evolve, you can count on Bayer for the product innovations you expect; the support, training and resources you want; and the tools you need to take your business to the next level. Thank you for your support of the Premise, Maxforce, Tempo® and Suspend® brands. We appreciate your business and look forward to working together to grow our industry.

Regards,

Steve Burt

Managing Director, Professional Pest Management

Bayer Environmental Science

TopChoice, Maxforce, Premise, Tempo and Suspend are Trademarks of Bayer. Bayer Environmental Science is a business group of Bayer CropScience LP.