[April News]

NCUE Scheduled for May

TULSA, Okla. — The 2008 National Conference on Urban Entomology (NCUE) is scheduled for May 18-21, in Tulsa, Okla.

NCUE emphasizes innovation and research on household, structural and public health arthropod pests. The conference’s goal is to facilitate open communication of information among pest management professionals and scientists in industry, academia and government.
For information visit http://ncue.tamu.edu.

Family, Friends Gather for John Osmun’s 90th Birthday
 
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Family and friends gathered in February to celebrate John Osmun’s 90th birthday.

The event was highlighted by appearances by Purdue Pete and entomology professor Tom Turpin, who showed up in a bumble bee suit.

Osmun, whose career in pest control spans more than 50 years, is considered one of the most respected educators in the pest control industry. Osmun joined the Purdue faculty in 1948 as an assistant professor of entomology, where he developed a four-year curriculum in structural pest control. — Brad Harbison

Stephenson Equipment Opens New Warehouse

ATLANTA — Stephenson Equipment Company opened in February its new location at 3715 Northcrest Rd., Atlanta. This move will allow the company to better serve its customers. Contact the firm at 800/251-4931.

Jim Steckel, President of NPMA when EPA was Formed, Dies

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The pest control industry mourns the loss of Jim Steckel, who passed away March 10. He was 80.

Steckel was a longtime owner of Torco Pest and Termite Control, a successful regional pest control firm based in Columbus, Ohio, which he sold to Waste Management in 1988. Jim and son Scott Steckel also owned Ashland, Ohio-based Carothers Brothers and Zanesville, Ohio-based Elite Pest Control, which they sold to Varment Guard Environmental Services in 1996. At that time, Scott Steckel became the fifth partner with Varment Guard, while Jim Steckel came on board as an adviser.

The Steckel family has had a storied pest control history. Jim Steckel inherited Torco from his father, Dr. Henry “Doc” Steckel, whose father A.W.F. Steckel founded the firm in 1900. At the time, the company was called Tornado Manufacturing Co., and it produced rodent, roach and bed bug control products.

Jim Steckel joined both Torco and the National Pest Control Association in 1957 and served as NPCA president in 1970. That was the same year the Environmental Protection Agency was formed and Steckel was instrumental in helping form EPA’s early pesticide policies. Steckel spent much of his presidency traveling back and forth to Washington, D.C., on a monthly basis, to testify before the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. In a 1989 interview with PCT, Steckel recalled of that experience, “I think probably the critical thing that year was the demand of the Environmental Protection Agency for technical training — and training of technicians — and the NPCA’s efforts to meet that demand.”

Steckel also was a decorated veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy as a pilot during World War II and in the Naval Reserve during the Korean War, retiring as a commander. Steckel graduated from Denison University, where he played football for Woody Hayes, who later became a legendary coach at Ohio State University.

In 1989, Steckel was recognized as a member of the inaugural PCT/Syngenta Leadership Class.

In reflecting on his father’s personal and professional accomplishments, Scott Steckel said, “Jim has had such a full and rich life, where he knew no stranger and was constantly involved in the lives of the community around him.”
Steckel is survived by wife, Gloria, daughter Kathie, and Scott. — Brad Harbison

‘The Winner’s Summit’ to Help Build Business, Leadership Skills

INDIANAPOLIS — Marty Grunder, author, business consultant and owner of an extremely successful service business, is conducting “The Winner’s Summit: Creating the Business of Your Dreams,” an informative series of workshops devoted to building leadership, marketing and business management skills for pest management professionals. The first workshop was held in April; others will occur throughout the spring and summer.

The daylong workshops provide attendees with a “road map to success” for building their businesses and exceeding customer expectations. Starting with company ownership and management down to the entire team, Grunder will focus on helping pest management professionals gain skills in four areas critical to a successful business:

1.) “The Power of Teaching the Old Dog New Tricks” — How owners and top management must bring meaningful change to their companies.

2. ) “The 11 Essential Traits of Great Teams” — Proven ways to build, motivate, train and maintain a winning team.

3. ) “Offering Services That Excite Customers and Prospects” — How to evaluate a company’s service mix, gain a competitive advantage and make new services succeed.

4.) “57 Fun, Cheap and Different Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business” — Grunder shares 57 ideas he has used in his own business, Grunder Landscaping Co., to help creatively sell services.

“As entrepreneurs, we sometimes need to be reminded that success starts with us,” Grunder said. “Through ‘The Winner’s Summit’ seminars, I’ll try to help business owners rekindle the enthusiasm they had when they first started their companies and give them new tips and tools they can use immediately to foster that same energy in their teams.”

The next “Winner’s Summit” workshop, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences and Halo Electronic Termite Detection, is scheduled for May 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW Hotel. For more information and to register, visit www.BusinessIdeasToWin.com. For more information on Grunder, visit www.MartyGrunder.com.

University of Georgia Certificate Program Provides Training for New Technicians

GRIFFIN, Ga. — The Urban Pest Management Program on the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus (gabugs.uga.edu) has established a 10-week lecture series resulting in a certificate in urban and structural pest management. The goal of the program is to provide Georgia’s pest management companies new technicians exposed to various aspects of the industry.

Lectures were designed to expose students to sales, customer service, legal affairs and various technical aspects of the industry. Lecturers include Dr. Ron Harrison (Orkin), Jeff Dunn (Northwest), Jay Barber (attorney with Decker, Hallman, Barber and Briggs), Hal Coleman (North Fulton Exterminating) and Dr. Dan Suiter (UGA Entomology).

More than half of the certificate program’s 10 lectures are an introduction to the identification, biology and management of the 100 to 125 most common pests found in Georgia’s urban environment. Pest lectures also have an accompanying lab session. In any given lab, small specimens are placed under microscopes for close-up identification, while dozens of pinned insect specimens are put on display for students to study.

“I try to get the students to realize that they are not likely to ever again have the opportunity to see some of the things they see in our lab sessions. If they’ve seen it already, it’s less likely to go unnoticed when it counts,” said Suiter, the program’s director.

At the end of the program, students are partnered with a local, participating pest management company for an internship. The internship gives the company a chance to evaluate the potential new employee and decide whether this person would be a good fit for the company. It also gives the potential employee time to see if the industry is a good fit for them.

“It’s a win-win situation. There should be few surprises by the end of the internship,” Suiter said. “The idea for the certificate program was hatched after discussions I’d had over the years with pest management companies who had told me about the difficulties and hassles they endure from high rates of employee turnover and the investment in time and money needed to get a new employee registered.”

All too often, after the long, sometimes costly process of replacing a technician, they leave the industry within months. This continuous treadmill can be a tremendous financial burden on pest control companies. “One of our goals is to help reduce this high rate of turnover by providing companies with employees who are serious about a job in the industry,” Suiter said.
Several students were supported during the fall 2007 session, with scholarships provided by Dow AgroSciences, Whitmire Micro-Gen and Bug Busters, an Atlanta-based pest management firm. These scholarships allowed six individuals with no experience in the industry the opportunity to obtain a certificate. Moreover, it provides local companies a look at some fresh, new potential employees. Since graduation, all have been in contact with companies in Georgia and are looking forward to spring 2008 internships.

NPMA Web Site Redesign Increases Internet Visibility

FAIRFAX, Va. — The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), which serves as the public outreach branch of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has launched a new, comprehensive and up-to-date Web site at www.Pestworld.org. With practical pest prevention tips, information on pest-related health and property risks, public service announcements for viewing and an opportunity to find local pest professionals via the ever-popular “Find a Pro” ZIP code locator, Pestworld.org is a vital and dynamic hub for all things “pests.”

“We sought to create an Internet resource not just for our residential and commercial consumers but also for the media and educators,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA and executive director of PPMA. “Our goal was to provide a site that was informative, easy-to-navigate and visually appealing. NPMA continues to examine and highlight the threats posed by pests to both health and property, while also allowing visitors to search for and find a local pest professional to solve their pest problem.”

Pestworld.org reflects significant content improvements, including more in-depth information on commercial pest management and careers within the industry. The commercial section of Pestworld.org offers insights into Integrated Pest Management, pest prevention tips and information on how to rid businesses of unsightly and dangerous pests. Further, information on careers in pest management also is now available. The career section discusses the advantages of working in the pest management industry as well as the opportunities for advancement that exist.

One of the newest features added to Pestworld.org is its blog, which allows for technical experts to discuss their experiences and the issues affecting the public. As the Internet continues to grow into a more dynamic and interactive community, NPMA is steadfastly committed to utilizing technology, such as its blog and podcasts, to meet consumers where they are, which today is on the Web.

In addition to the launch of its revitalized Pestworld.org, NPMA also has developed its own MySpace Web page, “NPMA Bugged Out.” MySpace.com is the third leading Web site behind Yahoo and Google and the sixth leading English language Web site. NPMA’s presence on this social networking site further supports the continued efforts of the association to develop a unique online presence and reach out to a new generation of consumers.

This MySpace page offers visitors important pest-related information, specifically through the “Bug of the Month” section which, in March, highlighted bed bugs. “NPMA Bugged Out” also provides an opportunity for visitors to take a fun, yet educational, quiz called “What Type of Pest Are You?”

Pestworld.org and NPMA’s MySpace page are fully funded by the Guardians and Contributors of the Professional Pest Management Alliance.
To view “NPMA Bugged Out” on the new MySpace, visit www.myspace.com/npmabuggedout.
 
Invading Argentine Ants Move Down the Food Chain

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Scientists in California studying Argentine ants found that the pests ate lower and lower on the food chain during the course of an invasion.

The researchers compared the eating habits of Argentine ants in Rice Canyon, about 350 miles south of San Francisco, to those of ants in Argentina. They found that the invading ants got more of their food from plant sources; the ants in their native homeland at more animal proteins.

Chadwick Tillberg, who worked on the project while he was a post-doctorate researcher at the University of Illinois, collaborated with a team from the University of California-San Diego. They spent eight years studying ants in California and another three years in Argentina.

They found a specific isotope — nitrogen 15 — was present in higher levels in the South American ants. And, that level declined in the successive waves of the ants’ California invasion.

“Through time, the nitrogen signature of that ant population declined,” said Tillberg, now an assistant professor of biology at Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore.

So, why do the ants move away from animal-based protein sources?

“That’s something we don’t know,” Tillberg told PCT. This research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the first data set on the nitrogen levels of Argentine ants.

“Perhaps invertebrate prey are more available at the leading edge of the front compared to areas where the ants are established. Or, perhaps behind the front these ants are tending honeydew-producing insects, a plant-based nitrogen resource,” he said. “Or, perhaps a combination of these two.” — Chuck Bowen

Pest Expo Draws 650 Attendees, 80 Exhibitors

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Pest and Lawn Care Expo, held in Orlando Jan. 29-31, hosted more than 650 attendees and nearly 80 exhibit booths. Managed by the Florida Pest Management Association, the event was a cooperative effort between FPMA, the Florida Turf Grass Association and Florida Pest Pro magazine.

In his keynote address, Dr. Jay Lehr, a noted economist and futurist, debunked some of the negative myths about the pest management industry and emphasized the important role of pest management in public health and safety.

Representatives from multiple green industry organizations met to work on water quality and fertilizer ordinance issues. Also, the FPMA Government Affairs Group proposed that the new Wood Destroying Organism Guidelines be evaluated by the membership through an upcoming polling survey.

The annual Dempsey Sapp Cookout was held with steaks, sponsored by Florida Pest Pro Magazine, that were cooked and served by FPMA members. Sponsors Dow AgroSciences, Bell Labs, UAP Professional Products and AMVAC served chili, soft drinks and ice cream.

Other Pest Expo sponsors included: BASF, Bayer Environmental Science, Central Life Sciences, Control Solutions, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont Professional Products, Florida Pest Pro Magazine, Forshaw Distribution, Great Scot! Insurance, GT Leasing, LESCO, Mullinax Ford, Nisus Corporation, Oldham, PestWest, Syngenta Professional Products, Univar USA and Whitmire Micro-Gen.

Attendee Steve Lum of Slug-a-Bug, Melbourne, Fla., said of the event, “This new format works for me. Personally, I was impressed. This is great. The idea of concurrent classes was excellent.”

SCPCA Donates $68,000 to Camps Dedicated to Children with Cancer

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Members of the South Carolina Pest Control Association presented checks to the directors of Camp Kemo, Camp Courage and Camp Happy Days, which are dedicated to helping children with cancer.

Local pest control associations competed throughout the year to raise the most money to donate to the camps. Collections from 2007 were very successful thanks to such innovative ideas as a community clay shooting competition and a purse auction.

The fundraising efforts for 2007 resulted in three checks totaling $68,000 being presented at the SCPCA award luncheon on Feb. 13. In the past 10 years, the SPCA has donated $380,000 to these camps.

Allen Fugler Honored by Louisiana Pest Management Association

NEW ORLEANS — Allen Fugler recently was honored at the annual meeting of the Louisiana Pest Management Association. Fugler was the latest recipient of the Paul K. Adams Award of Excellence. This award, named after an icon in the pest control industry, is given to those that have excelled in their contributions to the association and the industry.

Fugler began his career in 1991 as executive director of the Louisiana Pest Control Association after earning a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University. Fugler played an important role in the growth of LPCA into an industry leader in research, education and leadership. He was instrumental in the creation of FORUM, an organization of fellow executive directors.

Fugler left LPCA in 1997 to work for LIPCA as vice president of marketing, and took over Jan. 1, as executive director of the Florida Pest Management Association. Past recipients of the Paul K. Adams Award of Excellence, which is not an annual award, are: Lois Caffey, Bob Kunst, Dr. H. Rouse Caffey, Ben Witt, Rick Williams, Dudley Trahan, Dolores Trahan, John McPherson, Jimmy Arceneaux and Butch Morrison.

Other highlights of the meeting included a presentation from NPMA President Mike Rottler and Bruce Ryser, FMC Corporation. During the meeting, the following officers of the association were elected:

• President, Jay Burchfield, RPC Pest Solutions, Hammond
• President-Elect, Daniel Bourgeois, Mr. B’s Services, Elmwood
• Secretary, Gary Wehlen, E&G Pest Control, New Orleans
• Treasurer, Dan Foster, Terminix, Houma
• Immediate Past President, Lee Stout, The Bug Man, Baton Rouge

Louisiana’s newly elected commissioner of agriculture, Mike Strain, was guest speaker and he stated his intention to retain the state’s structural pest control commission.

Orkin Technician Chases Down a Purse-Snatcher

ATLANTA — After a day spent managing various structural pests, Orkin Route Manager Darrell Johnson found himself in pursuit of a different type of pest — a purse-snatcher.

Johnson, whose residential service route covers the Buckhead area of his native Atlanta, was on his way home from work, when he stopped by Emory Crawford Long Hospital for a daily visit with his mother, who was a patient at the time.

Still wearing his Orkin uniform, Johnson happened upon the purse-snatching in progress just after parking his car. “I heard someone screaming, looked to my right and I saw a man and a woman in a tug-of-war with a purse,” Johnson told PCT.

Johnson followed the purse-snatcher down a dead-end alley and then cornered him in an area outside the hospital. “I told him to give me the purse, and he said, ‘What purse?’” Johnson recalled. “I told him, ‘The purse in your hand.’ He started walking towards me and I told him, ‘You are going to have to fight me unless you give up the purse.’ He dropped the purse and took off.”

Although the purse-snatcher was not caught, the purse’s owner, Melanie Vinten-Johansen, a registered nurse at Crawford Long’s Center for Heart Failure Therapy, was very grateful. The hospital held a luncheon to recognize Johnson and Dane Peterson, COO of Emory Crawford Long Hospital, and several hospital staff members were on hand to honor Johnson and his family for the heroic act. “It felt good to help her out,” Johnson said. “I have four sisters and a mom and I wouldn’t want something like that to happen to them. I would want someone to step up and help them out.”

Johnson has been with Orkin for 18 years. — Brad Harbison

David Mueller Announces Candidacy for Indiana State Senate

WESTFIELD, Ind. — David Mueller, founder and owner of Insects Limited, Westfield, Ind., declared his candidacy for Indiana State Senate, District 21. This district includes the 125,000 citizens in Kokomo, Greentown, Sheridan, Tipton, Westfield, Zionsville and the surrounding region.

More than 200 Republican precinct committeemen from this region will meet in the near future in caucus to decide the replacement for Jeff Drozda, who is resigning as state senator of District 21.

In addition to running Insects Limited, Mueller is a school board trustee and is active in civic activities in Central Indiana. Mueller is a 1975 Purdue University graduate.

For more information about Mueller and his campaign, visit www.Mueller08.org.

NWMPA Presents Wildlife Control Boot Camp

LYNDHURST, N.J. — The National Wildlife Management Professionals Association (NWMPA) is hosting a week-long training session in New Jersey in April and May.

All course graduates will earn more than half the training credit hours needed for NWMPA national certifications. The training course will be held April 27 to May 2, in Lyndhurst, N.J., and will include:

• Morning-to-night training sessions provided by industry leaders, with presentations held both in the classroom and in the field.
• Continental breakfast, plus in-house restaurant lunch
• Professional safety products kit
• Professional mole control products kit and video
• Bird Barrier Certified Installer full-day course, certificate, handbook, DVD and product samples
• Bat Conservation International form for bat conservationist certification
• Vendors room, products and displays throughout the event.

All boot camp graduates also will receive an individual Web page on the NWMPA Boot Camp Web site with their portrait photo, biography and links to their contact information. 

The registration fee is $1,800 for NWMPA members and $1,950 for non-members. Company discounts may apply. For additional information, or to register, visit www.wildlifebootcamp.com.

Georgia Companies Raise Funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

NORCROSS, Ga. — Pest control companies from throughout the state of Georgia participated in a major fundraising effort for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Georgia Pest Control Association (GPCA).

“We want to thank those customers and friends who participated in this successful fundraising effort,” said Valera Jessee, executive director of the Georgia Pest Control Association. “The funds we raised support the society’s mission: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”

In 2007, GPCA raised $126,539 and since 2004, the association has contributed more than $400,000. As an organization, GPCA makes the largest single contribution to the charity in the state.

One of the companies that participated was Allgood Pest Solutions, Atlanta, where Mike Tindol initiated GPCA’s participation. Linda Patton and her daughter Lesia, an aspiring custom-cake baker, used their skills and love for baking pound cakes and brownies to hold a cake sale. The two set up shop beside a local store and sold $585-worth of their baked goods.

Jeff Annis, head of Advanced Services in Augusta, matches funds raised by his employees dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 each year.

Northwest Exterminating held a cookbook fundraiser, company breakfast, BBQ sale and bake sales. Members of the Cook’s Pest Control team held a church concert and yard sales. Arrow Exterminators’ various branches held a Texas Hold ’Em tournament and hot dog sales.

Allgood Pest Solutions offered employee incentives, rewarding their staff with prizes, gift cards or a paid day of leave.

“It is gratifying to see the creativity shown by the participating companies in developing unique fundraising ideas,” said Rachel Benson, special events coordinator for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Georgia chapter. 

Production Company Seeks PCOs for Reality TV Program

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Hoosick Falls Productions, a production company founded by George Verschoor, producer of reality shows such as “Nashville Star,” is casting a new reality show about pest control.

Hoosick Falls is looking for a pest control operator (or pest control company) for a new reality show similar to “Dirty Jobs,” that will deal strictly with pest control. The company is seeking a host(s) with a lot of personality who is very passionate about the pest control business.

The producers ask that anyone interested send a 10-minute video that explains themselves and their work (any video footage from the field would be a plus).

Some of the information the producers are interested in, include:

• How did you get into the pest control business?
• What kinds of pests do you deal with?
• What’s the most unusual pest you’ve dealt with?
• What’s your weirdest pest control story?
• What’s your grossest pest control story?
• What is some of the positive feedback you have received from clients over the years?
• What sets you apart from other pest control pros?

Videotapes can be sent to: Hoosick Falls Productions, 1633 Stanford St., Santa Monica, CA 90404 or materials can be sent to gvassist@hfpla.com. — Brad Harbison