[Backtalk] letters, e-mails and faxes from PCT readers

GREAT FLY SUMMIT

I just returned from attending the PCT Fly Management Summit in Atlanta, of which Whitmire Micro-Gen was the main sponsor. The meeting was very well done and met all my expectations. The meeting was another in the seminal series of symposia PCT has been co-sponsoring with key manufacturers to support the industry it reports on. We are fortunate the GIE Media Group has chosen to cover the professional pest management industry and taken an interest that transcends simply publishing trade journals. Kudos and thanks to the entire GIE staff. You do us a great service by doing your job so well.

Richard C. Berman, B.C.E.

Technical Manager

Waltham Services

Waltham, Mass.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT TAP

Thank you for the article on T•A•P Pest Control Insulation in the March issue of PCT. I have clarification regarding Dr. Brian Forschler’s comment that "termites can tunnel through insulation and may be unaffected by the boric acid." It’s not clear if he is offering an opinion or reporting test results, but we assume that Dr. Forschler is referring to standard cellulose insulation, which usually contains a small amount of boric acid. T•A•P contains three to four times the standard amount; thus, it is efficacious against termites.

Readers of the article may be interested in testing performed on T•A•P at the University of Hawaii by Grace and Mankowski. These tests showed a 100 percent mortality rate of Formosan termites that attempted to tunnel through a short (7.5cm) arena containing T•A•P. Readers will find the full reports at www.TAPinsulation.com. Click on "Research Data."

John D. Elliot Jr.

Charlotte, N.C.

T•A•P Insulation

Readers with comments are invited to write to PCT Letters, 4012 Bridge Ave., Cleveland OH 44113. Letters also can be faxed to 216/961-0364 or e-mailed to jdorsch@pctonline.com. Letters may be edited for space or clarity.