[January News]

Lively discussions highlight final installment of ‘Good to Great’

SUNNY ISLES, FLA. — About 170 pest management professionals gathered at the Trump International Royal Sonesta Beach Resort in Sunny Isles, Fla., for the third and final chapter of the National Pest Management Association’s "Good to Great" Conference. "Good to Great: Built to Last" was sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science and took place Nov. 29-Dec. 1.

Steve Burt, managing director, professional pest management, Bayer Environmental Science, and Rob Lederer, executive vice president, NPMA, welcomed attendees to the meeting. The event’s first featured speaker, Andy Hobart, divisional managing director, Rentokil Initial, discussed current trends in pest management industries throughout the world. Rentokil Initial is headquartered in London but expanded its North American presence with the purchase of J.C. Ehrlich, a $100+ million pest management firm headquartered in Reading, Pa.

Hobart stated the global pest control market is an $11.5 billion industry. The United States generates about half of that revenue, with sales of more than $6 billion, he said. Unlike the rest of the world, 75 percent of the U.S. pest control market is residential. "In the UK, at best, residential is 25 percent," Hobart said. "The shape of business really looks quite different (overseas)."

Hobart said he sees industry consolidation as a global trend, as well as companies having to decide whether they’re going to bundle a number of services or specialize in just one aspect of pest control. In addition, he said there is currently a significant amount of money available through private equity firms to fund growth strategies. Other speakers included:

• Clarke Keenan, Waltham Services

• Kevin Clark, Critter Control

• Russ Ives, Rose Pest Solutions

• Bobby Jenkins, ABC Pest & Lawn Services

• Dennis Jenkins, ABC Pest & Lawn Services of DFW

• Raleigh Jenkins, ABC Pest, Pool & Lawn Services

• Lee Blevins, Antimite Associates

• Jim Aycock, Cook’s Pest Control

• Tom Brackett, Terminix International

Helping to bring the "Good to Great" conferences full circle was a networking session on the second day of the meeting in which attendees were given an opportunity to speak to alumni from previous "Good to Great" conferences, including some of the biggest names in the industry.

CDC experts train Orkin specialists on pest-related health risks

ATLANTA, GA. — Specialists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently educated hundreds of Orkin pest control and commercial service technicians across the country on pests and related diseases. CDC’s Abbigail Tumpey and Emily Zielinski-Gutiérrez, both of the National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne and Enteric Diseases, led an in-depth seminar on Orkin’s interactive satellite television communications network on Nov. 17. More than 300 of the company’s 400 field locations participated in the live broadcast.

This session provided insights about mosquitoes, ticks and rodents as well as the diseases they carry. Tumpey and Zielinski-Gutiérrez addressed current health issues, including West Nile virus, Lyme disease and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and how to prevent pests from transmitting them to humans. Through Orkin’s first-of-its-kind live broadcast technology, introduced in January 2006, participants were able to communicate with instructors in real-time — as if in a live classroom — using TV monitors and interactive keypads in each field location.

"Since teaming with the internationally respected CDC in 2004, we have enhanced our ability to share with the public important information about health risks associated with certain pests," said Glen Rollins, president and chief operating officer of Orkin.

Matthew Dempsey named interim executive VP of Florida association

ORLANDO, FLA. — Upon the recent resignation of former Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) Executive Vice President Karen Barnett, the association appointed Government Affairs Director Matthew B. Dempsey to serve as the association’s interim executive vice president. Dempsey recently celebrated his fourth year of service to the association.

Following the selection of an interim executive vice president, FPMA President Jennifer Leggett, Lindsey Pest Services, Jacksonville, Fla., established a Transition Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FPMA executive committee and association past presidents, to begin the process of selecting a new executive vice president to lead the association.

FPMA will hold a public forum related to the Transition Task Force’s activities at the 2007 Power Forum, which will be held Jan. 24-26. For more information, call 800/426-4829 or visit www.flpma.org.

Delaware Pest Control Association announces 48th Annual Short Course

NEWARK, DEL. — The Delaware Pest Control Association recently announced its 48th Annual Pest Control Short Course will be held at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del., Feb. 14-15.

The speaker lineup includes Fred Strickland, Terminix International; Frank Meek, Orkin Pest Control; Judy Black, The Steritech Group; Chris Arne, Rentokil/J.C. Ehrlich; and Jim Fredericks, Home Paramount. In addition, Dr. Kathy Heinsohn, NPMA, and Dr. Mark Lacey, Liphatech, will be presenters at the two-day conference. There also will be a separate half-day session geared towards mosquito control. For further information or to register call 302/736-2668.

Pest management industry

market research study underway

MENDHAM, N.J. — Specialty Products Consultants (SPC) has undertaken its seventh syndicated study of the professional pest control market in the United States. The slumping housing market, a generally disappointing termite swarm season, and the market impact of generic product introductions are just a few of the topics that will be analyzed in "A Strategic Analysis of the U. S. Structural Pest Control Market — The 2006 Season."

The United States structural pest control industry generated more than $6.76 billion in service revenue in 2005. According to SPC, the 2005 total reflects a five-year annualized growth rate of 5.3 percent for pest control services. "Given market conditions, it’s highly unlikely that we will see anything approaching these historic revenue growth rates in 2006," said Gary Curl, president of SPC.

The 2006 market study will involve telephone interviews with more than 800 owners or managers of professional pest control operations across the country. The Olson Research Group, working in conjunction with SPC, will conduct the interviews. The report will measure the sales and usage of leading brands of insecticides, rodenticides and termite control products in the professional pest control market. Additionally, end-users will be queried about unmet market needs and professional services offered other than pest control. The survey will identify major challenges faced by owners and managers in running a pest control business today.

Specialty Products Consultants is a market research and business development consultancy dedicated exclusively to the specialty pesticide industry. For more information, contact Curl at 973/543-5195.

Industry mourns loss of Lester E. Kness

DES MOINES, IOWA — Pest control industry pioneer Lester E. Kness, 87, passed away Dec. 8. Kness was best known for the role he played in manufacturing the Ketch-All mouse trap, invented by his father, A.E. Kness.

Kness had a distinguished military career, serving in the Army during World War II from February 1941 to January 1946. He was a volunteer in Darby’s Rangers from 1942 to 1944 and he fought in the European Theater, as well as in North Africa, Tunisia, Sicily and Italy. On Feb. 11, 1943, he received a battlefield commission as a second lieutenant. He was separated from the service as a captain in 1946. Kness received the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and several campaign awards.

Survivors include his wife, Velma Kness; three sons, Lee (Pat) Kness, Wade Kness and Dean (Fauna) Kness; one daughter, Kathy Kness Wauson; a sister, Nona Brown; a brother, Marvin (Marilyn) Kness; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

One-third of PCT’s Top 100 companies

earn QualityPro designation from NPMA

FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association reports that QualityPro has reached a milestone. Thirty-five of the top 100 revenue-grossing pest management companies as named by PCT magazine have joined the QualityPro program since its inception in 2004. Currently, QualityPro membership is at almost 300 companies.

Members of QualityPro companies voluntarily ascribe to a set of standards that are above and beyond state and federal regulations. When a company applies to become QualityPro firm, they are provided with a comprehensive toolbox that offers them all the information they need to meet program certifications, from human resource supplements to access to certified vendors to co-branding marketing handbooks.

For more information about how to become a QualityPro company, visit www.npmaqualitypro.org.

EPA issues final

rule on aquatic

pesticide applications

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule clarifying two specific circumstances in which a Clean Water Act permit is not required before pesticides are applied. The two situations are when:

• pesticides are applied directly to water to control pests, including mosquito larvae, aquatic weeds and other pests in the water.

• pesticides are applied to control pests that are present over or near water where a portion of the pesticide will unavoidably be deposited to the water in order to target the pests effectively.

After considering two rounds of public comments, EPA concluded that the Clean Water Act does not require permits in these two situations.

"This clean water rule strengthens and streamlines efforts of public health officials and communities to control pests and invasive species while maintaining important environmental safeguards," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles.

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) requires that pesticides be registered by EPA before they can be sold or distributed. Before they are registered, they must undergo extensive study and review to help ensure that, when properly used, they do not cause unreasonable adverse effects on human health and the environment. Applications of pesticides that violate the FIFRA labels are subject to enforcement.

Pest Management Foundation seeks

research proposals

FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association’s charitable organization — the Pest Management Foundation — recently issued a solicitation for grant proposals related to the management of structural pests and pests in urban and suburban environments.

Any submission deemed worthwhile by the foundation will be eligible for a grant of up to $35,000. Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, institutions of higher learning, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses and individuals.

While the solicitation lists specific project ideas, the foundation says it is interested in any proposal that pertains to the management of pests in structures and urban and suburban environments. Past foundation research has focused on residential mosquito control, black widow and hobo spiders, a specific rodent-borne disease, the overall impact of urban pests and the efficacy of yellow jacket container trap efficacy.

"Our main intent is to generate the submission of numerous different proposals," said Gene Harrington, executive director of the foundation. "We recognize that there are countless valuable research ideas and issuing anything too prescriptive could preclude many worthy proposals. We look forward to carefully reviewing any and all proposals."

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 14 and the target for identifying a worthwhile applicant is by the end of March. The solicitation is available at www.npmapestworld.org. Questions and proposals should be directed to Gene Harrington at gharrington@pestworld.org or 800/678-6722.

Commercial Kitchens Focus of

Whitmire Micro-Gen Seminars

ST. LOUIS, MO. — Whitmire Micro-Gen recently announced a series of Skill Development Seminars designed to help pest management professionals manage pest populations in commercial kitchens using the latest IPM techniques.

The one-day seminars, led by renowned entomologist Jeffrey Tucker, break down the complex commercial kitchen environment into more than a dozen habitat zones from food preparation and storage areas to floor drains and perimeter treatment zones. "More than 100 photos and over a dozen video segments bring the audience into a real account, making the learning experience fun, real and memorable," says Whitmire Micro-Gen President Andy Symons.

The seminar, which runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and is preceded by a continental breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., will focus on three key areas of pest management in commercial kitchens:

• Cockroach and fly control treatment techniques

• Understanding the restaurant environment

• Selecting the best treatment option for each situation

Dates and locations of the February Skill Development Seminars include: February 6, Embassy Suites Hotel Baltimore, Linthicum, Md.; February 7, Embassy Suites Hotel Piscataway-Somerset, Piscataway, N.J.; February 14, MeadowView Conference Center, Kingsport, Tenn.; and February 15, Holiday Inn – The Crossings, Antioch, Tenn. Additional seminars are scheduled for the following dates and cities:

• March 6, Miami, Fla.

• March 7, Tampa, Fla.

• March 8, Jacksonville, Fla.

• March 13, Raleigh, N.C.

• March 14, Norfolk, Va.

• March 15, Atlanta, Ga.

• April 17, Chicago, Ill.

• April 18, St. Louis, Mo.

For additional information or to register for the seminars, visit www.wmmg.com/sds or call 800/777-8570, ext. 4298. Seating is limited so Whitmire Micro-Gen recommends that pest management professionals register early.

Clarke Mosquito Control founder, John L. Clarke Jr., dies

RIVERSIDE, ILL. — John L. Clarke Jr., founder of Clarke Mosquito Control, a leading mosquito control firm, died on Dec. 5 after an extended illness. He was 77.

For more than 50 years, Clarke led his family business, overseeing its growth from a one-man firm based out of his family garage, to an international company servicing a broad range of government, commercial and residential clients. For the past 10 years, his son John Lyell Clarke III, has led the company.

"My father was a pioneer in our industry," said John Lyell Clarke III, president of Clarke Mosquito Control. "He helped revolutionize mosquito control through his innovation, research and his belief that he was performing a vital public service."

"He was a true gentlemen and a respected and visionary ambassador for our industry," added Joe Conlon, spokesman for the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). "He made significant contributions that helped shape our future. He will be missed."

John Clarke Jr., was a second-generation Clarke involved in mosquito control. His father, John Clarke Sr., developed programs for the U.S. Public Health Service at military bases during World War I and wrote legislation establishing the framework for mosquito control districts in Illinois. Inspired by his father, son John began his company as a 17-year-old out of his family’s garage in Riverside. Upon graduation from Virginia Polytech Institute, (now Virginia Tech) in 1951, he returned home to build his business.

The recipient of numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Award form the Michigan Mosquito Control Association, AMCA’s Medal of Honor, AMCA’s Industry Award and Meritorious Service Award, Clarke served as his company’s chairman in later years and helped manage the firm’s growth along with his son John. Clarke Mosquito Control, which was the 2006 recipient of the Loyola Family Business of the Year Award, now has 13 offices throughout the world.

Clarke is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Kemp Clarke; his sons, John Lyell Clarke III, Frank and Stuart; his daughter, Mary Robb; his daughters-in-law, Kathy, Cara and Laura; 10 grandchildren; and his sister Sally Draeger.

Wowbase call center solution introduced

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — Marathon Data Systems announced that it has partnered with Phillip Cooper of Cooper Pest Solutions, Lawrenceville, N.J., in creating a unique customer service solution for its clients called WOWbase.

Cooper, the author of What+How =WOW, a book on delivering standout customer service, said, "The WOWbase allows PestPac clients to deliver consistent information to their clients and provides the platform to deliver excellent product knowledge."

The WOWbase, developed by Cooper in conjunction with the Marathon software team, is an add-on to Marathon’s PestPac software. The add-on integrates with work orders, lead management and notes.

"Phil enjoys the unique perspective of being an expert in both customer service and PestPac software," said Mike Ayars, president of Marathon. "His WOWbase product should be a welcome solution to any pest management company that wants to take their customer service to the next level."

WOWbase provides companies the ability to deliver a consistent message to their clients. Similar tools have been available to call centers in other industries, but an online solution has not existed for the pest management industry. WOWbase also provides users with content on pest biology and behavior combined with the specific scripting and process that makes each individual pest company unique. For additional information, call 800/762-0301.

Target sends Christmas package to marines in Iraq

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF. — Target Specialty Products recently sent a Christmas care package to Pvt. James Carruba and his Marine platoon, Headquarters Platoon, D Company, 3rd AA Battalion, stationed in Iraq.

Target connected with the platoon through MGK Account Representative Sandra Torry. Pvt. Carruba is Torry’s son. Torry was "deeply moved" by the gesture, and expressed appreciation for the effort put into the project.

"We appreciate all those who contributed to this worthwhile effort in support of our troops," said Target’s President Lon Records.

Target associates in Arizona, California and Oregon raised more than $1,700 during the month of November for the care package. In-kind donations brought the care package value to more than $1,800. When Target’s customer, Daniel Monsoon of DLC Resources, found out about the fundraising effort, he decided to contribute. DLC donated socks and dry goods for the soldiers. Mike Raahauge of Shooting Enterprises in Corona, Calif., also donated money toward the care package. Turner’s Outdoorsman in Chino Hills, Calif., discounted 40 gun cleaners when Manager Mike Etienne learned the cleaners were being purchased for the Marine troop.

The platoon also received DVDs, books, magazines, games, protein bars and eye drops. In addition, the package included cards of support from company employees.

Comings & Goings

EcoSMART Technologies has hired Manny Martinez as its new vice president of the company’s commercial division, effective immediately.

Syngenta Professional Pest Management recently announced several sales team changes. Jason Venello has assumed the role of key account manager. He previously held the position of pest management professional sales representative in Florida. Matt Jones, formerly builder sales representative for Florida, is transitioning to a pest management professional sales representative role in Florida and is a part of the East district sales team.

Tim Zech has been promoted to chief operating officer of Sostram Corporation.

Pest Control Supplies announced the promotion of Steve Neal to sales representative. Neal will split his time between inside sales and covering the state of Nebraska.

Bell Laboratories recently made several personnel announcements. John Schwerin, formerly director of corporate sales and marketing, was named vice president of the company’s international operations and will focus on international growth opportunities. Mark Westover was promoted to director of sales. Rich Williams will step into the newly created position of regional sales manager. Williams will provide sales management to Bell’s technical representatives in the Northeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. In addition, James Prendergast joined Bell Laboratories as technical sales representative for the southern mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and New Jersey south of Trenton. Thomas Deuscher has joined Bell Laboratories as regional manager for Northern Europe where he works with distributors and end-users of Bell products in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Poland and the Netherlands.

Marty Gibson recently joined B&G Chemicals & Equipment as corporate sales manager for the company’s Houston, Texas, region.

Zoecon Professional Products named Ted Sleek as the recipient of the Zoecon Outstanding Sales Achievement Award for 2006. Sleek was presented the award at the Zoecon national sales meeting award dinner in Dallas. In other Zoecon news, Loren Cunnington has joined the Zoecon Professional Products Division of Central Life Sciences as the regional sales manager for the Midwest region.

Brain Sundnas has joined Rockwell Labs Ltd in the newly created position of field technical specialist – central region.

LESCO announced the addition of Mark Myers in LESCO’s central zone as a pest control specialist in charge of training.

PestWest USA’s Michelle Woodcock is now the company’s accounting manager.

Arrow Exterminators, Atlanta, Ga., announced that Shay Runion has joined the company in the newly created role of director of Sentricon quality assurance. In a related move, Ron Sherman has been promoted to the position of director of Sentricon quality assurance for metro Atlanta. To fill the vacancy left by Sherman’s promotion, Tony Jones has joined the company and has been named the branch manager for West Cobb.

In other company news, David Gagliano has been promoted to vice president of Region I. Brad Short has been promoted to district manager for the South Metro District in Region I. In related moves, Fred Sherman is now the branch manager for the Newnan, Ga., office while Larry Ownby will be the branch manager for the McDonough, Ga., office. Ron Burton has been promoted to Branch Manager in the Dunwoody, Ga., office.

In Arrow’s Tennessee operation, Bobby Lane has been named branch manager of the Knoxville, Tenn., branch office. Glen Ensley has been named branch manager in Arrow’s Pigeon Forge, Tenn., office, replacing Lane. Mike Derman has accepted the position of division manager for Arrow’s new construction division, based in Atlanta.

In Arrow’s Florida operation, Robbie Ringler was named branch manager of the Port Charlotte office.

Cadenhead Services, Crestview, Fla., has earned NPMA’s QualityPro designation, the mark of excellence in pest management. In addition, Sandwich Isle Termite & Pest Control, Pearl City, Hawaii, has earned NPMA’s QualityPro distinction.

Swat Pest Management, Evansville, Ind., won the Platinum Award in the 2006 Evansville Courier and Press "Readers’ Choice Awards." This was the second year readers could vote for ‘Best Pest Control’ company and SWAT came out on top after placing second in 2005. SWAT Pest Management was founded in 1998 by Tim and Stacey Runyon.

Ace Exterminators, Oklahoma City, Okla., recently was named Best Exterminator in the "Best of Mustang 2006 Awards," sponsored by the Mustang Times.

Diligent Environmental Services, Boca Raton, Fla., earned the distinction of National Housing Quality (NHQ) Certified Trade Contractor through the National Association of Home Builders. Diligent said it is the first pest control company in the state of Florida to attain the certification and the fourth in the nation.

The NHQ Certification recognizes trade contractors that adhere to a documented customer-focused quality assurance system, that emphasize an ongoing commitment to improvement of the homebuilding process, and, based on nationally recognized quality assurance principles, pass a rigorous audit by the quality experts at The NAHB Research Center.

All ‘Round Pest Control, Pennsburg, Pa., received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Development Center of Philadelphia, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC’s national standard of certification is a lengthy process including an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.

Kil-All Pest Control Company, Franklin, Tenn., recently changed its name to All Pest Solutions to better reflect its focus on prevention and management services for residential and commercial customers. "We are keenly aware of the importance of technology, the environment and family friendly approaches," said Tim Blankenship, company vice president. "Our new name, All Pest Solutions, better indicates how we are much more proactive in preventing pests and solving problems before they happen, saving customers lots of headaches, time and money.