[July News]

Target Specialty Products hosts HAZMAT training

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF. — Several Southern California fire departments conducted hazardous materials/chemical spill training at Target’s Santa Fe Springs, Calif. warehouse. More than 50 fire fighters representing the cities of Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs, Vernon, as well as Los Angeles and Orange counties and the U.S. Forest Service participated in the exercise earlier this year.

Target’s Regulatory Affairs Manager Gary Maxwell and Operations Manager Ed Duarte helped facilitate the mock chemical spill and subsequent evacuation and rescue. After arriving on the scene, fire fighters broke into teams, surveyed the situation, suited up in HAZMAT gear and implemented their response.

After the exercise, the fire fighters and Target personnel met to assess the response effort and to discuss what worked well and how the response could be improved.

“Training in a warehouse setting with real products helps replicate an actual emergency so first responders can test their emergency response skills,” Maxwell said. “Our processes have improved as a result of these training sessions as we learn what will be expected of us in the event of an emergency.”

Experts discuss how to marry IPM with green-building design

DALLAS — “Green buildings” might be good at keeping out cold air in the winter and heat during the summer, but they’re often open to bugs and other pests year-round, said experts with Texas AgriLife Extension. “We’re finding that most buildings, even green ones, can be better designed to keep pests out,” said Dr. Mike Merchant, an AgriLife extension entomologist based in Dallas.

Pest control often is ignored by architects who design green buildings — those certified under the Leadership in Energy Environmental Design rating system, Merchant said. But it shouldn’t.

As interest in green architecture grows, architects should consider including pest management features in their plans, said Michael Kawecki, chair emeritus with the U.S. Green Building Council North Texas Chapter, the group that certifies green buildings. “Integrating pest management ideas into the design of green buildings makes sense,” Kawecki said.

Some experts in pest management, architecture and engineering agreed with this viewpoint at a three-day seminar hosted recently by AgriLife Extension in Dallas.

About 40 of them met to share ideas on designing pest-proof public and commercial buildings. They discussed how integrated pest management concepts could be blended with green-building designs.

They came up with dozens of ideas, and their suggestions will eventually be refined in a list prepared by AgriLife Extension for architects, engineers and builders, Merchant said.

Some ideas included screening weep holes, sealing utility conduits and installing small window ledges to deter birds, they said. Standard garbage Dumpsters, a magnet for pests, could be replaced by sealed trash compactors.

“We are especially interested in how these ideas might be used to protect school kids from pests and unnecessary pesticide use,” said Janet Hurley, an AgriLife Extension program specialist in school pest management. “But many of the suggestions could eventually be applied to all kinds of buildings.”

During a break in the meetings, participants toured Hector Garcia Middle School, a certified green building in the Dallas school district. Garcia’s principal, Gary Auld, acknowledged that mice have been a problem.
It was clear how the rodents got in.

“See that mouse doorway and welcome mat?” Merchant said while pointing out a tiny space between the bases of two glass doors. “It only takes a one-fourth-inch gap under a door for a rodent to slip in.”

Pest-resistant features seldom are considered when a building is being designed, said James McClure, president of Estes, McClure and Associates, an engineering and consulting firm in Tyler, Texas. “We need to bring all parties together during the planning phase,” McClure said. “Architects, engineers, plumbers, construction administrators and pest management experts should be working together at a round table.”

The meeting’s expenses were covered by an $18,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State, Research, Education and Extension Service, Merchant said. Experts in Integrated Pest Management and architecture traveled from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.

Industry mourns loss of Jeffrey W. Baden

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Jeffrey W. Baden, 61, a longtime industry sales representative who most recently worked for Rockwell Labs Ltd, passed away unexpectedly in his home May 21.

Baden, who was southeast regional manager for Rockwell Labs, served the pest control industry for more than 20 years, beginning at Sears Pest Control. He also worked for a number of industry product suppliers including R-Value, Nisus Corporation and Atlantic Paste & Glue before joining Rockwell in 2003. “Jeff was above all a wonderful human being,” said Dr. Cisse Spragins, founder and CEO of Rockwell Labs Ltd. “He was instantly likeable, entertaining, humorous and highly creative. He was also an invaluable confidante, sounding board, creative soulmate and an unequivocal, intensely loyal supporter as I struggled to build our business. It is difficult to comprehend the passing of someone so full of life. I and everyone else at Rockwell will miss him greatly.”

Baden served his country as a combat infantryman during the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of his 17-year-old daughter, Shelby Baden, 440 Millbank Place, Roswell, GA 30076.

University of Kentucky announces dates for 38th annual short course

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The 38th Annual University of Kentucky Pest Control Short Course will be held Nov. 10-12, in Lexington, Ky. The conference includes a money-back satisfaction guarantee and features a strong educational program.

Featured topics at the conference, which is sponsored by the UK Department of Entomology, include health, pests and pestilence, the tenuous state of pesticides, going “green,” getting the most from your business, advanced termite inspections, challenging pests, symptoms and sleuthing, pest detection dogs, and new insights on bed bugs, termites, roaches and rodents.

Featured speakers include Jerome Goddard, Ted Granovsky, Nick Hamon, George Rotramel, Norm Cooper, Mark Sheperdigian, Jay Bruesch, Dan Collins, Susan Jones, Dini Miller, Andy Donaldson and Chris Christensen.
For more information, contact Dr. Michael F. Potter, Department of Entomology, S-225 Agric. Sci. Bldg. N, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091. Or call 859/257-5955, send a fax to 859/323-1120 or e-mail dthorpe@uky.edu.

Arrow Exterminators names Emily Thomas president

ATLANTA — Arrow Exterminators in June named Emily Thomas president and chief operating officer.

“Emily has been running the company’s operations for the last five years and has accomplished so much that this decision was easy,” said Joe Thomas, chairman and CEO. “I am proud that the next president of Arrow Exterminators is a proven and tested individual who has already made major contributions to our continued success. The fact that she is my daughter is icing on the cake.”

“This announcement is recognition of Emily’s strong performance as well as recognition of her passion and energy to lead Arrow into the future,” added Barry Thomas, Arrow’s secretary and treasurer. “I have no doubt that Emily will make the company’s vision a reality,” Thomas added.

Emily Thomas, a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a third-generation pest management professional, began her Arrow career in 1998. She learned all aspects of the operations side of the business while working in several branch offices in metro Atlanta before moving into commercial pest control sales. In addition, she gained experience in the marketing and IT departments before being promoted to chief operating officer in 2003.

“It is an honor to be named president of Arrow Exterminators and to be in a position to continue the tradition that my grandfather and grandmother started back in 1964,” Emily Thomas said. “I can honestly say that I love my work and am blessed to work alongside 1,000 of the best people in the industry. This group of dedicated employees will help propel Arrow Exterminators to the $100 million threshold and beyond.”

Thomas is a member of the National Pest Management Association Board of Directors and is active in the Professional Women in Pest Management organization. In addition, Thomas is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and serves on the board of directors for St. Jude’s Recovery Center and JumpStart, non-profit organizations based in Atlanta.

Judges named for Bayer ES ‘Young Scientist’ contest

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Bayer Environmental Science, along with the National Pest Management Association, has announced the judging panel for the third Bayer Environmental Science “Young Scientist of the Year” contest. The panel of industry and university leaders includes:

• Dr. Roger Gold, professor of entomology, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Philip G. Koehler, professor of entomology, University of Florida
• Dr. Ed Vargo, professor of entomology, North Carolina State University
• Dr. James Sargent, director of technical support and regulatory compliance, Copesan Services
• Joey Harris, vice president of sales and service, Cook’s Pest Control
• Dave Taylor, technical director, Antimite Termite and Pest Control
• Dr. Nick Hamon, director of development and technical services, Bayer Environmental Science

The judges will review all contest submissions, narrowing the field to three finalists and selecting one individual as the “Young Scientist of the Year.” The three finalists will present their research at PestWorld 2008 in Washington, D.C., in October, where the “Young Scientist of the Year” will be announced.

The Bayer Environmental Science “Young Scientist of the Year” contest is a scholarship and grant program for graduate students to acknowledge and financially support exceptional research that advances the pest management industry. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 will be granted to three finalists chosen by the judging panel, and the “Young Scientist of the Year” will receive a $10,000 grant to continue his/her research. In addition, a $1,000 scholarship will be donated to the general scholarship fund at the schools attended by each of the three finalists. To be eligible for the contest, an applicant must be a candidate for a master’s or doctoral degree at an accredited university.

NPMA announces 2008-09 board of directors

FAIRFAX, Va. — As the National Pest Management Association’s leadership team, NPMA’s board of directors helps position the association for growth. The board of directors is elected by the association’s membership. The 2008-09 board is:

• President, Bruce Carter, Carter Services, Farmington, N.M.
• Immediate Past President, Mike Rottler, Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions, St. Louis
• President-Elect, Raleigh Jenkins, ABC Pest Pool and Lawn Services, Houston
• Treasurer, Kevin J. Kordek, A-Active Termite & Pest Control, Virginia Beach, Va.
• Secretary, Ray Johnson, Johnson Pest Control, Inc., Sevierville, Tenn.
• At-Large Director, Charles Dixon, Dixon Exterminating Co., Thomasville, Ga.
• At-Large Director, Don S. Jamison, Jamison…Your Lawn Partner, Memphis, Tenn.
• At-Large Director, Clarke Keenan, Waltham Services, Waltham, Mass.
• At-Large Director, Jennifer Leggett, Lindsey Pest Services, Jacksonville, Fla.
• At-Large Director, Mickey Nolen, Nozzle Nolen, West Palm Beach, Fla.
• At-Large Director, Kevin Pass, Action Pest Control, Evansville, Ind.
• At-Large Director, Laura Simpson, Dugas Pest Control of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, La.
• At-Large Director, William Tesh, Pest Management Systems, Greensboro, N.C.
• At-Large Director, Emily Thomas, Arrow Exterminators, Atlanta
• At-Large Director, Chuck Tindol, Allgood Pest Solutions, Duluth, Ga.
• Region No. 1 Director, Stephen Certa, Watch All, Inc., Weymouth, Mass.
• Region No. 2 Director, Julee Efird, Modern Exterminating Co., Jacksonville, N.C.
• Region No. 3 Director, Rene Kesecker, Good Earth Pest Company, Philomath, Ore.
• Region No. 4 Director, John Allen, Guaranty Exterminating Co., Tulsa, Okla.
• Region No. 5 Director, Randy Hobbs, Braemar Pest Control Services, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
• Past President Representative, Judy Dold, Rose Pest Solutions, Northfield, Ill.

BASF announces Termidor All-Star Technician program

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — BASF is accepting nominations for the 2008 Termidor termiticide/insecticide All-Star Technician program. This marks the third year for the program, honoring the country’s finest termite technicians with an awards ceremony and all-expense-paid trip to the 2008 Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

“The All-Star program celebrates the dedication, skill and expertise of the nation’s top termite technicians,” said Timothy Knight, business manager for the Professional Pest Control group at BASF. “Technicians are the very foundation of our industry, representing their individual companies and the profession as a whole to millions of consumers every single day by ensuring proper and judicious use of termite and general pest control products. BASF created the Termidor All-Star Technician Program to reward the most deserving individuals, and we look forward to meeting the pros in Fort Worth.”

In November, BASF will take 16 winners to Fort Worth, Texas, where they will be honored by BASF, participate in educational speaker sessions, and watch the 2008 Dickies 500 race from a VIP track-side suite. The trip includes round-trip airfare and two-night hotel stay in Fort Worth, suite accommodations at the Texas Motor Speedway, a special awards banquet, and motivational guest speakers. Technicians also will be featured online and in Termidor marketing efforts throughout the year.

Companies can nominate their Termidor All-Star Technicians through a Web-based entry form found online at www.pestcontrolfacts.org/allstar or by sending in a completed hard-copy entry form, available from BASF sales specialists or by downloading a version online.

Those wishing to complete a nomination will rank each technician based on a 10-question survey and provide a brief description of why their technician is a Termidor All-Star. All technicians must be nominated by a manager or a supervisor to be considered.

Entries for the Termidor All-Star Technician Program will be accepted through July 31. Winners will be announced Sept. 1.
 
Action Pest Control plans pest management seminar

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Action Pest Control will host its 10th annual Food and Grain Industry Pest Management Seminar July 30 at the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center in Evansville, Ind.

“Action Pest Control is proud to have orchestrated and hosted this event for a decade, bringing various renowned experts to Southern Indiana for the benefit of our industry and area food producers,” said Scott Robbins, Action’s technical director.

Scheduled speakers include Richard Kammerling, industry consultant and president of RK Pest Management Services, and Dr. Anil Menon, biology project leader for BASF.

For more information on the seminar, including the full agenda and a downloadable registration form, visit the “news and announcements” section at www.actionpest.com.

Insects Limited, Purdue receive research grant

WESTFIELD, Ind. — Insects Limited, in partnership with Purdue University, recently received a Small Business Initiative Research grant from the state of Indiana and the United States Department of Agriculture for work in the area of insect biosensors.

The company’s $160,000 award is one of only four state and federal SBIR grants awarded in Indiana this year. “We are excited to work with Purdue on this new Insect BioSensor project. This new technology has the potential to change how our industry evaluates their treatment of traditional and organic food products throughout the world,” said Dave Mueller, president of Insects Limited. “It could reduce the total amount of pesticides used on our food products.”

A biosensor is a way to use live insect eggs to determine when the treatment is complete by measuring the oxygen produced. When the eggs stop using oxygen, the biosensor technology will determine that the treatment is complete. This method has the potential of reducing the amount of pesticides used in post-harvest agriculture treatments, the company said.