[News] news from around the pest control industry

INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL cHANGES TERMITE PREVENTION STANDARDS

NASHVILLE, TENN. — In a major victory for the pest control industry, the International Code Council technical committee, which oversees the International Residential Code, recently voted to overturn the current code and asked to use the pest control indus-try’s standards when considering termite prevention methods.

The current code permits only products that are described in the code or that have been approved by a code evaluation. Conceivably, products that are not EPA registered could be acceptable under the code. Further, new technologies, such as physical barriers or baits, are not specifically included in the code language and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The proposal for incorporating EPA-registered products was submitted by Nisus Corporation, and was supported at the hearings by Dow AgroSciences. The National Pest Management Association worked the floor and testified in favor of the change. When passed by the entire membership in early 2004, there should be much less confusion as to what products are acceptable termite prevention methods.

"This improvement required major behind-the-scenes work, both during the hearings and prior to going to Nashville," said Greg Baumann, interim technical director for NPMA and voting representative of the ICC. "Code development is a complex collection of overlapping and sometimes conflicting technical language and we are delighted with the results this week. We are appreciative of Nisus and Dow AgroSciences for their support and to ASPCRO, who issued a position which we read into the record during the hearing."

There has been a request by the ICC for NPMA to develop standards for products that would include EPA registration as one option, but also set standards for physical barriers and other new technologies not regulated by EPA. ASPCRO is currently considering the issue and may be asked to take the lead by coordinating a multi-disciplined work group including ASPCRO, NPMA, code officials and some building trade associations.

RISE’s ALLEN JAMES DEBATES NCAMP’s JAY FELDMAN ON CNN

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The debate over whether or not to use pesticides for mosquito control took center stage on CNN’s Next program in late August.

Allen James, president of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), debated Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (NCAMP), for the segment.

James explained the industry’s position on the use of sprays and fogs for mosquito control, noting that this method is the only way to control adult flying, biting mosquitoes. He also cited recent reports from the U.S. EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending the use of sprays and fogs as part of an effective mosquito control program.

In addition, segments from RISE’s 2½-minute video about West Nile virus (WNV) were shown. The video clip shows the important role communities play in protecting citizens’ health and safety. It can be viewed at www.westnilevirusfacts.org, a RISE Web site that provides information about WNV.

Feldman presented the opposing viewpoint that the threats pesticides pose to humans outweigh the dangers of West Nile virus. Feldman discouraged viewers from using DEET products (insect repellents) even though they are CDC-approved.

For a complete transcript of the show, visit www.pctonline.com/cnndebate.

TONI CAITHNESS  HITS 25-YEAR MARK WITH FPMA

ORLANDO, FLA. — From 1978 to 2003, the Florida Pest Management Association has grown from 344 members to 1,200, and expanded its budget from $40,000 to $800,000. The administrator overseeing this growth is the association’s long-time Executive Vice President Toni Caithness, who celebrated her 25th year with the Association in September.

Hired in what was originally a "part-time" position, Caithness ran the operation from her home. Today, FPMA owns its building that houses a professional staff, and offers its members the services of a professional lobbyist in Tallahassee and a management consultant.

Caithness holds the certified association executive designation and is a graduate of the University of Delaware’s Institutes for Organizational Management.

As executive vice president, Caith-ness fostered development of the administrative policy, regional director guidelines and the expansion of the association committee base. She encourages a successful relationship with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a comprehensive educational program, and has created enthusiasm and motivation for association working committees.

What does the future hold for Caithness? "I look forward to continued success with FPMA," she said.

"We can only get better and continue to learn with the challenges we face every day. I never stop growing and I owe a lot of my success, happiness and well being to the wonderful people in this industry that I’ve met over the years. Truly, I feel blessed, and I thank everyone for their support and friendship," Caithness added.

SYNGENTA INTRODUCES IMPASSE TERMITE PROTECTION AT NYC PRESS CONFERENCE

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Syngenta unveiled its Impasse termite "barrier" protection methods at a press conference in New York City in late September.

Syngenta presented two new anti-termite products — Impasse Termite System and Impasse Termite Blocker — which are applied to new homes and buildings during construction. Impasse System is a termite-proof, polymer sheet that is installed before the concrete foundation of a new home is poured and provides wall-to-wall protection; Impasse Blocker is made of the same material but is designed to be attached around utility pipes.

The Impasse products offer an approach that provides much longer-lasting control than conventional termite treatments, the company says. The products combine a barrier method of protection that is "locked in" between polymer layers.

"Termites are eating us out of house and home. They cause about $2.5 billion worth of destruction to U.S. homes annually," said Bill Lewis, vice president of the company’s professional products business. "Since homeowners’ insurance does not cover termite damage, our technology provides peace of mind and a long-lasting solution for homeowners."

University of Florida entomologist Dr. Faith Oi spoke at the press conference about termite lairs and the destruction they reap. "Termites live in highly organized colonies and forage in groups of hundreds of thousands," she said. "Living underground it is difficult to tell where they could emerge next — quite possibly underneath your home."

Lee Rothleder, president of Goodstein Realty on Long Island, discussed the financial impact of termites on homes and gave the example a recent $3 million Long Island house sale that fell through due to the uncertainty of a termite situation.

For more information about Impasse, visit www.impasse.com.

NPMA’S BAUMANN DISCUSSES BED BUGS IN NATIONAL TV APPEARANCE

DUNN LORING, VA. — Greg Baumann, interim technical director for NPMA, has been busy spreading the pest control industry’s message about managing increasingly problematic bed bugs.

Following Baumann’s appearance on ABC Primetime Sept. 25 in which he discussed bed bugs for a segment on hotel sanitation, the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) was contacted the next day by producers from CNN about appearing in a three-minute spot dealing with these pests.

"We sort of built momentum from the ABC Primetime appearance," said PPMA Executive Director Cindy Mannes.

On Sept. 27, Baumann traveled to New York to film the segment and was accompanied by Mannes, who helped prepare Baumann for the interview.

In the CNN bed bug segment, Baumann explains that these pests are not necessarily the result of poor sanitation, but other factors such as international travel. He also provides consumer tips (e.g., checking luggage for bed bugs following travel) and reinforces the industry’s message to hire a professional to treat for bed bugs.

In addition to CNN, the spot had been picked up by local affiliates in Kentucky and Memphis, Tenn., according to Mannes.

PPMA took a pro-active role in promoting Baumann’s ABC Primetime appearance, including distributing press releases. Mannes said she believes these types of efforts sparked more national interest in the story.

LIPCA, dOW AGROSCIENCES TO HELP FUMIGATORS USING VIKANE

BATON ROGUE, LA. — LIPCA Insurance Group, a Louisiana-based insurance provider owned by and dedicated to pest control operators, has announced that it will work cooperatively with Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences to insure fumigators using Vikane gas fumigant. As part of a joint effort to raise the level of stewardship within that segment of the industry, fumigators that qualified for Commitment To Excellence (CTE) status will be eligible for $1 million limits for fumigation within their General Liability policies.

"CTE status reflects a company’s voluntary commitment to advanced training and safety," said Drew Ratterman, Dow AgroSciences marketing specialist for Vikane. "For a small investment in time and equipment, fumigators with CTE status can benefit from marketing assistance by Dow AgroSciences," Ratterman added. Marketing support includes publishing lists of CTE companies in real estate-related publications, and on the company’s special Web sites dedicated to fumigation. Currently, the CTE program is available to fumigators in Florida, California and Hawaii.

Investment in CTE status will more than pay for itself, according to Allen Fugler, LIPCA Insurance Group’s vice president of marketing. Companies with CTE status will be eligible for $1 million limits for fumigation, which will allow companies to bid for larger, commercial fumigation jobs. In addition, the higher limits of liability are available at the same rate-at no extra cost-as the standard $500,000 fumigation limits. "CTE companies get more insurance for no additional expense. It is an extremely good value, given the current insurance environment," Fugler added.

CTE status can raise the standard $500,000 fumigation sub-limits to equal the full $1 million policy limits of liability offered by LIPCA Insurance Group. Standard, full policy limits of $1 million apply to other types of pest control work, including traditional pest control and termite treatments, wild-life control and lawn care, termite baiting treatments, real estate inspections, damage repair warranties and in-transit pollution coverage.

For more information about the Dow AgroSciences Commitment to Excellence program, visit www.vikanecte.com.

For information about LIPCA Insurance Group, visit www.lipca.com or contact Allen Fugler at 800/893-9887.

In other news at the company, ProFume (Dow AgroSciences’ replacement for methyl bromide), has received its first-ever full commercial approval in Switzerland. The Swiss authorities have cleared sulfuryl fluoride for use as a space fumigant in empty flour mills, food storage facilities and grain silos.

SPECKOZ.COM ADDS PRESENTATION ABOUT MINIMUM RISK PRODUCTS

ALPHARETTA, GA. — Speckoz has collaborated with Prentiss and EcoSmart Technologies for an online presentation on minimum risk pest control products. The presentation is available at Speckoz’s Web site, www.speckoz.com.

The presentation was developed to give pest management professionals a better understanding of the operational and practical benefits of making EcoSmart products, as marketed by Prentiss, an integral part of their everyday pest control regimen.

"Some PMPs don’t realize the true efficacy of the EcoSmart product range," said Larry Eichler, president of Prentiss. "On top of the effective pest control, these products can open doors to new business in school districts, health-care facilities and government buildings and their premises, to name a few."

Steve Bessette, president of Eco-Smart Technologies said, "Working with Speckoz on this project was great. We know that after PMPs view the presentation they will have a better appreciation of the functional benefits of minimum risk pest control products."

In the future, pest management professionals will be able to access updates on or refreshers on the basic principles
of the pest management industry as Speckoz.com expands its offerings.

"For right now, Speckoz.com will focus on providing short presentations which will act as updates for products or application techniques," said Patrick Callahan, president of Speckoz. "We may investigate fully accredited online training, but we know that our member companies already provide the best training opportunities in the industry. Something exceptional would have to be created since our members have set the training bar so high."

EHRLICH ADDS DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN CHESAPEAKE, VA.

CHESAPEAKE, VA. — Ehrlich Distribution has opened a new distribution center in Chesapeake, Va. The 10,000-square-foot facility opened in August.

Ehrlich Distribution was founded in Reading, Pa., in 1928 and has a line of more than 3,000 products, which include insecticides, termiticides, repellents, rodenticides and equipment to control pests and nuisance animals. In addition to professional pest management products, Ehrlich Distribution provides a line of vegetation control products.

Bill Watts, Ehrlich Distribution’s Mid-Atlantic regional manager, will manage the Chesapeake location.

WIN A ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO CHOICECOMMUNICATIONS

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Syngenta Professional Products will give away four annual subscriptions to ChoiceCommunications, an online marketing communications tool, valued at $3,800 each. The subscriptions will be given away until Dec. 31, 2003. Visit www.securechoiceonline.com to register to win.

ChoiceCommunications is a component of SecureChoice. SecureChoice is a business resource for profitable growth from Syngenta Professional Products that delivers quality products and tools, business services and knowledge management to pest management professionals.

ChoiceCommunications is designed to meet most pest management professionals’ marketing communications needs, including advertising, direct marketing, public relations and much more, the company says. A Web-based resource, ChoiceCommunications is a subscription-based service that delivers customizable templates such as Yellow Page advertising, customer acquisition and appreciation mailings, door hangers, coupons and radio scripts directly to pest management professionals’ desktops.

TEXAS A&M OFFERS TERMITE TRAINING  CD-ROM, ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIP

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — The Alice Jean & George E. Novy Memorial Scholarship has been established at Texas A&M by TPCA Past President Larry Novy in honor of his parents, according to TPCA member Bill Clark.

In April, Clark urged members to consider doubling their money by taking advantage of matching funds which are occasionally available from the university. In response, Novy came up with $15,000 and Clark secured matching funds to establish the $30,000 scholarship. The A&M Development Foundation invests the money and provides 5 percent per year to a deserving student.

For more information contact Bill Clark at bcpc@billclarkbugsperts.com or call 409/898-3224.

In other news at Texas A&M, the department of entomology is arming consumers and pest control operators with self-paced lessons about Formosan subterranean termites, which are now available on CD-ROM.

The lessons are available by contacting Grady Glenn at the department of entomology, at 979/458-0853. In addition, much of the information used to prepare the CD-ROM is also available at the Texas A&M termite Web site at http://termite.tamu.edu. There is also a link to the Texas Cooperative Extension’s bulletin "Formosan Subterranean Termite" (L-5233) in the "Publication" section on that site.

10 CEUs OFFERED AT FPMA MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

ORLANDO, FLA. — The Florida Pest Management Association is now taking registrations for its winter event to be held Jan. 27-29, 2004, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel at the Florida Mall in Orlando. The "How to Develop a Crack Sales Squad — And Communicate for Growth & Profit" workshop offers 10 hours of CEUs.

Attendees can look forward to a packed schedule that offers education, exhibits and a cookout. Management sessions offer tips on how to grow sales and grow the business, learn results-oriented core consultative sales training, and develop a superior sales team that leaves the competition in the dust.

"The networking at this event between owners and managers is tremendous," said FPMA Executive Vice President Toni Caithness. "It’s a great opportunity to mix management topics with educational ones, and walk away with CEUs as well as tools to grow your business."

For more information on the workshop, call the association at 800/426-4829 or visit www.flpma.org.

TEXAS A&M CONFERENCE TO BE HELD JAN. 7-9

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — The 58th Texas A&M University Urban Pest Management Conference will be held Jan. 7-9, 2004, in Bryan/College Station, Texas, at the Brazos Center. Following the Bill Davis Memorial Golf Tournament on Jan. 6, the conference session begins Jan. 7 and features presentations covering topics such as: practical toxicology, hot topics and lawsuits, the use of digital technology in wood-destroying insect services, rodents: tricks of the trade, become an ant ID expert and more.

There also will be presentations emphasizing IPM in schools, including lawn and ornamental, weed, termite and general pest categories. Also included in the conference are a hands-on insect identification workshop and a full day of state-required "training for technicians and non-commercial applicators."

For more information visit http://pcoconference.tamu.edu or call 979/845-5855.

COMPELLING COMMUNICATIONS INTRODUCES NEW BOOK

ST. LOUIS, MO. — Compelling Communications recently launched its newly published book titled The Edge Up, which explains how small businesses can get the “edge up” on their competition by providing great customer service.
“If you have customers or want customers, then The Edge Up was written for you,” says June Van Klaveren, the book’s author.

The reader will receive a deceptively simple message: Take good care of your customers and they’ll take good care of you. The book is divided into six chapters that include such important topics as The Impact of Customer Service, Customer Service Secrets, Employees, Management and Customer Service, Real Life Customer Service Stories and Lessons, Conflicts and How to Handle Them, and Customer Service Techniques.

The Edge Up is available through www.TheEdgeUp.com or through www.pctonline.com/store.