[November News]

BASF offers new prevention-themed marketing support

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — BASF recently announced the introduction of a comprehensive line of prevention-themed consumer marketing materials and support for pest management professionals. The new campaign seeks to help Termidor termiticide/insecticide partners extend their termite-selling season beyond the traditional swarm season by positioning “prevention” as a year round sales proposition for homeowners.

“Following the notion that swarm seasons should not dictate business strategy, BASF recognized an opportunity to provide partners with a program to keep business flourishing in the slower months,” said Bill Baxter, business manager for BASF’s Professional Pest Control group.

Partners can visit the new Termidor Prevention Center at PestControlFacts.com/prevention to view and learn about the new prevention materials available from BASF. The site will offer homeowner materials such as a new tri-fold brochure, homeowner DVD, doorhangers, local sales ads and a prevention “one-sheet.” Partners also will be able to order and customize prevention-focused TV spots for use in their market with either a five- or 15-second tag.

Head of EPA Pesticide Office addresses RISE meeting

NEW ORLEANS — Like the structural pest control industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency faces a number of challenges relating to pesticides, including the ongoing re-registration process, negative coverage by the mainstream media, and international harmonization of data requirements, yet each of these challenges can be overcome if the various stakeholders work together in a “very transparent, participative public process,” said Dr. Deborah Edwards, director of EPA Office of Pesticide Programs.

Edwards addressed the 17th annual meeting of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) in New Orleans earlier this fall. “I think through sound science and transparency we can set priorities and work though some of these issues,” Edwards said.

Those issues — the potential impact of chemicals on people and the environment — can contribute to a sometimes-tense relationship between EPA and the pest management industry. But Edwards, who has spent more than 20 years with the agency, said pesticides have a definite place in society, and organizations like RISE play a key role in providing EPA with an industry perspective on a wide array of pesticide-related matters. “We appreciate the advice we receive from you,” she said in a wide-ranging speech in front of leading chemical company executives. 

“I believe the benefits of pesticides are broad and diverse,” she said. “Their benefits are experienced by all U.S. citizens every day.”

She also acknowledged the importance of sound science when evaluating the risks and benefits of the products used by pest management professionals. “I am a scientist. Nine times out of 10, providing the agency with solid, targeted data and information resolved risk issues,” she said. “In those cases it didn’t, it made our decision easier because it reduced the uncertainty.”

Next year’s RISE annual meeting is scheduled for Sept. 2-5 in Washington, D.C.

Ticks don’t come out in the wash, USDA reports

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Before venturing into tick-infested territory, you used a topical repellant on exposed skin and outer clothing. When you returned, you did a body check and threw your clothes in the wash. But clean clothes may not be tick-free clothes.

When he found a live lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, on the agitator of his washing machine, USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologist John Carroll decided to find out how tough ticks are. So he bagged up nymphs from two species — the lone star tick and the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis, the creature that transmits Lyme disease — and put them in the washing machine.

Carroll used a combination of water temperature settings and detergent types to wash the ticks. The majority of lone star ticks survived all the water-detergent combinations with no obvious side effects. Most of the deer ticks lived through the cold and warm water settings as well. But when one type of detergent was used with a hot water setting, only 25 percent of the deer ticks survived.

When it came time to dry, all the ticks of both species died after an hour of tumbling around at high heat. But when the dryer was set to “no heat,” about one-third of the deer ticks and more than half of the lone star ticks survived.

Carroll placed the ticks in mesh bags, which kept them from draining away during the rinse cycle and perhaps increased their odds for survival. However, ticks might also survive a sudsy interlude by sheltering in the folds and crevices of a typical load of laundry. Some tick species have been observed to survive hours of submersion in fresh water.

Both adult ticks and nymphs can transmit disease. Carroll’s research reinforces recommendations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to wash and dry clothes at high temperatures after spending time in areas known to harbor ticks.

Carroll conducts research at the ARS Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Md. — Source: ARS News Service

Critter Control franchisees recognized by International Franchise Association

WASHINGTON, D.C. — John and Rosemary Christensen, Critter Control of Savannah, Ga., were honored by the International Franchise Association as Franchisee of the Year. The award is given to IFA-member company franchisees to honor them for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of the franchising industry.

The IFA Franchisee of the Year Awards were presented during the IFA’s Eighth Annual Franchise Appreciation Day celebration in the nation’s capital.

As the association’s primary grassroots lobbying effort, Franchise Appreciation Day offers meetings between franchisees and franchise systems and congressional lawmakers and staff to discuss key issues facing the franchise industry, such as small-business health plans, immigration reform, wages and tax burdens.

Liphatech establishes pest control division

MILWAUKEE — Liphatech has formed a pest control division, and announced a number of personnel changes that coincide with the new organizational structure.

Ray Finke, formerly director of sales, has been named business director, Pest Management Products. Finke is responsible for all sales and marketing initiatives for U.S.- and Canadian-branded pest control products including Generation, BlueMax, Maki, Rozol Tracking Powder Rodenticides and Aegis Bait Stations.

Al Smith, director of marketing for pest management products before the formation of the new organizational structure, was appointed to the new position of business director, Agricultural Division. As part of the restructuring, Midwest District Sales Manager Ray White was promoted to national sales manager, reporting directly to Finke. In addition to his new responsibilities, White continues to manage sales in the Midwest territory.

“Our approach to business is to meet or exceed customers’ expectations, and these changes allow us to better focus on that overriding mission,” said Liphatech CEO Carl Tanner.

District sales managers reporting to White include Larry King, Western district; Doug Mills, Southern district; and John Murphy, Northeast district. Canadian District Sales Manager Stuart Charbonneau will continue to report to Finke.

Finke joined Liphatech in 2003. Prior to being hired by the company, he served as strategic account manager for the Forestry Products Division of BASF. Previously, he worked for 18 years at American Cyanamid, a manufacturer of crop protection chemicals, where he held several marketing and sales management positions.

White also joined the company in 2003. Before doing so, he was area sales manager for Kansas City, Kan.-based Rhodes Chemical Company, a supplier of products and services to the pest control industry.
 
Orkin announces 2007 Gold Medal IPM Partner Awards

ATLANTA — Eight companies were named 2007 Gold Medal Integrated Pest Management Partner Award winners by Orkin, the IPM Institute of North America and NSF Cook & Thurber.

The award honors companies that have shown the greatest dedication to making IPM work at their sites through vigilant sanitation, prompt adherence to structural pest management recommendations, diligent record-keeping and staff participation in IPM training sessions.

An awards jury of IPM experts selected the winning facilities from a group of 64 nominees in the United States and Canada. All of the nominees employ Orkin’s Gold Medal Protection, a comprehensive IPM service that emphasizes quality assurance and documentation.

“Forming a partnership is the first step to implementing an IPM program,” said Orkin Director of Quality Systems Zia Siddiqi. “This year’s award winners are proof that the results of partnership — more effective IPM programs and better audit scores — are well worth it.”

The 2007 Gold Medal IPM Partner Award winners are: Barry Callebaut (Saint Albans, Vt.); Case Farms (Winesburg, Ohio); Farbest Brands (Plain City, Ohio); Morton Salt Company (South Hutchinson, Kan.); Jones Packaging (London, Ontario); Maidstone Bakeries (Brantford, Ontario); Neilson Dairy (Ottawa, Ontario); and Parmalat Dairy & Bakery (Laverlochere, Quebec).

“By considering non-chemical methods of control first, IPM helps promote healthy environments,” said Dr. Thomas Green, president of the IPM Institute of North America. “We’re excited to see so many facilities using IPM to such great success.”

Researchers, PCOs share feedback on DuPont’s new Advion Ant Gel

LAS VEGAS — Top university researchers joined leading pest management professionals to share their experiences with DuPont’s new Advion Ant Gel and other products at DuPont’s ProBusiness Exchange: Ant Symposium in September in Las Vegas. More than 60 pest management professionals attended the two-day event to hear from researchers at Purdue University, University of Florida, Spokane Falls Community College and Texas A&M University address such topics as ant identification and baiting techniques, as well as research data on new products for ant control.

Also, several pest management professionals shared their real world experiences for ant control and other insects. The event provided numerous opportunities for DuPont’s customers to have open discussions with their colleagues and researchers.

ServiceMaster announces CFO transition

MEMPHIS, TENN. — ServiceMaster announced that Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Ernie Mrozek will transition out of his current position by Feb. 29, 2008. Mrozek has responsibility for finance and accounting, strategic sourcing, investor relations, and risk and safety.

As a result of Mrozek’s decision, ServiceMaster is searching for a new chief financial officer. Mrozek has agreed to remain with the company through February 2008 to help with the transition.

Mrozek has been based in the company’s Downer’s Grove, Ill., headquarters office, which recently was relocated to Memphis.

“ServiceMaster is a great company with a bright future,” Mrozek said. “I have been honored to work with so many talented and dedicated people during the past 20 years. While family considerations prevent me from relocating to Memphis, I look forward to working closely with CEO Pat Spainhour and the leadership team to complete a smooth transition.”

Bayer offers solution guides

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Bayer Environmental Science now offers three new solution guides designed to help pest management professionals with the treatment of ants, cockroaches and perimeter pests.

These training manuals contain information pest management professionals need to provide their customers with superior service, from inspection and pest identification to treatment options and Integrated Pest Management strategies that deliver superior results.

The guides offer illustrations, control strategies, checklists and treatment guides to help pest management professionals handle ants, cockroaches and perimeter control.

“Each guide covers numerous control options so PMPs can custom design modern IPM programs that work, whether in a residence or commercial account,” said Gordon Morrison, Maxforce Insecticides market manager. “Our goal in producing these guides is to help PMPs provide the best service to their customers and thereby grow their businesses.”

Rupp Industries welcomes new ownership, announces company name change

BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Rupp Industries, a provider of temporary HVAC solutions, announced a change in ownership and a change in its name.

An investment group purchased the 42-year-old company after several months of negotiations with Rupp’s previous owners. As part of the ownership change, the company changed its name to Temp-Air.

“The investment group is eager to share their knowledge and expertise with our current management team, and to work with all of us to determine tactical and strategic initiatives to further enhance this fine organization,” said Temp-Air President Dick Brown. “They are confident the organization and its employees have a bright future, and wish to be part of the company’s continued growth and success.”

BASF names Sandi Wilson communications manager of Specialty Products Division

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. —BASF has appointed Sandi Wilson as the communications manager for the Professional Pest Control group.

In this role, Wilson will oversee the strategic communications plan for the group, which manufactures and markets Termidor termiticide/insecticide and Phantom termiticide-insecticide, along with other specialty products for the professional pest control industry. Wilson’s responsibilities will include implementing marketing strategies and acting as the point of contact for the group’s advertising and public relations teams.

“Sandi’s significant experience with multi-faceted marketing programs will be invaluable to our company as we maintain BASF’s leadership position in the industry by delivering exceptional products and services to the marketplace,” said Bill Baxter, business manager for the Professional Pest Control group.

NPMA announces Tami Burkel winner of PWIPM’s Scholarship

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association’s affiliate organization Professional Women in Pest Management, announced Tami Burkel, owner of Valley Termite & Pest Control in Cincinnati, as the recipient of the 2007 PWIPM Scholarship.

The PWIPM Scholarship is awarded annually to at least one female interested in advancing or securing a career in pest management.

As the winner of the annual scholarship, Burkel will receive funding to further her career and business. She was formally presented with the award at PestWorld 2007 in Orlando.

As the daughter of a pest management professional and small business owner, Burkel was born into the pest management industry. After graduating from college, she joined her parents to manage the family business. Now as the company’s owner 13 years later, she works alongside her mother.

Dow AgroSciences honored for ozone protection efforts

MONTREAL — Dow AgroSciences, a subsidiary of the Dow Chemical Company, was named a winner of the United Nations’ Montreal Protocol Innovators Award at the annual meeting of the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement designed to protect the earth’s ozone layer.

The award honors the company’s innovation, investment and commitment to protect the environment through its efforts to develop alternatives to methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting substance being phased out under the protocol.
At this meeting, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the protocol, Dow AgroSciences also was named a winner of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Best of the Best” Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award. This award honors companies, organizations and individuals who have demonstrated long-term excellence in efforts to protect the stratospheric ozone layer.

Dow AgroSciences products containing the active ingredients 1,3-dichloropropene and sulfuryl fluoride, the active ingredient in Profume gas fumigant, have been widely adopted on a global scale to coincide with the scheduled phase-out of methyl bromide.

“This public acknowledgment illustrates how Dow is delivering on its strategy of utilizing technology to address critical issues facing society while creating growth opportunities for the company,” said Jerome Peribere, Dow AgroSciences president and chief operating officer. “We are honored by this award which commends our company’s long history of being able to constantly introduce important soil, post-harvest and commodity fumigation products that can help growers around the globe have viable, available and cost-effective pest control options.”

Univar USA kicks off its ‘Go to the Masters with Masterline’ contest

AUSTIN, Texas — Univar USA, provider of professional pest control chemicals, kicked off its “Go to the Masters with Masterline” contest at the 2007 PestWorld convention in Orlando, Fla.

One lucky pest management professional will win a trip in 2008 to Augusta, Ga., to see the best golfers in the world play the final round of the Masters, one of the most coveted trophies in professional golf. The promotion is open to all licensed PCOs, and there is no purchase necessary to win. Full details and entry forms are available at www.masterline.com or by calling your local Univar representative.

Pinto & Associates publishes bed bug book

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Pinto & Associates has teamed up with bed bug expert Richard Cooper to announce the publication of the Bed Bug Handbook: The Complete Guide to Bed Bugs and Their Control. Written primarily for professionals — pest control specialists and the managers of hotels, apartments, and other commercial operations susceptible to bed bug infestations — the Bed Bug Handbook is a valuable resource for anyone interested in bed bugs and their control. The authors, Larry Pinto, Rick Cooper and Sandy Kraft are entomologists and pest management professionals with extensive experience dealing with bed bugs.

The handbook includes details on bed bug inspections, how bed bugs spread, business and management considerations, medical and social impacts, and extensive information on various methods of bed bug control. There are also checklists for preventing and controlling bed bugs in apartments, hotels, furniture rental warehouses and other sites.

The Bed Bug Handbook is approximately 300 pages, softcover, illustrated, including color plates, and is available for $72 including shipping and handling within the U.S. (Maryland residents add $3.35 sales tax. Customers outside of the U.S. should contact Pinto & Associates for pricing.) Order from Pinto & Associates, 29839 Oak Rd., Mechanicsville MD 20659-2201, call 301/884-3020 or order at www.Techletter.com.

WCS to distribute Pneu-Dart product line

EAST GRANBY, Conn. — Wildlife Control Supplies announced the addition of Pneu-Dart’s chemical capture remote injection delivery systems to its product line. Recognizing a need for the products in the professional market, WCS selected Pneu-Dart because of the company’s excellent product support and wide range of products, it said.

Pneu-Dart, Williamsport, Pa., has been manufacturing equipment for remote drug delivery since 1967. The company offers a wide range of air-activated, cartridge-fired and gas-powered projectors, including the Blo-Jector blowgun-style projector to the new X-Caliber gauged CO2 rifle. Pneu-Dart also provides a line of dart types, including transmitter darts, marking darts and the Bear-Scare dart, designed to blow apart on impact and frighten off aggressive animals without harming them.

American Mosquito Control Association readies for 2008 annual meeting

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — Mosquito season 2007 may be drawing to a close, but the American Mosquito Control Association already is preparing for the coming year, and its 2008 annual meeting.

AMCA will host the 74th annual meeting at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino and Resort in Sparks, Nev., March 2-6.

The world’s leading authorities on mosquitoes, entomology and public health will gather at the meeting to evaluate research and recent findings, discuss abatement technologies, learn more about the latest products and services and make predictions for the upcoming mosquito season.

Held annually, the meeting consists of presentations, exhibits and equipment demonstrations that illustrate and highlight the latest science, technology and products used to conduct research and control vectors. 

Details of the annual meeting’s activities are expected to be announced later this month. For more information about AMCA or the 74th Annual Meeting, e-mail amca@mosquito.org; call 856/439-9222; or visit the association’s Web site, www.mosquito.org.

Mueller brothers receive UNEP and EPA awards

MONTREAL — David Mueller and his brother John Mueller, Fumigation Service & Supply, Westfield, Ind., recently were awarded the Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for Leadership and the United Nations Environmental Program Innovator Award for Innovation in Methyl Bromide Alternatives at the 20th Montreal Protocol Awards ceremonies.

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty signed by 191 countries that focuses on finding alternatives to products that cause damage to the stratospheric ozone layer.

“By embracing cooperation over confrontation, EPA and our vital partners like Fumigation Service & Supply are continuing to create a better tomorrow by protecting the Earth’s atmosphere today. We at EPA join the global community in celebrating the anniversary of the Montreal Protocol — a shining example of how human ingenuity, leadership and determination can create a healthier, better world,” EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said.