[Rearview] stories and statistics of interest to pest control operators

TIMMY THE TERMITE: MORE THAN JUST A FUZZY GIMMICK
In the grand tradition of the San Diego Chicken and the Philly Fanatic, the BASF Professional Pest Control group is proud to sponsor Timmy The Termite, the national “spokes-bug” for Termidor Termite Control. Timmy travels the country attending baseball games, home shows and other special events warning of the damage caused by termites and encouraging annual inspections.

The lovable mascot even has his own trading card where he’s pictured wearing a Termidor T-shirt and voraciously chomping on a baseball bat. The card, which is distributed to children and parents at various public events, states:

“Timmy may look cute and fuzzy, but he can destroy your house. Don’t let Timmy and his friends damage your property. Call your Termidor Certified Professional to schedule an annual inspection and remember to ask for Termidor. Because if you’re not asking for Termidor, you’re asking for trouble!” The baseball cardholder is directed to the company Web site (www.TermidorHome.com) and its 800 number (1-877-TERMIDOR) for more information.

“Children naturally gravitate to Timmy, as do the television cameras,” says Laurie Van Metre, vice president of Ferrare & Fleming Advertising and FCF/Schmidt Public Relations, the agencies that organized “Termite Awareness Week” activities in Raleigh, N.C. “The public loves him.”

How did Timmy get his name? “We unveiled Timmy during Termite Awareness activities in Orlando last year,” recalls Karl Kisner, senior marketing manager, BASF Professional Pest Control, “so we hired a young guy who worked for Disney as one of their characters to walk the home show floor during exhibit hours. At a press event before the show, a local reporter asked, ‘What’s your termite’s name?’ We all turned to each other with a blank look on our face. We hadn’t really thought about it. Fortunately, the guy’s name was Tim, so he piped up and said, ‘Timmy’ and it stuck. I’m glad his name wasn’t Hector. Hector the Termite doesn’t sound nearly as good as Timmy the Termite.”

‘Real Simple’ Magazine Includes Article On Pest Management
The May issue of Real Simple magazine included an article titled “The Exterminator,” which reviews common household pests and how Integrated Pest Management is used to control these pests. (To view this article, visit www.pctonline.com/realsimple).

Cindy Mannes, director of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association, provided the author with extensive background information and industry statistics. The article also suggests that if readers choose to hire a professional they should visit NPMA’s Web site, www.pestworld.org, for a list of members.

Real Simple magazine provides “practical, actionable solutions to the real challenges faced by women today.”