3-D INSPECTION SYSTEMS
3-D WDO Quick Writer is dynamic report-generating software from manufacturer 3-D Inspection Systems Inc. Pest management professionals can customize, create, duplicate, write and print as many report forms as they need. Reports can be written on a PocketPC. Numerous state WDI inspection forms are included. WDO/WDI reporting is now easier than ever with the introduction of the WDO Quick Writer software by 3-D Inspection Systems. One program installs on your desktop computer and another goes on your favorite pocket PC hand-held computer. All state and federally recognized WDO forms are included, and you can print them as many times as you like. The desktop version has a form editor that allows inspectors to add their own "pick lists" of frequently used comments so that completing a report becomes a matter of a few clicks on the hand-held touch screen. Transfer the file to a desktop or laptop running Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP and print or e-mail finished reports directly to clients. Complete with spell checker and document editor.
ACOUSTIC EMISSION CONSULTING
Acoustic Emission Consulting Inc. recently announced the availability of its Model AED-2000L acoustic emission instrument for use in detection of termites and other insect pests. The AED-2000L is part of the Termite and Insect Pest Kit, which provides a complete field solution for acoustic detection, monitoring and recording of termite activity. The AED-2000L has demonstrated impressive sensitivity and economic payback in field trials, according to the manufacturer.
FMC
FMC Specialty Products Business recently launched a new Web site www.pestsolutions.fmc.com that is filled with valuable termite information for homeowners. By clicking on "For the Homeowner," homeowners can visually compare an ant to a termite, see illustrations of how termites get into a home, view treatment methods that may be used by a professional, identify areas where termite damage may occur and learn about the members of the termite family. Homeowners also can find a pest management professional located near their home by entering their ZIP code. In addition to homeowners, the new Web site will also be helpful to pest management professionals, distributor partners and lawn care operators. The "solutions-based" content provides easy access to information on FMC products, pest information, best management practices, product labels, performance data, developing news and other timely information.
TERMITE DETECTION SYSTEMS
The Termite Detection System samples the air in the wall cavities of buildings and analyzes its composition to determine any increase in carbon dioxide. If there is an increase there is a strong possibility that the termites are there and further investigation is warranted, the company says. The system consists of a carbon dioxide (CO2) portable detector attached to an air pump, which is attached to a needle-sized probe. The probe can be used to pierce the sheet rock wall on the inside of a building and the air pump draws out an air sample that is passed to the carbon dioxide detector. A passive reading is taken in the house first and used as a calibration. Any increase above the control reading indicates an active termite infestation. This system detects active termites only, the company says. The carbon dioxide detector uses infrared laser optics in the detection process. The detector is actually a small computer that the operator can program for many functions, including alarm setting and ambient readings.
PESTFINDER
Jerry Smith, co-owner of Dial Pest Control and president of the New Jersey Pest Management Association, searched for years for a way to protect New Jersey homes and businesses from termite infestations. However, finding a device that enables technicians to see through solid objects is not easy. Two years ago, Smith noticed a story about a scientist working for Steven’s Institute of Technology, Hoboken, N.J., that was using Soviet submarine detection technology to locate insects hidden behind walls and under floors. The device, called the PestFinder Termite Detection System, uses microwaves capable of pinpointing the movements of insects as small as termites. Smith attended a few demonstrations hosted by the device’s creator, Dr. Dimitri Donskoy, and was convinced that this machine could "revolutionize" the pest control industry. Smith’s company conducted field tests of the Pestfinder throughout the past two years. "The Pestfinder offers our customers proof of treatment effectiveness and peace of mind," Smith says. "The device saves time identifying problem areas, allows targeting of specific locations, and even offers definitive proof of termite colony elimination."
California PCO Develops Innovative Drywood Termite Control Product
Michael Folkins, president of XT-2000 Inc., understands the termite business. That’s because he’s spent the last five years building a successful pest control operation in the highly competitive Southern California market. "As someone who had been involved in the pest control business previously with another company, I realized you could make a good living by providing a drywood termite control service that is non-disruptive to homeowners, while minimizing the risk to humans and the environment," he said. "Our company, Xtermite Inc., was founded on that treatment philosophy."
The centerpiece of the San Diego firm’s innovative treatment regimen is XT-2000 for Drywood Termites, a naturally occurring essential oil containing the active ingredient d-limonene, a derivative of the citrus rind. "When injected directly into termite galleries, XT-2000 kills termites and their eggs on contact," Folkins observes. "Although XT-2000 will biodegrade in about four days, during that residual period, termites that eat treated wood through which d-limonene travels will also be eradicated."
According to Folkins, the company’s innovative three-step treatment program is designed to provide long-term control of drywood termites while limiting disruption to the home. "It’s an effective alternative to fumigation," he said. "First we locate the termites, next we treat the termites and finally we conduct follow-up inspections to assure that there are no re-infestations or new infestations."
Xtermite service technicians locate termite colonies by using fiber-optic scopes to examine interior wall voids and other inaccessible wood timbers. When a colony is identified, technicians inject XT-2000 with d-limonene directly into the effected wood members. Finally, the company follows up with annual inspections to detect and treat any new infestations or re-infestations. "We’ve been using orange oil since 1988 with excellent results," Folkins observes. "XT-2000 offers the pest control operator a new way to treat for drywood termites without the hassles of homeowner disruption. That’s very appealing to customers and it’s been good for our bottom line."
In October, the company made XT-2000 available to PCOs involved in the drywood termite control market. For additional information about the product, contact Michael Folkins, XT-2000 Inc., 6328 Riverdale St., Suite A, San Diego, CA 92120, or call toll-free 866/870-8485. Pest management professionals interested in learning more about the product also can visit the company’s Web site, www.xt2000.com.
TERMITE.COM
Termite.com is a termite control Web site that directs potential termite customers to visit the site and then select their region, state, city, etc. Then, they are directed to a pest management professional in their area. In 1995, an independent committee of pest control experts joined to provide a comprehensive Web site with consumer protection advice to the general public regarding termites, termite control and pest control services.
"We believe a professional public awareness program is essential to improve pest control industry standards and promote world best practice pest control service," said Glenn DuBois, chairman, Termite.com advisory committee.
Termite.com is listed up front on Google, AOL, AltaVista, AlltheWeb, etc., for "termite control" search keywords, the company says. Each business is listed exclusively on the homepage for their locality, with extensive details on the business as required in order to promote their professional services to prospective customers. Most importantly, the company says, it only wants to be associated with professional and ethical pest control professionals who carry out best practice termite control and pest control services.
NEW GENERATION PEST MANAGEMENT
New Generation Pest Management offers Predator, a termite and pest inspection system. The Predator X-Ray Inspection System gives pest control professionals the ability to view and hear active termites inside residential or commercial building walls — and in their native galleries — to accurately pinpoint where termiticide application treatments need to be applied. New Generation’s Predator Inspection System includes a fully equipped and specially calibrated X-Ray camera (weighing 5 pounds) that is portable and easy to use by inspectors in the field, the company says. In addition, Predator comes with an image scanner, two image plates, state-of-the-art imaging software and a specialized laptop computer for onsite viewing of termites in their galleries.
The system comes with a highly sensitive and accurate acoustic emission device that detects live infestations through the smallest of termite movements.
FEBRUARY: "TERMITE AWARENESS MONTH"
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson proclaimed February to be "Termite Awareness Month" in a joint proclamation with the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA), represented by Doug Vanderpoest, president of the FPMA. February was "Termite Awareness Month" in an effort to better educate consumers about the need to protect their homes from termites.
The Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services office urged all Floridians to review the steps they are taking to protect their homes from termites and to take advantage of information available from the Department about how to protect their homes and businesses against this destructive pest. Consumers are encouraged to contact the department to determine whether a company is properly licensed.
PCT Pest Id series: vol. 3: the termites
Volume III: The Termites is a state-of-the-art CD-ROM training tool featuring original, full-color images of 21 commonly encountered termite species. Advanced 3-D technology enables users to rotate and zoom in on high-resolution images, ensuring faster and more accurate pest identification. Other program features include a fully searchable glossary of technical terms, printable homeowner fact sheets, an interactive taxonomic key, and a termite identification testing component. Sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science, Volume III: The Termites is the third in PCT’s highly acclaimed series of interactive pest identification training CD-ROMs.
Explore the March 2004 Issue
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