[View Point] Everything old is new again

You know how immediately after learning a new word you seem to hear that word time and time again? (That happened to me at work several years ago when a friend taught me the meaning of the word "linchpin.")

When a topic comes up again and again, it’s our job as an editorial staff to try to figure out what to do with that information. What we hear just might be a phrase or idea that’s mentioned at a meeting or in a technical article or via a chat with a reader. We then have to take those tidbits — if they are newsworthy — and turn them into something that will benefit our readers.

Much like the "Stayin’ Alive" cover story we wrote in January 2003 about cockroach bait aversion, which brought the issue of bait aversion to light for many, this month’s cover story (see "Back to the Future" on page 28) is a result of PCT’s three editorial staffers — Dan Moreland, Brad Harbison and myself — hearing bits and pieces of the idea that "old" pest control methods and techniques are being used more and more frequently by today’s pest management professionals. In addition, we’ve all heard about specific pests (bed bugs, anyone?) that while problematic for customers and PCOs years ago, are now back.

When you read the story, I hope you’ll take away from it that what we’re suggesting is that tried and true methods are tried and true methods for a reason — they work. We’re not bashing the use of baits. What we are saying is that applying baits nondiscriminately again and again and again is not a good thing. Baits themselves are wonderful products and have proven successful for virtually the entire industry. Many PCOs are so confident in baits’ ability that they use them as a standalone treatment; others use them as part of hybrid treatments.

And successful business people — manufacturers and PCOs alike — evolve. While PCOs evolve by perhaps using baits and liquids, manufacturers evolve by pouring huge financial resources into their products to make sure they’re working the best they can for the industry. Manufacturers have an interest in providing stewardship for their products. It’s to their benefit to see their technology last.

Like I said, it’s our job to be in the marketplace with our ear to the ground to discern what would be good stories for the magazine. Our job is to create a dialogue in the marketplace. After our "Stayin’ Alive" story, people came out of the woodwork thanking us for the story. Manufacturers began working on new formualations of their successful bait products. University students and researchers began projects looking specifically at bait aversion. Our mission of increasing awareness had been accomplished.

And while our editorial staff has 40 years of pest control experience among us and we know a good story when we see it, it’s essential that we hear from you. Our goal is to make PCT a resource you can’t live without. Whether it’s in print or online, our goal is to make PCT your go to source for information. Maybe even the "linchpin" of the pest management industry?

The author is editor of PCT.