Former CTC Members Launch New Committee

Back row (left to right): Jay Everitt, A.C.E., Rottler Lawn & Pest Solutions; Ted Thorpe, A.C.E., Pitbull Pest Control; Alex Blahnik, A.C.E., Terminix Commercial; Santos Portugal, B.C.E., ABC Home & Commercial Services; Jim Nase, A.C.E., Moyer Indoor Outdoor; David Moore, B.C.E., Dodson Pest Control; Jeff Weier, B.C.E., Sprague Pest Solutions; Bart Foster, B.C.E., Bill Clark Pest Control; Christian Wilcox, A.C.E., McCauley Services; Corey Goeltzenleuchter, PHE, McCall Service; and Mark VanderWerp, B.C.E., Rose Pest Solutions. Seated (left to right): Rolie Calzadilla, CWCP, Pest Wildlife Pro; Tom Myers, B.C.E., All-Rite Pest Control; Ashley Roden, B.C.E., Sprague Pest Solutions; and Mark “Shep” Sheperdigian, B.C.E., Rose Pest Solutions.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Urban Pest Management Technical Committee (UPMTC) met for the first time in August as a nonprofit, self-guided corporation with a visit to the Rollins Urban & Structural Entomology Center at Texas A&M University.

After the Copesan Technical Committee (CTC) was discontinued in 2020 following the acquisition of Copesan by Terminix in 2018, its former members wanted to find a way to continue the interaction and support they got from the group and decided to start an independent, nonprofit corporation, the group said.

As a diverse network of pest management technical experts, their members include technical directors, trainers, QA managers and consultants from established pest management firms around the country. The mission of the committee is to support its members through professional development by sharing ideas and best practices from their various companies. They will also provide a broad industry perspective to the researchers and manufacturers they visit. The group provides support and guidance for those members early in their careers and, for those with experience, an opportunity to share what they have learned.

In addition to monthly Zoom meetings, the UPMTC meets in person to visit the people and places that most influence the pest management industry, the group said.

“I’m glad we were able to make this happen. The learning and mentorship I have found with these people has been a more valuable education than any course I could have taken,” said Jay Everitt, A.C.E., Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions, St. Louis, Mo., founding president of the group.

With destinations that include universities that are centers of urban entomology, governmental agencies, manufacturer facilities and member locations, members are exposed to the leading edge of urban pest management. Board member Mark “Shep” Sheperdigian, B.C.E., vice president technical services, Rose Pest Solutions, Troy, Mich., said of the group, “We gather where the gravitational pull is greatest that affects the tides of our industry.”

Membership is by invitation. Learn more at www.upmtc.org.

NPMA Announces Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) announced the formation of a member-driven Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. This task force will help to facilitate discussions on industry needs and what NPMA can do as an association to assist member companies and the industry in this critical business area.

“According to the 2020 U.S. Census data, people who identify as multi-racial increased by 276 percent, from 9 million in 2010 to 33.8 million in 2020. This data offers a portrait of an increasingly diverse nation, and as an industry, we need to embrace all people,” said Scott Steckel, president, NPMA.

Dominique Stumpf, NPMA CEO, added, “We need to support our members in their company’s efforts, where appropriate, and ensure we are providing an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Led by co-chairs Erin Richardson, president of All-American Pest Control, and Joel Nolasco, owner of NuBorn Pest Control, the DEI Task Force is comprised of industry leaders stemming from a variety of backgrounds, life experiences, ethnicities and perspectives, NPMA says.

An organizational meeting of the DEI Task Force will be held this month followed by a DEI expert-facilitated session to help guide the conversation as the task force builds its foundation and strategic direction. To learn more visit www.npmapestworld.org.

In Memoriam: Millard Oldham

GERMANTOWN, Tenn. — The pest control industry mourns the loss of Millard Oldham Jr., who passed away on Sept. 26 at age 95. Millard and Ada, his wife of 70 years, founded Oldham Chemicals Co., in 1966.

In addition to founding one of the pest control industry’s leading distributors, the Oldhams were actively involved in local, state and national pest control industry associations and organizations. Millard and Ada were recognizable at NPMA PestWorld because they were almost always together — just as they were in their business.

Millard and Ada, Arkansas natives, met in college, where they both received bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biology from Arkansas State University. Ada started her professional career working in a chemical company lab, while Millard’s career began in chemical sales. In 1966, the couple decided to combine their talents; they left the chemical manufacturing/formulation field to start their own distributorship — Oldham Chemicals. Their daughter, Marsha Reeves, joined Oldham Chemicals during college, and her husband, Tommy Reeves, came on board with Oldham Chemicals in 1987 (the couple now leads Oldham Chemicals, serving as vice presidents). Oldham Chemicals, now a third-generation business, has grown into one of the largest distributors in the U.S., operating service centers throughout the Southeast.

The Oldhams were recognized as 2009 PCT/Syngenta Crown Leadership Award winners. Millard is survived by wife Ada, daughter Marsha O. Reeves (Tommy); his sister Mary “Tac” Wilbourn (Edward “Buddy”) and his sister-in-law Patricia Marsh; his granddaughter Stephanie O’Briant (Blake), his great-granddaughters Hailey and Fallon O’Briant; and his great-grandson Aiden O’Briant. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Millard’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Collierville First Baptist Church, Collierville, Tenn.

In Memoriam: Patrick Clark

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Patrick Clark, longtime director of education and safety at Clark Pest Control (Bakersfield), died Aug. 29, at 69, from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.

Patrick, along with brothers Jim Jr. and Mike, ran Clark Pest Control of Bakersfield, which was founded by their father, Jim Clark Sr.

After graduating from California State University, Bakersfield (he also attended San Jose State University) in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Clark returned to the family business full-time in 1978 at the urging of his father. His focus was on training, education and safety. “In a family with a lot of personalities, he was well-liked and well-respected in the company and in the community,” his son, Sean Clark, told PCT.

One of Patrick Clark’s biggest contributions to the pest management industry in California was his effort in establishing a scholarship for children of Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) members. “He was blessed with so many opportunities in this industry, and this was his way to give back,” Sean Clark said.

Patrick is survived by Penny, his wife of 42 years; siblings Jim, Mike, Cathy and Colleen; children Ryan, Sean, Erin and Colin; and grandchildren Ayden, Kayla, Arya and Maeve.

Memorial donations can be made to: PCOC Scholarship Foundation, PCOC, 3031 Beacon Blvd., West Sacramento, CA 95691.

Brands Band Together for Beyond Service User Conference

ORLANDO, Fla. — Coalmarch’s CO2 Conference is joining forces with WorkWave’s User Conference, Real Green’s Solutions Conference and Slingshot to form the Beyond Service User Conference, hosted by WorkWave, set for Jan. 9-12, 2022, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando, Fla. Early-bird pricing is $525.

Organizers say the conference aims to bring together the best business leaders in the industry, facilitate action-oriented knowledge sharing and thought leadership that drives change in businesses, introduce top vendors and educate about new technology that will help advance companies. A joint keynote session and larger networking receptions will be held.

Attendees will be able to:

• Attend general sessions hosted by WorkWave.
• Learn about various industry-related topics in Coalmarch’s daily breakout sessions.
• Hear from a lineup of hand-selected Coalmarch speakers.
• Join other attendees, speakers and sponsors for networking events.
• Have fun during evening receptions and entertainment.

For more information, visit beyond service.workwave.com.

Public Concerned About Pest Activity as They Return to Work

FAIRFAX, Va. — In a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), American homeowners shared their experiences and concerns regarding pest infestations over the last year.

In the past year, 85 percent of homeowners reported seeing or having trouble with bugs, insects or rodents in their homes. Among the pests they encountered, ants (49 percent) topped the list, followed by mosquitoes (39 percent), spiders (38 percent) and cockroaches (25 percent).

Fifty-eight percent of homeowners are concerned about pest activity continuing or increasing in their homes once they return to the in-person workplace. “With many of us spending more time than ever at home, we became accustomed to keeping a close eye on pest activity,” explained Cindy Mannes, NPMA senior vice president of public affairs. “For some people, working with a pest control professional has never been more top-of-mind.”

Since 2020, half of American homeowners with an annual household income of $75,000 or more have used licensed pest control professional services, with 83 percent having done so in the past three months, NPMA says.

Mannes advises homeowners who are concerned about increased pest activity to contact a licensed pest control professional. “The best way to protect your home and family from pests and to prevent infestations is to consult with a local professional,” she said.

Massey Services Promotes Tony Massey to President and Chief Executive Officer

ORLANDO, Fla. — Massey Services promoted Tony Massey to president and CEO. Former CEO Harvey L. Massey will continue to serve as the company’s chairman of the board.

“As chairman of the board, be assured, I will remain active in our company and continue to work closely with Tony on our company’s future growth and development,” said Harvey L. Massey. “This year, I will be celebrating my 80th birthday, and I look forward to spending more time with our family and friends, taking time to travel and enjoying our ranches.”

Tony Massey has been president of Massey Services since 2006.

Harvey L. Massey added, “Tony has done an excellent job of managing the operations of our company and is most deserving of this promotion and the responsibilities that come with the title of chief executive officer. He is an experienced executive with a commitment to service excellence and a true passion for our team members, our customers and our communities. I am confident that he will continue to successfully lead our company into the future.”

Tony Massey joined Massey Services in 1989 after graduating from the University of Alabama. He received his MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and completed the OPM Key Executive Program at Harvard’s Graduate School of Business Administration.

Terminix Taps HGTV Star to Raise Termite Awareness

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Terminix partnered with Mina Starsiak Hawk, star of HGTV’s “Good Bones,” to help spread the word about the importance of termite inspections.

Starsiak Hawk is a real estate agent and home rehabber. She owns Two Chicks and a Hammer, a company with the goal to rehabilitate Indianapolis one home at a time. “Good Bones” follows Starsiak Hawk and her mother, Karen, as they remodel homes in their favorite Indianapolis neighborhoods.

As a rehabber, Starsiak Hawk has a lot of experience with termite-damaged homes. She estimates that out of the 100-plus homes she’s renovated on her show, only a handful of them did not have signs of termite damage. In filming season six of “Good Bones,” she worked on a house that had more than $20,000 in termite damage.

Starsiak Hawk noted in a press release that most general home inspections are not thorough enough to notice a termite infestation, which is why it’s so important to have a pest control professional inspect your home. “Termite inspections are incredibly necessary, especially considering how much time people are spending in their homes right now,” she said. “A home purchase is one of the biggest purchases you’re going to make in your life and a huge, valuable asset that you’re going to want to maintain. Termite inspectors are going to go places that your general inspector isn’t necessarily looking. They’re going to dig a little bit deeper and look specifically for a termite problem.”

Drew Blake, communications consultant at Terminix, said Starsiak Hawk was a perfect spokesperson for spreading the message about the importance of a termite inspection. “She is very recognizable from her HGTV show ‘Good Bones’ and very relatable. As a wife and mother expecting another, she also resonated especially well with many of our customers.”

Blake added, “We were thrilled when she knew the difference between subterraneans and drywood termites — she even knew about swarmers and soldiers.”

Watch a video of Starsiak Hawk spreading the word about the importance of termite inspections at www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/mina-starsiak-hawk-teams-up-with-terminix.

New Book Now Available: PCT Cockroach Management Field Guide

CLEVELAND, Ohio — PCT announced the publication of its newest technical resource for pest management professionals: the PCT Field Guide for the Management of Structure-Infesting Cockroaches.

Fifteen years in the making, this is the first field guide devoted solely to common and not-so-common cockroach species that invade buildings.

Written by Stoy A. Hedges, the handy, pocket-sized publication is ideal for field use. Highlights include case studies and a 24-page color ID section featuring key identifying characteristics of these pests, making species identification quick and easy.

The guide is divided into three sections:

• Economically Important Cockroaches
• Peridomestic Cockroaches
• Miscellaneous Cockroaches

Included are cockroach control strategies for accounts including residential, apartment complexes, restaurants, hospitals, health-care facilities, schools, day-care centers, food-processing facilities and more.

In addition to a thorough examination of commonly encountered cockroach species, Hedges reviewed unique and emerging species that PMPs may encounter in the future. Special emphasis is placed on integrated cockroach management and customer communication.

Dr. Austin Frishman wrote in the preface to the book: “While reading the contents of this field guide, you can almost feel the author standing in an account and explaining to you what to look for and how to treat it. I anticipated and expected another valuable field guide from Stoy Hedges, and he did not disappoint.”

This is the fifth in the PCT Field Guide series (others cover ants, flies, spiders and beetles) from Hedges, who also serves as the editorial director of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control. A Purdue University graduate and B.C.E., Hedges spent 24 years in Terminix’s technical/training department. He is a pest control industry consultant (Stoy Pest Consulting).

The PCT Field Guide for the Management of Structure-Infesting Cockroaches costs $15.95 and can be ordered from the PCT Online bookstore, or by calling PCT at 800/456-0707.