NEWS

BASF ANNOUNCES TERMITICIDE CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — BASF Professional Pest Control is now offering a certification program for users of its two new pest control products, Phantom® termiticide-insecticide and Subterfuge® termite bait. This Internet-based service provides an overview on the products so end-users can gain the technical and proper application information to ensure maximum results with these products.

“We want to make sure our customers are armed with the best information possible for them to benefit from our products,” said David Davies, senior marketing manager for the BASF Professional Pest Control group. “This training program is tailored to fit that specific need. Upon completion of the training, participants will have an opportunity to complete a short exam intended to reinforce the information they have learned.”

Davies also said that to purchase and apply Subterfuge termite bait and Phantom termiticide-insecticide, BASF Professional Pest Control requires at least one person to be certified from each pest control company or branch. Ideally, every person who is involved in the installation, monitoring and servicing of Subterfuge and the application of Phantom should be certified, he said.

“To earn certification, pest management professionals can simply visit www.pestcontrolfacts.com and view the online training modules,” Davies said. “After reviewing the modules and completing the exam, those passing the exam will receive a unique “Certification Number” authorizing them to purchase Phantom and/or Subterfuge for use as valuable new tools in their pest control operation.

“We’re entering this market with two products simultaneously,” he added. “These products, combined with the training we’re providing, offer pest management professionals with unprecedented termiticide flexibility, along with reliable general pest control options for ants and cockroaches.”

For more information about the certification program, Phantom termiticide-insecticide or Subterfuge termite bait, visit the BASF Professional Pest Control group at www.pestcontrolfacts.com or call 800/545-9525.

NPMA TO HOLD TWO CONFERENCES AT SAME LOCATION
DUNN LORING, VA. — The National Pest Management Association will host a pair of business management conferences at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson, Ariz., June 12-15, 2002. The Management Institute will be held June 12-13 and the NPMA Academy 2002 will be held June 13-15.

Attendees of the Management Institute, co-sponsored by Vopak USA, will learn competitive marketing strategies and review actual case studies. The conference includes interactive sessions and presentations by Dr. Gregory Carpenter from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Since its inception in 1995, NPMA Academy, lead sponsored by Syngenta Professional Products, has provided PCOs with a learning experience designed to enhance professionalism, develop closer relationships with industry members and create a basis for pest management innovations.

Participants of Academy 2002, which is co-sponsored by PCT magazine, will attend sessions that will teach them how to run their businesses smoothly, thus increasing their overall profitability. Attendees also can participate in peer networking workshops where they will be placed in groups and given an “Operating Ratio Study.” Each group member will be asked to provide his or her perspectives and problem-solving techniques to reach the highest level of business efficiency.

For further information, call NPMA at 800/678-6722.

PEST CONTROL MAGAZINE’S JERRY MIX RETIRES

CLEVELAND — Pest Control magazine in March announced the retirement of long-time Publisher Jerry Mix effective this month.

“Jerry Mix is a pest management industry icon and a great guy,” said Advanstar’s Executive Vice President Alex DeBarr. Advanstar publishes Pest Control.

“For 20 years he has been a leading force behind the success of Pest Control and an active member of the industry. We’re going to miss Jerry. We’re fortunate that he has had a chance to mentor the current staff and prepare them to carry on to new heights in the future.”

“I have been a part of the pest control industry for 20 years, the first 10 years as the editor, and the last 10 as its publisher. I have made many good friends and will miss the day-to-day involvement in the industry, but I’m looking forward to spending time fishing, golfing and traveling,” Mix said.

ORKIN RESPONDS TO CLASS-ACTION  TERMITE LAWSUIT

TAMPA, FLA. — Hillsborough County, Fla. Circuit Judge Robert Simms has granted class-action status to a lawsuit against Orkin Pest Control in a move that opens the door for thousands of Florida customers to file claims for termite services they say were never provided, according to a story in the Orlando Sun-Sentinel. To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.

The class action suit would cover Florida customers who paid for Orkin’s standard termite contract since March 9, 1995. The company estimates that could be about 65,000 customers, but attorneys representing four customers in a racketeering lawsuit against the company say the number could go as high as 100,000. 

The lawsuit accuses the company of racketeering and false advertising by promising customers it would re-inspect for termite damage, but never did.
PCT magazine contacted Orkin about the suit and the company issued the following statement in response to Simms’ decision: “We strongly believe Judge Simms’ opinion is mistaken and conflicts with the law in a long line of Florida cases. Orkin intends to vigorously appeal this ruling. It is important to note that Judge Simms did not find any fault with Orkin whatsoever; he simply allowed the plaintiffs’ claims — all of which Orkin strenuously denies — to go forward procedurally as a class action. We are very confident our appeal will be upheld.”

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS CENTER HOSTS FIRST SMARTBIZ CONFERENCE

PHILADELPHIA — SmartBiz users from all over the country convened Feb. 6-8 for the first annual SmartBiz Users Conference, hosted by FMC Corporation’s Software Solutions Center in Phoenix.

The conference included group and smaller presentations. Among the group sessions were an overview of the new hand-held software; a discussion about the software development direction in which users made suggestions and provided ideas; and a closing session to elicit feedback and suggestions from the 64 attendees from 30 different companies for future conferences.

“There were small enough groups that you could really get your questions answered, with plenty of workshops to choose from,” said SmartBiz user Barry Robinson from AAA Pest Pros Inc., Woodbridge, Va. “They were really there to help solve problems and give us feedback.”

Twenty-four workshops were offered, covering 15 topics more intensively, including: two beginner sessions; routing and scheduling; mapping, management reports; customer billing; mail merge; paperless call list; termite reporting; commissions; GL setup and export; inter-office messaging; Smartlink handheld software; vehicle maintenance; inventory; Batch editor; and Diagrammer.
The SmartBiz Users Conference also helped to create a sense of community among users, according to FMC.

“It was so wonderful to network with other people using the software,” said Anne Sowa of A to Z Termite & Pest Control, D’Hanis, Texas. “I’m still implementing all the ideas I learned from them. It was also great to bring a list of questions and get real live answers from the support team.”

FMC says it has scheduled a second SmartBiz Users Conference Dec. 4-6, 2002.

“TERMITE AWARENESS DAY” PROCLAIMED IN THREE U.S. CITIES
 
MONTVALE, N.J. — Aventis Environmental Science raised termite awareness, proclaiming “Termite Awareness Day” in three critical cities and providing consumers with the knowledge they need to protect their homes from termites this swarm season.

The objective of “Termite Awareness Day” was to increase awareness among homeowners of the damage caused by termites, thus generating calls to pest management professionals from potential customers asking for inspections and increasing their opportunities to use Termidor termiticide/insecticide.

As part of the educational campaign, Aventis worked with elected officials and local pest management professionals in Orlando, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Honolulu, Hawaii. “Termite Awareness Day,” officially proclaimed by the mayor of each city, also included an Aventis-donated termite treatment with Termidor to a local landmark in each city.

The events kicked off on Feb. 5 in Orlando with a proclamation from Mayor Glenda Hood, followed by a donated treatment to the Junior League House of Orlando from Orlando-based Massey Services.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin announced the city’s first-ever “Termite Awareness Day” on Feb. 22. The proclamation was read at the SciTrek Museum and was followed by a donated termite inspection to the museum, an educational science and technology center for innovators of all ages. Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators partnered with Aventis to provide this inspection.
Aventis wrapped up the campaign on March 25 in Honolulu. Mayor Jeremy Harris read the proclamation at Honolulu’s City Hall, historic Honolulu Hale, which was treated for an active infestation of termites following the announcement. Aventis partnered with Honolulu-based Sandwich Isle Termite and Pest Control to provide this treatment.

“Our goal was to raise awareness among homeowners and generate media coverage in three key markets for termite infestation,” said Karl J. Kisner, product manager of termiticides for Aventis Environmental Science. “The events received significant coverage from local television, radio and newspaper outlets.”

RICK ROGERS JOINS MYERS SERVICES

DALLAS — Rick Rogers has joined Myers Pest & Termite Services as vice president of operations. Rogers has worked in all facets of the pest control industry and began his pest control career in the regulatory field, before accepting the position of technical director with industry supplier, B&G Chemicals & Equipment Co. He went on to lead the growth at Dallas Pest Control and Centex HomeTeam Services where he served as president/COO. Prior to joining Myers Services, Rogers was president of his own consulting firm.

“Rick’s vision, leadership and well-rounded knowledge of the industry brings a competitive edge to Myers and energizes our commitment to superior customer service and the ongoing growth of our business,” said Danny Myers, president of Myers Services.

In addition to joining Myers Services, Rogers was recently appointed by Representative Tom Davis (R-Va.) to serve on the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Business Advisory Council (BAC), a forum dedicated to making sure small business has a voice in Washington.

ARROW EXTERMINATORS ACQUIRES MANtIS PEST CONTROL

ATLANTA — Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators recently announced the acquisition of Mantis Pest Control, Nashville, Tenn. The newly acquired company will be merged into Arrow’s Nashville branch office. Mantis, Arrow’s 13th acquisition in Tennessee, is Arrow’s 61st acquisition overall.
Joey Edwards, vice president of corporate development for Arrow, said, “We are very excited to be associated with Mantis Pest Control. Owners Travis Huntsman and Brad Olsen have achieved an insurmountable goal in a relatively short period of time. Their aggressive approach of building pest control has certainly been impressive and the high quality of service provided by the

Mantis employees is reflective of the company’s commitment to excellence.”
Arrow Exterminators has 37 offices in four states and revenue of $57 million, and continues to pursue acquisitions nationally.
 
NPMA OFFERS CUSTOMER BROCHURE

DUNN LORING, VA. — “Everything you want to know about household pests,” a brochure for consumers about household pests, is now available to PCOs. This 12-page full color consumer information brochure, complete with a “pull out” guide on insect identification, provides customers with facts about household pests, tips on how they can eliminate some pests using integrated pest management techniques, and ultimately sends them to you — the professional. 

The brochure is well suited for use in a customer mailing, on your next sales call or for prospecting new customers. Available in quantities of 100, the brochures are 30 cents each. Visit www.pestworld.org for more information.

GREG AUGUSTINE PURCHASES HARBOR PEST CONTROL

SAN DIEGO — Greg Augustine, who has worked in various capacities for San Diego-based Lloyd Pest Control the last 18 years, recently purchased Harbor Pest Control, also of San Diego.

Augustine purchased Harbor, a 16-employee operation, on April 1 from John and Kate Morgenroth. “They have a phenomenal niche in fumigation,” Augustine said. “I’m buying a business that is already successful. I just want to come in and make it even more successful, growing the business over time.”

During his tenure at Lloyd, which was founded by his grandfather, Augustine served as a controller, termite manager, sales manager and vice-president of strategic planning. “My granddad left Western Exterminator in 1936 and bought Lloyd Pest Control for $125,” Augustine said. “I thought I was following in his footsteps 18 years ago when I joined Lloyd Pest Control, but now I’m following in his footsteps as an entrepreneur.”

The Morgenroths bought Harbor Pest Control in 1974 and John served as president of Pest Control Operators of California in 1965.

RESIDEX OPENS TWO NEW LOCATIONS

CLARK, N.J. — Residex Corp. recently moved its Sarasota location to a larger facility. The new facility is located at 1144 Tallevast Rd., Suite 109-110, Sarasota, Fla., and the phone number is 800/399-0469. Residex’s second Florida location is in Palm Beach, Fla., with the acquisition of Colonial Products. This facility is located at 3748 Prospect Ave., Unit #1, Palm Beach, Fla. The phone number is 800/226-3532.

BROWNYARD GROUP LAUNCHES NEW SITE

BAY SHORE, N.Y. — In March, Brownyard Group Inc., launched its new Web site at www.brownyard.com. The new site provides information regarding Brownyard insurance programs for PCOs. The site allows PCOs, insurance agents and brokers ready access specific program information, printable applications, guidance and assistance.

NEW IPM SUPPLY COMPANY FORMED

CHESHIRE, CONN. — Dr. Mohamed Rachadi recently formed a new international pest management supply company, UPMA (Urban Pest Management Alternatives) Labs LLC, established to provide IPM products and equipment for use in sensitive environments.

“We focus on developing, producing and marketing environmentally responsible solutions for the management of urban pests and microbiological organisms affecting public health and hygiene in highly sensitive accounts,” Rachadi said.

Services offered include research and product Development; U.S. federal, state and international registrations; sales and marketing; and training and technical services.