[News]

Massey completes Sunair acquisition

ORLANDO, FLA. — Harvey L. Massey, chairman and CEO of Orlando, Fla.-based Massey Services, announced in December the closing of the company’s purchase of Sunair Services, parent of Middleton Lawn & Pest Control. Sunair and Middleton had been operating as a public company for several years and will now be taken private as part of the integration into Massey Services.

"We are very pleased to welcome our new team members and new customers to the Massey Services organization," said Massey. "The joining of our companies creates a stronger organization better prepared for future opportunities and growth. Like Massey, Middleton is a Florida-grown company that has established a strong customer base as a result of their commitment to quality service."

Last year, both organizations ranked within the top 13 companies of PCT magazine’s Top 100. (Massey ranked #12 with $77.4 million in year-end revenues, while Middleton ranked #13 with $57.6 million.) Following the acquisition, Massey Services will have combined revenues of approximately $125 million, making it one of the largest family-owned companies in the industry.

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NPMA Foundation seeks research proposals

FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association’s charitable organization, the Pest Management Foundation, has issued a solicitation for grant proposals related to the management of structural pests and pests in urban and suburban environments.

Any submission deemed worthwhile by the foundation will be eligible for a grant of up to $35,000. Eligible entities include but are not limited to institutions of higher learning, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, and individuals.

While the solicitation lists specific project ideas, the foundation is interested in any proposal that pertains to the management of pests in structures and urban and suburban environments.

The foundation recently funded research published by Cornell University, University of Kentucky, and Spokane Falls Community College researchers on the effectiveness of yellow jacket trapping, the efficacy of residential mosquito control, and various methods of controlling the black widow and hobo spiders. The foundation also supported the World Health Organization’s recently published research on the public health significance of public health pests, and is funding ongoing research on the efficacy of canines as bed bug detectors; the significance of an emerging invasive ant species in the Southeastern U.S., the odorous house ant; and cobweb management as a strategy to control urban spiders.

"Our main intent is to generate the submission of numerous different proposals," said Gene Harrington, executive director of the foundation. "We recognize that there are countless valuable research ideas and issuing anything too prescriptive could preclude many worthy proposals. We look forward to carefully reviewing any and all proposals."

The deadline for submissions was Feb. 19, and the foundation plans to identify a worthwhile applicant by the end of April. The solicitation is available online at http://www.npmapestworld.org/PMFoundation. Questions about the program should be directed to NPMA’s Gene Harrington at gharrington@pestworld.org or 800/678-6722.

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Rollins Inc. announces executive additions, promotions

ATLANTA — In January, Rollins Inc. announced the addition of Greg Clendenin, formerly of Middleton Lawn and Pest Control and Sears Authorized Termite & Pest Control, as president of Orkin’s Southeast Division.

Other personnel announcements included the promotion of Gene Iarocci to vice president of Corporate Administration and the promotion of Freeman Elliott to vice president of Orkin’s Atlantic Division.

Clendenin joins Orkin with 30 years of pest control industry experience. Most recently, he was president and CEO for Middleton and before that he served as COO of Sears. Clendenin will oversee 63 locations in Orkin’s Southeast Division.

Iarocci has more than 20 years experience in multi-unit management with a number of service and manufacturing industries. He has been with Orkin for seven years, serving most recently as president of Orkin’s Atlantic Division before his promotion to vice president of Rollins’ Corporate Administration.

Elliott began his Orkin career as a lawn care technician in 1991, following graduation from the University of Georgia. He quickly moved through the company, working as service manager, branch manager, national service manager and most recently, assistant to the president of Orkin’s Atlantic Division. In his new role, Elliott will oversee approximately 70 locations in Orkin’s Atlantic Division.

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Jan Buberl to lead
BASF Specialty
Products Division

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — BASF North American Crop Protection announced the appointment of Jan Buberl to head the organization’s Specialty Products Division (SPD), effective Oct. 1, 2009. SPD comprises three businesses: Professional Pest Control Solutions, Professional Turf & Ornamentals, and Professional Vegetation Management.

Buberl has been with BASF for 13 years, most recently in the Crop Protection business as country manager for Spain and Portugal. His experience with the company also includes posts in global marketing, herbicides; marketing for specialty crops; and a position in global marketing for fungicides at the BASF global headquarters of Limburgerhof, Germany.

"BASF has great opportunities in the specialty products marketplace," Buberl said. "As we move forward, our mission will be to listen intently to our customers, truly understanding their needs and business drivers in order to provide them with innovative and timely solutions. In so doing, BASF will continue our success in the Specialty Products arena, and I’m excited to lead this division."

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Michael Katz named PPMA board member

Fairfax, VA. — The Professional Pest Management Alliance announced the appointment of Michael Katz to its board of directors. Katz brings with him 40 years of experience in the structural pest control industry with three decades spent at Western Exterminator Company, where he serves as president.

Katz began his career in the pest management industry in 1969 when he worked for the Pest Control Operators of California, California’s industry trade association. He later worked for a pest control company that was purchased by Western Exterminator Company in 1979. After serving a decade as general manager, Katz was elevated to president of Western.

The board of directors of PPMA is comprised of representatives from member pest management and chemical manufacturing companies. Board members are appointed by the Executive Committee of PPMA, and meet three times a year to vote on policies, initiatives and budget matters on behalf of all members of PPMA.

"I am honored to accept a seat on a board that is so highly respected in the professional pest management industry," said Katz. "PPMA’s commitment to growing and protecting the industry is in line with the goals of Western Exterminator Company and I look forward to playing an active role in shaping the future of PPMA and our industry as a board member."

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Chicago’s ‘Meeting of the Minds III’ draws huge crowd

CHICAGO — Bed bugs, rodents, spiders and ants in the Chicago area had better beware. That’s because pest management professionals there are better armed than ever before. The Greater Chicago Pest Management Alliance’s Meeting of the Minds III conference drew more than 270 pest management professionals to its meeting Oct. 22.

Richard Cooper, an entomologist with Cooper Pest Solutions, Lawrenceville, N.J., provided an update on bed bug detection and treatments. According to Cooper, bed bug infestations are not reported quickly enough. Too often, he said, infestations go undetected for several months or more, and become well established before they are encountered. One of the reasons for this is that bed bugs first inhabit areas with the least disruption in a room or dwelling. In a hotel room, for example, this is the area behind the headboard of the bed. While bed linens are changed daily (a disruption), the headboard is never moved and is just inches from a blood meal. Another reason is that some people have a delayed reaction to being bitten. One study noted that 46 percent of the participants did not exhibit symptoms until 7 to 11 days after the first bite. Others do not react at all. "Early detection is a critical component in eliminating bed bugs," Cooper said. "Within the first few weeks of an infestation, the population is isolated and localized, and it is not that difficult to eliminate them. The longer it goes, the more complicated control becomes, and as the population increases the individuals disperse away from the sleeping areas and can be found anywhere."

Bobby Corrigan, Ph.D., of RMC Pest Management Consulting, provided a stunning narrative with accompanying slides of rat safaris — his street-level battles with rats in New York City. In one instance, Corrigan described how one rainy night he and friends were heading out to dinner. While waiting at the curb, a rat popped out of the sewer and began ambling down the gutter, in the general direction of a fast food restaurant a couple of blocks down the street. Corrigan could not resist. He respectfully asked his friends to enjoy the night without him, and he began following the rat, taking pictures as he went. Sure enough, the creature headed for the fast food restaurant and began foraging for food in the accumulation of trash bags stashed behind the eatery. The experience tied nicely into Corrigan’s study of trash and the nutritional content in such a bag. He determined that a 60-pound bag of trash could feed 1,320 rats for one night, "offering them complete nutritional balance."

For PMPs hired to do rodent work, Corrigan offered the following advice: "A big part of the job is in addition to trapping. You must make every effort to find the source of the infestation. If you are just putting out traps and bait stations, that is not rodent control; that is equipment application. Rodents are sophisticated animals, and PMPs must be more an investigator than an applicator."

Other speakers included Rick Vetter, a research associate from the University of California-Riverside, whose presentation included misconceptions about spiders, and the brown recluse spider in particular, and Michael K. Rust, a professor of entomology from the University of California-Riverside, who discussed integrated pest management practices in ant control. According to Rust, successful ant control begins with an accurate inspection and identification, and then the selection of appropriate treatments and bait. He also suggested that applicators target their treatments. "When working outdoors, we have to get away from using broadcast treatment applications. Sure, I like my spray rig, but it puts out a lot of material and some of that does not get where it is supposed to go," he explained.

GCPMA is a relatively new trade alliance. Having formed in December of 2004, the Alliance now has more than 180 member companies, and shares best practices, furthers education, representation and professionalism for PMPs in Chicago and surrounding urban environments. Since its founding, GCPMA has provided certified training for more than 1,400 PMPs, helping them obtain continuing education unit credits. — submitted by Mark L. Hendrickson, GCPMA

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Comings & Goings

Orkin recently promoted John Wilson to president of Orkin USA, a newly established position. Wilson will oversee Orkin’s five division presidents and the vice president of sales operations. Wilson joined Orkin in 1996 and has held various roles. Recently Wilson served as Southeast Division president, Atlantic Division vice president and Central Commercial Region manager.

Black Pest Prevention, Charlotte, N.C., appointed Leonard Arrant as service center manager in Charlotte.

Minneapolis, Minn.-based MGK added Doug Mills as sales representative for its newly defined Southeast Region. Based in Atlanta, Mills will handle sales and technical support for MGK’s Professional Pest Control product line in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Debbie Edwards retired from her post as director for the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPP) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, after nearly 25 years with the agency. During her tenure at EPA, Edwards was involved in both the regulatory and science areas.

Heron Pest Control, Apopka, Fla., has made some additions to its management team. The company has named Alexandra Rochell as human resources director; Lesley Spears to district administration manager; Jill Klein to chief financial officer; Brenda Jones to corporate administration manager; Mike Chapman to Orlando branch manager; and Toby Gaudin to service director.

A All Animal Control, Charleston, W.Va., has added two team members. Stephanie Crowder joins the company as wildlife support team specialist, and Kara Walko was hired as marketing/IT specialist. The new employees are based out of the company’s headquarters and will work with its franchisees.

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DATE BOOK

Feb. 28-March 2: NPMA’s Legislative Day 2010, The Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

March 3: BASF Skill Development Seminar featuring Jeff Tucker, Radisson Hotel New Orleans Airport, Kenner, La. Contact: Visit www.pestcontrol.basf.us or call 800/777-8570, ext. 4276.

March 3-5: 9th Fumigants & Pheromones Conference, Valencia, Spain. Contact: Call 800/992-1991 or visit the Web site
www.insectslimited.com.

March 3-5: 5th Annual Rose Pest Solutions Conference, Eagle Crest Resort and Conference Center, Ypsilanti, Mich. Contact: Gene White, 248/588-1005.

March 4: BASF Skill Development Seminar featuring Jeff Tucker, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott South, Fort Worth, Texas. Contact: see March 3.

March 4-6: NPMA’s Pest Management Canada 2010, Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa, Ontario. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

March 4-6: 2010 Pacific Northwest Pest Management Conference, Hood River, Ore. Contact: Steve Diaz, paragondiaz@aol.com.

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Book by Residex’s Chris Donaghy honors Roland Rhodes, American war veterans

ROSELLE, N.J. — Chris Donaghy, president and CEO of Residex, has a passion for history. As such, he understands the significant sacrifices that have been made by America’s service people over the years to defend and protect our nation’s freedoms.

And because he appreciates what’s at stake, Donaghy has made it his personal mission to honor the nation’s military through such corporate initiatives as the Achilles Project, which provides custom-designed bicycles for disabled veterans. "I’ve always felt a debt of gratitude to those who have served our country, particularly those who have given the last full measure of devotion by laying their life on the line for our country," he said. "People aren’t always aware of what our veterans and their families have sacrificed to protect our freedoms because they tend not to talk about it very much upon returning home (from military service)."

Typical of this generation of "silent veterans" is Roland Rhodes, president of Rhodes Chemical Co., Kansas City, Kan. Three years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rhodes joined the U.S. Navy, serving at a naval hospital in Seattle, Wash., where he helped treat wounded veterans from the Pacific Campaign. "Roland is representative of an entire generation of Americans whose character was formed during World War II," Donaghy said. "They went overseas, did the job they were asked to do, and returned home — if they were lucky — never talking much about their war experiences."

That didn’t make their stories any less remarkable, however. It just meant the world was deprived of first-person accounts of their war experiences, according to Donaghy, experiences that shaped the values of an entire generation of Americans.

So, about a year ago, Donaghy set out to "give voice" to an entire generation of Americans who have been silent for too long by embarking on a multi-volume book project that recently culminated in the publication of "Core Convictions: A Service Legacy." The 80-page book chronicles the life of Rhodes, an 82-year-old industry icon and treasurer of UPF&DA.

"I started with Roland because he is a World War II veteran with a remarkable story that I wanted to share with others in the industry," Donaghy said. "I weave together Roland’s personal history with the history of the country, presented in a creative, yet non-revisionist fashion."

"(I) went in (the service) as a 17-year-old kid and came out as a 19-year-old man," Rhodes told Donaghy during more than seven hours of interviews at NPMA PestWorld 2008.

"Roland was glad to serve our nation," Donaghy said, "but didn’t feel that he made a significant contribution to the war effort. As with most surviving veterans of WWII, they never saw their own actions and role in the war effort as being heroic or significant, and the only veterans they recognized as heroes were the ones who lost their lives or limbs in the effort."

Upon being presented a copy of the book at the RISE convention last fall, Rhodes said he was proud to be a part of the project. "It brought back a lot of memories," he said.

To learn more about "Core Convictions: A Service Legacy" or to order a copy of the book, call 800/526-4222 or visit www.residex.com. Cost of the book is $30 and all proceeds go to the Achilles Freedom Team.

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B&G Chemicals Launches Promotional Website

DALLAS — B&G Chemicals & Equipment has announced the release of its new promotions Web site. Located at www.pestpromo.com, this Web site serves as B&G’s new hub for product promotions, special savings, store coupons and related discounts.

B&G Chemicals has store locations in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Phoenix, Ariz.

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Syngenta unveils new educational Web tool

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Syngenta has launched EcoBalance, an educational, consumer-facing Web module to help pest management professionals communicate how they deliver lower environmental impact pest control services.

"Our discussions with customers revealed that many PMPs find it challenging to explain integrated pest management services to consumers," said Pat Willenbrock, brand manager, Syngenta. "We developed EcoBalance as a way to give back and help our customers build their businesses. We hope pest management companies use this free business-building tool as a part of their customer education programs."

EcoBalance allows PMPs to direct customers to a Web site that explains how pest management fits into their lives in easy-to-understand language. The site showcases how PMPs protect their customers’ homes through inspection, education, treatment and monitoring. It features video animation and attractive graphics that explain the basic principles of integrated pest management. Additionally, the site includes practical homeowner advice on pest management. Additional information is available online at www.syngentapmp.com.

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PCO News

Western Exterminator Company, Anaheim, Calif., earned Green Shield Certification for its EnviroCare Green service. AAvon Pest Control, Stamford, Conn., earned Green Shield Certification for its AAvon Team Green service. Superior Pest Elimination, Staten Island, N.Y., earned Green Shield Certification for its Superior Pest Solutions Green Services. Colony Pest Management, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., earned Green Shield Certification for its Green Clover IPM Program service. Environmentally Sound, Madison, Wis., also earned Green Shield Certification. And Pestco of Pittsburgh, Pa., achieved Green Shield Certification for its X-TermiGreen service. Green Shield Certified is an independent, non-profit certification program that promotes practitioners of effective, prevention-based pest control while minimizing the need to use pesticides. It is operated by the IPM Institute of North America based in Madison, Wis.

Viking Termite & Pest Control, Bridgewater, N.J., recently donated installation and service of the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System to an injured war veteran who received a newly constructed, fully funded, LEED-certified home in Hillsdale, N.J., from the national nonprofit organization Homes for Our Troops. Dow AgroSciences donated the components of the termite baiting system.

Craig Thomas Pest Control of Hyde Park, N.Y., Hersh Exterminating Service of Hermitage, Pa., Gold Seal Pest Control of Indianapolis, Ind., and Action Pest Control, Evansville, Ind., have been approved by Bed Bug Central as members of its bedbugFREE network, joining a group of pest management firms committed to the guidelines and practices of Bed Bug Central.

Dodson Pest Control, Lynchburg, Va., recently celebrated its 65th anniversary and also honored its Pathfinders Club, a group consisting of service technicians, service supervisors and sales inspectors who have distinguished themselves with outstanding job performances.

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EPA honors NPMA with national pesticide award

FAIRFAX, VA. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in December awarded the National Pest Management Association with its National Pesticide Program Partners Award.

The award was given as a part of EPA’s Office of Pesticide Program’s first-ever Honor Awards Ceremony, which aims to highlight core values and principles of EPA and encourage their widespread practice.

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Big winner at NPMA PestWorld

Las Vegas — At NPMA PestWorld 2009
DuPont gave away a 55-inch Samsung TV as part of a promotion at its booth. DuPont’s Abbie Speed-Fox (Portland, Maine) and Ross Eckstein (Arlington, Texas) drew the lucky entry. The winner was Jean Melton, president, Big Valley Termite and Pest Control, Pleasanton, Calif.