[News]

Rollins, Inc. to acquire Waltham Services

ATLANTA, Ga. and WALTHAM, Mass. — The landscape of the pest control industry was transformed again when New England’s largest independent pest control operation – Waltham Services – announced plans to join forces with Rollins, Inc. On July 14, Rollins, Inc. announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Waltham Services. The acquisition was expected to close by the end of last month.

With annual revenues exceeding $17 million Waltham Services ranked 33rd on PCT’s 2010 Top 100 list.

Clarke Keenan, who has served as president and majority owner of Waltham Services since 1994, told PCT the timing was right to sell. "I’m in my mid 60s and the only owner who has real leadership responsibilities. There were no younger people queued up to continue on," said Keenan, adding that his wife Cathie "would like to have more of me while we still have some energy and athleticism."

Keenan said that during the past six months he had considered several offers, but ultimately decided Rollins was the best fit. "In no particular order, certainly a good monetary offer goes a long way and the Rollins people were very generous," he said. "But equally important, or close to, was what is best for our employees. I feel very good about the arrangement for our people with Rollins. I have a sense from listening to the questions and watching their faces that our employees…while they were surprised…there was a lot of positive hope for the future."

Also instrumental in Keenan’s decision was Waltham’s longstanding relationship with Western Pest Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. Both are large regional companies servicing similar geographic areas and both were members of Copesan, an alliance of large regional pest control companies. The relationship dates back to the days of J.E. Sameth, founder of Western Pest Services, and Richard Keenan (Clarke’s father), who led Waltham Services from 1963 to 1994. In addition to the Sameth family, Clarke became acquainted with Tom Walters, president of Western Pest Services.

Keenan added that he was impressed with the way Western Pest Services was integrated into Rollins after it was acquired in 2004.

Peter Wonson, Sr., who founded Malden, Mass.-based General Environmental Services in 1979 following a 13-year career with Waltham Services, said he was not surprised that Waltham sold to Rollins given the Western connection. Wonson says Waltham has always been a good supporter of the New England Pest Management Association – both in terms of member involvement and support of educational programs – and he believes this will continue when the company becomes a part of Rollins.

Glen Rollins, executive vice president of Rollins, Inc., and president of Orkin, told PCT that the Waltham acquisition helps Rollins strengthen a geographic area where the company had a "somewhat thin service network." "We’ve always been hopeful," he added, "that a day like this might come when we could get the benefit of this talent and heritage – to be a part of the team. So, it’s really a wonderful opportunity for us."

While the new management structure of Waltham Services is not yet formed, the company will continue to operate independently in much the same manner as Western Pest Services currently operates, with Keenan and his management team in place for the next six months before his retirement. Walters said, "I really don’t consider (Waltham) a region of Western. It will operate independently, but report to me. I think Glen is smart enough to realize that I’ve handled a couple of these transitions for Rollins now (with Western and the IFC team) so I kind of see myself as a facilitator to make sure they do well and grow and get integrated with the Rollins organization and that we open up all the resources to them."

As a result of Waltham’s plans to enter into a definitive purchase agreement to be acquired by Rollins, Waltham and Copesan Services will be ending their business relationship. This decision will involve the transfer of Copesan accounts to other Copesan Partners and the repurchase of Copesan stock. "It is a bittersweet situation," said Deni Naumann, president of Copesan. "We certainly respect the decision of owner Clarke Keenan to sell his family-owned business; however, we will deeply miss the friendships and camaraderie built over the years with Waltham’s employees throughout the Copesan Partner network."

Naumann told PCT that Copesan is currently "working through the details" to determine which of its Partners will take over the service of Copesan accounts serviced by Waltham. In recent years, Copesan has undergone an aggressive Partner expansion strategy to ensure its service areas have secondary Partners with redundant service capabilities. In 2009, Copesan added Modern Pest Services, Brunswick, Maine, to its Partner network. Several industry observers contacted by PCT believe Modern will be a beneficiary considering Modern is a $10 million-a-year company that covers much of Waltham’s same service area (New England). Keenan said that roughly 6% of Waltham’s business comes from Copesan clients. — Brad Harbison
 

About Waltham services

Headquarters: Waltham, Mass.

Year Founded: 1939

2009 Revenues: In excess of $17 million

About: In addition to Massachusetts, the company provides pest control services throughout Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and upstate New York. Although the company is heavily involved in commercial pest control (65%) Waltham’s 2009 revenues increased 4%, most of which came from residential sales.

Key Personnel: Clarke Keenan, president; Rich Hatfield, director of operations; Michael Botte, director of sales and marketing; and Richard Berman, technical director

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Trial date set for second of two fipronil patent infringement lawsuits

Fireworks are an annual part of America’s Fourth of July festivities, but the pest management industry could experience some fireworks of its own on July 5, 2011, when a patent infringement lawsuit between BASF and Makhteshim Agan of North America, along with its U.S. subsidiary, Control Solutions Inc., is scheduled to go to court.

A settlement conference will be set for a date approximately two weeks before the highly anticipated jury trial is scheduled to begin, according to U.S. District Court documents. Of course, much could change depending on what happens four months earlier, when BASF and Cheminova are scheduled to meet in the same U.S. District Court on March 1, 2011 in a second fipronil patent infringement lawsuit.

At the center of the proceedings are several fipronil-related patents, the broad-spectrum phenylpyrazole insecticide that is found in Termidor. At press time, one of those patents – the "composition patent" – was set to expire on Aug. 3, 2010. Two additional manufacturing process patents will expire in 2023 and 2025, respectively, while the method-of-use patents will expire in 2017. Joining BASF as a plaintiff in the lawsuits is Bayer CropScience, which exclusively licenses two of the patents for BASF.

Since the original court filings in early April, more than 50 different motions, court orders and other filings have taken place as the parties – BASF Agro, Cheminova A/S and Maktheshim Agan of North America, along with its U.S. subsidiary, Control Solutions Inc. – jockey for position in the high-stakes litigation that will have wide ranging implications for the pest management industry, whatever the outcome.

The stakes are high. BASF’s flagship termiticide, Termidor, generates nearly $70 million in annual revenues, representing about 35 percent of the U.S. termite market. More than 4 million structures have been treated with the non-repellent termiticide since it was introduced to the industry a decade ago.

Despite the expiration of the compound patent on Aug. 3, BASF appears to have successfully forestalled the introduction of generic fipronil in 2010 as the parties prepare for trial in 2011.

"We are pleased that progress continues to resolve this matter," said Jan Buberl, head of BASF’s Specialty Product Division. "What is important is the contribution of ongoing innovation in the marketplace, and we will continue to actively work to defend our IP (intellectual property) rights."

PCT contacted Control Solutions Inc., Makhteshem’s U.S. subsidiary, for comment, but as of press time had not received a statement from the company. Visit www.pctonline.com for additional coverage as this story continues to develop. — Dan Moreland

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EPA delays enforcing lead safety certification rules

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is delaying enforcement of its Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule’s certification requirements until later this year.

EPA’s decision comes after the U.S. Senate last month approved legislation delaying enforcement of the RRP Rule until Oct. 1, 2010. Contractors such as remodeling and home repair specialists, as well as ancillary service providers including pest management professionals, had complained to Agency officials and members of Congress that EPA did a poor job of educating those affected by the rule and that there were too few certified trainers. PMPs who open walls in pre-1978 houses to access pests or perform inspections may be subject to the rule’s requirements.

With the delay, EPA will not take enforcement actions for violations of the RRP Rule’s firm certification requirement until Oct. 1, 2010. The Agency will not enforce the rule’s worker certification requirement if the worker has applied to enroll in or has enrolled in a certified renovator workshop by Sept. 30, 2010. Workers must complete the training by Dec. 30, 2010.

EPA said it would continue to enforce the rule’s work practice requirements that protect children and reduce lead exposure. For more information about the RRP Rule visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/toolkits.htm.

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DATE BOOK

Aug. 29 -Sept. 1: Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials Annual Meeting, Charleston, W.Va. Contact: Bonnie Rabe 505/646-2133 or brabe@nmda.nmsu.ed.

Sept. 7-10: RISE 20th Annual Meeting, Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Fla. Contact: 202/872-3860 or visit www.pestfacts.org.

Sept. 8: NPMA’s Bed Bug Symposium (Oakland), Hilton Oakland Airport, Oakland, Calif. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

Sept. 10: NPMA’s Bed Bug Symposium (Anaheim), Doubletree Hotel Anaheim/Orange County, Anaheim, Calif. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

Sept. 21-22: BedBug University North American Summit 2010, Chicago. Contact: Visit www.nabedbugsummit2010.com or call 877/411-1142.

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NPMA and PLANET to co-host 2nd annual Lawn Care Summit

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, will once again co-host The Lawn Care Summit, a national forum on current trends and future developments in lawn care. The meeting is scheduled for Dec. 1–3, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga.

Dual-tracked sessions will offer both technical and management sessions for owners, managers, and top-line technicians. Programming, developed by leaders in the lawn care field, will bring respected experts from national firms to share thoughts on what the future holds as well as seasoned veterans to offer practical advice on how they are responding to current issues in the field. For more information visit www.npmapestworld.org and LandcareNetwork.org/do/eventList.

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Smart phone app helps consumers ID pests, contact PCOs

FAIRFAX, VA. — NPMA’s Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) is offering consumers a free, downloadable cell phone application that provides access to popular portions of its educational website, PestWorld.org.

The application features a mobile version of the PestWorld.org pest guide, designed to help consumers identify pests they find in their home or property, as well as learn about pest biology and health threats. Consumers can also locate and call a pest professional using the "Find a Pro" zip code search function. Other features include an informative FAQ section and tips for finding a qualified pest professional.

"In today’s fast-paced, knowledge-driven society, and with the accessibility we receive from smart phones, we know that when consumers are looking for information, they want it instantaneously," says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "Our new cell phone application allows consumers to find any information they need about pests like termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents and stinging insects at the touch of a button, from wherever they happen to be."

Henriksen said the application also gives consumers mobile access to NPMA member companies. "This new application is just one more way in which PPMA is striving to educate the public and help to grow the professional pest management industry."

Currently available to iPhone users, Blackberry and Droid phone versions were also to be offered. To download the application, visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pest-world/id376666327?mt=8.

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Comings & Goings

Ruth Cloud is the newest addition to Target Specialty Products’ pest control team in Arizona. Cloud joined the Target team after the recent joint venture between Target and B&G Chemicals and Equipment Co. In other news at Target Specialty Products, the firm named Candy Dolan as business manager for its fumigation market and Bobby Maston as business manager for the company’s pest control market.

Commercial applicator Steve Warren, McGrath Pest Control, Houston, Texas, recently celebrated his 10th year with the firm.

The Rollins Board of Directors promoted Harry J. Cynkus to senior vice president and appointed Tom Luczynski its new corporate secretary. Cynkus joined Rollins in 1998 as CFO and corporate treasurer, and was named vice president in 2009. Luczynski is currently serving as vice president of Orkin’s international development, franchising and support services.

In related news, Orkin recently made two personnel announcements. Steve Leavitt was promoted to assistant to the president of Orkin USA, where he is responsible for maximizing growth in Orkin’s residential pest control practice. Orkin also named Bob Cipriano assistant vice president of human resources, replacing Vye Ladd, who has retired.

Joe Thomas of Arrow Exterminators has assumed the role of chairman of the board, while Emily Thomas Kendrick was promoted to chief executive officer and president, and Jeff Singley was named chief operating officer. Previously, Kendrick was president and chief operating officer and Singley was executive vice president.

Bird-B-Gone has added an ornithologist to the firm’s team of bird control specialists to help customers tackle tough bird problems. Dr. Rob Fergus is an ornithologist who specializes in urban ecology and human/wildlife interactions.

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EPA offers a new hotline that answers pesticide questions for Spanish-speaking citizens

PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has added a new service for Spanish-speaking citizens: a toll-free hotline answering questions about pesticides.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 57 percent of the United States’ Spanish-speaking people aged 41 to 64 need assistance when speaking English.

"Many people have asked EPA to provide a Spanish-language hotline for pesticide questions and EPA has responded," said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin "There is definitely a need for this service and it’s another opportunity for EPA to provide needed environmental information to all communities."

The toll-free number is staffed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Messages in English and Spanish instruct callers to leave a voice-mail message for after-hours calls or when bilingual staffers are not immediately available. The hotline number is 1-888-919-4372.

For more information on pesticides and other environmental topics in Spanish, visit the new page on EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/espanol/.

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BASF video contest will award Daytona 500 trip

ST. LOUIS — Pest management professionals have a chance to win a trip to the Daytona 500 by entering the Roguard Rodent Management System video contest sponsored by BASF.

BASF is looking for short and unique video clips of PMPs using the Roguard RMS Bait Station. Top videos will be posted and shared online.

PMPs can visit the contest website at http://pestcontrol.basf.us/, to enter their names in a drawing to receive a Flip Video Camcorder and a Roguard RMS station to use for their video submission. Two eligible participants will be randomly selected to win a camera and station each month from July through November 2010. Video clips must be submitted by Nov. 30, 2010. Videos will be evaluated by a panel of BASF judges, and three finalist videos will be posted on the website for public voting. The grand prize winner, to be announced in early January, receives a trip for two to the Daytona 500.

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University of Kentucky 40th Annual Short Course set for November

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The 40th Annual University of Kentucky Pest Control Short Course will be held November 15-17, in Lexington, Ky. The conference features one of the strongest programs in the country. Business-related topics include termite protection plans, sales training, optimizing employee performance, and risks related to bed bugs. Technical topics include tips for managing bed bugs, odorous house ants, spiders, silverfish, wasps, mosquitoes, birds and rodents, and safety tips encompassing hantavirus to heart attack. Featured speakers include Bobby Corrigan, Larry Pinto, Greg Henderson, Karen Vail, Dan Collins, Don Jamison, Mike Masterson, Cindy Mannes, Kevin Pass, Steve Good and Kevin Kordek. For more information, contact Darlene Thorpe at 859/257-5955.

For more information, contact Dr. Michael F. Potter, Department of Entomology, S-225 Agric. Sci. Bldg. N, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091; Phone 859-257-5955; Fax 859-323-1120; E-mail dthorpe@uky.edu

el and fumigation experts within the stored product pest management industry.

We look forward to sharing through education with you at one of the continuing education seminars. Credits have been applied for in IL, IN, MI, OH, and KY. If you would like additional information or would like to sign up, please visit www.insectslimited.com or call 800-992-1991.

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Kisner Elected to OSU Alumni Association Board of Directors

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Karl J. Kisner, director of marketing at Univar USA in Austin, Texas, has been elected to The Ohio State University Alumni Association board of directors.

Kisner, who graduated from the university in 1990 with a degree in agronomy specializing in turfgrass management, was elected by the board in May following a rigorous review process. A five-member nominating committee recommended Kisner and four others for consideration after reviewing a large base of candidates from around the country. Board members serve five-year terms.

"I want to be able to pay forward and assist my alma mater," Kisner said. "I have intense pride and appreciation for Ohio State and this gives me a chance to help apply my skills to work with the Alumni Association. I recognize that I am where I am today because of my time at Ohio State and so in appreciation I wish to continue to serve the needs and interests of the University however I can."

Kisner has never forgotten his Buckeye roots. He maintains membership in several alumni organizations, including the Austin and Army ROTC clubs. He also is a devoted OSU Buckeye football fan, attending every home game but one with his father at the famed "Horseshoe" since 1994. Kisner also has attended every bowl game since 1993, including the BCS National Championship game in Tempe, Ariz., in 2002.

Kisner is director of marketing at Univar USA, and brings expertise in product development, branding and marketing to the board. His many professional accolades include being recognized as a Rising Star by the Alumni Association in 1994. In 2002, he received the Association’s William Oxley Thompson Award. In 2007, Kisner established the Sharron L. Kisner CIDP Research Fund (named for his mother), which is used in Ohio State’s Department of Neurology to advance knowledge in the field of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. He also supports the Greyhound Wellness program in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Kisner is a well-known figure in the pest management industry thanks to his extensive experience in product distribution and his years working for basic manufacturers. After graduating from OSU, he began his career as a turf specialist for Van Waters & Rogers in 1990, serving the Southern California market. He was employed by Terra Industries for six years as Ohio/Northeast Region manager before joining Aventis in 1998 as product manager. Kisner transitioned through the mergers and acquisitions of Aventis/Rhone Poulenc, Agrevo, Bayer, Bayer Hold Separate and eventually BASF, where he served as a senior marketing manager. He holds a certificate of professional achievement in marketing and sales management from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Kisner and his spouse of 15 years live in Pflugerville, Texas, with three greyhounds and two cats.

The Alumni Association is a dues-supported organization of graduates, former students, and friends of the university with more than 120,000 members. For more than 125 years, the Alumni Association has been dedicated to connecting alumni, friends and students to enhance and strengthen the traditions and reputation of The Ohio State University.

Residex Distributes Master Fume in Florida

ROSELLE, N.J. — Residex has become a distributor for Drexel Chemical’s Master Fume product line in the state of Florida. Master Fume, a new post-patent sulfuryl fluoride, is currently registered for structural fumigations in the state of Florida.

"I spent almost 40 years in the fumigation business in the state of Florida. I am excited to introduce this product and Drexel’s stewardship program to the marketplace," said Pete Elbert, Residex Fumigation Business and Florida sales manager. "It is an exciting new option for Florida fumigators and no contract is necessary."

Master Fume has developed a full-service stewardship program including training on a Windows-based custom calculator. Training on Master Fume has been conducted throughout the state and future dates will be announced. Master Fume is available for purchase at Residex’s Tampa, Jacksonville and Riviera Beach locations.

Bedbug, Mosquito Issues Highlighted at Europest 2010

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY — More than 90 delegates from 19 countries attended Europest 2010, a conference organized by the European Pest Management Industry Association (CEPA) and the Hungarian Pest Control Association (MaKOSZ).

A key topic of discussion centered on CEPA’s aim to establish a common pest management standard throughout Europe, inspired by the acceptance of the Rome Protocol in 2008. Toward that end the association is working with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to produce a European standard specifying requirements, recommendations and basic competences for pest management companies.

Other conference highlights included emerging pest problems, particularly bedbugs and mosquitoes. Ole Kilpinen from the Danish Pest Infestation Laboratory, University of Aarhus, stressed the importance of monitoring the magnitude of the bedbug problem, especially as control methods evolve. "Our knowledge of bedbug biology is increasing rapidly, but there still remain many unanswered questions," Kilpinen explained. "The more we learn about this pest, the greater our chances of controlling it."

Dr. Changlu Wang of Rutgers University discussed the public’s varied reactions to bedbugs, ranging from the discarding of expensive furniture to simply ignoring the problem.

The rise of mosquitoes around Europe, due largely to climate change — including increased rainfall and temperature levels — was another topic of discussion.

New York Workshop Caters to Industry Educators

SUFFERN, N.Y. — Barry H. Stangel, president of the Pest Management Training and Consulting Center, in May hosted a "Train the Trainer" workshop presented by Ron Gardner and Dan Wexted of Cornell University’s education staff. The program was co-sponsored by the NYSDEC.

Train The Trainer is a program created by Cornell University staff to assist the trainers who provide 30-hour certification and recertification credit programs for New York pest control professionals. It includes a series of seven training modules covering pests, pesticides, labels and certification.

New Advion Packaging Uses Recycled Materials

WILMINGTON, DEL. — DuPont Professional Products plans to convert all of its four-syringe packaging of the DuPont Advion cockroach and ant gel to 100-percent post-consumer recycled plastic that is 100 percent recyclable.

DuPont says it is committed to seeking sustainability in all parts of its business, and a key part of that initiative is reducing waste wherever possible. The new Advion cockroach and ant gel packaging is made from plastic products, such as soda or water bottles, which were previously used and then recycled. This material requires significantly less energy and water to produce and diverts re-useable materials out of the waste stream. Furthermore, the company says its new packaging will reduce the burden in landfills and help pest control professionals improve their environmental stewardship and positioning to clients.

The company’s Terrene packaging, created for DuPont Arilon insecticide, was also intended to minimize waste. Each Terrene packet contains a premeasured amount of Arilon to help reduce applicator handling and exposure, minimize waste and eliminate the need to triple-rinse prior to disposal. The packets are constructed of a biodegradable and compostable material and utilize water-based ink and adhesives, DuPont said.

SipcamAdvan Opens New Georgia Lab

DURHAM, N.C. — SipcamAdvan has opened a new laboratory facility in Valdosta, Ga. The company said the lab augments its formulation expertise and new product development within the crop protection, turf, and ornamental markets in the United States and Mexico.

"The new lab puts SipcamAdvan in great position to meet many of our corporate goals," says Ron Hatton, director of operations. "It allows us to bring new products to market, supporting the goal of developing a full portfolio of differentiated offers, including bio-rationals. With the lab, we are able to increase speed-to-market which is extremely important in this ever-changing market."

Chris Cody, manager of quality and formulations, supervises the facility. "I am very excited about the new opportunities that the addition of the lab brings to SipcamAdvan. It certainly will assist us in providing our customers with innovative and high quality products," Cody says.

Cooper Pest Solutions Honored as a Top Small Employer

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — Cooper Pest Solutions has been honored as one of the top small companies to work for in the nation by Inc. Magazine based on the company’s explosive growth in difficult economic times, company culture, commitment to professional development and employee perks.

The magazine honored 40 companies. The only other New Jersey company to be honored was the National Football League’s New York Jets franchise.

Company president and CEO Phillip Cooper received the honor. "When we received news that Inc. magazine had considered us not only one of the best run pest management company in the nation but also one of the best run companies in the nation period, I was floored," said Cooper. "It’s great to be recognized among some of the highest performing companies in the United States."

Cooper Pest Solutions was selected based on its willingness to invest in employees and its benefit program, including $12,000 in tuition assistance and the availability of professional development coaches for employees.

Inc. magazine also praised the CPS company culture that has provided employees with a "cyber café" so workers can unwind.

"The happier and more comfortable your employees are, the more they are willing to work for you and really dig deep to put in the extra effort and achieve results," said Cooper. "I want them to be so comfortable that they never want to leave!"

To be considered for Inc. Magazine’s Top Small Company Workplaces award, each company had to have less than 750 employees, earn less than $500 million, be based in North America, and be independent. Key considerations included business growth, company culture, commitment to professional development, employee retention and employee perks.

Memphis to Host International IPM Conference in March 2012

URBANA, ILL. — The 7th International IPM Symposium, "IPM on the World Stage," will be held in Memphis, Tenn, March 27-29, 2012, at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Headquarters hotel will be the Memphis Marriott Downtown.

Symposium sessions will address Integrated Pest Management (IPM) across disciplines and on an international scale.

The 6th IPM Symposium, held in 2009, attracted more than 700 research, education, government, industry and environmental and health professionals from 29 countries for three days of presentations, networking and organizational meetings on key pest management issues. For more information, visit www.ipmcenters.org/ipmsymposium12/

Fumigation Service & Supply Divests Southern Region

WESTFIELD, IND. — Fumigation Service & Supply, Inc. has divested of its southern region. The spun-off company, Food Protection Services, will expand its territory to Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

John Mueller, formerly of Fumigation Service & Supply, is owner of Food Protection Services, and Ricky Vincent has been named regional manager for the spin-off.

"This is a great opportunity for John and Ricky to grow this new fumigation territory," said David Mueller, owner of Fumigation Service & Supply. "This was a unique way to sell our southern region while continuing to offer our core fumigation business to our existing customers in the north central region of the United States." For more information, visit www.fumigationzone.com.

Body Louse Research May Yield New Control Tools

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. — A Purdue University researcher hopes a better understanding of the neurological system of the body louse through the mapping of its genome will lead to better control or elimination of the human parasite.

Catherine Hill, an associate professor of entomology, with postdoctoral researchers Jason M. Meyer and Janice Pagel VanZee, and former undergraduate student Emily Krause contributed to the genome-mapping effort led by the University of Illinois, funded by the National Institutes of Health and published online June 21 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The body louse genome is the smallest known genome of any insect, said University of Illinois entomology professor Barry Pittendrigh, who led the drive to fund the project and coordinated the international team of scientists who analyzed the sequence.

Purdue researchers described G protein-coupled receptors, responsible for neurological signaling and vision of the body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus).

"Because they’re a part of the nervous system function, these receptors make great targets for new insecticides," Hill said.

The body louse is a close relative of the head louse. Both are human parasites that spread through contact among hosts and feed on human blood. Hill believes information gleaned from the body louse genome will be useful for controlling head lice as well, which have begun to resist current insecticides.

While lice are more of an embarrassment and do not spread diseases in the United States, they have been transmitters of epidemic typhus, relapsing fever and trench fever elsewhere. Lice can have serious effects in less-developed nations and have been known to spread in places where there is overcrowding and lack of sanitation, such as areas that have experienced a natural disaster.

"We were really excited because the louse genome enabled us to identify this core set of receptors that are conserved in many other insects," Hill said. "This suggests they have been retained throughout millions of years of evolution in multiple insects — they must perform important functions in the insect nervous system."

The receptors act as a message relay system for cells and make ideal targets for insecticide development since they control nervous system function. Insecticides can attach to and block or overstimulate those receptors, disrupting the relay of neurological messages and killing the louse.

Hill’s laboratory will use the receptors to design new insecticides that are specific to controlling lice, have low risk to humans and the environment, and can be used where other products have become ineffective due to resistance.

Coalition Addresses Connecticut Bed Bug Issues

NEW HAVEN, CONN. — The Connecticut Coalition Against Bed Bugs (CCABB) was founded last year under the leadership of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, to address bed bug issues in Connecticut. The CCABB is chaired by Dr. Gale E. Ridge and is represented by Station entomologists, local health departments, DEP, department of public health, and justice to address environmental, health, and legal aspects of the bed bug problem.

According to Ridge, CCABB’s mission is to train and support health professionals, housing professionals and pest management professionals in the state of Connecticut; provide information on pest management practices including integrated pest management (IPM); provide and seek funding for public education, support scientific research, and provide legal advice and assistance to citizens of Connecticut.

CCABB ran three successful bedbug forums in the past year reaching out to health departments, pest control professionals, charities, the hospitality industry, housing authorities, and landlord tenant entities. Currently CCABB is engaged in bed bug control research, production of a health department staff training video, and the writing of a bed bug handbook. A recent publication can be found at www.ct.gov/caes under the "bed bugs" icon.

Envincio To Represent Sostram Products

Durham, N.C. — SipcamAdvan announced that Envincio will serve as the exclusive marketing agent for BOR-RAM, BOR-RAM WP, MOLD-RAM and ODOR HUNTER from its Sostram portfolio. This alignment offers a professional and dedicated focus to better service the needs of the pest control community.

"The Envincio relationship allows us to ensure these exciting products are fully supported with pest management professionals, providing a very high level of marketing expertise and technical back-up." says Andy Lee, chief executive officer of SipcamAdvan. "We appreciate Envincio’s passion for the pest control segment and feel confident that Envincio can deliver a positive experience for customers with the Sostram brands."

Randy Canady, founder and chief executive officer of Envincio says, "The Sostram products complement Envincio’s overall portfolio initiative very well. We have confidence in the products and the company standing behind them and look forward to demonstrating the Envincio value to customers and SipcamAdvan."

Envincio is a newly formed organization headquartered in Cary, N.C., serving the professional pest management, farm hygiene and animal health markets. SipcamAdvan, headquartered in Durham, N.C., uses a distribution-focused marketing strategy to provide traditional chemical and biorational products to the agriculture, turf and ornamental and home and garden markets in the U.S. and Mexico.

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Captions:

one of a badger popping out of a hole at the camp, one a view of the camp from the mountains, and one a shot of Les and his wife, Lynda at the camp.

Being Pest-Free Makes for Happy Campers

TWINSBURG, OHIO — Les Smith, an entomologist and president of Rid-A-Pest, Inc., based in eastern Northern Carolina, also serves as range manager for the 8,000-acre Heber Valley Camp in the mountains of Utah. The camp was created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to host church retreats and other outdoor events.

For the past year, Smith has towed the line between being environmentally sensitive to the wildlife and plant life surrounding the camp, while keeping pests out of the cabins, RV areas and outbuildings. Many of the missionaries on the campgrounds have fifth-wheel campers, and mice had been a perpetual problem. Other pest issues ranged from ground squirrels and badgers to spiders, flies and bed bugs, as well as chipmunks and other small rodents. While Smith had been keeping up with sanitation and doing some trapping, keeping up with the pest pressure was getting the better of this dedicated volunteer.

At a recent pest industry trade show, Smith spoke with J.T. Eaton sales manager Craig Velte about the camp and its pest issues. Velte soon realized that the camp was a perfect candidate for J.T. Eaton’s Stanley Z. Baker Foundation. Named after the rodenticide pioneer and former president of the company, the foundation is the vehicle through which J.T. Eaton donates product and/or funds to worthy causes. And Heber Valley Camp certainly fit the bill, Velte said.

"Les keeps up with the pest control all around the camp on a volunteer basis and a limited budget," Velte explained. "I knew we’d be able to donate some Eaton products to help ease that responsibility."

In April, through the foundation, J.T. Eaton donated several cases of products, including J.T. Eaton Kills Bedbugs and Crawling Insects powder, the Webster Cobweb Duster, Stick-Em Rat & Mouse Glue Traps, Stick-A-Fly fly traps and the Jawz mouse- and rat-sized plastic snap traps. Smith was thrilled.

"So far, we have had 100-percent success in all locations in which we have used the products J.T. Eaton sent, said Smith.

Velte said the donation shows how the family is continuing the legacy of Baker, to donate pest management tools to organizations in need.

To learn more about the Heber Valley Camp, visit HeberValleyCamp.org. To learn more about the Stanley Z. Baker Foundation, visit JTEaton.com.

Innolytics Receives $100,000 Health Research Grant

Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. — Innolytics has received a $100,000 "Grand Challenges Explorations" grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will support an innovative global health research project conducted by Dr. Alexander MacDonald, chief science officer, titled "Contraception based on inhibition of the sperm receptor."

Dr. MacDonald’s project is one of 78 grants announced by the Gates Foundation in the fourth funding round of Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative to help scientists around the world explore bold and largely unproven ways to improve health in developing countries. The grants were provided to scientists in 18 countries on six continents.

To receive funding, MacDonald showed in a two-page application how his idea falls outside current scientific paradigms and might lead to significant advances in global health. The initiative is highly competitive, receiving almost 2,700 proposals in this round.

Virtually all mammalian contraception is based on some form of hormonal action. OvoControl® brand of nicarbazin, now registered for avian use, can potentially represent a new class of contraceptive technology in mammals.

MacDonald, a chemist originally from the University of Iowa, spent the first part of his career in drug development with Hoffmann-La Roche in Nutley, NJ. He has spent the large part of the last decade studying nicarbazin and its unique contraceptive properties.

The Gates Foundation funded research will determine the effectiveness of this novel compound on the inhibition of the sperm receptor in higher species. "We have demonstrated the novel use of the compound as a safe and effective contraceptive method in birds and plan to determine its effectiveness in mammals", stated MacDonald.

The winners of these grants show the bold thinking we need to tackle some of the world’s greatest health challenges," said Dr. Tachi Yamada, president of the Gates Foundation’s Global Health Program. "I’m excited about their ideas and look forward to seeing some of these exploratory projects turn into life-saving breakthroughs."

Critter Control Takes Fifth in Sailfish Pro Series Competition

Miami Beach, Fla – The 2009-2010 Sailfish Pro Series Post-Season Playoff concluded in May in Miami Beach after a two-day finale to crown its champion. Seven teams made their way to Miami to compete in the Sailfish Pro Series Championship to compete for the total purse of $150,000.00.

Sixth-seeded team Wet Dream, sponsored by Critter Control and owned by Kevin Clark, competed against the third-seeded and two-time World Sailfish Champions team, Get Lit. It was a heated competition but in the final two minutes Wet Dream fell one fish short.

Still, Team Wet Dream broke their previous team record by releasing 21 sailfish. Jill Clark caught 8 sails for the Traverse City based Wet Dream team, while Kevin Clark finished with 6 sailfish. Mates Justin Miller, Hunter Barron and Sam Warden caught 2 to 3 sailfish each as well.

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CAPTION: John Stellberger, president of Environmental Health Services, donated a service van to the Town of Goshen, Mass., to be used for animal control needs.

Veteran PMP, Donoho, Travels to Africa to Build Children’s Orphanage

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. – The pest management industry has a long history of service to others. Whether through community outreach efforts in thousands of cities and towns throughout the United States or global initiatives designed to fight malaria and other insect-borne diseases in third-world countries, the industry is known for its big heart.

Earlier this year, for instance, a delegation from NPMA traveled to Haiti on a two-day mission to provide professional pest management services to that beleaguered nation, which suffered a devastating earthquake in January that resulted in more than 230,000 deaths and 300,000 injuries.

On Monday, another example of the industry’s generosity will be on display when Bruce Donoho, owner of Bird-B-Gone, travels to West Africa with representatives of Children of the Nation® to lay the groundwork for construction of an orphanage in Liberia. PCT magazine recently had an opportunity to interview Donoho about his upcoming trip.

PCT: What is prompting you to take this trip and give of your time to this worthy cause?

Donoho: When I was 9-10 years old, I lived in Liberia with my family. My father was a civil engineer in charge of building a harbor along the coast, and a railroad from the harbor to the iron ore fields about 200 miles inland.

This was quite an experience on a number of different levels. It shaped my life. I always wondered about the "haves" and the "have not’s" in the world. Why did "we" have so much….and "everyone else" in Liberia has so little?

Forty years passed: College, marriage, kids and building a business. In May of 2009, Chris Clark, founder of Children of the Nations (www.conti.org) addressed my church congregation about their missions in Africa. They currently have four successful orphanages/children’s villages in Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda and the Dominican Republic. He mentioned that he grew up in Liberia, the child of missionaries. This was a remarkable coincidence.

We have since developed a good relationship, and in October, 2009 he asked me to join him on a faith journey to Sierra Leone and to Liberia to start a new mission…to save children. I eagerly said "Yes."

 

PCT: How long has the trip been in the works and what type of preparation has been required?

Donoho: After receiving "direction", I presented my vision to my Bird-B-Gone family (our employees) about this situation. Our company – our family – was 100% supportive. Maybe they just wanted me to get out of the office for a while.

PCT: What do you hope to accomplish on the trip?

Donoho: Ultimately, we want to save one life. We will be searching for the best place in Liberia to start an orphanage. C.O.T.N. currently has people on the ground in Liberia doing this. We will be visiting these areas, evaluating various possibilities. Ultimately, we want to help people to "help themselves" – to open doors that have been closed for a long time.

PCT: How can the industry follow your travels?

Donoho: I will be communicating through a blog (www.birdbgonegivesback.com). However, where I am going in Sierra Leone (the current orphanage) and Liberia (the future facility), internet access is limited. But we will do the best we can.

PCT: How can others in the industry help if they’re interested?

Donoho: Positive thoughts and prayer! When I get back, I know that there will be countless ways for the pest control industry to help. A huge problem in Africa is mosquitoes (malaria) and pests in general.

Weisburger Launches Planet PCO Insurance Program

Richmond Heights, Ohio — Michael Weisburger, a well-known name to many pest control operators, has crafted an insurance program for the industry. His Planet PCO is designed to be a provider for a custom-tailored insurance program and insurance products available to pest management professionals. Planet PCO is also designed to be a virtually paperless and easy-to-use service that combines state-of-the-art technology and superior customer service, the company reports.

"We’re looking to take a huge leap forward in the way people do business," said Weisburger, a fourth-generation provider of insurance products for pest control operators. "We want to make sure we get it right and deliver the services that the pest control industry is asking for, not the services we only think they want," says Weisburger of his dedication to the industry he serves.

According to Weisburger, Planet PCO is so dedicated to perfecting its products and programs that it constantly seeks input directly from pest management professionals and their insurance agents via their website, www.planetpco.com. An anonymous survey allows pest management professionals to convey not only their coverage needs but also their service wants and other suggestions. Weisburger notes the partners at Planet PCO are educated insurance specialists with a dedication to the pest management professional. For additional information, visit www.planetpco.com.

Marketing Firm Creates Programs for Pest Control Companies

Columbia, S.C. — Leveraged Media offers clients a way to strategically market to customers through their multi-faceted, subscription-based marketing system and has added pest control to their list of industries served.

Leveraged Media’s marketing plan encompasses monthly email and direct mail marketing, search engine optimized websites, branding items, and promotional products all sold at discounted prices to pest control companies. Business owners can schedule a marketing campaign for an entire year or longer in as little as 5 hours at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing campaigns, the company says. Leveraged Media offers a library of 26 pre-written emails and brochures to choose from for the pest control industry that can be customized for each recipient. With a streamlined website and online campaign set-up process, Leveraged Media drastically reduces the costs associated with marketing by taking advantage of bulk printing, postage, Web site development, and email deployment costs by leveraging the combined purchasing power of customers across multiple industries.

"Pest control companies around the country are looking for ways to increase their revenue and reduce their cost structures," said Walker Williams, president of Leveraged Media. "Leveraged Media’s new technology makes it possible for us to create excellent marketing programs using the latest techniques and leverage the power of the Internet to distribute them to small businesses around the country very cost effectively. We can now provide a complete marketing system to pest control companies at a fraction of the cost of building their own from scratch or hiring an advertising firm to create one for them. We estimate that we can reduce the cost of developing a marketing program by up to 85 percent."

"We are extremely pleased to be adding pest management to our list of industries served," Williams said. "Pest management is a competitive industry which makes strategic, cost effective marketing a necessity to ensure a company’s longevity. We look forward to helping pest control professionals achieve their goals."

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Colleges and Universities Tackle Bed Bugs in Student Housing

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — BedBug Central partnered with APPA, an association of educational facilities management professionals and Reslife.net Ltd., a university housing organization, to host an industry webinar addressing the complex challenges behind treating and managing bed bug infestations in college housing.

The webinar, "The Unique Challenges of Bed Bugs for College & University Facility and Housing Officials," was broadcast via live web streaming in April.

"Initially we thought that we would see a moderate level of attendance for this event," said Terri Scanlon, managing director of Reslife.Net. "It turned that the attendance level was the second highest to date of all the webinars we have ever held."

To educate attendees on the complex issues surrounding bed bug infestations in university and college housing, Reslife.Net and APPA recruited research entomologist and bed bug expert, Jeff White of Bed Bug Central, and Wayne Walker, senior pest control technician for the Department of Housing and Residence Education at the University of Florida.

"Managing a bed bug infestation in a typical multi-family dwelling is a difficult task in and of itself," said Jeff White of Bed Bug Central. "However, the highly social and communal nature of university housing presents extraordinary challenges, not only to pest management technicians but also facility and residential life staff members."

The webinar covered a variety of topics unique to bed bug infestations in university housing settings, such as how to handle an initial student complaint and methods available for inspections and treatments. Attendees also learned how to improve awareness among students and staff, while also receiving tips on handling parental notifications and media relations concerns.

Information presented in this webinar will be covered during the BedBug University North American Bed Bug Summit hosted by BedBug Central in Chicago, Ill., in September. For more information on the summit, visit www.nabedbugsummit2010.com/.

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Insects Limited Co-Hosts 9th Stored Product Pest Conference

VALENCIA, SPAIN — Insects Limited and Roca Defisan hosted the 9th Fumigants and Pheromones Conference and Workshop in early March in the Mediterranean coastal city of Valencia, Spain. This international conference on stored product protection drew more than 200 pest managers representing 43 countries. The event featured 20 speakers who shared stored product experiences, new technologies, and replacements for methyl bromide in structures and quarantine applications. Attendees could also participate in a hands-on workshop at the Port of Valencia, featuring eight stations ranging from new fumigation techniques to advanced pheromone trapping to a visit to 500-year-old organic grain silos.

"It made me smile to watch the groups from the various countries get together and exchanges ideas and friendships," said David Mueller, conference organizer. The 10th Fumigants and Pheromones Conference will be in Indianapolis in May of 2012.

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Critter Control Posts Land Clearing Recommendations

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. — Critter Control has completed and published on its Web site a suggested protocol for responsible land clearing and wildlife habitat modification. The manual, "Suggested Protocol for the Responsible Management of Wildlife Affected by Land Clearing and the Modification of Wildlife Habitats," can be viewed at www.crittersafe.com. The protocol establishes guidelines to help ensure that appropriate measures are available to those involved in the destruction or modification of wildlife habitats. According to Critter Control, the goal of the protocol is to minimize adverse effects on wild animal welfare and conservation.

The company says substantial numbers of native mammals, birds and reptiles die yearly as the result of broad-scale land clearing, and conflicts between people and animals are on the rise. "People want and deserve to be assured that wild animals are humanely handled and we see public awareness regarding this issue at an all-time high," said Kevin Clark, CEO of Critter Control. "Even Hollywood is doing their part in heightening awareness with Over the Hedge and Furry Vengeance, movies depicting suburban sprawl at the expense of the environment."

Clark believes the removal of wildlife from development sites prior to and during vegetation clearing represents the best mechanism for reducing wildlife injury and mortality associated with land clearing, and will in turn reduce human-wildlife conflicts in surrounding areas. The company says these principles should be applied to all development proposals early in the planning process to minimize the need for expensive or less desirable alternatives.

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Maruyama Partners with Hawaiian Distributor

DENTON, TEXAS — Maruyama U.S. has partnered with outdoor power equipment distributor South Shore Equipment, also known as SSE. SSE is located in Waipahu, Oahu, Hawaii, and will distribute the entire line of professional Maruyama products in the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and Saipan.

SSE has distributed outdoor power equipment for more than 25 years. This longevity and a commitment to excellent customer service have earned the company respect and admiration throughout the islands. "We started out as a repair shop in 1975," said Tom Frazier, president and general manager of SSE. "But we soon realized a need for a hard-working outdoor power equipment distribution channel here on Oahu and for the outer islands. We jumped at the opportunity."

"Maruyama is on its way to a market leading position in Hawaii and Guam with the addition of South Shore Equipment as our distributor for the islands," said Leif Ringstad, general manager with Maruyama U.S. "No one in the islands does it better than South Shore Equipment and we are fortunate to join forces with them."

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Symbiot Partners with Pest Control Supplies

SALT LAKE CITY — Symbiot, a provider of bundled property services, has formed a new purchasing program with Pest Control Supplies.

The program offers Symbiot members a special national account price on an array of insecticides, traps and spray equipment. Pest Control Supplies, based in Riverside, Mo., ships to all 50 states and can process orders via phone, email or Internet.

"As Symbiot continues to become a major player in the commercial pest control industry, it is important that we have a partner that can distribute to the whole country," said Blake Stillman, Symbiot supply chain services manager. "Pest Control Supplies has that capability, and combined with the pricing they have established for our group, this will be a terrific program."

Last October, Symbiot added a program with Quality Equipment & Spray to provide Symbiot members a source for discounted and customized spray rigs. Other companies that offer special buying privileges to the Symbiot group include Toro, The Home Depot and Sunbelt Rentals.

Kentucky Grad Students Receive Awards, Accolades

LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky’s (UK) Department of Entomology has garnered national respect with the help of some of the smallest creatures on Earth.

The College of Agriculture’s Department of Entomology has been continually recognized as one of the country’s premier institutions. The entomology department was ranked 7th out of 100 institutions in 2007.

"The production of the staff and the graduate students is what makes this college one of the best," said entomology professor Kenneth Yeargan. Yeargan said the published research of the faculty and students is one of the major factors behind the department’s strong reputation.

Julie Peterson, a third-year graduate student, received first place in an entomology competition in Reno, Nev., in 2009. According to Peterson, UK won the most awards at the competition. She said her professors are eager to help out all of the students and teach them to become more knowledgeable in any way possible.

"We have a strong community here. Everyone is always there to help anyone in need," said Craig Keathley, a third-year graduate student. "We learn and grow together. We just make each other better."

Yeargan said being one of the top graduate programs at UK every year is a factor in the frequency of graduate students receiving awards and being recognized for accomplishments. And the department continues to grow, Yeargan said, having added three staff members in the past two years.

"I am very proud of the faculty and the students for making this department one of the best," Yeargan said.

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LG Life Sciences Awards Prizes at NPMA Southern Conference

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — LG Life Sciences gave away a 42-inch LCD TV at NPMA’s Southern Conference, held in February in Memphis, Tenn. At the conference the company also introduced Lambdastar 9.7% CS and Fenvastar Plus.

Floyd Hamm, with Orkin Pest Control from Jonesboro, Ark., was the lucky winner of the television.

Dominique Stumpf, vice president, conventions and meetings, for NPMA participated in the drawing for the winner and expressed her appreciation to LG Life Sciences. "Attendance at an NPMA conference provides great learning opportunities and even a few surprises like a new 42 inch TV from one of our supporting vendors like LG Life Sciences," said Stumpf. "Suppliers are the lifeblood of NPMA. Without the unwavering support of the supplier community, many of the programs and services that we offer to pest management professionals wouldn’t be possible."

Mr. Yun Sub Hwang, vice president of specialty chemicals for LG Life Sciences, drew the second place winner. Mr. Rick Skolnik, Terminix International, Memphis, Tenn., was the recipient of a his-and-her watch set.

Pictured are from left to right: Dominique Stumpf, NPMA; Mr. Yun Sub Hwang, LG Life Sciences; Floyd Hamm, Orkin Pest Control; JP Kim, marketing director and chief representative US office, LG Life Sciences; Patrick Callahan, LG Life Sciences, Sales and Marketing Consultant.

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Critter Control, Summit Chemical Help Combat Dengue Fever

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. — Critter Control’s "Eco-Wise" pest control division recently received a request from the New Hope Worship Center in Bunn, N.C., to help with their mission in Mexico to fight off Dengue fever.

A church representative had contacted Critter Control CEO Kevin Clark, saying that many Mexican church members had dengue fever, and that housing conditions were often poor.

"Dengue fever is expanding rapidly in Mexico and Central America, and is slowly working its way into the southern U.S.," notes Clark, who contacted MosquitoCurtains.com and arranged for heavy-duty mosquito netting to be sent to the New Hope mission. Clark also contacted Summit Chemical to arrange for the donation of Mosquito Dunks and Mosquito Bits to treat mosquito breeding grounds around the village.

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AdviCoach Offers Entrepreneurial Business Assistance

High Point, N.C. — Randy Moser has opened an AdviCoach business coaching practice in High Point with a mission to help ensure the financial health and growth of the business community and local economy. Extensively trained as an AdviCoach, Randy Moser is working with small and mid-size businesses to help provide turnkey and customized strategic business solutions with a focus on increased ROI performance.

"The entrepreneurial dream is to own a business that provides lots of freedom and plenty of profit," explained Moser. "But all too often, the business runs the owner’s life instead of positioning the business as a vehicle to help them reach their life goals. As a business coach, I can help business owners rapidly grow their profits and organize their business in a way that will help them better balance their business with their life," he added.

AdviCoach (www.AdviCoach.com) provides business coaching and advisory services for small to mid-sized business owners in a cross-section of industries. Along with the High Point business community, Moser will also support business owners in both the Greensboro and Winston-Salem areas.

Moser has worked for both large organizations in support of business owners and as an entrepreneur and says he fully understands the skills and mindset needed to run a successful business. In partnership with business owners, Moser works with clients to assess their businesses performance in critical areas, address gaps and overcome obstacles to drive immediate results.

"I work collaboratively with my clients to make them aware of their blind spots and the possibilities in their business. Together, with an AdviCoach toolkit loaded with proven rapid impact strategies, I want to steer local businesses through today’s turbulent times and help them stay on course for the long run," Moser added.

Moser said he specialize in helping business owners tackle difficult growth challenges and enjoys helping them achieve more than they ever thought possible in both their business and their life. To learn more about AdviCoach services and/or to schedule a complimentary coaching session please contact AdviCoach Randy Moser at rmoser@advicoach.com or by phone at 336/812 9899.

Interactive Map Shows Regional Termite Activity

ATLANTA — The website www.termites101.org, sponsored by Orkin, offers an interactive map where visitors can learn about termite activity in specific parts of the country. The map can be accessed via the "Termites by Region" page.

Orkin branches in Georgia and Florida reported subterranean termite swarms in late February, marking the onset of pre-spring pest activity in the South. "Georgia and Florida experienced an unusually cold winter," said Matt Peterson, Orkin southeast division technical services manager. "Recent snow and rain keep termites out of sight and mind for most homeowners, but we have already seen temperature spikes trigger termite swarms in cities throughout our region."

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than $5 billion in damage every year in the United States. Subterranean termites are the most widespread and destructive group of termites in the U.S., according to University of Georgia entomologist Dan Suiter, Ph. D. Because they thrive in humid climates with temperatures above 60 degrees, these termites are most common in the South and Southeast. Subterranean termites are typically most active in April, but swarms often begin in February.

Peterson urged homeowners to remember that termite activity and damage can be subtle or difficult to see. Also, swarms can occur in seasons other than spring. In fact, drywood termites, which do not need moisture from the soil to survive, typically peak in May and June. Peterson said drywood termites represent 80 percent of Orkin’s termite business in South Florida and can be seen beginning in May.

******Note to Brad & Jodi: (I moved this item to the end since it seems to repeat the previous FSS/FPS spin-off story above and seems less recent)

Mueller, Mueller, and Vincent Transition and Expansion

John B. Mueller, formerly of Fumigation Service & Supply, Inc. (FSS), proudly announces his co-ownership and transition to Food Protection Services, LLC (FPS). John will bring 23 years of successful food safety pest management and fumigation experience to an excellent and established Food Protection Services, LLC. The partnership and capabilities of the relationship with Jay and Jeff Coleman will continue and expand.

John is now based in St. Louis, Miss., to develop a new region of FPS between St. Louis and Kansas City, Kansas. John will assist Perry Nettles who is and has been responsible for the success of FPS since its inception in 2004.

Rick Vincent and Karmen Mueller will also join John at FPS from FSS. Rick has managed the southern region of the United States for many years and brings a great deal of experience and success with stored product protection. Karmen will assume administrative responsibilities and a friendly point of contact.

FPS is a member of Food Protection Alliance, LLC.