[News]

Comings & Goings

Stephen Racioppe joined MidMos Solutions as director of sales. In this role, Racioppe is responsible for leading and handling the company’s sales efforts in North America.

Maruyama U.S. hired Ben Anderson as regional sales manager. Anderson will represent the Maruyama product line in the western region of North America.

Presto-X announced several promotions. Eric Rimiller has been promoted to the newly formed position of vice president — Midwest markets. Most recently, Rimiller served as regional manager for the company’s western region. Mike Ugolini has been named regional manager for Presto-X’s Western region, replacing Rimiller. Jason Kibler has been promoted to the position of director of residential and commercial business development. Laura Tellez has accepted a promotion to the position of regional sales manager in the Greater Chicago market.

Dr. Jeff Lloyd, vice president research and development at Nisus Corporation, has been appointed vice president of the International Research Group on Wood Protection. IRG is a non-profit group that focuses on the latest developments and research in wood protection by providing the opportunity to develop and foster interaction between scientists around the world.

North Augusta, S.C.-based Borden Pest Control’s Glenn Snelling has completed 20 years of service with the company. Snelling began his employment in 1990 as a pest control technician. He now serves as training and technical manager for three branches.

Aimee Love joined Bell Laboratories in August as a technical sales representative for the north central United States, representing Bell products to distributors and pest management professionals in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and eastern Tennessee.

State Pest Control of Clinton, N.C., added Chad Whitaker as a full-time termite manager and Brett Lewis as a part-time technician to help with its continued growth. Also, Brenda Warren has joined the office staff full time to continue as bookkeeper. She also has responsibility for accounts receivable and human resources.

Joseph Kennedy recently celebrated his 50th year at Arrow Exterminating Company, Lynbrook, N.Y. Kennedy has worked in every department at the firm during his 50 years on the job. He started as a technician and has served as service manager, sales manager and is currently vice president. Kennedy was hired by Bernard Stegman in August of 1960 and continues to be an invaluable resource for the current owners and daughters of Bernard Stegman, Debby Tappan and Jackie Grabin, the firm says. He was honored at a celebration held at the Arrow offices in August.

Jeff Johnson, vice president of operations for A-Active Termite & Pest Control Company, Virginia Beach, Va., has earned the associate certified entomologist (ACE) designation. Additionally, Charles Osborne and Jorge Ortiz, service managers with Mug-A-Bug Pest Control, Colorado Springs, Colo., have earned ACE certifications from the Entomological Society of America. And finally, Michael Goldman, CEO of Purity Pest Control, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, has earned the ACE designation as well.

Pest Control Insulation Systems has added three new sales representatives. Stewart Evers of Nashville, Tenn., covers Tennessee and Kentucky; Tom Nay, of Loganville, Ga., is handling customer needs in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama; and Ray Meyers of Lake Mary, Fla., is representing the company in Florida.

Andy Yant, owner of P.E.S.T., based in Springfield, Tenn., was recently elected president designate of the Tennessee Pest Control Association and will serve for the 2011-12 term. Yant recently was president of the Middle Tennessee Pest Control Association and currently serves on the TPCA Board of Directors as an executive member.

Harvey L. Massey, chairman and chief executive officer of Massey Services, Orlando, Fla., was presented with the Howard Palmer Award by Florida Citrus Sports. The Howard Palmer Award is given annually to a member of the community who has supported and contributed to the success of the Florida Citrus Sports organization.

R. Blake Edwards, formerly with FTI Consulting, has accepted the position of director of business development with North Fulton Pest in Alpharetta, Ga. Edwards served as a member of the Forensic and Litigation Consulting Practice where he gained expertise in the pharmaceuticals industry.

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Date Book

Send your announcement at least 14 weeks in advance to jdorsch@giemedia.com. For additional dates, visit www.pctonline.com/events.

Nov. 2-4: City of New Orleans and Greater New Orleans Pest Control Association Termite Academy, New Orleans. Contact: 504/658-2400.

Nov. 3-5: 34th Annual Field Day & Workshop, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla. Contact: Jan Peters 850/599-3912, or visit www.famu.org/ent/fieldday.php

Nov. 15-17: University of Kentucky 40th Annual Pest Control Short Course, Lexington, Ky. Contact: 859/257-5955 or e-mail dthorpe@uky.edu.

Nov. 17-19: NPMA’s Nuisance Bird & Wildlife Management Symposium, Westin Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Ind. Contact: NPMA, 703/352-6762 or visit www.npmapestworld.org.

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PCO News

ProBest Pest Management, Gilbert, Ariz., will celebrate its 30th anniversary in January 2011. Originally founded by Donna and Jerry Probst and purchased in 2005 by Keith V. Birkemeyer, the company is focused on termite and pest management solutions and is QualityPro certified.

Craig Thomas Pest Control of Hyde Park, N.Y., partnered with Culumus Media station WPDH in July to host the 27th Annual Roof-A-Thon to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The company also said it would donate 10 percent of the sales of any new bee services during July and August to the foundation.

Action Pest Control of Evansville, Ind., has merged with Blessinger’s Exterm-It-All of Jasper, Ind., and will continue with operations at that branch. Action also has branch offices in Washington and Indianapolis, Ind.; and Owensboro, Ky. Blessinger’s Exterm-It-All was founded in 1989 by Terry and Pam Blessinger and provides services to customers in Jasper and all of Dubois, Spencer and Pike Counties.

Brothers Services, of Grant, Minn., recently purchased bed bug detection dog Lil Bro, a 2-year-old terrier mix. Rescued from a shelter in Florida, Lil Bro was trained through J&K Canine’s Entomology Canine Detection program, which was developed in conjunction with the University of Florida.

As part of its continuing efforts to give back to the community, Arrow Exterminators, based in Atlanta, has raised more than $8,500 for the March of Dimes. The company also participated in a local walk/run to support research for peroxisomal disorders, sponsored an event benefiting the children’s program of visiting nurses in Atlanta, and participated in an American Cancer Society event.

In other news at the firm, Arrow Exterminators acquired Armand Pest Control, located in West Palm Beach, Fla. Armand is a full-service company, specializing in residential and commercial pest control, termite control, and lawn and ornamental services.

 

 

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Florida, New York top list of states with worst bug problems, survey shows

ST. LOUIS, MO. — Florida has a bad reputation, at least when it comes to bugs. In a national survey, homeowners ranked Florida as the state with the worst bug infestation problems — including ants, termites and cockroaches. Louisiana and Texas were runners-up.

Bugs clearly are widespread across America: A whopping 90 percent of homeowners said they have experienced an insect infestation, according to the recent telephone survey, conducted by Infogroup | ORC, sponsored by BASF Pest Control Solutions.

When it comes to bed bugs, respondents agreed New York has the worst problem. California and Florida were first and second runners-up for bed bugs, respectively.

Ants were rated the most common insect annoyance by homeowners interviewed. Nearly 60 percent of those questioned said ants were "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to infest their homes. In contrast, about a quarter (27 percent) of respondents said they were "likely" to suffer from a termite infestation.

"The survey findings mirror what we see in real life," said Dr. Bob Davis, chief entomologist at BASF. "Ants are pervasive throughout the United States, while termites tend to be most prevalent in the West, South and Southeast.

"What’s really impressive is that home-owners’ perceptions of the states with the worst bug problems as shown by the survey results are very accurate, especially with regard to the top 10," Davis said.
 

Here are the top 10 overall buggiest states, as ranked by homeowners and confirmed by product sales data:

1. Florida

2. Louisiana

3. Texas

4. California

5. Georgia

6. New York

7. Mississippi

8. Alabama

9. Missouri

10. South Carolina
 

The survey also provided insight on the debate over "doing it yourself" vs. calling a professional. Among the 90 percent of homeowners who have had an insect infestation, 63 percent tried to treat it themselves and 23 percent called a professional right away. Forty percent of those who tried to treat it themselves had to later call in a professional and 86 percent of those who called a professional reported success, BASF’s survey says.

 

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Cooper Pest Solutions honored as a top small employer by Inc. magazine

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 growth in difficult economic times, company culture, commitment to professional development and employee perks. The magazine honored 40 companies.

"When we received news that Inc. magazine had considered us not only one of the best run pest management companies in the nation but also one of the best run companies in the nation period, I was floored," said president and CEO Phillip 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 company’s culture, which 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 fewer 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.

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LG forms sales partnership with Rockwell Labs Ltd

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — LG Life Sciences has entered into marketing and distribution arrangement with Rockwell Labs Ltd. LG is collaborating with Rockwell to help promote LG branded products LambdaStar 9.7% CS and FenvaStar Plus.

Patrick F. Callahan, national sales and marketing manager for LG Life Sciences, said Rockwell’s team of six veteran sales people providing national coverage are key to the partnership. "The Rockwell team knows the pest control market and the products that will best help PMPs control pests," Callahan said.

Likewise, Dr. Cisse Spragins, CEO of Rockwell Labs Ltd, said the company has been interested in such a collaboration, since baits cannot be used in all situations. "We have always talked about the use of residuals as part of the integrated strategies we always promote," said Spragins. "Like Rockwell, LG excels at formulation technology, and the green twist their products offer are in line with our overall strategy. For us, it seemed like an ideal fit."

Under the arrangement, PMPs will still purchase LG Life Sciences products through their distributor. Distributors will be able to combine Rockwell and LG brands together when placing orders with Rockwell. This strategy allows distributors to order more products from one supplier to meet order and freight minimums. PMPs also benefit because distributors should always have stock on hand, the companies said. Distributors may also continue ordering from LG Life Sciences.

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ServiceMaster CEO Spainhour retires

Memphis, Tenn. — J. Patrick Spainhour, chief executive officer of Memphis-based ServiceMaster, will retire from the company at the end of the year. The search for his successor is underway.

Spainhour has served as CEO since May 2006, first on an interim basis, then permanently beginning in June 2006. During Spainhour’s tenure, the company relocated its headquarters from Downer’s Grove, Ill. to Memphis to establish stronger ties with its Memphis-based business units.

Prior to joining the ServiceMaster board of directors in 2005, Spainhour served as chairman and CEO of Ann Taylor Stores Corporation. Spainhour’s career also includes senior executive roles at Gap, Stride Rite Corp. and Donna Karan Company.

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Protect-A-Bed to give $30K to sweepstakes winner

Chicago — Protect-A-Bed, a provider of bedding protection products, is hosting the Long Live Your Mattress Sweepstakes at its website www.protectabed.com. One lucky sweepstakes winner will receive $30,000 in honor of the company’s 30th anniversary. Ten first prize winners will receive complete bedding protection sets valued at nearly $500. The grand prize winner will also receive a bedding protection kit.

The sweepstakes runs through Oct. 31 and is open to all United States residents. No purchase is necessary and winners will be chosen after Nov. 1.

"We’re here today because we’ve strived to provide the most innovative and effective bedding protection products in the industry, not to mention 30 years of support from our customers," said Protect-A-Bed CEO James Bell. "We want to thank our customers here in the United States with something big. And we know $30,000 will go a long way for our lucky winner."

The company’s flagship product, the Premium Mattress Protector, was born in South Africa in 1980 and began building a strong presence in the United States in 2000 under the name of Protect-A-Bed. The company’s products are listed as Class 1 Medical Devices with the Food and Drug Administration and have the Good Housekeeping Seal.

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New board members named at Copesan

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Copesan Services recently announced the nomination of three new members to the Copesan board of directors:

• Ryan Bradbury, vice president, Viking Termite & Pest Control, Bridgewater, N.J.

• J. Bryan Cooksey III, president/CEO, McCall Service, Jacksonville, Fla.

• Deni Naumann, president, Copesan Services, Menomonee Falls, Wis.

"The leadership and unique experience each new director brings to the table will contribute to the development of our strategic growth plan and support Copesan in providing exceptional, consistent pest management solutions for our clients," said Alfie Treleven, chairman of the board.

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Copesan transitions national accounts
to New England Partners

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Copesan Services recently transferred Copesan’s national accounts to its New England Partner network in response to the dissolution of its business relationship with Waltham Services, which was acquired by Rollins Inc.

Clients in New England are now serviced by:

• Bliss Pest Protection Services, Greenwich, Conn.

• Braman Chemical Enterprise, Agawam, Mass.

• JP McHale Pest Management, Buchanan, N.Y.

• JP Pest Services, Milford, N.H.

• Modern Pest Services, Brunswick, Maine

• Pugliese Pest Solutions, Utica, N.Y.

"Our overlapping service capability gives us the unique ability to transfer our accounts to other high-quality service providers ready to take on new business," said Deni Naumann, president of Copesan.

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Associated Pest Services makes donations to NPMA Haitian relief effort

Livingston, N.J. — At its recent meeting held in Denver, Colo., Associated Pest Services (APS) donated more than $14,000 to the NPMA effort to protect public health in earthquake ravaged Haiti. Several members also volunteered to go to Haiti along with staff members to aid in pest management. Those present at the meeting were motivated by the presentation of Raleigh Jenkins, past president of NPMA and a member of APS who was part of the NPMA delegation that recently visited Haiti.

Associated Pest Services is a group of select companies that meet twice a year to share technical and business information to assist its members grow their businesses. For more information, visit www.associatedpest.com.

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Hamon named head of sustainability for Bayer CropScience North America

Research Triangle Park, N.C. — Dr. Nick Hamon was recently named head of Sustainability for Bayer CropScience North America, effective Sept. 1. In his role, Hamon will focus on building a sustainability platform for the organization, leveraging his most recent experience as the lead of sustainability for Bayer Environmental Science, a division of Bayer CropScience LP.

In addition to leading the global sustainable development initiative "Protecting Tomorrow Today," he also managed a team of scientists dedicated to providing new products to the professional and consumer customers of Bayer Environmental Science. Hamon has more than 25 years experience in the agricultural chemical and environmental science industry, with broad exposure to all parts of the business managing teams, projects, processes and facilities, as well as operated in both the technical and business arenas.

"Bayer CropScience is and has always been committed to developing sustainable solutions by focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: people, planet and prosperity," said Bill Buckner, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience LP. "Creating a role focusing solely on sustainability will allow us to further our work in this area. Nick has the experience and knowledge to lead us in that direction."

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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, SipCam Advan reports.

"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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NPMA and UK releases
Global Bed Bug Study

FAIRFAX, VA. — Bed bug calls have increased by 81 percent since 2000, according to a new survey of pest management companies conducted by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky. In the survey, 95 percent of U.S. respondents said their company has encountered a bed bug infestation in the past year. Prior to 2000, only 25 percent of U.S. survey respondents encountered a bed bug infestation.

The findings of the 2010 Comprehensive Global Bed Bug Study are based on responses from nearly 1,000 U.S. and international pest control companies.

"The results of the 2010 Comprehensive Global Bed Bug Study suggest that we are on the threshold of a bed bug pandemic, not just in the United States, but around the world," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "Because bed bugs don’t discriminate between rich and poor, don’t have a preference for climate or environment, public awareness, education and vigilance are key in detecting and preventing bed bug infestations."

Visual inspections are the preferred method of determining if a bed bug infestation exists, according to survey respondents. While there is not one clear cause of the resurgence, the majority of respondents cited increased travel and movement of people from across town and around the globe, lack of societal awareness and precautions, and changing pest control products and methods as factors in the growth of this pest.

The survey also indicated that bed bugs are a much greater problem in urban and suburban areas with larger populations of people living and interacting in close quarters. According to the survey, 52 percent of pest management companies report treating bed bug infestations in rural areas compared to 71 percent in urban and 80 percent in suburban areas.

About three-quarters of respondents said bed bugs are the most difficult pest to treat. Residences top the list of where infestations occur, with 89 percent of pest professionals treating bed bug infestations in apartments/condos and 88 percent treating bed bug infestations in single-family homes. Respondents also reported other common areas, with 67 percent treating bed bug infestations in hotels/motels, 35 percent in college dormitories, 9 percent on various modes of transportation, 5 percent in laundry facilities, and 4 percent in movie theatres.

For more information about bed bugs visit the Bed Bug Hub, NPMA’s resource on bed bug-related topics, at www.pestworld.org/bed-bugs.

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Companies compete in seventh annual fumigation banner contest

INDIANAPOLIS — The Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) and Dow AgroSciences, the manufacturer of Vikane gas fumigant, announced the winners of the seventh annual "Fumigation Banner Bonanza Contest." The contest recognizes California fumigators for displaying easy-to-read, professional and creative signs at fumigation sites.

This year’s first-place prize was awarded to Orange County Pest Control, Laguna Hills, Calif. The winning banner features a termite being stomped on.

"We are excited about winning," says Tom Meany, owner of Orange County Pest Control. "And a special thanks to Beneficial Exterminating for its help in promoting our business."

Finishing in second place was Tiger Termite Control of Chino Hills, Calif. Taking third was a banner from Clark Pest Control of Lodi, Calif. Ecola Termite & Pest Control Services, based in Los Angeles, earned fourth place.

Participating companies submitted color photos of their banners, which included business name, logo and contact information. Banners were judged on readability from a distance, professionalism, visual impact and attractiveness. Companies with the winning banners will be given gift certificates of their choice in the following amounts: first place, $1,250; second, $1,000; third; $500; and fourth, $250.

"We’re proud to sponsor PCOC’s contest as a way to help our fumigator partners build their businesses," says Elisha Priebe, Dow AgroSciences product manager for Vikane gas fumigant.

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Termite Academy to be held in New Orleans Nov. 2-4

new orleans — The 3rd annual City of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Pest Control Association Termite Academy will be held Nov. 2-4, at the USDA-ARS Building. Highlights include comprehensive and in-depth information regarding Formosan subterranean termite identification and management. For more information call 504/658-2400.

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Q&A: Bruce Donoho discusses efforts to build orphanages in West Africa

Editor’s note: Bruce Donoho, owner of Bird-B-Gone, recently returned from a trip to West Africa in which he and representatives of Children of the Nations laid the groundwork for construction of an orphanage in Liberia. PCT interviewed Donoho about this experience.

PCT: Did your recent trip to Liberia meet your expectations?

Bruce Donoho: I approached my journey to Banta Mokelleh/Sierra Leone as a chance to gain hands-on, in-person knowledge of the organization Children of the Nations (COTN). My wife has been sponsoring a child at the COTN children’s village for three years. His name is Alfred, and his picture hangs in our home. I wanted to meet Alfred and validate the integrity of COTN. What I found is that Children of the Nations is for real! They are saving the lives of thousands of children by offering medical aid, nutrition, safety and education. These children are being transformed into future leaders and productive members of Sierra Leone.

I have never seen an organization more steeped in integrity than COTN. I also met our sponsored child, Alfred. His father was killed in war, and his mother left him (last) November. He is being raised in a village 5 miles from the COTN facility. He walks 10 miles through the jungle to school. One day I joined him on his journey home to visit his village and his family. It was quite a hike — fulfilling and affirming in many ways.

I also traveled with Chris Clark, founder of COTN, to the neighboring country of Liberia to evaluate the need to open an orphanage/COTN facility there. The effects of a long and savage civil war are still evident there, with much of the infrastructure destroyed and, as in Sierra Leone, the unemployment rate is over 80 percent. There is a great need in Liberia for what COTN has to offer.

PCT: What were the major accomplishments of your delegation?

BD: We have sponsored and funded a group of prominent and trustworthy people in Liberia to perform and complete a feasibility study — basically to work with the government to start an orphanage/ children’s village in Liberia.

PCT: How do you plan to maintain your ties with the children of Liberia?

BD: Through COTN we will continue to work toward "realizing the dream" in Liberia. I am also in contact with the feasibility task force on the ground there and, of course, with Chris Clark.

PCT: How can interested colleagues of the pest management industry help?

BD: Many of our friends in the industry have gone onto the COTN website (www.cotni.org) and sponsored children (orphans) in Sierra Leone. This is so good for all involved. As for Liberia, we will let everyone know how to contribute once we have an ongoing facility there.

PCT: How were you personally impacted by your experiences in Liberia?

BD: I lived in Liberia for a time as a young boy. Because of the war, the country is in worse shape than when I lived there. Extreme poverty, ignorance, malnutrition and disease are prevalent. However, even with these hardships, the spirit of the people is strong. It is similar in Haiti. I was amazed at how spiritually rich these people are. I often thought of the many people here in Orange County, Calif., who are financially rich…but spiritually poor. The question kept hitting me: "Who are the rich, and who are the poor?"

PCT: Do you plan to return to Liberia at some point? If so, when?

BD: Yes, when the feasibility study is completed and COTN determines "the next phase," then I will return.

PCT: What was the most surprising element of the trip?

BD: I didn’t think the plight of the people would be as bad as it was. In addition, anyone who is familiar with our team at Bird-B-Gone knows that they are so strong in so many ways. They didn’t miss a beat…This was their mission too!

PCT: How did your staff at Bird-B-Gone respond to the challenge of you being gone for an extended period of time?

BD: I have a picture presentation on my laptop which I shared with them. When visiting orphanages, we would often be serenaded with beautiful songs from the children. I would use my BlackBerry to record the music — then play it back over the phone for our team. It was quite moving.

PCT: How did your trip tie into your corporate mission statement of "Faith, Family and Friends?"

BD: Our corporate motto is: "It’s more than just bird control products, it’s Faith, Family and Friends." Believe it or not, we live by this. And we believe that faith without "deeds" is dead. So we are stretching and growing in directions that help people in need. It is a good place to be.

 

 

 

 

While they can’t necessarily be called the "least buggiest" locales, the following ranked in the bottom 10 of the survey, in terms of respondents’ perceptions:

41. New Mexico

42. Utah

43. Illinois

44. North Dakota

45. Delaware

46. New Hampshire

47. Idaho

48. Connecticut

49. South Dakota

50. Washington, D.C.