[News]

Rep. Robert Dold Loses Re-Election Bid

Chicago — Rep. Robert Dold (R-Ill.), of Rose Pest Solutions, was unable to retain his congressional seat (Illinois’ 10th Congressional District) as he was defeated by Democratic challenger Brad Schneider, in November’s election.

Schneider, a management consultant from Deerfield, Ill., won by a margin of about 2,500 votes, according to unofficial numbers.

Dold conceded shortly before 11 p.m., on Nov. 7. “We can all hold our heads up high after running a good campaign,” he said. “We ran a great and positive campaign. I hope you will help build a better future because at the end of the day that’s what it is all about.”

The Dold-Schneider campaign was closely followed, not only in Illinois, but nationally, as Democrats believed they had an opportunity to pick up the congressional seat in the Democrat-leaning district (61 percent voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election), while Republicans were optimistic they could retain the seat, which they had held since 1980. Further bolstering Democratic hopes was redistricting; the 10th district was redrawn and the end result was that Republican areas such as Palatine and Kenilworth were replaced by territories in which 63 percent of voters cast their ballots for Obama in 2008. As part of his concession speech, Dold said “…we didn’t let the daunting odds of redistricting get in our way.”

In a letter sent to his supporters, Dold noted that three years ago he “set out to prove that even in difficult economic times, small business owners and the millions of Americans struggling just to get by could have reason to be confident in their economic security once again. And I set out to prove that we can achieve anything as Americans, so long as we rally together as one in the face of great trials and challenges. It has been the honor of my life to serve as Congressman of the Tenth District for the past two years, and I could not be more proud of everything we accomplished.” — Brad Harbison

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Pest Populations, PCOs Feel the Effects of Hurricane Sandy

New York City — As Hurricane Sandy dominated headlines across the country in late October, the question of how it affected the pest control industry arose — and it did so in a few different ways.

“We lost power for five days,” said Michael Deutsch, BCE, of Arrow Exterminating, Lynbrook, N.Y. “Fortunately we did not have any damage to our building.”

He added that Arrow was unable to service many of its customers for a handful of reasons: extensive damage to customer homes and property, and difficulty in routing due to roads blocked from downed trees and power lines. “Getting gas for our vehicles was a nightmare,” he said. “Stations without power and those with power had mile-long lines for gas. Service techs would arrive at a home, and some people were happy just to be able to talk to a familiar face.”

Deutsch said Arrow had not yet calculated economic losses as a result of not being able to service “hundreds” of accounts, but estimated the cost would be substantial. However, one uptick in business for Arrow has been in squirrel control. “Squirrels and other wildlife were displaced and are using any port in a storm to secure shelter,” Deutsch said. “We’re getting many calls to remove wildlife from homes and businesses that never had a problem until Sandy hit.”

Indeed, concern was raised in the consumer media as to how the storm would affect New York City’s notorious rat population, with theories floated that the rodents would flood the streets just as the heavy rains did their subway habitats. But that wasn’t necessarily the case, according to Bobby Corrigan, president of RMC Pest Management Consulting, Richmond, Ind.

“The lay public tends to focus on the rodents of the subways, but the rodents are not necessarily the worst in the subways,” Corrigan said. “It is only because we see them readily while we wait for our trains that we develop this impression that ‘rats come from the subways.’”

Corrigan said that other rodent areas of concern included storm drains and sewer systems, basements of the millions of structures in New York City, and, yes, subways, but the frightening images of rats taking over the streets were exaggerated. “Sometimes, one family of rats can be flushed out and they will be seen above ground and disoriented, but staying together,” he said. “When this is seen by a resident of the block, it is often misconstrued as all the rats are ‘coming out.’”

Corrigan added that a scientific measure of exactly how the storm would affect rodent populations would be impossible, and that anecdotal estimates wouldn’t be visible for weeks after the storm, possibly months.

In November, the National Pest Management Association said it would be focusing on the impact the storm would have on pest populations in New York and New Jersey. NPMA outlined its pests of greatest concern, which included rodents, flies, bed bugs and termites.

“Our hearts go out to all who are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs. “We are working internally with member companies and manufacturers to develop an action plan to help in mitigating these expected pest pressures.” — Bill Delaney
 

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Ehrlich Distribution, New York/New Jersey PCOs Assist with Sandy Cleanup

Reading, Pa. — Ehrlich Distribution and five pest control companies in the New York/New Jersey area are donating products and labor to help with Hurricane Sandy cleanup, with a major focus in hard-hit communities such as Lindenhurst, N.Y., Long Beach, N.J., and Oceanside, N.J.

Ehrlich Distribution has donated $5,000 worth of products to help with mold cleanup and sanitation, including: Mold Clean, Bora-Care with Mold Care, deodorizer, first aid kits, gloves, respirators and more.

The products and equipment will go towards flood cleanup, particularly mold remediation. “Within days of floodwaters receding mold was everywhere,” said Ehrlich Distribution’s Ada Wilson. “Whatever was ripped out and cleared out — all the way to the studs — was molding.”

Ehrlich Distribution’s involvement began when Wilson was contacted by Eric Morse, president of Regal Pest Management, Edgewater, N.J.

Wilson and Ehrlich Distribution then began buying products and supplies and reaching out to pest management professionals, seeking volunteers.

In addition to Regal Pest Management, these certified companies and individuals have been involved in voluntary mold remediation and cleanup efforts:

• IAQ technologies, Bellmore, N.Y. — Scott Perry and Pat Smith
• Positive Pest Management, Whitestone, N.Y. — Benet Pearlman
• Citi Wide Exterminating, Bronx, N.Y. — Levent Ozkurt
• Eliminex Pest Control, Oakdale, N.Y. — Kevin O’Connor

Wilson added that Perry has taken on a quality assurance role, following up at each treated house. — Brad Harbison

Massey Services Acquires Myers Services

Orlando, Fla. — Massey Services announced the purchase of Myers Services, a pest management firm headquartered in the Dallas, Texas, area.

Myers Services, based in Bedford, Texas, was founded in 1981 by owner and president Danny Myers. The company services more than 50,000 households and thousands of businesses in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Myers ranked #65 on the 2012 PCT Top 100 list with $9 million in revenues. Myers told PCT that he and Harvey Massey began having discussions earlier this summer.

“It was the right decision for me and my people. Massey’s culture and my culture were just a good fit,” Myers said. “Massey is people-focused and people-driven. They are all about taking care of their teammates and their customers.”

He added that Massey Services also liked that Myers Services was heavily involved in commercial work. According to Myers’ Top 100 listing, 72 percent of the company’s business is commercial.

The acquisition also gives Massey Services (#5 on PCT’s 2012 Top 100 list) a platform in Texas. Massey, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., has service centers throughout Florida, as well as in Georgia and Baton Rouge, La. Tullius Partners represented and acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Myers Services in the sale. — Brad Harbison

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Syngenta Professional Pest Management Expands North American Team

Greensboro, N.C. — Syngenta Professional Pest Management (PPM) announced the appointment of new members to its North American team. This action builds on the acquisition of DuPont’s Professional Products insecticide business, and is designed to strengthen representation and customer service, Syngenta said.

“The addition of these skilled and knowledgeable professionals creates a leading team for Syngenta PPM,” said Scott Reasons, head of Turf & Landscape (T&L) North America, Syngenta.

Syngenta PPM has assigned the following positions:

• Mark Coffelt was named head of technical services for Syngenta T&L North America. A technical manager and seven technical representatives will report to him. The PPM technical representatives are Bob Cartwright, ElRay Roper, Clay Scherer and Nicky Gallagher.
• Dave Ravel was named head of sales for Syngenta T&L North America. Ravel will lead the regional sales team for both Turf and PPM.
• Berry Cothern was named district sales manager for the PPM sales district. He will oversee the sales team, which includes Jason Venello, account manager, and seven sales representatives: Larry Stretz, Ross Eckstein, Jonathan Davis, Dave McCormick, Todd Himelberger, Britta Turney and Nick Grisafe.
• Bob Goglia was appointed head of marketing for Syngenta PPM in North America. Goglia will focus on marketing the recently acquired DuPont brands in addition to existing Syngenta brand offerings. His new team consists of Pat Willenbrock, brand manager for insecticides; Rose Reifsnyder, communications manager; and Gregg Wisniewski, recently appointed market manager for PPM.
   

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Mercury Termite and Pest Control Wins Ninth Annual Banner Contest

Indianapolis — As announced by the Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) and manufacturer of Vikane gas fumigant, Dow AgroSciences, Mercury Termite and Pest Control of Covina, Calif., was the first-place winner of the ninth annual Fumigation Banner Bonanza Contest. The contest recognizes California fumigators for promoting fumigation through easy-to-read, professional and creative signs at fumigation sites.

Mercury’s banner features a cartoon drawing of different pests, as well as the Vikane and NPMA logos. The banner had been in use for about two months when it won, and the artwork on it was commissioned about 20 years ago. Mercury Owner Dan Rutherford said he and his staff are thrilled to have won the contest. “It’s fantastic,” he said. “I have entered this contest before, but never won. I’m really happy about it.” Judges commented that the banner was creative and eye-catching, and they appreciated the use of the logos for Vikane and NPMA.

Finishing in second place was Thrasher Termite and Pest Control of Los Gatos, Calif. Taking third was Suncrest Exterminating in Anaheim, Calif., and in fourth was Borite Termite and Pest Treatments in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Participating companies submitted color photos of their banners, which included their business name, logo and contact information. A panel of communications specialists judged the banners on readability from a distance, professionalism, visual impact and attractiveness. The winning pest control companies were awarded: first place, $1,250; second, $1,000; third, $500; and fourth, $250.

Ron Box Retires from Hulett Environmental Services

West Palm Beach, Fla. — After a life-long career in the industry, including the last 15 years with Hulett Environmental Services, Ron Box has retired.

Box’s pest control “career” began in 1959 when, as a 12 year old, he helped his dad spray a lawn. He worked for his dad through high school, then temporarily left the industry to serve overseas in the U.S. Air Force. Then, married with three children to support, he went on to earn his associate of science degree in pest control technology from Broward Community College where he was introduced to the research and teaching aspects of the industry. He also taught several semesters for entomologist Doug Palmer.

In 1978, Box bought his dad’s company, then sold the business in 1985, intending to enjoy an early retirement playing golf in the Bahamas. But after seeing a need to improve the living conditions being destroyed by natural pests on Grand Bahama Island and in Florida, he felt a need to return to the U.S. and pest control. After working in termite control and management positions, Box heard about an opening to work for Tim Hulett with Hulett Environmental Services. So, in 1997, Box regained the opportunity to do what he loved to do — research, training and education. When Hulett recognized Box’s talent as an educator, he put him in charge of the company’s training and certification programs. While with Hulett, Box pursued and attained his bachelor’s degree in entomology from the University of Florida, then took his board examinations with the Entomological Society of America, and in 2002 he was awarded his Board Certified Entomologist status.

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Truly Nolen Launches North American Franchise Website

Tucson, Ariz. — Truly Nolen has launched www.trulynolenfranchising.com, which contains information on franchising with the company, including available territories throughout the United States and Canada.

The website is a resource for those interested in starting a new pest control business or converting their existing one to a Truly Nolen franchise office, the company said. The website offers the Truly Nolen service program protocol, an overview of marketing and training support programs, and more.

For more information, visit www.trulynolenfranchising.com or call 855/534-9193.
 

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Bart Baker Retires from J.T. Eaton

Twinsburg, Ohio — Bart Baker retired from his position as senior vice president of the family business, J.T. Eaton & Co., effective Oct. 1.

In 1949, Baker’s father purchased the company, which had been founded 17 years earlier as a mail-order house for pest control products. Baker and his brother, Ben, grew up in the business, helping their parents fill orders at the warehouse and eventually learning the sales and management operations.

Baker said he has always enjoyed working with pest management professionals, whether it is demonstrating the company’s latest innovation at a trade show or helping troubleshoot a tough rodent or insect account on the phone or in person. Baker also wrote the PMP column “Bart Baker Speaks” in the 1980s.

“I think I’ll miss the people the most, but I know I’m leaving the company in excellent hands,” Baker said.

Baker’s son Dale, who is sales and marketing vice president, said, “Bart may be retiring, but we fully plan to rely on his knowledge and expertise as a consultant, as his schedule allows.”