Orkin Specialists Receive Training on Pesticide Resistance

ATLANTA  – Orkin recently hosted Dr. William Brogdon, a research entomologist in the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Brogdon led an in-depth seminar on insect resistance to pesticides in the United States and worldwide. The training was conducted using Orkin’s interactive satellite television communications network. Hundreds of Orkin’s residential and commercial pest control specialists across the country tuned into the live broadcast to learn ways to recognize and manage resistance.

Facilitated by Dr. Ron Harrison, technical director for Orkin, the broadcast is available to all Rollins brand pest control companies, including PCO Services, HomeTeam Pest Defense, Western Pest Services, The Industrial Fumigant Company, Waltham Services Inc. and Crane Pest Control. This is the fifth year Orkin has partnered with CDC to bring training sessions to its pest control specialists. Last year, the organizations expanded their formerly once-a-year, fall program to include a spring and fall training session, four live broadcasts per session and Continuing Education Units. All of Orkin’s 400 field locations either participated in the live broadcast or will view the program through a video-on-demand feature within the next two weeks.

Brogdon discussed the impact of insect resistance on the pest control industry and how insects build up a resistance to pesticides. He also discussed the current resistance situation, including a rise in dengue fever and bed bug infestations in the United States. Specialists learned how to recognize resistance and develop integrated pest management (IPM) programs to control pests.

“Orkin’s collaboration with CDC continues to provide our specialists with the latest public health information and trends,” said John Wilson, president of Orkin USA. “These CDC training sessions not only keep our pest control specialists informed, but they also arm them with information to protect our clients and their families.”