[Add-On Services] FortiCel helping to ‘mold’ pest control

For owners of new homes who may worry about the damaging effects of pests (as well as other potential problems), help is on the way. FortiCel, a solution distributed by the Allen Oyler Group, LLC, Longwood, Fla., combats "pests" that aren’t always seen and are often overlooked: mold, mildew and algae.

The coating solution works when sprayed onto surfaces such as a home’s wooden framing, concrete, steel and plywood, among others. FortiCel works as an adhesive and "sticks" to surfaces, protecting the exterior from mold. Some pest management professionals are taking advantage of opportunities to turn the "mold" issue into a revenue generator. This add-on service offering allows them to broaden the overall services they provide.

And some pest management professionals are finding this product to be very beneficial when new homes sprout up. FortiCel, which is backed with a 25-year warranty, can be applied after a termite pre-treatment is performed (while a home’s framing is being built), thus protecting a structure during the construction phase.

"The homeowners that we’re dealing with love the product because the guarantee really sells this product to our customers. And builders like it because it takes responsibility off their shoulders," said Tim Runyon, owner of Swat Pest Control, Evansville, Ind. "It’s really important to the builders to have that in their hands."

Runyon said because it is easy to use, pest management professionals can perform a treatment in about two hours, which includes prep work, applying the treatment, etc. Runyon also said FortiCel offers home-owners peace of mind. Knowing their home is protected from mold, owners often worry less. "Most people are going to live in their house for 10 to 15 years, so when they’re building, they feel like they are covered," he added.

Peace of mind isn’t felt by the homeowners alone. Home builders have to worry about mold issues as well, along with liability should a mold problem develop during or after construction.

Clint Allen, a managing member of the Allen Oyler Group, said that along with protecting homeowners and giving them peace of mind, FortiCel offers invaluable protection for builders as well.

"There is a huge opening and opportunity here because builders do not have mold insurance," Allen explained. "The ability to use a product like this limits liability, negligence and the cost hurdle if they have a problem in the future."

Allen also said the product is made of elements that are 100 percent environmentally friendly, a factor that is important to many pest control companies. These factors show in the efficacy of the product as well. "Really, the hallmark is how long we last and how effective we are in a water environment," he said of FortiCel’s ability to perform effectively under water.

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS. Todd Hanik, owner of U.S. Pest and Environmental Services, Charleston, S.C., also has been offering FortiCel treatments. His company, which promotes environmental safety, uses the product not only for what it contains, but for what it doesn’t: insecticides.

"I think there are other products out there that are trying to accomplish the same thing, but they don’t compare to this product," Hanik said. "We’re an environmental service company, and we’re always looking for solutions without using insecticides."

Hanik also said it is important for builders to understand the harmful effects mold can have on people’s health. He suggested that builders start dealing with the problem to find a solution and to educate themselves. "A lot of builders should take the extra time to learn about mold and the effects of it," he said.

Hanik added that builders should take mold health risks into consideration during the construction process and consider products that combat mold such as FortiCel.

peace of mind. In addition to a newly constructed home’s wooden framings, Forti-Cel is effective on the surfaces on which it is used, according to both Hanik and Runyon. These characteristics, combined with FortiCel’s warranty, make the product appealing to homeowners, pest management professionals and builders.

"We never know what’s going on behind the walls and to have a product that offers a broad spectrum of protection is very comforting to know," said Hanik. He said that using FortiCel helps alleviate most of that pressure. Hanik, like other pest management professionals, has seen the long-term benefits — as well as add-on opportunities — of performing FortiCel treatments.Hanik urged builders to consider using the product as well.

A common link between builders and pest management professionals is being able to provide homeowners with dwellings that are safe from environmental threats, which may include mold. Pest management professionals considering offering mold work may want to add products like FortiCel, which provides them add-on service opportunities and their customers peace of mind.

For more information on FortiCel, visit www.allen-oyler.com or call 407/830-MOLD.

The author is a contributing writer to PCT magazine. She can be reached at jwagner@giemedia.com.