[December News]

Action Pest Control employees assist tornado victims

EVANSVILLE, IND. — Evansville and surrounding communities were devastated when a severe category F3 tornado (more than three-quarters of a mile wide) ripped through western Kentucky and southwestern Indiana at 2 a.m., on Nov. 6. The tornado killed 23 residents and injured hundreds more.

This was the worst tornado in the United States in 2005. Thousands of people were displaced from homes and were left without power. More than 700 homes in Evansville and Newburgh, Ind., were damaged or destroyed.

Blaine Newton, a long-time employee of Action Pest Control, had significant damage to his home as a result of the tornado. In response, Action Pest Control employees volunteered their services to assist Newton and his neighbors restore their homes.

Hulett TV personality John Rice dies

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. — John Rice, famous for the Hulett Environmental Services television commercials he did with his twin brother Greg, died in November. He was 53.

Greg Rice told the Sun-Sentinel that his brother fell and broke his leg coming out of a Palm Beach bank on Friday, Nov. 4. He was scheduled for surgery Saturday and died as they started administering the anesthesia, according to Greg Rice.

The Rice brothers were best known for the dozens of ads they have written, produced and starred in for Hulett since 1990. They dressed as everything from horses to cowboys, the Star Trek crew, Elvis and a pair of termites on Noah’s Ark. Earlier this year, their ad campaign received a Pesty Award from the National Pest Management Association for marketing.

"John has been instrumental in the growth of Hulett Environmental Services, but much more importantly John and Greg are my two best friends," Hulett Environmental Services Owner Tim Hulett told PCT.

Hulett added, "The Hulett organization is a very family-oriented group. All we have is each other, and John was one of us. We’ll pull through this and move forward."

Another industry professional saddened by the loss of John Rice was Danny Myers, owner of Myers Pest & Termite Services, Euless, Texas. Two years ago, Myers launched a TV advertising campaign using the Rice brothers in the Dallas area. "(The Rice brothers) are such an inspiration. They are two of the most upbeat, positive human beings you will ever meet," Myers told PCT. "They know how to have fun and at the same time really understand marketing. I respect their business savvy."

A memorial service for John Rice was held on Nov. 12. Instead of flowers, the Rice family asks that donations be made to the Bill Barty Memorial Adoption Fund run by the Little People of America. For more information, go to www.lpaonline.org.

Additional sources: Palm Beach Post and Sun-Sentinel

PCT magazine announces sales staff addition

CLEVELAND — PCT magazine has added Jim Gilbride as its full-time western region account manager for both PCT and Quality Assurance & Food Safety magazines. Gilbride brings sales experience from other GIE Media publications, as well as from other publishing firms. (GIE Media is the parent company of PCT magazine.)

Dan Moreland, publisher of PCT and QA, said, "Hiring Jim as the western region account manager for PCT illustrates GIE Media’s commitment to these two important markets."

BASF offers new bulletin: "Termidor, Termites & Flooding"

RALEIGH, N.C. — BASF announced the availability of a new technical bulletin titled "Termidor, Termites & Flooding." The bulletin, available at www.PestControlFacts.com, addresses concerns about Termidor efficacy following torrential rains, hurricanes, tornadoes and other events that may lead to excessive flooding of structures.

Pest control professionals can download the new technical bulletin as a .PDF free of charge. The piece provides an in-depth look at situations where a Termidor re-treatment is needed, as well as recommendations for dealing with Formosan termites in the aftermath of flooding conditions.

"Events, such as torrential rains, tornadoes and hurricanes can lead to excessive flooding. We at BASF would like to express our feelings of care and concern towards those individuals who are adversely affected," said Karl J. Kisner, senior marketing manager, BASF. "As a consequence of these events, questions regarding the efficacy of past Termidor treatments may arise. This bulletin addresses these concerns."

UPF&DA elects 2006 officers at PestWorld 2005

NASHVILLE, TENN. — At the United Producers, Formulators & Distributors Association (UPF&DA) General Membership meeting on Oct. 16, the 2006 officers were elected. The meeting was held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville during NPMA’s PestWorld 2005.

Officers elected included:

• Steve Levy, president — Bell Labs

• Lon Records, vice president — Target Specialty Products

• Rick Veatch, immediate past president — Veatch Chemicals

• Roland Rhodes, secretary/treasurer — Rhodes Chemical Co.

• Steve Bessette, director — EcoSMART Technologies

• Larry Eichler, director — Prentiss Inc.

The organization also agreed to raise its 2006 dues from $500 to $725 and announced the Annual Spring Conference is planned for the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev., April 17-19.

To learn more about UPF&DA or become a member, contact Valera Jessee at 770/417-1418.

Pi Chi Omega announces 2005 scholarship recipients

NOTTINGHAM, PA. — Pi Chi Omega, the national fraternity of pest control professionals, announced its 2005 scholarship recipients. Each year, Pi Chi Omega awards scholarships to promising students majoring in urban or industrial pest control or closely related areas.

This year’s winners and their research, include:

• Donald A. Oswalt, Clemson University — Nesting sites, central place foraging, and effects of nonrepellent insecticides on the black carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus DeGeer (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

• Ricky J. Vasquez, University of Florida. — Specializing in medical and veterinary entomology, studying houseflies.

• Jody M. Green, Purdue University — Horizontal transfer of insecticide in colonies of subterranean termites.

• Greg Broussard, Oklahoma State University — Ecology of Reticulitermes flavipes on the Oklahoma tall grass prairie.

Bayer, NPMA announce second ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ program

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Bayer Environmental Science and the National Pest Management Association announced the second Bayer Environmental Science "Young Scientist of the Year" contest, a scholarship and grant program for graduate students, the next generation of researchers to advance the pest management industry.

"We are very excited to continue the success of the first ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ contest," said Peter Farno, director of marketing, PPM, Bayer ES. "To be able to financially support outstanding research that benefits our industry while strengthening our relationships with future researchers is a win-win-win situation; for the students, Bayer and the entire pest management industry."

In 2006, scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 will be granted to three individuals whose research advances knowledge on the biology, behavior, ecology or management of pest species. One individual selected as the "Young Scientist of the Year" will also receive a $10,000 grant to continue his/her research. In addition, a $1,000 scholarship will be donated to the general scholarship fund at the schools attended by each of the three finalists.

To enter the contest, entomology students seeking a master’s or doctoral degree at an accredited university will submit their research to be judged by a panel of university and industry professionals. Prizes will be awarded to three finalists who will present their research at NPMA’s PestWorld 2006, Oct. 25-28, in Grapevine, Texas.

For more information, call 215/790-4359.

Minorities in Pest Management forms at PestWorld 2005

NASHVILLE, TENN. — More than 40 minority members of NPMA had their first meeting of Minorities in Pest Management (MiPM) during PestWorld 2005.

Modeled after NPMA’s Professional Women in Pest Management association, several pest professionals wanted to continue the trend of growing the industry by attracting the best and the brightest from all backgrounds, including minorities.

"As diverse as the country has become, we need to see leaders in our industry that reflect the diversity of the pest management consumer base," said Genma Stringer Holmes, Holmes Pest Control, Hermitage, Tenn., who helped host the group during its stay in Nashville.

According to Holmes, MiPM’s mission is for the advancement and education of minorities in the pest control industry. The group’s goal is be proactive in stressing the importance of the pest industry to all cultures and to teach business and consumer ethics as well. MiPM will rely heavily on diversity of thought from industry regulators, distributors, chemists, entomologists, risk analysts and pest management professionals for advice and guidance, Holmes added.

Darrell Garner of Grand Central Exterminating asked the general membership at PestWorld 2005 to support the fledgling organization. "We are not trying to start anything separate from national," Garner says. "This will only enhance an already great organization."

Members of the inaugural meeting were: Ola Phipps, Lady Bug Exterminating, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Genma Stringer Holmes, Holmes Pest Control, Hermitage, Tenn.; Tanya Sanders, Holiday Termite & Pest Control, Springfield, Va.; Robert Dixon, Dixon’s Termite and Pest Management, Washington, D.C.; Lennie J. Carter, Carter Termite and Pest Management, Sicklerville, N.J.; Eric Roberts, Ernest Pennyman and Charles Walker, Precise Pest Control, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Buz Jones and Carlton E. Dean, Absolute Pest Management, Norfolk, Va.; and Cleveland Dixon, Holiday Termite and Pest Control, Springfield, Va.

MiPM’s next goal is to meet with NPMA to further develop the committee. In the meantime, the group has initiated development of a Web site that will help increase business opportunities for companies looking to partner with minorities in the pest control industry. The site also will serve as a marketing vehicle to highlight accomplishments and milestones for its members.

For more information, contact Holmes at Bugsact@aol.com.

LESCO announces management transitions

CLEVELAND — LESCO, a provider of products for the professional green and pest control industries, announced effective Oct. 20, the company’s board of directors appointed Jeffrey L. Rutherford as its president and chief executive officer and authorized the repurchase of up to 1.5 million common shares.

Rutherford replaces Michael DiMino, who resigned from his positions as president, CEO and director. In addition, Bruce Thorn was named chief operating officer; Michael Weisbarth, chief financial officer and controller; and Kathleen Minahan, general counsel and secretary. All of the promoted individuals previously held management positions within the organization.

Repurchases under the company’s share buy back program will be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.

Sunair Electronics changes name to Sunair Services Corp.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. — Sunair Electronics announced it has approved a name change from Sunair Electronics to Sunair Services Corporation.

The company said it believes the name change to Sunair Services Corporation further enhances its entry into the pest control and lawn care services business and brands the company and its subsidiary, Middleton Pest Control as a premier provider of pest control and lawn care services. Middleton will continue to maintain its brand in the Southeastern United States. The company’s high-frequency radio unit business will continue to operate under the Sunair Communications subsidiary.

"The Sunair name is already well known in the industries in which we operate," said John J. Hayes, CEO. "This change is a continuation of our branding program and reflects our focus on being a provider of pest control and lawn care services both regionally and nationally."

Residex’s Bobby Girone passes away

CRANFORD, N.J. — Robert "Bobby" Girone, a long-time technical field representative for Residex, passed away on Oct. 14. Girone worked for Residex for 15 years before retiring in 1999. Prior to working for Residex, Girone worked at Western Pest Services for 15 years, beginning in 1969.

Girone was instrumental in helping new start-up pest control companies and also helped established companies maintain their competitive edge. He introduced many new technologies to these companies. After retiring, Girone served as an industry consultant and held training sessions for the New Jersey Pest Control Association.

"Bobby will be sorely missed by all of us, but his mark on the industry and his energizing spirit will live on forever," said Residex CEO and Owner Chris Donaghy.

Girone is survived by his wife Irene, three children and seven grandchildren. His son Gary is a 20-year employee with Residex.

Syngenta announces integrated pest management program pairing

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Syngenta Professional Products introduced an integrated pest management system featuring Demand CS with iCap technology and Optigard ZT zone treatment.

Demand CS, used as a perimeter treatment in the system, is teamed with Optigard ZT, a non-repellent nuisance pest insecticide for wall void treatments. The combination provides complete control from unwanted pests invading structures, Syngenta says.

Demand CS with iCap technology delivers 10,000 microcapsules of control for every square inch of treated surface. In the Syngenta Integrated Pest Management treatment program, Demand CS is applied along a structure’s perimeter, six to eight feet out and 2 to 3 feet up, to prevent pests from entering the building.

Optigard ZT is a new broad-spectrum insecticide for the control of 13 pests. With a highly transferable formula, Optigard ZT is effective because it allows insects to travel through a treated zone and transfer the product back to the nest, the manufacturer reports. Optigard ZT is applied to the critical structural guideline zones of a building, such as window frames, utility penetrations and brick or siding lines, and helps control arthropod pests such as ants, beetles, crickets and silverfish in wall voids. The product can also be applied to localized areas of infested wood for the control of drywood termites.

Whitmire Micro-Gen’s PT-U offers new CEU options

ST. LOUIS, MO. — Whitmire Micro-Gen’s Prescription Treatment University Web-based training series, previously available only as a 14-course set, can now be purchased as single or multiple courses or as a full set.

PT-U utilizes state-of-the-art video and computer animation to provide pest management professionals a "first-class training experience," the company says. Jeff Tucker takes students through a variety of topics including the biology and behavior of pests, inspection and treatment techniques, and other basic building blocks for success. Each program features interactive and engaging activities, quick quizzes and a final exam. The 14 Web-based courses are approved in many states.

Visit www.pt-u.com or call 800/777-8750, ext. 4262 for course outlines, approved state listings and ordering information.

48 states accept new label for ProFume

INDIANAPOLIS — Forty-eight states have registered the new food-processing product label for ProFume gas fumigant. Registrations are pending in California and New York. This new label complements the milling label currently accepted for use in most states, including California. The states’ registrations of the new label mean that more market segments can start using ProFume for control of stored product pests.

Developed by Dow AgroSciences in response to industry requests for help in meeting their pest control needs, ProFume can now be used for food-processing facilities, pet food facilities, warehouses, shipping containers and more. For a complete listing of sites and commodities, consult the new product label found at www.ProFume.com.

The new label — with an expanded list of uses — was accepted by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency on July 15, 2005. ProFume gas fumigant is recognized as a replacement for methyl bromide, with tolerances for dried fruits, tree nuts, cereals/small grains and small grain processed products.

For more information, visit www.ProFume.com.

Nisus hosts Mold Prevention Training Workshops

MOBILE, ALA. — Nisus Corporation and two distributors held workshops for PCOs on the proper procedures for making flood damaged homes habitable. The workshops were held in September, October and November in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

Nisus developed and organized on-location training workshops and supporting educational materials. "The response has been amazing," says Kevin L. Kirkland, president, Nisus Corporation, Knoxville, Tenn. "In New Orleans, more than 100 companies packed the facility to learn how to disinfect structures and protect wood structures from mold and wood decay fungi."

"There are multiple dangers that exist in many of these homes," added Dr. Jeff Lloyd, vice president of Research and Development at Nisus Corporation. "We are not just dealing with water. These are floodwaters that carry contaminated materials such as sewage. There are a number of potential health risks."

Univar and Oldham Chemicals sponsored the events with Nisus.

See www.pctonline.com for a 10-step checklist to help pest control professionals deal with such emergency situations.