[News]

FTC APPROVES BAYER’S SALE OF FIPRONIL ASSETS TO BASF

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a proposed divestiture regarding Bayer AG’s acquisition of Aventis CropSciences Holding S.A., the crop protection business of Aventis S.A.

On Nov. 1, 2002, per the terms of a May 30, 2002 proposed consent order, Bayer petitioned the Commission to approve the divestiture of Bayer’s Fipronil Assets to BASF AG. Through the action taken in February, the Commission has approved that divestiture by a vote of 5-0.

However, Bayer AG’s divestment of Fipronil Assets to BASF AG still must receive approval by the European Union (EU). This was a stipulation made by the FTC and EU when Bayer purchased Aventis ES. Thus, the status of Fipronil Assets has not changed, Karl Kisner, hold separate manager for Termidor, told PCT magazine. Fipronil is the active ingredient in Termidor.

"It’s still business as usual and no changes are in place," Kisner says. "The Hold Separate Order is still in place and the Hold Separate organization will continue to manage and oversee Fipronil until the EU approves the divestment and the close of the transaction occurs." As of press time, the announcement was expected shortly.

ORIGINAL SEPA VERSION REINTRODUCED IN CONGRESS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the first day of the new Congress this year, Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.) introduced the School Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), marking the third consecutive Congress that legislation pertaining to the management of pests in and around schools has been introduced.

Efforts by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and others helped produce a more "industry-friendly" SEPA last year, but it was defeated in Congress.

Holt’s SEPA is identical to the original version that was submitted to Congress in 1999. NPMA and others are monitoring SEPA and other school pesticide legislation because this version of SEPA contains many requirements that NPMA and the pest control industry felt were unfair and costly.

Meanwhile, school pesticide legislation continues to be an active issue on the state level. Maine, Pennsylvania and New Jersey all recently passed school pesticide legislation and a number of other states are considering similar legislation in 2003.

BUSINESS, TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS HIGHLIGHT EASTERN CONFERENCE

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Topics ranging from PCOs’ role in public health to marketing and using the Internet highlighted the 63rd NPMA Eastern Conference in Atlantic City, N.J., Jan. 22-24.

More than 250 people attended this year’s event, which was held at Bally’s Atlantic City. Dr. Chester Moore, president, Vector Biology and Control International Inc., and Cindy Mannes, executive director, Professional Pest Management Alliance, explored the hot topic of "Public Health and How It’s Effecting Our Industry."

Moore and Mannes detailed pest-borne diseases that have been in the news in recent years, such as mosquito-borne West Nile virus and tick-borne Lyme disease, and explained opportunities and challenges involved in controlling these pests.

In addition to the various presentations, attendees were able to learn about new and innovative pest control products from the nearly 50 manufacturers in the exhibit hall.

This year’s conference was co-sponsored by the following state pest control associations: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New England, New Jersey, New York State, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

CDC ISSUES NATIONAL REPORT ON HUMAN EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Jan. 31 issued its National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. (To view the summary report, visit www.pctonline.com/cdcreport.)

The report provides biomonitoring data on Americans’ exposure to 116 common chemicals, including metals, PCBs and some pesticides. The CDC report only measures the presence of residual quantities of chemicals, and does not attempt to link the presence of these compounds to any adverse health effects, which is appropriate since the presence of trace levels of chemicals is not necessarily harmful, experts say.

A collection of environmental organizations have formed "Collaborative on Health and the Environment," which some have said will launch "the broadest and most ambitious effort ever attempted by the national environmental community" to scare Americans by linking the presence of these chemicals to a variety of adverse health effects.

The National Pest Management Association has prepared a set of talking points for PCOs for possible questions from media, consumers and/or their employees. The information is available at www.pctonline.com/talkingpoints.

REPORT: PEST CONTROL NEEDED TO KEEP LOW-

INCOME HOUSING SAFE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A report released by the National Association of African Americans in Housing (NOAAH) demonstrates the important role pesticides play in creating healthy and safe surroundings. NOAAH is a non-profit organization dedicated to managing, building and improving low- and moderate-income housing.

This report, targeted to housing officials, policy makers, industry and the media, is part of the Healthy Homes Initiative, established by NOAAH in December 2001 to investigate environmental hazards in residential and other urban buildings. NOAAH Executive Director Kevin Marchman explains, "Too many of our children are put at risk every day in their own homes. These threats in housing can rob children of their health and cause permanent damage or even death in the most extreme cases."

RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), the industry association of producers and suppliers of specialty pesticides and fertilizers, was a founding member of the Healthy Homes Initiative task force.

"We have long recognized the significant threats pests, such as cockroaches, rats and other vermin, pose to the public and particularly to children living in low- and moderate-income housing," says RISE President Allen James, who serves on the task force. "Pesticides are an important part of an overall pest management strategy to keep these children safe."

The Healthy Homes Initiative report, released in early February, found low-income housing attracts more than its fair share of pests such as cockroaches, rats and mice. As carriers of bacteria, fungi and viruses, these pests contaminate living areas and can cause allergies, asthma and hypersensitivity reactions.

The Healthy Homes Initiative task force, through this report, recommends education, eradication and sanitation to address concerns of pest infestations and threats.

In addition to addressing the importance of pesticides, the Healthy Homes Initiative report also covers the health effects of mold and lead due to poor housing. To see the full report, visit www.pestfacts.org or www.noaah.org.

BASF INTRODUCES

CO-OP MARKETING PROGRAM

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — BASF Professional Pest Control has introduced the "Power of 2" Co-Op Marketing Program for pest management professionals nationwide. Effective immediately, applicators of Phantom termiticide-insecticide or Subterfuge termite bait are eligible to receive incentives and materials specially designed to aid them in marketing their termite services to customers.

"We recognize that pest professionals must have confidence in the products they use and in their ability to merchandise their termite services," said David Davies, senior marketing manager, BASF Professional Pest Control. "We’re now offering a marketing kit and advertising reimbursement that provides PMPs with the tools and funds to advertise their Phantom and Subterfuge application services. This investment by BASF will help provide a competitive edge for applicators of our products."

"The Power of 2" Co-Op Marketing Kit includes materials designed to help PCOs stay in touch with current customers, reach potential customers and encourage the scheduling of regular termite inspections. The kit includes materials needed to create customized versions of flyers, postcards, statement stuffers, doorhangers, brochures, Yellow Page advertisements and press releases.

All claims for reimbursement must by submitted by Nov. 20 to the manufacturer. For more information visit www.pestcontrolfacts.com.

NEW TERMIDOR TRAINING FOR ANTS AVAILABLE ONLINE

MAHWAH, N.J. — Termidor announces the availability of free product training for Termidor’s new ant label. This training is at www.TermidorOnline.com.

The updated ant training includes information on ant biology, field performance, directions for use and other Termidor features and benefits. The training reinforces three major components of the ant label — Termidor is labeled for outdoor use only, applied via a perimeter application (1 foot up by 1 foot out) and limited to two applications per year.

The new ant training is part of a number of revisions made to the online Termidor Training program. Training is now organized in a "chapter" format. Professionals have the option of completing the full training in one sitting — about 45 minutes to an hour — or working one chapter at a time for training at their own pace.

Upon finishing Termidor training and the accompanying certification quiz, professionals can submit a registration form to become a Termidor Certified Partner.

"Not only is the Termidor Training a necessity for professionals to purchase and use Termidor — it is also the best and most convenient way for current Termidor Partners to educate their new and current employees on the attributes and merits of Termidor," says Karl J. Kisner, hold separate manager for Termidor. "We will continue to review and revise the Termidor Training program to keep pace with product enhancements and label expansions."

According to the company, one Termidor application will provide long residual control of certain ant species, including carpenter, Argentine, big-headed, odorous house and pavement ants — using the same low-dose formula as for termite control. As little as a ½-gallon of finished product per structure will achieve maximum ant control. Field studies show that a single application reduces ant foraging within a few days and provides a three- to four-month residual.

Only Termidor Certified Professionals are authorized to purchase and use Termidor. For more information, visit www.TermidorOnline.com call 201/307-9700.

PI CHI OMEGA HELPING FAMILIES IN NEED THROUGH MONARCH PROJECT

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. — Pi Chi Omega, the national fraternity for pest management professionals, in conjunction with the Heifer Project and the World Wildlife Fund, has begun a campaign to help preserve the natural winter environment of the Monarch Butterfly while helping families in need.

For a number of years Pi Chi Omega has been helping impoverished families through donations of honeybee hives. Honeybee hives, along with training in the skills necessary to tend the hives, is provided to families in need. Income generated from the production of honey, wax and pollen provide necessary resources for the families, including food, clothes and medical care. Recently, Pi Chi Omega joined forces with the World Wildlife Fund in a cooperative project to save the Monarch Butterflies’ natural winter resting sites while accomplishing all of the goals of the original "honeybee project."

Some starving families in Mexico are cutting down the trees that the Monarch Butterfly uses as part of its migrational journey. Providing these same families with an alternate source of income (honeybees) will help to protect the natural ecosystem as well as the resting site for the Monarch Butterfly.

Key benefits of the project include:

• Poor families will be able to provide for themselves as a result of the valuable commodities produced by their honeybee hive.

• Other families in the same village also benefit as the original family passes on a hive to a new family each time the hive swarms.

• A critical environment serving as a winter resting location for the Monarch Butterfly will be preserved, hence helping to save the Monarch Butterfly.

• Individuals (especially children) can learn how insects in their own backyard are dependent upon a global preservation program. This will help them become aware of global environmental issues and show them how they can help to make a difference in the world.

• Enables anyone in the industry (e.g., technicians, office staff, suppliers, etc.) to easily participate in a meaningful project that promotes the pest control industry in a positive light while helping others and protecting the environment.

Pi Chi Omega’s goal is to raise $10,000 for the Monarch Campaign. The fraternity has already raised $4,200, according to Vern Toblan, executive director, Pi Chi Omega. State pest control associations donated $1,200 from non-Pi Chi Omega members.

"Pi Chi Omega is extremely proud of its involvement in this worthwhile project," Toblan said.

To contribute to the Monarch Campaign, visit www.pctonline.com/monarch to download a form. Make checks payable to Pi Chi Omega — Monarch Project. Each hive costs $30. Mail checks and forms to: Pi Chi Omega — Monarch Project, c/o Vern E. Toblan, Executive Director, P.O. Box 8149, Wilmington, DE 19803.

QUIKSTRIKE REGISTERED FOR USE IN N.Y.; NEW WEB SITE LAUNCHED

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — QuikStrike Fly Abatement Strip from Zoëcon has been approved for use in New York state. The QuikStrike Fly Abatement Strip is a self-contained product that targets and controls house flies and lesser house flies. The active ingredient, nithiazine, controls flies within seconds after ingestion.

Two feeding attractants and a fly sex pheromone provide a triple attraction to lure flies to the strip. QuikStrike is designed to be placed within fly feeding zones, including garbage compactors, Dumpsters and livestock areas. The strip can be used both outdoors and in protected indoor areas and provides up to eight weeks of control.

In other news, Zoëcon Professional Products has launched a new Web site targeted to the professional pest control industry. Located at www.zoecon.com, the site provides tools and information to help pest control operators market their services and deliver updated product information.

From www.zoecon.com, users can scroll over a variety of pests: mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches, fire ants, fleas, flying insects and stored product pests.

After choosing a specific pest, a user can easily find which Zoëcon products can be used to control that pest. Specimen labels, MSDSs and other information may be downloaded and printed from the Web site.

Visitors to the new Web site also can review pest control tips and locate distributors in their area. For more information about Zoëcon products for pest control, visit www.zoecon.com or call 800/248-7763.

PEST ID CD: THE TERMITES NOW AVAILABLE FROM PCT

CLEVELAND — The PCT Media Group, a leader in pest management industry communications, introduces the third in the highly acclaimed series of interactive pest identification training aids. PCT Pest Identification CD-ROM Series, Volume III: The Termites features cutting-edge CD-ROM technology, high-resolution photography and 3-D imaging to educate pest management professionals in the finer points of termite identification and control — one of the most rapidly expanding markets in the pest control industry.

PCT Pest Identification CD-ROM Series, Volume III: The Termites, sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science, is a state-of-the-art training tool featuring original, full-color images of 21 commonly encountered termite species. Advanced 3-D technology enables users to rotate and zoom in on images, ensuring faster and more accurate pest identification. Other program features include a fully searchable glossary of technical terms, printable homeowner fact sheets, an interactive taxonomic key and a termite identification testing component.

The CD is now available at a special introductory price of $49.95, which is available through March 31. The regular price is $59.95. Order online at www.pctonline.com/store or call 800/456-0707.