WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. District Judge Joel Rakoff in August instructed EPA to reconsider its 2001 decision to rescind a requirement that manufacturers add a bittering agent to rodenticides.
The case dates back to the agency’s Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) in September 1998, when EPA approved the use of rodenticides as long as manufacturers added a dye that made it more obvious if a child ingested the rodenticide. As part of the RED, EPA formed a Rodenticide Stakeholder Working Group, which included pest control industry representatives, medical doctors, several government agencies, CDC officials, public health officials, as well as environmental groups.
In 2001, EPA revised the RED to rescind that requirement, accepting a federal advisory committee’s conclusion that the risk of children’s exposure to rodenticides was minimal and that bittering agents and indicator dyes should not be required because of technical issues associated with this technology.
In November 2004, a pair of environmental groups — West Harlem Environmental Action and the Natural Resources Defense Council — filed suits, asking a federal judge to reinstate the bittering agent requirement.
According to the Washington Post, in ruling in favor of these groups, Rakoff wrote that "In short, the EPA lacked even the proverbial ‘scintilla of evidence’ justifying its reversal of the requirement it had imposed, after extensive study, only a few years before."
Bob Rosenberg, vice president of government affairs, National Pest Management Association, told PCT magazine that Rakoff’s judgment and his statements were puzzling. "We thought with this particular issue EPA had undergone the most inclusive, transparent, elaborate process they had ever gone through in the re-regristraion of any chemical," he said.
Rockwell Labs CEO Cisse Spragins, a member of the Rodenticide Stakeholder Working Group since its formation in 1999, also expressed disappointment in the judge’s ruling.
"The judge may have thought because there were not enough rigorous studies there was not enough evidence, but I don’t think that’s the case," Spragins told PCT. "There was enough compelling rationale from a number of viewpoints — not just one — that (the addition of bittering agents) was not something that was going to address the problem of poisoning."
While some in the industry believe that bittering agents make rodenticides less efficacious, others are of the belief they have little or no effect on rodenticides.
— Brad Harbison
NPMA responds to study in Journal of the American Medical Association
FAIRFAX, VA. — The July 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) contains an article critical of pesticide use in schools called "Acute Illnesses Associated With Pesticide Exposure at Schools." On July 28, the National Pest Management Association said it "strenuously disagrees with the authors’ methodology and conclusions."
The authors review five years of incident data involving exposure to pesticides by students and school employees and conclude that "exposure to pesticides in the school environment is a health risk facing children and school employees," a statement with which NPMA does not agree. The association said the study is methodologically flawed, fails to consider the health risks associated with exposure to pests and draws conclusions that are not supported by the data. NPMA said it believes the data demonstrates that there are only a small handful of theoretical incidents and is evidence of the industry’s "remarkably strong safety record."
BROOKFIELD, WIS. — Copesan is constructing a new International Support Center for its North American pest solutions business. The 25,000-square-foot facility will house the company’s current corporate office staff with enough space to accommodate future growth. The new office, about 6 miles northwest of its current location in Brookfield, Wis., is located on a 3.7-acre lot overlooking a natural wetlands area in the Silver Spring Technology Park in Menomonee Falls, Wis.
"We’ve simply outgrown our current office as a result of accelerated growth during the past 10 years," said Tom Moore, Copesan president. "Our new facility will provide an office environment that is modern and efficient, designed to promote the interdepartmental interaction vital to providing our clients with world-class service."
From this center, Copesan will support more than 325 Service Centers that provide service to more than 600 accounts. The project broke ground in May and will be completed in December. Copesan is an alliance of regional pest management companies.
NPMA: Get connected
in Nashville
FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association is gearing up for PestWorld 2005, the largest gathering in the world of pest management professionals, which will be held Oct. 14-17. NPMA’s once-a-year event, being held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., offers an expansive exhibit hall featuring 150 exhibiting companies and 3,000 attendees. From networking opportunities to information on the latest in the pest management industry, the association says this year’s event is expected to be one of NPMA’s biggest conventions to date with current registration numbers running ahead of projections.
PestWorld 2005 will feature exhibitors covering every area of the pest management industry, including chemical manufacturers, business services and distributors offering new products, hands-on demonstrations and merchandise to improve attendees’ businesses.
Nationally recognizable names such as Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, and Dr. Bob Arnot, author and former medical correspondent for NBC News, will be keynote speakers. Additionally, PestWorld 2005 will offer more than 50 educational sessions.
Following the footsteps of last years successful research symposium, PestWorld 2005 will present an all-day Research Symposium, where 20 of the industry’s leading researchers will offer never-before-seen presentations about the real-life applications of their latest studies.
Registration is now available online. For more information or to register visit www.npmapestworld.org.
Exhibit hall space is still available. For more information contact Alexis Wirtz at 703/352-6762.
New Mexico Association
donates pretreats
AZTEC, N.M. — Members of the New Mexico Pest Management Association recently donated termite pretreatments to homes being built for low-income families as part of the Echo Mutual Self-Help Housing Program.
The Echo Mutual Self-Help Housing Program is similar to Habitat for Humanity. Its purpose is to help very low-income households construct their own homes.
The program is targeted to families who are unable to buy affordable housing through conventional methods. Participating families perform about 65 percent of the construction labor.
BASF provided Termidor Termiticide at no charge for the pretreatments. The treatments took place in April. Following is a list of participants:
• New Mexico Pest Management Association
• Jack Root, Animas Exterminating
• Bruce Carter, Carter Services
• Dwayne Howell, General Pest Control
• Rene’ Bird, Larry’s Pest Patrol
• Ken Coates, Scorpion Termite & Pest
• Buddy Hopkins, Buddy’s Pest Control
• BASF Corporation, Janet Holland
• Univar USA, Larry Wills
Tournament raises funds
for cancer research
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF. — A golf tournament benefiting the American Cancer Society brought together golfers from a wide array of business segments all with at least one common interest — helping in the fight against cancer. Landscape professionals, golf course superintendents, pest management professionals and industry manufacturers’ representatives were all present at Target Specialty Products’ 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in July.
Target Specialty Products is a wholesale distributor of specialty agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, application equipment, service and education.
The tournament, held on July 20 at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, Calif., was dedicated to Kenny Ferraro, DDS, and Target’s customer service representative, Judy Westoff. Ferraro and Westoff are both cancer survivors who are dedicated to spreading the word about cancer and supporting research to find a cure.
At the conclusion of golfing, Target Specialty Products presented the American Cancer Society with a check. Final pledges have exceeded $52,000, a $10,000 increase over last year’s donation. Jayne Lastusky, regional vice president, American Cancer Society, Los Angeles Region was on hand to accept the check. "Target’s annual tournament is a well-orchestrated event. I am impressed with the growth of the tournament and the commitment Target has made to the American Cancer Society."
July 25 proclaimed Fire Ant Awareness Day in Tampa
TAMPA, FLA. — In order to protect residents, especially children, from the threat that fire ants pose, Tampa, Fla., Mayor Pam Iorio proclaimed July 25 "Fire Ant Awareness Day" in Tampa. In conjunction, representatives of TruGreen ChemLawn and Bayer Environmental Science visited Madison Middle School, one of more than 220 Hillsborough County public schools that recently enrolled in the Bayer Fire Ant Free Schools Program, which allows qualified public and private schools significant reductions in the price of TopChoice once a year fire ant control.
"Because fire ants are so common in the South, many residents do not take the precautionary measures that they should in order to protect themselves, their families and their pets," said Greg Pagano, lawn and landscape market specialist, Bayer Environmental Science. "Because they often play outdoors and may unknowingly disrupt a mound, children are especially at risk of being swarmed by fire ants. I am happy that the School District of Hillsborough County has been able to take advantage of the Fire Ant Free Schools Program, which will ensure that students will be protected from fire ants for an entire year."
The 2005 discounted rate is available to schools through Oct. 31.
Middleton Pest Control
acquires Orlando company
ORLANDO, FLA. — On Aug. 1, Middleton Pest Control, a subsidiary of Fort Lauderdale-based Sunair Electronics, acquired the assets of Four Seasons Lawn and Pest Control for $1.1 million.
Annualizing the Four Seasons revenues for the first six months of the year, Middleton Pest Control said it believes that Four Seasons will add $1.3 million of revenues to Middleton’s operations in 2005. Tom Iversen, Four Seasons’ president, will join Middleton and spearhead the commercial lawn care business.
"In June of this year, Middleton was acquired by Sunair as a launching pad to acquire more pest control companies and continue growing and building the business," said Greg Clendenin, president and CEO of Middleton. "We’ve taken our first strategic step by acquiring a high-quality company in Four Seasons, and we welcome Tom Iversen and the Four Seasons team into the Middleton family."
Newest PT-U course
approved for CEUs
ST. LOUIS, MO. — The award-winning Prescription Treatment University’s (PT-U) newest course, "Introduction to Subterranean Termite Inspections," has been approved for CEUs in 15 states, including Pennsylvania and New York. This course (#232) is the latest in a series of 14 Web-based courses that offer CEUs to students. Be sure to check www.pt-u.com for a complete list of courses and participating states. This site will be updated regularly as new state approvals are received.
"Introduction to Subterranean Termite Inspections" is designed as an introduction to residential subterranean termite inspections for the new termite technician, sales inspector or renewal inspector. Students are introduced to basic termite identification, biology, signs of infestation, elements of construction, inspection equipment and inspection procedures.
PT-U courses contain digitally mastered animations, streaming video and audio instruction with entomologist Jeff Tucker narrating. Quick quizzes follow each lesson to reinforce learning and a final exam is given at the end of the course.
Whitmire Micro-Gen also offers the 14-course PT-U set as a CD-based series. This version does not offer CEUs.
For more information about Prescription Treatment University visit www.wmmg.com.
Truly Nolen to opens
‘Truly University’
ORLANDO, FLA. — Truly Nolen of America is expanding its commitment to staff training and education with the addition of a $3 million, 14,000-square-foot training center in Orlando. The facility, located at 2082 33rd Street opened in mid-August, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by industry VIPs and local and regional dignitaries.
Nicknamed "Truly U," the mission of this new facility and its training staff is to ensure that the pest management career program is thorough, effective and aligned with the company’s commitment to service excellence, the firm said. Each attendee will participate in a hands-on program that addresses pest and termite control techniques, including inspection, treatment and sanitation.
The new facility includes:
• A simulated, full-sized residence with specific conditions and landscaping that are conducive to pest activity, where trainees can apply the Truly Nolen three-zone concept when inspecting the perimeter, entry areas and interior for unwanted pests.
• Cutaway walls that allow trainees to visualize where pests hide in the recesses of a structure.
• Concrete slabs that will be used during the termite training program, where trainees will learn about the treatment of a variety of slab types.
• A simulated branch office, where the roles of administration, sales and service personnel are re-enacted so that the trainees better understand the role of each branch member.
• Truly U will simulate conditions conducive to commercial pest infestations and address public health issues affecting medical facilities, restaurants and supermarkets.
The new training facility was dedicated to Norm Ehmann, vice president emeritus, Univar.
NPMA: Get connected
in Nashville
FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association is gearing up for PestWorld 2005, the largest gathering in the world of pest management professionals, which will be held Oct. 14-17. NPMA’s once-a-year event, being held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., offers an expansive exhibit hall featuring 150 exhibiting companies and 3,000 attendees. From networking opportunities to information on the latest in the pest management industry, the association says this year’s event is expected to be one of NPMA’s biggest conventions to date with current registration numbers running ahead of projections.
PestWorld 2005 will feature exhibitors covering every area of the pest management industry, including chemical manufacturers, business services and distributors offering new products, hands-on demonstrations and merchandise to improve attendees’ businesses.
Nationally recognizable names such as Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, and Dr. Bob Arnot, author and former medical correspondent for NBC News, will be keynote speakers. Additionally, PestWorld 2005 will offer more than 50 educational sessions.
Following the footsteps of last years successful research symposium, PestWorld 2005 will present an all-day Research Symposium, where 20 of the industry’s leading researchers will offer never-before-seen presentations about the real-life applications of their latest studies.
Registration is now available online. For more information or to register visit www.npmapestworld.org.
Exhibit hall space is still available. For more information contact Alexis Wirtz at 703/352-6762.
New Mexico Association
donates pretreats
AZTEC, N.M. — Members of the New Mexico Pest Management Association recently donated termite pretreatments to homes being built for low-income families as part of the Echo Mutual Self-Help Housing Program.
The Echo Mutual Self-Help Housing Program is similar to Habitat for Humanity. Its purpose is to help very low-income households construct their own homes.
The program is targeted to families who are unable to buy affordable housing through conventional methods. Participating families perform about 65 percent of the construction labor.
BASF provided Termidor Termiticide at no charge for the pretreatments. The treatments took place in April. Following is a list of participants:
• New Mexico Pest Management Association
• Jack Root, Animas Exterminating
• Bruce Carter, Carter Services
• Dwayne Howell, General Pest Control
• Rene’ Bird, Larry’s Pest Patrol
• Ken Coates, Scorpion Termite & Pest
• Buddy Hopkins, Buddy’s Pest Control
• BASF Corporation, Janet Holland
• Univar USA, Larry Wills
Tournament raises funds
for cancer research
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF. — A golf tournament benefiting the American Cancer Society brought together golfers from a wide array of business segments all with at least one common interest — helping in the fight against cancer. Landscape professionals, golf course superintendents, pest management professionals and industry manufacturers’ representatives were all present at Target Specialty Products’ 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in July.
Target Specialty Products is a wholesale distributor of specialty agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, application equipment, service and education.
The tournament, held on July 20 at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, Calif., was dedicated to Kenny Ferraro, DDS, and Target’s customer service representative, Judy Westoff. Ferraro and Westoff are both cancer survivors who are dedicated to spreading the word about cancer and supporting research to find a cure.
At the conclusion of golfing, Target Specialty Products presented the American Cancer Society with a check. Final pledges have exceeded $52,000, a $10,000 increase over last year’s donation. Jayne Lastusky, regional vice president, American Cancer Society, Los Angeles Region was on hand to accept the check. "Target’s annual tournament is a well-orchestrated event. I am impressed with the growth of the tournament and the commitment Target has made to the American Cancer Society."
July 25 proclaimed Fire Ant Awareness Day in Tampa
TAMPA, FLA. — In order to protect residents, especially children, from the threat that fire ants pose, Tampa, Fla., Mayor Pam Iorio proclaimed July 25 "Fire Ant Awareness Day" in Tampa. In conjunction, representatives of TruGreen ChemLawn and Bayer Environmental Science visited Madison Middle School, one of more than 220 Hillsborough County public schools that recently enrolled in the Bayer Fire Ant Free Schools Program, which allows qualified public and private schools significant reductions in the price of TopChoice once a year fire ant control.
"Because fire ants are so common in the South, many residents do not take the precautionary measures that they should in order to protect themselves, their families and their pets," said Greg Pagano, lawn and landscape market specialist, Bayer Environmental Science. "Because they often play outdoors and may unknowingly disrupt a mound, children are especially at risk of being swarmed by fire ants. I am happy that the School District of Hillsborough County has been able to take advantage of the Fire Ant Free Schools Program, which will ensure that students will be protected from fire ants for an entire year."
The 2005 discounted rate is available to schools through Oct. 31.
Middleton Pest Control
acquires Orlando company
ORLANDO, FLA. — On Aug. 1, Middleton Pest Control, a subsidiary of Fort Lauderdale-based Sunair Electronics, acquired the assets of Four Seasons Lawn and Pest Control for $1.1 million.
Annualizing the Four Seasons revenues for the first six months of the year, Middleton Pest Control said it believes that Four Seasons will add $1.3 million of revenues to Middleton’s operations in 2005. Tom Iversen, Four Seasons’ president, will join Middleton and spearhead the commercial lawn care business.
"In June of this year, Middleton was acquired by Sunair as a launching pad to acquire more pest control companies and continue growing and building the business," said Greg Clendenin, president and CEO of Middleton. "We’ve taken our first strategic step by acquiring a high-quality company in Four Seasons, and we welcome Tom Iversen and the Four Seasons team into the Middleton family."
Newest PT-U course
approved for CEUs
ST. LOUIS, MO. — The award-winning Prescription Treatment University’s (PT-U) newest course, "Introduction to Subterranean Termite Inspections," has been approved for CEUs in 15 states, including Pennsylvania and New York. This course (#232) is the latest in a series of 14 Web-based courses that offer CEUs to students. Be sure to check www.pt-u.com for a complete list of courses and participating states. This site will be updated regularly as new state approvals are received.
"Introduction to Subterranean Termite Inspections" is designed as an introduction to residential subterranean termite inspections for the new termite technician, sales inspector or renewal inspector. Students are introduced to basic termite identification, biology, signs of infestation, elements of construction, inspection equipment and inspection procedures.
PT-U courses contain digitally mastered animations, streaming video and audio instruction with entomologist Jeff Tucker narrating. Quick quizzes follow each lesson to reinforce learning and a final exam is given at the end of the course.
Whitmire Micro-Gen also offers the 14-course PT-U set as a CD-based series. This version does not offer CEUs.
For more information about Prescription Treatment University visit www.wmmg.com.
Truly Nolen to opens
‘Truly University’
ORLANDO, FLA. — Truly Nolen of America is expanding its commitment to staff training and education with the addition of a $3 million, 14,000-square-foot training center in Orlando. The facility, located at 2082 33rd Street opened in mid-August, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by industry VIPs and local and regional dignitaries.
Nicknamed "Truly U," the mission of this new facility and its training staff is to ensure that the pest management career program is thorough, effective and aligned with the company’s commitment to service excellence, the firm said. Each attendee will participate in a hands-on program that addresses pest and termite control techniques, including inspection, treatment and sanitation.
The new facility includes:
• A simulated, full-sized residence with specific conditions and landscaping that are conducive to pest activity, where trainees can apply the Truly Nolen three-zone concept when inspecting the perimeter, entry areas and interior for unwanted pests.
• Cutaway walls that allow trainees to visualize where pests hide in the recesses of a structure.
• Concrete slabs that will be used during the termite training program, where trainees will learn about the treatment of a variety of slab types.
• A simulated branch office, where the roles of administration, sales and service personnel are re-enacted so that the trainees better understand the role of each branch member.
• Truly U will simulate conditions conducive to commercial pest infestations and address public health issues affecting medical facilities, restaurants and supermarkets.
The new training facility was dedicated to Norm Ehmann, vice president emeritus, Univar.
Cook’s Pest Control celebrated the opening of a new building in Auburn, Ala., on June 2. The mayor of Auburn and Chamber of Commerce members were on hand for the open house celebration and ribbon-cutting. Mr. and Mrs. Cook as well as their son, John Cook, Jr., his wife Lyn, and son Brian, greeted guests at the open house. The event also marked the first appearance of Cook’s mascot, "Cookie the Cop." Cookie mingled with guests and made a special appearance across the road from the Cook’s office at a local daycare facility.
Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators has acquired W.T. Russo Exterminating Co., Sarasota, Fla. Russo Exterminating has provided termite, pest control and lawn care to customers throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties since 1981. The company will merge into Arrow’s existing Hughes Exterminators branch in Sarasota. Bill Russo, the company’s previous owner, will join forces with the Hughes team, as will his entire former staff.
Johnson Pest Control, Sevierville, Tenn., has taken its QualityPro Certification one step further by training all of its technicians and salespeople on specific school IPM techniques. The company says it was the first company in Tennessee to be QualityPro certified and was the first company in Tennessee to be QualityPro Schools certified.
The Michigan Pest Control Association enjoyed some "fun in the sun" on July 20 at the association’s annual P.A.C. golf outing in Lansing, Mich. There were 28 golfers and 13 suppliers who supported the event. The winning golf team featured Bob England, Don Shaw, Rob Shaw and Chuck Russell.
Atlanta-based Orkin reported that it is the first large pest control company to achieve the QualityPro designation from NPMA.
With a new look, logo and Internet presence, Jacksonville, Fla.-based Turner Pest Control has launched a major marketing initiative to further strengthen its position as one of the region’s leading pest services firms, company officials said. "We’re demonstrating that locally based service companies can succeed against national chains when they’re willing to invest in their brands and capitalize on their advantages, including knowledge of the territory and a reputation for exceptional service," said CEO John DeMonte. The Turner marketing initiative is anchored by a new logo and the tagline "What’s Bugging You?" that appears on billboards, in marketing materials, on the Turner fleet of service vehicles, on company uniforms and throughout the company’s new Web site, www.turnerpest.com.
For the second consecutive year, Hawaii Fumigation & Pest Control, Honolulu, was ranked among the top 50 fastest growing small businesses in Hawaii. Receiving its 2nd Ho’oulu Award, Hawaii Fumigation & Pest Control ranked #31 for 2005, up two spots from 2004. Pacific Business News, in partnership with First Hawaiian Bank and Pricewaterhouse
Coopers, recognized the company at an awards banquet held in Honolulu on Aug. 4.
NPMA: Get connected
in Nashville
FAIRFAX, VA. — The National Pest Management Association is gearing up for PestWorld 2005, the largest gathering in the world of pest management professionals, which will be held Oct. 14-17. NPMA’s once-a-year event, being held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., offers an expansive exhibit hall featuring 150 exhibiting companies and 3,000 attendees. From networking opportunities to information on the latest in the pest management industry, the association says this year’s event is expected to be one of NPMA’s biggest conventions to date with current registration numbers running ahead of projections.
PestWorld 2005 will feature exhibitors covering every area of the pest management industry, including chemical manufacturers, business services and distributors offering new products, hands-on demonstrations and merchandise to improve attendees’ businesses.
Nationally recognizable names such as Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, and Dr. Bob Arnot, author and former medical correspondent for NBC News, will be keynote speakers. Additionally, PestWorld 2005 will offer more than 50 educational sessions.
Following the footsteps of last years successful research symposium, PestWorld 2005 will present an all-day Research Symposium, where 20 of the industry’s leading researchers will offer never-before-seen presentations about the real-life applications of their latest studies.
Registration is now available online. For more information or to register visit www.npmapestworld.org.
Exhibit hall space is still available. For more information contact Alexis Wirtz at 703/352-6762.
New Mexico Association
donates pretreats
AZTEC, N.M. — Members of the New Mexico Pest Management Association recently donated termite pretreatments to homes being built for low-income families as part of the Echo Mutual Self-Help Housing Program.
The Echo Mutual Self-Help Housing Program is similar to Habitat for Humanity. Its purpose is to help very low-income households construct their own homes.
The program is targeted to families who are unable to buy affordable housing through conventional methods. Participating families perform about 65 percent of the construction labor.
BASF provided Termidor Termiticide at no charge for the pretreatments. The treatments took place in April. Following is a list of participants:
• New Mexico Pest Management Association
• Jack Root, Animas Exterminating
• Bruce Carter, Carter Services
• Dwayne Howell, General Pest Control
• Rene’ Bird, Larry’s Pest Patrol
• Ken Coates, Scorpion Termite & Pest
• Buddy Hopkins, Buddy’s Pest Control
• BASF Corporation, Janet Holland
• Univar USA, Larry Wills
Tournament raises funds
for cancer research
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF. — A golf tournament benefiting the American Cancer Society brought together golfers from a wide array of business segments all with at least one common interest — helping in the fight against cancer. Landscape professionals, golf course superintendents, pest management professionals and industry manufacturers’ representatives were all present at Target Specialty Products’ 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in July.
Target Specialty Products is a wholesale distributor of specialty agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, application equipment, service and education.
The tournament, held on July 20 at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, Calif., was dedicated to Kenny Ferraro, DDS, and Target’s customer service representative, Judy Westoff. Ferraro and Westoff are both cancer survivors who are dedicated to spreading the word about cancer and supporting research to find a cure.
At the conclusion of golfing, Target Specialty Products presented the American Cancer Society with a check. Final pledges have exceeded $52,000, a $10,000 increase over last year’s donation. Jayne Lastusky, regional vice president, American Cancer Society, Los Angeles Region was on hand to accept the check. "Target’s annual tournament is a well-orchestrated event. I am impressed with the growth of the tournament and the commitment Target has made to the American Cancer Society."
July 25 proclaimed Fire Ant Awareness Day in Tampa
TAMPA, FLA. — In order to protect residents, especially children, from the threat that fire ants pose, Tampa, Fla., Mayor Pam Iorio proclaimed July 25 "Fire Ant Awareness Day" in Tampa. In conjunction, representatives of TruGreen ChemLawn and Bayer Environmental Science visited Madison Middle School, one of more than 220 Hillsborough County public schools that recently enrolled in the Bayer Fire Ant Free Schools Program, which allows qualified public and private schools significant reductions in the price of TopChoice once a year fire ant control.
"Because fire ants are so common in the South, many residents do not take the precautionary measures that they should in order to protect themselves, their families and their pets," said Greg Pagano, lawn and landscape market specialist, Bayer Environmental Science. "Because they often play outdoors and may unknowingly disrupt a mound, children are especially at risk of being swarmed by fire ants. I am happy that the School District of Hillsborough County has been able to take advantage of the Fire Ant Free Schools Program, which will ensure that students will be protected from fire ants for an entire year."
The 2005 discounted rate is available to schools through Oct. 31.
Middleton Pest Control
acquires Orlando company
ORLANDO, FLA. — On Aug. 1, Middleton Pest Control, a subsidiary of Fort Lauderdale-based Sunair Electronics, acquired the assets of Four Seasons Lawn and Pest Control for $1.1 million.
Annualizing the Four Seasons revenues for the first six months of the year, Middleton Pest Control said it believes that Four Seasons will add $1.3 million of revenues to Middleton’s operations in 2005. Tom Iversen, Four Seasons’ president, will join Middleton and spearhead the commercial lawn care business.
"In June of this year, Middleton was acquired by Sunair as a launching pad to acquire more pest control companies and continue growing and building the business," said Greg Clendenin, president and CEO of Middleton. "We’ve taken our first strategic step by acquiring a high-quality company in Four Seasons, and we welcome Tom Iversen and the Four Seasons team into the Middleton family."
Newest PT-U course
approved for CEUs
ST. LOUIS, MO. — The award-winning Prescription Treatment University’s (PT-U) newest course, "Introduction to Subterranean Termite Inspections," has been approved for CEUs in 15 states, including Pennsylvania and New York. This course (#232) is the latest in a series of 14 Web-based courses that offer CEUs to students. Be sure to check www.pt-u.com for a complete list of courses and participating states. This site will be updated regularly as new state approvals are received.
"Introduction to Subterranean Termite Inspections" is designed as an introduction to residential subterranean termite inspections for the new termite technician, sales inspector or renewal inspector. Students are introduced to basic termite identification, biology, signs of infestation, elements of construction, inspection equipment and inspection procedures.
PT-U courses contain digitally mastered animations, streaming video and audio instruction with entomologist Jeff Tucker narrating. Quick quizzes follow each lesson to reinforce learning and a final exam is given at the end of the course.
Whitmire Micro-Gen also offers the 14-course PT-U set as a CD-based series. This version does not offer CEUs.
For more information about Prescription Treatment University visit www.wmmg.com.
Truly Nolen to opens
‘Truly University’
ORLANDO, FLA. — Truly Nolen of America is expanding its commitment to staff training and education with the addition of a $3 million, 14,000-square-foot training center in Orlando. The facility, located at 2082 33rd Street opened in mid-August, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by industry VIPs and local and regional dignitaries.
Nicknamed "Truly U," the mission of this new facility and its training staff is to ensure that the pest management career program is thorough, effective and aligned with the company’s commitment to service excellence, the firm said. Each attendee will participate in a hands-on program that addresses pest and termite control techniques, including inspection, treatment and sanitation.
The new facility includes:
• A simulated, full-sized residence with specific conditions and landscaping that are conducive to pest activity, where trainees can apply the Truly Nolen three-zone concept when inspecting the perimeter, entry areas and interior for unwanted pests.
• Cutaway walls that allow trainees to visualize where pests hide in the recesses of a structure.
• Concrete slabs that will be used during the termite training program, where trainees will learn about the treatment of a variety of slab types.
• A simulated branch office, where the roles of administration, sales and service personnel are re-enacted so that the trainees better understand the role of each branch member.
• Truly U will simulate conditions conducive to commercial pest infestations and address public health issues affecting medical facilities, restaurants and supermarkets.
The new training facility was dedicated to Norm Ehmann, vice president emeritus, Univar.
Jim Springer was recently elected president/CEO of Dr. T’s Nature Products.
Liphatech has hired Larry King as the new district sales manager dedicated to servicing pest management professionals in the company’s western territory.
BASF announced the hiring of Michael Littell for the position of product manager for the Professional Pest Control group.
Univar USA announced the addition of Terry Davis as a vector specialist. The company also announced the addition of Kurt Grade to the sales management team as sales manager north for Univar’s Florida District.
FMC Corporation announced key appointments for the company’s Specialty Products Business, Agricultural Products Group. Appointments include John Miller as sales and marketing manager for SPB; Wendell Codner as marketing manager for SPB; Bill Sommer as product development manager, timber and consumer – R&D; Amy Suggars as product development manager, turf and ornamentals; and Tom Wharton and Scott Lafave as territory sales representatives, Pest Management Products for SPB.
Arrow Exterminators, Atlanta, has named E. Raymond Crim III to the newly created position of senior executive vice president.
In other news at Arrow, the company announced significant personnel changes nationwide. In Region 5, Phil Lovorn, former Knoxville branch manager and Western Tennessee district manager, has been promoted to region vice president. Branch manager promotions for the region are: Dave Cook, Knoxville; Charles Perry, Maryville; and Bobby Lane, Pigeon Forge.
Arrow has split Region 4 into two districts to cover South Georgia and Gainesville, Fla. Jody Pate, Columbus branch manager, has been named western district manager, and Brantley Russell, Augusta branch manager, is the new eastern district manager.
In Region 7 changes, Paul Gruber has been named Las Vegas branch manager and Jeffrey White has become branch manager for the company’s Casey’s Exterminators division located in Phoenix. Trent Hicks has been selected to head builder relations in Phoenix.
Corrections/Clarifications
In July, PCT ran a news story that said Charles O’Hara, Anderson Pest Control, was former president of NPCA. He was not.
Also in the July issue, PCT ran some incorrect information in a feature about PCO Jose Tomeu. Tomeu volunteered to fight for the Bay of Pigs invasion; he was not forced into it, nor was he sent there by anyone. He also didn’t "choose" to go to prison. He was forced to because he had no choice. In addition, Tomeu began working as a pest control technician to bring in extra money for calf roping. He started Alachua Pest Control in 1975.
The editors apologize for these errors.
Note: The second part of Bobby Corrigan’s series on exterior baiting programs will appear in the October issue.
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