[Termite Technology] New Opportunity

When most pest management professionals think of Dow AgroSciences and the termite market, the first thing that comes to mind is the Sentricon Colony Elimination System. Not anymore.

The company has developed Halo Electronic Termite Detection, a monitoring-only termite detection system. Halo uses state-of-the-art electronic technology and since there is no active ingredient, normal regulatory constraints are not imposed on the product.

After Dow AgroSciences saw how well its Sentricon with ESP system was received by the marketplace, the company knew there was a way to take that technology and apply it to a format for all pest management professionals.

"The onset of Halo Detection really came about from looking at the technology of the Sentricon System with ESP," said John Kalthoff, marketing manager for Halo Detection. "We then asked ‘How can we benefit a wider audience and widen the baiting and monitoring category?’ We want to grow revenues for PMPs."

Halo monitoring stations are installed around the perimeter of a structure, spaced about 10 to 20 feet apart. The pest management professional then monitors the stations, using the Halo hand-held indicator, on a schedule that is convenient for him or her (monthly to quarterly monitoring when termites are active is recommended). PCOs do not need to open or disturb the stations to monitor for termites, Dow AgroSciences reports. The technician matches the probes on the Halo hand-held indicator to the top of the Halo monitoring station. If termites have disturbed the station, the Halo hand-held indicator will light up red and make an audible signal, alerting the pest management professional to termite activity in the station.

Because of this technology, "Halo Detection is truly revolutionary among monitoring-specific products," Kalthoff said.

IMPORTANT FLEXIBILITY. Since Halo is solely a monitoring system, the product is flexible and it can be used in conjunction with various termite baiting systems or liquid termiticides.

Dow AgroSciences’ hope is that this flexibility leads to greater profitability for pest management professionals since Halo Detection is an economical way to establish relationships with new customers, which may lead to more sales and service.

"If you get a hit, the PMP can sell a termite treatment, remove Halo, then insert the Sentricon System (or another termite control product) or perhaps perform a liquid treatment," Kalthoff said.

Halo Detection provides another option in a pest management professionals’ toolbox to help provide opportunities to grow revenue with their existing customer base as well. Halo Detection enables pest management professionals to offer current customers a full range of services, bundle termite monitoring with other services, such as general pest control, or upgrade liquid termiticide contracts. In addition, pest management professionals can develop new service opportunities, many in untapped markets such as new construction, real estate, lawn care and large properties.

"Halo Detection provides evidence of termite activity, so it’s easier to sell termite control services to homeowners who might otherwise be hesitant to invest in professional pest management services," Kalthoff said.

"Halo Detection gives PMPs an edge in a competitive market," Kalthoff added. "They have the opportunity to position themselves as innovative professionals who offer environmentally responsible solutions with a high-quality, low-impact termite monitoring option."

Halo Detection will be available to the entire pest control marketplace through distributors in January 2006. For more information on Halo Detection, visit www.HaloDetection.com.